Board Brief for Nov 2025

​MWCA Board Brief: Highlights from the November 20, 2025 Meeting
The MWCA Board of Directors met on November 20, 2025, to review fall programming, financial updates, upcoming events, and plans for the new year. Here are the key takeaways:

Leadership & Welcome

• President Juli Tredwell opened the meeting with a “Spirit of Thankfulness” message as we head into the holiday season.
• The Board officially welcomed Susie Skillman as MWCA’s new Events Chair.

Financial Overview

• October followed a familiar seasonal trend, ending with a small deficit — consistent with last year’s pattern.
• Year-to-date revenue is strong: 22% over budget and 20% higher than 2024.
• MWCA holds reserves equal to about eight months of administrative expenses, reflecting improved financial stability.

Director’s Report

• Fall Fest and shop sales made October a vibrant month.
• New donor-thank-you initiatives are underway, including a custom annual art stamp and seed packets funded by a $500 4imprint grant.
• A new sidewalk sign has been installed, and our upgraded Square register is now in place.
• The Mistletoe in Monroe Christmas Tour is selling briskly — more than half of all tickets were sold by the meeting date.
• Social media visibility continues to grow, with increased engagement and support from Downtown Monroe, the City of Monroe, and the Chamber.

Committee Highlights - Education

• Amy’s preschool class is going well, and all weekly classes continue through November before pausing in December.
• Pottery raised $1,200 at Fall Fest to enhance the studio and holiday décor.
• MWCA served 185 students this month.
• A teachers’ planning meeting for 2026 is scheduled for December.

Events

• The Christmas Tour of Homes is the major upcoming event.
• New fundraising ideas were discussed, including a 5K Color Run, Kids’ Art Auction, Progressive Dinner, and more.

Fundraising

• Welcomed two new sponsors: Kemko and 210 Solutions.
• $620 raised so far for ArtReach.
• Strong partnerships are building with A Child’s Voice and the Loganville Rotary.
• A clear sponsorship workflow is now in place.

Gallery

• The Christmas Show is beautifully installed, with improvement ideas already in mind for next year.
• The annual Members Show is scheduled for January.

Guild

• Recent workshops, including framing and alcohol-ink ornaments, received great feedback.
• Member surveys will go out in December to guide 2026 programming.

Literary Arts

• The Monday writing group will wrap up its current session in December.

Membership / Art MD

• MWCA now has 352 active members (13 new; 17 renewed in October).
• Patron-level thank-you notes were sent.
• New ideas are being explored to expand the Art MD program, including a potential Alzheimer’s-friendly kit.

Volunteers

• A major deep-clean brought wonderful progress thanks to a dedicated volunteer team!
• 21 volunteers served 441+ hours in October.
• Preparations are underway for the Elf Shopping helpers this weekend.

Old & New Business

• Volunteer Appreciation Party: Scheduled for February 1, 2026 at Oak & Vine.
• Annual Members Meeting: The 2026 officer slate was reviewed and approved.
• Garden Seating: Concerns over vandalism prompted a proposal for new picnic tables; further discussion to come.
• Future Booking Platform: A new registration system proposal will be considered in 2026.

The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.
Thank you for supporting MWCA as we continue teaching, sharing, and caring through the arts. 💛🎨