2013-2014 annual report - Sawtooth School for Visual Art

FIND THE ARTIST IN YOU
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
251 N. Spruce St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336.723.7395
SAWTOOTH.ORG
LETTER FROM
THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
DEAR FRIENDS
OF SAWTOOTH SCHOOL,
Thanks to the collective efforts of our board of
Our fiscal year began on a high note with a
conversation about art and creativity, followed by a
directors, staff, students, members, donors and
substantial increase in both our youth summer art
day-long workshop in our ceramics studio.
supporters like you, we’ve been able to see many
program and our Summer Art Immersion program:
exciting plans unfold over the past year. From
533 high school students versus 396 in 2013. Each
increases in registration revenues to master level
year our SAI curriculum is adapted to better reflect
studio experiences and provocative gallery
the evolving interests of our students.
presentations, this past year was pretty remarkable.
The Eleanor and Egbert Davis Gallery at Sawtooth
continues to surprise and delight our students,
teachers, patrons and visitors with the kind of gallery
installations rarely found in a community art school.
With resources from the Billy McClain Visiting Artist
This year we exhibited regional, cutting-edge fiber
Fund, our program coordinators were able to dream
artists, Sawtooth instructors’ works and the Carolina
big—developing high-level workshops that brought
Lettering Art Society’s show—to name a few.
teaching artists and students to Sawtooth from other
cities and states. In the first and second quarters of
2014, Betty Helen Longhi held four workshops on
metal forming—an offshoot of the release of her
book, Creative Metal Forming. Each workshop
overflowed with students, teaching us a valuable
lesson: many Sawtooth students want to be
Sawtooth has been fortunate to receive yet another
Windgate Charitable Foundation grant to fund the
move and expansion of our woodworking studio. The
wood studio is now well situated in over 1,000
square feet of studio space allowing us to meet the
needs and interests of our students and teachers.
challenged with advanced themes and complex
We set ambitious goals for this fiscal year, and while
projects, and we need to meet them where they are
we had a number of successes, we missed the mark
in their creative development.
on our some of financial expectations. (See more on
Among the other master craftsmen, internationally-
our financials on page 10.)
renowned ceramicist Michael Sherrill led a
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We have, however, had outstanding success in securing the following funds:
I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the staff and leadership of the Winston-Salem
Forsyth County Arts Council for their tireless efforts raising annual funds that
The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. . . . . . . $140,000
Organizational Support Grant
Windgate Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,000
to the community.
John W. & Anna H. Hanes Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,800
The most important take-away from the past year, and our business mantra going
Reynolds American Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000
forward, is that Sawtooth has to raise at least 50% of our budget each year.
Greer Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,500
dependent on the generosity of our most valued asset: the people who love and
The North Carolina Arts Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,000
cherish this community art school.
Donor Funds from the Winston-Salem Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,775
“Find the Artist in You” is a call-to-action to engage with Sawtooth, build lasting
Bess Lee Burke Memorial Fund
friendships and find joy in creating something with your own two hands. We have
Sawtooth School for Visual Art Scholarship Fund
grand ambitions: to reach more youth and adults, to offer more high-quality
Chris Yarborough Memorial Sawtooth School Trust
workshops and programs and to continue to serve the region as a crucial visual
support 34 arts organizations. Sawtooth School for Visual Art is proud to be a
member of this group of outstanding non-profits that bring culture and creativity
Whether that is through grants, gifts or donations, our budget will always remain
arts epicenter. But we can’t do that without your support.
I hope to see you at Sawtooth!
In addition to our grant funding, Sawtooth School for Visual Art had hundreds of
generous donors who collectively added nearly $90,000 to our income in 2013-14.
While we always seek funding through private and public foundations to
supplement our earned revenues and support specific programs and initiatives, our
donors are the lifeblood of this organization. Please read the profile of two of our
major donors, Patty and Malcolm Brown, on page 14, and find out what fuels their
passion for Sawtooth. It’s a compelling narrative that could become your story, too.
