54 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE our monthly board meetings. We prepare by me providing guidance on where the board wants more emphasis in his summary, and he, in turn, gives me a heads up on any issues. We are in constant contact outside of the board-prep meeting. I am accessible to him for whatever issue arises, problem solve with him and involve others as needed. 1:30 P.M. >> GIVE + GET I utilize many of my professional skills in my role as board chair. Interpersonal abilities — diplomacy and mediation — are exercised, and I also weave in the fundraising skill set I have as the development officer for the college. I help Michael think through fundraising activities, such as how to present sponsorship packages. I feel a connectedness and satisfaction for my contribution to promoting and growing the accessibility of the arts in the West Valley. I also enjoy my friendships with people on the board and working with Michael. These interpersonal relationships keep me involved and engaged. 3 P.M. >> THE FINE ART OF SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES The West Valley Arts Council has been around for over 50 years, but people still don’t know about the organization. Our challenge is getting the word out that we exist and attracting people to visit the exhibits and outdoor space at the Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise. In some respects, there is competition in society to get the arts out there. We must therefore make sure we are offering a good product and show value. I see an opportunity right now to work with other West Valley municipalities to promote art and help cities grow. Cities want to attract companies to the West Valley by showing that quality of life exists for employees and their families, including education and a vibrant arts community. The West Valley Arts Council can be a partner with the cities in growing economic development. 4:30 P.M. >> LIVING ONE’S PASSION I encourage everyone to find their passion and see where they can serve on boards. When you start giving back, you see issues a particular organization is helping resolve. This increases empathy, understanding and awareness of those community issues. I recently heard the phrase, “An act of service is an act of peace.” This resonated with me because when you’re giving of yourself through service, you’re creating that space of peace. I think this is something our community members need a bit more of, and board service can do that. To learn more, go to westvalleyarts.org . Students of the Gallery 37 program stand next to their newly revealed public work, “Gabion Cactus,” which is located in Goodyear and completed in fall 2022. WVAC board chair Jonathan Robles (back) attends a private reception and tour for Estrella Mountain Community College staff hosted by local artist Edgard Fernandez (front).

Celebrating 25 years of enriching community life Learn more about the Heard Museum at www.heard.org. This year, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust is celebrating 25 years of community grantmaking in Arizona and Indiana. To honor Mrs. Pulliam’s legacy of giving, the Trust continues to support the Heard Museum to enrich Arizona community life. Enchanted by Native American art and culture, Mrs. Pulliam was a lifelong supporter and board member at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Since its founding in 1929, the museum has become internationally recognized for presenting the first-person stories of Native American people as well as the quality of its collections, exhibitions, and educational programming. The museum regularly collaborates with Native American artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective about the art and lives of Native people. ninapulliamtrust.org Away From Home is one of the Heard’s longest running exhibits as well as the first museum exhibit to tell the stories of Native American boarding schools from the perspectives of Native people. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HEARD MUSEUM