ANNUAL REPORT
2025
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JennyGregory
Amessagetoourcommunity
Month of Classes in August, which brought record participation and introduced many new community members to Painted Sky.
Behind every number in this report is a story: a child discovering creativity for the first time, an artist developing new skills, or a community member finding belonging through art.
None of this work would be possible without the support of our donors, members, volunteers, artists, and community partners.
Together, we are building a vibrant creative future for Grant County.
With gratitude,
Jenny Gregory
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Annual Report 2025
PAINTED SKY OVERVIEW
Mission
Painted Sky Center for the Arts (Painted Sky) advances arts education and cultural development while enhancing the quality of life for residents of Grant County and surrounding rural communities.
Through classes, workshops, events, and community partnerships, Painted Sky creates opportunities for people of all ages to learn, create, and connect.
Vision
Painted Sky envisions a dynamic, inclusive space where creativity thrives and community connections deepen. Our arts and cultural center will serve as a hub of artistic exploration and intercultural exchange—cultivating curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong engagement with the arts. Through partnerships and community participation, we aim to nurture a more vibrant, connected, and inspired region.
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Report 2025
MAJOR MILESTONES IN 2025
Leadership Growth
Painted Sky welcomed Jenny Gregory as Executive Director and Rachelle Hinkle as Executive Assistant, strengthening leadership and daily operations as the organization continues to grow.
Summer Youth Programming
Under the leadership of Youth Program Coordinator Taysha Humbird, Painted Sky provided creative summer programming for 183 youth ages 3–17, offering hands-on arts education and enrichment opportunities for families across Grant County
Access to the Arts
With funding from the Local Community Health Partnership through the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization (EOCCO), Painted Sky launched a voucher program providing free classes for underserved residents. During the program, 183 vouchers were redeemed by underserved residents. With the funding, Painted Sky hosted a Free Month of Classes in August, resulting in 142 class registrations and $7,535 in fair market value of classes provided.
Annual Gala
Painted Sky hosted our annual fundraising gala in November of 2025, raising just over $24,000 thanks to the generosity of community supporters.
Technology Improvements
With funding from the City of John Day and Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Painted Sky launched a new website and CRM system to improve class registration, communications, and donor engagement.
Visitor Experience
With support from the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association (EOVA), Painted Sky installed a digital visitor kiosk at the entrance of the art center to provide information about classes, events, and local tourism.
Arts Education Impact
In 2025, Painted Sky offered 110 classes, workshops, and events serving over 1,000 community members and visitors across Grant County
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Annual Report 2025
2025 IMPACT AT A GLANCE
In 2025, Painted Sky continued to expand its reach and impact across Grant County by providing accessible, creative opportunities for residents of all ages. Painted Sky offered a wide range of artistic disciplines including painting, ceramics, leatherworking, fiber arts, jewelry making, stained glass, literary arts, and more. These programs create opportunities for lifelong learning, creative expression, and community connection in one of Oregon’s most rural regions.
Youth engagement remained a key focus of our work. In 2025, Painted Sky served 183 youth ages 3–17 through our summer youth programming and other educational activities. By providing hands-on learning experiences in the arts, these programs help young people develop creativity, confidence, and problemsolving skills while offering families meaningful opportunities for enrichment and connection Together, these programs demonstrate the growing role Painted Sky plays as a creative and cultural hub for Grant County residents and visitors alike
1,000+
Community Members Served
700+
Class Registrants 183
Youth Served Through Summer Programs
Class, Workshops, and Events Offered
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Annual Report 2025
EXPANDING ACCESS TO THE ARTS
2025PaintedSky VoucherProgram
183
27 Augst FREE Month Impact
142
EOCCO/ OHP Members Served Class Registrants
FREE Class Vouchers Redeemed
our approach and identify ways to increase engagement In response, Painted Sky introduced a Free Month of Classes in August, allowing community members to participate in classes at no cost. The initiative resulted in 142 class registrations, representing a fair market value of $7,535 in classes provided. This effort introduced many first-time participants to Painted Sky programming and demonstrated the strong demand for accessible arts education within our community.
