(In the winter of 2021, I interviewed Myrna as a new member to NAWA’s board. Below are some edited remarks from that conversation. As Sanctuary, Myrna’s online publication, has continued to grow as a vehicle of support for women in so many areas of their lives, and as Myrna continues to be a bright light in NAWA’s future, I wanted to update our readers on this exuberant and energetic woman. SB)

From NAWA NOW, March 2021: “I was a fine arts minor as an undergrad. My favorite mediums were charcoal and pastel. I’ve always been interested in dance as well. For years, I was a competitive gymnast who was serious about the artistic elements of the sport. I received training in modern dance and jazz and spent several years as a choreographer for high school and NCAA gymnasts. It was after decades of writing for others as a freelance journalist and columnist that I started to think about managing my own publication. This is when I realized I could use my leadership and organizational strengths to run something of my own.

Sanctuary was conceived as a space for women to explore and discover, to grow and reinvent. The arts and humanitarian pursuits are a big focus.”

SB: What’s new at Sanctuary?

Our Sanctuary audience and team has grown over the past year or two. We’ve welcomed new writers and a panel of experts. We added new sections, such as Culture Crawl and Smart Steps, a new virtual show, HOT TOPIC, and a new interactive social media prompt titled Talkback. Now that the height of the pandemic is behind us, I am attending more events and exhibitions, and I plan to attend NAWA’s 133rd Member Exhibition in October. My hope is for more and more people to find Sanctuary – both literally and in their hearts and minds.

SB: Now that you’re in your second year as a member of the Board of Directors, what has been your experience so far?

I have always had the highest respect for NAWA’s mission in supporting and promoting women fine artists. Our mission at Sanctuary is well aligned with NAWA’s as we support women in various industries. I have learned a lot more about the organization, how its many committees function and the work that goes into its numerous exhibitions. I am honored to work with a group of dedicated and highly knowledgeable volunteers who continue to take NAWA into the future, constantly making improvements and changing with the times. I continue to be amazed by the incredible talents of member artists and the natural camaraderie between members. Simply, I’m thrilled to do what I can to help the organization.

SB: What’s new with you personally?

I continue to work many hours at Sanctuary – my passion – and I have travel plans over the next year or so, which I will be sharing in Sanctuary (find Myrna’s Musings). My husband, Kirk, and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in May. Our two adult children live close enough so we can visit often and vice versa…something we had always hoped for. I am always so pleased when someone writes to let me know that a feature in Sanctuary has helped to land an exhibition or appearance. This makes my heart sing and reminds me that I am helping members of our community, even if in a small way.