LAC Planning Meeting

Running an organization as comprehensive and orderly as the Lakewood Arts Council requires not only a large group of volunteers and paid staff, but a lot of brainstorming and planning ahead.  And that’s just what we did the morning of Saturday, November 17^th at the home of Kathy Berls, artistic director for the LAC.

       Even the drive up the hill to Kathy's house was inspiring.

Incoming and current board members were invited to attend the LAC planning meeting where we discussed the Council’s budget, membership numbers, long-range plans, exhibits and events for 2013, and of course, fun fund-raising ideas.  Welcomed were new members-at-large for 2013 Gail Firmin, Christina Taylor and Katy Haas, while outgoing members Marcia Brill, June Davis and Cindy Haase will be missed.

      Did Kathy plan the meeting agenda to match the coffee cups?

2013 is a big year for the LAC – it’s our 25^th anniversary.  That’s quite an accomplishment for a group that started out with just a few people intent on supporting the arts, that now has over 270 individual and group members.  A special 25^th anniversary art exhibit will start out the year, parties, a picnic and other creative options will follow throughout the rest of the year to offer fun times and show appreciation to all of you who have supported this organization throughout the years.

                                                   Getting down to business.

An events calendar was presented and discussed, which included popular and successful events that have become tradition at the Community Center and Gallery, such as an evening of Soup Tasting, a Members’ Holiday Party, and Art and Music collaborations.  Some exciting new ideas have also been added to the 2013 calendar, which I’ll leave as a surprise for now, but look for these events when you receive your flyers in the mail.  Hint: Yummy food, creative ideas, engaging conversation with friends!

                                                         Marje Walsh and Gail Firmin

Fundraising is always a big concern for a non-profit agency.  Once again the summer Garden Tour and Garage Sale will get the community involved, and art supply and holiday basket sales will help bring in needed funds.  But I can’t wait to see what our council and members come up with for a fall “Country Fair”!

Discussing all this official business started stomachs growling, so when it was time to break for brunch, we all filled our plates with a sampling of pot luck dishes. There are a lot of good cooks on the LAC board, I’ve discovered.  From hash brown and sausage casserole to blueberry buckle, we enjoyed our feast.  Hmm, perhaps an LAC member recipe book might be a good fundraising item. 

  Sweet,  savory, and a mug of coffee fueled more input to allow us to wrap up the planning meeting.  With all these creative ideas and valuable help from volunteers, next year will offer exhibits, events, projects and workshops that will make the 25^th Anniversary of LAC a celebration to be proud of!