2010 Board of Directors: (front to back) Don Ouellette, Blake Denton, Kelli Newman,
Steve Kerigan, Machell Bohannon, Michael McKenzie, Dolores Lowery, Clay Keels, Amber Davis,
Andy Smith, Jen Bogaert, Pausha Player, Kim Harrison Kerigan, Krichelle McGhee

Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) held their Annual Meeting at the Windmark Chill Tower on February 18th and introduced their 2010 Board of Directors. Along with the meeting, the catered event also featured art displayed throughout the Chill Tower Gallery by artists representing the newly formed regional artist association, SEA (Society of Expressive Artists).

President, Don Ouellette called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., welcomed members and guests, spoke in detail of the new organizational structure of GALA and presented a power point review of art events and arts education programs sponsored by GALA in 2009. Highlights of 2009 initiatives included the forming of St. Joe Children’s Theater and its successes; the forming of GALA Community Theater and its successes; and the success of the Songwriter’s Festival Workshop as well as ongoing programs such as First Fridays Fine Art & Music Series, Ghosts on the Coast activities, Plein Air Student Day sponsorship & $5,000 donation and A Taste of the Coast sponsorship & $2,500 Donation to help support these worthy art causes.

Upon ending the discussion of 2009 activities and accomplishments, Ouellette announced the first ever “Volunteer of the Year Award” given to Gina Vicari Meizner for exhibiting extraordinary commitment to volunteer service in her dedication to St. Joe Children’s Theater as well as GALA Community Theater. “Our organizations survives on two things, dedication and donations,” states Ouellette. “Dedication is the most important. Without volunteers like Gina we could not pull off our projects,” he continues.

Following the award presentation, members and guests heard a summary of new art events and programs for 2010 that include Downtown Window Gallery Tour – a plan to place art in empty storefronts on Reid Avenue that began this week; Art After Dark – an art walk that takes place in the Spring and Fall once the Window Gallery Tour project is complete; and Creative Writing for College Acceptance & Scholarships Essays seminars. Ouellette also discussed ongoing projects such as St. Joe Children’s Theater’s and GALA Community Theater’s upcoming productions; Write-A-Play Program that was recently completed at all six Gulf County Schools; a stronger presence in coordinating and presenting Plein Air and Student Art Day; a renewed commitment to First Fridays Fine Art & Music Series; the expected growth of the Songwriter’s Festival Workshop; and the continuation of the Ghosts on the Coast Storyteller. More details on these projects can be obtained at www.gulfalliance.org.

“Our goal is to make our area the Art Mecca of the Forgotten Coast,” states Ouellette. “The intent is to use this status to encourage tourism, new residents and businesses and the overall economic growth of our area,” he continues.

Before closing the meeting, Ouellette made a plea for volunteers and encouraged everyone to sign up to volunteer time to one or more of the 2010 projects. Twelve new volunteers were signed up. The dedication of the evening and meal was “Amazing Grace” sung by Cindy Cherry (Talbot), a local jazz and blues artist that opened for such notables as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Etta James to name a few. Her heartfelt rendition brought tears to many eyes and set the tone for what is to come in 2010.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. and followed by a reception catered by Provisions and cocktails. “I applaud the efforts and the strides GALA has taken over the last year and was impressed by the 2010 agenda, organizational structure, and leadership vision set forth at the annual meeting. As an elected official I greatly appreciate the value and critical role the arts plays in our community,” states County Commissioner Bill Williams. “GALA plays an invaluable role in opening doors for our young people with many diverse talents and enabling them opportunities to learn and embrace their creativity. GALA will lead the transformation that is critical for economic development and tourism sustainability. As we continue to evolve as a community, both economically and culturally, it is imperative that we have exposure and accessibility to the arts. In my opinion, without this foundation, our ability to recruit new businesses and residents will be significantly diminished. I stand in total support of GALA and will work to support the organization by any means necessary," continues Commissioner Williams.