JoAnne Vernon
Executive Director
Sawtooth School for Visual Art
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MISSION &
VISION
Mission and Vision Statements:
Adopted May 20, 2014
MISSION
The mission of Sawtooth School for
From its humble beginnings as the Winston-Salem
Visual Art is to strengthen our
Arts & Crafts Workshop in 1945 to its current role as
community’s creative core by providing
the nucleus of the Winston-Salem visual arts
community, Sawtooth has continued to expand—not
high-quality instruction and hands-on
just studios, but also minds.
visual art experiences for students of all
Our progress is due in part to a consistent goal: to
ages, backgrounds and skill levels.
provide quality art instruction to the entire
community. We’ve cultivated a loyal and
VISION
interconnected foundation of patrons—drawn to us
Sawtooth School for Visual Art will be
seen our students become teachers and share their
recognized as the regional leader in
community-based, visual art education by
through the magic of a visual art experience. We’ve
skills with others. In the coming year we hope to touch
even more students—young and not so young—with
the kind of experiences that are often life-changing.
providing unique and inspiring experiences,
sparking creativity and encouraging
connectivity throughout the region.
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PROGRAMMING
We couldn’t play our part in strengthening
Taste of Art
the arts community of Winston-Salem
Our laid-back Taste of Art classes are a fun, social
without our diverse and talented pool of
way to introduce non-artists to the creative process.
teachers and workshop leaders. These
Each student takes home a finished piece at the end
instructors provide outstanding studio
of the evening, and many participants return to
Sawtooth for a different or expanded art experience.
experiences in everything from
Local businesses and organizations have used these
photography—both digital and darkroom—
short, creative sessions as teambuilding events and
to ceramics, painting and drawing, metal,
wood, glass, printmaking and fibers.
While every class at Sawtooth School encourages
students to think critically and to develop a language
of self-expression, each program has its own unique
offerings:
Workshops
Our one- and two-day workshops offer intensive
studio experiences with master craftsmen and artists
from around the country. While most of our workshops
are hands-on, we also offer demonstrations and
lectures, such as our “Artists on Art” series.
customer development outings.
Youth Programs
Sawtooth’s youth classes and workshops target
students from Pre-K to middle school with a mission
to reach children during their most impressionable
years. Our youth programs are important to the
development of creative skills in children and often
forge long-term connections between Sawtooth and
range of hands-on studio instruction, the Summer Art
Immersion program continues to recruit professional
art educators and working artists to expose students
to new aesthetic perspectives and technical expertise
in the ever-changing art and design field. Since its
inception, Summer Art Immersion has helped
thousands of talented students hone their skills,
explore new areas of art and prepare their work for
college entrance portfolios.
Wellness through the Arts
In 2012, Sawtooth launched Wellness through the
Arts to focus on achieving emotional and physical
wellness through creativity. This program offers a
variety of projects encompassing topics that range
from “Healing Grief and Loss through Photography”
to journaling for women in mid-life.
young students and their families.
The Eleanor and Egbert Davis Gallery
Summer Art Immersion
Our gallery program provides a space to showcase
Begun in 1967 as a partnership between Sawtooth
and the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, our
arts immersion program is targeted toward high
school students who are serious about art. With a
culturally rich curriculum and exceptionally broad
the work of our instructors and students and to
collaborate with other non-profit and educational
organizations. These efforts help broaden our
exposure, expand our vision, stretch our students’
imaginations and reach deeper into the community.
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In the 2013-14 year, the Davis Gallery featured:
December Deck the Halls
May 27 – June 27 Toward Spirituality
July 1 – August 5 Role Model Beyond Beauty
This annual holiday sale, Sawtooth’s single largest
This show featured eight artists who reference
fundraiser, included work by more than 75 local and
spirituality in their work across a broad range of
From the private collection of Lafayette and Sandy
regional artists and craftsmen.
media, including ceramics, glass, sculpture, mixed
Jones, thirty-five portraits of notable women of color
were beautifully rendered by local artist Leo Rucker.
The exhibition coincided with the 2013 National
Black Theater Festival.
August 16 – September 30 Sawtooth Faculty Show
A selection of work by more than 50 current faculty
members representing all of Sawtooth’s visual art
programs.
October 11 – November 15 Story of My Life
Phoebe Zerwick, Christine Rucker and Michelle
Johnson chronicled the lives of six residents of Group
Homes of Forsyth County. Using photography,
videography and personal narratives, each of these
developmentally disabled adults was individually
featured in a multi-media presentation. The project,
partially underwritten by a grant from the Wake Forest
University Humanities Institute, included the stories of
Cecelia Henry, Karen Lash, John Linville, Ghree
Lockard, James Lowdermilk and Greg Silvernail.
January Physical Universe
Paintings and mixed media works by members of
Seed Collective.