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Annual Report 2025
DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Investing in Wellness Through the
Arts
Painted Sky is proud to partner with Blue Mountain Hospital as a Diamond Member—an investment that reflects a shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our rural community
Through this partnership, Blue Mountain Hospital is helping bridge the gap between healthcare and creative expression, recognizing that access to the arts plays a vital role in reducing stress, supporting mental health, and building stronger community connections
As part of their Diamond Membership, eligible Blue Mountain Hospital employees receive:
Affordable Class Access
Eligible employees participate in Painted Sky classes for $5 per class, making arts education more accessible and affordable.
Free Access Passes:
Open studio time
Select community programs and events
Youth art classes
Blue Mountain Hospital’s investment demonstrates how partnerships between healthcare and the arts can create meaningful, lasting impact, by reducing barriers to arts access, supporting workforce wellness, strengthening families and investing in a more vibrant, connected community
We are deeply grateful to Blue Mountain Hospital for their leadership, generosity, and commitment to building a healthier, more creative Grant County.
Together, we are creating a community where art, health, and connection thrive.
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Annual Report 2025
PARTICIPANT VOICES
CommunityTestimonials
Participant voices play an essential role in shaping and strengthening the programs offered at Painted Sky Center for the Arts. Feedback from class participants helps us understand the real impact that accessible arts programming has on individuals and families in our community, while also guiding future program development. Many participants shared how meaningful it was to have affordable or free opportunities to engage in creative learning.
“Love the convenience of location, accessibility, staff, and everything involved.”
“Thank you Painted Sky! I enjoy Rachelle Hinkle’s class immensely.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed all my classes.”
“I have two kids who attended free classes during August. A lot of the time I don't have money for art classes
even though I believe they are important. Thank you for helping the community.”
“Loved
the class… I would love to do more but funds are tight. I took this class during the free class month. Thank you!”
“I enjoyed the introductory crochet class. It was something I may expand on in the future.”
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
Sustainable Funding: As a rural arts organization, Painted Sky must balance growing community demand for programs with the need for consistent funding to support operations, staffing, and facility needs.
Rural Access: Serving a large, geographically dispersed county creates barriers such as transportation and economic limitations. Scholarships, free classes, and partnerships help ensure arts access for all residents.
Growing Community Interest: Programs such as the Free Month of Classes demonstrated strong community demand for accessible arts education and introduced many first-time participants to Painted Sky.
Strategic Growth: Continued partnerships, thoughtful planning, and future facility improvements position Painted Sky to expand programming and deepen its impact across Grant County.
Improved Data & Evaluation: New website and registration systems will allow for stronger data collection, participant feedback, and impact reporting to better inform programs and demonstrate outcomes to funders.
LOOKING AHEAD
PAINTED SKY STAFF
Executive Director
Jenny provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, and builds partnerships to expand programming, strengthen sustainability, and advance the organization’s mission in the community
Development Director
Allison leads fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement efforts to secure resources that sustain and grow the organization’s programs and impact
Executive Assistant
Rachelle supports daily operations, coordinates communications and scheduling, manages social media, and helps ensure efficient program and administrative functions across Painted Sky
Summer Youth Program Coordinator
Taysha planned, organized, and lead engaging arts-based programs for youth, ensuring a safe, creative, and enriching experience for youth participants.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THANK YOU 2025 SUPPORTERS!
