Newsletter May 2022

In This Issue

• Volunteers: The lifeblood of AOTL
• Annual member meeting
• ​Gallery training in May
• Members in the news
  
• Take a workshop!
  
• Notes & links
  

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Volunteers:
​The lifeblood of AOTL

Ever wonder how things get done at Art of the Lakes? The answer is simple: volunteers.

Just about all of our initiatives are delivered by volunteers. Strategy. Display. Marketing. Events. Training. And more.
Our volunteers create vital value for members and the community, almost every day.

Without them, we couldn’t reach our goals. 

Your turn to contribute
As we begin our 2022 season, the need for you to get involved has never been greater. We’re especially in need of board members, since several current directors’ terms will end this May. We also need people to lead hospitality and fundraising. 

Even if you don’t see yourself as a leader, there are plenty of other ways to assist. For example, you could pitch in to help your fellow members who are already volunteering in these areas:

• Board of Directors – several immediate openings - we want your ideas and energy!
• Hospitality – open
• Fundraising – open
• Building – John Shaw
• Featured Artists – Donna Westerling
• 2D/3D display – Sue Kalseim
• Jewelry/card display – Sandy Thimgan
• Member welcoming / Gallery training – Sandy & Dan Thimgan
• Prairie Lakes en Plein Air – John Olesen
• Art & Craft Affair - Deb Ness 
• Studio Tour – Kristi Swee Kuder, retiring after 2022
• Marketing & communications – Kristi Swee Kuder
• Workshops – Kathrine McDowell
• Newsletter – Tom Kuder
• Booth volunteers and countless others

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These members' time and talents are so much appreciated!
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Now ask yourself, could you could lead or assist in at least one of these areas? Or, somewhere else? All of these volunteers would be happy to match your interests to tasks in their area, and to help you learn the ropes! 
 
So, how about it?
​Volunteering makes your organization thrive, requires only a willingness to learn and serve, and is personally rewarding, too.

​Please contact John Olesen or Deb Ness to learn more and to get involved. Your help is needed!

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Annual member meeting

The AOTL Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 24, 6:30 pm at the gallery and on Zoom.

​Please come prepared to volunteer, vote on board members, meet your fellow artists and enjoy some social time.

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Gallery training in May

Sandy and Dan Thimgan are now our Member Welcome & Gallery Training leaders.

They’ve updated the training materials for gallery sitters, and will offer in-person training sessions later this May for new members, and for existing members who need a refresh. Training is strongly recommended for all displaying artists, especially on our ShopKeep system!

Watch your email for session dates and times. ​

​Thanks for your commitment, Sandy and Dan!

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Members in the news

Faythe Mills is the AOTL Featured Artist for the entire month of May. Come see her work at the gallery!

Brad Wegscheid will appear on the Lakeland PBS (Brainerd TV) show, Common Ground on May 5 at 7 pm. The episode can also be watched online.

Barbara La Valleur will present an artist/author talk at the Red Door Art Gallery in Wahpeton on June 9, 5 - 7 p.m. She’ll be discussing her recent memoir, Front Row Gal. 

Kerry Kolke-Bonk and Grace Haverty were recently accepted into the Red River Watercolor Society's National Juried Watermedia Exhibition. The exhibition opens June 16 in Fargo.

Artful congratulations to all!

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Take a workshop - or two

A wide and wonderful range of workshops are on tap for this Spring and Summer. Expand your skills and create alongside other artists by registering for one or more of these events.

Members and non-members are welcome – bring your friends and family! You’ll find all the details on our website.

There are even a few openings left for the May workshops, but hurry! Silversmith a Mothers Day Gift, Paint & Sip at ABC Brewing, and Capture Nature in Watercolor are happening soon and filling up fast.

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Notes & Links

Now hiring: Gallery Assistant. We currently have an opening for a paid Gallery Assistant. Apply yourself or refer someone you know! Contact Deb Ness for more information.

Door keys that members currently have do still work on the back door. You just have to push it in farther! The code for the door’s keypad will be sent with your shift reminders.

Holiday Market art that you brought into the gallery should be picked up now.

Free artist career consultations. Springboard for the Arts is offering free artist career consultations to residents in greater Minnesota. More information and registration here. 

April 2022 Board minutes
​Board of Directors list
AOTL Contacts list
​Facebook page

​Got News? Send hot tips to Tom Kuder tom@entente1.com