Lots on tap for DAC’s Spring Soiree and Potluck

Usually invitations to a soiree conjure up images of  kicking back and being entertained. But next Thursday’s Dorchester Arts Collaborative’s (DAC) Spring Soiree and Potluck from 7-9 pm at the Codman Square Great Hall may involve more rallying than mere relaxing.

The multi-purpose gathering will provide opportunities for local artists to network, a digital display of art work of said artists, art supply swaps, pre-registration for Dorchester’s October Open Studios, and also a sign up for DAC table at the Ashmont Farmer’s Market.  Organizers will also introduce new initiatives to improve services to local artists and Dorchester generally. The gathering will introduce new board members and pay tribute those going into semi-retirement.

 Donna Penn, DAC Treasurer, reports that the soiree will include a thank you to outgoing DAC Executive Director and public relations whiz, the very modest Joyce Linehan, “In the spring of 2002, a small group of local Dorchester artists and those interested in the arts came together for a meeting at a neighbor’s house to discuss getting Dorchester its own Open Studios like so many other Boston neighborhoods.  In no time, Ashmont Hill residents Rosanne Foley and Joyce Linehan took up the reins and found a way to make it happen.  Under Joyce’s leadership as Executive Director from inception to 2010, the DAC was founded, achieved non-profit status, and has produced and sponsored numerous arts related programs and events for the residents and talented artists of our town.  
    
“Though often associated with Open Studios, DAC has always had a much larger vision – Joyce’s vision – to stimulate Dorchester’s social, cultural, and economic enrichment by supporting the creative economy.  Her finesse as a marketing and promotion genius as well as her ability to reach out to an extraordinary pool of contacts she has developed over the years in her own career was always generously and unquestionably shared with DAC.  Under new leadership, DAC will no doubt continue to thrive and Joyce’s step down from Executive Directorship is much deserved.  But her sharp, witty directives from the helm are already sorely missed.”

Among the newly elected DAC Board members is Sandy Coleman, who first participated in the DAC Open Studios five years ago and has since been impressed with the friendliness and efficiency of DAC organizers. 

“They were all so encouraging to all of us artists — the experienced ones, as well as the nervous ones like me who had not exhibited much at that point. And they were so organized — an important aspect for busy artists.

“As a new board member, I’m creating a blog for the DAC that will build upon the relationships that the organization has already established with artists over the years. It will be a way for the board to keep members informed about all of the exciting work in which will be involved, as well as showcase the work of member artists.

“I’m hoping many new artists will join us and use the blog as a means to keep virtual conversation going about anything and everything that is important to them — from what inspires them as artists to what their challenges are and how they overcome them. We all work in such isolation as artists, so I think this connection will be a welcomed treat.”

Finally as a creative outlet and a clever way to remind thousands of Dot residents of the Collaborative’s existence, soiree attendees will grab brushes and help paint a community painting on a drop cloth to be carried on the Dorchester Arts Collaborative float in the fast-approaching Dorchester Day Parade.

Whether one identifies as an artist or as an arts supporter or Dot well-wisher, all are invited to drop by the Great Hall next Thursday and also to check out the website, thedac.org.


Subscribe to the Dorchester Reporter