The Durango Friends of the Arts faces an uncertain future after the nonprofit’s board voted on Thursday to ask the membership to dissolve the organization.

The general membership will decide whether to keep the organization alive at their November meeting, according to an email to the membership.

“It’s an extremely painful situation for those of us who have worked hard,” said board secretary Myriam Palmer.

The board made the decision to ask for dissolution because the nominating committee has not received enough applications to fill key positions on the nonprofit’s board, the email said.

The Durango Friends of the Arts was founded in 1991 to raise money to provide grants that support local artists and art organizations. In 2014, the nonprofit was recognized for its work in the community by the Durango Arts Center and named one of the Sweethearts of the Arts. From its inception through 2014, the group raised $420,000 for grants.

The nonprofit has made it possible for people such as Jeff Solon, a local jazz musician, to do music education in the local schools for 24 years

Some members are hopeful the organization will continue in some form after the November meeting and volunteers will come forward to fill positions.

“This organization has done so much for the community, and I just think it would leave a huge, huge void,” said JoAnn Trimberger, a former vice president of the board.

The nonprofit has struggled with volunteer engagement as the membership has aged and some have become only seasonal residents, Palmer said.

This is a tough hurdle for the organization because it doesn’t have any paid staff.

“People do need to step up. If they want Durango Friends of the Arts to continue, they need to get involved,” Trimberger said.

There is still strong interest in the community in the grant funding.

So far this year, the nonprofit has received 15 applications from local groups and individuals, said Karyn Gabaldon, who receives the applications at her gallery on Main Avenue.

Gabaldon is hopeful the news will help the community realize the important role the organization plays and potentially lead to an evolution of the organization.

“Something good always comes out of things like this,” she said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com