The building on 7650 Equitable Drive still needs a few finishing touches before it becomes Eden Prairie’s new art center –about $326,000 worth of finishing touches, to be precise. That’s the estimated capital costs it will take to upgrade the facility, everything from adding space the parking lot, to putting in an additional restroom, to purchasing art equipment.

The building itself was donated to the City by the Sampson family and accepted by the City Council this April. At the time, Council members expressed a preference that fundraising would occur to help defray the costs of the endeavor.

Those at the city are now  looking to gather a group of people to head up a fundraising taskforce, “to enlist some people within  the community that have an interest in the arts and being a part of a fundraising program for the arts,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer.

Lotthammer said they’ve been fortunate that the Eden Prairie Foundation is willing to act as the operating organization, but they are looking set up a separate group would act as the fundraising arm for the art center.

Lotthammer said a model to look to would be how the Eden Prairie Hockey Association raised funds for the third sheet of ice. That group had a committee, and that committee was able to use personal and business contacts and put together naming rights, and explore other fundraising options, noted Lotthammer.

So, far, the city has received $25,000 from an anonymous donor. Lotthammer noted that any fundraising group formed could be an ongoing group. Fundraising for a future art center will be an ongoing process in order to cover operational expenses as well.

Lotthammer said it’s not just a matter of banging on doors for funds,--- “some of it could be arranging fundraising events,” such as shows, demonstrations, talks and auctions.

“But we really need the people that are committed, to step forward,” and help with looking for those corporate foundations or organizations that are willing to contribute towards the arts, he said.