ROCK CREEK -- From calling in Craig Robinson to host the Hollywood-themed 20th annual gala this Saturday, to implementing a new strategic plan, the Washington County Museum is exploring all avenues in a quest to become a community focal point.
The transformation started with a renovation to the building on the Portland Community College Rock Creek campus in 2007. A year later, the board of directors hired interim director Sam Shogren with a mission for the museum to offer a more diverse array of programs and events incorporating art, culture and history.
The Washington County Historical Society and Museum then became the Washington County Museum.
With the help of Shogren and consultant, Susan Suran, community interviews and surveys were conducted to get an understanding of the people the museum serves.
"Really what's driving the transformation is recognition by the board of the transformation in Washington County," Shogren said.
Increasing minority populations is a reason behind programs like the Latino Mobile Museum – a traveling exhibit that aims to teach local children about the history of Latinos in the county, he said.
In July, the museum officially partnered with Print Arts Northwest, which was struggling to survive. In what PAN interim director Barbara Mason calls a "natural" partnership, the lobby of the museum was converted into an art gallery for monthly exhibits. Now on the third Thursday of each month, the community is invited to sip wine at exhibit openings.
The museum hosts Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts two Saturdays a month and holds a Crossroads Lecture on regional and cultural history every third Wednesday.
Shogren said museum visitation has increased since his arrival. In 2008, 1,666 visitors walked through the museum doors and so far, 2,455 people have visited this year.In September, the first free Family Day lured in more than 200 people, who Shogren said came from all throughout the Portland metro area. The monthly Family Day events are being funded in part by a grant from the PGE Foundation.
Museum membership has also increased in the past year, in fact, it's doubled, he said. As of Jan. 1, the museum had 118 members. Eight months later, that number jumped to 314 members, Shogren said.
And those members are donating more money than ever before.
Shogren said he's seen a significant portion of members who donated between $30 and $50 last year bump up their gift to the "supporter" level to $100 or more.
Last year, members donated a total of $1,252 to support the annual gala and with just a few days before this year's event kicks off, donations have already reached $4,470, he said.
"Despite the economy, our members are making a bigger investment in the museum," Shogren said.
Tickets are selling well for Saturday's annual benefit, featuring Oregon State University basketball Coach Craig Robinson acting as master of ceremonies.
Proceeds from of the gala titled "A Swank Affair: Lights, Camera, Action!" which is sponsored by Reser's Fine Foods, will help finance the museum's educational programs and events.
With tickets priced at $150 a person and $270 a couple, the museum's programs should also be fairing well.