2025-01-30T20:16:31-06:00 2023-12-31 760269860 Blazek & Vetterling 2900 Weslayan Suite 200 Houston TX 77027 990PF 2023-01-01 746047440 Nelda C and H J Lutcher Stark Foundation NELD 4098833513 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Clyde V McKee III President & CEO 4098833513 2025-01-30 1 0 Kurt Coburn P01638285 7134395739 2025-01-30 2023 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X 653721476 X 54676 22527 22527 22527 10988431 10988431 10988431 -2576865 198902250 0 0 85735 473022 379261 389932 8961791 11390219 11486625 796337 237264 237264 559073 5520614 0 8708 5511906 2296617 47541 48847 2247770 49484 8556 8556 40927 11137 0 0 11137 2152174 2096096 2096096 56078 204034 112652 112652 0 3279232 0 0 681245 3908 3908 677337 104647 3377 3377 101270 9932 0 0 9932 5470761 136532 136532 5334231 20576214 2645926 2655940 14549661 262995 262995 20839209 2645926 2655940 14812656 -11877418 8744293 8830685 905 900 900 7755348 11527995 11527995 46909 55131 55131 186248477 173946515 191327727 60919513 55492218 56046345 842643 1416715 842643 4901163 94471132 95051583 118584299 91648292 45286966 44205987 46361326 86277916 43366468 43365803 185000000 438431454 426644114 653721476 8311 98389 8311 98389 X 438423143 426545725 438423143 426545725 438431454 426644114 438423143 -11877418 0 426545725 0 426545725 Publicly traded securities 194265788 200896977 -6631189 -6631189 Passthrough K-1 capital gain 161737 161737 161737 AG Energy Credit Opportunities Offshore Holdings IV, LP P 2020-07-01 2023-06-30 9017 8231 786 786 Sale of land D 2002-08-01 2023-12-08 4463064 573907 3889157 3889157 -2579509 -2730937 121546 0 121546 0 121546 232958 0 0 0 232958 X 0 111412 111412 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 TX 1 1 0 1 0 1 www.starkfoundation.org Clyde V McKee III 4098833513 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Deborah Hughes 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Chair 3.00 15000 0 0 W G Riedel III 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Vice Chair 2.00 15000 0 0 Rob Clark 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Director 2.00 15000 0 0 Dr Suzonne Crockett 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Director 2.00 15000 0 0 Al Granger 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Director 2.00 15000 0 0 Craig Lemons 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Director 2.00 0 0 0 Clyde V McKee III 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 President & CEO 40.00 346310 17206 0 Jennifer L Staton 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 VP/CFO/Tres 40.00 301373 29894 0 Sarah Wester 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Secretary 40.00 73654 22855 0 Jennifer Barroeta 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 HR Manager 40.00 176155 37966 0 Jessie Deville 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Chief Property Offic 40.00 203614 9955 0 Preston Lange 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Property Supervisor 40.00 122790 72862 0 Angela Mason 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Gardens Director 40.00 182346 9166 0 Andra Sanford 601 Green Ave Orange TX 776305718 Lutcher Theater Dire 40.00 144401 27527 0 46 Honeywell Building Solutions 1985 Douglas Dr N Golden Valley MN 55422 Bldg maintenance/ Construction 4748079 UBS Financial Services Inc 1285 Ave of the Americas New York NY 10019 Investment Management 631275 Richard Bernstein Advisors 1251 6th Ave New York NY 10020 Investment Management 609324 GCM Grosvenor 767 5th Ave 14th Floor New York NY 10153 Investment Management 397225 Schaffer Cullen Capital Management 645 5th Ave Ste 1201 New York NY 10022 Investment Management 179981 5 Stark Museum of Art - See Statements 15 & 16 5066044 W. H. Stark House - See Statements 17 & 18 1587717 Lutcher Theater - See Statement 19 6798753 Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center - See Statement 20 6406640 0 243428438 2863718 127395117 373687273 0 0 373687273 5605309 368081964 18404098 X 14812656 0 5442686 20255342 2011-10-17 X 8830685 6144273 19628431 5264981 39868370 7506082 5222632 16684166 4475234 33888115 20255342 17328630 15995820 13152156 66731948 262995 311916 555493 851384 1981788 19992347 17016714 15440327 12300772 64750160 0 0 12269399 12557765 13503393 11272767 49603324 0 0 0 0 X Lamar State College - Orange 418 Green Ave Orange TX 77630 N/A GOV To fund a Stark scholarship program administered by LSCO 100000 Bridge City ISD 1035 West Roundbunch Bridge City TX 77611 N/A GOV To fund the BCISD Stem Bus 10000 Southeast Texas Food Bank Inc 3845 S Martin Luther King Jr Parkway Beaumont TX 77705 N/A PC Food Backpack Program to provide weekend food for indigent children 25000 Orange Christian Services 2518 Park Avenue Orange TX 77630 N/A PC School Supplies & Toiletries for Back to School Orange County Program 12210 Orange Co Community Partners for Children 4446 Gilbert Dr Orange TX 77632 N/A PC To stock the Rainbow Room in Orange with emergency food, clothing and toys 5000 Orange Community Action Association PO Box 728 Orange TX 77631 N/A PC Funds for Meals on Wheels program serving the Orange County area 5000 Bridge City ISD 1035 West Roundbunch Bridge City TX 77611 N/A GOV To purchase clothing for indigent school children 5000 Deweyville ISD PO Box 408 Deweyville TX 77614 N/A GOV To purchase clothing for indigent school children 5000 Little Cypress - Mauriceville CISD 7327 Hwy 87 North Orange TX 77632 N/A GOV To purchase clothing for indigent school children 5000 Orangefield ISD PO Box 228 Orangefield TX 77639 N/A GOV To purchase clothing for indigent school children 2500 Vidor ISD 120 E Bolivar Vidor TX 77662 N/A GOV To purchase clothing for indigent school children 5000 West Orange - Cove CISD PO Box 1107 Orange TX 77631 N/A GOV To purchase clothing for indigent school children 5000 Orange County Sheriff's Office PO Box 1468 Orange TX 77631 N/A GOV Funds for the Blue Sana Program serving children in need during Christmas 10000 The Salvation Army of Orange PO Box 2568 Fredericksburg TX 78624 N/A PC To purchase food, toiletries, basic items for indegent persons 25000 Ashley Callahan A-41 ASB Povo UT 84602 None I Scholarship 4410 Mallory Chilton P O Box 7758 UT Station Austin TX 78713 None I Scholarship 3377 Waverlee Cooper PO Box 10183 Beaumont TX 77710 None I Scholarship 1538 Clara Dunn ACU Box 29000 Abilene TX 79699 None I Scholarship 1500 Ava Gassen P O Box 7758 UT Station Austin TX 78713 None I Scholarship 4464 Sarah Howell PO Box 2328 Huntsville TX 77341 None I Scholarship 4000 Baylee Kibodeaux PO Box 10183 Beaumont TX 77710 None I Scholarship 2745 Jezlyn Matlock P O Box 30016 College Station TX 77842 None I Scholarship 715 Lance Parks P O Box 7758 UT Station Austin TX 78713 None I Scholarship 3690 Sadie Prouse 900 College Street Belton TX 76513 None I Scholarship 6000 Mary Wernig PO Box 10183 Beaumont TX 77710 None I Scholarship 3986 Matthew Whitten PO Box 10183 Beaumont TX 77710 None I Scholarship 3040 Savannah Young PO Box 10183 Beaumont TX 77710 None I Scholarship 3820 262995 Lamar State College - Orange 418 Green Ave Orange TX 77630 N/A GOV Scholarship administered by LSCO 500000 Orange Community Action Association PO Box 728 Orange TX 77631 N/A PC Fund Meals on Wheels for Indegent 15000 Orange Co Comm Partners for Children 4446 Gilbert Dr Orange TX 77632 N/A PC Funds to stock Rainbow Room 6000 Orange Lions Club Charity Carnival PO Box 1572 Orange TX 77631 N/A PC For maintenance of equipment used in charity carnival 20000 Scholarship Awards PO Drawer 909 Orange TX 77631 None I Scholarships 179282 720282 Educational programs 10014 14 22527 14 10988431 18 -2579509 2644 Passthrough K-1 income 14 36864 Oil & gas royalties 15 326919 Refunds/ins proceeds 01 99225 0 8894457 12658 8907115 1a Both Shangri La Botanical Gardens and the Stark Museum of Art charge a materials fee for various educational workshops held throughout the year. These activities contribute importantly to the accomplishment of the Foundation's exempt educational purpose by stimulating and enhancing public awareness, interest, and appreciation for the varied educational programming offered by the Stark Cultural Venues. 