dear friends and supporters, -...
TRANSCRIPT
Dear Friends and Supporters,
What a great pleasure it is to put this annual report in front of you. Within these pages I hope you realize the very special work Fishtrap has completed this year — the year of our 25th anniversary. We kicked off at Summer Fishtrap in July 2012 with a keynote address by David James Duncan and wrapped up in July 2013 with a keynote by Cheryl Strayed. In between we celebrated with a holiday party in Enterprise’s Fishtrap House, historic home of Gwen and Gladys Coffin, and celebrated again with our Portland friends at a spring gala featuring Molly Gloss, Kim Stafford, and Myrlin Hepworth. The Never Strangers Band infused the evening with music, and Kim Stafford, one of our founders and long-time advisors, capped the night with a toast to the next 25 years.
Thanks to the generous support of individual donors and foundations, we were able to finish the year in the black for the second year in a row. (Please see the back pages of this report to witness the extraordinary generosity of our supporters.)
Since I arrived at Fishtrap two and half years ago (time flies!), we’ve continued to provide quality programs and strengthen the infrastructure that makes that programming possible. We received significant funding from the Meyer Memorial Trust, the Oregon Arts Commission, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, and the Oregon Community Foundation for a three-year “Capacity Enhancement Project” to upgrade our database management, add online event registration, increase fundraising and donor stewardship, expand our marketing and upgrade our communications. I hope you are starting to feel the impact of this work. We feel it internally and can see we are getting more done and are doing it better.
We continue to work hard on our flagship program, Summer Fishtrap. As is our tradition, we have successfully recruited outstanding faculty and panelists. We have also increased our outreach, registration and communication. Perhaps best of all, we were able fund 25 scholarships. Additionally, we offered two Yearlong Workshops and this year’s Outpost on the Zumwalt Prairie was wildly popular. Our hard work has paid off: 88 percent of this year’s participants said they were extremely satisfied with the program and many long-time participants dubbed this the best Summer Fishtrap yet. Over 40 percent of participants were new to Fishtrap. And our participants are becoming more diverse in age and gender – something that is important for our long-term success and richness of community.
Thank you for being part of making the past year a great year for writing and the West – we look forward to sharing many more with you.
Sincerely,
Ann Whitfield Powers EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Big Read, Writer-in-Residence, Arts & Lecture SeriesOur work continues all year long, particularly through the support and implementation of programs to
enrich the community from which Fishtrap grew. This year’s highlights included a celebration of A River
Runs Through It, which 2,000 locals read as part of our Wallowa County Reads program.
We were also pleased to sponsor an Arts & Lectures Series at Fishtrap’s headquarters in the historic Enterprise
home of Gwen and Gladys Coffin. Topics ranged from naturalist Gary Ferguson’s two-week hike from Eagle
Cap to Hells Canyon to Dave Jensen’s misadventures in India.
The charismatic poet, Cameron Scott, served as our winter Wallowa County Writer-in-Residence,
teaching creative writing in schools throughout the county, as well as spending several weeks in
Chiloquin schools. In total, he worked with almost 800 rural students in grades K-12. Fishtrap served as a
source of creative writers for several other eastern Oregon writer-in-residence programs as well.
Yearlong Writers Workshop, Outpost Workshop, Imnaha Writers’ RetreatAspiring and established writers often speak of seeking sustained participation in a writing community.
Many of our Summer Fishtrappers return to “camp” each year and reconnect with fellow writers. As a
natural evolution of the desire to expand the literary and community richness, Fishtrap has developed
several ways for writers to expand their experience. This year, 17 students dedicated themselves to the
Yearlong Writers’ Workshop. They formed two groups – led by Jane Vandenburgh and Kim Stafford –
and gathered at Summer Fishtrap twice and met in Portland for a long weekend in January.
A dozen writers convened on the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve during Summer Fishtrap for a program we
call Outpost. Led by Scott Russell Sanders, participants fully immersed themselves in the wild, and in
their writing.
The Imnaha Writers’ Retreat offers writers who are thirsty for quiet and seclusion exactly the refreshment
they need. Up to five writers attend for a week. The retreat is offered each April and October. This year,
nearly 40 writers seized this opportunity, churning out pages of inspired text.
