As we wrap up the year at the Donkey Mill Art Center, our focus remains on this idea or theme of space. During the final board meeting on December 5th, I delivered a condensed year-in-review presentation to both board and staff; summarizing a year’s worth of activities and impact into a 15-minute presentation was not easy! In addition to some of our 2023 programmatic highlights, I emphasized the ongoing need to strengthen our organizational infrastructure; I addressed the importance of tending to both literal and figurative spaces, urging our staff to embody the principles they advocate for. Managing personal boundaries, artistic practices, and healing processes is crucial, considering the unwavering dedication our team demonstrates every day. As we welcome in the New Year, our collective focus will be on deepening our understanding of space.
So what’s next? Although we technically wrap up our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan this year–which has been our guiding star for three years–its vitality persists. We’re set to build on this foundation, letting it steer us into the new year. Our immediate focus is on collaboratively shaping the upcoming Strategic Plan in Spring 2024, while conserving and managing resources essential for advancing our Master Campus Plan alongside a selected architecture firm. Since so much happens behind-the-scenes, I’m eager to revive the annual membership meeting, as it’s an in-person opportunity for our community to learn and inquire about our future plans. I hope you will stay committed and active with us through this process. You are the reason the Mill is our favorite space.
I hope you have a restful and regenerative holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you next year!
Ashley Raymond
Executive Director