Museum of Northwest Art issues continue

I have lived in La Conner since 1980 and my late husband Bob and I have been MoNA members, supporters and donors for over 30 years. We were married at MoNA in 1986, back when the Museum was in the Gaches Mansion, the days of Art and Rita Hupy. So MoNA has been close to my heart for a long time, and I consider the Museum to be a crown jewel in our town, celebrating the arts and the wonderful artists who have chosen to live, work and create their art right here among us.

I have loved going to the openings of new shows and to the artists’ talks, and being able to pop in to see the exhibits whenever I am in town. Bob and I also used to love attending MoNA’s fund-raising auctions, when they used to occur right here in town, at MoNA. Auction attendees from out of town used to stay in our La Conner inns, hotels, and B and Bs, and eat in our local restaurants and shop in our local stores. The MoNA Auction used to bring good revenue to our whole town. And not just on the day of the Auction. Many Auction attendees were charmed by La Conner, and returned to visit, shop, stay, and eat again and again.

We have been told that the Auction had to move out of town for reasons related to the inability to close off streets to allow for the tents, etc. needed for Auction activities. However, we have also had assurances from Town officials that these issues can be resolved. And yet, we hear that plans are underway for yet another Auction to be held out of town. ...

It saddens me greatly to see and hear how things have been managed/mismanaged recently in that very special place that provides inspiration, enlightenment and enjoyment for those of us lucky enough to live here, as well as for our many visitors.

In the interests of space, I will not go into detail, but it has become apparent that the recent resignations by so many long-term, committed, MoNA board members and valued and knowledgeable staff have been caused by distrust in current management and leadership.

Instances of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency obviously exist.

The fact that many of those who resigned are willing and anxious to return is very telling. Those of us who value MoNA and its existence in La Conner feel that for the Museum to survive, there must be changes in management and leadership.

Marianna Metke

La Conner