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INTERNATIONAL ENCAUSTIC ARTISTS NEWSLETTER
President's Message for January 2007
by Gail Steinberg
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It's the beginning of a new year, and like at least one of you (initials C.H.), I too have
once again resolved to be better, wiser, stronger and richer in 2007. And this time, I think
I have a better idea of how—“once again” being the key phrase. Yes, Virginia, we have the power
to succeed or fail, but it’s so much easier if we don’t have to do it all alone.
Then who?
It took me about ten seconds to realize that IEA as a community can help us all make better,
wiser, stronger art and get richer and happier this year if we work together. Below is what I’m
thinking must be on the agenda to get the job done. I'm almost sure this is what we’re supposed
to do – or I may be having a massive attack of grandiosity. Please please let me know what you
think and what you are willing to do to move things forward. For the two remaining readers dying
to plan this agenda with me, I have good news: It's worth your trouble. I know that there’s God’s
plan and my plan and my plan doesn’t matter, but in the spirit of openness and optimism, please
give some hard thought to the exciting possibilities and send your feedback. I plan to send you a
message (hopefully a progress report) monthly to increase our communication. Count on it and read
between the lines. What IEA becomes is more and more what we experience as members. I am your work.
You are mine.
Top goals for 2007:
- Sell, sell, sell: I hope we can schedule a minimum of three IEA shows this year, one member
show and two juried shows. I also hope we can create our first organizational brochure and a
member slide registry.
- Who’s the rainmaker? To increase marketing we need to increase funding: Plans need to include
a 2nd annual benefit auction, our first organized membership campaign, grant submissions and
possible donor outreach.
- I’ll rub your feet, you rub mine: We need to formalize ways to increase member support. Let’s
establish a buddy program, coop buying for supplies, and continue with inspiration sessions to
share our new works with other encaustic artists and practice talking about our work. If you
haven’t already, please save these dates for member meetings. All will be held on Saturdays
at the Art League classroom, Novato Art Center, 500 Palm Drive, Novato at 2 pm: February 10,
June 9th, and August 11th.
- A lively incubator: This is the year to increase our national and international presence by
building a p.r. campaign for IEA as an organization and speaking at the national conference in
Massachusetts. This year we hope to activate new chapters throughout the US and Europe. Lots of
work, very big outcome.
- Learn, learn, learn: Plans are under way for our second annual 3-day retreat and a series of
community based classes. I would also like to see us begin creating state of the art how-to
pages for our website.
- Credibility and Credit: We need to achieve our 501C3 status immediately. Since we have not
been able to get this done pro-bono, we need to pay a lawyer to do it ASAP so we can begin to
apply for grants and donations. Our credibility and credit depend on it.
- Active Engagement In order to get the benefits, we have to get the work done. Just now is when
all members need to step forward and become part of a team. The teams are: administration,
education, exhibitions, fundraising, industry relations, international chapters, membership,
PR, website
I think it will be an interesting, and exciting year. Please let me hear from you and remember:
“When a man is singing and cannot lift his voice
and another comes and sings with him,
another who can lift his voice,
the first will be able to lift his voice too.
This is the secret of the bond between spirits.”
-- Martin Buber
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