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Spring/Summer 2010Main Line Art Center ART FOR EVERYONE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

2010 Fine Art SaleThe annual benefit party and exhibition advancing our mission to bring Art to Everyone!

W H A T ’ S I N S I D E

2 Letter from Director3 From Doodler to Donor4 Membership and Support4 Friendly New Faces5 Annual Report 20099 A Life of Art, Remembered9 This Old House10 Q & A with Sharon Bartmann10 Spotlight on Chuck Thurow11 A Family Affair

Good Food. Good Friends. Great Art!On Friday, April 23, nearly 200 art enthusiasts, including art collectors, community and business leaders and artists, filled Main Line Art Center’s galleries for its annual Fine Art Sale Preview Party. This year’s event also honored Mary Anne Dutt Justice for her longtime efforts to build community-wide support for the visual arts. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and cocktails by Jimmy Duffy Catering, including a special Art-Tini, and enjoyed the sounds of swing band The Lounge Experience.

The Preview Party is the Art Center’s major fundraiser of the year, and one of its most anticipated events. This year, the Preview Party and Fine Art Sale raised nearly $50,000 in support for the Art Center’s award-winning arts education and community outreach programs. Main Line Art Center is proud to be one of the leading visual art organizations in the region to make art accessible to diverse groups in our community and offers a series of outreach programs for underserved audiences including children, teens and adults with disabilities, at-risk children and low-income adults and families.

Guests at the Preview Party had first pick of the Fine Art Sale, which ran from April 23-May 15. The sale featured over 250 works of art in a variety of styles and price points by more than 50 professional artists from the region.

The Board and staff extend their sincere thanks to the Art Center’s guests, patrons and sponsors for making the Fine Art Sale such a success. Next year, don’t miss out on this splendid evening. Mark your calendars for the Fine Art Sale Preview Party on Friday, April 15, 2011.

The 2010 Fine Art Sale was supported by the following sponsors:

Participating Sponsor

Supporting SponsorPresenting Sponsor

Participating Sponsor

folio

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Dear Members and Friends,

I recently received an email from a Member who wanted to express her appreciation to the Art Center for giving her a place to discover her voice. A creative community where she can be free to be herself and “unleash her inner artist.” It enriches my spirit to hear that after almost 75 years of serving this community, the Art Center still impacts people on a daily basis. In fact, we were just voted (again) Best Art Center by readers of Main Line Times and Main Line Suburban Life. Indeed, the Art Center has never been more alive!

As we head into summer session and planning begins for next year and our anniversary year in 2011/2012, I want to take an opportunity to thank you for your support this year and in years past. Enclosed in this newsletter is our Annual Report for fiscal year 2009. As you will read, thanks in part to the generosity of our Members, Main Line Art Center balanced our budget for the first time in years, despite being faced with a tough economy. We are so very grateful to all of our friends who helped match a challenge grant from the Klorfine Foundation by making multiple donations as well as first-time donations. Dollar for dollar, every cent made a difference and helped us come out on top.

Finally, you may have noticed some new benefits that we extended to our Members this spring, including a free screening of the film Herb & Dorothy and discounted tickets to The Barnes Foundation. I’m excited to announce that this is the beginning of many more changes to our Membership program. Look for more information in September about expanded Member benefits, including special Members-only openings and new discounts. If you have a suggestion for how we can improve Membership, please email Anisa Haidary, Development Director, at ahaidary@mainlineart.org. We would love to hear from you!

Please continue to support the Art Center, both by donating to the Annual Fund and by sharing the good work we do here with your friends and family. With your help, we can ensure that the Art Center continues to impact the lives of future generations of artists of all ages, levels and abilities in our community.

Warm wishes,Judy HermanExecutive Director

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

It enriches my spirit to hear that after

almost 75 years of serving this community, the Art

Center still impacts people on a daily basis.

Judy Herman, Executive Director

Do you have an interesting or touching story about the

Art Center that you would like to share?

Email info@mainlineart.org!

MINI of the Main Line was thrilled to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Fine Art Sale and Preview Party at Main Line Art Center for the second year in a row. MINI values the important role the arts play in strengthening community and is proud to partner with our community’s leading resource for Art for Everyone.

MINI of the Main Line is the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area’s source for MINI, and one of the premier dealerships in the country. Our commitment to a higher-level of customer service is second to none. We offer one of the most comprehensive parts and service departments in the automotive industry.

Easily accessible via Route I-76 and I-95 and located on the prestigious Main Line, we also offer an online dealership to enhance the buying experience. Stop by today – we’d love to see you!

www.minimainline.com

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The Art Center is like a family, sharing the best of ourselves and encouraging each other to be part of the community.Marcia Reiver

As most children are, Marcia Reiver at age 9, was a doodler. But unlike many children, Marcia was lucky enough to have someone in her life who recognized that she was artistically inclined and encouraged her to build her skills. When her mother suggested she take a drawing class at Main Line Art Center, Marcia jumped at the chance. She recalls daydreaming out of the front windows of the Art Center, admiring the way the sunlight highlighted the fl owering garden.

