The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature met its campaign goal of raising $1.8 million in order to secure the purchase of the building it currently rents.
The total purchase price of the building is
$2.6 million. The family foundation of former Wildling board chair, Peter Adams, offered to loan the remaining $1.8 million provided that the museum raise the other half.
“We are so excited by the support from our community that has allowed us to transition from being a renter into being a landlord,” Wildling Executive Director Stacey Otte-Demangate said in a release. “We love being here in Solvang and are just thrilled to make this our permanent home.”
The museum also welcomed a new president and three new members to the board of directors. Former president of the board Suzi Schomer, who served for three years, will remain on the board as a member. Kristine Power is the new board president.
“With a background in education focusing on art and the environment, I feel a special dedication to the museum,” Power said in the release. “I look forward to working with the board, staff, volunteers, museum members, and the community.”
The three new board members are Kevin Patterson, Gene Sinser, and June Sochel.
The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is located at 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang. More info: 686-8315 or wildlingmuseum.org.
This article appears in Mar 9-16, 2017.
