Francis Hardy Center for the Arts

How did we get our name?

The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts is named after Francis Howe Hardy, a businessman turned artist, whose ambition was to create in Door County a climate of understanding and appreciation of the arts, which would attract both artists and art lovers to the area. Our gallery location is the graffiti-covered Historic Warehouse on Anderson Dock in Ephraim, WI. It has been home to the Hardy Gallery for over three decades. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hardy's significant financial contributions helped to renovate the current location. This unique venue is a piece of art on its own. Since the 1920s, boats that docked at its pier put their mark on the exterior of the building. This tradition continues today, but not just by boaters. Initials of lovers, poems, dates, etc. are still added to the structure!

What is our purpose?

The vision of the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts is to engage the intrinsic creativity in all human beings; to educate individuals to recognize their own creative power. Our mission is to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the arts through education and outreach programs, events and exhibits.

How do we accomplish this?

We are a 501c(3) non-profit organization whose focus is on education. We carry forth our message through events and through our gallery space. The FHCA wears a public face, but we also have a variety of programming to enhance the community in which we live.

Art Camp- an educational program in collaboration with an area school system meeting the needs of at-risk children of migrant workers. Children are introduced to new ideas, new experiences, and challenges that instill confidence, perseverance, a drive for excellence and the ability to analyze and solve problems.

Sample the Arts- an educational program that focuses on creative thinking, that touches hundreds of local children through collaboration with the Door County YMCA, Northern Door Child Care Center, and the Boys and Girls Club in Sturgeon Bay.

Art Therapy Program- collaborates with the Door County Dept. of Community Programs involving children age 3 to 6 with physical or mental disabilities. This art experience offers these children an opportunity to escalate their senses, trigger their creativity and encourages ongoing participation in creating art.

2006 Free Educational Events

-3 Day Art Destination Event, Aug. 10-12, 2006

This event starts off on Aug. 10 and 11 with an Art Studio Tour. This county wide, self-guided tour spans the Door Peninsula allowing you to visit over 45 artists at work in their studios. The focus of this tour is educating visitors on the creation of artist's work. The event wraps up Aug. 12 with the Door County Festival of the Arts. This 4th annual festival celebrates art with a full day of fine art and craft demonstrations and sales, hands-on art activities for children and adults, music and performance art. An in-depth opportunity to get a true sense of art in Door County! All 3 days are free and open to the public.

-Exhibits: Rotating exhibits of regional artists at the gallery throughout the summer. We are a non-selling gallery emphasizing the education of the arts, referring you directly to Door County artists. A visitor is given an educational opportunity in different media or subject matter of the arts. Trained docents are on-site and would be happy to walk you through the gallery if you wish. Whether you choose to stay for a short time or linger awhile at what we have to offer, you will not go away without gaining something! Check out our website for exhibit schedules at www.thehardy.org, email us at galleryinfo@thehardy.org or call 920-854-2210.

How does the FHCA achieve these valuable programs, events and exhibits?

As a 501c(3) non-profit organization we rely on public support. We have an active Board of Directors, staff, committees and volunteers to put forward our vision and mission.