Marcia’s time at the Art Center laid the foundation for a lifelong love of art, which she also parleyed into a career. She received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in graphic design from American University and her Master’s Degree in Fashion Design from Drexel University. She currently maintains a custom sewing business, creating anything from christening gowns to outfi tting entire wedding parties.

In 2001, with a successful career in fi ber arts and a young daughter, Marcia decided she wanted to do “something for herself.” She had taken some pottery classes in college, and decided she wanted to explore that further. Where? To Marcia, there was

only one answer: The creative community at Main Line Art Center.

“I chose to come back to Main Line Art Center because I’m comfortable here,” says Marcia. “The learning environment here encourages personal growth. We’re like a family, sharing the best of ourselves and encouraging each other to be a part of the community.”

Since then, Marica has been a very important part of the Art Center community. She is now a professional artist, exhibiting at the Art Center and most recently at the Fine Art Sale, as well as around the region. Marcia, along with Teaching Artist Sharon Bartmann, founded the Art Center’s Raku Guild, which brings together intermediate and advanced ceramic artists who use the Raku fi ring method for networking, education and exhibition opportunities. She has also volunteered her time for several years on the Art Committee for the Fine Art Sale and helped with this Spring’s Art-Full Garden Sale. Marcia encourages her daughter Rebecca, age 12, to take classes here, just as her mother had done for her.

Throughout the years, the Art Center has been a powerful force in Marcia’s life, or as she says “good therapy for the head and heart.” She feels it is her responsibility, and our community’s responsibility, to make sure that the Art Center is here for future generations by supporting the Art Center.

“It doesn’t matter how much you donate,” says Marcia, “as long as you do it. If you don’t take care of the places you care about, they will cease to exist.”

Join Marcia’s family in supporting the Art Center and its mission of Art for Everyone by making a tax-deductible donation to the Annual Fund. Call Anisa Haidary, Development Director, at 610.525.0272 ext. 13 or visit www.mainlineart.org to make your donation today.

Marcia Reiver

DonorFrom Doodler to

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Raku containers by Marcia Reiver

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MEMBERSHIP & SUPPORTJoin today to enjoy a wide range of year-round benefits while supporting arts education and community outreach programs at Main Line Art Center. All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please select the membership category that is right for you.

MEMBER BENEFITS• Up to 25% discount on classes, trips, and workshops

• Discounts at local art supply stores with your membership card

• Priority registration and early access to online course catalog

• Opportunity to rent private studio space

• Opportunity to enter Members’ Exhibition (adults only)

• Reduced entry fees for juried exhibitions

• Use of open studio space (at designated times)

• Invitations to exhibition openings, special events, and gallery talks with featured artists and curators

• Complimentary subscription to the Artfolio newsletter and Artmail e-news.

BASIC MEMBERSHIPHOUSEHOLD • $75 • Receive all Basic Member Benefits for each person in your immediate household.

INDIVIDUAL• $50 • Receive all Basic Member Benefits.

YOUNG FRIEND • $45 • Receive all Basic Member Benefits.Ages 18 - 34.

SENIOR • $40 • Receive all Basic Member Benefits. Ages 65 and older.

CHILD • $35 • Under 18 years. Receive all Basic Member Benefits, plus reduced rates for birthday parties, Art Camp and invitations to children’s exhibition openings.

ARTIST • $30 • Receive all Basic Member Benefits excluding reduced rates for classes, trips, and workshops.

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIPYour gift as a Contributing Member supports the Annual Fund and helps provide arts programming for the entire community. All gifts $175 and above will be acknowledged in the Annual Report.

FRIEND • $175 • Receive all Basic Member Benefits, plus 5 limited-edition Main Line Art Center note cards featuring an original piece of artwork.

SPONSOR• $275 • Receive all Friend-level benefits, plus 5 additional limited-edition note cards (10 total).

PATRON • $575 • Receive all Sponsor-level benefits, plus 5% off purchases of artwork, at select exhibitions.

BENEFACTOR • $1,250 • Receive all Patron-level benefits, plus an original piece of artwork.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE • $2,750 • Receive all Benefactor-level benefits, plus a total of 10% off purchases of artwork at select exhibitions.

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE • $6,000 • Receive all Director’s Circle-level benefits, plus a total of 15% off purchases of artwork at select exhibitions.

