BOARD MEETING MINUTES 2009
 

Minutes of the Metal Arts Guild Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
At the home of Ron Elson, Berkeley

Present:
Alison Antelman, AA; Cyndee Clearwater, CC; Carolyn Tillie, CT; Ron Elson, RE; Emiko Oye, EO; Taiko Roskothen, TR; Rhonda Coryell, RC; Suzanne Pugh, SP; Celeste Howell, CH.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Reminder, any and all event information should go to Carrie, Emiko and Susie; even better would be to cc. the whole board. AA’s term as President ends in August 2010. Whoever becomes President needs to be on the board for a year. AA

VICE PRESIDENT
This position is still vacant and term limits require a VP to be in place by August. If you are interested or just want to inquire, Please Help. The VP must serve for a year so recruit that special someone now.

PROGRAMS
The lecture by Joe Muench at CCSF included mainly students and a few MAG members. Suggestion to emphasize the lecturer 2 – 3 months in advance so there is some build up. May look at doing tours instead of lectures, possible option is the TechShop in Menlo Park. It was also suggested to announce at the General Meeting that interested parties work with Suzanne Pugh on possible tours.

General Meeting – Sunday, January 17, 1 – 3p, Location – TBD; suggestions include SF Library rooms, River of Words, West Berkeley Sawtooth building. Final information needed by Sunday November 15 for inclusion in newsletter.
There was a suggestion for individuals to project images of their work; this would be an opportunity only, no discussion or critique. This would be either before or after June Schwartz presentation. SP, EO, AA

WORKSHOPS
Peter Ostwald is scheduled for January 23 & 30; this will also be highlighted in the newsletter. Deb Lozier and Joan Dulla, scheduled dates still up in the air for sometime in 2010. Any other ideas for workshops should be forwarded to Maureen and she can help organize the workshop.

EXHIBITIONS
A very big “thank you” to everyone from Ron Elson.
Review of remaining exhibition tasks and to dos:
Postcards sent by mail and electronic mail. Lisah Horner/ ACCI will also send out their standard electronic version that will include MAG participants.
The list of volunteers will be sent to AA for inclusion in the upcoming newsletter. Exhibition setup to begin Tuesday November 10. Graffiti artist is arranged for Tuesday November 10.
CH to coordinate with Ken/ACCI for access to EditGrid documents and entry forms sent via email. AA will bring extra MAG postcards; EO will bring MAG membership forms to reception. RC will speak to Lisah/ACCI regarding food for the reception.
Exhibition will be photographed at the end of the day Thursday November 12 and during the reception Friday November 13. AA, CH, EO, RE, RC

MEMBERSHIP
Current membership at 210, members joining after October 1 also receive all of 2010. Renewal cards will be sent out which will include Peter Ostwald workshop information. Renewal information will also be included in the newsletter. A volunteer is still needed for updating and sending out e-news via Constant Contact; possibly a volunteer from Ron Elson’s pool or Celeste Howell. EO

TREASURY
Meghan Riley is working on the budget; Ron Elson will also submit the budget for Exhibitions after UrbanRen launches. There will be budget reports for each meeting. Receipts must be given to Meghan with expense reports. Meghan will discuss financial policy at the next meeting. AA

LIBRARIAN
No Report.

HOSPITALITY
Rhonda and Taiko should email Meghan last year’s numbers for their budget since all of it was not used. Holiday party is scheduled for Sunday December 13, 5 – 8p at the studio of Rebecca Deans. RC, TR

PUBLICITY
Need more images for UrbanRen; participating board members should submit images as soon as they are available.
MAG Business Development Group will meet next in December, first Wednesday of the month. There have been two meetings so far, the December meeting will also be in the newsletter. UrbanRen show is listed in all the usual spots. Suggestion to increase budget in anticipation for need to create complete MAG press kit. CT

GUILDLETTER
Discussion about charging or not charging for advertising space. MAG does not charge members to place an ad based on member benefits. It will be an editorial decision to ensure ad is a benefit to the members. Can also refer items to be placed in the e-newsletter. CC

WEBSITE
No report.

