Yesterday, I became the new President of the venerable San Antonio Art League and Museum. It’s a huge honor and a huge challenge.

I’m so lucky to have the help of a fantastic board, including Stefani Job Spears, who will serve as 1st VP. She’s an amazing artist and one of the most generous friends I’ve ever known. (Plus, she was my grandson’s teacher at St. Mary’s Hall – yay!) Thanks, Stef!

Stefani Job Spears, watercolor

And we are all lucky to have the support of of 2017 Art Patrons, Cappy and Suzy Lawton. They have some wonderful ideas about promoting membership and preserving the amazing Permanent Collection at SAAL&M.

In SAAL&M’s Permanent Collection you’ll find works by such luminaries as the Onderdonks and Jose Arpa, and by all of the finest legacy artists from San Antonio like Amy Freeman Lee, Bill Bristow, E. Gordon West,  Cecil Casbier, and many many more. It’s a unique and priceless collection.

But right now, I’d like to acknowledge Helen and Clarence Fey who have led the Art League for the past fifteen years, keeping the exhibits going, keeping the historic King William building which is home to the Art League in good condition and open to the public. They are remarkable.

Yesterday at our General Membership Meeting, we honored this dedicated couple with many well-deserved tributes, including a  Life Membership in the San Antonio Art League and Museum. Here is an excerpt from the letter that accompanied the award:

“To thank you adequately is impossible. You have spent many long hours at the San Antonio Art League and Museum, sacrificing your personal time for the greater good of this organization. You took great care to see that protocol was followed in each situation involving the priceless permanent collection. We appreciate your invaluable business expertise and personal communication skills that has kept SAAL&M an integral part of the arts community. Your stewardship and care of the building itself is well-known and deeply appreciated.”

Thanks, Helen and Clarence – and we will count on your expert guidance and advice as you continue as members of the SAAL&M.

Beacon Hill Art Walk

Now I’m off to Boston with Michelle Belto to show at the Beacon Hill Art Walk and to teach at the International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown. But when I get back, you’re going to hear a lot more about what’s going to be happening at the San Anton Art League – and how you can help. You have been warned :).