Dear Members and Friends of VAC,

Welcome to an exciting New Year! This is my final message as your VAC Board President, and I wish to thank all of the Board Members, Staff, Volunteers, Teachers, and Members for your support over the past 2 years. You have made such a difference in so many ways.

Thank you to the many donors of the 2007 Annual Appeal, and to responding to our "Wish List" ( a new Bike Rack and Kiosk/ announcement board will be on location in early 2008). Our new "Wish List" includes improvements in the reception desk area.

Many thanks to Tonya Sauppe, Julie Baxter, and Marilyn LaBallister and their committees for sharing their time and talents in making our Holiday Tea, and the VAC Shopping Night such a success. Tonya, your Christmas Tree, and the decorations were spectacular! The beautiful Abstract Art Exhibition and the Venice Area Garden Club Flower Show made the Holiday Season even brighter!

Just a few reminders:

1. The Garden Party Café will be open on Saturday, starting January 12th, from 11-2pm.



2. Gallery Talks will resume:
   • January 18th at 11:00- Jeff Cornell will speak on " The Female Nude in Fine Art"
   
   
   • January 24th at 4:00- Peppi Elona will speak on her personal artistic journey, Which will feature her work in the Solo Gallery
   
   
   
3. The VAC Annual Meeting is Friday, February 8th at 10:30. This will include annual reports, and the election of new Board Members. Light refreshments will be served and all VAC members are invited to attend.



4. January 19th ( Saturday) at 1:00, the Dick & Julia Hyman Youth Concerts will resume. This one will feature the Jake Pinto Trio. These are Jazz Musicians from Riverview High School. The concerts are free, and the public is invited to attend.



5. The Annual VAC Art Sale at the Community Center is February 23 & 24 10-4.



6. The Plein-air "Paint Out in Paradise III" benefiting the Art Center takes place from February 26-29. This will feature a Gallery Talk by Mary Erickson on February 25 at 4:00 AND the Fine Art Reception sponsored by Northern Trust Bank on February 29th from 5:30-7:30. Tickets are available until mid-January only, just call VAC at 485-7136. This is an event you won't want to miss!

In closing, thank you Marilyn LaBallister for your patience and support during the past 2 years, you have taught me so much!! I wish the new President and Board the best of luck, your fresh new ideas will continue to make the Art Center the artistic and cultural jewel of the West Coast of Florida. Thank you again VAC members and friends, for your dedication and support you are the best!

Sincerely, Barbara Freeman




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