At this time of year, it is fitting to reflect on the past year and look forward with a vision of a new and exciting year for NAWA. As president, it has been my pleasure to work closely with many of the NAWA volunteers. Sustainability has been something that Jill and I have been focused on in 2022, and we will continue to do this in 2023. Two ways to build sustainability within an organization can be through volunteering and increasing benefits to members by offering opportunities other than volunteering. The NAWA volunteers have increased, and the work they enthusiastically do is a key factor in supporting the committees and events. Their dedication and ideas sustain NAWA. Each Signature Member is required to volunteer at least six hours a year, and all these hours can be done remotely. Fear not! This will not take a lot of time from your art career. Your career might even be enhanced through the contacts you make as a volunteer. If a member volunteers 16 hours of more, then she becomes an Art Angel. Once a year, Art Angels are given a special online exhibition. There is no jury or awards because this is a way to honor and thank those members who have volunteered over 16 hours during the year.
Here are some highlights about some of our volunteers. Mary Ahern, the Public Relations Chairwoman, has created an array of mini jobs for members. In this way, the required yearly 6 hours of volunteering for all NAWA members can be easily completed. I encourage all members to visit the NAWA website to find out how you would like to volunteer. One of the most lasting benefits of volunteering is building meaningful relationships with other NAWA members. This is priceless! The other new benefits to members have been initiated by the Membership Committee Chair, Elena Zelenina, who has created educational programs, such as the Round Table discussions. The Round Table is held once a month on Zoom. It addresses many important areas of interest to enhance the careers of professional artist. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the many new and exciting things that will continue to grow and develop this year. Anita Pearl is another Art Angel who focuses on Library Exhibitions in Manhattan, and she also writes up the prospectuses for all the online and in-person exhibits. Our guardian Art Angel is Susan Hammond who is always an amazing resource of wisdom and all things related to NAWA. Jill Cliffer Baratta is employed as the Executive Director, but she has also volunteered tirelessly way beyond 16 hours. Other dedicated volunteers include the Executive Board of Directors, peer jurors, the Florida, South Carolina, and Massachusetts Chapter Presidents and Chapter Board Members, and all the women who help unpack, install, take down, and pack up the in-person exhibitions. NAWA and I thank you for your tenacity and willingness to give generously of yourself.
In closing, I leave you with these inspirational thoughts by Eleanor Roosevelt “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face … You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” A little less than two years ago, I accepted to volunteer as President with a bit of fear. That lasted about two days until I realized that I had the support from all the volunteers mentioned above. They gave me the courage and confidence to tackle the job, and I am truly grateful. It has been a rewarding and transformative experience for me.
Wishing you a creative and inspiring 2023!
Christie Devereaux
