Becoming President brings about many thoughts of what our purpose as an Association are and how we accomplish them. I reread the Mission statement. I studied up on Robert’s Rules. I fretted over writing this essay. And so on.
Then two thing happened recently which impacted my thinking.
The other day, a dozen or so members attended the memorial service for Bob Ackert. Bob was a former FMBAA treasurer and his late wife, Lee, was a former FMBAA president and, apparently, a gifted teacher of art. Many of the FMBAA attendees are or were former presidents or, in other ways, integral members in our association. After services were over, there were discussions of FMBAA days gone by at the reception, I learned that Bob Ackert led a remarkable life and that we, at the association, are a big caring family which, by now, has spanned generations.
The next day we had the Student Scholarship Show reception at our Gallery. It was great to see the excitement and energy of the young artists. I appreciated their courage to ‘put it out there’. This courage and confidence is one tangible benefit of education in the arts.
So it occurs to me that we are a big family, creating art, supporting art education and supporting each other in our wonderful gallery on the beach. Not bad at all. I am looking forward to the 68th year of FMBAA and proud to be the President.
Essay done. Check. Now, back to Robert’s Rules.
Have a great Summer.