February 7 – March 11 Fiber Works
An exhibition of traditional fiber techniques within a
contemporary context, including textile installations,
quilts and wearables.
March 12 – 20 Art Extravaganza
Artwork by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County middle-
media, painting, jewelry and photography.
July 3 Artistic Avenues Student Show
High school students enrolled in the “Artistic Avenues”
course of Summer Art Immersion coordinated and
installed an exhibit of work by their peers.
July 12 – August 9 Sawtooth Selects
Works created by Sawtooth adult students in classes
that represented each of our program areas. An annual
favorite, this show illustrates the high quality of work
produced by students at Sawtooth in all program areas.
and high-school students. This extensive pop-up
event, funded in large part through a grant from
Modern Automotive, showcased the broad range of
talent and skill in this student population.
April 1 – May 16 Word as Art
Sawtooth School for Visual Art is a
funded member of the Arts Council of
Winston-Salem & Forsyth County.
Presented in conjunction with Carolina Lettering Arts
Society, this mixed-media calligraphy exhibition
featured work by 25 artists.
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FUNDRAISING
AND
PHILANTHROPY
In addition to revenue earned from classes,
Memberships are offered for individuals, students,
Grants from both public and private foundations
our non-profit art school requires ongoing
seniors and families, and they can be set to recur on
provide programmatic support and development,
an annual basis. Membership benefits include
as well as funds for special projects and
discounts on classes, invitations to special events,
operational support.
gifts, grants, sponsorships and donations
to sustain our fiscal health.
members-only offerings and catalog mailings.
Gifts, bequests and donations of all kinds—public
Corporate support takes many forms, including
and private, one-time and recurring, including estate
in-kind donations, group events, cash sponsorships
and legacy gifts—ensure our continued success.
and grants from corporate foundations.
Endowment funding through the Winston-Salem
Foundation and others helps us continue to offer the
breadth of programming for which we are known.
Deck the Halls, a sale of fine crafts and artwork from
Sawtooth faculty, students and regional artists, is
Sawtooth’s signature fundraising event. We share
proceeds between the artists and Sawtooth School,
helping support our organization’s operations and
arts-based programming.
Donations can be made online at sawtooth.org/donate.
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COMMUNITY
COLLABORATIONS
Throughout the 2013-2014 fiscal year, we
HandsOn Northwest North Carolina
Second Spring Arts, Inc.
collaborated with the following
Hispanic League
SECU Family House
businesses, schools and organizations to
IMPRINTS
Seed Collective
broaden our audience and reach deeper
Inmar, Inc.
Senior Services
into our community:
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Speedball Art Products
Adam Foundation
Leadership Winston-Salem
Surry County Schools
Arts Council of Winston Salem and Forsyth County
Modern Automotive
The Arts Based School
Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, Inc.
Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University
The Enrichment Center
BB&T Corporation
National Black Theatre Festival
Visit Winston-Salem
Bell Davis & Pitt, P.A.
Novant Health
Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive
Bienenstock Furniture Library
Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc.
Cancer Services, Inc.
Piedmont Environmental Alliance
Carolina Lettering Arts Society, Inc.
Piedmont Triad Apartment Association
Christmas for the City
Reynolds American Inc.
Delta Arts Center, Inc.
RockTenn
Forsyth Technical Community College
Salem College
Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont
SciWorks
Group Homes of Forsyth County, Inc.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC
Cancer Center
Wake Forest University Humanities Institute
Wake Forest University School of Business
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
Victory in Life
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and adults who might otherwise have no access to hands-on visual arts classes. For some
students, art classes can be a life-changing experience, so we are committed to growing the
funds available to provide these opportunities and to bridge the gap for those who need financial
support. Donor funds at the Winston-Salem Foundation provide most of our scholarships, and we
raise additional funds through individual contributions and special events.
SOPHIE LEONARD
Summer Art Immersion Scholarship Recipient
Fifteen-year-old Sophie Leonard has been creating
Without Sawtooth, she would have limited creative
art for as long as she can remember. When she was a
opportunities. “My high school is very academics-
child, her parents encouraged her creativity early on
focused,” Sophie said. “We don’t really have art
by painting one of their tables in chalkboard paint.
classes. It’s been very hard because I haven’t really
Their daughter used this creative surface to draw
been able to branch out.” Through Sawtooth, she has
stick portraits with fragments of chalk. Anything she
engaged in everything from metalworking to
sketched on paper was proudly displayed on the
painting, glass, animation and digital art. This past
refrigerator or on a wall.
summer, Sophie participated in Summer Art
While the Leonards were generous with their moral
support for Sophie’s creativity, they were not in a
position to provide as much financial support.
