Minutes

Island Artisans Association General Mtg.
May 4th 2009
Selkirk Montessori School

 

Presiding: Danny Lineham, president; interim secretary: Jo Ludwig.
(Over and above that, about 14 members were present.)


1- Welcome and introduction of visitors/new members: no new faces, although a little later two new faces appeared but they left before inquiries could be made.

2- Minutes of April 6 membership meeting: Danny read the minutes. Laurie Kanester moved to accept the minutes as read; Peter Glover seconded. Motion carried. Danny read minutes of April 28 executive meeting.

3- Matters arising from minutes:
    3.1 Speaker committee: Peggy Brackett volunteered for the committee. No other volunteers. Danny Lineham asked membership to contribute ideas to Peggy.
    3.2 Web site: Renee Sala’s guidelines for submitting data for individual members’ web pages to go out to membership.
    3.3 Recycle Show: Margaret reported that the show went off well. Opening well attended, although sales were slow. Margarit reported that doing another recycled show in the future was a possibility. Alf reported that GOA liked hosting the show.
    3.4 Show Directory: Danny reminded all that Andrea has the binder and will bring it to every meeting.
    3.5 Directory of Artisans:  accidentally skipped: Now 3.7 (see below).
    3.6 Letter to Ministry: Danny read his 2nd letter to Ministry (i.e. his response to the ministry’s response to his original letter protesting support for the arts (now posted on the IAA web site)). Tobias Tomlinson noted that the letter could have been “more diplomatic” and also noted that the letter should have gone to a committee before being sent to the ministry. General discussion about how diplomatic a letter should be ensued. Jacqueline Cornford suggested that letter be read to membership before being sent out. This suggestion, it was felt, would make writing a letter too cumbersome. Alf Matthews supported Danny’s letter but noted that Tobias was right too. Jo Ludwig inquired whether Tobias Tomlinson and Jacqueline Cornford might want to distance themselves from the letter, but neither one assented to that suggestion. No official opposition to the letter as read was put forward. Tobias Tomlinson moved: “Letters that go to the public must be edited by at least two IAA members before being sent out”. Alf Matthews seconded the motion. The membership approved unanimously. Motion carried.
    3.7 (formerly 3.5) Directory of Artisans: In light of the indefinite cogitations on the Directory of Artisans, the mood appeared to be in favor of dropping any further action on the Directory of Artisans; perhaps in favor of pursuing a deck of cards, where each participating artisan  “buys” a card or cards to advertise their work, with contact going through the IAA web site, and the decks of cards being sold or distributed through Gift Shops, BC Ferries, Tourist Information Booths, etc. Alf suggested making just a listing of artisans. Laurie Kanester concurred. Lisa Samphire suggested just a business card directing inquiries to the IAA web site and member’s web pages on the IAA web site. Alternatively, Lisa suggested a rack card with the same objective. Lisa volunteered to gather information on cost of producing a rack card. Tobias mentioned the logistics and cost of disseminating info, e.g. rack cards, studio tour brochures, etc. and it was mentioned that any brochure, rack card, etc. would have to be updated every year. An informal/exploratory vote was taken: 1 vote for the directory, many voted for a rack card directing traffic to the IAA web site and the members’ web pages on the IAA web site. Mary suggested hiring someone to maintain the web site and that the web site could act as the directory (with the rack card/deck of cards/business card directing traffic to the web site. The discussion turned to needing an administrator of the web site. Andrea knows someone who she will contact. Peggy Brackett noted that the training of web page moderators is incomplete as Mick, Andrea and she had not received any training. Jo Ludwig to contact Steve Switzer to coordinate this training in the near future.

4- Treasurer’s report: Mick reported there were $6,400.-- in chequing and $13,400.-- in a GIC. Mick circulated the most recent bank statement.

5- Other reports:
    5.1 Gifts for Myself and Others Show: Margarit reported that there were 27 applications. Linda Peacock has not applied yet. Tobias volunteered to forward applications to the Gifts for Myself and Others Show to market vendors in Qualicum Beach.
    5.2 Membership: There are 58 paid-up members

6- New Business:
    6.1 Too good for the Scrap Heap Show. Danny laid out the idea: a show where 2nds, out of style, no longer made, etc. products of members be offered to the public. It could be done at the Montessori School and double as a fundraiser for the school (e.g. with part of the proceeds and/or the cost of the tables going to the school). No advertising would need to be done as the school would advertise the event to its parents, etc.
    6.2 Tobias reminded every one about the Fired Up show and sale in Metchosin on May 29, 30 and 31.

7- Next Meeting: Monday, June 1st at 7 pm, at Selkirk Montessori School, 2970 Jutland Road, Victoria.

8- Adjournment: about 8:20 p.m.

Informal Part of Meeting: Laurie Kanester Fiber etching presentation.

Next meeting Monday June 1st.

(If you note any error or ommisions in these minutes, please let us know before or at the next meeting on May 4)