SB Museum of Art Women’s Board New Members’ Luncheon

On Thursday January 17, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art [SBMA] Women’s Board held its annual New Members luncheon at The University Club downtown. The event was chaired by Board Vice-President Christine Nachman with her team Emiko Kirshman, Floral Design, and Linda Wortham, Floral Presentation.

The luncheon began with formal photo ops of the Executive Committee with new SBMA Eichholz Foundation Director Amada Cruz, the Women’s Board 20-year honoree Mary Garton, and the Event Committee members. 

The program began with a welcome by SBMA Women’s BoardPresident, Isabel Wendt, who said, “It is great to be with all of you in our tradition of a luncheon to introduce our new members, and to honor our members who have been with us for over 20 years. This is our 73rd year of raising funds for the SBMA by you, who are vibrant and dynamic members of the Women’s Board, who love art and the SBMA.”

Wendt introduced Cruz who spoke briefly, and said, “Thank you for being so welcoming to me. The Women’s Board is one of philanthropy and important to the museum. Following someone who has held my position for the past 15 years is going to be difficult, and there are lots of exciting things which I can’t mention yet that are coming. We want the museum to be welcome to everyone and to the community and thank you for being such loyal supporters of the museum. We’re going to get through this transition together.” With that, Cruz excused herself from the luncheon due to other appointments.

Following lunch, Nachman addressed the attendees, “We are a wonderful group with 43 active members, three ad hoc and 60 sustaining members. First let us honor our 20-year members; present is Mary Garton who has served as President. Not able to attend is Harriet Mosson who told me that she served on the hospitality committee and threw lots of cocktail parties – we need to get her back on that job! I would also like to thank Diane Waterhouse for 14 years of service.” 

Nachman then introduced the new members to the Women’s Board: Gina Bell, (Montecito) who worked in education and counseling, serves on the Alzheimer’s Association, and collects art with her husband Martin. 

Sarah Hammett studied film at Brooks Institute, holds a degree in creative arts, and is a designer-builder of residential properties. Her grandfather Buell Hammett was a founding member of the SBMA. 

Tobi Feldman isactive in the SB International Film Festival, and the accountant for the SB Independent. Her husband Gregg is the owner of the Eyeglass Factory. 

Susan Worster holds a degree in environmental biology from UCSB and worked as a clinical lab technologist. She is active in fundraising and supporting women in the sciences, and a member of the Getty Museum Photographs Council. Her husband Bruce is an SBMA Trustee. 

Dona Wieckowski is an artist working in painting, mixed media, and jewelry. She exhibits in SB, Ventura and L.A. Counties, and is a member of the SB Art Association.

The Women’s Board Executive Committee attending were VP Social Activities Linda Butterwick, VP Development Susan McLean, Parliamentarian Paula Farrington, President Isabel Wendt, VP Communications Deb Joseph, Secretary Mimi Baer, and V.P. Christine Nachman (not attending was Treasurer Pei Shu). 

411: The Women’s Board of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art was established in 1951. The Board’s purpose is to support the museum by raising funds for its exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programs, and special projects. The Women’s Board is comprised of over one hundred active and sustaining members, who organize and sponsor fundraising events each year that also promote community awareness of and interest in the Museum.