Hello ASMA Members!

By the time the News and Journal hits your mailbox, the 2^nd National Marine Art Conference will likely be underway or possibly, even history.  It has sincerely been a pleasure putting this event together the past two years.  No one said it was going to be an easy task, but many good things have come from this experience – both in planning, and through participating. 

I would like to personally thank the Fellowship for really showing their support of this effort by providing quality programs, demos, lectures and events.  Did I mention the donated art works??!!  THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FELLOWS WHO CONTRIBUTED!  These funds help the Society to have “seed money” for our next exciting event! 

Many thanks to our Signature Members who were also able to take part and share their expertise in demonstrations and giving valuable input.   We have so much talent in this group, and I think everyone who attends NMAC walks away with a very positive outlook about each of the artists who shared their time and expertise to enlighten others. 

Thanks goes out to our ASMA Board of Directors, for taking the gamble and showing their support by trusting  we could make this fly, and to our wonderful membership for believing there was value in attending and showing their dedication to this special group of people who shared their love for maritime art. 

This has brought us closer together, afforded new friendships and demonstrated respect for the wonderful talent we have in this organization, which abounds.  My hope is that because of this effort, each of you will consider becoming more involved in the Society.  Small gestures of volunteering collectively turn into meaningful accomplishments and sometimes even create a life changing experience.  I have learned that nearly all things are possible if you care enough to make the effort and bring things to fruition! 

As we move toward year end, it is time to consider how quickly we will be approaching the Society’s 40^th anniversary.  The Board is strongly committed to accomplishing the goal to reach $100,000 for the Anchor to Windward capital campaign.  Most thought this could not be done by our 40^th.  We can make it happen with your help.  We are running the race, and winning!   Your Board of Directors have personally sacrificed in so many ways with their time to help conserve what little funds ASMA does bring in.  By voluntarily doing much of the work, we have saved thousands of administrative dollars to be able to contribute significantly to the fund.  Giving even a few hours of your time will help give the Society more hands to work with.  The rewards far outweigh the efforts. 

Last year, we contributed every dollar possible from the conference, and did have several generous contributions given in appreciation and belief that the Society desperately needs to have a safety net in place for times when things may not be running like a well-oiled machine.  We need to plan ahead! 

The official annual Capital campaign fundraising drive will start on November 15, 2017 and run through January 31, 2018.  Financial contributions are most gratefully appreciated!  We would love for you to accept the challenge to keep ASMA alive for the future!  We will keep everyone informed as we get closer to our goal.

ASMA works because of those who step up their game and help us make things happen.  We hope this is the year for you to help do your part!  You may be amazed at how much differenceyou can make!

In closing, I would like to extend an invitation to all members to send suggestions for where you think would be an outstanding place to hold an ASMA Retreat and annual meeting for our 40^th anniversary. Pick up to three locations and email them to me at kim@kimshaklee.com .  This should take place between May 1^st and November 10^th of 2018.  Please consider weather issues when sending suggestions.  We will not be doing a conference next year, but would like to come up with another memorable experience for the Society’s 40th Anniversary.