Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

AANR Story on Nakations Makes Top Page of CNN

The Public Relations department has been hard at work developing stories for the media.  This week we were delighted when the prominent news source CNN.com ran a “cover” story in their travel section about how well the Association is faring during the challenging economic climate.  The story included stats from us, along with references to several clubs and their Web sites.  A link back to AANR’s main list of clubs should help give all a boost in traffic.  Read the complete story here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/24/naked.travel.recession/index.html

Be sure to read the report by Carolyn Hawkins below for details on other stories that ran this week, including responses to our pitch for the 2009 Convention at Oaklake Trails and a GREAT television story featuring Sun Meadow of Idaho that was prompted by the CNN piece.

AANR Welcomes Helpful Visitors this Week

AANR enjoyed visits from a number of people this week who are helping the
Association to improve marketing efforts.  On Monday through Wednesday,
“Randy and Mr. B.” crunched membership trends and demographics with Nan from our staff and me using the information gleaned from our year-end 2008 membership reports.  We also used the very latest data from the Claritas corporation.  We will be releasing results of this work in future weekly reports as well as at the next board of trustees meeting.

Today we appreciated a visit from Bob Johnson who is also part of AANR’s
marketing volunteer team.  Bob outlined for our staff the key marketing
messages and strategy the team is implementing.  He also worked with the
publications staff and membership department on new materials that we begin rolling out this spring.

The Association and I deeply appreciate the investment of time that these
highly qualified volunteers have made, and I hope you will join me in
thanking them for their hard work!

AANR Educating Lawmakers – Did You Know?

When it’s not fighting adverse legislation or making visits to Capitol Hill,
your AANR team of staff and volunteers is still working to make a brighter
future for nude recreation with policymakers.  Last weekend provides a prime example.

During the weekend we entertained a state lawmaker from out west who was open to visiting a nudist club for a few days and meeting with people who could answer questions.  Along with making arrangements for a visit to
Cypress Cove, we also arranged for a talk with owners Dean and Barbara
Hadley, as well as government affairs volunteers from the region and me.
Following a successful meeting, we have one more legislator educated and
prepared to remember nudist concerns.

AANR Helping Members

Today AANR rushed a package of materials about nudist rights in child custody matters to a grandmother on the East Coast. She raised her family taking them to her local nudist club, but is now facing legal challenges
with bringing her granddaughter on visits.

And Now for Something Different

Speaking of families, you may have already had a bit of fun watching an
advertisement for Volkswagen’s Routan minivan in which a small boy deals with having a drink spilled on him by stowing his clothes in an under-seat bin and taking to the road au naturel.  It is one more example of public culture grasping, if only in a small way, that going clothes-free can help
make a person more care-free.  If the advertisement has not aired on your local station, you can see a video here on YouTube, although this version
happens to be in Spanish:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnHfQJ5dd6U

My thanks to Nan from our staff for letting us know about this one!

Nudist Novel Is Exposed

We have recently learned that one of our members is currently a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Competition. The novel,
Exposed, is based primarily in Iowa but features several chapters occurring
at Cypress Cove Nudist Resort & Spa, here in Kissimmee. (Cypress Cove
approved their inclusion in the novel.)

In evaluating this novel, judges at Amazon and co-sponsor Penguin Books will attempt to gauge the potential market for it. To do this, they are asking
for readers to write reviews of the first several chapters of the book. You
can download a free sample at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3BW2 and then write a review.

If the judges select the novel, it will be published and will serve as
another tool in advancing the values of the nudist lifestyle.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

The Bulletin

The May issue is in production.

E-Bulletin Advertising

The advertising space is selling quickly, so contact Martha Young at
bulletinads@aanr.com or 800/879-6833, ext. 228, if you’re interested.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Positive Media

I had a nice interview with Wireless Flash News regarding the Woodstock
release that was sent out from Ypartnership.  As a result, we have received
calls from various radio stations to set up interviews.

Erich had an interview with CNN.  Check out link below.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/24/naked.travel.recession/index.html

The link below is a spin off from CNN regarding Sun Meadow.

http://www.krem.com/video/

Check out the link below regarding destinations in Florida and Cypress Cove.
http://www.canada.com/travel/story.html?id=805001

Check out the link below regarding the Nude Olympics with Tallahassee
Naturally nudist club.

