Suzi Hudson making a glass bead using lampworking techniques

Newsletter

Winter 2006

“All passes, Art alone
   Enduring stays to us…”

- Henry Austin Dobson

Dear Friends,

In looking through some old files here at the art center recently, I came across a page of yellowed notes, printed in purple mimeographed type, held together with old scotch tape, simply dated: Fall, 1966. Here is what I read:

Proposed for consideration: a White Bear Lake Area INSTITUTE OF THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS

Purpose: dedicated to the creative development and cultural enrichment of its citizens through education.

Wow! I wanted to reach back to that first meeting and tell them, “We’re here! 40 years later and going strong! You did it! We did it! We’re still doing it!”

It’s an awesome responsibility for our board of directors, staff and volunteers. It’s equally rewarding to realize how much the White Bear Center for the Arts has endured, grown, changed and evolved over the past 4 decades. Many a nonprofit has come and gone in the past 40 years. We are extremely fortunate to have some of our founding members among us, still involved in the arts, still involved in the WBCA. This is part of the unique strength of the WBCA. When things change, we’re held accountable; we get a phone call or a visit from someone who knew us before we were born! It’s good. We’re lucky. We have grounded, creative and feisty roots!!

By now, you should have received the White Bear Center for the Arts’ request for a year end gift. I ask that you please reflect on this request (additional form is on the back of this catalog). We rely on your gifts and contributions. How are you willing and able to support the arts in your community? Please talk it over with your family, your friends, and your neighbors. What is the role of the arts in building a healthy community? How do the arts influence our lives, our culture, even our beliefs and religions?

Today, Fall of 2006, I’d like to propose for your consideration a commitment to support the arts on a community level. What might this community look like with an art center building? Where might it be? Is it a dream or will our children in 40 years be looking back on the Fall of 2006 as a transitional time in our organization and the community? Let’s start the dialogue. Let’s propose it for consideration.

Yes, we have been here for many years, but not without the creative ideas, commitment, and support of all of us, rich or poor, young or old, artists and non-artists. We all have a place in the arts. We all benefit from a community that invests in the arts. That’s the beauty of it. That’s the reality of it.

Thanks to all you founding members! Thanks to all of you who are newer to the WBCA. Now how about it? Shall we think ahead? Can you help us get there? Please do! 2046 is just around the corner.

Suzi Hudson
Executive Director