A Letter from the Founder

What’s up everybody?

My name is Michael Cole. I am also known creatively as SNOG, which is the name I make art under. I have been a creative person all my life, and recently completed a BA in Art at Sacramento State. I moved here with my wife five years ago. Her whole family is from this area and she grew up here. I started this organization thinking I would make some art friends and that we could do art stuff together a couple times a month. What I quickly came to realize, is that there is a much deeper need by the community at large for a creative presence here. 

I have always believed in the power of creative human expression, and in forming this organization, I baked into it; the idea of art in action. We as artists, through OVFO Arts have the ability to make a deep and lasting positive impact on our immediate environment. In this space we come together as not just creatives but as an entire community.

The most common question I get asked as I make my way around town communicating with businesses and neighbors, is “What do I have to do with art?” My response to that is “What don’t you have to do with art??” Look around you, everything is art. Look in the mirror, that face staring back at you? Art. 

You don’t have to identify as an artist to be a member or support our organization. Maybe that’s part of the illusion we need to strip away, that we as artists are separate from you the viewer; because at the end of the day we both love art and creativity in our own way. That has been the biggest takeaway for me in the past month or so.

I would like to personally invite you to get involved in what we are doing.

As artists, there are creative mixers, classes, workshops, talks, and events coming up in the very near future. As a community we are coming together to support one another in events like Big Day Of Service on May 16th, where OVFO Arts is repainting the bleachers and backstop at Lovitt Field. As an organization, we need every kind of help you can imagine, and if you’re interested in contributing in that way; you will absolutely get your chance. It should go without saying that we also need support in the form of resources and connections. We are in the application process to become a fully recognized 501(c)3, and will be able to accept tax deductible donations and apply for grants soon.

We will be releasing our first newsletter next week after we've had time as a group to be sure it includes everything we need to say. You can add your name to the growing list of supporters by following us on instagram, or filling out the contact form on our website. We look forward to working together to improve and enhance our community experience, and to supporting creatives everywhere. Thank you for being a part of this organization's success and impact.

Michael “SNOG” Cole