MISCELLANEOUS
Call from the Enamel Guild to suggest a combined MAG / Enamel Guild member show in 2010. AA will advise EG that MAG is unable to make a decision at this time given we’re in the midst of the UrbanRen show. The 60th Anniversary committee meeting will be scheduled after the general meeting. AA, EO.

NEXT MEETING
Scheduled for Tuesday January 5, 2010.

Adjournment.

 
 

Minutes of the Metal Arts Guild Board Meeting
At the home of Rebecca Deans, San Francisco
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

PRESENT
Alison Antelman (AA, Chair), Rebecca Deans (RD), Ron Elson (RE), Jennifer Cross Gans (JCG), Maureen Harvey (MH), emiko oye (EO), Celeste Howell (CH) Adam Clark (AC), Carolyn Tillie (CT), Taiko Roskothen (TR), Rebecca Deans (RD), Susie Hojel (SH), Meghan Riley (MR), Suzanne Pugh (SP).
The meeting opened at 7:15 pm.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Bylaw Amendments:
JCG received responses and recommendations resulting in the board voting on and agreeing to add the following two bylaw amendments:

  1. Article V, sec. 2 The Board decided to retain the requirement that the President,
    Vice President or Treasurer must have been an active member in good standing for one full year prior to the date of nomination.
    Added: "This requirement may be waived by a majority vote of the Board if these vacancies cannot be filled from the active membership".

  2. Article VI, section 2.  Modified to read: "The Chairs of these standing committees will be elected by the general membership.  Emergency and long-standing vacancies may also be filled by the Board”.

The amendments are to be posted on the website instead of mailed out a second time. A new edited version was sent to the board by JCG.

VICE PRESIDENT
This position is currently vacant those interested should contact AA.

PROGRAMS

Sarah Turner – looking at Fall 2010 to schedule, will keep RD abreast of her plans to be in San Francisco.

Joe Muench of Iowa State University will give an evening talk Saturday, October 24 at City College. A short bio should be sent to Cyndee. SP

General Meeting – Ideas are needed for a guest for the January 2010 general meeting

SECRETARY

Jennifer Cross Gans resigned her position as Secretary but will remain as a member at large. Celeste Howell was voted in as Secretary. JCG has several years of minutes to put on the website as storage, this will be emailed to Susie Hojel. JCG

WORKSHOPS

Harriete Estel Berman will be doing a program at the Revere Academy for MAG Wednesday October 28, 7pm. The program will be Learning How to Succeed at Lark Book Applications for 500 Silver Jewelry Designs. Bring images, laptops for one-on-one help. EO

Business Development Discussion Round Table – The first session of this group was Wednesday September 2. It is planned for the first Wednesday of the month. The following months’ topics will be determined at each meeting.

Peter Ostwald workshop on Rescue/Reclamation, MH has tentative dates for mid to late January 2010. MH will get his website information and images to CT and EO for promotional purposes. MH

EXHIBITION
Urban Renaissance

RE presented drafts of the consignment agreement and inventory forms for the board to discuss and review. Contact information, key dates and times were edited, confirmed or require additional follow up. Based on this review EO will complete the artist exhibition package that will be emailed to participants in approximately 2 - 3 weeks from date of board meeting. EO

It was suggested that participants be immediately notified of two important items: 1) images are needed now in order to promote the exhibition online and in print, 2) participants can submit more than one piece – small series - if it falls into the exhibition requirement size constraints. RE

Volunteers are needed for different aspects of the exhibition, set up, gallery sitting during the exhibition (Mon – Sun, 11a – 6p). RE would like to have a meeting late September for those interested in volunteering. It would be a good way to learn about MAG exhibitions. CH will set up an online wiki and volunteer sign up form to be accessible online. CH will also work on a draft inventory document for the artist exhibition package. RE will send follow up information to the board regarding changes discussed. RE, CH

MEMBERSHIP

The current membership is at 221 members. Rosters were sent out last month. There have been requests to renew for multiple years; EO will look into this as a possible option for January 2010. EO