United Way # 14859

Friendly New Faces at Main Line Art Center

StaffNate ProutyCeramics Studio TechnicianNathan received his BFA in ceramic sculpture from the New York State College of Ceramics in Alfred NY, and is currently a Resident Artist at The Clay Studio. His work has been included in numerous local and regional group and solo exhibitions. Visit www.nathanprouty.com for more info. Emily OstAdministrative Assistant, Development and Exhibitions Emily received her BFA in ceramics from Tyler School of Art in 2003, and is currently working towards her Master’s in Arts Administration from Drexel University. In her rare free time, she loves to crochet.

Teaching Artists:Josephine Tsai: Adult Watercolor, Fall 2009 Millie Hiibel: Adult & Teen Fashion Design, Fall 2009 Patti Kelly: Adult & Teen Photography, August 2009Jerry Kaba: Adult, Teen & Children’s Ceramics, Winter 2010Michael Smith: Teen Classes & Portfolio Development, Spring 2010Emily Bowser: Children’s Classes, Winter 2010 Laura Westmoreland: Children & Teen Ceramics, Winter 2010 Claudia Atkins: PMC Jewelry, Spring 2009 Hiroe Hanazono: Adult Ceramics, Summer 2010 Barbie Henig: Adults, Family & Outreach Mosaics, Summer 2010Kiersten Rogenmuser: Children’s Classes, Fall 2009Nicole Sage: Children’s Classes, Fall 2010

Visit the Education Section of our website for Teaching Artist bios and images of their work.

Readers of Main Line Times and Main Line Suburban Life selected us as “Best Art Center” on the Main Line!

THANKS TO ALL WHO VOTED!

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Main Line Art CenterFISCAL YEAR 2009 ANNUAL REPORTSeptember 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009

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FINANCIAL POSITIONAssets FY 2008 FY 2009 % Change

Current AssetsCash $50,232 $39,719 -21%

Receivables 39,448 41,038 4%

Prepaid expenses & other

9,836 4,768 -52%

Total current assets 99,516 85,525 -14%Investments 2,167,363 1,917,357 -12%Fixed Assets (net) 1,296,632 1,257,940 -3%Non-current assets 0 55,166 n/a

Total Assets $3,563,511 $3,315,988 -7%

FINANCIAL ACTIVITYUnrestricted Activity FY 2008 FY 2009 % Change

Revenue

Earned

Program $1,061,657 $959,292 -10%

Non-Program 13,616 18,907 39%

Total Earned 1,075,273 978,199 -9%Investment (171,274) (72,822) 57%Contributed 300,460 342,888 14%

Total Unrestricted Revenue $1,204,459 $1,248,265 4%

ExpensesProgram $1,213,548 $1,072,643 -12%

Fundraising 135,096 87,518 -35%

General & Administrative

161,619 112,589 -30%

Total Expenses $1,510,263 $1,272,750 -16%

Net Unrestricted Activity ($305,804) ($24,485)Net Temporarily Restricted Activity

($51,622) $59,605

Net Permanently Restricted Activity

$21,070 ($202,932)

Net Total Activity ($336,356) ($167,812)ATTENDANCE

FY 2008 FY 2009 % ChangeTotal paid attendance 3,534 4,280 21%Total free attendance 12,000 12,000 0%

Total attendance 15,534 16,280 5%

Total school children attendance 1,506 1,608 12%Total class/workshop attendance 2,028 2,600 28%

Expense

FY 2008

80%

11% 9%

FY 2009

9% 7%

84%

FY 2008

22%

78%

FY 2009

26%

74%

Program

Fundraising

G & A

Revenue

Investment

Contributed

Earned

During a year when many arts organizations were forced to close their doors, the Art Center remained open and committed to providing quality arts programming. We wish to thank the Art Center’s donors, members, patrons, and volunteers whose support helped us enrich the lives of more than 16,000 students and art enthusiasts, including 1,680 local children. We extend a special thanks to the Klorfine Foundation whose generous matching challenge grant helped successfully balance the Art Center’s budget. The Annual Report details

the Art Center’s current financial trends, as well as recognizes those who helped advance its community-based mission of providing “Art for Everyone” during fiscal year 2009.

Every effort has been made to acknowledge all of our donors correctly; we apologize for any omissions or errors. A complete audit is available upon request.

Main Line Art Center

FISCAL YEAR 2009 ANNUAL REPORT746 Panmure Road Haverford, PA 19041 610.525.0272 www.mainlineart.org

Main Line Art Center is pleased to report the completion of fiscal year 2009, Sept. 1, 2008 – Aug. 31, 2009.

Faced with a turbulent economy, the Art Center operated lean, focusing its efforts around core programming. It successfully reduced spending by 16% and increased unrestricted revenue by 4%. This was done without reducing programming or limiting the Art Center’s reach.

