Executive Director’s Letter

These past few months have been busy! ArtSmart 2013 was an amazing success. With almost double the number of attendees from 2012, engaging and charismatic presenters, awesome activities and last but not least, an enthusiastic  group of attendees, the conference was amazing!  Feedback from surveys indicated that everyone who participated agreed. “Fresh Art” a juried exhibit of BOMH members at Fresh Gallery was held in conjunction with the conference. It was a lovely exhibit and the reception hosted by Fresh Gallery Artists was fabulous. Alicia Farris, Deby Gilley and Elizabeth Brown were involved in the set up and on site organizing– so a big thanks to them. Thanks to all of the presenters, volunteers, artists who donated items for the auction and all those involved for contributing to a wonderful weekend.

A special thank you to Don Crozier, ArtSmart Chair and Peggy King, BOMH bookkeeper, data base manager and tireless volunteer who spent most of the weekend taking care of various duties from babysitting the artisan showcase to tallying auction sheets. They went above and beyond, as always. Thank you to our ArtSmart sponsors, The Missouri Arts Council, The Marlin Company, Springfield Brewing Company. Thanks to Lamar Advertising for donating billboard space to promote the Artisan Showcase.

I was honored to attend the Missouri Humanities Council awards ceremony in Jefferson City in April. BOMH artist Dawson Morgan was selected to create the award pieces. It was a thrill to introduce Dawson and present awards to some of the recipients. They were truly honored to receive a handcrafted work of art created by a Missouri artist. The Missouri Humanities Council is to be commended for choosing to select original Missouri artwork for their awards.

It’s appropriate to award Missouri achievements with Missouri art and other Missouri organizations and entities should be inspired by their example. While in Jeff City, I took the chance to tour the Governor’s Mansion and check in on the BOMH exhibit that is part of the tour. It was really cool to hear the docent’s talk about BOMH and explain the importance of Missouri artists to the group.

A new exhibit, The Best at Bilderbach, at Bilderbach Art Plaza in Cape Girardeau opened on May 3 and will run through May 30^th. The exhibit features work by general and juried members of the Best of Missouri Hands.   Work includes handcrafted guitars, ceramics, painting, jewelry and more. BOMH members Marti Hartle and Julie Bricknell were instrumental in setting up and helping organize the exhibit, so thank you Marti and Julie!  Opening on May 25th, is an invitational exhibit featuring BOMH members at Hannibal Arts Council which has been organized and facilitated by the staff of HAC.

In closing, I would add that it’s with a heavy heart that I write this letter for the BOMH newsletter as it is my last. After two years of serving this wonderful organization, I will be leaving my post as Executive Director, effective May 29th. The past two years have been filled with many challenges and many rewards, but, for me, the highlight has been getting to know many BOMH members. I have been and remain impressed by the talent and generosity shared by the membership. The connection shared by the members is truly special and is to be valued. The members are the heart, soul and strength of BOMH.

I wish you all the best and hope to see you around at art events, fairs, festivals and galleries around the state. After May 29^th, feel free to mail me at greermartha@yahoo.com. I would love to stay in touch.

Warm Regards and Best Wishes,

Martha