Loving the Past and Seeing the Future
Pat Wilson-Schmid Donates to Help the Future Members & Leaders of PVAC
by Colleen Algeo
We owe long-time member, Pat Wilson-Schmid a debt of gratitude. At the March Board Meeting Pat surprised everyone by humbly offering to pay for a new tool. It is not just any tool, but an all purpose tool in the form of a software program that helps non-profits like ours take care of business, collaborate, and provide an enhanced member experience. The tool’s name is Wild Apricot. When asked why she decided to fund the software she said, “PVAC has done so much for me! I’d like us to focus on the mission and forget the hassles. Us old farts will be gone some day and this program will make it easier for future generations to continue. I am helping that happen because I love what PVAC has done for me. ”
Pat took classes with the PVAC founder Charles R. Gardner and described him as a progressively minded teacher who always made you feel good about your work. She added that she, like he, wanted PVAC to go on. Charles made quite an impression on Pat. In fact, she loaned us one of Charles’ originals for our 60th Annual Member Show and can describe how he created the painting.
HAPPY BOARD MEMBERS: L-R: Sharon Gross, Pat Wilson-Schmid, Deb Nyman and Kathy Bohn pause for a photo op in Pat’s studio.
Pat has spent her life studying her craft. She revealed, “The act of painting is who I am. In addition to unusual lighting effects I enjoy showing my artist’s handwriting in my work. While viewers experience the painting, I hope they see me through the brushstrokes, transcending time. My want is to share the act of painting with my viewer. The texture of each brush stroke reveals my effort, my energy, my desire to say, ‘See, you are here with me, and I might stay with you forever in this painting.’ ” What I didn’t tell you is that Pat has promised to pay for this software in perpetuity. How’s that for staying with us forever! There aren’t enough thank yous, Pat, for kickstarting and sustaining our the new website you see here!
Here is a poem by her that we thought might inspire you.
A Painter’s Journey
by Patricia Wilson-Schmid
Partake of life through all the bloom
of each and every cycle.
And in the morning of each part
anticipate the glories.
Look back upon the evenings.
Ask what of worth to keep.
Move a level onward,
renewed and wiser still.
Grow in heart.
Prepare to leave a mark, a word, a thought
Transcend your span to be fulfilled
in future human kind.