8 Disposal of assets used in charitable programs. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X X 1 Koch Industries PO Box 2256 Wichita KS 67201 11000 X 2 International Paper 812 Owens Illinois Rd Orange TX 77632 9000 X 3 Chevron Phillips 5309 FM 1006 Orange TX 77630 11000 X 4 Kroger - Southwest KMA PO Box 677528 Dallas TX 75267 5000 X Independent audit/tax services 11137 0 0 11137 Land 2011-11-11 707432 L 0 0 0 Mineral interests 2011-11-11 135211 L 0 0 0 Land 2011-11-11 6320754 L 0 0 0 Buildings 2011-11-11 77697456 37081365 SL 25.000000000000 2689711 0 0 Machinery and Equipment 2011-11-11 7630082 4926369 SL 5.000000000000 589521 0 0 Disposal of assets used in charitable programs Purchased 2644 Cost 0 2644 Controlled Entities Form 990-PF, Part VII-A, Line 11 The entity below is an investment fund and is not a business enterprise, per IRC 4943(d)(3)(B).GCM Galaxy, SPCP.O. Box 309 Ugland HouseGrand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman IslandsEIN 99-9999999During 2023, the Foundation received a distribution from this investment fund in the amount of $10,000,000. Summary of Direct Charitable Activities Form 990-PF, Part VIII-A THE PURPOSE OF THE STARK FOUNDATION The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 1961 to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas. The Stark Foundation carries out this mandate, in part, through the programs of the Stark Museum of Art, the W.H. Stark House, the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, and the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. Through the operation of these venues, the Stark Foundation contributes historical, artistic, environmental, and cultural resources to the area and provides the community and region with opportunities for study and enjoyment of the arts, history, and nature.The Foundation seeks to encourage and assist education through grants and through the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program for public high school students in Orange County, Texas. The Foundation may also make grants for health and human services, arts and culture, and community enhancement. Location and Hours of Operation: The Stark Foundation office is located at 601 Green Avenue, Orange, Texas 77630. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Foundation is closed on major holidays, including Christmas Eve day through New Year's Day. Stark Foundation Contact Information: The phone number is (409) 883-3513. The fax number is (409) 883-3530. The mailing address is P.O. Box 909, Orange TX 77631-0909. The website is www.starkfoundation.org.The email address is info@starkfoundation.org. FOUNDATION PROGRAMSSTARK CULTURAL VENUES:In January 2013, the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation established a new Stark Cultural Venues ("SCV") brand identity, which formally tied together Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, the Stark Museum of Art, and The W.H. Stark House. The reorganization established the Stark Art and History Venues ("A&H"), which combined operations of the Stark Museum of Art ("SMA"), The W.H. Stark House ("House"), the SMA Library ("Library"), and the Stark Foundation Archive ("Archive"). Additionally, this reorganization consolidated management of the A&H venues under one director.While the A&H Venue budgets and staff offices are tied to the specific venues (Museum, House, Library, and Archive), the staff was reorganized into five functional groups that connect across the venues: administration, curatorial, collections, exhibitions, and education. Free Admission to Stark Cultural Venues:General admissions to all Stark Cultural Venue programming are free and open to the public. Lutcher Theater Inc. charges admissions to its show program events. Some special programming may require a fee to offset special material and supply costs.All school groups receive free admission to the SCV. Lutcher Theater charges a nominal admission fee for school groups. Transportation for school groups to visit Stark Cultural Venues is generally reimbursed to encourage school visitation. Transportation to the Lutcher Theater for school groups is not reimbursed.Stark Cultural Venues are open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on major holidays, including Christmas Eve day through New Year's Day.See the Annual Reports for the Stark Art and History Venues, Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, and the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. STARK MUSEUM OF ART - Line 1 Operating Expenses: $4,308,800Capital Expenditures: $757,244Total Program Expenditures: $5,066,044Employees: 16 Full-time, 2 Part-time, and 2 Volunteers The Stark Museum of Art ("SMA") opened to the public in November 1978 with the expressed objective of preserving and displaying the art collection of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation for the benefit of the public. The Museum's permanent collection consists of Art of the American West 1830-1950 (paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints), Native American artifacts, Steuben crystal, rare books and manuscripts, and porcelain birds by Edward Marshall Boehm and Dorothy Doughty. Almost 20,000 square feet of the Museum is dedicated to exhibitions including 4,000 square feet of gallery space devoted to temporary exhibits on changing themes. The Foundation continues to add to the collection by acquiring works of art that complement and enhance the permanent collection. Statement of Purpose: In support of the mission of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, the Stark Museum of Art preserves a significant collection of paintings, sculptures, books, prints, and artifacts with an emphasis on the art of the American West. The Museum strives to educate, enrich, and inspire area students and the broader community through interpretive and educational exhibitions, interactive programming, art making experiences, lectures, and publications. Additionally, the SMA makes research accessible and supports scholarship relating to the study of art, encourages creativity, helps develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of art, fosters an appreciation for its preservation, and provides a meaningful connection between the past and the present. Admissions and Tour Information: General Admissions and tours are free and open to the public. Guided tours for students and adults and studio art experiences are available with pre-registration. Location and Hours of Operation: The Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue, Orange, Texas 77630. