MARCH PRESS

Project Rescue Financial News

Phase I
We are half way into Project Rescue Phase I, dedicated to reducing our debt. Last night, Dave Rice, Volunteer Fund Raising Coordinator announced and followed up by painting the outdoor debt reduction indicator that we are somewhat ahead of schedule and presently our debt has been reduced to $49,000.00. With four months to go in Phase I, we need your support and in particular those of you who have not as yet paid your $100.00 assessment. Without your assessment, our goal may be in jeopardy.

Phase II
Phase II has been active for the last several weeks under the guidance of Art League Executive Director, Christine Neal with New Vision Planning. The goal of Phase II is to develop a new business model to be implemented no later than October 1, 2010. The Board of Directors approved a resolution that future operation of the Art League must be administered on a balance budget. This resolution and direction is the foundation to insure the continuation of the Art League for the future. The second stage of New Vision Planning will continue as new members join and while two members, Ken Stroud and Lucille Thayer have committed to continue on in the development.

Up coming ….
Friday, March 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at our Winn-Dixie store, the Art League will participate in the Winn-Dixie Delight Friday’s program. Come see our artists in action, meet the managers, enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, chocolate fountain and live music. NOT ONLY ARE OUR ARTISTS IN ACTION, BUT, WINN DIXIE IS DONATING $1000.00 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT RESCUE. Stop in, enjoy the evening and thank the management for their support of the Art League.

Follow the rainbow to the “Pot O’ Gifts” as the Gift Shop hosts a sales March 16 – 18 where. One hundred percent, yes, 100 % of all sold goes directly to Project Rescue. For more details contact the Art League at 394-4221.

Mark your calendar….Next Art After 5 Social is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 5-7:30 PM. Complimentary wine, beverages, snacks, art exhibit and 50/50 drawing.

In Appreciation of Our Loyal Members

Thank you for supporting your Art League in its time of need. We know these are tough economic times; your willingness to step up and pay an assessment is especially appreciated. Member commitment to the Project Rescue campaign is already encouraging broader and deeper financial support from the Marco community.
Thank you for meeting the challenge!

WINN DIXIE SUPPORTS PROJECT RESCUE

MARCO ISLAND WINN-DIXIE STORE ENGAGES SHOPPERS IN A MONTH LONG CELEBRATION

“Delightful Friday’s” to highlight store departments and offerings with cooking demos and more.

WHAT: Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., invites shoppers to experience their neighborhood Marco Island store with special events planned on each Friday throughout the month of March. During these “Delightful Friday’s”, shoppers will have the opportunity to sample wine and cheese, enjoy a chocolate fountain with fresh fruits, view art exhibits and demonstrations provided by the Art League of Marco Island, receive a complimentary health screening and learn how to make simple flower arrangements for Easter. Local island chef, Chef Guy Verdi of Verdi’s American Bistro, will also provide a live cooking demonstration *(on select evenings).

WHERE: Winn-Dixie Store #729
625 N. Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Fla. 34145

WHEN: A Taste of Winn-Dixie
Friday, March 5, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Shoppers are invited to experience their local Winn-Dixie store with wine and cheese sampling, a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, live entertainment and art exhibitions and demonstrations provided by the Art League of Marco Island, as well as have the opportunity to meet the store managers.

As part of this great partnership, Winn Dixie will be presenting a $1000.00 check to the Project Rescue Campaign – to Save Marco’s Art League! If you are able, please Dave Rice this Friday!

Pot O' Gifts
Artisans Charity Bazaar

CALLING ALL ARTISTS TO TAKE PART IN
Pot O' Gifts Artisans Charity Bazaar
March 16, 17 & 18 .... keep reading!

No submission jury, no minimums, no size limits!!
It's an opportunity to again support the Art League while gaining exposure! Amateurs and Professionals Bring in your own paintings, matted photos, pottery, jewelry, masks, painted furniture, sculptures; all arts and crafts qualify.
The only criteria.......Your submission is a donation; 100% of the proceeds are donated, Everything must be priced $30 or less and must be your original design.

Of course, all items must be in "gift" quality condition.

Project Rescue – Saving Marco’s Art League Exceeds Mid Point Financial Goal

Art League Executive Director, Christine Neal and Volunteer Fund Raising Consultant, Dave Rice, are all smiles as two significant announcements were made at the March 2nd, Art @ Five Social

Phase One of Project Rescue, designed to eliminate the balance of the League’s $100,000.00 debt by June 30, 2010, reached its mid way point and Rice announced that the project is ahead of schedule with a remaining debt of $49,000.00 as of February 28th. Rice pointed out in sports terms, “When your team is ahead at half time, the momentum in the second half is a tremendous advantage. Our final goal is achievable and although challenging, with a commitment by the Board, membership and community, we intend to announce a victory on June 30th”.

