United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development
Awards Grant to Northern New Mexico Regional Art Center
Presentation Ceremony in the Mision on Monday September 19, 2016
On Monday September 19, 2016 in the Mision on the Plaza de Española, Mr. Terry Brunner the Director of the United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development in the State of New Mexico presented to NNMRAC President Gabriela Silva and NNMRAC Executive Director a citation awarding the Northern New Mexico Regional Art Center a USDA Rural Development Grant for 2017. The process that led to the USDA award from the President of the United States and the Congress of the United States took six years to achieve. Mr. Werenko, the NNMRAC Executive Director is also the organization’s Director for Development & Grant Writing. He started the application in 2011 by contacting former US Senator Jeff Bingaman through his field representative Pablo Sedillo, Jr. He also contacted, at that time, the entire NM Congressional Delegation. Their staff provided him with a packet of information as to agencies that might fund NNMRAC. In the fall of 2014 Mr. Werenko went to Washington DC and met with the office staff of US Senator Martin Heinrich, US Senator Tom Udall and Congressman Ben R. Lujan.
Ms. Elizabeth Hill, Legislative Aide to Senator Heinrich referred him to Mr. Terry Brunner at USDA in Albuquerque as a potential source of funding. Mr. Werenko attended numerous workshops at the USDA Office in Albuquerque conducted by Rural Energy Coordinator B. Jesse Monfort Bopp. He submitted a 265 page grant application in July of 2015 which was declined. The application was subsequently referred to Mr. Evert Oldham of the USDA Office in Aztec, NM. Mr. Werenko submitted a reworked second application of 306 pages in April of 2016. This application was successful. The entire inside of our Newsletter is devoted to a description of the NNMRAC/USDA Grant, which is entitled Project 2017: Rural Art Business Technical Assistance Program. This NNMRAC project fulfills several goals and strategies outlined in the Rio Arriba County Comprehensive Plan approved in December 2014. The USDA Citation may be found on the back of artist Rebecca Schneider’s exhibit announcement card for a Friday Oct 21, 5-7pm opening.
Ms. Elizabeth Hill, Legislative Aide to Senator Heinrich referred him to Mr. Terry Brunner at USDA in Albuquerque as a potential source of funding. Mr. Werenko attended numerous workshops at the USDA Office in Albuquerque conducted by Rural Energy Coordinator B. Jesse Monfort Bopp. He submitted a 265 page grant application in July of 2015 which was declined. The application was subsequently referred to Mr. Evert Oldham of the USDA Office in Aztec, NM. Mr. Werenko submitted a reworked second application of 306 pages in April of 2016. This application was successful. The entire inside of our Newsletter is devoted to a description of the NNMRAC/USDA Grant, which is entitled Project 2017: Rural Art Business Technical Assistance Program. This NNMRAC project fulfills several goals and strategies outlined in the Rio Arriba County Comprehensive Plan approved in December 2014. The USDA Citation may be found on the back of artist Rebecca Schneider’s exhibit announcement card for a Friday Oct 21, 5-7pm opening.
In Memoriam
The NNMRAC Board of Trustees has Requested a Memorial Mass be Said for the Repose of the Soul of Juan Gabriel who recently passed away.
Mr. Gabriel was a Major Benefactor of the NNMRAC Arts Education Program and the Española Valley Children’s Choir.
Mass is scheduled at Sacred Heart Parish in Española for Monday November 28, 2016
Mr. Gabriel was a Major Benefactor of the NNMRAC Arts Education Program and the Española Valley Children’s Choir.
Mass is scheduled at Sacred Heart Parish in Española for Monday November 28, 2016
KEEP THE DATE - SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016 OPEN - IN ORDER TO ATTEND OUR ANNUAL ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE NNMRAC FUNDRAISER - CHRISTMAS TREE & WREATH AUCTION
IN THE MISION FROM 5PM - 8PM & ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION IN THE CONVENTO GALLERY
IN THE MISION FROM 5PM - 8PM & ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION IN THE CONVENTO GALLERY
The Plaza de Espanola: The Heart of Northern New Mexico--Where Cultures Unite