Forward Arts Foundation was founded on September 21, 1965 (weeks before Dana was dedicated!) as a non-profit organization by twelve visionary and community-minded Atlanta women. These dedicated art patrons selected as their home the carriage house of the Edward Inman estate, Swan House, located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center. Forward Arts has supported
Jeanne ’55 and Caroll Berry provided generous support, including their library of books on mid-century abstraction, for the recreation of the reading area that was original to the building on the south side of the first floor, now the Dana Art Library & Reading.
Anne Beidler and Jonathan Neiditz Fund for Art (Agnes Scott College) provides expanded learning opportunities for students.
James T. and Ella Rather Kirk (Agnes Scott College), established in 1978 by alumna and trustee Mary Wallace Kirk ’11, expands and enriches the academic programs in visual art, history, literature, music, and philosophy.
Sarah Hamilton Leathers ’53 and Leone Bowers Hamilton ’26 Art Lecture Series Fund (Agnes Scott College) to bring artists and scholars to campus to lecture on current trends, methods, media, or research within the visual arts.
Student Green Fee Fund (Agnes Scott College), a partnership with the Student Government Association, enables Scotties to address sustainability issues with the support of the Center for Sustainability and the Center for Student Involvement. This student-led group guides the funding decisions on a variety of initiatives including student organization sustainability projects, sustainability equipment upgrades, as well as small-scale student sustainability research projects.
Appleseed Tree Service (Mark Collins, owner and arborist) has been in the business of urban forest management in Decatur and surrounding intown communities since 1986. Thank you, Mark and Appleseed, for the delivery of mulch and guidance on stump grinding and ivy removal!
Pinnacle Custom Builders was established in Decatur/Oakhurst in 1996 and has remained committed to sustainable practices for decades. Pinnacle was one of the first Earth Craft-certified builders in Atlanta, with an expertise in the construction of modern houses. They built the first LEED platinum-certified residence in Decatur (The RainShine House, designed by Robert M. Cain) in 2012. Robert Soens, owner, has also been personally dedicated to community service and sustainability in this neighborhood, having started the MLK Service Project and guided the renovation of the former Scottish Rite complex (now The Solarium and adjacent buildings) during his time in Oakhurst He is a photographer and musician, a frequent performer at Oakhurst Porchfest with his band the Merry Banolos.
The Reading Room, operated by Kristin Radcliffe and Mary Tveit, is committed to uplifting other female-owned organizations and working towards a more just and equitable workforce. This women-forward business aligns strongly with Agnes Scott College’s identity and mission; and, we think, they throw the best parties.