To those who don’t know Fishtrap or Wallowa County, this far northeastern corner of Oregon seems an unlikely place for a vibrant, active literary arts organization. Yet any exposure to this fertile valley, its people, or the magic of Fishtrap itself, changes perceptions quickly. People, community and words merge to create what we celebrate as inspiration at its most pure. Here’s how we do it.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
EXPANDED PROGRAMS
Summer Fishtrap thrums with community as writers gather around words. Here, participants convene at Bailey Lodge for Cheryl Strayed’s keynote address, free time and readings — in this case Luis Alberto Urrea captivates with his delivery of recent work.
The Summer Fishtrap Gathering of WritersFishtrap wrapped up its 25th anniversary year in July 2013 with annual Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers. There, Fishtrap began its next quarter of a century as aspiring and established writers from around Oregon and across the nation gathered for a week of literary exploration, reflection and connection. This year’s theme was Breaking Trail: Off the Beaten Path – a phrase that conveys the sense of adventure we feel as we move into the future. Cheryl Strayed, author of best-selling Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, was the keynote speaker. In the five days preceding her talk, 150 writers reveled in the supportive community and inspired instruction they received from ten established writers. Panel discussions and youth workshops added another opportunity for discovery.
FLAGSHIP
Emerging writers take many forms: Here, fellow Nathan Slinker reads and reflects; youth workshop instructor, Myrlin Hepworth, performs; and two of his workshop participants step outside for inspiration.
2012 Fellows
Kim Gratz
Irene Skyriver
John Walker
2013 Fellows
Jose Alcantara
Rachel Khong
Nathan Slinker
Kelly Wallace
Fellowships, Scholarships, Youth ProgramsEncouragement and instruction are undoubtedly valuable for all inspiring writers. But sometimes,
financial support is what a writer needs to reach the next level of their ability – and to gift the rest
of us with their work. Fishtrap believes strongly in fostering young writers through scholarships
and enabling aspiring writers to benefit from our programs regardless of financial status. This year,
thanks in full to the generosity of our donors, we provided 25 scholarships, four fellowships and paid
it forward in the form of programs supporting schools and youth. We are grateful for the support that
made this possible.
PAY IT FORWARD
Financial StatementSummarized Statement of Activity for the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2013
Grants
Program Revenue
Programs promoting Writing & the West
Program
Donations and Fundraising Events Revenue
15%
41%
76%
16%
8%
44%
Management / General
Fundraising
Support and Revenue
Program Revenues $ 189,657
Grants $ 174,850
Donations & Fundraising Event Revenue $ $65,352
Total Revenue $ 429,859
Program Expenses
Program promoting Writing & the West Program $ 298,262
Management & General $ 63,077
Fundraising $ 29,770
Total Expenses $ 391,109
A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
$1,000 AND UP
The sharing of thoughts, celebration
of words, and openness that circles
Fishtrap sprouts relationships that
endure generations. In recognition,
we have formalized the name of the
friends of Fishtrap who donate $1,000
or more to the organization in one year.
Please join us in thanking our Circle of
Friends.
Michael Andrews
Anonymous (2)
Ray and Jean Auel
Ed and Sue Einowski
Jenepher Field
Don and Rosemary Green
Tom and Woesha Hampson
Nigel Jaquiss and Meg Remsen
Glenn Lamb and Sue Knight
Nick and Angie Lunde
Jonathan Nicholas and Vivian McInerny
Fil Peach
Gareth Tabor
Ann Werner
$500-999
Hal Cannon and Teresa Jordan
Kevin Fairham-Wheeler
and Victoria Wheeler
Peter Ferrè
Bill and Martha Hall
Kathy Hunter
Leslie Labbe
Erin Lunde
William and Rosanne Parry
Skip and Pam Royes
Bill and Grace Steele
Michael Whalen
$100-499
Paul Abrams and Abigail Adler
Mike and Judy Allen
Anonymous
Cindi Aschenbrenner
Susan Badger-Jones
Emilio Bandiero and Anne Bell
Lois Barry
Suzi Brown
Rich Bruer
Elnora Cameron
M. Pat Cason
Mary Celnicker
Nancy Chen
Linda Chrisman
Susan Cleveland
Benjamin and Lynne Curry
Jim Dameron
John Daniel
Stanlynn Daugherty
Richard and Judy Davis
Barbara Dills
Mark and Julie Eubanks
(in memory of Kathleen Robinson)
Clem and Jean Falbo
Bill Finney and Heather Tyreman
Jamie Ford
Bob and Konky Forster
Tiffany Fuchs
Molly Gloss
Randy Gragg
Bob Greene and Sue Armitage
Kelli Grinich
Mike Hale and Sara Miller
Bill and Carol Harris
(in memory of Alice Harris)
Peter and Pamela Hayes
Mary Hearing
Jim and Tanya Hepworth
Harold Hartley and Pat Hines
Russell Hoeflich
Ann Humphrey
Josh and Bette Husted
Al Josephy III and Melissa Josephy
Nancy Knoble
Kristi Koebke
David Laskin
Pat Lehman
Craig Lesley
Nancy K. Lincoln
Gardner and Tappy Locke
Gale and Bonnie Long
Robin Martin
Joe McCormack and Lee Dawson
Mary McCracken
Anna Means
James Montieth and Nancy Duhnkrack
Gerry Morrison and Julie Weston
Cathy Murphy
Larry and Sharon Nall
Melanie Nead and Icon Tattoo Studio
Mary Louise Nelson
R. Gregory Nokes
Brian and Elizabeth Oliver
Phoebe Olson
David Osborne
John Pierce and Holly Hughes
Tom and Ann Powers
gratitude(For gifts received between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013)
Literature inspires, informs and unites us. The work we do at Fishtrap
is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Thank you.