Visionaries ($5,000+)
Blue Mountain Hospital
Leaders ($1,000–$4,999)
1188 Brewing Company, LLC
Courtney Montague
Elizabeth Urbick
The Outpost
Valeda Grant
Vicki & Richard Thompson
Wintz Family Foundation
Patrons ($500–$999)
Andrew & Andrea Janssen
Anna Marie Smith
Baker Web Academy
Chantal DesJardin
Jet Blackburn Realty
June Shull
Juniper Lanmon
Katie King
Kim Grauer
Madison Macphail
Nick Green
Shonda Andrews
Suzette Shrider
Tracie Unterwegner
Supporters ($100–$499)
Amy Charette
Andrea Austinson
Angela Burril
Anna Quenemoen
Ashley Armichardy
Becky Jarnes
Bets Reed
Bill and Janet Robertson
Bonnie Zick
Carol Hassebroek
Carolyn West
Cassidy Woolley
Cat Bullock
Cecily Wall
Chris Cronin
Clair Kehrberg
Clayton Vibbert
Cori Anderson
Cynthia O'Bannon
Amber Ford
Amber Reynolds
Amy Walker
Angel Carpenter
Angela Lusco
Ashley Wyllie
Avery Lenz
BMH
Bailey McCracken
Becky Stonerod-Pereira
Beth Spell
Bethany Koehler
Brandi Fountain
Brazil Moon
Breanna Apostol
Brenda Taramasso
Brie Myers
Cami Williams
Carmen McCormick
Cassidy Roell
Chris Kennedy
Cliff Heck
Cynthia Tirico
Danetta Lewis
Darla Carpenter
David Cronin
Debbie Miller
Debra Rubio
Dennis Dickenson
Devrin Wike
Dharmendra Vyos
Dora Hunt
Dorothy Piazza
Dove Driscoll
Emmaleigh Larson
Ersela Dehiya
Ersula Dehiya
Genevieve Paddock
Hannah Latzo
Heather Rookstool
Helen Myrick
Holly Thompson
Isabella Hansen
Jacki Miller
Janel Parker
Janice O'Rorke
JD Rents
Jenn Maus
Jenny Henning
Jessica Schmadeka
Jill Reeves
Jillian Bernstein
Jodi Cyphers
Julie Larson
Julie Rhodes
Kacy Hutsell
Kale Voll
Kaleigh Bellinger
Karen Hinton
Karen Jones
Kari Stinnett
Katelyn Hughes
Kathy Mckinnon
Katie Hughes
Kelly Flanagan
Kelsey McCallister
Kendra Wilson-Reed
Kimberly Rufener
Kris Smith
Kristine Tanory
Kristy Hamilton
Krunal Patel
Linda Kinnaman
Lindsay Bullock
Liz Aleman
Liz Majorowicz
Liz Perkin
Lizz Blackburn
Logan Breshears
Lyssa Sawin
MaKayla Shaffer
Mae Wright
Marc DesJardin
Margaret Harvey
Marjean Koser
Marley Chynoweth
Mary Armstrong
Matthew Wall
Melissa Chesley
Melissa Hale
Michael DesJardin
Michael Ellis
Michelle Custer
Mikayla Miller
Nancy Randleas
Noah Mooney
Paige Welch
Pat Conniff
Friends($0-$100)
Preslie Webb
Rachael Brooks
Rachael Young
Rachel Teskey
Rachelle Hinkle
Raegenn Van Tassel
Raena Lauer
Reagan Norland
Rebecca Fleetwood
Roxanne Embry
Salona Stebbins
Samantha Norland
Sammi Buckhaults
Scott Harrison
Shahaylie Smarr
Shawna Clark
Sheila Comer
Sherri Lundbom
Sherry Dress
Shiela Jane Casia
Painted Sky Center for the Arts
Shirley Manca
Shirley Taylor
Spring Cook
Stephaine Thompson
Steve Humphrey
Steven Bailey
Sunshine Smar
Tabitha Elliott
Tia Kastner
Tim Unterwegner
Toni Fowler
THANK YOU 2025 GRANTORS!
Eastern Oregon Visitor Association
City of John Day
Grant County Chamber of Commerce
Grant County Local Community Health
Partnership
Juniper Arts Council
James and Marion Miller Foundation
Annual Report 2025
Tonya Sotelo
Viola Scott
Wendy Monzulla
Wendy Snyder
Winnie Browning
Yao Palmer
Zoey Hibbard
Oregon Arts Commission
Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Cultural Trust
Reser Family Foundation
RWN Foundation
Wintz Family Foundation
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
In 2025, 25+ volunteers were staffed for programs and events, providing over 1,100 hours of their time worth $36,390. We can’t thank our community enough for their commitment to Painted Sky!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Painted Sky extends our heartfelt gratitude to the grantors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, partners, and board members who make our work possible. Your generosity and commitment help ensure that arts education, creative opportunities, and cultural experiences remain accessible to the residents of Grant County. Because of your support, Painted Sky continues to grow as a welcoming place where people of all ages can learn, create, and connect.
In a rural community like ours, spaces for creativity and connection are especially meaningful Your investment in Painted Sky helps bring people together, support local artists, and inspire the next generation through the arts. We are deeply thankful for your partnership and for believing in the important role that creativity plays in strengthening our community.
Vicky & Richard Thompson