The second announcement, equally important, was the recent resolution passed by the Board of Directors that mandated that future operation of the Art League must be administered on a balanced budget. That budget, being formulated in Phase Two of Project Rescue that began February 1st, will be presented and instituted in October 2010. Rice states, “With this resolution, the possibility of a repeat financial issue can be averted and the stability of the Art League can be insured for years to come. This mandate is a confidence builder with our Patrons of the Arts that their financial support is not just a band-aid on the problem, but a solution for the future”.

Project Rescue 50/50 Winner Sandy Helmer

Monthly tradition of the selection of the winning Island Wide 50/50 Drawing ticket. The drawing was worth $577.50 and was won by Sandy Helmer.

The Board of Directors of the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts announces the resignation of Executive Director Christine Neal

The Board of Directors of the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts announces the resignation of Executive Director Christine Neal. Neal, in a statement thanking the organization for the opportunity to not only serve the membership and community over the past six and one half years, also expressed her thanks to utilize her skills and talents in a field that “is my passion”. The resignation comes as Neal has made the decision to relocate back to Michigan.

As the organization is in the midst of major events, programming and organizational change, she will continue to serve in her current position through April 30, 2010 and is available as needed for a smooth transition.

Since her tenure began, Neal has been instrumental in the Art League's outreach to businesses and residents, acquiring awareness and support for the organization and its important role in the community. Neal attributes the accomplishments that have taken place during her tenure as the result of teamwork with the many committees and Board members she has served with.

Project Rescue is now a key force in raising funds to keep the doors of the Art League open. While Phase 1 of this campaign was kicked off in November, Neal has been assisting with the development of a new business model for the organization, to strengthen and secure its future.

It is with sadness that the Art League will be searching to find a replacement for Ms. Neal. The Board will soon announce the appointment of a Search Committee to seek qualified candidates to fill the Executive Director position.

Neal stated, “It has been my pleasure and privilege to work for the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts. I wish the organization and its members much success as they continue to build for the future”.

POT O’ GIFTS ARTISANS CHARITY BAZAAR

DATE: MARCH 16 - 18, 2010

TIME: 9AM-5PM & TUES 9AM -8PM

ADMISSION: FREE

LOCATION: GIFT SHOP OF ORIGINAL ARTS & CRAFTS
Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts
1010 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL

PHONE NUMBER: 239-394-4221

The Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is excited to announce Pot O’ Gifts Artisans Charity Bazaar. Follow the rainbow to the Pot O’ Gifts located at the Art League’s Gift Shop of Original Arts & Crafts. Donated original designs will be available for $30.00 or less! That’s right the Artisans Charity Bazaar, coordinated by volunteers of the Art League will include artworks priced at $30.00 or less. In addition to the Charity Bazaar purchases made from items in the Gift Shop and Lauritzen/Rush Galleries will be on sale for 10% off!

March 16th is the last day for the current gallery exhibition “Ports of Call” and is the only day to save 10% off your purchase of these Fine Art Photography pieces. However the 10% off in the Gift Shop, excluding Artisans Charity Bazaar items, will be good March 16th – 18th.

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, come and enjoy a bit of the Irish as refreshments will be served from 10am – 5pm on March 17th.

This exciting event is part of the effort to Save Marco’s Art League and 100% of the proceeds raised from the Artisans Charity Bazaar will be donated to Project Rescue Phase 1 – eliminating the debt. What luck! You can obtain an original design and your proceeds will help Save Marco’s Art League. Your purchase will provide a rainbow to a pot ‘o gold for the Art League!

The Artisans Charity Bazaar and Gift Shop will be open Tuesday from 9am – 8pm and Wednesday & Thursday from 9am – 5pm. The Lauritzen/Rush Galleries will be open on Tuesday only from 9am – 8pm.

For further information call 239-394-4221.

Kenneth Stroud has been appointed to the Board

Today the Board of Directors of the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, is pleased to announce that Kenneth Stroud has been appointed to the Board.

Stroud, an Art League member for the past two years and Marco Island resident since 2003 relocated from Miami. Stroud is a 31 year veteran of US Customs, now Homeland Security. He retired as Supervisory Special Agent, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Custom Enforcement.

Stroud has served on the Gallery Committee and in recent months served on the "Vision" committee of the Art League, working to develop a new business model for the organization. Stroud is also a member of the Marco Island Yacht Club and Marco Wesley United Methodist Church.