gratitude
Bruce and Wendy Reininger
Mary Alice Ridgway
Dave Riley and Karen Kearns
Tony and Linda Robinson
(in memory of Kathleen Robinson)
Steve and Angie Rubin
Peter Sandrock
Virginia Scott
Peter Sears and Anita Helle
Jack Shoemaker and Jane Vandenburgh
Randy and Pam Slinker
Kim Stafford and Perrin Kearns
Brad and Anne Stephens
Maxine Stone
Mike and Debbie Straw
Ralph Swinehart and Janet Pulsifer
Gary and Glenda Underhill
Tom and Pat Wade
Cal and Jill Werner
Susan Werner Thoresen
Mitch Wolgamott and Sue Orlaske
Kathleen Worley
Mark Zornow
$1-99
Stephen Adams and Sandra Purnell
Craig Anderson and Renee Grandi
Kristi Austin
John and Tarrah Baker
Rebecca Banyas
James Berry and Kim Carlson
David Biespiel
Daniel and Dene Bish
Richard T. Brown and Ruth Robbins
Carolyn Buan
Frances Buckles
Michelle Burnell
Jessica Bucciarelli and Kate Jaramillo
Carol Carnahan
Rose Caslar
Harold Chambers
Larry Colton
Rick Comandich and Maya Muir
David and Ingrid Cook
Sally Dadmun Bixby
Lisa Dawson
Joan Deroko
Claudia Dissel
Brian Doyle
Dave Ebbert and Linda Kruger-Ebbert
Linda Elegant
Anna Elkins
Dr. Lowell Euhus
Kaye Exo
Scott Exo and Margy Robinson
Barbara Fankhauser
Michael and Rene Fleming
Carolyn Gilbert
Lezlie Glare
(in memory of Kathleen Robinson)
Frazier and Margaret Grace
Kim Gratz
Steve Grove and Kathleen Cornett
Don Harker
Richard Hart
Ann Hayes
Olga Hirshhorn
John and Marcy Houle
Kimberly Howard
Jonathan and Robin Jacoby
Lauren Johnson
Richard and Marlene Jones
(in memory of Kathleen Robinson)
Patty Kelly
Pat Kennedy
Doug Kilgore and Ellie Belew
Cynthia Kirk
Gregg Kleiner and Lori Salus
Tom Koehler
Judd and Kathleen Koehn
Grace Kuhns
Caroline LeGuin
John Lynch and Roberta Ulrich
Patti Maier
Christina Malango
Linda Martineau
Anne McDuffie
Charles and Alison Moore
Frank and Kathleen Moore
Troy and Dana Nave
Suzanne Olson
Gary Oxman and Kathryn Menard
Christine Pinto
Sandy Polishuk
Susan Prindle
Daniel Putnam
and Catherine Jontos-Putnam
Valerie Rapp
Melvina Romanelli
Robin Schauffler
Mary Schlick
Katey Schultz
A. Varner Seaman and Robyn Steely
Jerry Sebestyen and Sharon Evoy
Alex Sember and Allison Reed
Dennis and Marcie Sheehy
Mary Simeone
Irene Skyriver
John Smith
Don Snow and Dorothy O’Brien
Sally Snyder
Angel Sobotta
Scott Sparling
Linda Stark
Rob Taylor and Andi Lueders
Janie Tippett
Jennie Tucker
Larry and Debby Tupper
Eric and Meg Valentine
Tianna Vanderwey
Jennifer Viviano
Jim and Dottie Waddell
Kelly Wallace
John Ward
Russ Westlake
Boyd and Janet Wilcox
Hal Williams
Wendy Willis and Ruby Radmacher-Willis
Edward Wolf
Tony Wolk
Carolyn Wood
Amy Zahm
Dorian Zimmerman
gratitude
SPONSORS
Advanced Plumbing Technologies
American Association of University Women
(Wallowa County Branch)
Bank of Eastern Oregon
The Bookloft
Community Bank
Enterprise Joseph Lions Club
