At this midlife stage I have returned to my artistic spirit. I did not know when I joined that the guild was such a nurturing environment. As artists, vulnerability and fear of exposure often lurk in the shadows of our lives. The guild as a community helps us not only overcome those fears but to thrive as individual artists. It is not something that is by design, but speaks more to the spirit of the membership; the camaraderie shared by us as artists. Not only has my work been exhibited, I have been the recipient of awards, gained jury status, ventured beyond the guild in exhibitions and have boosted my confidence more than I knew I needed. In just a few short years I have forged deep friendships and connections not only from my involvement on the board, but with the life drawing group as well.

I am grateful for all the guild has provided me. Having received so much, how can I give back to this lovely institution that has nurtured me in so many ways? If you find yourself asking the same question, the obvious answer would be to volunteer and become involved. However, as Treasurer, I see that isn’t always enough, and that got me thinking.

Asking for money can be uncomfortable. Deciding how little or much to give can be equally uncomfortable.

Here are some easy low-impact ways of donating to the guild:

–AmazonSmile. This is a relatively new concept created by Amazon. It works exactly like Amazon. If you already purchase through Amazon, please log in through AmazonSmile. Be sure to select Arizona Artists Guild as your charity. A percentage of each purchase will go to AAG. This is a passive way of contributing to the guild. Spread the word, tell your friends. Contact me, Tess Scherer, Treasurer@Arizona ArtistsGuild.net with any questions.

-Raffle Tickets and Silent Auction: these proceeds go to the Scholarship fund. This year, be on the lookout for exciting objects and services! Contact Jan Giordano jangiordano@gmail.com for more information or to donate to the raffle or auction.

-Art Exchange: these proceeds go into the general fund and help to run the organization. This is a great way to give with low impact on your wallet. You can clean out your art supplies and donate gently used supplies to the guild. This allows someone else the opportunity to buy these gently used (and sometimes new) supplies at a reduced rate. It is a win/win for all! The Exchange is open at all meetings and Guild events. Contact Alicia Plogman aplogman@cox.net or Alice Pelchat chato2589@cox.net for additional information.

-An extra donation with your Membership renewal: If each member (we have about 300+) were to give an additional $10 for scholarship and $10 for general fund, that would help us to reach our annual Scholarship Goals and cover the cost of running our organization. This would be huge and yet has little impact on each member. If you already renewed, you can still donate at the general meeting or by sending check or cash to AAG PO Box 41534, Phoenix, AZ 85080. Contact me, Tess Scherer, Treasurer@ArizonaArtistsGuild.net with any questions.

This outlines just the low to mid impact forms of donating.

Mark Woehrle