In 1981, Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA) applied for a $1,000 grant from the then fledgling Community Foundation for a folklore exhibit that would be part of the City of Oberlin's Sesquicentennial and the 175th Anniversary of the settling of the Firelands.  Over time, that exhibit has evolved into Artist as Quiltmaker, an annual juried show that brings thousands of visitors each summer to FAVA's gallery in Oberlin's New Union Center for the Arts.  Artist as Quiltmaker is also the second longest consecutively-running quilt show in the United States.

Today, The Community Foundation is still a strong supporter of FAVA.  In 2009, the Foundation granted the arts organization $20,000 for general support.  FAVA also has placed its endowment fund within the Community Foundation.

This year, 2010, marks the 30th Anniversary of The Community Foundation of Lorain County.  We will periodically share stories like this one about those small early grants that have made an impact on our community.  Stay tuned, too, for update on our new building and for a schedule of events.