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Museum is closed on major holidays, including Christmas Eve day through New Year's Day. Stark Museum of Art Contact Information: The phone number is (409) 886-2787. The fax number is (409) 883-6361. The mailing address is P.O. Box 909, Orange TX 77631-0909. The website is www.starkmuseum.org. The email address is info@starkmuseum.org. THE W.H. STARK HOUSE - Line 2 Operating Expenses: $1,119,058Capital Expenditures: $468,659Total Program Expenditures: $1,587,717Employees: 3 Full-time and 14 Volunteers The W.H. Stark House ("House") is the 1894 Victorian home of Miriam and William H. Stark that has been restored to the 1920s time period. It contains more than 11,000 decorative objects and artifacts, original to the family, which are exhibited in 15 room settings in this historic house and in the Carriage House exhibition spaces. In 1976, The W.H. Stark House was designated as a recorded Texas Historical Landmark and was entered in the National Register of Historic Places. Carriage House of the W.H. Stark House: The first floor of the Carriage House, where the House tour begins, contains, among other family items, a 1908 Hupmobile in pristine condition. On the second floor, visitors will find an extensive collection of "American Brilliant Cut Glass" from the period 1880-1915. Other items include a collection of elaborately carved ivory from the Orient and many decorative objects owned by the W.H. Stark family from the 1800's to the early 1900's.Statement of Purpose: In support of the mission of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, The W.H. Stark House ("House") preserves and exhibits its structures, grounds, and collections in order to interpret the historical role of the W.H. Stark family in the history of Southeast Texas and the greater Gulf region. The House strives to educate, enrich, and inspire our visitors and the broader community by helping develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of history, by encouraging an appreciation for its preservation, and by providing a meaningful connection between the past and the present. Admissions and Tour Information: General Admissions and tours are free and open to the public. The House will reopen for tours in early October 2024. The public is encouraged to book their tour reservations online. Location and Hours of Operation:Both The W.H. Stark House and the associated Carriage House are located at 610 Main in historic downtown Orange, Texas. Beginning in 2024, the House plans to be open Tuesdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays of each month. Guided tours of the House are available for ages 8 and older. The website will list specific days the House is open for tours and the available time slots for each day. In addition to the open tour dates, the House plans to host a variety of specialty tours and programs that feature the Lutcher and Stark families and area history. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours of the House are available for ages 6 and up. One adult is required for every two children ages 6 12. The last tour begins at 4:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to book all tours online. The House is closed on major holidays, including Christmas Eve day through New Year's Day. Additional information is available by calling (409) 883-0871. Small drop by groups are always welcome. The W.H. Stark House Contact Information: The phone number is (409) 883-0871. The fax number is (409) 886-4697.The mailing address is P.O. Box 909, Orange TX 77631-0909. The website is www.whstarkhouse.org. The email address is info@whstarkhouse.org. Direct Charitable Activities Form 990-PF, Part VIII-A, Line 1 Stark Art & History Venues 2023 Impact ReportIntroThis report highlights Stark Art & History Venue (A & H) activities from January December 2023. Details about each of the venues (Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, Eunice R. Benckenstein Library & Archive) are organized into 3 sections: Attendance, Programming, General Operations. A &H staff continue to frame our work around 3 priorities: Center Community, Inspire Curiosity, Champion Multiple Perspectives. This work is ongoing and benefits greatly from discussion and input from the A & H Community Advisory Council and program attendees. It is a privilege to lead such a dynamic, creative, passionate, and hardworking team. As detailed in the following pages, staff continue to develop high caliber programs, exhibitions, and events and do equally high caliber work behind the scenes to support those efforts and care for the collections entrusted to our stewardship. The end of the report includes a section on staff happenings.The response from A & H visitors and participants continues to be positive, including comments like:General Visitors to Museum - "The description text for the paintings is outstanding as to the painter and both how/what was meant to be conveyed. More than 1 visit is required."- "We have seen Stark loaned pieces in Georgia and Oklahoma. Thank you for letting them make the rounds." Museum Visitors from Iowa- "We came for the Remingtons but there is so much more!"- "I love music. It brings the exhibits to life."- Visitor from Maine (in response to SMA Playlist interpretation in galleries)- "This was wonderful, phenomenal! Truly great! Who would expect this to be in Orange, Texas?"- "We learned about the Stark Museum during a visit to the Booth Museum in Cartersville, GA. A brochure included you as one of the 10 best western art museums."Museum School Program Participants- "The Stark Foundation always offers programs that are beneficial to our kids." K-12 Teacher Participant- "This is the very best hands-on activity I've ever been a part of." K-12 Teacher Participant- "The Stark/Shangri La trip is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect art, science, and history, as well as a chance to connect with the beauty of our community." K-12 Teacher Participant- "This program was educational and the kids always enjoy it. This may be the only opportunity for most of them to come to the museum." K-12 Teacher Participant for Reading Rug program - "Thanks for everything you do to promote the arts in our community." Teacher Participant from ART: It's Elementary Exhibition - "Always awesome! Keep up the good work. I love coming here. So positive." Teacher Workshop Participant - "Thank you so much for always spoiling us and educating us at the same time." Teacher Workshop Participant- "Thank you guys so much for making my first ever Art workshop one to remember! I hope you don't mind me leaning on you guys this year!" Teacher Workshop Participant- "The Stark Museum of Art provides a phenomenal summer program to the students of Vidor ISD. We start the summer off with the Creativity Kits, which drives students to the Green Bus. Once we have them hooked, they continue to come to the bus for books and a hot lunch. We fed a record-breaking 4,000+ meals this summer. The program seems to get better each year." School Participant for Summer Creativity Kit Outreach - "On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors, and the many Orange families who come to us daily for their needs, please accept our most gracious appreciation for choosing Orange Christian Services as a recipient of the Stark Museum of Art Creativity Kits. The children who received these kits were thrilled to be able to explore new possibilities. We are humbled and thankful for your caring support. We especially thank you for entrusting Orange Christian Services in continuing the work of God in helping the many less fortunate of His children. We are so grateful for the many ways the Stark Foundation partners with us to continue God's Love in Action. Truly yours, Judy K. Jenson" Community Participant for Summery Creativity Kit Outreach Museum Program Participants- "Absolutely, the best camp around. She had so much fun, and got to try a variety of projects." Art Quest Parent - "The camp teachers and staffs are phenomenal. They make sure every child feels comfortable and have fun. Thank you for all that you do." - Art Quest Parent- "My favorite part of the workshop was getting to do the project, how helpful the staff is, and all the people coming to experience art together. Thank you for providing these opportunities for the