Letter to the Editor: Caponi Art Park Looks Back at 2012

As we approach the end of the year, the board of directors and staff of Caponi Art Park and Learning Center express our thanks to everyone who helped to make 2012 such a successful year. We could not have provided our arts and cultural programs to the community without you.

This year Caponi Art Park celebrated its 20th anniversary as a nonprofit and opened its gates to 18,000 visitors who explored acres of woods dotted with sculptures. Hundreds of volunteers assisted with 29 cultural events presented to the community free of charge. Our staff and interns provided tours to 65 organized groups, teaching people of all ages about the beauty of nature and the power of art. Caponi Art Park also continued an outreach program that provided educational arts activities free of charge to 1,100 low-income and under-served youth in Dakota County and the surrounding area. In addition, the Art Park expanded its photography program to include a family portraiture day this fall, as well as two hands-on workshops, the photo contest, and a public exhibition of the winning photos this January at the Eagan Community Center. It was an exciting year, and our staff will keep busy this winter planning our 2013 season.

Thank you again to our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and visitors for making the 2012 season a success! The time, dedication, and hard work of volunteers as well as financial support by donors and visitors add to the park’s natural beauty and ensure that we can continue offering accessible arts and cultural programs to the community free of charge. See you at Caponi Art Park on May 1st!