Dan Land1. Consider your time as a member of FOOTHILLS CRAFT GUILD and share with our membership highlights/events/programs which you have enjoyed, perhaps inspired you to apply for membership
I’ve lived in the Knoxville area for quite a while, and the FCG shows were of interest to me. However, it was a non-guild event that brought me closer to joining the guild. Charlie Mead was a member of the FCG and the ETWG (East Tennessee Woodworkers Guild). Several summers he had a potluck at his home which was his attempt to bring together like minded people, by inviting both groups (I think his wife also invited another club). It was through these informal meetings that I met more of the FCG members personally and learned some about the FCG, and when I felt I had a craft |
worth sharing at the shows, I felt more comfortable applying. It would be nice if there were other meetings which could foster relationships between members and people who were just interested in craft. Have presentations which are relevant to anyone involved in any type of craft
• how to improve the quality of your work
• improve displays for sales in different types of venues
• Good material sources
• How to establish yourself as a brand
• Why are you doing this…
• Look at Craft magazine, and see if you can pick themes they use.
• Can you pick up speakers not in the guild, but which people may have heard about. My wife once attended a class by someone that Jimmy Carter and designated a national treasure for her work in quilting. While I’m not a quilter, I would have been interested in hearing from someone like that. What are some local/traditional crafts that are going out of fashion? Don’t focus on how they do the craft, but why they do the craft. Folksy is OK. How about native Indian crafts?2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term, and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts.
I think my answer for question 1 addresses growing the membership. In general, I think the guild needs more reasons for getting together. For more participation within the guild, I think there needs to be more information about the committees, either via the newsletter or just a periodic meeting (meeting/meal/potluck). I don’t remember what all the committees are, and I’m sure that while I may have the gist of what they do, I don’t know the details. Committee information to be shared should include:
• Title
• What they do – include stories about big achievements / big fails
• How many people do you want on the committee, how many do you have,
and who are they
• Why they need help / what can you do?
• End up with an altar call (e.g., we need xx people today, please give us
your name….)
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
My career was in programming computers and data analysis, so I’m technically very literate. While I’m not interested in taking over the website, I probably would be able to lend support with some minimal training. I’m good at most Office products. I don’t do social media (I spent too much time with cyber security problems). I’m a good idea person, but can get “stuck” in new situations (I’m not good with change).
While I’m open to working with any of the committees, I’m more of a wall flower. I’ve always considered myself as a good Indian rather than a Chief. I don’t like to lead, but I am happy to support you in whatever is needed.
• how to improve the quality of your work
• improve displays for sales in different types of venues
• Good material sources
• How to establish yourself as a brand
• Why are you doing this…
• Look at Craft magazine, and see if you can pick themes they use.
• Can you pick up speakers not in the guild, but which people may have heard about. My wife once attended a class by someone that Jimmy Carter and designated a national treasure for her work in quilting. While I’m not a quilter, I would have been interested in hearing from someone like that. What are some local/traditional crafts that are going out of fashion? Don’t focus on how they do the craft, but why they do the craft. Folksy is OK. How about native Indian crafts?2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term, and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts.
I think my answer for question 1 addresses growing the membership. In general, I think the guild needs more reasons for getting together. For more participation within the guild, I think there needs to be more information about the committees, either via the newsletter or just a periodic meeting (meeting/meal/potluck). I don’t remember what all the committees are, and I’m sure that while I may have the gist of what they do, I don’t know the details. Committee information to be shared should include:
• Title
• What they do – include stories about big achievements / big fails
• How many people do you want on the committee, how many do you have,
and who are they
• Why they need help / what can you do?
• End up with an altar call (e.g., we need xx people today, please give us
your name….)
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
My career was in programming computers and data analysis, so I’m technically very literate. While I’m not interested in taking over the website, I probably would be able to lend support with some minimal training. I’m good at most Office products. I don’t do social media (I spent too much time with cyber security problems). I’m a good idea person, but can get “stuck” in new situations (I’m not good with change).
