From the Executive Director
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - FIRST DRAFT 1/3/2000
Artists Talk On Art is still in the middle of celebrating its
25th Anniversary that just happens to coincide with the last quarter
of the century. Our Silver Anniversary Benefit Auction was a
financial and aesthetic success beyond our dreams and we plan to
do it again (after a year's recovery).
And what a glorious quarter century it has been, constituting a
wondrous journey through modern art history, every Friday night
during the art season.
And we are proud of ourselves. ATOA is about keeping the dialogue
going in meaningful directions and creating networks
while still keeping the intimacy).
In spite of changes in the art world, that goal has remained intact.
We have a fine "Spring Semester" in store for you.
Just look at the calendar. Our dialogues this season include
opening with major artist Larry Poons and curator Jason Andrew.
Later on we'll hear super-cartoonist Jules Feiffer with
author Judith Goldman. In the Spring, our own Advisor to the Board,
photo critic A. D. Coleman will be on board interviewing the
articulate artist/photographer/photo historian William E. Parker.
We will finish the year with the seasoned artist Will Barnet
in dialogue with curator Gail Stavisky.
And the panels! Just look and see what suits your palate--
maybe all of them will.
As for me, I'll be stepping down from the "Chief Operating Officer"
position at ATOA in May, to the tune of "Always leave the party
before the burnout." The new Executive Director (not yet named)
will be in for a roller coaster ride through the unpredictable
skies of the art world--sometimes unbelievably exhilarating,
sometimes debilitating--but never, never boring.
I've made friends with so many of you and assure you I am not
abandoning ATOA. I intend to remain a Director and extremely active
in programming and special events.
Thank you for three wonderful years.
Donna Marxer
Executive Director