Summer 2022 has been very rewarding and productive for NAWA. In August, the Membership and Program Coordinator, Chelsey Webber-Brandis, was hired. Chelsey is in the office once a week. She currently manages all things related to ensuring that members are assisted with any challenges related to renewal or reinstatement of membership when it has expired. Charlene Ko, who was hired in June, is the Office and Digital Manager who works fulltime in the office. Both of these ladies are highly qualified and we are thrilled to have them working for NAWA.
Jill Cliffer Baratta, NAWA’s Executive Director, is in the office two to three times a week. She has accomplished so much—from planning every detail for the Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon, which took place at the National Arts Club in May with Joyce Kozloff as the guest speaker, to the 133rd Annual Exhibit and the November Induction Ceremony. The Annual will be held at One Art Space from
October 14th to the 29th with the reception on October 20th from 6 pm to 9pm. In addition to the work being done in the office, there are numerous Zoom meetings to coordinate everything related to NAWA, from monthly meetings with all the committees to weekly updates on the CRM.
I am in the office on an average of once a week, and work closely with Jill on various projects. We also collaborate on all aspects that deal with the business of running NAWA. When we are not in the office, we continue to work closely, but remotely. The NAWA staff, Executive Board, the volunteers, and all the members of the NAWA sisterhood who continually create exceptional artwork, are all driven by a passionate desire to carry out NAWA’s mission!
A quote by the artist, Cecilia Beaux, best explains our work ethic. “When I attempt anything, I have a passionate determination to overcome every obstacle.” This was the spirit in which the founding women artists of NAWA began, and it is who we continue to be today.
In closing, I hope the summer has given everyone some time to reflect, relax, create, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Christie
