It is a true honor to have been elected President of Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society.This is a position I take very seriously and am prepared to treat as a priority in both my professional and personal life. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. We begin this new season with a new Board of Directors. Some of our members remained on the Board and some new members have joined us. Sadly, we must say good-bye to a long time member of our Board. Sharon Curtis has resigned her position as Treasurer after many years of faithful service. Sharon, you were flawless in your position as Treasurer and you will be sorely missed by all of us. Dee Pastorious has left her position as 1st Vice-President but remains on the Board as Hospitality Committee. Thanks for taking that very active committee for us, Dee. And we must say good-bye and thanks to Anne Abgott for her service as our President this past year. Anne, FSWS is better because of you. Thanks. With those changes, our new officers are listed in the banner to the left. New to our Board this term are Nancy Law, Mary Stealey, Tama Traberman, Linda Alvord and Sherren Baughman. Carole Dougherty and Mary Louise Ringers continue their service. A very special thanks from me to Carole and Mary Lou for your friendship and support in the past and as we face the future together. Our Board proudly serves our membership and now takes you into this season of exciting changes and growth:

New Look - You’ve already noticed the new look. We decided we needed a more artful appearance for FSWS. Our new logo was developed by Mary Lou Ringers.Thanks,ML!

25th Anniversary of FSWS - It’s true! FSWS is 25 years old this year! As organizations come and go, we should all be proud we are part of an organization that has endured and continues strong. We are planning to celebrate this special event in a very big way! You’ll get the details soon.

Exhibition Schedule - This year we have included additional shows at some new locations, as well as our own Art Center Manatee. Check the schedule in this newsletter and mark your calendars now so you don’t miss any of them.

Framing Criteria - Our membership spoke at our Annual Membership Meeting in April. In answer to that vote, we have removed the framing restrictions for our shows. Please read the details in this newsletter. Note that if a gallery is restricted in space, we must restrict size; be sure to check the exhibition prospectus for each show. Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society has an excellent reputation in the art community and we should all be proud to be associated with it. Please make this the year you dedicate yourself to our organization by participation in our shows and our events. We’ll keep you informed via the newsletter of our activities. You may also contact any member of our Board for updates and information . And be sure to tell your art friends about us! We love new members! Thank you for your membership. Now let’s go boldly together into this new season and make FSWS shine as brightly as its new logo!

In dedicated service,