End of the Year Message from Executive Director, Jeff Nathanson

 

Dear Members and Friends,

As I look back at an incredible year, I am struck by the truth of the phrase, “it takes a village.” To everyone who has contributed their time, talent, creativity, and financial support – our members, donors, visitors, community partners, volunteers, staff, and board members – thank you! As we approach the New Year, I hope you will choose to support our important work through a tax-deductible contribution.

It is only through your steadfast support that we have been able to accomplish many of the ambitious goals we set forth in our five-year strategic plan. I am most proud of the expansion of our education programs. In collaboration with Community Action Partnership, students participating in our Youth+Art workshops created colorful folk art sculptures for our annual Día de los Muertos exhibition as well as a new mural at Roseland Elementary School. Additionally, two classes in our Art4Kids program were taught by Maria de Los Angeles, a Mexican-born artist and immigration activist who was raised in Santa Rosa. Their artwork was included in Tierra de Rosas (“Land of Roses”), a solo exhibition of Maria’s work on view this past fall.

With record-breaking attendance in 2018 and 2019, you have shown us that we are well on our way to fulfilling our mission to engage and inspire our diverse community with art and history exhibitions and programs that are inclusive, educational, and relevant.

Last year we launched our Re:Imagine! Plan, a two-year strategy focused on capacity building, program expansion, and physical improvements to the Museum’s galleries and grounds. We have raised well over $400,000 during the past year and a half, and with your help we can reach our $500,000 goal, positioning our museum for a meaningful 2020 in which we not only celebrate our 35^th anniversary, but also the centennial of the ratification the 19^th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

Thank you very much for your support throughout the year. We wish you and yours a healthy, happy, and successful New Year!

With Gratitude,

Jeff Nathanson
Executive Director