President’s Farewell Letter
Michelle Abene Proud to serve the Art Docents of Los Gatos since 2005

Dear Wonderful Art Docents of Los Gatos,

As my two year term as President comes to a close, I wanted to share my sincere thanks for the privilege to serve you. It has been extremely rewarding and fun. Here are just a few of the highlights of the past two years:

A newly remodeled Art Docent Office with new screen projector.
Online Training Videos for Print Presentations and Workshops, along with Thank you Videos and Art Show set Up Videos.
100% increase in use of our websites for Online Sign Ups for events and classes by teachers and docents.
A strong Jr. Art Docent Program consisting of students volunteers who earn community service hours for their assistance in our art education program.
Community Outreach through KCAT TV15 to run continual advertisement of our events on their station.
Acknowledgement of the stellar program the Art Docents provide by Los Gatos Monthly Magazine and local newspapers.
Continuous funding from community supporters. THANK YOU!
Hiring of a wonderful new Program Coordinator.
Excellent Guest Artist Presentations.
A new Art Docent Clothing line.
A new annual event: ART, Chocolate and Music night as our Opening of the Annual Student Art Show.
Record breaking Training Classes of 23 new docents in 2015 and 18 new docents in 2016.  Welcome aboard!
Newly collaborative efforts with STEAM and Makers workshops.

My sincerest thanks to our Executive Board, for their tireless efforts and attendance at meetings, and their commitment to quality art education. To our Program Coordinator, Stefanie Johnston, for her positive demeanor in her first year on the job managing operations. We look forward to your valuable support in the years ahead.

I would like to thank the true heroes of our nonprofit. Each and every docent has given their heart and soul in perpetuating art education. To our committee members, without your passion and undying commitment to devote hundreds of hours of volunteer service, we would not have had such a stellar success record.

Thank you for privilege of being able to serve you as President of the Art Docents of Los Gatos.

Best,
Michelle Abene
President, Art Docents of Los Gatos

Spring has sprung, and the Art Docents of Los Gatos gear up for March Madness, or as we say, Mulch Madness. This Spring Fundraiser will help fund digital technology workshops and training. Check out how you can order Mulch, Compost and Planters mix to be delivered to your doorstep. While beautifying your home with organic material, support the docents. Also, please go to Amazon Smile: when you sign up to support the Art Docents of Los Gatos, we get a percentage of purchases, free to you.

Up and coming is also our extraordinary Annual Student Art Show, from May 1-5, in the Fisher Multi Purpose Room/ Cafeteria. Also coming is our Chocolate Dessert Night sponsored by the Art Docents and LGEF on April 28, in the Fisher MRP, Friday evening from 6-7:30. Do you like chocolate, art and music? If so, sign ups are here……. 2016-17 LGEF Donor Night of Art, Chocolate and Music.

Finally, we hope to see you at the Mothers Day Italian Jewelry Party on May 11, and our next Movie/ Book Club evening.

It has been my honor and privilege serving the Art Docents of Los Gatos as President. Thank you for your kind generosity, enthusiasm and support.

Best,
Michelle Abene
President Art Docents of Los Gatos

The Art Docents lead creatively, enthusiastically, positively, patiently, and incredibly on so many levels. While we volunteer to teach art, our amazing supporters provide us with the necessary funds. Thank you LGEF, local community grants, donations and contributions. With the passage of Prop 13, which cut local tax revenues for public schools and virtually eliminated arts programs, the Art Docents of Los Gatos, was created to fill the need. We exist due to the continuous strong support!. We believe teaching Art appears to significantly awaken and nurture children’s freedom through artistic expression. Ask any one of our students what they think of Art Docents! You will be happy to hear what they say!

We have fun FUNdraising, too. This month, please go to our Mulch Madness link, and buy organic compost or mulch to beautify your property and garden in Los Gatos. The proceeds support our program. The prices and quality are significantly BETTER than what you would find in stores.

Click here to order:Mulch Madness

Thank you!
Michelle Abene
President Art Docents of Los Gatos

 

Art is love. Love is art. We celebrate our love of art with this month’s fundraising Luncheon honoring our commitment and dedication to the arts and our wonderful Los Gatos children whose lives we enrich. Thank you to all of our Art Docents who lovingly fill our class schedules with their energies; sharing their passion for the arts. And thank you to the community whose love and support keep the Art Docents thriving. In the famous words of the Beatles, “Love is old. Love is new. Love is All. Love is you.” and “Love is all you need”.

I love what I do for the Art Docents, and what the Art Docents do for Los Gatos!

Best,
Michelle Abene
President Art Docents of Los Gatos