community! CREATE! Workshop Participant- "Wonderful experience and I look forward to more. Timeframe of the class was perfect. CREATE Workshop participant- "I loved learning something new." Adult Studio Workshop Participant - "I was really impressed with the instructor how she conducted the class as well as her skill." Adult Studio Workshop Participant- "We loved all the activities. Great job with all the staff and efforts." Family Day Participant- "I attended Family Day today because it was educational and a fun thing to do with my family." Family Day Participant - "I have been able to meet other families in such an amazing place and with such wonderful staff. I made lifelong friends at these playdates over 4 years ago." - SMA Playdate Participant- "I love the planning that goes into the activities. The fact that they are learning while they play. I love the mom friendship that has been cultivated here. Thank you for all you do!" SMA Playdate Participant House Program Participants- "Thank you for always putting on such great programs. I lived in Houston and DC for several years. The Stark programs truly offer exceptional programs. You guys make Orange very special and enhance the minds as well as experience of kids and adults. Thank you!" - Comment left on evaluation from The Summer Reading Festival Sherlock Holmes June 2023Stark Museum of ArtAttendanceThe Stark Museum of Art had 42,765 people attend both on-site and off-site activities as well as access virtual content. From January December 2023, the Museum had 2,909 walk-in visitors. On average approximately 58% of visitors each month are first time visitors. During 2023 the Museum hosted visitors from Mexico, Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, Germany, France, Kurdistan, Turkey, Albania, England, and Switzerland. A variety of options are available to walk in visitors to enhance their visit. These include: scavenger hunts, audio tours, Spotify SMA Playlists, videos, and reading areas.ProgrammingSchool - 35,891 attendees-Virtual including virtual field trips, Mural@Home, on-line student art exhibitions-Onsite including student field trips and educator professional development, serving students from Pre-K-College, and filled available onsite field trip dates offered in 2023. - Outreach Students submitting entries for Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, Creativity kits for students participating in summer feeding or enrichment programs and Mural Outreach program Public Programs - 3,810 attendees- Virtual Lunch & Look programs (registrations only)- Onsite including CREATE! workshops, Juried Art Reception 4 weeks of Art Quest Summer Camp, Adult Studio Workshops, Date Night @ the Museum, A Noble Pastime Opening Reception- Outreach including Summer Library Programs, Boys & Girls Club Outreach, activities presented at other non-profit organizations Other - 155 attendees- Community Use Hosted Leadership Southeast Texas - SCV Joint Engagement SMA activity and interaction at WHSH Summer Reading Festival Digital EngagementWebsite Engagement - 16,588 -8,042 unique pageviews January 1 to April 10, 2023 Top 10 Pages Viewed -Stark Museum of Art-Search the Collections-Family & Children Programs-Exhibitions-Adult Programs-Hours (not set)-Museum at Home-Onsite Field Trips-Juried Student Art Exhibition8,546 unique users April 11 through December 31, 2023 Google Analytics updated reporting structure in April 2023 and unique user is equivalent to unique pageview in previous report Top 10 Pages Viewed-Stark Museum of Art-Search the Collections-Juried Student Art Exhibition-Juried Student Art Exhibition Classroom Presentations-Hours-Family & Children Programs-Who We Are-Onsite Field Trips-What to Expect-Exhibitions Additional Museum Programming and projects-SMA Education conducted evaluations of ongoing programs and processed 818 evaluations providing significant feedback for program operations and development. -As a part of evaluation, museum staff use an Overall Experience Rating (OER) to evaluate visitor experience. Visitors are asked to rate their experience using the following scale: Poor, Fair, Good, Superior 90% of program participants rated museum programs as superior, 10% rated programs as Good -SMA Education regularly assisted with Open House and programming at The W.H. Stark House including Art in the Park Open House, Summer R Direct Charitable Activities Form 990-PF, Part VIII-A, Line 2 The W.H. Stark House including Stark Reading ContestAttendanceThe W.H. Stark House had a total of 2,312 people attend both on-site and off-site activities, as well as access virtual content. Programming School - 345 attendees- Onsite total of 67 in attendance at the Stark Reading Contest County Final - Outreach includes attendance at Stark Reading Contest School Finals in the spring and entries for the 2023 2024 Contest in the fall.Public Programs - 2,059 attendees- Onsite 1,959 in attendance including Open Houses, Summer Reading Festival, Book Club, Hands-On History, CREATE! Workshops with the Stark Museum of Art, Pre-Show Talks with the Lutcher Theater, 1st Floor Fridays, and Holiday Tours - Outreach 100 providing activity at the annual Stark Museum of Art's Family Day-100 additional students were served through the distribution of past Summer Reading kits to Boys & Girls Club of Orange. These kits were not logged in program attendance. Digital EngagementWebsite Engagement - 10,644 4,633 unique pageviews January 1 to March, 2023 Top 10 Pages Viewed - The W.H. Stark House- Exhibits- Programs- The House at Home- People- William Henry Stark- FAQ- First Floor- Calendar- House6,011 unique users April through December 31, 2023 Google Analytics updated reporting structure in April 2023 and unique user is equivalent to unique pageview in previous report Top 10 Pages Viewed- The W.H. Stark House- Exhibits- Programs (not set)- People- A Stark Family Christmas: Guided Tours- William Henry Stark- The House at Home- Henry Jacob Lutcher Stark- Miriam Melissa Lutcher Stark119th Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation (SRC):The Stark Reading Contest is the signature educational program offered by The W.H. Stark House. Each year $50,000 in scholarship funds are awarded to Orange County High School Students.The SRC coordinator (retitled: Education & Programming Manager) works with a SRC director at each of the five Orange County Public High SchoolsMore than 102 students participated in the school levels of the 2022-2023 school year contest.In response to reduced COVID restrictions, the SRC County Final was live at the Lutcher Theater for the first time in 2 years. Ten students who had previously won first place at the various local level competitions competed in the categories of Declamation and Interpretive Reading.Evaluation Process:The WHSH values visitor feedback. After every program and house tour we offer guests the opportunity to rate the quality of the program, note their favorite program experience, provide suggestions, and opt in to direct communication. We also collect demographic data through the visitor evaluation. We collected feedback from 122 visitors in 2023. Some of the comments left include the following: - "Keep up the good work. The History is amazing and needs to be maintained. So important."