July 30, 2004
TO: The membership, associates and friends of NAAC
FROM: M. Blacker - Founder of NAAC
TOPIC: Accussations against this organization, its founder, policies and actions
This is a difficult letter to compose to the membership and friends of NAAC and the best way to proceed is to simply address the issues stated above.
Recently "some individuals" have made several distressing accusations against the NAAC and myself expressing that "this organization is a one person, one person run organization, with aims and objectives strictly based upon my desires and whims". Initially that information could be assumed as correct for any "new group" or some individual that has specific interests. Many organizations have been initiated with the work and efforts of one or two people, with specific ideas and whose ideas are and were accepted by others, which in turn grew into an organization. However, the aims and objectives of this organization is based strictly upon what is happening, in the environment, of the arts and crafts industry. The need for such an organization came from research, that I initiated over the previous three years, from industry publications, participation in arts and crafts shows and long discussions with many artists and crafters. I have participated in the arts and crafts industry for almost ten years starting as a vendor marketing authentic Native American art, as well as, my own silver work, so I have the experience necessary to understand this industry.
The National Association of Artists and Crafters is such an organization, to deal with certain trends within the arts and crafts industry, that was started by myself and my wife and whose ideas and objectives have attracted many, in the industry, with the same interests. While performing the vast majority of the work, to initiate this organization, provide our first two newsletters, produce collateral marketing materials and cover costs of printing and mailing have been by myself and my wife and the minimal financial support of some supporters who have wished to remain anonymous. NAAC has slowly, very slowly taken hold and gained acceptance by artists, crafters, promoters, the media and other organizations. NAAC has become a clearing house for information and communication relating to the aims and goals that have been the founding reasons for this group. Since this organization was started in June of 2003 we have appeared in an article, about organizations, in the arts and crafts industry, in Sunshine Artist Magazine (11/03 issue), have been interviewed for a radio talk show out of California, that will air later this year, have been approached by several other magazines for articles, will be partaking in an interview with two regional television stations for public service programs, have discussed with National Public Radio a series on "the status of the arts", and have applied for several grants. This has been done by only one and as many as a handful of dedicated people, who are working part time to make this organization is successful, while continuing with his own craft and myself working part time to provide additional income for the continuance of NAAC.
Over the last year members, interested associates, non artisans and artists and crafters, have been asked to accept a position on the board or perform other supporting efforts to make NAAC a successful organization to support artists and crafters. Most have accepted that role and responsibility greatfully and with zeal, while others have not. Time constraints, the effects of the economy, and other factors have kept some from being able to pursue efforts to assist the start up of NAAC; after accepting such responsibilities, and that is understandable, and I wish to express my appreciation for those who have given their time and efforts freely.
Some members have paid a membership dues for this organization but the NAAC has not cashed any payments and will be returning those checks in the near future. Their membership in NAAC will however continue. It has been decided that this organization, by myself, as founder, that this group should be at present a FREE organization and act as a clearing house for information and activities relating to the "authentic"arts and crafts industry. Costs have been more than expected but funds have been forthcoming from various sources to provide financial resources for mailing, printing and the hosting of this web site.
Recently, the accusations as stated above, have been made that NAAC is a one person organization with one persons aims and objectives in mind and positions have been established and taken without the approval of the board of directors. Also stated within those accusations are statements that NAAC has not asked specific artists who have accepted board or other positions to perform services to assist NAAC . All individuals who are working within NAAC have had the opporturnity to view materials provide comments and suggestions and other input. However, those same individuals have NEVER taken upon themselves to act upon their own decisions to work with NAAC, myself or others, to accept the "jobs" given or offered, or to serve the needs of NAAC and make this a successful organization, but instead have provided criticism.
I regret that some individuals have felt that they are out of the loop, with communications but those same individuals have performed nothing but offer criticism and distractions to what work has been performed. Those same individuals had opportunities to review marketing collateral materials, as well as, the newletters prior to print and distribution, without any returned input as any interested members. I am sorry that these people feel the way they do, and would rather work to distract from the efforts, of this organization rather than work toward making it a success and protect their art or craft and the industry. Any member who no longer wishes to be associated with NAAC will gladly have their names removed from our membership list and any mailing list, by notifying NAAC by email or through the mail.
Currently there is NO active full "board of directors" and the process of completing the filing for a 501 C 3 status is currently on hold until a new full board can be formed and an organizational meeting established. However, NAAC will continue to function to achieve the aims and goals that have been stated in this web site and our materials. The organization will operate as a "clearing house" for information and legislative actions, only until a board is formally established and enough board members can meet to form a new quarum at an initial meeting. I have contacted several members to partake as board members, and will attempt to establish a concensus for a first formal board meeting and to assist this organizations return to a viable status so that we may apply for a 501 C 3 organization.
I personally wish to thank those members, friends, and associates who have worked to make this organization accepted by much of the arts and crafts industry and let us continue to work, moving forward toward our goals and objectives.
Thank you
Mark Blacker
Founder
