MEETING MINUTES
Arden Artisan Collective Member-at-Large Meeting
Date: January 14, 2025
Location: BWVC (approx. 25 attendees)
Meeting Minutes
2024 Year in Review
Key events and initiatives from the past year:
All-Day Artisan Retreat
Creation of the Steering Committee
Spring & Fall Artisan Socials
3 Field Trips
Book Discussions
Earth Day Art Show at DCH
Group Show at Baby Grand
Arden Fair Booth
Invitational Show at DTC
Small Art Show at Buzz (with 2 receptions)
3 "Afternoon with the Artist" Exhibits (in collaboration with Craft Shop Museum)**
Arden Studio Art Tour*
Petition to the Arden Club for Arts & Crafts Gild*
* Not AAC events but AAC-friendly initiatives
** Omitted during the meeting—apologies
Attendance Insight:
Events like the Artisan Socials and exhibits were well-attended. Field trips were less popular due to limited publicity.
Budget Update
Treasurer: Jeanne Orr
Auditors: Cookie Ohlson and David Gerbec found books in order.
2024 Financial Overview:
Income: $1,286
Expenses: $1,608
Current Balance: $1,570
2025 Budget Planning:
Transparent accounts available on the website.
Brainstormed Fundraising Ideas:
Sell calendars featuring member artwork.
Silent auction fundraiser: Include art, theater tickets, and music performances.
Three-way gala event: Collaboration with Arden Craft Shop Museum and the Buzz (proposed for Winter 2026).
Steering Committee & Member Recognition
2024 Steering Committee Members:
Linda Toman, Shay Seaborne, Cookie Ohlson, Stevie Nolan, Megan King, Rachel Kantner, Jill Althouse-Wood
Returning Members for 2025: Jill, Shay, Megan, Linda
Outstanding Contributions:
Jeanne Orr (Treasurer)
Sadie Somerville (curated outside exhibits and hung major shows)
David Burslem (work on the Artist Studio Tour, not an AAC event but impactful)
Looking Ahead to 2025
Scheduled Events:
January: Member-at-Large Meeting, Book Discussion (“Coaching the Artist Within”)
February: Life Lessons Show at DTC
March: Afternoon with the Artist
October: Group Show at the Baby Grand
December: Small Art Show
Proposed Events:
Spring and Fall Artisan Socials
Spring Market & Studio Tour
Arden Fair Booth (revamp needed)
3D Art Exhibit in conjunction with the Baby Grand Show (potential venues: Chris White Gallery, Blue Ball Barn, Aston Mills)
Public Art Project with Cookie Ohlson and Bethany Rees
Workshops: Canva class, writing for artists (bios, grant writing, etc.)
Guest speaker from Aston Mills Arts
Structural Updates:
Interest in holding quarterly Zoom meetings (Megan Murphy King’s account).
Big News:
Arts & Crafts Gild was officially established under the Arden Club.
Mission Distinction:
AAC: Focuses on nurturing Arden artisans and enhancing community visibility.
A&C Gild: Supports broader cultural conversations and community experiences.
Break-Out Session Highlights
Key Topics Discussed:
Most meaningful AAC events: Artisan Socials, demos, materials swap.
Desired future activities:
Outdoor group painting
Round-robin art making
Art conservation and materials safety workshops
“Open mic” for art with sharing slots
Intergenerational engagement and diversity initiatives
Suggestions for Improvement:
Increased communication and transparency from the Steering Committee.
Better curation process for exhibits.
Opportunities for more communal art-making activities.
Opportunities for Involvement
Ways members can contribute:
Design and distribute postcards, posters, and social media blasts.
Volunteer as event support, gallery monitors, or show setup/takedown helpers.
Write press releases or grant applications.
Develop a database of members’ skills.
Help with hospitality, decorations, and fundraising.
Ongoing Call for Steering Committee Members:
Responsibilities: Facilitate agendas, approve expenses, liaise with organizations, and communicate with members.
Closing Note:
"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever." – Amy Poehler
Let’s Create Together!