- "Please keep doing these type of events! These venues are "hidden gems" that shouldn't be hidden."Comment from Family Day Open House - "You all are awesome! I loved coming here!"Comment from Family Day Open House Orientation:The WHSH team provided orientation training for holiday programming and tours to over 30 volunteers and staff. Exhibitions:Brilliant: Cut Glass from the W.H. Stark HouseMay 19, 2023 ongoingMiriam Lutcher Stark spent years filling her home with items to reflect both her family's status and her personal style. This included a large collection of American Brilliant Cut Glass (1867 - 1917).Many of these items once adorned the dining room table, used at mealtimes by family and friends. Some held fresh cut flowers to decorate rooms throughout the house. Others provided light for reading in the evening hours. Today, they are on display for you to enjoy. We invite you to look closely and discover what made this period in American glassmaking "brilliant."Staff utilized a Matterport 3D camera to scan the Brilliant exhibition in the Carriage House. The completed scans were made accessible on The W.H. Stark House website. In 2023, there were 108 "Impressions" of the Matterport space, and 51 Views by 41 Unique Visitors.Additional House Programming and Projects:Education & Programming Manager, Collections staff, and Building Services staff designed and built a Touch Wall Panel on wheels that contained Education Collection objects such as an original intercom from the WHSH. General OperationsResearch and other WHSH related projects:-In 2022 began exploring collaborative program opportunities with the creators of Bridge City's STEM Bus. The STEM Bus features mobile labs and experiments for all age groups at events throughout the community and was completed in Fall 2023. The W.H. Stark House collaborated with Bridge City high school students and instructors to create labs based on the area's lumber history as well as early technology and craftsmanship featured in The W.H. Stark House. These labs debuted at the September Family Day.Collections:Exterior Preservation Projects: - Fountain in front of Carriage House was restored and repainted by May 2023. - Carriage House exterior doors were repaired to close and lock easier by June 2023. - Building Services and Security installed an Active Shooter safe doorknob to the exterior Carriage House breakroom door by August 2023. - Replaced, re-caulked, and painted wood on the exterior of the WHSH and Carriage House. The previous wood panels were rotting. This was completed by August 2023. Interior Preservation Projects: -Complete reconstruction project of the Carriage House in preparation for the Brilliant: American Cut Glass Exhibit which included dry-walling, repainting walls, staining and sanding exhibit cabinets, A/C Duct cleaning, and new lights installed. Completed by April 2023. - Honeywell, Building Services, and Security installed an Access Control panel on the interior Carriage House breakroom door by August 2023. - This was done for the protection of the objects in the Brilliant: American Cut Glass Exhibit.- Carpet beetle remnants found in Tower Room in March 2023. Thorough walkthrough with pest management specialist assessed entire WHSH and no signs of active carpet beetle infestation were found.- Tower room remained a quarantine space from March to May 2023.- Deep cleaning methods were discussed and enforced starting April 2023.Photography: Tom DuBrock, Houston Museum of Natural Science photographerIn October, photographed fifteen (15) objects at the House, including details on the dining chairs.In December, photographed the holiday settings in The W.H. Stark House.Hurricane Prep Annual hurricane season photos were taken by the Registration Assistant and CPO of all interior and exterior spaces of WHSH property- Physical Care of the CollectionsThe care and keeping of the WHSH collection was maintained by the collections team, the WHSH team, and through custodial support. A cleaning plan was followed throughout the year which included dust and pest management while utilizing best practices for object care.- Acquisitions/AccessionsNo objects were acquired for or accessioned to the WHSH Collection in 2023.- Spot Audits/InventoryTwo spot audits of the WHSH collection were conducted successfully in 2023, in late May and late November. Collections staff located all objects on the lists randomly generated by the accounting staff. Staff continue as time allows to do follow-up work on the 2019 WHSH Inventory. - Southeast Texas Storm SeasonAnnually, staff update the Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery document in May and review and restock preparedness supplies. 2023 was a calm storm season for this region and did not necessitate any major object movements. - Additional Exhibitions and Collections ProjectsIn preparation for repair work in the WHSH Primary Bedroom, Collections staff packed and moved all objects that were on surfaces throughout the room as well as furniture pieces in the corner where the repair work is to be done, to the adjacent Sitting Room.The collections team and WHSH team collaborated on the House redress project in preparation for the 2023 holiday programming. The Tower Room was entirely reimagined. The Dining Room, Library, Butler's Pantry, and Nurse's Quarters benefitted from object changes to further advance the interpretation of those spaces.Eunice R. Benckenstein Library & ArchiveAttendance/Use- Handled a total of 687 inquires in 2023. Queries include 96 requests for library material, 245 requests for archive materials, 315 functional entries (these have to do with the operation of the L&A vs more traditional requests)576 requests were internal, 29 from external users including from within the city of Orange, 10 from Orange County, 22 from Texas outside of Orange County, and 22 from outside of Texas, 57 Unknown71 items were loaned out of the library. Direct Charitable Activities Form 990-PF, Part VIII-A, Line 2 General Operations- Described Stark and Benckenstein Ledger record group- Continued description of litigation files- Reviewed and organized extensive files of oral histories compiled for The Long Shadow project.- Digitized collections materials for A & H programs- Received donations including: Items from the File Room in the Administration BuildingObituary of Tom Windham, Local Artist (d. 2022)Stark Reading Contest Records from outgoing directorNewspapers from Shangri La GardensReview Copy of The Gulf South38 new items were cataloged into the Library's electronic catalog through purchase or donation.10 New record groups were identified to be placed in the Archive CMS with 4 more possible record to be identified. There are a total of 273 record groups in the Archive CMS. Most of the new record groups were used during the "litigation" of the 1990s and contain both original records and copies made by the legal teams. Other record groups with names like "Inactive General Files" are being further described to identify topics. - Researched records relating to: Henry "Doc" Reeves at UTW. Fiske, Maker of the Statue of Children by the Carriage HouseBooks donated to University of Texas by Miriam StarkBessie Heights, TXOrange Ice, Light, and Water Company Foundation Oil & Gas Leases- Checked rehousing of records completed by volunteers, who are currently rehousing records from the early 1980s. The Archive had 2 volunteers in the first half of the year who rehoused material. They left for other opportunities but 6 more were trained in November and December The Library and Records Manager also rehouses records.Re-housing includes, removing material from old boxes and folders, which may cause damage to materials, and placing them in stable archival folders and boxes. Materials are examined for needed repairs and treatment. Some simple preservation work is done, such as the removal of rusty staples. Archive volunteers continued working on re-housing record groups, including the Nelda C. Stark Records. The Library & Records Manager provides guidance and instruction for the volunteers.Volunteers & StaffVolunteers- In 2023, we had 28 individual volunteers contribute 