RUMFORD – The Pennacook Art Center is just over halfway to raising funds that will ensure a matching grant from the Maine Community Foundation.

Art center director Betsy Bell said $3,000 is needed to acquire $3,000 to help with the art center cooperative’s start-up costs for such things as office equipment, advertising, promotion, and training of board members and volunteers. The center has until the end of the year to raise the remaining $1,300 it needs to trigger the match. She said letters have been sent to about 100 people in the area asking for memberships or donations.

Right now, about 75 people, including the artists and artisans, are members of the fledgling art cooperative. The gallery showcases local artists and artisans and holds a reception each month for new art and artisan displays. The center has also featured poets and print-makers.

It is pursuing nonprofit status, and is part of the River Valley Arts Council, which will move its office to a section of the art center in November.

To make donations, become a member, or to take a chance on a handcrafted tourmaline ring, mail checks to Betsy Bell, director, Pennacook Art Center, 82 Congress St., Rumford, ME 04276. Memberships start at $20 a year for individual adults.