At VIEW’s annual membership meeting on Monday, August 25, Executive Director Jennifer Potter Hayes reported on the 63rd year of the arts center’s programming, finances and development efforts.
VIEW elected four new board members: Tom Down, Mary Murphy and David Vogel. Missing from photo is Allen Trevett. Photo by Michele deCamp
A slide presentation before the meeting showed off VIEW in all seasons, with photos of many events and the staff and volunteers who bring amazing programming to the Adirondacks.
So far, in 2014, VIEW has offered 30 performances, hundreds of workshops, 27 exhibitions and many benefits that have attracted thousands of visitors to the Town of Webb.
To jog memories regarding this year’s programming, Jennifer listed a few highlights including an evening benefit at Albedor, pine cone wreaths and basket making, pastels and pottery, the Fine Arts and Craft Show, Tim Fortune’s watercolors, bluebird nest boxes, Leopold benches, Duo Sonitos, the Garden Gala, Tarzan, John McKutcheon, the Secret Garden Tour, Nick Ziobro (a concert people are still buzzing about), the House Tour, Antique Show, Man of LaMan-cha, bus trip to Glimmerglass, National Watercolors and a Tupper Lake woodcarver, Broadway Meets Opera, yoga, Zumba, and the Plein Air art auction.
Many performances sold out, and opening receptions for several exhibits each drew hundreds of visitors. And there is more to come this fall.
VIEW also hosted the annual meeting of the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, the 60th wedding anniversary of a Town of Webb couple, a memorial gathering for Sherry Grimm, five weddings and the annual banquet of the Town of Webb Fire Department.
“Not only are the arts programs strong, but VIEW has quickly become an important regional economic driver and community gathering place,” Potter Hayes told members. “As the largest arts organization in the Adirondack Park, VIEW plays a leadership role in promoting arts and culture in the region.
We have partnered with the Adirondack North Country Association, and the Wild Center on two grant request, one to develop an Adirondack Arts Trail, and the other to strengthen marketing of Adirondack museums to younger eco-tourists.“
VIEW’s treasurer, Frances Parent, shared details of the 2013 audited financial reports, and she reported, “The financial health of VIEW is stable and strong. We have met all of our loan obligations, we have paid all of our mortgage payments on time and we do have a savings to ensure operations years into the future.
“It is most important that we continue to build, develop and deliver first class programs that will continue to bring quality performers to VIEW, that we continue to offer workshops for all ages to enjoy, and that we continue to bring top notch exhibitions to View.”
Members of VIEW elected four new board members at their annual meeting: local contractor Tom Down of Old Forge; retired IBM communications executive and artist Mary Murphy of Barneveld; international businessman Allen Trevett of Ft. Myers, FL and Old Forge; and David Vogel, retired investment banker and avid hunter and fisherman of Bonita Springs, FL and Old Forge.
Board member and chair of VIEW’s Development Committee Mary Malone McCarthy discussed the importance of VIEW’s development efforts and the continued need for gifts of all sizes to support VIEW’s programming and operations.
Membership numbers at VIEW are strong, and the committee is working to develop a membership campaign for next year to reach out to new visitors and arts enthusiasts.
Membership is an important way to support VIEW’s programming as well as a way to stay informed about all the activities. Mary Malone concluded her report by saying that “art touches every person, age, interest level in a very special way.
With that said the passion for VIEW and determination to support the institution is unwavering. The Board and my committee feel very confident that work is being done to steer View in the right direction for countless years to come.”
“We have come a very long way from our historic beginnings,” said Helene McAleese, Immediate Past President.
“The transformation of VIEW in the last decade is a tribute to all those board members, staff and volunteers who have worked to bring this organization where we are today. Our programs continue to grow each year, and VIEW has a destination for Adirondack residents and visitors alike.”
Broadway opera singer Marianne Cornetti pointed out at the end of her concert in August that “in the United States the arts are supported by all of us individuals, while in the rest of the world, the arts are supported by governments.“
Gesturing to the beauty of VIEW’s Gould Hall, Ms. Cornetti went on to say, “So it is us who makes all of this. You have poured your hearts into this place, your blood sweat and tears. How fortunate and blessed you are to have this beautiful facility, this jewel in your back yard.”
