Autumn is here, and it feels as though downtown Plattsburgh is collectively breathing a sigh of relief. Summer was long and busy this year, and the fall season brings with it new colors, programming — and least tangibly — emotions for us staff at the Strand.
It’s no secret that fall is the busiest time of the year for our historic theatre, and with our calendar still in full-swing, the Strand campus is humming with activity. Staff, teachers and volunteers fill our workshops, classrooms and stage with all kinds of art. Community members may hear the steady ringing of metalworking on anvils on a Saturday morning as students forge their own blades, or a peek outside a window might catch a few students plein air painting around our campus, trying their best to capture the fleeting colors swirling around them.
The shift in the seasons signals more than just a new season of classes and shows for us, it is also the beginning of what non-profits refer to as the Annual Appeal Season. A common sentiment we staff have been reflecting on is how the Annual Appeal Season feels heavier this year, as non-profits across the country are closing their doors at alarming rates. The spirit of giving is a powerful ally for all nonprofits who wish to continue their mission-driven work, which is how the Annual Appeal season became entwined with the final months of each year. As folks ready themselves to gather with loved ones and consider gift-giving for the people who have made an impact in their life, nonprofits ask that you consider them amongst those you cherish.
We published our Annual Appeal campaign for 2026 early this year, due to financial stress caused by rising operating costs, the loss of key funding sources, declining theatre ticket sales and an unplanned investment in necessary specialized theatre equipment. This early campaign led to us receiving many questions about what exactly defines an Annual Appeal — so now as we head into the giving season, we wanted to take the time to explain.
With the Annual Appeal campaign, non-profits — including us at the Strand — will be active in spreading the word of our needs and wants. Instead of writing lists or gifts, we publish press releases, blog posts — like this one — social media posts and spread the word of our Annual Appeal to raise as many donations as possible. These donations go toward general operating costs, which can be used to support our historical buildings and the programming we run within them. Annual Appeal campaigns are a normal part of non-profit life, and are also a time where non-profits like to remind their community why they exist, what they bring to the table, and how they plan to continue into the new year with their mission driven work. For us here at the Strand, we want to continue sharing our passion for the arts through our educational programming, free community events, gallery, theatre, and much more. We are a space that engages with a wide range of populations, from the youth who attend courses like Art Club or take part in events like the ADK Coast 3D Print Sprint to folks who participate in our free Creative Aging programs through the Clinton County Office for the Aging. We even see our fair share of young adults too, whether they be attending a theatre show or even wandering around the gallery to get inspiration.
There is a certain remarkableness that is always present in a place like the Strand. The overwhelming reality of our existence is that we are a space that means so many different things to so many different people. You may know us from our clay studio, or because you love musical theatre. Maybe you even know someone who has been on the Strand stage. Perhaps you took a painting class, or convinced your friend to go with you so you could try something new together. Or maybe you took your date to the gallery to look at some local art and (hopefully) make a good impression. Or you got tickets for your parents to see a show in the theatre, as that was their first date all those years ago. Maybe ever since you signed your child up for that first art class they keep asking you when the next one is. Maybe you were told that all you could draw was a stick figure, and didn’t realize until you had a chance to take a class that you are capable of more than you realized.
The Strand staff feel grateful for the constant that is our community during this season of change, especially as it comes during a year where we face such an intense financial crisis. The reality nonprofits across the nation are facing is alarming, and we hope the support of our community will allow us to weather this uncertain time. Similar to how the Strand holds multitudes for our community, it does the same for us. We are proud to be musicians, teachers, artists, and to share our passion with the community. As long as us staff are here, we will continue to do our part to enrich, energize and engage the community through the arts, as that's what we are here to do.
Please consider making a donation to our Annual Appeal this season.