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PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Anonymous Fund of The Philadelphia FoundationConnelly FoundationBonnie Gross/Kenelm FoundationThe Karen and Herbert Lotman FoundationKlorfine FoundationMarjore LewisMartha and John LubellNational Guild of Community Schools of the ArtsPECOPennsylvania Council on the ArtsPEW Charitable Trusts

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

BMW of the Main Line and MINI of the Main LineBoeing Employees Community FundThe Bryn Mawr Trust CompanyAnne Marble and Thomas CaramanicoCaroline J.S. Sanders Trust IRodney and Evelyn Day Family TrustThe Hamilton Family FoundationHarriet G. Fredericks FoundationHarry T. and Shirley W. Dozor FoundationIndependence FoundationSusan Davidson and Richard RavenscroftRosenlund Family Foundation

BENEFACTORS

Anonymous (2) The Barra FoundationMr. and Mrs. Charles J. BloomCaroline J. Sanders Trust #2Lynann and Rick CiminoS. Matthews and Anne F. Hamilton, Jr. The Hess FoundationSteve HolstadJean and Lon HomeierKathleen and Ben HowellJohnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gift ProgramAl Paul and Rilice LeftonDrs. Blanche Levitt Torphy and Ted TorphyElaine and John LisleLouis P. and Kerry Marchesani, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. PattersonCarol Perloff and Alan Donnenfeld in memory of Alvin BenensonPhiladelphia Exhibitions InitativeSprint Foundation Matching Gift ProgramJoly W. Stewart

PATRONS

Ardmore ToyotaBrandywine Realty TrustKristine Grady and Jon R. DerewiczKathleen and Martin FieldShelly and Scott FisherCynthia Haveson and Mike VeloricMr. and Mrs. Harry E. HillTerri and Thomas KleinThe Margery P. and B. Herbert Lee FundLeeAnn and Dennis MaloomianVictoria McNeil and Christopher Le VineMerion Art & Repro CenterAlice Nesher HardenberghLynn and Philip Rauch in honor of Jean. G. HomeierIna SargenNorman Soong in honor of Soong FamilyTad Sperry and Ellen Harvey

Karen ReibsteinMarcia K. ReiverTrudy Rosato SimpsonDonald and Roni RosenEileen RosenauJerri Ann RossDr. and Mrs. Louis RossmanSusan SchweitzerJanine G. and Robert R. TabasTD BankTzedakah FoundationMichelle Malkasian WeisbergCarol L. WheelerEtta Z. Winigrad DONORS

Anonymous (19) Rachel and Tom AmmonJanet AustinLorie BalistockyDeena S. and Curtis BallToni BanetLisa BarskyBeverly Lange BasergaLoren Batten in memory of Linda Sealey, D.O. Erica Bazzell-MaySandra BenhaimKaren BerberianDawn BergmaierMrs. Marcy BerkowitzHenry Berkowitz, M.D.Ms. Diana BittelDon and Katherine BlenkoL. Clarke and Francie BlynnArlene L. BordenAlice M. BowmanEdwina and Jeffrey J. BrennanDonna BuschMiriam CamittaArlene and Norman ChaikinJean and Charles CheesemanRichard S. and Margaret Chew, Jr.Tamara ClementsPerky CohenCathy and David CohenSusan CollinsVirginia and Thomas ConoverTerry and Grace CookeLou Cordivari, IIIJohn CostanzaRose Marie CunniffeBernadette CurranVan Smith DeaconCornelia and Robert C. DegerbergLynne DeGiosafattoDel Val Potter’s Supply Co.Ernest and Jane DellheimLouis B. Dietz*Dianne Dillman and Evan SteinbergerRoberta McKaig DoanKaren DrurySharon Eckstein and Lawrence IndikZelda EdelsonLucy EdwardsPeter and Ellen EvansPeggy EwingNorma and George FabianNick FalconeMary and David FarrowJohn and Lisa FiggeLiz and Paul J. FinleyJudith and Barry FiremanEmma Fogt

SPONSORS

AnonymousChristopher and Ann AraderRona S. and Arnold B. CohenSteven and Mary Cay CousartMonica H. DarbyBarbara and Robert DilsheimerMr. and Mrs. Joseph GordonWesley Heilman, III in memory of Kit HeilmanBill and Sue HenryJudy HermanCynthia B. HolstadInterschool Council of Lower MerionJean JacobsonCraig and Meg JohnsonMartin and Sylvia KreithenAlbert Maguire and Jean BennettMarch Technologies, IncAndrew and Gayle Andrea MeyerMr. and Mrs. Britton H. MurdochMr. and Mrs. Lathrop B. Nelson, Jr. Adrienne M. RodgersNaomi B. RubinMark and Janet SchreinerIlene and Bruce G. SilverTracey and Shanin SpecterLyn and Peter StricklerSandy and Michael WaxMr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Wheeler, Jr. Dina and Jerry Wind FRIENDS