RECEPTION: ADULT STUDENT ART SHOW

DATE: MARCH 26, 2010

TIME: 4:00PM-6:00PM

The Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts celebrates its student artists is a special Adult Student Exhibit from Marco 22 – March 31, 2010. A reception honoring the aspiring artists will take place on Friday, March 26, 2010 in the Lauritzen/Rush Galleries. In addition to the exhibit of original works completed by students from programs that were offered during the 2009 and 2010 season, a short performance by the aspiring musicians of the Harp Playing Made Easy program will take place during the reception.

The complimentary wine & beer reception will take place from 4pm – 6pm with light snacks provided. Admission to the reception is $5.00 for members and $10.00 for guests.

This exhibit was open to all adult students who have taken classes at the Center for the Arts from January 2009 to the present and includes paintings in a multitude of media, clay and stone sculpting works. Students were allowed to submit 2 pieces of art. The theme of this exhibit is open. The focus is to showcase work created by adult students from programs at the Center for the Arts. This is one of the few exhibits where the artists have the opportunity to display their work without listing it for sale.

This exhibit is sponsored in part by Naples Daily News, Marco Eagle, Marco Island Florist, Hilton Marco Beach Resort & Spa and Iberia Bank. Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday 9am – 5pm and Tuesday 9am – 8pm. Call 239-394-422 for more information.

Juried Fine Wearable Art Show

APPLICATION DETAILS BELOW ALONG WITH CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFO:
PAM PATULLO

JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION...

We invite you to take part in the Juried Fine Wearable Art Show at the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY APRIL 2 & 3, 2010

KRAFTFAIRS.COM hosts this event on the Center’s grounds as a fundraiser for the League’s Project rescue Campaign.

Accepted Categories: APPAREL, JEWELRY, HATS, SCARVES, ACCESSORIES, SHOES & HANDBAGS.

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND THIS SHOW IS NOW ACCEPTING THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, SCULPTURE, CLAY

Keith Klipstein resigned as the President of the Art League’s Board of Directors and from the Board after 4 years of service.

Effective March 27, 2010 Keith Klipstein resigned as the President of the Art League’s Board of Directors and from the Board after 4 years of service. Klipstein began his service as a Director, and served as the Vice President and Treasurer prior to his election as President in 2008. Klipstein, a recently designated Realtor with Keller Williams, has made this difficult decision to step down as he is unable to continue his dedication to the Art League and his Presidency to his satisfaction while also developing his new business ambitions. As he leaves the Board he continues his support of the arts in our community and is committed to making Marco Island an arts destination.

Kilpstein’s parting note to the Board and membership reads: “Thank you for the privilege of serving you… and a special thank you to Christine Neal for her strong leadership, wisdom and her rock solid positive view of the world. Chris, you are amazing! Godspeed”

At this time, Nancy Carrington, Marco Island Florist business owner and active member in the community, has accepted the position as Interim President. Carrington was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007 and has served as Secretary for the past 2 years.

We all wish Keith the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his volunteer service to our Art League.

Wearable Art and Art & Craft Show

EVENT: Wearable Art and Art & Craft Show

Hosted by KraftFairs.Com

DATE: Friday & Saturday, April 2 & 3, 2010

TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pm

PLACE: Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts Grounds

1010 Winterberry Drive

Marco Island, FL 34145

239-394-4221

Join the fun as we kick off Spring! KRAFTFAIRS.com hosts a fundraiser for Project Rescue to Save Marco’s Art League! The Wearable Fine Art Show has been expanded to include art & crafts and will take place Friday & Saturday April 2 & 3rd. As a fundraising event, the Board of Directors for the Art League will be collecting a $2.00 admission fee upon entry to the grounds located at 1010 Winterberry Drive Marco Island.

Patullo states “there will be something for everyone wearable art such as women’s apparel, jewelry, handbags, perfect gifts for Mother’s Day. The event was expanded by popular demand to include art & crafts so you’ll also have the opportunity to collect paintings, photography, sculpture and clay. The event is a fund raiser for the Art League and it is so important in today's life to encourage all the arts. The artisans will be from all over the country.” All work featured is the original design of the artist/artisan. All work is for sale. Forty artists are expected. There will be art, food, fun and even music to enjoy.

This event will also provide a great time to visit the Gift Shop of Original Art & Crafts and inquire about all the Art League has to offer as the facility will be open during show times; a rare opportunity to visit during the weekends as the organization has cut back on hours this season and is regularly open from Monday – Friday.

Project Rescue is a fundraising campaign to Save Marco’s Art League. A plan developed by volunteer fund raising consultant Dave Rice, was kicked off in November 2009 implementing several avenues to raise a minimum of $100,000.00 needed for the League to remain open, in addition to creating a new business model for the future.