Fred W. Fields Fund
of the Oregon Community Foundation
Kevin’s Tires
Lear’s Main Street Pub & Grill
Les Schwab
Mr. Sun Solar
Moda Health (formerly ODS)
Rotary Club of Wallowa County
Ruby Peak Naturals
Soroptomist Club of Wallowa County
Wallowa County Teachers Guild
Wallowa Food City
Wallowa Lions Club
Winding Waters Eye Clinic
Woody and Megan Wolf
ENDOWMENT
The Raymond L. and Alice N. Harris Fishtrap
Endowment Fund for Aspiring Writers
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Bryn Lunde Scholarship Fund
Sally Bowerman
and Bob Hall Scholarship Fund
Frank Conley Scholarship Fund
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Pat Adelhart
Paul and Penny Arentsen
Steve Arment
Arrowhead Chocolates
Susan Badger-Jones
beecrowbee
The Bookloft
Brooks Winery
Janis Carper
Lynne Curry
Stanlynn Daugherty
Mary Edwards
Timothy Egan
Fireworks Pottery
Jamie Ford
Molly Gloss
Grand Central Bakery
Lizzie Grossman
Harper Voit Wines
Ben Hayes
Henry Hughes
Holly Hughes
Kathy Hunter
Pico Iyer
JayZee Lumber
Joseph Fly Shoppe
Teresa Jordan
William Kittredge
Sue Knight and Glenn Lamb
Ursula Le Guin
Craig Lesley
Lulu’s Confections
Nick and Angie Lunde
Tony and Andrea Malmberg
Sara Miller and Mike Hale
Amy Minato
Mutiny Brewing Company
Adele Nash
Never Strangers Band
Fil Peach
Diane Josephy Peavey
Paulann Petersen
Barbara Reese
Pam Royes
Jennifer Sahn
Cameron Scott
Peter Sears
Laura Skovlin
and The Homemade Jam Band
Annick Smith
Gary Snyder
Kim Stafford
Pam Steele
Terminal Gravity Brewery
Janie Tippett
ToZion
Luis Alberto Urrea
Jane Vandenburgh
George Venn
Pat Wade
Ellen Waterston
Wild Carrot Herbals
Brent Wydrinski
GRANTS
Board of Advisors
Molly Gloss
Lizzie Grossman
Jim Hepworth
Marc Jaffe
Teresa Jordan
Al Josephy
Bill Kittredge
Craig Lesley
Jonathan Nicholas
Diane Josephy Peavey
Kate Power
Jack Shoemaker
Primus St. John
Peter Sears
Kim Stafford
Luis Alberto Urrea
Board of Directors
Nick Lunde
Susan Badger Jones*
Stanlynn Daugherty
Rose Caslar (on leave)
Kathy Hunter
Elizabeth Oliver
Pam Royes*
Pat Wade
Sara Miller**
Aaron Maxwell**
Liz Enslin**
Tom Hampson**
* Term ended at end of FY 2013
** New to the Board for FY 2014
Staff
Ann Whitfield Powers
Mike Midlo
Kristen Blanton
Janis Carper
Heather Tyreman
Contact Us
PO Box 38
Enterprise, OR 97828
541-426-3623
www.fishtrap.org
Save the dates!Mark your calendar with these important dates. Please visit our website for a full listing of events.
Imnaha Writers’ Retreats: April 2014 (registration open now)
Application Window for Yearlong Workshop: December 1, 2013 - January 17, 2014
Registration for Summer Fishtrap Opens: February 20, 2014
Summer Fishtrap: July 7-13, 2014
www.fishtrap.org
FISHTRAP
PO Box 38
Enterprise, Oregon 97828
Special thanks to the Oregon Arts Commission for the funds to produce this report.