Marc and Lynn BarristWilliam and Debbie Becker in honor of Judy HermanWendy and Morton BranzburgJoan and Jim BromleyRobert and Julie J. BryanLin and Jim Buck in honor of Kathy HowellSusan W. and Cummins Catherwood, Jr.Louise and Harris ClearfieldMarlene and Leonard DubinKristin and Scott EdwardsEsther FoxLinda Dubin GarfieldBarbara and Edward GlickmanSteven GroppiLeigh GustafsonMr. and Mrs. John HaasMargaret M. HealyEllis and Margot Horwitz in memory of Betsy MeyerJamie JessarSusan I. Jewett and Carl C. DuzenDeborah LeavyEric and Diane LeichterPauline A. LundgrenSuzi and Scott LustgartenBenjamin and Deborah MangelLeslie MatthewsSam S. and Margarett F. McKeelKathy McLambBetsy R. MiragliaMarianne Mitchell and Bruce SchmitDr. and Mrs. R. Barrett NooneMr. and Mrs. John A. NyheimMarie O’DonnellKimberly C. and Tobey OxholmHolly PerryDavid PincusRaven Commerce Systems, Inc.The Reh Family

ATTENDANCEFY 2008 FY 2009 % Change

Total paid attendance 3,534 4,280 21%Total free attendance 12,000 12,000 0%

Total attendance 15,534 16,280 5%

Total school children attendance 1,506 1,608 12%Total class/workshop attendance 2,028 2,600 28%

FISCAL YEAR 2009 CONTRIBUTIONSSeptember 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009

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Suzanne and Jim FoleyLeroy ForneyHenry Fraimow and Jacqueline FrenchWendy Frame and Chris BlackmanMary GaymonLaurie Geers and Jonathan GreeneMr. and Mrs. John Gilliam, Jr.Ruth M. GillisBarbara GiselJane and Glenn GitomerLinda GoldenBridget GoldhahnJan and Bob GorenNadine GorsonEllen GrenellMrs. Anna Marie GrossmanAnisa HaidaryBobbie HalpernCheryl Hammond HopewellBarbara HanselmanRoslyn K. Hansen in memory of Clarrisse March and Lee DewittLinda HarbaughDiane HarkThe Harris FamilyLawrie HarrisAlida M. Haslett in honor of Judy HermanEugene HavesonChris and Malia Hayashida-KnightMr. and Mrs. Michael C. HemsleyLouise M. HerringJane G. HillesNabila HilmiRoslyn Holtz in honor of Marcia WohlMarietta A. Homeier in honor of Jean G. HomeierMary Homeier Rawson in honor of Jean G. HomeierFrances Hoover Claudia F. and Harvey A. HorowitzBlythe Hoyle in memory of Betty L. HallJulia Ingersoll and David CastroDana J. JonesWilliam T.* and Mary Anne Dutt JusticeAndrea Kahn and Bruce KothmannThomas A. and Peggy V. KaneCarol KardonLinda and Jonathan KassMaude and Tim KentLaurie Kilpatrick and William FoxDrs. Samuel N. and Barbara K. KolmenBarbara and Al KurtzDiane LavelleLisa Learner Wagner and Richard WagnerBobette LeidnerDr. Edith A. LeopoldMr. and Mrs. Robert Levy in honor of Judy HermanCarla LombardiThomas L. and Marie M. LombardiThomas LoughranSandi Neiman Lovitz in memory of Norman & Shirley NeimanM & P Ellis Eye FoundationBetty MagranPatricia Mahoney and Steve ShaudPeggy MainwaringBarry and Tilda MannConnie McCann

Leah Sheeley VareRalph W. Viguers in memory of Aurelia P. ViguersIrma M. WagmanHelen WallaceWilliam G. and Abbie Lee Warden, IVDebora WeberSusan WeissPeggy West and Charles HonartChantal and George Westby, MDAlina WheelerDeirdre WildNelson Wollman in honor of Marcia WohlJanice M. WoodsThe Yoga Garden IN-KIND DONATIONS

Tom AmmonThe Antique GalleryRichard BerhardBarbie BerkowitzDenise BreardChristopher BryantGiuliana CalabiAnne CaramanicoThe Camera ShopMrs. Frances FishGlass Jar GourmetElaine and Joaquin GrechBonnie GrossGoogle, Inc. Alice HardenberghJulia Ellen HoganJean HomeierBeth HymelMeg KennedyDiane LachmanMerion Art & ReproGrant PolleyRoberta RicardNancy RowinskiRoyalty Press Group, Inc. Pubinstein’sAndrew SchmidtRebecca ShapiroMichael Shane SimmonsCarol Stirton-BroadVictory BrewingChantal Westby

*In remembrance.

