February 3, we saw a marathon Guild Board of Directors meeting, lasting an hour over time. The meeting includes regular business items like minutes presented by John Ohl Secretary who also writes poetry. Then comes Barb Leitzel with the treasurer’s report. The Guild manages a wide-ranging budget from membership dues to funding for One Hundred Artists-One Hundred Years scheduled for publication within two months. Watch for the opening event. The board meeting was opened by remarks by Lucas Perez Manager of Art and Empathy Programs, Projects, and Innovation of the Community Engagement Department of the Museum. His exhibit of historical moments of the 100 year old museum are on display at the Museum.

Next up is the membership Committee Chair, Angelika Villagrana who presented a slide show of new Guild applicants, resumes and images. Then the board, all artists, have a deep and considerate discussion evaluating each artist’s work, resume, etc. Voting is confidential and extends into the next day.

Then, the Exhibitions Committee Co-Chairs, Lelsie Pierce and Kevin Inman report on the conclusions of a previous committee meeting. The members have been investigating and evaluating future exhibition venues, curators, dates, budget, options, themes, member vs open invite, online vs in person. Board members visit each location and report back on impressions and budget. The details of the upcoming “Art of Now” exhibit, open to all artists in California were provided by Leslie who has been on top of every detail since she got the idea for the show last year. https://www.onlinejuriedshows.com/Default.aspx?OJSID=58934

Then came scrutiny of three additional exhibition venues and schedules for Guild artists. Two were voted on and details will be forthcoming. The third is going back to the committee meeting for further exploration. We have booked for three exhibits in 2026 and adding new venues for 2027 already.

Next up was a review of work by the Atelier and the “One Day in the Life of Imperial Avenue” where 17 Guild artists have been laboring for six months to interpret and create art based on their visceral impressions while walking the street. The board was elated to hear that an anonymous Guild artist has donated $1250 to produce a catalogue of the exhibit. Guild artist Jennifer Byrne is assembling the collective images and words of participating artists. The exhibit will be from March 20-28 with the opening reception on March 21. You will receive details of the numerous panels and artists talks that will take place during the exhibition at Tularosa Gallery 2602 Imperial Ave.

Kevin Inman reported on the successful involvement of both Guild and interested artis in the life Drawing session at the Museum monthly. Check the Guild website or you most likely have received an email with details. Kevin also introduced a concept for the Guild to search out good art venues and exhibit spaces for Guild artists to show work separate from our regular curated exhibits. The idea for an “Artists Opportunity Initiative” will be forthcoming by the committee and board.

Finally, came the historians report with images and highly informed narrative from Jody Abssy. These ongoing summaries of all the Guild is doing are fascinating and add to the illustrious history over 111 years. A number of these historical photos will be on display at the Grand Museum Birthday event in Balboa Park where the Guild will staff a booth distributing tote bags, selling exhibit catalogues and answering questions. The event is February 28 in the central plaza opposite the museum from 3:30-7:30. Stop in a say hello.

Finally, the board president had attended a meeting of the Museum Support Council and reported back on the unique place the Guild has in the community infrastructure of the museum. It was duly noted by the committee that the Guild has contributed over $70,000 to the Museum over the past ten years and donated a major work of art. It was announced that the Museum over the next four years will be using all exhibit space to feature the Museums vast collection of art.

Now, after all this don’t you wish you could be on the board?

Best Regards,

Jim Bliesner

President

SD Museum of Art Artists Guild