Minnetonka Center for the Arts receives donation of over half-a-million dollars for new roof

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wayzata, Minn. (April 2019) — In March, the Minnetonka Center for the Arts received a generous donation from a long-time student, Caroline Amplatz, to address serious roof issues. More than half a million dollars was donated to fully fund a complete roof replacement, which will be completed in May.

For years the roof repairs have been weighing heavily on the Art Center’s Executive Director, Roxanne Heaton. Watching the ever growing issues, Ms. Heaton has often said, “As the roof goes, so goes the building,” now nearly 20 years old.

“It is important that we are responsible stewards of this facility,” said Ms. Heaton. “Not only because the Art Center serves as an active community hub, hosting classes, art exhibits, summer programming, and other community events, but also as a legacy of the building’s architect, Jim Dayton.”

The Mayor of Orono, Dennis Walsh, upon learning about the support given by Caroline Amplatz, shared in the excitement and was touched by the support and significance of this donation. Ceramics studio manager Lee Persell observes, “The new roof allows me to focus on helping my students. Art is an expression of the soul. This new roof will shelter artmaking activities for another 30 years.”

One of Ms. Amplatz’s first ceramics instructors Bob Bowman, Exhibits Director notes, “The urge to create is universal; a basic aspect of our humanity. This gift allows us to continue making the arts accessible to our community.”

“The extreme generosity and compassion shown by Ms. Amplatz, literally brought me to tears,” shared Ms. Heaton. “All of us here at the Art Center are so touched by what this means. I can hardly believe that by the end of May we can breathe easier, and feel confident that we are caring for this incredible community asset. This gift solidifies our status as a self-sustaining nonprofit organization.”