KANE — The Art in the Wilds board of directors held its annual meeting at The Lutheran Home at Kane.
Present were Marilyn Blackmore, Julie Cleland, Claudia Jakim, John Bloomquist, Jim Greville, Ruth Peterson; Kathleen Prosperi-McClard, and Suzy Meyer-Page. Anjanette Nicolazzo was introduced as a new board member.
Following a review of the November 2016, minutes and an approval of financial reports and committee expenses, the official election of officers began. Jakim acted as the interim president so the election of officers could occur.
The following are the elected officers for the next year: President, Julie Cleland; Vice President, Marilyn Blackmore; Treasurer, Stacy Lindquist; and Secretary, Suzy Meyer-Page.
During the director’s report, Cleland announced the 2017 team of outside consultants. They include Merry Ryding, Chris Paup, Jill Schultz, Joyce Anderson, Janine Smith, Kathy Long, Kristin Martonik, Crystal Kocjancic and John Cleland. Nicolazzo agreed to head the marketing team, which will also include Prosperi-McClard and Martonik.
In new business, there was an in-depth review of the 2016 marketing analysis, which included the discussion of whether or not it is time to transition some of the group’s advertising efforts to incorporate more of an online presence.
Nicolazzo suggested the team ramp up social media content for a month to gauge a response from their digital followers, which will allow her to analyze its future potential.
In addition, Jakim is working on researching the economic impact of AIW on the community in a 25 to 50 mile radius. Conflict of Interest statements were signed and budgetary amendments were approved.
In old business, volunteer t-shirts for the 2017 show were discussed and it was decided by all that the word “volunteer,” will appear down the sleeve of the shirt this year. The color will be revealed to the public at the show.
In committee reports, artist website updates and a “Call for Artists,” on three major websites were posted by Jakim. Greville is hard at work regarding show security and traffic flow, and Peterson is continuing her dedicated efforts into the Student Art Show and show program. Cleland plans to deliver Allegheny National Forest campground posters and rack cards. In other news, sponsor letters were sent and vendors were notified of the festival dates.
It was voted by all to forgo the scheduled March meeting and to reconvene, rather, on April 13 at The Lutheran Home at Kane. The marketing team plans to meet on a more frequent basis.