Thank you for your support. You may contact the Development Director with questions or corrections by calling 610-525-0272 x13.

Donation Key (FY 2009)

President’s Circle $5,700 and above

Director’s Circle $2,700 - $5,699

Benefactor $1,070 - $2,699

Patron $570 - $1, 069

Sponsor $270 - $569

Friend $170 - $269

Donors up to $169

Judy and John McConomyKathleen McCoyJames and Catherine McKennaJoan M. McNamaraPaul J. MerluzziNancy Bea MillerLinda and Murton MillerScott and Veronica MillerMaida MiloneKay MoonColleen MooreJ. Brien Murphy, M.D. Robert M. and Kate NelsonSara Nerken Irina and Serguei NetessinaNancy NewmanNewman Galleries, IncAmy S. NislowNolan PaintingJoyce and Carl NordenRobert W. and Leila N. O’LearyKerry PacificoRoch and Rebecca Parayre in memory of Renee LoveClaudia ParvantaBonnie PaulWendy Peck Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. PendergastPetersen Kitchens, IncPhiladelphia - Tri State Artists Equity Association, Inc.Linda PompeoYvonne PowellRoberta PresserThe Rees FamilyKathie Regan DalzellDelories RichardiMargaretta RichardiSandra and Phil RingoSharon RitzThe Romano FamilyMaxine RosenBobbi and Elmer RosenFrank and Marianne RossiLisa Pauciello RoweRoyalty Press, Inc.Sallee RushPatricia L. RyanAnn SchechterMichael M. SchwartzHannah and Merrill SchwartzSeven Arts FramingLarry and Barbara ShaneMolly SheehanJennette ShingleDoris SilkDeborah and Mark SimonGlenn and Pam SingerHarris SklarStephen SmallLaura and Gerard C. SmithAndrea SnyderAnn and Martin SnyderAlan SofferKari Souders BeckerSuzanne SpainMiriam SpectorDon and Ellin Spitzer in honor of Marcia WohlPhyllis A. SteinbergCarol Stirton-BroadM. Gayle StockdaleChristine StoughtonLeonard and Barbara SylkGeorgene TaylorKaren Leigh Tulis

FISCAL YEAR 2009 CONTRIBUTIONS (continued)

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A of ArtA of Art

The 2009/2010 exhibition calendar came to a close with the annual Outreach Exhibition, May 21-June 4, which this year took on the theme of The Space Within. The exhibition celebrates the vibrant and colorful work created by participants in the Art Center’s outreach programs, which are designed to reach underserved audiences including children, teens and adults with disabilities, at-risk youth and low-income adults and families. This year’s participating programs included Delaware County Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Elwyn Education Division, Presbyterian Children’s Village and the Art Center’s own Exceptional Art classes for children and teens with special needs.

Sadly, as the vibrant exhibition was being hung, the Art Center learned of the passing of one of Exceptional Art’s longtime students, Jeremy Libon, age 18. A Lower Merion senior, Jeremy had been coming to the Art Center for about 7 years, hardly ever missing a class. When interviewed for a newsletter article back in the Fall of 2008, Jeremy, who loved to paint and work with clay, had this to say about his time at the Art Center.

Jeremy Libon

Life The projects are all so fun to do and very creative,” said Jeremy. “I also like learning about art in different parts of the world, like Africa.

Jeremy Libon

Jeremy’s smiling face will surely be missed around the Art Center, especially by the students in his class and those who taught him. His sunny disposition rubbed off on everyone he came in contact with.

“Jeremy was the most positive, kind and friendly person I have ever had the pleasure to know and teach,” says Patty Papatheodore, Exceptional Art Teaching Artist. “I will miss his smile and playful spirit that brought joy to everyone around him. When Jeremy entered the studio, everyone knew their time would be fi lled with laughter and fun. Saturdays will never be the same.”

The Art Center announced a special scholarship in Jeremy’s memory at the opening reception of the Outreach Exhibition on May 21. The scholarship will be awarded in Fall 2010 to a child or teen who shares the passion Jeremy had for artistic expression.

REMEMBERED

This Old HouseWith a house that was built c. 1860, structural repairs are to be expected. And that’s just what the Facilities Committee stumbled upon during a recent walk thru of the building. What initially looked like a leak soon led the committee to get bids to fi nd out the problem and to choose E.B. Mahoney to take a closer look at the structure. They made fast work of taking down the ceiling and found a structural beam down the middle of the room that was sagging. They believe the beam was once weakened by a fi re and that over time the load from the Green Studio above caused additional stress to the beam. E.B. Mahoney will oversee the work to reinforce the beam and will also level the fl oor in the Green Studio, with the Kaele Group acting as the consulting engineer.

