If we could, we would operate forever without having to ask for support. Unfortunately, this is not the case. And in the end, we know that good intentions are not enough. We need to earn your support with good work, well administered.

We hope you will consider investing in the Hermitage as we work to bring world class artists of all disciplines to our "old Florida" campus, and to share them with our Gulf Coast communities. Below you will find opportunities to join with us at a variety of levels and involvement.

Gifts at all levels are considered expressions of support for our mission and are most gratefully appreciated. If you are contemplating a gift of any size, please contact Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director, at 941-475-2098.

Naming Opportunities ($25,000 - $120,000)

In November, 2006 we will begin an historic reconstruction of the Beach Cottage (right), which involves disassembling the building board-by-board, restoring the boards that can be re-used, then re-assembling the building about 26 feet behind its current position.

The Beach Cottage will have two studios, one for painting and the other for digital art, as well as our administrative office. The naming rights for the painting studio have already been assigned to a generous donor, but the rights for the administrative office and the digital studio are still available.

In addition, the building itself could bear your name or the name of a loved one in perpetuity.

Naming opportunities may be paid over time.

Named Residencies ($5000 or $2500)

While colleges and universities have named "chairs" in different fields, we have "named residencies." These funds go to support the costs associated with artist stays. For example, it's possible that John Q. Public could have the "John and Jane Q. Public Residency in Painting." This is a wonderful way to honor loved ones who had a passion for music, or visual art, or who were avid readers.

In return for this contribution, donors can expect:

• a framed, limited edition and signed water color of the Hermitage House
• a prominent listing in our season program which is used for all public communitity interactions.
• the residency name associated with all publicity and public activity associated with the residency artist.
• private interaction with the artist holding the residency.
• a framed photograph of the donor and artist.

Named residencies may be shared between two entities. For example two families may contribute $2500 each for a shared residency. Naming would be hyphenated, such as "The Smith-Jones Residency in Composition."

Charter Membership ($1000)

Charter membership in the Friends of the Hermitage is our basic level of VIP membership. These donors receive:

• a framed, limited edition and signed water color of the Hermitage House
• a prominent listing in our season program
• advanced notice of all Hermitage activities
• invitations to special VIP events

Pre-restoration Beach Cottage

The naming rights to one of the three restored studios has already been assigned to a generous donor.