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About Us

MISSION

To create an environment where all forms of artistic expression are appreciated, encouraged and seen as a contribution to the quality of life in our community.

About

Friends of the BCPA is a non-profit organization, EIN #: 46-3670083.

At Friends of the BCPA, we are committed to the development of arts in the Bloomington-Normal area. We support the BCPA in any way we can, including finding sources of funding to further the mission. Our current focus is the renovation of the Bloomington Creativity Center.

We all know the how important art is in shaping our culture and community.  From driving local tourism to helping children spark their creativity and imagination, art promotes true prosperity. We believe that this is essential to having a strong and cohesive community. Through Friends of the BCPA, we are helping to build a better future for our children and for our community.

Board of Directors

Vicki Tilton1

Vicki Tilton

President

"One of my favorite quotes is, 'When you teach someone to create, they are less likely to destroy!' The arts bring people together, allowing them to share their culture, their hearts and their souls! Everyone…
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Angie

Angie Serratos

Treasurer

"I am a lifelong resident of Bloomington and have made a career in community banking, located in the Downtown area. I joined the Board of Friends of the BCPA because it is important for me…
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Laura

Laura O'Connor

Secretary

"I'm an advocate of the arts because it can be considered one of the best forms of expression, it's a stress reliever, it can help individuals both mentally and physically and it's important in shaping…
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Jim Waldorf1

Jim Waldorf

"I support the Arts in Bloomington because I know how vitally important the Arts are in creating well-rounded, strong-minded members of society. The Arts help create confidence. For instance, there are studies that show, again…
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Lakeesha James-Smith

LaKeesha Smith is a graduate of Illinois State University. She is currently a co-director of Empowered to Create which is a local family and child organization in Bloomington-Normal. LaKeesha is a playwright, spoken word artist…
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Darrell Looney_crop_667_863

Darrell Looney

Dr. Looney began classical violin studies in Middle school where he tried a few stringed instruments, finally settling on the violin. In high school he joined the jazz band and began to perform in bands…
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Casey thumbnail_sent 12 25

Casey Pirtle

"I am honored to be involved with The Friends of the BCPA because the arts have played a meaningful role in my life and in the lives of my daughters. Being part of this organization…
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