The work permit for the kitchen has been approved. Since this facility is an old house with stone walls, the project is substantial and will cost $14,000. Donations to the Annual Fund help offset untimely costs such as these. Act now by visiting us online to make a donation at www.mainlineart.org/donation.php, or by calling Anisa Haidary at 610-525-0272 x13. Your support is needed now more than ever!

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Sharon Bartmann has been a staple at Main Line Art Center for the past 8 years, dabbling in everything from volunteering, to teaching kids’ classes and camp, to exhibiting her work. Starting this September, she’ll take on a new role as the Faculty Representative for the Board of Directors. We spent a few minutes getting to know her a little better.

Q: I can see from your bio that you were an art director and graphic

designer for 20 years, working in Los Angeles and then Art Director at the Philadelphia Zoo, before getting into ceramics. Tell me about making the transition from graphic design to ceramics and teaching.

A: I left the graphic design fi eld after having my 3rd daughter. It was

getting extremely technical and I wanted something hands on that was strictly my creative vision. I started taking classes at the Art Center with my oldest daughter when she was 7. She is now 20. We took everything from basket weaving to ceramics. I decided ceramics had what I was looking for in the creative process. I then took classes here and there at the Art Center, but am mainly self-taught. My fi rst exhibit was at the Main Line Art Center and it just grew from there. At the Art Center, I’ve exhibited my work in the Fine Art Sale, In Depth, Fine Craft Show, the Faculty Exhibition and the Members’ Show.

Q: Tell me about how you developed a love for art.

A: I come from a family of artists and architects, art teachers and a textile

designer. My brother is a celebrated painter in Philadelphia. I was taught to appreciate the creative process and encouraged to express myself artistically. I also had an amazing art teacher in grade school that nourished my appetite for art.

Q: How would you describe your work? What inspires you?

A: My work has a strong connection to nature. I grew up in a family whose

religion was the outdoors. Every weekend we hiked the trails in my hometown. My work has a wab--sabi philosophy — “A beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.” I have always found beauty in the imperfect part of a piece where the glaze has run or a bowl that shows that the hand was the main tool in making that piece.

Q: You’ve done some volunteer work at the Art Center. Tell me about that.

A: I have served on the Children’s Festival Committee, the Fine Craft

Show Committee and organized a collection of art supplies for underprivileged children entitled Art 2 Art. I also co-run the Raku Guild.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

A: I feel art education is extremely important. I love to touch that

child who may not excel anywhere else or communicate verbally, but has an amazing visual sense. People always ask me if their child is artistic — to me every child is artistic and it is not necessarily in their technical skills at a young age, but in their passion and their vision. Children have the unique ability to enjoy the process and not necessarily worry about the end result. You can see it in their work and they constantly remind me to do the same. They are so excited to accomplish something on their own. I push them and never underestimate their ability. My job is to guide their vision through technical answers and touch their piece as little as possible. I want them to feel accomplished and maybe see something in a different way than they did before. To learn from each piece and grow from each piece. Art has a lot of life philosophies. The child who may be hung up on doing things “right” can discover that sometimes a “mistake” is simply a different way of seeing something.

Q: Aside from of the Art Center exhibitions and sales, where else

can we see your work?

A: You can fi nd my work in craft stores in Virginia and Maryland, Artista

Gallery in Philadelphia, Wayne Gallery Shop in Wayne, Barnstone Gallery in Phoenixville, as well as juried art shows in the area. I also have a website, www.sbartmann.com.

Q: Finally, what does Main Line Art Center mean to you?

A: I embody what the Art Center is all about. Encouraging artistic

experimentation and growth for everyone from the novice (which I was) to the professional (which I am now). A place where families and individuals can spend quality time together and have an enriching experience. Some of us never leave, literally!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

CHUCK THUROWYou may have already noticed Chuck Thurow’s friendly face at some of our recent events. Last fall, the Art Center received a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts to hire a consultant to help revitalize the Art Center’s exhibition program. Chuck, the former Executive Director of Hyde Park Art Center (HPAC) in Chicago, began working with Judy Herman in January to reposition the Art Center as a go-to resource for exhibitions.

Chuck has already helped craft a new vision statement for exhibitions that underscores the Art Center’s commitment to providing a quality platform for regional, contemporary artists to showcase their work. He also has met with peer organizations and local artists to identify ways in which the Art Center might further serve emerging artists, and is looking at how collaborative exhibitions might deepen our interconnections with these artists. “I am struck,” he reports, “by the depth of the goodwill there is for Main Line Art Center across Philadelphia’s arts community and the excitement that Judy and I found for exploring new possibilities.” Chuck’s efforts will culminate with the annual Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition in the fall, which he will curate.