While I’m open to working with any of the committees, I’m more of a wall flower. I’ve always considered myself as a good Indian rather than a Chief. I don’t like to lead, but I am happy to support you in whatever is needed.
lora Williams1. Consider your time as a member of FOOTHILLS CRAFT GUILD and share with our membership highlights/events/programs which you have enjoyed, perhaps inspired you to apply for membership
Time as a member/highlights/inspiration: The guild and its makers are part of my inspiration. I have been a member of FCG since 2019. I became a fan of the fall show several years prior to that and eagerly anticipated the weekend in November when the show was scheduled. I have always loved giving handcrafted gifts and couldn't wait to see what the makers had created! I enjoyed talking to the artists and hearing their creative stories. I felt like these were people that were led by limitless possibility and imagination. I dreamed of a day when perhaps I too could be a maker and share in the guild. In 2011, I began to work,in a creative way, with my ever growing collection of nature's art (stones, seaglass, driftwood, moss,etc). Over the years, I found my passion in taking these little gems from nature and building scenes with them and then matting and framing them. In 2019, I finally felt like I might be “good enough” to be considered for the guild so I applied. You cannot imagine the joy |
that spilled over me when I found out I had been accepted! These last 5 years in the guild have been such a wonderful experience for me, not only in the advancing of my own creative spirit, but also in seeing the advancement of others as well as the talent of new members. Those that have been touched by my work in some way have become building blocks in this beautiful connection which I think we all long for. So many have shared their gratitude for how my work has brought expression, light and healing into their space. This is the grand purpose of art .. to tell a story and for that story to resonate with others. It is my lifelong connection to nature and its healing forces that I wish to connect others to by means of my art. I believe the guild inspires and connects others in a wonderful way.
2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts.
Preview of the Guild/How to grow membership, advance programming, participation: I envision a bright future for our guild. The fact that Knoxville is known as the first Etsy “Maker City” in the US naturally shines light on us makers. I feel like we can harness that light by promoting the guild among other “maker city” artisans and by partnering with the Maker City in their events. Knoxville is also home to Dogwood Arts and we could promote members through this avenue as well. East Tn and beyond is home to many wonderful art/craft and maker festivals. Guild members can be encouraged to promote the guild when they are at other festivals (whether they are there as makers or as shoppers). We could even have a specific booth for the guild at these events. As far as growing participation of members in committee efforts, I believe that participation can naturally occur with a sense of connection and shared purpose. To build connection, I would propose guild members share time in creative ways (ie, studio tours/visiting each other's spaces, nature walks/hikes, learning a new skill together etc)
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
Skills/talents that I can bring to the board: I like to look at problems and their solutions in a creative and positive way and I am an advocate for positive change. I enjoy connecting with others and sharing information about the guild and our shows in a personal way. I believe that the creative spirit and our overall energy is enhanced by a healthy mind and body. This is a passion for me and I would love to be able to help the guild add some focus in this direction. I am limited in my technological skills so have little to offer in that area
2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts.
Preview of the Guild/How to grow membership, advance programming, participation: I envision a bright future for our guild. The fact that Knoxville is known as the first Etsy “Maker City” in the US naturally shines light on us makers. I feel like we can harness that light by promoting the guild among other “maker city” artisans and by partnering with the Maker City in their events. Knoxville is also home to Dogwood Arts and we could promote members through this avenue as well. East Tn and beyond is home to many wonderful art/craft and maker festivals. Guild members can be encouraged to promote the guild when they are at other festivals (whether they are there as makers or as shoppers). We could even have a specific booth for the guild at these events. As far as growing participation of members in committee efforts, I believe that participation can naturally occur with a sense of connection and shared purpose. To build connection, I would propose guild members share time in creative ways (ie, studio tours/visiting each other's spaces, nature walks/hikes, learning a new skill together etc)
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
Skills/talents that I can bring to the board: I like to look at problems and their solutions in a creative and positive way and I am an advocate for positive change. I enjoy connecting with others and sharing information about the guild and our shows in a personal way. I believe that the creative spirit and our overall energy is enhanced by a healthy mind and body. This is a passion for me and I would love to be able to help the guild add some focus in this direction. I am limited in my technological skills so have little to offer in that area
nancy shedden1. Consider your time as a member of FOOTHILLS CRAFT GUILD and share with our membership highlights/events/programs which you have enjoyed, perhaps inspired you to apply for membership
I was inspired to join the Foothills Craft Guild (FCG) because of I wanted to share my unique handspun yarns with a larger audience. When I began hand spinning Dale Liles was a huge presence in my craft. Dale was a longtime member of FCG and when she quit participating in FCG-sanctioned shows I decided to try the jury process to carry on that art of handspun yarns. I was juried in in 2009. 2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts. During the last few years FCG has become more friendly and less stuffy. This |
is entirely due to new leadership. I would like to continue the ambience. Our artists need to be approachable and open to our show visitors. I believe a friendly, although dedicated, organization will easily draw more members and more visitors to our shows
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
Skills I can contribute as a board and/or guild member include computer work such as spreadsheets, and other computer work (not website or social media work).
