Welcome to members and supporters, new and not-so-new. The theme for this time in ASMA seems to be “Tough Acts to Follow”. I am deeply honored to be taking the helm of ASMA, though certainly Kim Shaklee will be a tough act to follow. She has done an extraordinary job of leading ASMA the past three years (and has served on the Board for ten years). Kim has overseen big improvements in the opportunities we offer members, and has been a passionate advocate for being true to our members and our principles.
As I write, we have just completed a rewarding 40thAnniversary Retreat in Charleston, South Carolina, and plans are moving forward for our 18thNational Exhibition and our Third National Marine Art Conference. Prepare your best work now, as we will be jurying for this museum touring exhibition in the Fall, and our Conference will be in March of 2020 in Jamestown, Virginia. Also, don’t miss entering our West Regional Exhibition in California this summer, it’s open to all members!
As you’ve just learned, we are mourning the loss of our Board Member, Signature Member, and good friend Tom Nielsen. We will miss his enthusiasm and tremendous contributions, and we are grateful that Signature Member Priscilla Coote has agreed to complete the remaining two years of Tom’s Board service.
We have a big transition looming in how we communicate with members, as this next issue of the News & Journal will be Bob Semler’s final issue. For over 25 years he has edited and produced our signature quarterly, giving generously of his time and talents. I’m so grateful for all he has done, and wish him well as he and Phyllis learn to live a deadline-free life. His will be another tough act to follow, but we promise that the News & Journal will continue, without interruption, and with no less than the excellent quality and content you’ve all come to expect.
My hope is to continue what Kim has started, and improve where we can. We will work with first-rate museums to put together National and Regional Exhibitions, we will produce inspiring National Marine Art Conferences, we will offer helpful content and communications through a redesigned and refreshed News & Journal, website, and e-news, and we will seek galleries that wish to host marine invitational shows. We will also continue our historic relationship with National Maritime Historical Society, which has been an essential partner for ASMA from our very beginning 40 years ago. In short, we will do what we can to “recognize, encourage and promote marine art and maritime history”, as our mission statement says.
Thank you for being a part of our American Society of Marine Artists!
Cheers,
Lisa Egeli, President
