Todd Herman The Columbia Museum of Art had a banner year. At least that was the message given at the Columbia Art Association's 93rd annual meeting of membership held May 28. According to the president of the board of trustees, Ronald Rogers, the museum exceeded all projected goals in areas like membership and attendance.

The year was characterized by four large exhibitions: "Carolina Collects," "Eye to the East," "Dale Chihuly: Seaforms," and the latest, "Turner to Cezanne."

"Turner to Cezanne," which ends on Sunday, drew over 20,000 visitors to the museum. To get more people through the doors to see the exhibition, the museum also held three pay- what- you- can events.

During his report, Rogers also shared that museum membership had risen from 2,000 to 4,300. Results of a recent economic impact study indicated that for every dollar the City of Columbia and Richland County gave to the museum, approximately $16 was fed back into the local economy.

Executive Director Karen Brosius lauded the museum's accomplishments. Each year for the past five years the museum has broken its attendance records. Satisfaction in the museum's services also seemed to rise with attendance, as they received a 7 percent response rate from a direct mail member's survey.

Karen Brosius One of the highlights of the gathering was the impending release of the museum's first catalog of its European collection. The 304- page color book was completed by former University of South Carolina art history professor Charles Randall Mack. Chief Curator Todd Herman announced the theme for next year will be a Year of American Art. Also, during the last fiscal year the museum expanded its collection with 70 new works of art.

The following board of trustee officers were elected: Ronald Rogers, president; Duncan S. McIntosh, vice president; R. Scott McClelland, treasurer; Kathryn Hilliard Stuart, secretary. The new board of trustees includes: Mary R. Belser, Warren F. Holland Jr., Joel A. Smith III, Suzanne R. Thorpe, Don Tomlin Jr., Claude M. Walker Jr., and Brenda T. Wheeler. Departing board members Jodie Watt McLean, Kay Butler- Bachmann, and Luther J. Battiste III were recognized.

Carol Shropshire and Ron Rogers The meeting concluded with the presentation of awards. Carol Shropshire was given the President's Award for her volunteer work planning the museum's gala event. Herman was awarded the Director's Award for employee of the year. The MacArthur Goodwin Award was given to Minuette Floyd. Volunteer Educator of the Year was Anne Holtschlag. Craig Crawford was given the Vendor Service Award for his restoration services. Outgoing S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director Susie Surkamer was honored with the Chairman's Award for her service to the arts.

Charles Randall Mack Susie Surkamer Minuette Floyd Ann Holtschlag Craig Crawford