Chuck Thurow attended Williams College as an undergraduate and studied at both the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison to earn master’s degrees in English literature and urban planning, respectively. He served on the HPAC Board of Directors for 23 years before becoming the Executive Director in 2001. Chuck retired from HPAC earlier this year and is “relishing” (his term) the chance to interact with another city’s arts community.

Teaching Artist Sharon Bartmann

Q&A

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We all know the familiar saying, home is where the heart is. For the Begmann family of Haverford, home is where the art is. Marci and her daughters Sara, age 5, Jenna, age 14 and Liza, age 16, have been longtime Members at the Art Center. Four years ago, Liza then 12 years old, began volunteering with Exceptional Art, the Art Center’s outreach program for children and teens with special needs, as part of her Mitzvah project. One could say that ever since then, the family’s been hooked on all things Main Line Art Center.

Walk into the Art Center and head down to the sculpture studio on a Wednesday morning and you’re sure to fi nd Marci hard at work on her mosaics in Carol Stirton-Broad’s class. Wander into Carol’s class on Wednesday night, and there’s Marci again, only this time with daughter Liza working alongside her. The mother/daughter team also has plans to register for a fused glass workshop in the summer. Marci says that this time with her daughter is important for them to stay connected, and it gives them a common interest that they can talk about long after they’ve left the studio. “I have a big family so this is really the only time just for me and my mom,” says Liza. “Being in this class with her is the zen of my hectic week. It is break from high school and the rest of my busy schedule.”

They aren’t the only people who use the Art Center as a place to stay connected. Sara has kept up her relationship with a friend from preschool by enrolling in classes and camp together for the past 4

The Bergmann’s

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years. Jenna, who has also volunteered for the Exceptional Art program as part of her Mitzvah project, has also taken wheel throwing classes where she’s met good friends. Marci views this socialization as a very important benefi t to being involved in the Art Center. “Though the classes, my children have been able to keep up old friendships and make new ones,” says Marci. “They’ve met kids from other schools and have made some of their best friends at the Art Center.”

The art-full family, who has joked about moving into a house across the street to be closer to their home away from home, has also enjoyed the Art Center’s exhibitions and receptions as a family. Marci and the girls are currently “working” on getting Leigh to sign up for a class too. Liza believes that there’s really something for everyone here at Main Line Art Center. “I think that people do not really understand what it means to be involved with the Art Center,” says Liza. “Whether you need a hobby, a creative outlet, a new skill, a social experience, or a healthy way to release stress, the Art Center is a good place to go. Being involved can teach you about yourself, can help you fi nd friends with similar interests as you, especially if you’re new to the area. You can build your portfolio for college; fi nd a way to keep busy when you’re retired. There are just endless ways the being involved at the Art Center can fulfi ll people’s needs.”

Learn more about the Art Center’s Exceptional Art program or make donation in support of this important outreach program by visiting www.mainlineart.org/outreach.php. Your support makes programs like this possible – thank you!

What Volunteering Means to Me Liza Bergmann

“I fi rst started helping out in the Exceptional Art Program for my Mitzvah project before my bat-mitzvah. At the time I just knew it was convenient being so close to my house and something I might enjoy. During that time I became really attached to this little girl named Kate. When I fi rst met her she could not talk at all. Every week I got to see her communicate through her art. She always loved to use color. At some point I tried showing her how to make a rainbow since she liked to use color so much. I did not expect her to remember, but the next week when I asked her if she wanted to make a rainbow again she knew what I was talking about and did it all on her own. Seeing her do that felt really great even though it was something so simple. Later we moved on to spirals, shapes, and other things. Months later Kate started speaking a little to us. And now Kate can communicate with her words. Lately I have not been working with Kate, but my experience working with her is what makes me continue to volunteer.”

“I feel like I learn a lot from the class not only about other people, but also about myself. I developed this desire to work with kids who have things tougher than I do. Now I also volunteer helping kids who lack an education from having to go to an underfunded school. More clearly these are the type of things that make me happy and it almost feels like it’s my duty. I wish I had more time to spend like this.”

Being in this class with her is the zen of my hectic week.Liza Bergmann

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A Family AffairWe all know the familiar saying, home is where the heart is. For the Begmann family of Haverford, home is where the art is.

Full article on pg. 11

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Jeremy Libon: A Life of Art, RememberedThe Art Center says goodbye to a very special friend and announces a special scholarship in his name.

Full article on pg. 9

Main Line Art Center receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ARTfolio

Q & A with Teaching Artist Sharon BartmannStarting this September, Sharon will take on a new role as the Faculty Advisor of the Board of Directors. We spent a few minutes getting to know her a little better.

Full article on pg. 10