September 2025 board brief

MWCA Board Meeting Highlights (annual planning meeting)
Date: September 18, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Vision: To create a transformational arts community that promotes Art for All by delivering the aesthetic and healing benefits of the arts.
Mission: To support local artists, writers, and musicians and create a thriving arts community through gallery shows, classes, workshops, events, and a local artist market — focusing on teaching, sharing, and caring.

Meeting Notes & a few highlights for our upcoming 1, 3,and 5 year plans

• Finances: August showed a seasonal dip, but overall year-to-date revenue is up 19% over budget and 2024. MWCA remains financially stable with reserves equal to about eight months of expenses.
• Education: Over 180 students served in August; special needs classes thriving; preschool program begins in October. New equipment purchased from fundraiser proceeds.
• Gallery: Regional Juried Show featured 104 pieces; Christmas Show secured 30 applications. Future plans include stronger outreach and exploring a photography partnership.
• Guild: Ongoing workshops, professional development opportunities, and plans for peer critiques, surveys, and a resource library.
• Literary Arts: Book launches, weekly teen writing group, and plans for open mics and writing classes.
• Membership & ArtMD: 322 active members; Zeffy system working well. Nearly 140 Art MD kits distributed in August. Future plans include a 12 Days of MWCA campaign.
• Volunteers: 30 volunteers logged 359.5 hours in August, supporting events like BBQ fundraiser and Dino Day. Volunteer appreciation party scheduled for February 1, 2026.
• Facility & Operations: Dehumidifier purchased and in use; deep cleaning days set for October 24–25.
• Community Engagement: Ideas discussed for volunteer recruitment, new partnerships, and leveraging Google for Nonprofits.

Upcoming Dates

• Volunteer Deep Cleaning Days: October 24–25
• Annual Member Meeting & Afternoon Tea: December 7 at 2:00 p.m.
• Volunteer Appreciation Party: February 1, 2026 at Oak & Vine
• Chamber Training: “How to Be a Good Board Member” – January 8, 2026