Indiana-based First Bank of Berne donated $1,000 to local art gallery Gallery 15 & Studios LLC.
The Peru-based gallery opened in the fall of 2017. Designed to be a space for artists of different mediums, the gallery is complete with paintings and hosts music lessons and art classes. The donations will be used to advance area community art and music programs.
First Bank of Berne and Gallery 15 also partnered to display local art in the bank’s Peru branch as part of the bank’s recent renovations. Peru Branch Manager Jennifer Ash said the bank was initially unsure of how to best use the building’s extensive open lobby space. “The goal when we renovated the branch was to make it a space that was warm and welcoming to our community,” she noted. “We are excited to share some of that space with Gallery 15. While we still have an area designated to our customers, it’s great that we can also support a local business and community arts effort.”
Earlier in March, First Bank of Berne donated $1,000 to Pregnancy Care Center to help the organization provide free counseling and support for crisis pregnancies and family care.