PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Mark Nielsen

 Announcing a VWS Contest - Win a free year's membership!

Yup, we are announcing a member contest to come up with a name and an image for the VWS Education Fund.

Late last year we formed a task force to work though the establishment of the VWS education fund and help us make it ready for individual, corporate solicitations and applications for grant funds.  The task force is comprised of Tony Conner, Charles Norris-Brown, Lynn Pratt, and Diane Bell, and myself.  We have been working closely with Jan Olmstead and Perry Williamson, our Development Team on this effort.  At our next regular board meeting the task force will be offering the following working draft for our Fund Mission Statement: "Creating a painting experience that expands a child's view of the world"

Here is where you can help us.  We want to alter the name of the fund to be more exciting and inspirational to potential donors.  We also want to associate a members painting with the fund -- kind of like a logo that will be used on fund related communications to prospective donors etc.

Send me your suggestions and images via email at mjnart.nielsen@gmail.com beginning March 1st.  We will close the entries for the contest April 1st.  That's only a month, so don't dally!

I will assemble all the entries for full board approval after the task force recommends the top 3 for both the name and the image.

When brainstorming, here are a few other things about the fund to date that you may find helpful.

1. Who will be eligible to receive student kits: Students in Vermont public schools in grades 3 through 8 who will have the oversight of an art teacher.

2. Who will we approach for donations: We will approach individuals and corporations for funds.  We will approach art supply companies including Holbein for material contributions to the kits.

3. Who will we approach for grants:  A full list has not been compiled but we know that we will be approaching the Vermont Arts Council for a Project Grant of $2,000 to $3,000 in May.

4. What are our short term goals and what are our long term goals: Short term our goal is to raise enough funds to continue to supply 60 student kits a year for the next two years. That's about $3,000 a year.  Long term our goal is to build our capacity to raise funds and supply more student kits into Vermont public schools, as our fundraising and our volunteer time permits.

Good luck!  I am really looking forward to seeing all your wonderful ideas.

P.S.  See you at the Spring Meeting.

Mark Nielsen

Welcome Everyone to the March Newsletter!

Sincerely,

Lynn Pratt & Kate Jackson  

Framing & Matting Guidelines for All Shows*

Mats:   sole or top mats will be white or off white.  If a bottom mat is used, it may be white, off white or colored.  Filets may be used. Mats are not required for all paintings, but if you are not framing your painting, archival spacers must be used.

Frames:  frames must be sturdy, in excellent condition, and must be professional quality.  They must have picture wire attached to the back from which to hang the painting.

The following are not acceptable for VWS shows:

• Float frames
• Table top frames
• Damaged frames or frames that are disjointed at the corners
• Saw tooth hangers
• Duct tape, masking tape or other non-professional-looking materials used on backs of frames.
• Sloppy construction as seen from front or back

Persons accepting paintings at drop off are instructed to not accept paintings if they do not meet these guidelines.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

 *Occasionally there are special shows where other guidelines apply, which will be described in that show's prospectus and/or other communications.  Otherwise, the above guidelines will apply to all VWS shows including hub shows.

This information can also be found on the VWS website: