January, 2023

We hope the holidays have blessed everyone! I know my husband and I have been greatly blessed. This past year, my husband went

through chemotherapy and radiation for throat cancer plus a myriad of other ailments. The good news is, he’s recovering well. His

major challenge is the ability to swallow. In fact, our journey became very challenging while SW was getting ready for our 45th exhi-

bition in Bradenton. I had to hand everything over to Kathy Simon-McDonald to lead the team. You all have an excellent board who

have been serving you for many, many years! Please let them know they are appreciated.



We have very exciting news! It is very important that you spend the time reading the prospectus because of all the new changes we

have made.

First, we have switched to CAFÉ (callforentry.org). After ours and your experiences with our previous entry system, we knew we

needed something much more efficient. You can access directly by typing in their web address or clicking on the link through our

website. Most importantly, new, or previous user, please make sure your contact information is current.

Secondly, we have reduced the artwork image size from 140 sq in to 80 sq in (e.g. 8x10) and we have increased the molding width

from 1.5” to 2”. We hope this encourages more artists to enter. We know shipping costs have gone up and this enables smaller

paintings into the exhibition.

Next, we added a wait list of 3 additional artworks. Which means, if someone on the accepted list is no longer able to exhibit, then

the first on the wait list will be contacted. There is no penalty if you are not available.

Lastly, we extended the timeline for when artwork is completed by, from 2 years to 5 years. What prompted the change is when I

was penalized by another organization’s exhibition for posting on Instagram my work that was prior to their 2-year limit. Even

though I gave them evidence of the actual date, they stuck with their decision. It made me think about SW and how we want to

represent ourselves. We believe most of our artists’ works are just as relevant and worthy of exhibition, whether it is 2 years or 5

years. We also do not assume all our members are liars, cheats, or incompetent. Hence the title of this piece, coined by Kathy Si-

mon-McDonald, “User Friendly Organization”. Yes. Over the years, we have had to penalize artists who have violated the rules.

They are the exception and not the rule. Our prospectus is clear, concise, not redundant, and our assumption is 99.9% of our mem-

bers are competent, professional artists whom we greatly respect. So, take the time to review the new changes

and enter the 46th Exhibition.

Also, don’t waste any time signing up for Kathleen Giles’ 3-day workshop, June 7-9 through our website.

We look forward to seeing you all in Panama City, FL.

New Members for 2022

LuAnn Dunkinson, Jacksonville, FL

Gwen Kodad, Bradenton FL

Nancy Davis, Pensacola FL

Dot Cromartie, Charleston SC

Dianne Adams, Kissimmee FL

Susan Tully

Mary Van Kleunen, Winter Springs FL

Brian Zell

Jacqueline Molsick, Yalaha FL

Charlie Frances, Virginia Beach VA

Connie Tucker, Lexington, KY

Voon Wong, Clayton NC