TREASURY

Accounts were transferred to MR, she will email the board when she is up and running. Board members should start thinking about their proposed budget and email it to MR before the next meeting in November. AA suggests a committee is put together to discuss fiscal policy then bring the results to the board. MR

LIBRARIAN

Owen has the back end set up for the database and needs feedback before he can move forward. RD will email board the URL, login and password for review – no editing! Each book in the library will need to be handled to ensure everything is correctly catalogued for the database. Volunteers will be needed, it was suggested a sign up sheet is available at the Urban Renaissance show. Security of the books needs to be addressed with a balance struck between security and making them available to people. RD

HOSPITALITY

A location is needed for the holiday party, something light industrial for demonstrations. The holiday party is typically the first or second week of December. Also, keep in mind a location for the general meeting January 2010. AA to approach ACCI as possible location or exhibition closing party and thank you. AA, TR

PUBLICITY

Need more images to promote Urban Renaissance exhibition in national magazines and local free weeklies. There are 85 members on MAG’s Facebook page.  Need suggestions for getting more people interested and attending the lectures. Reminder to submit promotional items to EO, CT and SH. CT

GUILDLETTER
No report, deadline 9/1/09.

WEBSITE

Susie Hojel is ready to step down from the board as web designer. There is no rush to find a replacement but that it should be put out there as available. SH puts information online as soon as she receives it. Reminder, we are visual, images help tremendously for events and lectures, makes things more interesting. SH

MEMBER AT LARGE

Think about ideas for permanent plaque when looking at display cases during the UR show.  Suggestion for possible member competition with winner’s stylized entry put on cases. Or advise if anyone is interested in doing this.
Adam Clark has refurbished the display cases. AC will also deliver the cases to ACCI for the exhibition. RE will confirm the delivery date with AC.

NEXT MEETING
Scheduled for Tuesday November 3.

Adjournment.

 
 

MINUTES OF THE METAL ARTS GUILD BOARD MEETING
At the home of Carolyn Tillie, San Francisco
Tuesday, July 14, 2009


PRESENTAlison Antelman (AA, Chair), Shabnam Bahmanian (SB), Cyndee Clearwater (CC), Rebecca Deans (RD), Ron Elson (RE), Ellis Gans (EG), Jennifer Cross Gans (JCG), Maureen Harvey (MH), emiko oye (EO).  Guests:  Meg Riley (MR)  and Taiko Roskothen (TR) Caroline Tilli (CT). The meeting opened at 7 pm.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By-law amendments:
The Board defined student membership as "Anyone enrolled in a metalsmithing program leading to a credential such as a certificate, degree or diploma".  A student ID is required.

Term limits:
These apply to the President only and do not include the Treasurer.

Other changes: 
The By-laws will be dated, and the MAG address will be listed as the current address.JCG will send the new revised version to the Board, and to EO by the end of this week.  EO will prepare hard copies to circulate with the new membership roster. JCG, EO

Fiscal policy:
There was discussion about the draft policy prepared by AA and CC, but limited discussion about the shorter version repared by JCG.  AA's draft will be discussed at more length at the next Board meeting, particularly ways to match MAG's goals and objectives with current and future finances, and how to ensure checks and balances.  Members are encouraged to submit their
own suggestions, and to review the minutes of the Board retreat in April.  AA, ALL


Enamel Guild:
AA reminded the Board of that Guild's request for volunteer help at the upcoming conference in August.

Business Development Group:
Meg Riley (MR) outlined a proposal (with CT) to set up local networking groups to support members interested in marketing, shows, gallery contacts etc.and to facilitate information exchange.  MR and CT might begin with a San Francisco group, which would hopefully spread to the wider Bay Area.  The Board encouraged this proposal, suggesting it be placed under Programs, with publicity through E-news, the Guildletter, the website and on-line sources. Interested MAG members should be asked to RSVP.
 