379 hours and 37 minutes of their time and energy to Stark Art & History Venues. They attended a total of 78 events.Eunice R. Benckenstein Library and Archives 237:13The W.H. Stark House 117:44Stark Museum of Art 24:40AccomplishmentsGreeted and guided over 1,200 visitors to The W.H. Stark House and GroundsWere instrumental in the success of Christmas Open House and Summer Reading Festival at The W. H. Stark HouseGreeted 131 visitors to special events at the Stark Museum of ArtAssembled 250 art kits to give awaySet up 2 major receptions at the Stark Museum of ArtPreserved dozens of boxes of primary source material for archives re-housing in the Eunice R. Benckenstein Library and Archives Direct Charitable Activities Form 990-PF, Part VIII-A, Line 3 LUTCHER THEATER 2023 ANNUAL REPORTSubmitted by Lynae Sanford, Executive Director, Lutcher Theater Inc.Social Media/Web Analytics Submitted by Social Media Manager, Abigail LiptackLutcher Theater Inc. is committed to presenting professional entertainment for the enlightenment and cultural growth of people living in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana and to better their quality of life and knowledge of the arts and humanities.ATTENDANCE2023 encompasses the second half of the 2022-2023 Season and the first half of the 2023-2024 Season. The following is a summary of the events the Lutcher offered in 2023, number of tickets sold for each event and correlating ticket revenue.- 2022-2023 SeasonDoktor Kaboom (Tickets Sold: 2,731 - $13,797)Grace For President (Tickets Sold: 2,425 - $12,310)The Simon and Garfunkel Story (Tickets Sold: 1,362 - $75,010)Pride and Prejudice (Tickets Sold: 948 - $14,205)Home Free (Tickets Sold: 1,174 - $46,140)Ugly Duckling (Ticket Sold: 2,316 - $11,942)Voctave (Tickets Sold: 787 - $36,920)Call of the Wild (1,155 - $5,857)Anastasia (Tickets Sold: 1,974 - $151,700)Jimmy Fortune, Malpass Brothers (Tickets Sold: 850 - $41,133) Tootsie (Tickets Sold: 983 - $73,600)- 2023-2024 SeasonToms and the Library Lady (Tickets Sold: 1,403 - $1,810)Craig Morgan (Tickets Sold: 858 - $53,700)The Rainbow Fish (Tickets Sold: 2,133 - $10,945)Mean Girls (Tickets Sold: 1,807 - $144,450)Erth's Dinosaur Zoo (Tickets Sold: 1,460 - $7,550)A Very Electric Christmas (Tickets Sold: 5,160 - $26,156)Romeo and Juliet (Tickets Sold: 863 - $4,417)STOMP (Tickets Sold: 1,729 - $88,695)Voctave It Looks Like Christmas (Tickets Sold: 2,458 - $37,355)PROGRAMMING (2022-2023 SEASON)- Main SeriesThe Simon and Garfunkel Story Thursday, February 2, 2023Voctave The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Saturday, March 4, 2023Anastasia Thursday & Friday, Marche 30 & 31, 2023Jimmy Fortune with Special Guests The Malpass Brothers Saturday, April 22, 2023Tootsie Monday, May 1, 2023- Lutcher Incredible Kids Events SeriesDr. Kaboom Look Out! Science is Coming! Thursday, January 19, 2023Grades 3rd-8thCurriculum Connections: STEAMGrace For President Tuesday, January 31, 2023Grades 1st-4thCurriculum Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, History, Social/Personal DevelopmentUgly Duckling Wednesday, March 1, 2023Grades: K-5thCurriculum Connections: Fine Arts, Language Arts, Emotional/Social DevelopmentCall of the Wild Tuesday, March 21, 2023Grades 3rd +Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts, Language Arts, Science, History, Emotional/Social DevelopmentPROGRAMMING (2023-2024 SEASON) - Main SeriesCraig Morgan Sunday, October 15, 2023Mean Girls Saturday, November 4, 2023STOMP Friday& Saturday, December 8 & 9, 2023Voctave It Feels Like Christmas Sunday, December 17, 2023- Lutcher Incredible Kids Events SeriesToms and the Library Lady Friday, October 13, 2023Grades K-5thCurriculum Connections: Reading, 21st Century Learning, Social StudiesThe Rainbow Fish Friday, October 27, 2023Grades Pre-K-3rdCurriculum Connections: Puppetry Visual Arts, Literature, Ocean LifeErth's Dinosaur Zoo Live Monday, November 13, 2023Grades K-5thCurriculum Connections: Life Science, Natural HistoryA Very Electric Christmas Wednesday & Thursday, November 29& 30All AgesCurriculum Connections: Science, Theater, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, TechnologyRomeo and Juliet Tuesday, December 5, 2023Grades 9th-12thCurriculum Connections: Literature, Language Arts, TheaterProfessional Development- APAPThe Lutcher staff traveled to New York City in January of 2023 in conjunction with the 2023 Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) Conference. The staff toured Carnegie Hall, the Shubert Theatre and the newly opened Museum of Broadway. They saw shows potentially slated for touring the Lutcher, met and networked with theatre professionals and studied industry trends and best practices. - SWPAP Spring MeetingExecutive director, Lynae Sanford attended the Southwest Performing Arts Professionals (SWPAP) spring meeting in San Antonio in June. Lynae serves as the chair for the SWPAP board. The annual meeting consists of professional development, networking and a business meeting.- MAX ConferenceExecutive director, Lynae Sanford and box office/house manager, Adam Conrad attended the Midwest Arts Expo Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. They attended professional development classes, observed performing artist showcases and met with booking agents to plan for the 2024-25 Season.- IEBA ConferenceExecutive director, Lynae Sanford attended the International Entertainment Booking Association Conference in Nashville, TN to meet with a variety of booking agents, observe performing artist showcases and attend professional development classes.Community ConnectionsIn addition to presenting a series of performing arts events for adults and children, the Lutcher team also executes a series of initiatives designed to connect with and serve the community.- Lifeshare Blood DriveThe Lutcher was proud to partner once again with Lifeshare Blood Centers for an annual blood drive on March 13, 2023.-Pre-show Talks - Collaborations with The W.H. Stark HouseThe Lutcher Marketing Team worked with historians at The W.H. Stark House to offer extra experiences for Lutcher patrons attending Anastasia on March 30 and 31, 2023. They presented interesting and informative pre-show talks, based on topics relative to both the show and Stark family history.-Lamar State College Orange GraduationThe Lutcher hosted LSCO graduates and families for May and December graduations in 2023.- Summer Reading Program PartnershipIn partnership with The W.H. Stark House Summer Reading Program the Lutcher team created a "Page to Stage" theater and activity kit for families. Complete with education on characterization, set creation and puppet play crafts, the kit is a guide for a hands-on group theatrical play at home or with friends. This year, students read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.-Rotary PresentationsEach year, members of the Lutcher Marketing Team visit the area Rotary Clubs and make presentations promoting the Lutcher and the new season events. In 2023, the team presented presentations at Rotary Clubs in Vidor, Orange, Port Arthur, Bridge City, Orangefield, Nederland, Port Neches and Beaumont.-Lumberton ISD and Beaumont ISD Back to School FairsMembers of the Marketing Team participated in the Lumberton ISD and Beaumont ISD Back-to-School Fairs in August. The team made presentations to educators about the 2023-24 Lutcher Incredible Kids Events Series. - CAB (Community Advisory Board of Orange County) The Lutcher hosted the August CAB meeting. Executive director, Lynae Sanford presented a snapshot of Lutcher operations and a preview of the upcoming season to those in attendance.