Sawtooth helped fill the gap by providing needbased scholarships, allowing Sophie to participate in
the School’s summer youth programs over the past
several years.
Immersion, Sawtooth’s program for artistically gifted
high school students. Many of these students are
considering art as a career. Sophie hopes to attend
STUDENT PROFILE
SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM
Over the last year, Sawtooth has provided nearly $6,000 in need-based scholarships to children
UNC School of the Arts next year, and her creative
experiences at Sawtooth have allowed her to beef up
her portfolio to help gain admission. “Sawtooth
School has made a huge difference in my life,”
Sophie said. “I am grateful for these opportunities
that will stay with me forever.”
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FINANCIALS
COMPARATIVE
INCOME & EXPENSES
2013/14
2012/13
Special Events
$67,509
$83,352
Arts Council Allocation
$134,924
Registration & Other
REVENUE
2013/14
2012/13
Administrative Costs
$219,339
$180,281
$142,202
Program Costs
$311,418
$339,417
$442,050
$440,260
Occupancy Costs
$203,834
$186,052
Artists’ Commissions
$49,647
$59,783
$264,939
$399,948
Operating Costs
$196,499
$140,159
Total Expenses
$980,737
$905,691
$38,308
$28,369
Class Fees
Gifts Individuals/
Foundations/
Memberships
Store & Gallery Sales
Corporate Sponsorship
Miscellaneous
$12,625
$20,150
$14,611
EXPENSES
Administrative costs include salaries and
Occupancy costs include the expense of the
apportioned benefits and taxes for school
Sawtooth facility.
management.
Total Revenue
$967,880
$1,121,367
Program costs include program coordinator
and teacher salaries, apportioned benefits
and taxes and program supply costs.
Artists’ commissions include Deck the Halls,
Store and Gallery sales.
Operating costs include internet and phone,
computer services, advertising and postage, etc.
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THE SAWTOOTH
TEAM
STAFF
Our staff includes four full-time administrative
staff members, two part-time administrative staff
members, two full-time program coordinators
and five part-time program coordinators. In
addition to our permanent staff, Sawtooth
School relies on the 50 to 75 talented contract
classroom instructors who provide outstanding
services to our students each quarter.
NANNETTE DAVIS
Administrative Staff
Youth Program Coordinator
JoAnne Vernon,
Executive Director
Nannette Davis, Sawtooth’s Youth Program Coordinator,
Kevin Mundy,
embodies the passion that all parents hope to find in
Sales & Marketing Director
their child’s teacher. “I love being with kids, watching
Lindsay Potter,
them grow and learn self-expression through art,”
Registrar and Shop Manager
Nannette said. “I call it ‘giving kids a voice.’”
A Chicago native with a BFA in metalsmithing and
housecleaner’s son was amazing with art,” she
jewelry design, Nannette came to Winston-Salem
said. “We were able to get a personal donor to
and Sawtooth School by way of Colorado. She
cover the cost of a summer program. The boy
taught a year in the School’s youth program before
had incredible natural talent but no art classes
becoming department coordinator. She found a
at his school. At first he was very shy and clung
creative home at Sawtooth that allows her to help
to me, but after the program he became more
children discover their inner voices through art.
social, improved his drawing and painting skills
In addition to creative instruction in the classroom,
and cried when he had to leave.”
Nannette is a strong advocate for community
Sawtooth’s youth program is the entry point for
outreach and actively seeks opportunities to share
the entire school. “Once I get the kids in here,
art experiences with under-resourced children in the
their siblings and parents get involved,” Nannette
community. She shared a vivid memory of one
said. “When families become a part of Sawtooth,
particular child who was transformed by art. “A
they tend to stay.” Maybe that’s because
woman contacted me and told me that her
Nannette’s passion for art is contagious!
