Minutes July 12, 2009
The special meeting was called to order at 1:30PM by President, Ken White. Ken called the special meeting to allow board members and committee chairs to prepare for the coming year.
Ken distributed 4 documents to the attendees:
- a copy of our current mission (as found on our website)
- a new publicity protocol developed by the co-chairs of the marketing/publicity committee, Ken and Erica Well
- a sample show and publicity schedule
- a marketing and PR questionnaire
After a quick review of the handouts, we began by discussing the mission of the Guild and its accuracy/relevance.
Garry Hornbuckle explained the difference between mission and goals. It is important that our projects support our mission. He shared an acronym to remember when setting goals – SMART – goals should be ---
Smart – Measurable – Achievable – Realistic – Time-bound
The first mission is, “to maintain a not-for-profit organization of professional artists”. This specifies the professional nature of our members as opposed to other arts organizations which include amateur and hobby artists. It is important to maintain our not-for-profit status in order to apply for grants.
The second and third missions are; “Promote fine visual art as an integral part of Nashville life”, and “Provide educational programs and opportunities which are open to the public.” These generated a great deal of discussion. Here are the main points made
- we should publicize our monthly programs if we want the public to participate
- the publicity protocol and questionnaire would be used to plan and publicize any event for the public
- to invite the public, we would need a more appropriate meeting space
- Classes and workshops can be taught by NAG members or sponsored by the organization
- Conducting or sponsoring/arranging such classes would raise public awareness of the Guild
- A facility for classes is an issue. We discussed contacting libraries and community centers.
- A facility for classes is an issue. We discussed contacting libraries and community centers.
- In 2010 Plaza has a need for art classes for youth, will provide supplies and has space available. This would be a natural match for us.
- The Campus for Human Development, which serves the homeless population, always needs teachers
- Frist has Saturday classes for children and we might get involved in that
- Art can also be taught for stress relief, in a health or medical context
- A sub-group of members can pursue any or all of these items – it need not be the entire membership
The 4th mission is “Provide member artists with appropriate venues for exhibiting their work.” There was a great deal of discussion around this also. Points made were;
- The publicity protocol and questionnaire would be used to plan and publicize any event for the public. It will allow us to consider each venue carefully and plan for publicity.
- When Ken asked the membership about possibly having a show in Paul Harmon’s building this August, he received only 11 responses from 52 members. 7 were for the idea, 4 against it. Setting aside the pro/con issue, it was discouraging to get such a poor response of only 11. Several people spoke up that it is the summer and the Guild does not usually conduct business in the summer, which might explain the lack of response. Then the topic of taking the summer off and the advisability of that was discussed. The subject will be raised with the general membership in September.
- Do the members want to exhibit just to exhibit their art, or are they interested in selling primarily? There were definitely several points of view here. The question will be raised with the membership in September.
- There was a request for feedback about the Membership Poll taken last year. Results of that will be distributed in September.
- Garry discussed the idea of partnering with other organizations. It is important that both organizations benefit from such a partnership. As an example, we might put on an exhibition on behalf of another arts group or charity, and share the proceeds of any sales commissions with that organization.
- Millie Jarrett and Garry have approached the W.O. School of Music to explore opportunities to partner with them. They are interested and have offered the use of their very lovely meeting facilities
- Other arts organizations, like the Opera, Symphony or Ballet are natural matches for partnership
- Millie Jarrett and Garry have approached the W.O. School of Music to explore opportunities to partner with them. They are interested and have offered the use of their very lovely meeting facilities
- Cornerstone was discussed, with some believing that we should be more attentive to that venue, planning a reception at Christmas there and planning the shows themes. Others wondered why we continued to show there at all given the lack of sales.
- Erica Well pointed out that the new publicity protocol will require starting 2 full months before any show (or special workshop for the general public).
- The whole subject of exhibitions will be taken to the membership for clarification.
- We are scheduled for a show in March at the Jewish Community Center
- Ev Niewoehner has an opportunity for us to show at the Nashville Gallery in East Nashville. The show will be in the fall – dates to follow
- The opportunity to show at the airport is still possible. It will take a lot of work to submit a proposal
- The second floor of TAL is available – we might submit a request to show there
- A sub-group of members can pursue any or all of these items – it need not be all members
The fifth mission is, “establish continuing contact among artists for the purpose of sharing and exchanging ideas, working towards mutual goals, and supporting one another as creative people.” There was no discussion about this one.
Other points made:
- This is one year before our 60th anniversary. We have a great opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of our organization.
- It will be extremely important to include the membership in planning future projects, rather than the leadership planning the projects and dictating to the members
- The Chestnut Group, which has 150 members, plans 2 shows and 2 workshops (sponsored) each year, and had to hire someone to help with that. Hopefully we won’t plan so many things that we exceed our members’ willingness to work
- We need to remind members to check the framing of any art exhibited. Any glass or plexi should be clean and unsmudged on delivery. Frames should be in perfect repair, metal frames should meet cleanly at each corner, and all should be dusted. We want to present a professional image.
After all these discussions, Erica agreed to prepare a list of projects/opportunities to send the
membership before the September meeting. We can vote then on which to pursue.
Our time being up at this point, we were asked to review the marketing and publicity material carefully individually.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Helmey
Secretary