Ann Cole Cummans
"The Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is a part of my story," says Ann Cole Cummans. "I was a member of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation's Planning Committee when the art center was going to be in the 11th Street school building. Moving the project downtown was a great idea. In 1988, I attended a pre-construction party at its current location with the mighty-mighty Tams. The art center was a catalyst for downtown's revival."
"As a member of the first Imagination Place Children's Museum board, I experienced first-hand the impact it has on children. There was nothing in the area like it--indoors and educational. I think I brought my son Cole every day to visit the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit. One of my favorite art exhibits was Life Mask by Willa Shalit. Her making a mask workshop was fun and educational."
As one of the original members of the Cultural Arts League, Ann was in charge of the first reception that the League hosted. She still gives the League's Center Pieces cookbook as gifts to people.
"I am proud of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation's effort to be inclusive and accessible. People can volunteer their way to a family membership, there is an EBT card discount admission, and their Fund for Access provides scholarships for music, dance, and art classes."
"Since my first gift to the Building Fund in 1988, I have made an annual contribution. My plan is to continue giving and to include the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation in my will."