STAFF PROFILE
Amy Kincaid,
Drawing, Printmaking, Fibers &
Painting Coordinator, Special
Projects
Sara Sloan Stine,
Metals & Glass Coordinator
Amanda Sullivan,
Photography & Healing and
Ellen Hendrix,
Wellness Through the Arts
Development Associate &
Coordinator
Operations
Program Coordinators
Gallery/Retail
Sharon Hardin,
Nannette Davis,
Gallery & Exhibition Coordinator
Youth Coordinator
and Manager
Eddie Fitzgerald,
Kira Carollo, Assistant Registrar
Wood Coordinator
and Assistant Shop Manager
Taylor Hayes,
Digital Media Specialist and
Digital Arts Coordinator
Warren Moyer,
Ceramics Coordinator
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2013-2014
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2013-14 Board Officers
2014-15 Board Officers
Michele Langford,
Robin Hollis, President
President
Our board of directors is a working board comprised of volunteer leaders from
Matt Dyson, Immediate
across the community, including artists, educators and corporate executives.
Past President
Their responsibilities include:
Shelley Rider, Vice
President Marketing &
•Setting policies
Our executive committee and board of directors
Development
spent the last year closely examining all aspects of
Beth Buresh, Vice
Sawtooth School. We rewrote our mission and vision
President Operations
•Advising the Executive Director
statements, created a business canvas that formed
Ginny Parks, Secretary
•Contributing financially to the organization and to
our two-year operational plan, surveyed 500
•Overseeing the financial health of the organization
the Arts Council
•Leading fundraising efforts
individuals about Sawtooth and the experiences we
provide to our community thanks to pro-bono market
research, and established a sustainable business
model for our organization.
Michele Langford,
Immediate Past President
Dan McLaughlin, Vice
President Marketing
Miles Abernathy, Vice
President Operations
Elizabeth Repetti,
Secretary
Greg Colner, Treasurer
Miles Abernathy, Treasurer
2014-15 Board Members
2013-14 Board Members
Greg Colner
Robert Cortes
Joy Dai
Tory Gillett
Christine Gorelick
Sharon Hamilton
Robin Hollis
Linda Maynard
Dan McLaughlin
Barb Mory
Elizabeth Repetti
Anthony Ahiabuike
Katherine Bowman
Beth Buresh
Laurie Clark
Robert Cortes
Matt Dyson
Christine Gorelick
Sharon Hamilton
Chris Leon
Ginny Parks
Ross Rhodes
Dane Snodgrass,
Wes Salisbury
Instructor Representative
Dane Snodgrass, Instructor
William K. Woltz, III,
Representative
Development Chair
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2013-2014
DONORS
The Fleshman-Pratt
Robert Cortes
April Horton
Linda Coy-Elmore
David Hurd
$500 – $999
Marcy Daniel
Kathleen Hutton
Gifts $10,000 –
Richard & Felice Brenner
Bill & Betty Gray Davis
Anna Jacobs
$25,000
Joy Dai
Jim & Marianne DeCristo
Helen Judd
Anonymous
John & Linda Garrou
Ellen Albrecht & Jeannine
Helen Jugovic
Mike & Wendy Brenner
Ruth & Keith Kooken
Dresch
Patty & Malcolm Brown
Joseph Logan
Karen Durell
TW Garner Food Company
Shelley Rider
Matt Dyson
Bonnie Stewart
Rob & Andrea Eastman-Mullins
Christine Turbitt
Julie Edelson
Sue Wall
Lorraine Fassett
Newbridge Bank
Harry Fitzgerald
Modern Toyota
Chris Flory
Central States Manufacturing
McDara & Ragan Folan, III
Legault
Up to $499
Lynn Foltz
Justine Linville
$1,000 – $9,999
Gayle Anderson
Beth Buresh
John Burress & Mary Louise
Chris & Mary Beth Blackwell
Chapman
DeDe DeVries
Foundation
Stephen & Gail Dula
Miles Abernethy
Ralph Womble & Ashley
Gopal & Charulata Badlani
Edwards
Sarah Barbour
Rebecca Fullton
Burnitt Bealle
Sharon Hamilton
Mark & Susan Beeler
Nancy & Richard Hancock
Susan Bellamy
Shirley House
Robert Beseda
Michele Langford
Bill Blancato
Dr. Jim McCool
Michael & Penny Bradshaw
Elizabeth Repetti
Douglas Easterling & Lucinda
Diana Kelly
Jane Kelly
Louisa Klein
Monique Lallier
Kate Magruder Lambeth
Kara Larrabee
Gregory Lee
Ginny Weiler & Claudine
Janet Frazier
Lea & Randy Loftis
Gerald Freedman
Robin Long
Allison Gagnon
Betty Helen Longhi
Sarah Gant
Linda Maynard
Tory Gillett