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
Skills I can contribute as a board and/or guild member include computer work such as spreadsheets, and other computer work (not website or social media work).
raeus cannon1. Consider your time as a member of FOOTHILLS CRAFT GUILD and share with our membership highlights/events/programs which you have enjoyed, perhaps inspired you to apply for membership
I was inspired to jury after attending a fall show several years ago. Some members said I should apply but I was really skeptical: I didn’t want to face the possibility of being rejected. Although friends and relatives were strongly convinced that I’d be accepted, I was truly shocked when the Guild accepted me as a new member. Later, I was strongly encouraged by Ann Lacava at her monthly Playday to get involved. Since then, I have enjoyed almost every event that the Guild has put on. My favorite event is the monthly Playday that we host. |
Creating can sometimes be very isolating, and I love spending time with other creative people: sharing stories, sharing ideas, sharing inspiration. I always leave with raised spirits.
2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts.
I am running for my second three-year term. I would like to take the Guild back to some of its ‘glory days’ when it was the most prestigious Guild in Tennessee. A time when you mentioned being a member of Foothills - people were truly impressed. I’d like to take us back to a time when our shows were THE preeminent show to attend (both as an artist and as an attendee). I’d like to take us back to a time when we had more than 400 members.
During my past 3 years I have encouraged the board and our members to market the guild by being present at other local events, meetings, and shows. We’ve attended several other events in town such as the Dogwood Home & Garden show. Attending these events has already directly increased our membership as well as our recognition within the city. I admit I have been frustrated getting member participation. I hope in my second term that I can solicit members to do small ‘jobs’ and find the benefit of participating.
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
My full-time job is as the CEO and Founder of a local membership association (REO: Referral Excellence Organization) for business professionals. I bring that experience to the Guild first and foremost. I also have experience in:
• Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc)
• InDesign Layout and Design software. I previously worked as a graphic designer and have been designing all the advertising pieces for the Guild since 2021.
I also have been the show director for the Guild since 2021. Social media is not my strong suite (and I’d love someone to help run this part of our marketing and advertising). Hint, hint. I have previously served on several boards such as: Knoxville Chamber, Childhelp, National Speakers Association, Unity Church, Knoxville Women’s Center, and others.
2. Foothills Craft Guild members serve for a three-year term and are eligible to run for a second term upon expiration of first term. Preview the future of our Guild and share with members ideas on how we grow our membership and advance our current programming; especially on how we may grow participation by members in committee efforts.
I am running for my second three-year term. I would like to take the Guild back to some of its ‘glory days’ when it was the most prestigious Guild in Tennessee. A time when you mentioned being a member of Foothills - people were truly impressed. I’d like to take us back to a time when our shows were THE preeminent show to attend (both as an artist and as an attendee). I’d like to take us back to a time when we had more than 400 members.
During my past 3 years I have encouraged the board and our members to market the guild by being present at other local events, meetings, and shows. We’ve attended several other events in town such as the Dogwood Home & Garden show. Attending these events has already directly increased our membership as well as our recognition within the city. I admit I have been frustrated getting member participation. I hope in my second term that I can solicit members to do small ‘jobs’ and find the benefit of participating.
3. What skills/talents will you bring to the board/Guild (ie: spreadsheets, computing, social media, marketing, service on other boards?
My full-time job is as the CEO and Founder of a local membership association (REO: Referral Excellence Organization) for business professionals. I bring that experience to the Guild first and foremost. I also have experience in:
• Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc)
• InDesign Layout and Design software. I previously worked as a graphic designer and have been designing all the advertising pieces for the Guild since 2021.
I also have been the show director for the Guild since 2021. Social media is not my strong suite (and I’d love someone to help run this part of our marketing and advertising). Hint, hint. I have previously served on several boards such as: Knoxville Chamber, Childhelp, National Speakers Association, Unity Church, Knoxville Women’s Center, and others.