Arts on Main in Gloucester has raised $817,000 toward its goal of $1.5 million for facility purchase, capital enhancements, and program expansion.Part of this successful effort was a challenge grant of $100,000 awarded the arts organization last June by The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation to raise new gifts and pledges. Arts on Main accepted the challenge and raised $417,000, according to a press release.

“We are so very grateful to local and statewide sources and donors for this extraordinary early support of our goal to benefit everyone in the region,” said Dr. Hugh Bryan, chairman of the Arts on Main board of directors.

Funds raised to date will help support Arts on Main’s current strategic plan, which aims to expand access to all the arts and reach a wider audience. Initial phases of projects that had already been completed include expansion of space for exhibits, programs, and storage, and securing financing for the purchase of the Main Street facility.

Future projects in...