President's Message

2010 November President's Messaage

Dear Members,
Serendipity and dedicated, hard-working members have made "The Year of the Butterfly" a year to remember! Butterflies showed up on Memory Boxes, in a creativity challenge, in Home-Made Anything Auction donations, in Retreat projects, and of course, around the town. Speaking of around the town, this year the Chapter has put Decorative Painting before the public as never before with three simultaneous library displays, the airport display, our magnificent butterfly, and soon our 34th Annual Bazaar! We can be proud of our efforts!

The year started out with a brainstorming session that the Executive Committee took seriously in trying to meet member desires. A variety of after meeting painting projects were taught by Kate, Lois, and Audrey. We enjoyed two big seminars and are planning for future seminars, while coordinating with our sister-Chapters so as not to have conflicting dates. The Retreat tried new directions, which, for the most part, were successful (it's just impossible to satisfy everyone on every point--but efforts were made!). Each year we learn from the passed year and try harder to satisfy. The coming holiday gift exchange will also try something new.

Our ongoing Memory Box commitment has lacked some enthusiasm, perhaps because it is ongoing. But consider the need, one family at a time, and that the expression of sympathy via our artistic efforts, is sincerely appreciated. These can be kept elegantly simple and still show our creativity. Designs can be repeated on any number of boxes, remembering that in most cases, thankfully, only one per family is needed. Just remember to make it something to treasure because it will be holding someone's treasures.

Another topic on the brainstorming list was "how can we help with your growth as an artist." We have presented the opportunities from classes to display exposure to sales opportunities to help with growth. Having Chapter business cards will help you feel like an artist. The "growth" part is really up to you, and not only in the "artist" aspect. Our greatest strength was said to be "camaraderie" and a weakness was "not enough time."

Among my goals for this year have been to organize the Chapter Procedure Manual (which contains guidelines and paperwork) that for so long have been wanting, to finally pass updated By-Laws, and to inject some energy into the Chapter. With the help of the Executive Committee, and dedicated Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs. the hard-working Butterfly painters, and some individual members who have volunteered their efforts in a myriad of ways, I feel pleased that those goals have been met. I ask all members to support the Society of Decorative Painters for all those benefits that we derive from it, including our ability to be a Chapter. Without the SDP, each of us would be different in so many ways. To those who have volunteered, participated, brought food, expressed appreciation and said nice things, I thank you. To the few members who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support and make this Chapter better than it has ever been, my personal thanks. Both you and the Chapter are better for those efforts. I want to sincerely thank the membership for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President for this year. Paint when you can, and while you can. And have fun!

Edi