There were a few months of choppy water for the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation a while ago. But a new interim director came on board in March, and a new board of directors was installed in July, so members believe there’s smooth sailing ahead for the nonprofit arts organization.
After a period where two employees were fired and members accused the board of directors of a lack of transparency, the board now meets monthly, and its meetings are open to the public. Minutes of meetings, along with email addresses for all the board members, are posted on the OCAF website.
Perspectives, a juried show and sale of ceramics from 50 potters, was held in late summer in a repaired Rocket Hall on the OCAF campus. Before Perspectives opened to the public, a fundraising gala was well attended, with parents having the option of bringing their children for crafts in the School Street Studios. The popular thrift sale, a fundraising event, is scheduled for the spring.
“We’ve had a solid end to our year,” interim director Paul Clark said. “Both the holiday market and the artists’ shop have been even better than in years past.”
The staff has launched an active membership drive, contacting members who may have lost touch with the organization and reaching out to recruit new members, especially families with young children. The organization held a Halloween camp for children and scheduled winter camps around New Year’s and spring break. Summer camps are also on the horizon, as are after school activities during the academic year.
Much of what the board of directors has been doing is “restructuring and updating OCAF’s processes, with the staff and volunteers,” Clark said. “We’re working on new bylaws.”
Board member Rob Farley said 30–40 people have responded to an ad for a permanent director for OCAF, “and there are some very good candidates.” He says interviews will likely start in January.
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