Congratulations, Madame Chairwoman!

There is cause for rejoicing at a certain house outside Baltimore. Artist and author Sandra Magsamen is the elegant wife of Ionarts contributor Mark Barry, but don't hold that momentary lack of wisdom against her. (Mark knows that I am kidding.) At a meeting last month, the Board of Directors of the American Visionary Art Museum, a place dear to Sandy and Mark, elected her as their new Chairperson. They announced the big news on January 7, from which I give you an excerpt:

Always interested in art as a means of communication, Magsamen started her career as an art therapist with individuals whose words failed to express what was in their hearts and minds. Working with Alzheimer's patients, deaf children, criminally insane men, and troubled adolescents, she witnessed the extraordinarily diverse and creative ways people express themselves attempting to share who they are and connect with the people in their lives. "Sandy has it all," AVAM Founder and Director Rebecca Hoffberger said. "She’s a consummate artist, visionary great granddaughter of the inventor of the Ouija board, and a founding board member who really gets us. In celebration of our tenth anniversary in November 2005, we're thrilled that a nationally renowned artist will take the helm of board leadership of our newly expanded national museum."

If you are going to Baltimore, you should definitely visit the AVAM, and make sure to take a look at Sandy's beautiful work. We received a copy of this frame for our daughter's birth, which is now sitting on my desk. Thanks again and congratulations, Sandy!