Website Winner Alpine Artisans is justifiably proud of our website, an open invitation to the world to see the magnificent works of our artists and participate in our art-infused activities. It seems eminently fitting then, that this year’s Arts Benefactor is Susan Novosel, the woman who not only maintains our website, but continues to blaze through cyberspace in search of new and ever better ways to promote the AAI organization. Past Executive Director, Nancy Rittel, led our first faltering steps onto the world wide web by setting up a template-based five page site in 2002. She enlisted Susan as assistant, and when Nancy moved in 2006, Susan assumed the entire burden of Website Coordinator. Says Nancy, “Working with Susan Novosel was one of the high points of my time in AAI. She was reliable, responsive, creative, personable, and always thinking of ways the website could be improved.... In addition to her technical abilities, she was always so positive and had a great sense of humor.... I firmly believe that the success of AAI is a reflection of the growth and expansion of the website and of the outstanding efforts of Susan Novosel.” Before long, Susan taught herself the more sophisticated Adobe web programs and replaced that cookie-cutter template with the professionallooking website that bears Alpine Artisans banner today. For over seven years Susan has attended to the minutia that keeps our site fresh and vibrant: adding new information, removing or archiving past events, placing tons of photos (and doing the resolution conversions that guarantee they will display quickly and beautifully). Something needs to be done on an almost daily basis, and Susan does it. In the month of January alone, Susan logged in a total of 21.75 volunteer hours for AAI. In addition, Susan keeps current on the newest innovations—ongoing slideshows; video clips; YouTube and Facebook connections—Susan incorporates them seamlessly into our website. Gently, patiently, but persistently, Susan has ushered our often reluctant members into the computer age, urged us onto social media sites, even assisted members in setting up their own individual websites. It is Susan who has effectively trained each new AAI Executive Director / Program Coordinator as well as Board Members and other volunteers on a variety of computer and software issues. Says Scott Milner, current AAI Program Coordinator: “Since I have come on board with AAI in July 2010, Susan has been my chief technical advisor and an outstanding “go to” individual whom I rely on in different circumstances, and without whom I do not believe the organization could function.” In recognition of her tireless work, Susan Novosel was awarded one of Jerry and Martha Swanson’s signature hardwood bowls, a 16” diameter deep bowl incorporating a wonderful mix of different woods.
Help Wanted 2 Valleys Stage needs volunteers Hospitality: 2VS seeks person to help arrange for the hospitality needs of guest artists in the Seeley Lake area during their residencies du r i ng the 2013-2014 season Contact Scott 667-0717 or email scott.milner@alpineartisans.org
Facility Crew: Limited time committment
2VS seeks volunteers to assist with concert set up, lighting and staging; can be for single event or for whole season. Contact Scott 667-0717 or email scott.milner@alpineartisans.org
Business Drive: Limited time committment 2 Valleys Stage seeks one or more volunteers in Seeley Lake and Condon to assist with the annual business drive beginning in July. Contact Scott 667-0717 or email scott.milner@alpineartisans.org
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