Hello

December is election month for the EACA. The way the association is structured establishes five Executive Officers who are elected by the members. Those positions are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications. The President then appoints the various committee chairs and project chairs.

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Each year we also review our By-Laws and submit for a vote any changes deemed necessary. Our elections are done electronically, online, and results determined by the majority of those members voting. You will soon be receiving your electronic ballot, if you haven’t already.

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Our candidates for office are Chuck Boxwell for President; Julie Hill for Vice President; Rhea Lowell for Secretary; Nan Patmont for Treasurer; and Adrian Skiles for Communications. Thank you to these five members who are offering to step into leadership roles for the EACA. All except Nan are new to these positions; and we thank our lucky stars that Nan is available to continue as Treasurer (as well as managing our website).

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There is also an item on the ballot connected to the By-Laws. Currently, our By-Laws state that members are eligible to participate in our Studio Tour and other shows, provided their residence is accessible by one of the three main entrances to Eldorado (Amistad, Vista Grande, and Eldorado). In the past few years, Ave. des Compadres has been extended south to intersect with Spur Ranch Road and has therefore opened up access from Eldorado to new residential areas.

The Board examined the situation and concluded that the original intent was to keep the boundaries to what we generally consider as Eldorado. The ballot seeks approval of a clarified definition of our area of eligibility, putting a southern boundary approximately parallel with Ave. des Nubes. A map included on the ballot illustrates the area of eligibility.

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To those officers who are leaving the board this year, my personal thanks for your service, diligence, and creativity. Zina Hogan has served as Secretary for the past four years, and even before that. Pat Rasmussen has chaired the Studio Tour for several years and helped it evolve into a smooth-running team. Debbie Parke has been Pat’s co-chair and is leaving her job as Communications Coordinator to take over as Chair for the Studio Tour.

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It has been my privilege to serve as your President for the past two years. We have a terrific team on the Board who have created informative general meetings, shop talks, and social events. The Studio Tour is increasing in size and reported sales. The Spring and Winter shows continue as popular showcases for artists. Our contributions to other Eldorado community organizations from voluntary donations by Studio Tour artists continued in 2024, and in fact for the history of this practice, EACA has now passed the $100,000 mark of such donations.

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As I step down, the final thing I want to say is that the EACA needs you! We have wonderful, and many new, people stepping into leadership roles. The sense of involvement and community, knowing you are helping other artists prosper, and the chance to work in a team instead of as a solitary artist are among the rewards for participating. Thank you all for your support and happy holidays!

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Thank you,

Evie Gauthier