President’s Letter: May 2014

Greetings,

The Best of Missouri Hands is sustained not only by financial gifts, but also by donated time and talent. Our gratitude extends to our members, volunteers, community partners and our hard-working staff and board.

The Best of Missouri Hands would be pleased to have you serve on the Board of Directors; JOIN US!  We hope Best of Missouri Hands will stimulate your imagination and feed your soul. It’s the perfect way to meet interesting people just like you. With all the creative minds and talents at BOMH, our organization can and should be a venue for your ideas and energy.

Organization History

Missouri Artisans Association d.b.a. The Best of Missouri Hands was founded in 1989 by the Department of Economics at the University of Missouri – Columbia. In 1991, it became an independent entity, called The Best of Missouri Hands. MAA holds 501c3 nonprofit educational organization status, and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing various regions of the State and elected by the organization’s members. Current membership is over 400, including students, professional artists, and business from around the state.

MISSION: The Best of Missouri Hands is dedicated to the development and recognition of Missouri’s Artists and Artisans.

VISION: The Best of Missouri Hands is a statewide resource for connecting, educating, and inspiring Missouri Artists and Artisans.

Visiting Artist Program

In 2008, Best of Missouri Hands initiated a program for artist to visit classrooms throughout the state of Missouri. The Best of Missouri Hands Visiting Artist educational program consists of artists conducting demonstrations and discussions about life as an artist.  The Visiting Artist- program is funded by MAC and RAC:  In 2013 – 2014 there were 10 artist school visits. Artist Daniel Burleson conducted 3 visits, with 96 students. Julie Bricknell conducted 5 visits at Scott Central High School  with120 students. Patricia Bistine conducted 2 class visits at the Veterans Association, located at Jefferson Barracks. Carol Knox conducted 3  visits with 75 students. This year we touched the lives of 360 students and introduced them to the arts, yahoo!  The Visiting Artist Program is Chaired by Board Member Nancy Koehler. If you are interested in participating, please contact Nancy Koehler at nancy@mckenziesjewelry.com

Achievement in the Arts Award: Honoring High School Senior and Teacher

At ArtSmart 2014, The Best of Missouri Hands presented our 2nd  Achievement in the Arts Award honoring High School Senior Garren James. This year Best of Missouri Hands honored a teacher, Clayton McClain, Mountain View High School. In McClain’s nominee summary of his student he wrote:  “Garren is one of those people, not only as a student, that one wishes to clone. He is the epitome of niceness, maturity and responsibility, without ever complaining. He is going to command any of his future endeavors, especially when he attends college in the fall as an art major. Garren is the reason why an artist such as myself, teaches art.”  We were honored this year to have the Award certificates signed by Governor Jay Nixon.

The arts play a vital role in the life and well-being of the community.  The arts serve as a source of inspiration, enrichment and enlightenment to people of all ages. With a mission to bring together the arts, artists and everyday people through exhibitions and educational programs, The Best of Missouri Hands serves as a rich cultural resource for the state.

Best of Missouri Hands – Advocates for the Arts

 

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