Highlights Newsletter December 2020

President's Palette

It’s December and with this special month normally come all the traditions of shopping in decorated, crowded stores, cooking for a big family celebration, and gathering together to worship. But not this year. There should be no crowded venues and if there are, most of us can’t, or shouldn’t, visit them. And we just can’t gather with our loved ones and friends, near or far, for fear of spreading the virus. Everything will be online or Zoom. There are so many people hurting – from loss of friends and family members, loss of their livelihood, maybe even their homes. This is the year that we need each other the most, even if we can’t reach out and physically touch. What can we do to help?

Tuesday, December 1st is “#GivingTuesday," a global day of generosity that was the brainchild of the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact in NYC and has spread across 100 countries – “emphasizing opportunities to give back to our communities and make positive changes in the lives of others." At no time more than now, has this been needed as much. I know that many artists are hurting financially and every little bit donated helps. If possible, find a local charity or non-profit in your area, and give – even if you can’t give money, maybe you can give your (socially distanced) time or lift your voice in support with a word of praise or encouragement. I have always tried to live out my faith bolstered by the belief that it is good “to serve one another humbly in love” and to demonstrate “kindness and goodness." But regardless of differences in beliefs or philosophy of life, we all are affected and must do something to help alleviate the suffering in these desperate times. So let’s resolve that each day, in addition to “Giving Tuesday,” would be a day when we would open our hearts and our hands to those in need around us.

Here is a link to the “Giving Tuesday” site: https://www.givingtuesday.org/givingtuesday-faq

December 1st is also when we start sending out BWS dues renewal notices for the following year. All Associate and Signature Members will receive email invoices for their 2021 dues. Life/Signature Members, however, will receive an e-mail letter. (If you do not have a functioning email, we will send your communication by USPS mail.) If there is an extenuating circumstance, such as job loss or illness etc, where a Signature Artist is unable to pay their dues, they should contact Membership Chair April Rimpo via email at arimpo@amrart.org without delay and we will work with them, in confidence, so that their Signature Artist status doesn’t lapse.

With the January 2021 transition of 18 Signature members to Life status, the number of Life/Signature Artists will make up an amazing 35% of our membership! Even though one of the privileges of Life/Sig membership is that they are not required to pay dues, most continue to donate to help support BWS. This year we have reorganized the Wild Apricot donation page to enable members (and patrons) to more easily designate their choice of donation election, if desired. Following the link in the letter which you received takes you to the page with the choices as well as possible donation amounts.

Donations can be channeled to one of the following selections:

• Annual MICA Scholarship and Public School Award Fund: “Baltimore Watercolor Society Scholarship” at MICA which awards (currently two) $2500 scholarships to upperclass MICA students using watermedia and (currently two) monetary awards to regional public school students working in watermedia. Both levels are outreaches to young artists to promote painting in watermedia, especially watercolor.

• Mid-Atlantic Exhibition Awards Fund: used to fund one or more awards given at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition.

• Mid-Atlantic Exhibition Memorial or Honor Award Fund: recognizes the memory or work of the person titled in the Award.

• General Fund: funds used consistent with our status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit for organizational expenses.

We look forward to one day being able to distribute these awards in person at exhibitions and events and sit beside you at workshops and demos. In early 2021 the Strathmore (Signature) and Slayton House (Associate) exhibits will be a little of each, both in person and virtual. Currently Board Members are hard at work organizing programs and other exhibits, some online, others planned for when we will be together again. To this end we are also organizing a Zoom Management Team to assist in the technical support needed for online programs (see newsletter announcement below). Information on everything will be forthcoming as it is confirmed, in the Newsletter and on the Website. But in the meantime, as Hanukkah and Christmas approach I, and all of the BWS Board Members, wish you and your families a very blessed season of peace and health.

Stay safe and well,

Sherry

Member Discount Codes

Airfloat:
airfloatsys.com
20% discount with code BWCS at checkout

American Frame:
americanframe.com
5% discount with code Alliance2018 OR free shipping on orders over $99 with code Alliance99 (may not be combined)