CERF+ held its annual board meeting earlier this month at Arizona State University’s Ceramics Research Center (CRC) in Tempe, Arizona. The CRC’s world class collection of contemporary ceramics, innovatively displayed in open storage, provided an inspirational backdrop for our discussions about governance and fundraising as well as organizational business. The Board honored departing directors, Polly Allen and Lois Russell and welcomed two new members, Perry Price and Pati Young. The Board also recognized Chair Eddie Bernard for his exemplary service as Board Chair, and elected Reed McMillan, Chair and Cinda Holt as Vice Chair.
Besides a tour of the CRC exhibit, From “Darkness to Light: Figurative Works from the Permanent Collection,” by curator—and host– Mary-Beth Buesgen, our visit to the area included a daylong tour of artists’ studios, cultural organizations and collectors’ homes. Other “extracurricular events” afforded the chance to connect/reconnect with local artists and supporters: a special artist legacy planning workshop, co-sponsored by the City of Tempe Arts & Culture and a reception at the Gebert Contemporary Art Gallery in Scottsdale. Hats off to our local committee–Sandy Blain, Carol Eckert, and Peter Held, —for organizing such a rich menu of events to complement our board meeting!
Besides a tour of the CRC exhibit, From “Darkness to Light: Figurative Works from the Permanent Collection,” by curator—and host– Mary-Beth Buesgen, our visit to the area included a daylong tour of artists’ studios, cultural organizations and collectors’ homes. Other “extracurricular events” afforded the chance to connect/reconnect with local artists and supporters: a special artist legacy planning workshop, co-sponsored by the City of Tempe Arts & Culture and a reception at the Gebert Contemporary Art Gallery in Scottsdale. Hats off to our local committee–Sandy Blain, Carol Eckert, and Peter Held, —for organizing such a rich menu of events to complement our board meeting!
Retiring Board Chair Eddie Bernard (l) welcomes new Board Chair Reed McMillan (r)
Back row from left to right: Casey Summar, Eddie Bernard, Paul Sacaridiz, Cinda Holt, James Hafferman, Reed McMillan, John Haworth; front row: Barry Bergey, Cornelia Carey, Ande Maricich, Lois Russell, Sylvie Rosenthal, Polly Allen, Perry Price.
Artist Carol Eckert in her Tempe, Arizona studio.
Retiring Board Members Polly Allen (l) and Lois Russell (r) with Viola Frey sculpture at Arizona State University’s Ceramics Research Center
Ceramic Artist Sandy Blain
CERF+ Board Members visit artist Clare Verstegen’s studio
Studio Artist Susan Beiner