-Vidor Chamber of Commerce Monthly BreakfastThe Lutcher hosted the Vidor Chamber of Commerce Monthly Breakfast on July 20, 2023, at the Vidor City Hall. The team enjoyed breakfast, specialty coffee and networking. Executive director, Lynae Sanford presented a preview of the upcoming season.-Orange Chamber of Commerce Monthly BreakfastIn September, the Lutcher partnered with The W.H. Stark House to host the monthly Orange Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Connection.- Senior ExpoIn October, the marketing team participated in the KFDM Senior Expo at the Beaumont Civic Center to promote upcoming events with senior residents of Southeast Texas.- PJ, Blanket and Food DriveIn conjunction with the performances of Mean Girls and STOMP, the Lutcher conducted the annual PJ and Blanket Drive benefitting those served by the Orange Salvation Army. They also conducted a "STOMP Out Hunger" drive, collecting food items benefitting those served by Orange Christian Services. - Networking MeetingsChambers of Commerce -The Marketing Team consistently attends monthly networking events hosted by area chambers of commerce. Chambers include Orange, Bridge City, Vidor, Port Neches, Nederland, Beaumont and Southwest Louisiana. START (Southeast Texas Area Regional Tourism)-The Marketing Team meets with this organization quarterly for networking and event promotion.Press Club of Southeast Texas -The Marketing Team consistently attends monthly Press Club meetings for networking and event promotion. The Lutcher's Marketing Manager has recently been appointed to their board of directors.Next Generation Orange County-Social Media Manager, Abigail Liptak represents the Lutcher as a professional under 40 years of age at Next Generation Orange County, a networking organization affiliated with the Orange, Texas Chamber of Commerce.Building Maintenance-During the summer of 2023, the Lutcher received a new HVAC system. The installation began in May and was completed in time for the 2023-24 Season opening. Because of this project, no recitals were held this year and no Direct Charitable Activities Form 990-PF, Part VII-A, Line 3 2023 SHANGRI LA BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NATURE CENTER ANNUAL REPORTINTRODUCTIONWe are pleased to present the 2023 Annual Report for Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. The report highlights some of the accomplishments of the year and the hard work and dedication of our staff. The garden welcomed a record breaking 106,638 guests this year, over 40% more than 2022. January 3 to December 22, 2023Attendance General Daily Public Visitation - 17,564Outpost Tours - 1,728Guided Group Tours - 277Special Garden Guests (on-site) - 107Signature Events - Eco-Fest - 3,722Signature Events - Sip & Strolls - 1,534Signature Events - Scarecrow Festival (10/3-10/31) - 17,717Signature Events - Autumn Fair - 3,248Signature Events - Dreaming of a Green Christmas - 412Signature Events - Christmas Strolls - 51,850 Public Visitation Total 2023 Attendance - 98,159Naturalist Guided School Groups - 5,213Eco-Rangers Summer Camps - 219Outreach Programs - 668On-site Public Programs - 1,656Virtual Program - 723Education Visitation Total 2023 Attendance - 8,479 TOTAL 2023 ATTENDANCE 106,638Garden SummaryGardening in 2023 was a challenge, for the team and the plants. The year started with cutting back from the late 2022 freeze. Spring maintenance and garden renovations, which are explained in further detail below, began with earnest. The drought, high temperatures and water restrictions stressed the plant collection with over 30 days of 100 degree plus temperatures and a 15" rain deficit. This particular weather event is one in a long line of extreme weather we have had in the recent past. Extreme winter weather and hurricanes cause stress to many of our trees and shrubs. As such, we had losses of mature pines, oaks, and magnolias numbering close to 80 and shrub losses in azaleas and hollies totaling over 1,000 plants. During this time, we learned about plants that do very well in that kind of weather, many natives, that we hope to add more of in the garden. Summer Color - we had a collaboration planned with the Stark Museum of Art to match their upcoming exhibit, the Color Orange. The Museum was not able to do this exhibit due to key staff leaving, but since we were already growing the plants, we continued our plans with an orange color palette for the warm season color. Plants such as Little Lucky Orange Lantana, Flamethrower Cajun Spice Coleus, Inferno Coleus, Reddy Salmon Salvia, and Flamma Orange Celosia added great color and vibrance to the garden. Scarecrow Festival began with new annuals and over 9,000 pumpkins, our team transformed the garden in a short amount of time. A successful Scarecrow Festival shifted quickly into readying the garden for record attendance at Christmas Strolls, a great showing for Community Decorate-a-Tree, as well as decorating the Exhibition Greenhouses with colorful bromeliads and poinsettias. Our garden team deserves all the praise for maintaining the garden spaces at Shangri La and downtown with the utmost determination through all that Southeast Texas weather can throw at us!Production GreenhouseThe Production Greenhouse Team had a busy year growing seeds and plugs for the seasonal annual changes. The team of three staff members grew 90% of the bedding plants utilized in warm season, fall, and winter landscapes which translates to over 88,203 plants. These plants can be seen at the Shangri La and Downtown landscapes, used in workshops, and given away for special events. The Production Greenhouse Manager designs the container arrangements seen at Shangri La Gardens and the team assembles those displays which are then moved into place in the gardens with each annual bedding plant change.The team also maintains our special collections of heirloom orchids, bromeliads, and tropical plants, including our collections of Corpse Flowers (Amorphophallus titanum), when these plants are not on display at Shangri La Gardens.Downtown VenuesWith some shifting of personnel in the summer of 2023, our Senior Horticulturist moved from Shangri La Gardens to take oversight of the Downtown Garden Team and to work towards making improvements to the downtown landscapes. Improvements to the landscaping around the W.H. Stark House were made as well as the Lutcher Theater in the way of decorative containers. The Downtown Garden Team assists with maintenance of the Stark Park Fountain. The fountain was overhauled last year and new pumps and hardware, including a brand-new spray head in the center was added. Much of this work was accomplished with the help of Building Services and Shangri La Aquatics Area Technician. 