ALL THIS growth would not have been possible without the support and guidance of Friends of Materials for the Arts. Founded in 2002, the four original board members — John Peebles, Leithter Meulen, Barbara Randall, and Gail Gershon — were previously members of MFTA’s Advisory Board. Their vision and determination allowed for more robust fundraising and board development. As a public/private partnership, Friends of Materials for the Arts enabled MFTA to expand beyond its original mission. It was the Friends who underwrote the cost for the creation of a new database and launched a website. The board attracted members, and the partnership strengthened resulting in a MOU with the City of New York in 2007. Today Friends of Materials for the Arts is led by Board Chair Bonnie Weill who has held this position since 2007.
Enthusiastic, dynamic, and most of all committed, Friends of Materials for the Arts board members are the organization’s best advocates.