WESTFIELD-The “homework assignment” that ArtWorks Westfield board members had prior to its recent annual strategic planning meeting was simple – think big – according to its president Bill Westerlind.
“Setting aside a special time devoted to the exploration visions and big ideas about future opportunities and possibilities unencumbered by the day-to-day operational details allows the creativity of these very talented folks to freely flow,” said Westerlind.
Board members of ArtWorks Westfield met Saturday for its annual strategic planning meeting. Members attending included Tom Sawyer, Richard Cowles, Danny Nason, Marion Dunk, Shannon Chiba, Ashley Read, Cheryl Crowe, Bill Westerlind, Wayne Weatherwax, Susan Buffum and Andrew Surprise. (Submitted photo)
The Saturday gathering, conducted at the Shortstop Bar & Grill, was for board members only to think creatively and “boundlessly” about the future of the organization and the role it plays in the expansion of the arts and cultural opportunities for creators and community members in Westfield and the surrounding communities, according to Westerlind.
“A year ago in 2018 almost to the exact same day as this year’s meeting, we held our very first strategic planning session,” said Westerlind, adding that since the group has grown considerably in the past year a larger location was needed instead of a board member’s home.
“We achieved nearly every goal and objective we laid out for 2018,” said Westerlind, adding, “2018 was a smashing success.”
From an organizational and operational perspective, Westerlind noted the organization expanded the size of its board, grew its member and donor base, and finished the year with financial reserves to fund 2019 activities.
Among the community activities that ArtWorks Westfield facilitated included the third annual Articulture Westfield celebration of gallery art, literature and music, the launch of the monthly ArtWalk Westfield, the inaugural Images & Words Poetry Contest, continued the Fall Art & Author Show in conjunction with the Westfield PumpkinFest, and launched the Downtown Live! Downtown Westfield summer concert series. Additional activities included World Art Drop Day, ArtTalk artist workshops, Open Air Open Mic on the Park Square Green, Valley Gives and Giving Tuesday events and the annual Images of Westfield Holiday Art Show.
Now that planning for 2019 is well underway, Westerlind noted a new event is a Youth Art Show slated for the north side in Half Mile Falls Park.
“Another new event we are very excited to present is the Armed Forces Art Therapy Show, an exploration of the field of art therapy and its application among military service members and veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Westerlind.
Other goals for 2019 include conducting quarterly meet-and-greet events for local artistic and cultural creators, and to engage and include more community members and artists in the organizational and operational activities of the group to ensure more cultural experiences in the city.
“With generous financial support through grants from the Westfield Cultural Council, we are holding our signature Articulture Westfield event on April 26-27 featuring up to 30 gallery artists, at least 12 local authors, writers and poets and musical bands and solo performers playing live during the gallery event and on an outdoor stage,” said Westerlind. “The Images & Words Poetry Contest will happen in April and ArtWalk Westfield will continue on the third Friday of each month with an eye to doubling the size of the event later this year. Downtown Live! and the Fall Art & Author Show will both be back for repeat performances.”
Westerlind added that board members sense it is an “important and exciting time” for the arts and cultural activities in Westfield.
“It feels like finally, after years of false starts and unfulfilled dreams, some very positive and constructive things are happening that is engaging and captivating the curiosity and support of the community and local creators,” said Westerlind, citing the work also being done by the Westfield 350 team and the Westfield on Weekends organization.
“The ArtWorks Westfield team has always focused on what we affectionately call the ‘small ball’ events, small local events that are operationally and financially sustainable over the long-term providing local creators a platform to show their work and allow the community to experience their creativity,” said Westerlind.
Shannon Chiba, a Westfield artist, shared a similar sentiment.
“By pairing with local businesses, ArtWorks encourages people to experience our city and to visit shops and places that may showcase art,” said Chiba, adding, “this boosts our local economy and strengthens community bonds.”
For musician Marion Dunk, she said she has seen “tangible signs” of an artistic renaissance in the city.
“It is an exciting time for artists, musicians, authors, downtown business owners, and members of the general public who have lamented the lack of opportunities to go downtown for entertainment,” said Dunk.
Susan Buffum, an author and founder of the WhipCity Wordsmiths, echoed those sentiments.
“The annual strategic planning meeting is important so that all board members are on the same page as to events planned and what we need to do to ensure another successful year of bringing a unique variety of cultural events to Westfield for the enjoyment of the entire community and surrounding towns,” said Buffum. “We have a plethora of ideas but also have a crucial need for volunteers to help us with staffing the events and set-up for events.”
Musician Tom Sawyer added that when a small group like ArtWorks Westfield comes together, each person adds their own experience, perspective, and enthusiasm.
“There is a dynamic synergy that grows and results in some cool new things for the community,” said Sawyer, adding, “that’s our group.”
Sawyer noted that beyond bringing more local art, music, and literature to the community, the group encourages people to support the artists, photographers, authors and musicians.
“Go to a local performance, buy a painting or photographic image, buy a book written by a local author,” said Sawyer. “If these people get this support and encouragement, they keep doing what they are doing and it further strengthens the artistic and cultural vitality of our community. Why not have Westfield be a city that’s known for this?”
“We strongly believe the city of Westfield is at an important inflection point in becoming a culturally centric community,” said Westerlind.
Photographer Richard Cowles concurred.
“There is an abundance of artistic talent in the Westfield area,” said Cowles. “Through involvement artists can find a voice and everyone can find a cultural connection to our community.”
For information on becoming involved with ArtWorks Westfield, visit https://www.artworkswestfield.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArtWorksWestfield, or send an email to [email protected].
“The opportunities to get involved with ArtWorks Westfield are many,” said Westerlind. “We encourage folks to leverage their life experiences and interests to support our mission of supporting our community, ranging from writing email communications or working on our social media committee, participating in our event planning committee, or working at events or maybe helping with fundraising or recruiting new members. Any amount of time folks are willing to donate is greatly appreciated.”
