Twenty-one years! Each year built upon the energy and support of loyal, enthusiastic, and talented volunteers. Members of our Operating Committee lead the way on all fronts in this department.

A most sincere thank you to committee members Linda Lee Boyd, Pam Mendelsohn, and Frances Gaston, volunteer coordination; Jean Goldman, Albert Repola, and Kurt Brinkman, reception; and Dan McNevin and Kava Massih, site search. Members Dan Carlevaro, Elyse Klaidman, Dick Kassis, and Gwen Souza simply do whatever is needed to support these subcommittees. Helen Bulwik's team at Pacific Art Group worked behind the scenes coordinating reception donations this year and Jim Golden made sure each morsel made it on time to opening night. Michael Ashley and Linda Boyd crafted our website with skill and Linda continues to find ways to streamline so many aspects of coordination with her remarkable organizational talents and computer skills. My personal thank you and appreciation this year goes to Committee member Albert Repola who sees a need and just takes care of it. Thank you, Albert. The committee and our community are lucky to have you on Emeryville's side.

Sprinting through his second decade with us, curator Paul Tomidy has tackled yet another address, utilizing his depth of experience to transform space with his presentation of this year's diverse artwork. Dan Ziegler's bold graphic design for the 21st Annual is garnering appreciation all over town and Genevieve Antaky has opened new doors for us as our publicist this year. Once again, it is my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with these professionals.

A special thanks to Wareham Development and Rich Robbins for providing us with an exceptional space and allowing us to introduce the community to their EmeryStation East. Wareham's Geoff Sears, Michelle Lane, Cassie Gaenger and Judie Wetterer have provided us with support at every turn.

The Exhibition does not exist without the strong support of our City Council and City staff, the generosity of our business community, and hundreds of loyal volunteers. Thank you to all of you this year and for the past 21 years. City Manager Patrick O'Keeffe, Michelle deGuzman, Amy Hiestand, and Mike Mahoney's efforts on our behalf are sincerely appreciated. This year our reception will be "zero waste" with the help of the city's Peter Schultze-Allen and Marcy Greenhut, Ruby*s Albert Repola, and David Tucker of Waste Management.

Since the opening of last year's exhibition, our community has experienced several losses in the arts community and among those who support the arts - artists Ann Garat, Isabelle Maynard, and Hector Buigues, and longtime contributor Michael Flynn. Thank you to each of their families and to their friends for sharing them with us.

With the support of everyone mentioned here, and at least 100 additional volunteers, the arts truly are "alive and well" in our city and we hope you have a glimpse of this as you view the exhibition. Enjoy!

Sharon Wilchar
Project Coordinator