Press Release - September 1, 2011 - Annual Report of the Brookline Arts Center
From the President of the Board, Manika Srivastav
The Brookline arts Center continues its role as the premier art institution of Brookline. The repertoire of classes offered has expanded and so has the population taking advantage of the arts and craft classes offered at the BAC.
The major landmark this year was the signing of the lease with the town. Thanks to the hard work of a lot of people and the cooperation of the Town administration, the BAC has a 30 year lease with the town. This enables us to plan for the future of the building and the classes with confidence.
The gallery shows have enhanced the standing of the BAC in Brookline and Boston. Susan Navarre, our energetic Executive Director has worked hard to put forth delightful art, including widely reviewed and popular exhibitions by Taryn Wells, Joe Kitsch's site-specific installation, Alejandro Sina, the Boston Camera Club, and BAC faculty members Marc Mancuso, Sarah Gaw, Tamar Etingen, and Jennifer Sherr. We have enjoyed wider coverage in the press: both local and in Greater Boston. There are periodic receptions, sponsored by Chobee Hoy, held at art openings and these have been enjoyed by our community.
Our Board has seen a lot of changes. After providing the BAC with unstinting support for a long period Isabella Frost has resigned from the Board. We wish her the very best and thank her for her dedication, especially to the Craft Showcase. This was again a success this year, especially the innovative evenings devised by the committee. Carolyn Levy and Dianne Wignall are the other two members who have resigned. I extend my thanks to all of them for the service they provided as members of our Board.
The Governance Committee, which includes both Peter Ames and Lisa Barr, has worked on Board recruitment and the results are positive. I would like to welcome our new members: Emily Speicher, Matt Boger, Sonia Schneider and Mika Hornyak. They bring a lot of new energy to the Board and I look forward to all the wonderful ways they can contribute to the ongoing task of keeping our center strong and vibrant.
Our Building and Grounds committee has managed to complete a longstanding project and we now have refurbished gutters. Thank you, Carol Gladstone and Jill Streck, who worked hard at this with the support of Susan and Lenore.
We have had spring events with the palette project for two years now. The response this year was overwhelmingly positive and healthy for our fundraising. The Development committee, headed by Chobee Hoy, is to be congratulated for all their effort.
In other activities this year our treasurer Michael Vahey helped with the audit at the center. Lenore Sempert resigned as the Assistant Director. We will be welcoming a new Assistant Director this year.
Lisa Barr has taken the post of Vice President. Ted Livingston has left the Board but will continue to provide support to different committees. Mim Berliner, along with Emily Speicher, has been working to enhance the programming with great results.
As we look forward to a new year at the BAC let me take this opportunity to thank our very hard working Executive Director and Assistant Director, along with all the volunteers who keep the BAC in shape. And all the members on the Board of Directors whose support is invaluable for the well-being of the center.
I welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Board and supporting the administration and staff.
Looking forward to a great year,
Manika Srivastav
Brookline Arts Center President
For more information, visit www.brooklineartscenter.com or email bac@brooklineartscenter.com.