As with most everything these days, the Sisters Arts Association (SAA) annual member meeting was done virtually this year. About 40 participants logged into ZOOM on Tuesday morning, January 26 amid comments like, “I’ve missed you all so much”; “Look at all the faces!” The meeting was facilitated by several board members and Secretary, Jennifer Hartwig, served as the MC. Association member and artist Kelley Salber kicked off the information-packed gathering with a poem to encourage artists, because without them, life would be a blank canvas.
The agenda included a plethora of information about collaborative projects, a calendar of events for the coming year, and opportunities to help our members promote their work and the Sisters Arts Association.
COLLABORATION
Sisters Country Community Connects
Sisters Country Community Connects (SCCC) is a collaborative project of local community-building organizations and the Citizens4Community nonprofit organization. A member of the SCCC website design team reported on the launch of this new, free online tool which is a communication and resource hub for all residents of Sisters Country to learn more about their neighbors and neighboring communities, foster greater community involvement, encourage local economic activity, and promote greater self-reliance. To learn more about this community website and how it might benefit you, visit HERE.
Historic Mural Project
Helen Schmidling, board member in charge of publicity, announced a new mural project for downtown Sisters. An anonymous developer will fund this project and has already specified the muralist. The theme will be historical, and the design committee will work with the Three Sisters Historical Society to develop the design and content. Sisters Arts Association will provide project management support. If you have any questions or ideas regarding this project, please email Helen (helen@sistersartsassociation.org). This project could be a springboard for other public art projects in Sisters. Contact SAA’s liaison for public art, with questions and/or ideas.
EVENTS
Studio Tour
Last fall there was record attendance and record sales for the 2020 Artist Studio Tour, in spite of the Covid-19 restrictions. Thirty-six artists displayed their work at 26 host artist studios, which turned out to be a very successful formula for artists to maximize their exposure, and for visitors to see more art with fewer stops. Plans are already underway for a 2021 Artist Studio Tour, currently scheduled for the weekend of September 25-26. We are considering the addition of an artist reception at the Sisters Firehouse on Friday, September 24. Registration will start in May or June. Stay tuned for more information.
Other Tour and Exhibition Opportunities
We are exploring other ideas raised by our association members for 2021. They could include several Open Studio receptions for SAA members only, so artists can gather socially and visit each other’s studios. We have talked about hosting special pop-up art exhibits in conjunction with special showings of films about art and artists at the Sisters Movie House. Check out some recently identified opportunities to show art by visiting our 2021 Calendar of Art Shows HERE.
4th Friday Art Walk
Michelle Deaderick of Hood Avenue Art Gallery and others are working hard to reinstate the 4th Friday Art Walk during the months of May through at least September. Galleries are looking at ways to un-crowd 4th Friday gatherings by making it a day-long event focusing on meeting featured artists, shared theme shows between galleries, and art demonstrations and more. Everyone looks forward to these events but it is important to ensure as much public safety as possible.
ASSOCIATION BUSINESS
Social Media & Grant-Writing
SAA’s Board Chair encouraged members to be mindful of how we all benefit when we work together to make the arts stronger in our community. Artists, galleries and supporters can help the organization, and themselves, by regularly posting news, events, and activities on their own social media outlets and linking them back to SAA’s website and social media pages. SAA does the same with all artists, galleries and supporting members. It was also emphasized how important grants are for growth and art community development. It takes funding to host public initiatives and events. If you are interested in helping with grant writing or grant review, contact us by email HERE.
New Board Candidates
SAA announced that it is expanding the board. Two new board members were elected in April and there are more positions open for interested candidates. An application is available HERE. The selection committee is looking for new, innovative ideas for growing and improving the organization.
Financial Report
The SAA treasurer reported that we began 2020 with a balance of $13,549 and ended it with a balance of $20,373.47.
· Quarterly Meeting
The next general membership meeting will be held in late Spring Early Summer.