Maxivity Creative Space outlines programs, scholarships and growth plans in Philomath presentation
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Summary
Sarah Lynch, executive director of Maxivity, told the Philomath City Council on Nov. 3 that the community art studio has revised its mission to explicitly name Philomath and is expanding place-based partnerships, youth programs and scholarship outreach.
Sarah Lynch, executive director of Maxivity, told the Philomath City Council on Nov. 3 that the community art studio is expanding its mission and deepening ties to Philomath while continuing to serve youth and families through scholarships, outreach and partnerships.
Lynch said Maxivity revised its mission during a recent strategic planning process to describe itself as "a nonprofit community art studio providing inclusive access to creative opportunities that strengthen the well-being, belonging, and vibrancy of Willamette and the broader region," and that the organization intentionally named the city of Philomath in the mission to anchor local partnership.
Programs and partners: Lynch described the range of Maxivity's activities: open studio hours, printmaking, ceramics and fiber arts classes, after-school youth clubs, summer camps, a teen internship program, artist residencies in schools and community placemaking projects (for example, art installations with the Benton County Library and an elementary-school "fish fence"). She highlighted partnerships with local schools, the Philomath Youth Activities Club, Work Unlimited and social-service groups, and said the organization uses local teaching artists for residencies.
Scholarships and scale: Lynch said approximately three-quarters of youth participants attend on need-based scholarships and that Maxivity provided $13,540 in scholarships last year. She reported overall service numbers for the year: the organization reached more than 8,000 people, hosted 1,548 studio visitors and ran 67 outreach events with 48 community partners. Lynch said 71% of Maxivity youth served were navigating poverty.
Operations and budget: Lynch described a lean staffing model (three staff totaling roughly 1.5 full-time equivalents) supplemented by a large volunteer base (she cited about 121 volunteers donating more than 1,000 hours per year). She reported the organization operates on a modest budget (transcript: reported as "$149,000.74" in the meeting) with revenue from grants (which Lynch said were about 58% of the reported total), earned income and donations. Lynch described a sustainability approach that emphasizes reusing donated studio supplies.
Strategic goals and asks: Lynch outlined three strategic goals for the next three years: elevate Maxivity's brand and impact storytelling; strengthen place-based partnerships in Philomath and increase targeted local scholarship outreach; and maximize use of the creative space, including exterior improvements and a new sign to better reflect the studio's identity. She invited council and community members to volunteer, donate, partner or join Maxivity's board and highlighted a public Chamber Luncheon presentation on Nov. 19 where the organization will share its theory of change and plans.
Council response: Councilors praised the presentation and thanked Lynch and staff for local partnerships and services. City staff and Lynch answered brief council clarifying questions about program partners and opportunities to collaborate on downtown placemaking.
Why it matters: Maxivity provides arts access for children and adults, targets scholarships to low-income families, and operates partnership programs in local schools and community organizations. The organization's request for deeper local engagement and possible grant-funded improvements ties directly to Philomath's downtown and youth-service priorities.
Sources: Direct remarks by Sarah Lynch, executive director, Maxivity, Nov. 3, 2025 Philomath City Council meeting.
