Jeff and Gail Higbie are the Campaign Chairs for the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center’s annual Membership Campaign. Bonifas photo Bonifas Arts Center Campaign Chairs Jeff and Gail Higbie have been involved with the Arts Center for years. “Let’s see,” Gail said, “there was Missoula. Our daughter Sarah was in that for years. “ “I took a class in Tai Chi. Jeff and I both worked at the Edible Heart Art workshop last February. We’ve been host family for visiting artists, and attended exhibits, events and receptions.” “Through membership in GFWC, which sponsors many Arts Center projects, I’ve been involved in many exhibits and events over several years.” The couple agreed to chair the 2006 annual membership campaign, Arts – Worth a Million, after Jeff accepted a seat on the Center’s Board of Trustees. “The Bonifas offers so much,” Gail said. “It’s a shame more don’t participate. There’s so much down here to do.” “And it’s not just classes and exhibits,” she said. “It’s the importance to our community of having an Arts Center as a resource. “From a business perspective,” Jeff noted, “companies recruiting employees to our area emphasize the Bonifas as a resource. It’s a good community magnet, like the Chamber, the churches, and other things people like to be involved with.” The Higbies are chairing the membership campaign to help the community stay aware of the importance of arts. The exposure to creative thinking, the exchange of artistic and cultural ideas with the rest of our region and world, and an emphasis on positive problem-solving are all benefits of a Center like the Bonifas. “Everyone in Delta County and in the country is paying higher heating and gasoline bills,” Jeff said. “Through this process, people are losing discretionary income they used to spend for arts activities.” “We need to educate the community to what’s available here and how very important it is to our community to continue to fund it,” he added.  A single one-year membership in the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center is only $35, Gail noted, and a family membership is $45. A Day Sponsorship costs  $100. “Donations like these help insure that our Arts Center will prosper,” she said. Members also receive discounts on classes, the ArtNews newsletter, and notification of special events. For membership information, or to donate, please call (906) 786-3833. The Bonifas Arts Center is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.