Our platform focuses on five key areas
Committed to the League’s Mission
Devoted to the League’s mission of providing low cost/high quality art classes that all can afford in a diverse environment
Growing our atelier system- the League’s hallmark for 150 years
Yoko, Marcie and Steve share the commitment that has been dear to all who have served on the board to stay true to the League’s mission. They have worked toward this end during their tenure and are committed to continue this support.
During the pandemic, Steve worked with several instructors to help them migrate to teaching successfully by Zoom. He continues to also work with remote classes and is in touch with many students in the remote community.
Yoko and Steve have served as monitors for in-studio classes working across many disciplines. Support has also included recording class demonstrations, helping orient new students, and providing guidance and a sense of community on days the instructor is not in the studio.
Work on the board has balanced fiscal responsibility and affordability and has especially looked to encouraging students to pursue scholarships, grants, and other sources of support.
Proven Record of Success
Combined thirteen years of experience and leadership serving on the Board.
Providing oversight to ensure that the League fulfills its mission and exercises fiscal responsibility
Great relationship with members and management, resulting in a well run, financially sound, and growing League.
Yoko Cohen and Steve Durkee both served for five years on the Board. They also served for two years before that on the Constitution Reform Committee which made the constitution and by-laws more appropriate for today’s League.
Before becoming President, Yoko Cohen served for two years as Vice President, which means that she was a member of all Board committees.
Steve Durkee worked on several committees over the past four years and chaired the 150 Anniversary Committee which coordinated with management, staff, the board, and members to make our 150 Celebration special. As Vice President, he serves on all Board committees.
Marcie Bronkar served for three years on the Board and has also served for several years as a non-Board member of the Collections Committee and the 150 Anniversary Committee. As Vice President, she serves on all Board committees.
All three candidates have extensive business experience which they have brought to their work with the Board, as reflected in their candidate statements.
As members of the Board, Yoko, Steve, and Marcie have provided consistent oversight to ensure that the League fulfills its mission and exercises fiscal responsibility
Active Presence in the Building
Making students comfortable exploring, creating and sharing ideas
Welcoming all who want to grow as artists and fostering their visions
The three officers have a presence in the building that extends to being in the building almost every day. They are known to many members who feel comfortable discussing views and asking questions.
Yoko, Marcie, and Steve are committed to keeping the League a community where artists feel safe and free to focus on their art. Our work on the Board has provided more opportunities for members to get together and also for the League to establish a stronger presence in the art world.
Member involvement and building the community have been major components of planning and carrying out our celebration of the 150th celebration.
Community Leadership
Establishing a stronger presence in the art world both in our city and beyond
Reaching out to the broader art world, has been a major new focus for the League as demonstrated in lectures, events, and participation by the larger community in our Gala and other fundraising events.
Invested in the future of the League
Moving forward, while building on the past
Modernizing our space and protecting our architectural integrity
Safeguarding the League and its legacy to ensure it thrives for the next 150 years
Yoko, Marcie, and Steve have strong relationships with the administration and staff and have supported the many projects over the past few years to protect the building, manage finances in a way that preserves our ability to continue for the next 150 years, and celebrates both our past and our future.
There have been many accomplishments over the past few years, including:
Bringing enrollment in online classes and workshops back to pre-pandemic levels and providing a stable online class presence.
Upgrades to the building, including the elevators and hallways, restoration of the exteriors and front roof, etc. — plus plans for changes that will best serve students and our needs.
Preservation of our valuable collection, including documentation and moving to more appropriate storage (and reducing costs).
Outreach to the broader art world, including museums, galleries, foundations and schools to provide a stronger place for ASL in the art world.
Professional programs for artists, piloted through our certificate program, which will be further rolled out going forward.
Outreach to special groups, including veterans, to engage them in our programs.
Strengthened finance, gallery and development directors and continued strength across all staff departments.
