Doesn’t it seem that summer just began? As summer slips into fall, BSA is growing into its non-profit organization status. Many changes already have been implemented, while others are being planned and modified to adjust to this new position. Not only has the BSA Transition Team been actively working hard to bring us to this new level as an organization, many activities have been planned to provide our members with exciting new opportunities. It is an exciting time for us.
After BSA was formally notified regarding our new status, the board organized a Transition Team. The team is currently reviewing the many organizational modifications that are required. Over the coming months, there will be both obvious changes and several subtle changes. An example of an obvious change is the Mission Statement and Tag Line. The Transition Team met several times to nail this down. Thanks to Judy Hodge whose expertise guided the team to create this important statement. Over the next several months members will notice our Tag Line: ART: The Heart of Smart and Mission Statement: Building a legacy since 1891, we embrace the visual exploration as critical to the voice of our time. This will be used on many forms of our communication. More subtle changes will be found in the way we do things, such as providing a guest book at all of our events so we can keep count of attendees. Stay tuned for more information about the BSA’s transformation.
BSA and friends will gather once again at the Buffalo Center of Arts and Technology to celebrate the 121st Catalogue Exhibition. This exhibition continues the legacy of the BSA 126 years. Congratulations to all the artists whose work was selected for this exhibition. Tim Brooks, Vice President of Exhibitions has worked hard to make this an exhibition that successfully highlights our members’ diverse visions. I hope everyone attends the opening to congratulate the members included and honor those who will be receiving special recognition for their work. For the first time, the Trustees, under the guidance of John McKendry, have generously provided a Trustee Award. The 121st Catalogue Exhibition will include a workshop organized by the Education Committee under the leadership of the Education Chair, Nancy Mariani. Five BSA Exhibiting members will demonstrate their techniques and process at the 2017 Art Expo on September 16th. Workshop participants will be able to see how these artists work and to ask about their process.
The summer brought many activities to BSA Members and some events to the community.
The Education Committee with the Exhibition Committee presented an Up Load Workshop. This provided members some guidance to successfully up load images to be considered for the 121st Catalogue Exhibition. The participants found this helpful with many questions answered. Thanks to Tim Brooks and Len Kagelmacher who instructed the participants. Len and Tim, among others, are always available to help with the upload of images. This successful workshop will be repeated for each exhibition that requires an upload.
The Education Committee also planned and implemented The Garden Walk Paint Out. Special kudos go to Deb Stewart, who set up the contacts and organized materials (and many unsung heroes of the Education Team and special volunteers). Two tents were set up where visitors to the community garden where able to stop by and paint their impression of the beautiful community garden. This is an important project for the BSA. This event offers an opportunity for members to interact and share their skills with the community. I anticipate that this BSA project will become an exciting recurring part of BSA’s activities.
Exhibiting Member and sculptor, Rose Popper participated in the Education Committee’s: Studio Visit Series on July 26. This educational event was well attended by members and guests of members. Rose enlightened the attendees with her techniques of working in stone and planning her work to be cast. This series always provides us inspiring information for all artists.
As we end the summer The Video Archive Project , under the expert guidance of Beth Pedersen, provided us with a wonderful video of our past president Connie Minneci. Our VAP program is one of BSA’s strongest legacies. We all are looking forward to many more.
The Membership Committee is now in the process of seeking new Exhibiting Members. Applications are being distributed to various community places, and a copy is available on the website. Members should encourage new talent to participate in the jurying process. The BSA membership always looks forward to welcoming new members. Thanks to Marie Hassett, Membership Chair for working hard to update membership information and organizing this year’s jurying process.
The Annual Summer Picnic was held at John and Shelly McKendry’s home on Saturday, August 26th. Roughly forty-one members and friends attended. As always the food was excellent, the company was amazing, and the weather cooperated with a sunny and comfortable day. This event is a wonderful day for catching up with old and new friends. If you haven’t attended yet, please consider putting it on your calendar for next year as soon as the date is announced. This is a wonderful way to meet with other members of BSA in a relaxing environment. A special thanks to Karen Foegen and Mary Weig for assisting Jacqui Welsh in organizing this event.
The BSA is now seeking new board members. Jacqui Welsh is working hard to develop a slate of interested people. We have several areas that we will need to be filled. Participating on this Board seems like an enormous responsibility but there are so many rewards both personal and professionally. As we change and grow, this exciting time requires all of the members’ voices be heard. Consider how you may participate and have your ideas heard and implemented. If being a board member seems daunting and you have questions, please feel free to contact me at president@buffalosocietyofartists.com. Don’t forget to include your contact information so I can address your concerns.
Other ways that you can help BSA could be joining a committee such as Exhibitions, Education, Communication, or Membership so you can contribute your time and expertise in other ways such as graphic arts or writing. As we change into a non-profit organization we are going to need many volunteers for a variety of activities. Some require a wee bit of time, some a bit more and others may require a small project. Again, please ask what you can do!
Upcoming this fall you can plan to participate in workshops, look for information for the upcoming year’s activities. The Annual Dinner will occur on November 8th and the Rack Card will be produced once again. There will be a pop-up exhibition with EL Museo, and a unique collaboration with ELAB is in process.
BSA plans more collaborations with other arts organizations. We welcome participation from all communities as well when educational activities are planned.
In closing, I look forward to seeing everyone at upcoming events and activities. Please consider attending the informative workshops. And I am hoping that members will join one of the many committees by lending their talents and expertise to BSA.
We will strengthen the BSA’s role in the community and lead us into the future.