Dan & Kathy McLaughlin
Linda Gitter
Sally McLeod
Christine Gorelick
George McManus
Bill Gramley
Sandra & Don Mikush
Jennifer Graves
Paula Miller
Donald L. Green
Julie & Ron Morgan
Randall & Claire Tuttle
Brogden
Mary Gunyuzlu
Barb Mory
Ken Otterbourg & JoAnne
Donna Garcia & Ed Bumgardner
Lynn Gwyn
Seth Moskowitz
Vernon
Barbara Burke
Billy Hammond
Anne Nelson
Monica Carpenter
Borden & Ann Hanes
David & Julie Nichols
Wake Forest Baptist Health
Novant Health
Ann Charlescraft
Michael Haywood
Joan Njie
Gregory Colner
Margaret Herman
Randy Norris
Bell Davis & Pitt
CBRE
Frances Conklin
Alix Hitchcock
Jackie Ooi
Robert Otterbourg
Tom Soumalainen
Ginny Parks
Tina Spach
Helen Parsonage
Sandy & Bill Steele
Dr. & Mrs. Eugene Pashold
Rick & Sara Sloan Stine
Henry & Jane Patterson
Robin Storch
Randy Peters
Thomas & Tomoko Thornburg
Elizabeth & Richard Peterson
Ann Vernon
Cate & Ross Pfeiffer
Dr. Alexander and Kelley Waite
Fred Pflieger
Janie and JD Wilson
Bonnie Poindexter
Mona Wu
Ross Rhodes
Nancy Young
Melissa Rose
Phoebe Zerwick
Rebecca Sachs
Blanco Tackaberry
Wes Salisbury
The Adam Foundation
Bob & Fran Seehausen
Employees of Wake Forest
Chris & Cindy Sheaffer
Mitzi Shewmake
School of Medicine Public
Health Science, Social
Sciences & Health Policy
Nash Simonet
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PATRON PROFILE
MALCOLM & PATTY BROWN
Visitors to Malcolm and Patty Brown’s home quickly
see the indelible mark that visual art has made on
their lives over the course of their 44-year marriage.
While Patty enjoys creating art, Malcolm, a retired
rheumatologist, is more of a collector. Their
relationship with Sawtooth School spans several
decades, starting when they relocated here from
Kisco, NY. “The minute we moved to Winston-Salem I
“Billy just had a way of getting you excited about
of American Orchestras and The NC Nature
learned about Sawtooth,” said Patty. “I was a studio
things, and he would notice what you were interested
Conservancy. Patty is on the Board of Visitors for
art major in college, so it was very normal for me to
in,” she said. He helped Patty hone her creative skills
UNC School of the Arts and the board of Reynolda
take classes wherever I was.” They also sent their
and challenged her to learn more by trying new
House. They both understand and appreciate the
children, who now have children of their own, to
things. “Billy loved Sawtooth and we wanted to honor
important role that Sawtooth School plays as an
Sawtooth, calling it the “go-to” place for kids’ parties
him, so establishing this fund seemed like the most
incubator for visual arts in Winston-Salem—for those
and art activities.
logical way to do that. Bringing in the highest caliber
who create, like Patty, for those who collect, like
of teachers will help boost student attendance and
Malcolm, and everyone in between. Patty summed
broadcast how great Sawtooth is, and I know Billy
up their feelings about Sawtooth this way: “The fact
would love that” she added.
that it exists in Winston-Salem with the quality of
The Browns started a Visiting Artist Fund in 2013 to
honor the memory of the late Billy McClain, a former
Sawtooth program coordinator and teacher in the
graphics department who was a founding member
Sawtooth is not the only organization to benefit from
of DADA and a well-respected fixture in Winston-
the Browns’ generosity and leadership. Malcolm has
Salem’s arts community. He was a teacher, a mentor
served or is serving on the boards of Reynolda
and a friend to Patty and Malcolm.
House, The Winston-Salem Symphony, The League
teaching it offers…there’s nothing like it anywhere!”
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MEMBERS
Sawtooth members make a commitment to support
digital marketing and social media. She does all
this with the deliberate grace of someone who has
found just the right niche for herself.
Janet Blakely
Tonya Amberson
Elizabeth Blessin
Angela Anderson
Gabriela Boada
Sharon Andrews
Teresa Braeckel
we had a place like that in our city,’” she said.
