A Message from Our President
President’s Message – May, 2015
Dear Members,
Hello, as you may know I am very new to the job of GSWS President. I look forward to getting to know a lot you of you that I haven’t had the chance to meet yet. I wanted to share my thoughts on a few important subjects.
Why are we using digital submission for all our shows, even the non-juried shows?
Our 46 year old organization is moving bit by bit into the new millennium. I understand that change can be difficult, but it is absolutely necessary to keep us and our organization relevant and vital.
Having submissions done electronically is a much more efficient way of running a show. When you submit a digital image electronically your work can easily be used for promotional materials, including postcards, advertising and the GSWS website. The programs and labels will be quicker to produce and be more accurate.
There are personal and professional benefits as well. GSWS requiring electronic submission will encourage you to keep a good quality record of your work for your own use. Many local, regional and national art groups are moving in this direction so learning how to do this will broaden your opportunities to exhibit.
In addition and maybe more importantly, I believe that electronic submission will encourage broader participation in GSWS, hopefully encouraging young, up-and-coming artists to join us – which will be the future of the organization.
Why is it important to volunteer my time to GSWS?
GSWS is an organization built and run by volunteers. It is a wonderful thing to just show up with your painting, eat some cheese and crackers and maybe win a generous cash award. I know I’ve done it (all except the cash award part).
I think our new motto should be “share the wealth.” Fran Franklin and Ruth Kaufman did a lot of GSWS’s business single handedly, or with the help of a handful of members. Frankly, I am not willing to do that. It is my belief that the work of putting on exhibits and art sales can be broken down into well-defined, manageable parts that members will be more willing to step up to. So if I, or someone else calls on you to help out by producing labels or programs, mailing materials, doing a demo or gallery walk etc., please do what you can, even if it is just for one show.
I anticipate in the next 2 years that I will learn a great deal from your wealth of knowledge and experience. However, I want to warn you that if you complain about something you will be put you in charge of whatever it is next year. J
Email communication and the GSWS website
I hope that we can do much of our communication and work by email. Sending information by postal mail is slow and costly. Grace Chiarella and I have been working on getting and correcting members email addresses. In addition, we are trying to keep the website current and even more useful by posting things that members are doing and advertising other opportunities for painting.
In conclusion
Consider making a donation for an artist award. Please see Sheila Redford’s letter at GSWCS.com for more information.
I want to give my heartfelt thanks Elizabeth Oberman (1st VP) and Joanne Amantea (Treasurer) for stepping up to fill those important positions. They are both very talented and terrific!
Lastly, I want to offer a fond farewell to Fran Franklin and Norma Griffith who did so much for GSWS. Fran was President for 4 years and Norma was Treasurer for 15 years! We thank them for their service and wish them well as they move on to other chapters in their lives.
Sincerely,
Tess Fields, President, GSWS
Tessiefields@gmail.com
609-558-0207
Dear Members,
Hello, as you may know I am very new to the job of GSWS President. I look forward to getting to know a lot you of you that I haven’t had the chance to meet yet. I wanted to share my thoughts on a few important subjects.
Why are we using digital submission for all our shows, even the non-juried shows?
Our 46 year old organization is moving bit by bit into the new millennium. I understand that change can be difficult, but it is absolutely necessary to keep us and our organization relevant and vital.
Having submissions done electronically is a much more efficient way of running a show. When you submit a digital image electronically your work can easily be used for promotional materials, including postcards, advertising and the GSWS website. The programs and labels will be quicker to produce and be more accurate.
There are personal and professional benefits as well. GSWS requiring electronic submission will encourage you to keep a good quality record of your work for your own use. Many local, regional and national art groups are moving in this direction so learning how to do this will broaden your opportunities to exhibit.
In addition and maybe more importantly, I believe that electronic submission will encourage broader participation in GSWS, hopefully encouraging young, up-and-coming artists to join us – which will be the future of the organization.
Why is it important to volunteer my time to GSWS?
GSWS is an organization built and run by volunteers. It is a wonderful thing to just show up with your painting, eat some cheese and crackers and maybe win a generous cash award. I know I’ve done it (all except the cash award part).
I think our new motto should be “share the wealth.” Fran Franklin and Ruth Kaufman did a lot of GSWS’s business single handedly, or with the help of a handful of members. Frankly, I am not willing to do that. It is my belief that the work of putting on exhibits and art sales can be broken down into well-defined, manageable parts that members will be more willing to step up to. So if I, or someone else calls on you to help out by producing labels or programs, mailing materials, doing a demo or gallery walk etc., please do what you can, even if it is just for one show.
I anticipate in the next 2 years that I will learn a great deal from your wealth of knowledge and experience. However, I want to warn you that if you complain about something you will be put you in charge of whatever it is next year. J
Email communication and the GSWS website
I hope that we can do much of our communication and work by email. Sending information by postal mail is slow and costly. Grace Chiarella and I have been working on getting and correcting members email addresses. In addition, we are trying to keep the website current and even more useful by posting things that members are doing and advertising other opportunities for painting.
In conclusion
Consider making a donation for an artist award. Please see Sheila Redford’s letter at GSWCS.com for more information.
I want to give my heartfelt thanks Elizabeth Oberman (1st VP) and Joanne Amantea (Treasurer) for stepping up to fill those important positions. They are both very talented and terrific!
Lastly, I want to offer a fond farewell to Fran Franklin and Norma Griffith who did so much for GSWS. Fran was President for 4 years and Norma was Treasurer for 15 years! We thank them for their service and wish them well as they move on to other chapters in their lives.
Sincerely,
Tess Fields, President, GSWS
Tessiefields@gmail.com
609-558-0207