Ballot:
The ballot for 2009-10 Board elections will be handled by SB at the summer picnic (July 25).  EO will bring the ballot box, membership rosters, and By-laws.  EO, SB

Board changes:
The following Board members are leaving their positions:  SB (Hospitality), EG (Treasurer) and JCG (Secretary).  JCG will remain on the Board as a member-at-large.  The Board thanked and commended these members for their hard work and dedication. Taiko Roskothen (TR) was welcomed as a candidate for Hospitality, and her name will be on the next ballot.

San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design
:
AA reported a conversation with museum staff about a proposal that MAG help sponsor one or more of three exhibitions starting July 23. AA felt this was not appropriate for us at this time, but EO is discussing a possible sponsorship in 2011 celebrating MAG's 60th anniversary and the museum's expansion to larger quarters downtown. EO

PROGRAMS:
MAGgrant

CC reported for the absent Suzanne Pugh:  there were a record 25 applicants, thanks to EO's national outreach to schools, SNAGnet and Crafthaus, as well as higher prize money.  JCG reported that the Art Jewelry Forum e-newsletter may include a story on the award plus one or more photos.  JCG

Sarah Turner         
She is the Dean at Cranbrook, and may offer MAG a program on her Fullbright research in the Netherlands. RD will confirm a possible date (Oct. 15). RD

Argentium video
A showing of Ronda Coryell's video will be discussed at the next meeting. AA, RC

WORKSHOPS
:
MH announced a September 12/13 workshop with Business Arts Edge.  She will arrange a venue, and welcomes suggestions from all Board members (by phone, not email!)  She will give final details to CT , EO, CC and SH. MH, ALL

Deb Lozier workshop:
This will probably be next January. MH

Joan Dulla
This artist may be willing to do a 2 1/2 day workshop on her metal weaving techniques, possibly next March. MH will followup, work out details, including costs, about $45/hour, plus $65 for materials, the artist's plane fare from AZ, and hotel, unless hospitality can be arranged.  CT indicated her willingness to offer this.     MH, CT

Larissa Dahroug
This artist is now working only in fiber, not a suitable workshop topic.

Peter Ostwald
MH is discussing a possible 2-day workshop on "Rescue and Reclamation" , for late August or early September. Costs are being discussed.  MH will send details to AA, EO, CT, SH as soon as possible.    MH

Grant Writing
MH has no source for a presenter, however MR offered to check with the SF Foundation.   MR

EXHIBITIONS

Urban Renaissance
RE reported a recent meeting with CT and the ACCI gallery to discuss publicity.  Given the high cost of national advertising, a better approach would be to get as much free publicity as possible in all available local and regional media  (on-line, print, radio, TV).  CT asked for Board members' suggestions.  In addition ACCI is willing to print 5,000 free postcards for us.   ALL

After a discussion of using multiple pickup sites, RE recommended - and the Board agreed - that one site only be used.  EO volunteered to collect the work at Revere Academy;  this would need to be  unpacked at ACCI well before the opening (Nov. 13).   Given the difficulties of obtaining special insurance, RD suggested using professional couriers who are insured and used to handling artwork.  CT Googled a list.   CT

RE outlined the volunteer help needed:  move the work;  open/photograph/log-in the work;  move and set-up the cases;  help staff the show.  Still to be determined - whether participating artists should be required or merely encouraged to volunteer. Meanwhile, volunteering will be encouraged via the Guildletter, E-news, and website.  RE is also compiling a list of volunteers. CC, EO, SH

CT offered to cater the opening reception:  MH recommended a jazz flautist.  EO knows a jeweler/ graffiti artist who might design an urban mural.     CT, MH, EO


Berkeley Art Center
The Center is open to working with MAG on a future show (two years from now).  AA will invite the director, Suzanne Tan, to the Urban Ren. show.    AA

60th Anniversary
EO is working on a proposal for a big show at the Museum of Craft+Design.  She has already recruited Suzanne Baizerman and Harriete Estel Berman as two jurors (the 3rd is still undetermined).  Additional venues might also be sought, plus a possible separate Flikr account. Theme of EO's proposal is "Past, Present and Future", including MAG's permanent collection and work from older members ("Past"), juried work from today's MAG members ("Present") and students ("Future").  EO also suggested including oral histories (e.g. from Florence Resnikoff and merry renk).  She noted that Jennifer Shaifer will share her current research findings with MAG.  Shaifer also wants to see MAG's permanent collection.

MEMBERSHIP

EO reported we now have a membership of 200, plus 13 permanent members.  She has sent out a postcard mailing about the upcoming summer picnic. The MakerFaire was a big success, winning MAG a ribbon. and 72 sign-ups for our e-mailing list.  EO congratulated volunteers who gave three demonstrations, four hands- on workshops, and another 10 on MAG's booth.
Total cost was $645.44.  She plans to repeat the Faire next year.


TREASURY

EG had previously emailed the Board with the current financials, which are overall very positive but are over budget, thanks to the database costs. He suggested finding two auditors to review his financial records before leaving his position:  one of these auditors should be his successor.

LIBRARIAN

The check for the database consultant has been mailed, but not cashed.  RD gave AA two copies of the contract for signature (one to go to EG).  Next month,  RD will put together a team of volunteers to input the information about our collection, which she projects will take at least two days.  EO will publicize the need for help.  EOSecurity - both for the library and MAG's collection - is still to be worked out.

HOSPITALITY
MAG's picnic will be on July 25 at David Casella's studio, the Box Shop in Hunter's Point. SB is collecting prizes for the drawing, including gift
certificates from Makens ($25) and Frei Borel ($50). CT donated a strand of pearls.  MAG will donate a free membership.  SB is still asking for additional prizes, which can be delivered on-site at the picnic.  ALL SB strongly recommended the Board plans for bigger events, including venues and hospitality, between now and the 60th anniversary.  AA will produce a blueprint for the year.   AA

 
PUBLICITY

CT reported we have 66 members on Facebook and 5 on Crafthaus.  She is working on a list of on-line sources, and welcomed the Board's suggestions both for this and other local media outlets.  ALL She will give her list to CC for the Guildletter.     CT, CCJCG suggested approaching Whitney Couch to speak to MAG members about Object Fetish.         MH

GUILDLETTER

CC reported she has more copy than she can use for each issue.  The next Guildletter will be out on August 1.

WEBSITE

No report.

CASES
RE will remind Adam Clark to reserve MAG's cases for the Urban Renaissance exhibition.    RE, AC One case was loaned to a recent conference of the American Psychiatric Association for a small art show, which RE arranged.  MAG was credited.
                                                                          
MEMBER SHOW
EO reported that her work, along with Christine Dhein's, will be shown at the African American Art and Culture Complex, starting July 23.  She will send a note to CT for Facebook etc        EO, CT

MISCELLANEOUS
The rest of the agenda was held over till the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING
September 1, at the home of Rebecca Deans

The meeting adjourned at 9:40pm

JCG

 
 

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MAG BOARD MEETIN
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
at the studio of Alison Antelman, Berkeley


PRESENT:
Alison Antelman, President (AA), Shabnam Bahmanian (SB), Cynthia Clearwater (CC), Rebecca Deans (RD), Ron Elson (RE), Ellis Gans (EG), Jennifer Cross Gans (JCG), Maureen Harvey (MH), Susie Hojel (SH), emiko oye (EO), Suzanne Pugh (SP) and Carolyn Tillie (CT).    The meeting opened at 7:15pm.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

AA said the purpose of the special meeting was to discuss MAG's future plans, and how to best use some of MAG's "surplus" funds. The Board discussed, then voted to approve two major new projects and two policy changes.  Other ideas would be discussed at future meetings.

1.  MAG Database
The Board approved RD's proposal for a new database, initially to help library and membership operations.  The library component would have an inventory of contents, to be later supplemented by additional information compiled by volunteers.  It would also include check-in and checkout.  The component would allow easier and more complete information about MAG members.  Additional information, e.g. on exhibitions, reports etc. could be added later.
Some or all the information would go on our website, and SH will check to see what is supported on our server.   SH

Where necessary, information could be password protected. The Board voted to approve a $1,500 budget for the project, with one abstention (EG).  EG requested a written contract for our IT consultant. RD

2.  60th Anniversary Celebration

By unanimous vote the Board approved the concept of a major celebration of MAG's 60th anniversary in 2011.  Possible ideas included the following:  a panel of founding/early MAG members; lectures;  workshops;  exhibitions of members' work, past, present and future (students);  photographs/oral history;  a catalog of members' work and MAG history.