Landen Bain
Charlie E Buchanan
“Sawtooth has changed a lot in the time I’ve
James Banks
Devin Burke
been here. It’s almost like a rebirth. It’s a very
Bonnie Barber
April Cable
exciting and invigorating place to be.”
Byron Barbre
Susan Campbell Gentry
Much of the “newness” at Sawtooth can be
Andre Barsony
Jane Cardi
attributed directly to Taylor. She has introduced
Karen Bartoletti
Bertha Carter
several first-time courses in the area of digital
Sundae Battleson
Barbara Cashman
art, she’s charted new waters in the world of
Seth Battleson
Laura Chacon
Stephen Biggs
Piper Chamel
Ashley Birkedal
Diana Coe
Layla Blackwell
Gail Crotte
Sawtooth community and realizes what a special
place it is. “I hear so often on social media, or
when I’m talking to people back home, ‘I wish
Digital Media Specialist
and Digital Arts Coordinator
A compelling multimedia artist, 23-year-old Taylor
social media to ensure that Sawtooth is
Hayes moved from Roanoke, Virginia to Winston-
plugged-in to key on-line communities, and
Salem in 2009 to attend Salem College, where she
she’s helped introduce Sawtooth to a younger
double-majored in arts management and not-forprofit management and minored in studio art. “I
know, it sounds like a lot,” she said with a sheepish
laugh, “but some of the courses overlapped.”
instruction and hands-on visual art experience.
Cecilia Adams
Taylor is grateful to be part of the dynamic
TAYLOR HAYES
the School’s mission of providing high-quality
set of art consumers.
Taylor works with acrylic paint and also does
screen printing and printmaking. She’s engaged
with the community on many levels and often
Juggling class requirements for two majors at Salem
represents Sawtooth with screen-printing demos
proved to be good training for Taylor, who now juggles
and other hands-on activities. “Being able to
multiple responsibilities at Sawtooth. After working as
show what’s going on around you—whether it’s
a student intern in the School’s youth program, she
through cave drawings of animals or artwork that
joined the staff full-time when she graduated in 2013.
comments on politics or wars—and reflecting on
In addition to her role as Program Coordinator for the
it in a thoughtful way is so important,” Taylor
digital art department, she manages the School’s
said. “It’s a reflection of our humanity.”
15
MEMBERS CONT’D
Ferd Crotte
Emma Glen
Vasudha Jain
Lily MacLachlan
Matt Murphy
Nina Schwalbe
Chuck Cunningham
Kay Glore
Martha Jamison
Elizabeth MacMillan
Wendell Myers
Isaiah Scott
Dorothea Cvijanovich
Gary Gooden
Darlene Jarrett
Sam Majcher
Anne Nelson
Isabella Scott
James Davis
Katherine Goznikar
Elasya Jessup
John Martin
Deborah Nolan
Valerie Sherman-Carr
Louise De Laender
Margaret Grant
Julian C Johnson
Mary-Clark Matthews
Tedla Oleksy
Ford Shively
Karlyn Donohoe
Alan Greene
R.D. Johnson III
Edy Matthews
Angeles Ortega
Harry Shively
Richard Doty
Jane Greeson
Terry Jones
Chancey Matthews
Erika Ortega
Jennifer Shumaker
Gail Dula
Teri Hairston
Louis Kandl
Shardoe McCoy
Charles Pate
Heather Sigmon
Mackenzie Easom
Jonathan Hall
Judith Kandl
Sandra McGhee
Angela Pearman
Shari Sinott
Martha Eller
Ali Hanagan
Sameul Eunchong Kim
Frances McGuire
Dick Peterson
Taylor Slade
Jason Estrada
Nancy Hancock
Gauri Kulkarni
Lisa McNeil
Cate Pfeiffer
Lauren Smith
Kathie Fansler
Gerald Harrison
Kimberly Labonte
John Menendez
Ross Pfeiffer
Russell Snipes
Susan Ferree
Yolanda Hart-Fortson
Anna Grace Lafaye
Susan Meny
Samson Reese
Emily Snow
Wyatt Fowler
Michele Hess
Michele Langford
Wendy Minor
Paiton Reid
Susan Sommerkamp
Adele Francom
Sheryl Hofmann
Heidi Leigh
Ann Mirchandani
Elizabeth Reid
Pat Spokas
Ines Francom
Mary Holderness
Tim Lin
Ruth Moffatt
Annie Rexha
Nicole Stebbins
Rachel Franklin
Paisley Holland
Jamal Littlejohn
Marcia Mohney
Gail Roberts
Haley Stock
Christian Gallos
Katey Howell
Jude Lobe
Pearl Morehead
Jennifer Root
Beverly Sullivan
Annette Gibney
Amy Inman
Alice Lutman
Lindsey Morrison
Debra Saladin
Melrose Tapscott-Buchanan
16
MEMBERS CONT’D
Alan Teague
Dana Watson
Scott Templin
Margaux West
Aydin Thomas
Elizabeth White
Nathan Thomas
Jean Wilhelmsen-Exter
Aidan Thomas
Lainey Wilkins
Summer 2014 Youth Instructor
