President’s Message – August 2025

August, for me, brings another birthday and another chance for introspection, future plans, and gratitude.

I’ll start with future plans.

1. Finish more art (including the glass piece pictured here)

I’m good at learning from explorations with materials and concepts. But…not great at getting pieces over the finish line. I can do better.

2. Put myself out there

I’ve been working hard to support PNWS (and other) shows but rarely submit pieces. I pledge here to submit pieces to at least three non-PNWS shows in the coming year.

3. Take better advantage of my PNWS membership

I’m excited about the relationships that come with serving on the board, but I could do a lot better job of making the most of my membership.

For example, I can take part in the new “artist profile” program being developed for PNWS social media. (All members are invited!)

I definitely need to update my profile on the website with more images.

And I’d like to schedule time with fellow artists outside of planned PNWS events. 

Fellow artists? That brings me to gratitude. I am thankful this role brings me together with great people who are investing time in our organization. 

Here is just a snippet of recent contributions:

Natalie Partna, one of our student members, is interning with us and now stepping into the role of PNWS Secretary.

Jessica Stroia, long-time member, has agreed to take on the Treasurer’s role, after a sudden vacancy. She’s also playing a critical role in rallying PNWS members to do public demos and engaging with the Portland Winter Light Festival on our behalf.

Andy Kennedy, former president, is finding a sweet spot volunteering with PNWS at events like the Troutdale Art Festival, Vancouver Art and Music Festival and Art in the Pearl.

Russ Ford, former vice-president, is doing an amazing job (along with his Raku partner, Nathan Lacquaye) of holding ceramic mask-making events and raku firings, helping fulfill our mission of educating the public about sculpture.

Alisa Looney provides a friendly, open and rich conversation every second Wednesday via Zoom, bringing together our more far-flung members in a spirit of camaraderie.

Wade Womack curates a sculpture-specific call to artists each month.

Bob Deasy creates and distributes the monthly newsletter, with support from contributors.

McAlister Merchant has been reaching out to other Seattle-area sculptors to see about local gatherings, while embarking on teaching high school-aged kids.

Sherry Wagner has taken on responsibility for coordinating and communicating about our monthly gatherings, with an emphasis on studio tours.

Mary Grout started a “3-month” rotation as our social media lead and thankfully has stayed on! She’s now working with Natalie Partna to expand the scope of our social media posts, profiling members who would like more visibility.

New member Carrie Allen offering up her place for a camping trip in 2026.

I could go on!

I’ll end with introspection. One of the challenges of this role is trying to figure out how to inspire more active engagement with PNWS. Honestly, I don’t feel great about that yet. Personally, it’s been a clear case of “invest effort > get back so much more than I put in”. But I know everyone is different – at a different place with their art, juggling different work/art/life commitments, being confident and fearful in unique ways.

So I’ll end with this. I may call you. I know, I know, phone calls are so passé. But I’m doing it anyway. Because I’d like to know more about what matters to you. What you struggle with in your art. What you are celebrating. I’d like to continue to build a sense of community within this crazy, challenging world, starting with you.

Please comment below if this message sparks thoughts or otherwise strikes a chord.