Being on the Board of Directors has been an on-going education in the mechanics of running an arts organization. Dealing with budgets, meetings, and organizational planning is not really, however, why I belong to the NWSSA. My first experience with the Camp Brotherhood symposium was one of the most energizing experiences I've had as an artist and I still get a tremendous lift from attending. I also lose sleep and am generally burnt out by adrenaline overdose by the end. What I find to be most enjoyable is quieter: hunting the wild rock with fellow sculptors, seeing other people's shows, finding out about new ideas and techniques from casual meetings.
An all-volunteer group such as ours depends on the informal networking of its members to sustain itself. Being a semi-shy guy, I've taken a while to get to know people. (Election to the Board of Directors has sped things up-new members might want to try this approach). One of the ideas from the Board retreat last fall is to have a way to bring new members into our activities. We are working on having our membership committee find out members' talents and interests so we can get you involved in one of the committees soon after you join. This way you will have a direct voice in what we do as well as a chance to get to know your fellow sculptors better. Our membership has a wide array of talents besides stone carving and I hope we can use them to continue to strengthen our group.
I'm writing this in the early morning at Camp Brotherhood. Around the coffeepot, sculptors have gathered in their ongoing study of whether caffeine replaces sleep. The pace is picking up and soon laughing people swapping stories about stones, tools, ideas and visions will surround me. Then we'll be off to the field to the roar of the grinder, the scream of the saw, the gentle tap of hammer on chisel against stone.
By the time you read this, the air hoses will be coiled and packed away, the last stone chip will be picked up and the diverse group of people gathered here will be dispersed to work in their own studios, garages and backyards for another year. I am in awe of our ability as a group to work together to produce an event tbat affects so many artists so profoundly. I am grateful to the organizers and instructors who have given so freely of their time in order to assist their fellow sculptors.
I am especially grateful to a larger group, however. You-everyone who comes to Camp Brotherhood with a mind to work together to form a physically and emotionally safe place, where each of us receives the freedom and encouragement to try new ideas, to really look inside to find what it is that helps us make our art. To everyone who made the symposium, I hope you can carry that spirit with you until next time. To those who weren't able to attend, I hope the NWSSA can help somehow in your own creative quest.
Sculpt Proud!
Ah, spring, when thoughts turn to beginning a new sculpture.
The NWSSA governance structure has also been going through some spring changes. We've increased the number of Directors by three and appointed new members who began serving at the April Board meeting. Their appointments run to the end of this year, at which time the positions will be open in the next election. I would like to thank Anastasia Miller, Patty McPhee, and Arliss Newcomb for agreeing to serve. Their energy and interest have already had an impact.
We've also set up new committees and are working on policies and procedures for carrying out their activities, as well as working on revising the bylaws. This is a long process, but the Directors have accomplished much already. I appreciate their ongoing focus and follow through.
We also have new office support services provided by Nancy Enselman, owner of Business Resolutions. Nancy is very excited about working with us and is willing to tailor her services to our particular needs.
The fun stuff: The Whidbey Workshop was a great success despite being trapped in the Construction Zone, with the beginning sculptors getting an amazing amount done. By the time you read this, the Silver Falls symposium will be over. I hope it was enjoyable for everyone involved. Kudos to the organizers of both events, who keep the heartbeat of the Association going through their efforts.
Wishing you nothing but blue skies and stone dust.
We can tell that the seasons are changing in the Pacific Northwest when we first hear one of the traditional sounds of spring--the sighs of relief from stone sculptors who work outdoors as they shed one of their yers of clothing and look forward to not having to op to warm their hands every few minutes. We can all look forward to the Whidbey Island Retreat this month and the Silver Falls Symposium in May - opportunities to get together, add more to our individtal stores of knowledge and experience, and share our energy.
Looking back, we had a successful exhibition at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in February. Our sculpture garden received two first-place awards and one second-place, and the educational booth drew a lot of attention, providing possible contacts for the artists showing and for the Association. Thanks to the show committee, the participating artists, and the many volunteers who made it happen.
I'm particularly grateful to all the members who did not have work in the exhibit but volunteered to help anyway. Our willingness to work together to further our shared aims is what makes us a vigorous organization.
One other note about this season: cash flow is always a problem early in the year, as the dues trickle in more slowly than the bills do. Please, please, renew your membership right away, if you haven't already, so we can keep sending you information on opportunities toleam and to exhibit.
Happy carving,
