Elgin Arts Association^™

The Elgin Arts Association met April 17 at Bremond House Gallery. With 10 members present, President Michael Strange called the meeting to order.

Treasurer Cheridah Vaughn was not able to attend; in her absence, Lynette Hampton, Secretary, provided the Treasurer's report. The balance of the Association checking account at the last meeting was $474.22. The Association had expenditures of $72.99 to provide supplies for the children's art contest during the Art Walk, $9.74 for ribbons for the contest and $43.00 to purchase packing materials for the airport exhibit removal. The remaining balance is $348.49.

Judging for the children's art contest was discussed, as well as the display of the children's work in town between Art Walk dates. In addition, more supplies will be needed in the future. The possibility of obtaining corporate sponsors was discussed.

The next item on the agenda was the proposed amendment to the Elgin Arts Association bylaws. Michael explained that the amendment changes the name of the Grant committee to Fundraising committee to better describe the function of the committee. With the low balance of the checking account, it is apparent that the Association needs to have a focus on fundraising, which would allow the Association to better support the arts in Elgin. Michael asked if there were any questions regarding the amendment. There being none, Frank Brabec made the motion to vote. Ava Barker seconded the motion. All present voted in favor of the amendment. In addition, eight members who were unable to attend the meeting voted by email in favor of the amendment. There were no votes against. The amendment passed and the bylaws are hereby amended.

We had three people volunteer to remove and transport the airport exhibit.
Many thanks to Ava Barker, Jan Knight and Elizabeth Sullivan for their time and effort! (Note to participating artists: The art was taken to Bremond House Gallery today. Please pick up your exhibit piece(s) in the next day or two during normal business hours.)

The Elgin Arts Association now has a nominating committee! Thanks to Frank Brabec, Nancy Lou Webster and Gary Vaughn for taking on this task. Officer positions up for election this November are President and Secretary. If you are interested in filling either of these positions, please contact a nominating committee member. The general duties for these positions are outlined in the Association bylaws. Frank Brabec told those present at the meeting that any candidate for Association President will need to present a two-year plan of their goals for the Elgin Arts Association.

Deborah Kaufman asked to bring up new business. She and Dave would like to see the Elgin Arts Association take more of a leadership role with regard to Art Walks. In addition, the Association needs to work on a membership drive.

Various ideas the help with these goals were discussed, such as revising the membership form into a "bullet-point" color brochure. EAA membership forms would be made available at the Chamber office, galleries, and at the Art Walk artist check-in station. The possibility of Art Walks being held the second Saturday of every month (no break during the summer months) was also discussed. A small group of members has agreed to get together to brainstorm on the publications.

With Association business concluded, it was time for a special presentation by EAA Member and Vice President, Greg Silkenson. Greg started his presentation by sharing laminate sheets from various types of wood and explained the various advantages to using laminates. He explained different laminating patterns, such as book-fold, and showed the group a photograph of a cabinet he designed with a free-form pattern using different types of wood and explained how he was able to cut the laminate into the pattern and have the pieces fit perfectly. He then demonstrated the "vacuum bag" veneering process he uses. After coating the substrate piece and the veneer with glue, the pieces are put together and placed on a support inside a heavy-duty clear plastic bag. Using a vacuum pump, the air is removed from the bag, which causes the plastic bag to exert a tremendous amount of even pressure on the piece. (When we say heavy-duty, we mean HEAVY-duty!) Greg leaves the piece in the bag with the vacuum going for an hour or so, then removes the piece to allow the glue to continue drying. Everyone could see how this system would be much more effective than clamps! Thanks to Greg for this enlightening demonstration.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm. Thanks again to Bremond House Gallery for their hospitality!

The Elgin Arts Association will meet at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20 at the First National Bank on Highway 290.

All artists and supporters of the arts are welcome. Bring a friend!