October Board Brief

🎨 MWCA Board Brief
Meeting Date: October 16, 2025
Attendees: Hope Reese (Director), Nancy Moate (Treasurer), Marla Surette (Secretary), Donna Coffman (Education), Barbara Barth (Literary), Kamden Ecker (Membership), Jennifer Dominy (Gallery), Robbin Moore (Volunteer), Tracey Williamson Davis (Guild)
Absent: Juli Tredwell (President), Amy Weems (Fundraising)
Guest: Susie Skillman

🌟 Highlights

• Finances: September finished positive, showing a steady growth trend. Year-to-date revenue is 21% above budget and 2024 levels.
• New Calendar Fundraiser: The 2026 MWCA Calendar is now available — thanks to Rebecca, Kamden, Molly, and Tracey for their work!
• Community Events:
  • Dino Day and Kids Art Day drew strong participation.
  • Planning continues for Mistletoe in Monroe with 5 private homes and 2 public buildings confirmed so far.
  • Christmas Gift Show opens November 1 — meet the artists and shop local!
• Holiday Thursdays: MWCA will stay open for Candlelight Shopping Nights in November and December, featuring possible drop-in art projects, Sip & Shop, and a new “Santa’s Little Shoppers” kids’ gift experience.
• City Partnerships: Monroe’s social media has been actively sharing MWCA events — a great boost in community visibility!

🧑‍🎨 Committee Updates
Education (Donna Coffman)

• 246 students served in September.
• Exploring adding a second dehumidifier upstairs.

Gallery (Jennifer Dominy)

• Regional Show sales totaled $960.
• Christmas Market opens Nov. 1.

Guild (Tracey Davis)

• September’s Product Photography Workshop was well attended.
• Planning a Holiday Ornament Workshop (Nov. 15) and future professional development events.

Literary (Barbara Barth)

• Lori Duff book signing Oct. 19 (2–4 PM).
• Working to grow the Monday adult writers’ group.

Membership (Kamden Ecker)

• 24 new/renewing members in September (338 total).
• Pottery studio reorganization progressing.
• Annual Members Meeting: Dec. 7 at 2 PM (tea & cookies).
• Planning to move the Gala to fall 2026 at the brewery across the street.

Volunteer (Robbin Moore)

• 31 volunteers contributed 412+ hours in September!
• Planning the Volunteer Appreciation Party for Feb. 1 at Oak & Vine.

🏛️ Community & City News

• Monroe will publish a citywide annual event calendar — MWCA dates will be included.
• Fall Fest will remain the second Saturday in October; Car Show moves to the third Saturday in March.
• Crepe Myrtle Festival will be replaced by a major America 250 celebration around July 4.
• MWCA invited to continue fundraising on the Town Green at city events.

📋 Other Updates

• Google for Nonprofits: MWCA account transition to current board members is underway.
• Deep Cleaning Days and class deadlines noted for fall scheduling.

Next Board Meeting: Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 PM