Kellon Tippett
Donna Williams
One of the things that makes Sawtooth successful is
Billie Toalson
Grant Wilmoth
its stable of instructors and the diverse styles,
Cindy Trexler
Jeff Wolfe
backgrounds, cultures and points of view they
Cat Vegvary
Karen Wood
Jennifer Vernon
Annalise Zuidema
Emory Waite
Wendy Walker
THANK YOU
George Walker
to all of the members
Paige Wall
Paige Warrick
ABIO HARRIS
incorporate into their art and share with Sawtooth
students. Abio Harris is a prime example of this. She
grew up in Winston-Salem in the 1970’s as an “Arts
Council kid”—to use her words—taking classes in
sculpture, weaving and theater design.
and donors of
Abio studied at the Rhode Island School of Design
Sawtooth School.
before becoming an art instructor with the New York
We couldn’t do what
City Public Schools. She was drawn to film, and
we do without you!
created a multimedia exhibition at Canada’s
Vancouver Film School. She also worked at CBS as a
television producer.
Thirteen years ago, she decided to move to West
Africa. “I went to West Africa as a Fulbright scholar
and decided to stay,” Abio said. “I just loved it.”
While there she had the opportunity to work with
renowned Nigerian textile designer Nike DaviesOkundaye. She also worked for a textile printing
company and taught computer technology at an
international school in Ghana.
She was impressed by the quality of Sawtooth’s
programs and the active environment that fostered
creativity.
“It was the atmosphere at Sawtooth that really struck
me,” she said. “You see so many people engaged in a
large number of different kinds of art, and everyone
is completely immersed in what they’re doing.” Abio
is impressed with the work that Sawtooth has done
and continues to do. “Our program this past summer
dealt with issues such as the environment,
entertainment, changing seasons in different parts of
the world, different traditions,” Abio recalled.
Eleven years later, she returned to Winston-Salem
“Sawtooth has an outstanding global approach in
and spotted an article about Sawtooth School in the
their programs.”
newspaper. She applied for an instructor position,
and soon joined the adjunct faculty to teach several
courses during the 2014 summer youth program,
including theatre design and stop-motion animation.
That’s quite the endorsement, coming from someone
whose creative interests and talents have taken her
around the globe.
17
CALL
FOR SUPPORT
For 70 years, Sawtooth School has served
thousands of families throughout the WinstonSalem community. That’s thousands of children,
•Attend an opening at our gallery
•Volunteer your time to support a project or event
teens and adults who have developed intrepid,
•Become a member
creative voices through our classes and programs—
•Make an online donation
regardless of skill level or expertise.
There are still thousands of potential students who
•Ask us about planned giving
have yet to pick up a paintbrush or shape a block
of clay—potential students who haven’t realized
We also ask that you act as an ambassador for
that they, too, have an inner artist waiting to be
Sawtooth. If you love Sawtooth, please help spread
uncovered. As the only community arts school in
the word. Tell your friends, family members,
Winston-Salem, the City of Arts and Innovation, we
co-workers and acquaintances about our
work hard to cultivate future artists, collectors and
workshops, programs and special events. The more
patrons. But we need your support. Help us
people know about Sawtooth, the more influential
continue to serve as a prolific, artistic catalyst in
we can become.
our community. Help us stay as vibrant and
influential as the passion that drives our craft.
As always, we thank you for your enthusiasm and
support. As we look to the future, we hope that
We have big dreams for the future. Please continue
you will continue to support us so that we can
to show your support for Sawtooth in any—or
become more sustainable, more far-reaching and
all—of the following ways:
more impactful than ever before.
•Register for a class
•Enroll your children in a class or summer camp
•Get a group of friends or family together for a
Taste of Art
18