Suzi Hudson making a glass bead using lampworking techniques

Newsletter

Spring 2008

POLLY SHANK— IN MEMORY

An artist all the days of her life, I’m sure Polly’s busy painting the skies…. And it remains now, for us to continue her legacy. We are, forever yours Polly. Polly Shank was a founding member of the White Bear Arts Council (now the White Bear Center for the Arts) and continued her involvement for over 40 years. Her passion for art was grounded in the belief that art is for everyone, and everyone needs art. She served on the board of directors for many years, and grew into a fierce advocate for the WBCA. With a vision for a community art center, she was instrumental in negotiating space with the City of White Bear Lake in the early 1990’s, which led to our move into the Armory in 1996. Shortly after the move, the White Bear Arts Council renamed the organization: the White Bear Center for the Arts. In her 90th year, Polly continued to be actively involved as a working artist, painting, exhibiting, campaigning for the arts, taking classes, organizing volunteers, planning, negotiating, and serving as a guiding light and inspiration as our Director Emeritus.

The WBCA would like to acknowledge our deepest sympathies to the family and the many friends of Polly Shank. We are forever grateful for Polly’s lifelong commitment and dedication to the WBCA, to community arts, and her many contributions to create and ensure accessibility to the arts in the White Bear Lake area.

An artist all the days of her life, I’m sure Polly’s busy painting the skies…. And it remains now, for us to continue her legacy. We are, forever yours Polly.

Suzi Hudson
Executive Director