Bill Ryberg is executive director of the Ketchum-based Sun Valley Center for the Arts.
By BILL RYBERG
It is incredible to me that six months have already passed since my arrival in the Wood River Valley as executive director of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. It has been a great beginning, and during this short time I have been delighted and surprised by the exceptional level of interaction between the citizens of Blaine County and The Center. I know we hear the refrain often, but what a true community this is.
The Center does indeed have a long history of excellence in the arts. For 38 years, we have produced world-class exhibitions, lectures, performances, film screenings and classes with yearly attendance totaling over 37,000. We are nationally recognized for presenting works from emerging local and regional artists as well as those with international reputations.
Our approach to the arts is unique—we explore specific themes or current issues through art, music, dance, tours and events. In fact, a very recent example of the integration of art forms was the exploration of mining here and abroad (a required subject in Wood River Valley schools). The Center's current programming on India is another excellent example of our approach—with exceptional art in both the Ketchum and Hailey galleries, programs in contemporary film, dance, cooking and art, combined with the upcoming lecture by Sir Salman Rushdie, the possibilities for broadening our understanding of the culture of India is enormous!
It is important to note that The Center's programs are museum-quality—we have earned accreditation from the American Association of Museums, a prestigious distinction shared by only 7 percent of America's arts, culture and science institutions. And this ability to showcase great art will be greatly enhanced in the future as The Center has designed a new, state-of-the-art facility with a world-renowned architect. One-third of the needed funds for that building have already been raised.
The Center has also been praised by local educators, one of whom has said our work plays "an indispensable role in education and broadening students' horizons." In fact, The Center is the largest education provider in the Wood River Valley other than the schools. This includes both school-aged children and adults. More than 2,000 Wood River Valley students will visit The Center's two facilities in Ketchum and Hailey this year, and even more will experience the visiting artists, performers and scholars we provide for in-school programs.
Every year, The Center gives an average of 35 scholarships to Blaine County youth and educators, totaling more than $50,000 annually. Teachers and administrators say we are vital to the education of the "whole child" by encouraging students to think creatively through our programs.
And, of course the Sun Valley Center for the Arts Wine Auction brings to a local and national audience the best in food and wine in an entertaining experience to our patrons. The wine auction is critical to the success of The Center's entire body of work throughout the year, as the proceeds fund all the programming mentioned above.
All these wonderful activities in service to our community would not be possible without the thousands of members who have joined in support of The Center. Their membership and participation in our programs create the demand and the delivery of our wonderful programs to the community.
Our sincere thanks to all for making it possible, and for making The Center an indispensable resource in our community.
