Letter from the Director – November 2012

Dear Members & Friends,

At the end of this year I will be stepping down as the Executive Director of the SLC Arts Council.  I have had a lot of fun helping this organization grow into a strong community partner that provides important programs and services for northern New York.  It feels good to know that the work we have done to date has certainly had an impact – for hundreds of artists, for residents and visitors to our region, for other cultural organizations, and for the communities we serve.
    
I am very grateful to all of the people who have supported the SLC Arts Council with time, talent, energy, ideas, membership, and financial contributions. It is important to note that all the creative ideas and projects that the Council has engaged in have been made possible by the careful thought and hard work of ALL the folks who have been involved as board, staff, artists, members, interns, and volunteers.   It would probably fill the rest of this newsletter to name all the people who have provided assistance to the Council over the years. However, I would like to recognize a few folks who have been particularly important to me in my years at the SLC Arts Council:  Linda Herman, Sue Thomas, Jay Pecora, Pat Glover, Amy Flack, Ron Larsen, Jennifer deCoste, Jen Clarke, Maureen Farina, Sally Hartman, Becky Harblin, Tony & Karen Collins, Velma Bolyard, Kim Bouchard, Ed Clark, Susan & Eric Thacher, Pete Wycoff, Jackie Sauter, Fred Hanss, Linda Reece, Kari Robertson, Rosanna Rosse, Jim Czajka, and our friends at the New York State Council on the Arts - Megan White and Leanne Tintori-Wells. I am truly grateful for all the friendship, encouragement, support, and advice you have given so generously over the years.  
    
I also want to express my deep appreciation for our fabulous, hard working staff – Tanya Spicer, Brooke Lynch, Sharon Toth, Robert Fowler, Steven Sauter, Mary Strong, and Suzy McBroom. I need to say an extra special Thank You to Mary & Suzy.  Mary has creatively produced our brochures, newsletters, and website over the last several years. Suzy is the most dedicated, professional, organized, sweet, and cheerful co-worker a person could ever wish for!  Many Thanks also to Virginia Burnett, a wonderful artist and friend who worked for the Council during some very important years in the development of the organization. I also want to recognize some former staff members that I have had the pleasure to work with, and laugh with  - Dorothee Jannsen,  Anna Koester, Hannah Stevens, and Eudora Watson. To ALL of the SLC Arts Council elves: Thank You!! My life is richer for having you as friends. YOU have made the SLC Arts Council a wonderful place to work.
    
And last but certainly not least, my heartfelt gratitude to our current board members Mary Sharon Ryan, Ann Bradburd, Tom Plastino, Marion Bradish, Denny Morreale, Gary Throop, and Emily Wanamaker.  You have provided good guidance in challenging times, and given me rock solid support during this past year. I know you will continue to steer the Council in the right direction in the years to come.
    
In the weeks ahead I will help the new Executive Director get to know this fine organization, and the people who make it possible. I’ll certainly stay involved in the Council as a member and artist, and perhaps work on some special projects here and there. At this point you may be asking: “So who will be the new director?” We don’t know yet, but the search committee is narrowing it down and we expect to make an announcement soon. Stay tuned.

I look forward to seeing the next chapter in the evolution of the SLC Arts Council from the comfort of my new home in South Colton, where I will be designing a new future for myself, and walking in the woods with my dog.
It has been my honor to serve as the Executive Director of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council. I hope I have served you well.

With Love,
Hilary Oak