Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper said the event is a celebration of members and corporate sponsors. JJ’s Steak and Pizza House is catering Thursday’s event.

“It’s a way to say, ‘Thank you not only for contributing your hard-earned money to our organization,’ but to catch them up on what their money went toward last year, and what we want to do if they renew their membership or sponsorship, moving forward.”

He said potential Art in the Loft members are also invited to Burgers and Beer to learn more about programs, which reach community members of all ages, including at least 600 students annually, as well as adults from age 18 to seniors in assisted living facilities.

“We will provide a programming update,” Christensen-Cooper said. “Impact numbers. We want them to know we had 400 fourth-graders up here this year. We want them to know we saw over 70 students with special needs, cooking in our kitchen.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper stands in front of the new donor wall, featuring hand-painted names by Mariah Brancheau on cute little palettes.

While Art in the Loft is a gallery offering a space for local artists to display and sell their work, so many classes and programs are offered throughout the year, in addition to initiatives within the community.

“Last week, we had four groups up here, four consecutive days,” Christensen-Cooper said on Tuesday. “We’re into senior living facilities every week, doing art classes.”

He also partners with Alpena Senior Citizens Center for their dementia support programs to offer art as a form of therapy for seniors.

Christensen-Cooper said the appreciation night’s main purpose is to show donors that “because of what you gave, here’s what we were able to do with it.”

While there is no cost to attend Burgers and Beer, Art in the Loft is requesting RSVPs to get an estimated head count. RSVP by clicking on the link at artintheloft.org, or by calling 989-356-4877.

Courtesy Image Art in the Loft's Burgers and Beer donor appreciation event starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Christensen-Cooper said Art in the Loft is not only a great place to come see art, or hold an event, but it is a creative educational hub for both school-age students and adults.

“People in our community can be better members of our community because of a place like this,” he said. “And Burgers and Beer is celebrating those people in a fun way.”

Art in the Loft is currently displaying the “Young Artist” exhibit, now through Saturday, featuring the artwork of about 600 Northeast Michigan students.

Scholarships are also offered to those who may not have the means to pay for classes, thanks to generous donors.