Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild
Board Meeting Minutes September 17, 2022
Call to Order: 10:00 a.m. by President, Lynn Ondercin
Lynn welcomed former and new members followed by the introduction of guests and guild officers.
Minutes: Approved minutes from previous meeting, April 16, 2022 (Judy V. and Pamela R.)
Sign-In Process: In Kathy E. absence, Lynn explained the sign-in process for two separate documents as well as receiving, wearing, and returning name tags at every meeting. Paid members will receive their new membership cards next month.
Membership Dues: Annual dues for a single membership are $35 per person or $50 per family. Deadline is September 30, 2022. You can also pay online by logging onto our website https://www.swffcg.org and clicking on the “Join Us” tab.
Reminder: The new membership year runs September to September. As a courtesy, for those who joined April through August of 2022, your dues are paid in-full through September 2023. Membership cards will be mailed to your home and name tags will be distributed at the next meeting.
Meeting Format: Lynn shared the meeting format regarding reports from Art Council, Alliance, CCAC display corner, etc. This way, the members will receive all relevant information about the workings of the guild, get acquainted with its affiliates, plus be able to offer feedback and ask questions.
Membership report: 64 active members, however, number will increase due to the large turnout of new members at today’s meeting.
Finances: Nancy G. guild reasurer, discussed our financial stability and how our guild generates income from COCO Art Gallery, exhibit jury fees, and art raffles.
Season Calendar: Lynn announced and distributed the schedule of programs and events planned for members. She requested board and member input to generate leads for future exhibit opportunities.
First show of the season: Creative Possibilities
Location: Cape Coral Library
Receiving: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Reception: Thursday, November 3, 2022 (3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Removal: Tuesday, January 3, 2023 (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
This is a juried and judged show. All sales are direct to the artist. The library does not take commissions. Entry fee is $25.00 for up to 5 pieces. Cash prizes will be awarded.
CLOUDFOLIO: An online exhibition application program that the Art Council of Southwest Florida uses. Everyone was encouraged to sign up and start adding their artwork to the site. It is the only way to enter Art Council shows. If you experience any challenges, let us know and we will help you.
Selling Opportunity: Lexington Craft Boutique, Friday, November 4, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lexington members are select first, followed by non-Lexington members. Cost: First table is free, additional tables $10.00. Runners will be available to take your lunch order.
Raffle: The monthly raffle process and scholarship program was explained by Paul D. followed by thedrawing for a beautiful ceramic vase created by Louis F. (which Paul David won!!). Tickets are only $5.00 each. We are always seeking donations. He also presented October’s raffle donation from Judy V.
Additionally, Paul D. explained the procedure for showing your work in the guild corner at CCAC. All pieces are for sale. The guild takes January and half of February for EXPO. Then March is for new members to display their work. Single or multiple artists may participate. June, July, September, October, and December of 2023 are still available.
Demo: Paul D. demonstrated the proper procedure for wiring and hanging 3D art.
Presentation: Donna showed a video sharing the details of our 2023 group project “Fabulous Florida”. All attendees were encouraged to sign out a canvas board to get started. Regardless of your medium you must apply your finished piece to the 8”x8” canvas. The only firm rules are that you must create something representative of Florida and to remain within those dimensions.
Show and Exhibit Leads: All members are encouraged to share information about any art event they feel would be a good fit for our guild. Leads may be shared with Lynn O. or Donna E. They will reach out to the exhibit organizers to secure future shows at that venue.
Social Media: We love to brag about our members. So, if you win an award in an exhibit, please share the photo, medium, prize, and show name with Donna E. at palmislandglass@comcast.net
Donna is the administrator of the guild’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/swffcg and our new Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/swffcg
Coco Gallery Report: Mike Z. shared a brief history of 12-year old Coco gallery. It accommodates 60 to 100 artists year-round. Coco Gallery in Estero was closed for few weeks this summer for painting and floor refinishing. The gallery was also reorganized to provide more display area and now includes a couch for viewing. Stan D. said that new jewelry cases were also installed. Commissions vary between the Estero and Naples guilds. If you would like to exhibit your work for sale, please log into each guild’s website for more details.
You must “gallery sit” one day per month and will receive a training session prior to starting. Tips and tips: You can demo your work at a table if you prefer not to gallery sit. Although artists are encouraged to demo their work while gallery sitting also.
Current Exhibit: After our meeting the members were encouraged to visit the Aquarium show now on display at the main gallery here at CCAC.
Fine Craft Expo February 4-5, 2023: Nancy explained Expo weekend and mentioned that we are currently seeking instructors for the two-day weekend. Classes are “make and take”. Each class duration is approximately 3 hours but may run longer if a project needs more time. The Cape Coral Art Center does not charge us for monthly meeting space, and this is our way of paying back.
Debbie K. gave a brief explanation about how she conducts her stained-glass class by preparing limited designs. She supplies quilt patterns or feathers. All glass is pre-cut and ground. She makes the kit. The instructors do not get paid, but they received $20 for materials.
Val J. talked about her precious metal clay and copper enameling classes
Dee C. will be teaching at Expo in 2023 and passed around a sample of her project.
All instructors belong to our guild. If interested in teaching on Expo weekend speak with Renee F. or Nancy G. the program organizers.
Guest Speaker: For the October meeting, Renee F. the Guild historian is tentatively scheduled to speak about the history of our guild.
Buy/Sell/Trade: Bring your surplus art materials or finished pieces. This is the only time in 2022 for this opportunity.
Next meeting: Saturday October 15, 2022 Meeting Adjourned: 2:50 p.m.