10 Jan January 2014
A wonderful new year is upon us and over the next several months you will be noticing a different look in our newsletter, flyers, publications, packaging and store front.
For some time, it has been the wish of our Board of Directors to have a new, energetic, more colorful image representing our organization. Last Fall, graphic design classes in three local colleges were invited to create a new ‘Identity Package’ for RAA. Over 30 college students and their professors participated in the effort. In December, the four best designs were presented to RAA’s member juror team; experienced graphic artists Grace Fermier, Jan Harvey and Karen Mahmoudi. Their unanimous choice was the package created by a team of senior graphic design students from the Art Institute in San Bernardino. The design is colorful and versatile and communicates what we do here at the art center. Those of us involved in this project hope you like it as much as we do.
In reflecting on 2013, I was reminded of how busy the Board of Directors and the Operations Committee were in implementing changes and improvements that help make us a better place to shop, to show your work, and to learn about art techniques and artists. Our major accomplishments were:
1. Full-time front desk coverage. With the hiring of three gallery coordinators we now relieve member artists from the burden of operating the Point of Sale system and allows us to be consistent and precise in the handling of information and more professional with sales of artworks and registration in classes and workshops.
2. Academy classes for youth. We now have in place a comprehensive educational plan for children ages 6-16 in which age specific modules cover all the major concepts of art. These modules are taught by highly qualified, experienced art teachers. Enrollment in these classes has been high; students and parents are happy with the results.
3. Strategic Plan for the next five years. The Board of Directors and other key leaders met for a full-day planning workshop in December. Goals and objectives were identified and a direction for the next few years outlined. Some highlights are: increasing the visibility of our organization within the community, improving communications within and outside of our organization, and of course, completion of our plans to expand and improve our facility. More information on these plans will be available as details are refined.
Dance the Days,
Gail Brownfield
President