Running a Not-for-Profit Arts Organization

Given my new posting at the helm of the NWSSA of late, I've been thinking about just what it takes to successfully run an organization like this. The inclusivity of this organization is paramount. That is, you want to have a healthy team of new learners, old masters, younger generation, older mindset, hobbyists, professionals, and everything in between. On a personal level, I want to see people know what-it-is-we-do so they can make an educated choice about whether they want to be involved in the world of stone sculpture either through the means of "hands on" or by supporting this brand of art monetarily. How can we be successful at this? Here are some thoughts:

• By running exciting symposia that nurture the spirit of stone carving by educating, inspiring, and opening doors both metaphorically and academically.
• By having art shows that offer diversity in size, skill level, and content, support challenging ideas, communicate processes, are well thought out, and stunningly publicized.
• By raising the profile of our professionals through international, regional, and national means.
• By creating buying power within our organization.
• By nurturing "out of the box" thinking that offers insight to those outside our community and creates a fun outlet for those wishing to communicate with alternate means.
• By enabling volunteers to contribute time with relative ease in a streamlined fashion.
• By never forgetting that it is our generosity that makes us rare.

I welcome dialogue..

Richard Hestekind's work at the Bardessono Hotel- CA

Jim Ballard kindly sent me these wonderful images that he took of Richard Hestekind's inspiring and extensive installation at the Bardessono Hotel and Spa complex in Yountville, CA. California and it is with great pride that I share them to you. Rich is one of our three instructors at the Assault on Basalt workshop in May of this year. This is just one of nine installations at the complex that Richard did..

I Went to Camp B (2008)

I went to Camp B
Friday July 11:

My truck is packed – all full of the regular accoutrements one requires to holiday: Air hammer, Die Grinder, chisels, diamond pads, grinder, air hose, and extension cords, plinths to carve upon, a tent to sleep in, beer cooler for important storage, and a guitar for random entertainment needs.

This is the annual trip to Camp Brotherhood Symposium 2008 Near Mt Vernon Washington where over 70 people from ages 21 to 81 gathered to carve stone for 8 days without another care in the world. With no meals to think of cooking, no regular vocational responsibilities, and no tedious domestic safety, Camp B is a place where you can absolutely be at home without being at home. There is clarity in the generosity of spirit that seemingly everyone who attends Camp B is imbued with. Inclusiveness is tantamount; sharing knowledge is provocative and inspiring and if you want to feel illuminated by diverse spirit, find yourself inspired by art, human wholeness and general miscreant fun. You really should go.

The place? Bucolic farmland with morning and evening light that makes one want to paint, offering an undulating landscape replete with cows, rabbits, a donkey, sheep and Jurassic Emus with a sonic percussive that resonates throughout the property. Tall, straight trees, bountiful gardens, moonlight nights, and Paul- the caretaker of the farm who shows nothing but welcome kindness.

I know I’m sounding pretty positive here, but really it is like some kind of undeserving dream; I know of nowhere else like this.

This year the formidable Alexandra Morosco, who organized the instructors, invited Bob Leverich- architect, and Shannon Wean- stonemason, to design “ A Hearth Effect”. We built a beautiful fire circle. This was a participatory group project with granite cheerfully donated by Marenakos out of Seattle; a place to commune in the evening for years to come and share the legacy of the NWSSA at Camp Brotherhood for the many varied groups that attend this facility throughout the year.

NWSSA is a volunteer run organization and it’s something to protect. It was started about 20 years ago as a means to have conversations about stone, to share processes, and friendship, but moreover to teach through sharing. And this is the crux. If you have, or if you think you may have a passion for stone. You are welcome, at any level, and at any age, to come see, learn, and above all participate in carving stone.

As with most volunteer organizations, NWSSA must fundraise. This allows us to promote valuable education within the association and one of the most enjoyable ways I can think of to raise funds is to have an auction where folks donate quality items and people attending the auction bid on these impressive items. Where else can you get a $10.00 T-Shirt for $60.00 and feel good about it. On Wednesday night, aglow with laughter and wine, everyone who had fallen in love with the feisty and prodigiously talented- featured guest artist, Nora Valdez- showered her with gifts that I’m sure she will take with her on her travels as she carves monumental sculptures around the globe. People were unabashedly generous in raising well over $4000.00 and it made me so very proud to be a part.

I’ve arrived home with a couple of fresh rocks to carve from the ubiquitous, stone seeker Randy, of Neolithic Stone and some new tools from Scott, Alex, and Kentaro out of the fabulous Marenakos Rock Center. Feeling giddy with inspiration, and with tools unpacked- I can tell you that NWSSA and Camp B has left me with a sense of being able to accomplish anything through hard work and diligent focus.

Each and every one of the attendees has found a place in my heart. To quote the wisdom of Tracy Powell after attending his first Symposium 17 years ago, “I have found my tribe”. I raise a toast to memories of 2008 and look forward to July 2009 where we will successfully meet again.

*photo by David Borrowman