2023 GARDEN RENOVATIONSColor Contrasts & Color Garden RenovationsIn the spring, we started renovating the Color Contrasts and Color Garden in the back of the garden. The boxwood borders were overgrown and starting to die out and the soil needed heavy amending. Many of the hollies in the Color Garden were in poor shape and were removed. The new concept that was put into place now showcases the many colors of annuals in a grand display. Park & 16th Street Gateway, Be Kind to Your World SignTogether, the Horticulture and Grounds teams worked together to improve the 200 feet on either side of the 'Be Kind' sign and across the street at the banner sign corner. Before planting, the area had irrigation repairs, grading, tree trimming and amending and adding soil. Plants showcased in this area include Variegated Ginger, Red Drift Rose, and Gulf Muhly Grass. The areas are accented with annuals that change throughout the year. In 2024, we will complete planting the rest of the areas along 16th Street and Park Avenue. Brown Daylily Collection BedAn extremely invasive grass weed, Torpedo grass, made it necessary to renovate this bed along with adding some companion plants to the hybrid daylilies found here. The daylilies were bred by Edgar W. Brown, III and his wife, Betty Brown. The daylilies found at Shangri La Gardens are those given to us by Edgar & Betty's son, David. After the torpedo grass was under better control, several plants that accent the daylilies were added to the beds. These plants include Purple Trailing Lantana, Dallas Red Lantana, Safari Rose Aloe, Maui Red Ixora, Mystic Spires Salvia, Pink Autumn Sage and Homestead Purple.Courtyard Hanging BasketsAfter being absent for several years, the 30" hanging baskets returned to the courtyard this past spring with a new coat of paint, liners, and beautiful plants arranged by our Production Greenhouse staff. Petrified ForestThe area near the front entrance driveway and pedestrian sidewalk began with the removal of the yaupon and camphor thicket in 2022. Last summer, over 200,000 pounds of petrified wood were moved into the space. The grounds team keep finding more (an estimated 100,000 pounds more!) as we clean up the highline area, those pieces will be moved Spring of 2024 to round out the collection. The pieces, collected by H.J. Lutcher Stark, were originally acquired from a pond in Brookland, Texas in 1963 and had been housed along the Highline Road in the Nature Center since. This is the first step towards what we are calling the Petrified Forest, a landscape that showcases primitive or primitive looking species of plants whose ancestors lived around the time the petrified wood was a living tree. After the installation of key infrastructure a pathway, irrigation, and drainage, the addition of unique and diverse plantings will transform the area into a beautiful, but also educational, space. Plantings will include Magnolia, Gingko, and Banana trees with accents from different types of gingers, ferns, leopard plant, and more. Children's Garden Phase IIn late summer, work began on the Children's Garden renovation. The first step was to remove the pea gravel from the walkways as the existing pathways were to be replaced with decomposed granite, a more accessible material. After removing the pathway material, irrigation and drainage infrastructure was installed. Following the decomposed granite pathways, the new Vego raised beds were placed. The raised beds consist of 11", 17", and 32" high beds and various sized rolling planters. The different sized beds are meant to create accessible planting spaces for all visitors, students, and program participants. PROGRAMMINGThe Education Department organized and facilitated a diverse range of programs, including four public events, six school break camps, twenty-six family-friendly programs, eight adult lifelong learner opportunities, seven adult workshops, four virtual programs, and fifteen onsite curriculum-based programs.To maintain program quality and relevance, the Education Team implemented various post-lesson informal student surveys, incorporating program recaps, student-led discussions, critical thinking reflections, and teacher feedback forms. Continuous feedback evaluation ensured adherence to standards and alignment with the needs of the student base.Curriculum-Based ProgrammingOnsite School ProgrammingThe Education Team conducted 208 curriculum-based field trips during 2023. Programs, aligned with Texas Essentials Knowledge and Skills Standards, focused on hands-on activities and immersive experiences to foster a connection with nature. International Paper generously sponsored onsite curriculum-based programs for kindergarten through second grade.Virtual ProgrammingVirtual Adventures! curriculum-based les 892,501 shs Bramshill Multi Strategy Inc Fund Class I 5650551 5738780 483,738 shs Cohen & Steers Preffered Sec & Inc Fund I 5518303 5698436 384,152 shs GMO Opportunistic Inc 9318622 9200435 197,558 shs iShares Core US Agg Bond ETF 19514556 19607632 69,131 shs iShares Iboxx $ Invt G Co Bond ETF 7797188 7650036 934,751 shs Rivernorth/Doubeline Strategic Inc Fund I 7692998 8151026 45,195 shs Akoya Biosciences Inc 393300 220552 16,392 shs Alpha & Omega Semiconductor 410062 427175 18,795 shs Alpine Income Ppty 317359 317823 8,707 shs Altria Group Inc 434087 351240 53,000 shs Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF 4036965 4759400 4,964 shs AZZ Inc 192199 288359 23,229 shs Bano 405499 574685 11,491 shs Baxter Intl Inc 520843 441922 10,662 shs BCE Inc New CAD 550161 419869 5,196 shs Berkshire Hathaway Inc 1529325 1853205 34,595 shs 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iShares MSCI China ETF 8735468 6841061 98,522 shs iShares MSCI Eurozone 4547588 4673884 217,392 shs iShares MSCI Int Quality Factor ETF 6082103 8165244 144,000 shs iShares Msci Intl Quality 5279906 5408640 43,802 shs iShares MSCI USA Quality 5445575 6445026 15,875 shs iShares US AS & Def ETF 1644434 2009775 6,000 shs Johnson Ctls Intl Plc 437428 344790 28,462 shs JPMorgan Betabuilders Canada 1661592 1824983 102,894 shs JPMorgan Betabuilders Japan ETF 5588248 5403993 1,891 shs JPMorgan Chase & Co 275814 321659 6,533 shs Karat Packaging Inc 110630 162345 21,644 shs Kenvue Inc 489764 465995 2,176 shs Kura Sushi USA Inc CL A 152881 165376 9,519 shs LifeMD Inc 78157 78913 53,969 shs Lincoln EDL Services Corp 354096 541849 28,959 shs Luxurban Hotels Inc 123172 172885 41,137 shs Mamas Creations Inc 151287 201983 2,118 shs Materion Corp 183500 275615 10,880 shs Mediwound LTD ILS 179027 110650 7,223 shs Medtronic Plc 769551 595031 5,700 shs Merck & Co Inc New Com 541179 611069 5,340 shs Morgan Stanley 606743 463638 16,649 shs Napco Security Technologies 412459 570228 18,066 shs Newpark Res Inc New 107766 119958 6,675 shs Park Aerospace Corp 104173 98123 5,037 shs Philip Morris Intl Inc 503978 473881 19,935 shs Plymouth Indl REIT Inc SBI 443310 479835 19,020 shs Postal Realty Trust Inc CL A 294157 276931 21,925 shs PPL Corp 605443 594168 20 shs Qualcomm Inc 2563 2893 6,689 shs Realty Income Corp MD SBI 364170 384082 4,017 shs Rio Tinto Plc Spon Adr 298302 296406 5,201 shs RTX Corp 500881 437612 44,956 shs SIGA Technologies Inc 287365 251754 6,055 shs Simulations Plus Inc 278743 270961 27,904 shs Solaris Oilfield Infastructure CL A 249174 222116 7,416 shs SP Plus Corp Com 275780 380070 177,694 shs SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small 6976290 7495133 73,367 shs SPDR S&P Dividend ETF 9354795 9168674 29,827 shs SPDR S&P Global Nat Resources 1670014 1689700 11,905 shs SPOK Hldgs Inc Com 198310 184289 4,164 shs Sprott Inc 138535 141368 113,820 shs The Ishares MSCI Emerging Markets EX China ETF 5698806 6306766 1,458 shs Travelers Cos Inc 243905 277734 12,083 shs Truist Fin Corp 440652 443664 2,036 shs UFP Technologies Inc 283730 350273 8,619 shs Unilever Plc ASN Spon Adr 487796 417849 1,300 shs Union Pacific Corp 278824 319306 55,603 shs Uranium Energy Corp 207177 355859 231,545 shs Vanguard FTSE All World EX-US ETF 12087059 12998936 49,363 shs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF 2668210 3182926 144,400 shs Vanguard Intl High Div YIF ETF 9410114 9601156 75,400 shs Vanguard Total Stock Mkt ETF 11195986 17886388 103,600 shs Vanguard Total World Stk ETF 8697490 10658368 36,951 shs Vanguard Value ETF 5178071 5524175 15,074 shs Verizon Com Inc 541983 568290 19,160 shs Vici Properties Inc Reit 605639 610821 13,526 shs Vishay Precision Group Inc 467181 460831 22,972 shs WW Intl Inc 181671 201005 16,406 shs WisdomTree 826101 824237 Land 707432 0 707432 2401163 Mineral interests 135211 0 135211 2500000 AG Energy Credit AT COST 0 345917 Apollo Overseas Partners X Access Fund, L.P. 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