As noted by my Volunteer Committee, the response from volunteers has been “refreshingly enthusiastic” this year and, well, we simply couldn’t produce the exhibition without our over 100 volunteers. In addition to volunteers, our Board and Operating Committee work for months to bring the exhibition to reality.

Committee member Dan McNevin of TMG Partners just won’t stop until he finds the right site for the exhibition and he’s done it again this year. Our volunteer coordinators, Linda Boyd, Pam Mendelsohn and Frances Gaston are on duty big time for two months each year keeping all the volunteers, and their assignments, up to date and on target. The reception team of Jean Goldman, Albert Repola and Kurt Brinkman coordinate the many details that continue to make opening night the hottest ticket in town. Mary Judd has joined our committee and members Dan Carlevaro, Kava Massih, Dick Kassis, Elyse Klaidman and Gwen Souza step in wherever needed. Marella Pedersen continues in our office, Shane Clabaugh corrals all the wonderful food donated for opening night and, in addition to all the other details she tackles for us, Linda Boyd has crafted a great website in collaboration with our graphic designer.

How does he do it? A temporary space, volunteers, over 90 artists; Curator Paul Tomidy’s experience and personal eye guide the visitor through all the various mediums and styles represented in this year’s exhibition. Designer Amy Nathan has had a lot of fun developing her colorful concept for us this year and we love every bit of it! Publicist Genevieve Antaky works hard to get us all in front of a microphone or a camera promoting our city’s arts community. It is a pleasure for me to work with such professionals. A special thank you this year to several Emeryville business owners who have supported us, each in their own way, for a very long time. When Albert Repola of Ruby*s Cafe is passionate about a cause he pulls out all the stops and has done so for us for many, many years. Ellen Hope Rosenberg of the Townhouse has generously hosted our volunteer kick-off event for over 15 years and Amelia Bucci of Bucci’s, of course, has graciously hosted our monthly committee meetings for more years than any of us can even remember.

The strong support of our City Council and city staff are intrinsic to the exhibition. City Manager Patrick O’Keeffe, Economic Development Director Helen Bean, Karen Hemphill, Lisa Sullivan, Amy Hiestand and Mike Mahoney - thank you all! To all of our new donors and for those who have been with us for each of our 23 years, your match of city funds allows us to create an exhibition that is an annual jewel in the Bay Area fall arts’ arena. Thank you to John Wayland and BRE Properties, Inc. for their willingness to do this dance with us again in providing a great venue for the exhibition and to Roger Bash of Bashland Builders for his hand in transforming the space seemingly overnight. As plans actively progress for the creation of our city’s Arts Center, the arts community in Emeryville continues to grow in breadth and depth. We invite you to experience this community and the City of Emeryville at the 23rd Annual!

Sharon Wilchar
Project Coordinator