The weather has long been a topic of concern, and it seems to be even more alarming than usual due to global warming. It’s a concern to all of us because it is something we can’t control, but which can be a matter of life or death. World leaders are now trying to figure out a strategy for dealing with the changes. In Arizona, lately the weather has been fierce, and wetter than normal, but this is welcome as rain is our life blood, literally and figuratively.
We may feel helpless in the face of high winds and torrential rains, but secure in our homes thanks to electricity, running water and a roof over our heads. We have that security because we made a priority of securing our future safety, by planning and preparing for what might happen ahead.
Arizona Artists Guild’s security is also in your hands. The expense of owning and maintaining the building, planning and implementing the meeting programs, Guild School of Art workshops, exhibitions, marketing, publicizing, installing, receiving work at exhibitions, all require effort and time. Fortunately, the tasks of doing those things are passed along from one volunteer to another, so no one has to reinvent the wheel when they take on a new(to them) task.
Over this past summer, thanks to volunteers, many improvements were made to the Guild. For example, Mark Woehrle spent many hours contacting Valley experts on sound equipment till he found one who would come out and analyze our equipment, recommend how best to use it, and how to improve it. Mark made the suggested changes, and purchased new wireless microphones with funds generously donated by the Figure Drawing group members, and the result is a tremendous improvement. No more ear splitting feedback, no more wires snaking across the floor, and no more muffled voices by program presenters. Thank you Mark!
July 5, someone broke out the glass next to the west side door, setting off the alarm, and spraying shattered glass across the room. Alicia Plogman responded to the call and marshalled others to meet at the building early Sunday to clean up the glass and board up the broken window. Maureen Mcguire, Facilities Manager, contacted the window manufacturer, and insurance company to make sure the window was replaced quickly and professionally. Thank you Alicia and Maureen!
If you have visited the AAG website since August you have noticed a new look to the website. The new website was created through WordPress and allows faster and easier updating, and is more visible to those searching online for Art organizations than before. The new site will save the Guild money from not having to pay someone to update and maintain the site. The building of the new site was done entirely by me. You are welcome!
All of these improvements were made to maintain and improve the quality of your organization. Your dues help to offset the financial expenses from month to month, but they don’t pay for the many tasks such as outlined here, and which are just a tiny example of the tasks ongoing through the year.
If you come forward to volunteer, you will make a difference. You may not be able to change the weather, but you can help prepare and secure the future success of your AAG from unknown storms over the horizon.
Thank you for all you do!
David Bradley
President , AAG