First steps would be to apply for an Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) grant to help finance a catalog. AA, SP, RD
We will also discuss membership on the special 60th Anniversary Committee, which the Board voted to approve.   AA


3.  Speakers' Fees

The Board voted to approve an increase in speaker fees to $400. (There were 9 yes votes, 1 no and 2 abstentions.). While we are open to paying return air fares for out of town speakers, these would need Board approval on a case by case basis.  AA

4.  Conference Expenses for the MAG President
The Board unanimously approved allowing any current MAG President to receive round trip, economy class air fares to attend the annual SNAG conference.  (Presidents are already permitted to charge MAG for conference registration fees).

5.   Local Community Groups
The Board could recruit volunteers on a geographical basis to start informal local groups, which would meet for networking, critiquing, and suggest both ideas for future MAG meetings and new galleries interested in hosting MAG member shows.  The proposal would be virtually cost-neutral, but would require an organizing effort.                                                          
                                                             
6.   Member Survey
We should consider one or more surveys to find out members' current needs and interests;  creative ways to get more members
involved with MAG;  and of non-members to find out why they left our organization.   EO said she'd look into doing the survey through our mag emails constant contact group-there may be a fee but she would check.The survey could also possibly be done either by JCG
and EG;  by SurveyMonkey;  or published in the Guildletter.         
                                                                          

7.  A Financial Policy for MAG

There were differences among Board members about the use of MAG's surplus funds;  how much should be held in reserves reserves;  how much spent for new programs;  whether any funds should be returned to members through dues reduction; how to balance our responsibilities as a non-profit organization while operating in the current economic climate, given a 19% drop in our membership to date.

EG will email the Board current financials, and our balance sheets for 2006-8.   EG


8.  Demonstrations and Workshops
There was current agreement on our need to "ramp up" these programs.  We could ask for members' ideas via survey, and/or
through our new Facebook page (see below).                      

9.  Communicating with members

We will explore archiving our newsletter on line e.g. as a pdf.  CC already has one year's issues on CDs and pdf.  This would be an additional perk of membership.    RD, SH

CT reported she has set up a Facebook page, including a new chat group, for MAG, which she will administer. It is already being visited by the public.  EO will share her mailing list for the email news.   CT, EO

10.  Insure Library Contents

The library currently has over 600 titles, ranging from the forgettable to valuable, and is not currently covered by the umbrella insurance for the host building, Scintillant Studios. RD will research costs.       RD                                            

11. Increasing the MAGgrant
We will discuss increasing the MAGgrant (currently raised to $500) to make it more attractive to students.

12.  Should MAG Advertise?
There was some support for limited national advertising, e.g.in Metalsmith and American Craft, particularly to publicize our
60th anniversary events in 2011.  Costs are high, e.g. $650 for a half page black and white ad in Metalsmith and $1,800 for a
quarter page color ad in American Craft.  There was also support for discussing local/regional advertising, e.g. in The SF Chronicle, Bay Guardian etc.  We need more cost information, and to get a better idea how advertising would benefit MAG.


13.  Diretors' and Officers'  Insurance

RD will research cost information.    RD

The meeting ended at 9:15pm.                          

   JCG

 
 
 
Board of Directors 2009
 
President: Alison Antelman
Membership: emiko oye
Website: Susie Hojel
Treasurer: Meghan Riley
Exhibitions: Ron Elson
Secretary: Celeste Howell
Librarian: Rebecca Deans
Program Chair: Suzanne Pugh
Hospitality: Ronda Coryell
  Taiko Roskothen
Workshops: Maureen Harvey
Publicity: Carolyne Tillie
Guildletter Editor: Cynthia Clearwater
Members At Large: Adam Clark
  Jennifer Cross Gans
 
 
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