Eyedrum auction raises funds but crisis lingers

On many levels, the Eyedrum fundraising auction held Aug. 14 was a success. “We raised something in the ballpark of $15,000,” says Robert Cheatham, Eyedrum’s executive director. Despite that success, however, the nonprofit arts organization still faces an uncertain financial future. Paying off debts and accumulated rent took more than $6,000 directly out of that figure, Cheatham says, “You can see how quickly that number starts to shrink.”

The group readily admits it can’t afford the cost of rent for its massive converted industrial space in Grant Park. There’s been some talk about moving, but the Board of Directors is divided on the issue. Regardless of some of the board’s desire to change locations, its lease on the Grant Park property runs through December of 2010. Negotiations with the landlord, Braden Fellman, have deteriorated. “They’re a landlord, they want their money. They don’t say anything, really, though. They don’t return phone calls, e-mails. We’re frankly confused by their lack of contact,” Cheatham says.