Annual Members &
Board of Directors meeting

Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 2:00 p.m.
at the Gualala Arts Center

The annual meeting of Gualala Arts, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15 at the Arts Center, is open to all members of Gualala Arts.

It is the time to appoint officers and elect new board members for the upcoming year. Finance reports will be presented for 2011 as well as the budget for 2012. It is also an opportunity for members to reflect on the accomplishments of those who have fulfilled their term of office and to show their appreciation by their attendance. Refreshments will be served and there will be plenty of time for discussion with current board members and officers of Gualala Arts.

Of the fourteen board members, six will be leaving in February. Each departing director has brought some special talent to enhance Gualala Arts and make it a special organization in our community. Hopefully, their example of service will prompt others in the future to build on their accomplishment.

Betsi Carey has been one of the guiding lights behind the Culinary Arts program, helping to build its membership. She worked diligently on Art in the Redwoods BBQ and the New York New Year's Eve celebrations just to name a few. She was also the chair of Gualala Arts membership committee.

Russ Hardy focused on building a strong donor base for an endowment that would insure financial stability regardless of economic vagaries. The Donor Grove is a way that we recognize these financial angels. He and his wife Judy sponsor The May Show, a juried event growing in importance. His fishing watercolors brought a fresh perspective to the local art scene.

Helen Klembeck is leaving the board but will still be involved with the Dolphin Gallery. Helen recently has devoted time and talent to tastefully remodeling the space for revolving exhibits so the work of local artists could be more attractively displayed. She will also continue to coordinate these revolving monthly exhibits as she has since 2001. Helen has handed off the reins of managing the rest of Dolphin Gallery to the capable hands of Carol Chell. Helen also sat on the Executive Committee as 2nd vice president as well as many other volunteer committees.

Michele Marshall served twice as President of Gualala Arts. She spearheaded the successful campaign to build an elevator so all might have full access to the facility. The project raised over $100,000, came in on time and below budget. Michele also was the overall fundraising chair for several years and will continue on into the future heading up several fund-raising events. She also used her facilitating skills to hold a 50-50 retreat on creating a vision to make the next fifty years as successful as the past fifty.

Bill Retzer brought his considerable business skills to the Finance Committee. He illustrates the role of board members to supervise the overall well-being of Gualala Arts and to maintain for future generations the facility and institution created by so many others who shared their talents in the same generous way these individuals have.

Martha Wohlken, in her inimitable and scintillating style, took the Top Hat evenings to a new level. She also used her social skills to advise the committee planning weddings. Martha also served as the Secretary on the Executive Committee.

Proposed new board members are Paddy Batchelder, CE Brown, Teri Fagen, Rich Fessler, Don Krieger and Sandy Scott; nominations from the floor may be made prior to balloting. Phil Atkins, Dave Bower, Steve Carnes, Barbara Dunsmoor, Alan Grossman, Mike Mee, Sharon Nickodem, and Richard Schimbor all remain on the board. The proposed slate of officers for 2012 is Dave Bower, President, Richard Schimbor, 1st Vice President, Sharon Nickodem, 2nd Vice President, Steve Carnes, Treasurer and Paddy Batchelder, Secretary.

If the health of any organization is judged by the participation of its members, these individuals speak volumes about why Gualala Arts is thriving. With the aid of others like them its future is ensured.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.