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2243385/

Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

Major Public Land Victory in California

On October 17, 2008, a team from AANR composed of Government Affairs Chair Alonzo Stevens, AANR Public Lands Liaison Steve Hubbard, and I attended a meeting with high ranking officials of the California Parks and Recreation Department including the Chief Ranger overseeing both the northern and southern districts of the state, the agency’s general counsel, and the agency’s direct lobbyist to the California legislature. This meeting followed months of discussion between Steve Hubbard and the Chief of Operations of California Parks Tony Perez.

This October session was vital because the department has announced firm plans to end nudity at San Onofre Beach. That, in turn, prompted litigation and substantial worry that the department would deviate from the long-standing Cahill Policy which is friendly to nudity and skinny-dipping in remote areas within the park system.

The Cahill Policy named for its author, Russ Cahill, says that a park officer should not intervene in cases of nudity within remote settings unless a complaint is made by a member of the general public. In such cases, the nude person(s) would then be asked to dress but not cited. Moreover, nothing prohibits a nude sunbather from returning to the location the following day.

Given that litigation is ongoing, we were frankly uncertain that any position from California Parks other than a scorched earth policy regarding nude use would be possible. AANR had been engaged in ongoing discussions about modification of the San Onofre policy, when the suit was filed, which of course were derailed. (Although an initial judicial finding has gone in favor of the naturist friends of San Onofre Beach, the case is only in its early stages and the ultimate outcome is not certain.)

While any discussion of San Onofre was strictly off the table given the litigation, AANR did obtain verbal assurances at that time that there was no plan to deviate from Cahill. As we all know, however, there is a big difference in “getting it in writing.” On March 5, 2009, in the attached letter, California took the significant step of doing this. Finally, as you will see in the letter the California Parks and Recreation Department is committed to working directly with AANR on a project to improve conditions at the very prominent Black’s Beach near San Diego. It is doing so as a gesture of good faith to the nude community.

The loss of the Cahill policy would have been a major loss to nude recreation that would have been felt far outside the state of California. Written reaffirmation of the Cahill policy is a huge victory for nude recreation and serves as one more significant example of AANR working to provide a credible voice for nude recreation.

I would like to thank Steve Hubbard for his contributions to, and major assistance in preparing, this report.

Heads Up On New Pool And Spa Laws

Thanks to Dale from the Southwest for letting us know about some changes that have taken place at the federal level regarding pools and spas.  A summary explanation appears here: www.cpsc.gov/businfo/vgpsa.pdg

Your local pool vendors and service personnel may have additional information also.

AANR-West Wants To Promote Your Club/Business

The next AANR-West event is to participate in the April 17–19, 2009 Women’s Head To Toe Expo Trade Show and Conference, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, California. This event attracts mainly women and provides an excellent opportunity to introduce Nakation, AANR, and social nudism.  AANR-West has worked this event for the past few years, and the attendees have always spent time at the booth showing a definite interest.  Even though this is mainly a Southern California event, the attendees travel and may want to take their first Nakation far from their own backyard, so to speak. For that reason, if your club has brochures, free offers, or anything that might attract new visitors please forward your “stuff” to Joe Panganiban, 6994 27th St., Riverside, CA 92509. Please do not send “signature required” as the mail box is secure.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

The Bulletin

The April issue is on its way to you.

The E-Bulletin

Yesterday’s edition of the E-Bulletin reached 12,818 subscriber. Stories included Today Show Hosts Paint Nude, Act Naturally (the movie), 999 Nudes, Nude Altitudes, and Did You Know. You can be a subscriber by signing up at www.aanr.com.

E-Bulletin Advertising

The advertising space is selling quickly, so contact Martha Young at bulletinads@aanr.com or 800/879-6833, ext. 228, if you’re interested.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Carolyn is out of the office this afternoon.

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

Here are this week’s directory changes.

We have an address change for Bare Spirits in Oregon which is:

P.O. Box 321
Dallas, OR 97338

Christian Nudist Convocation (CNC) is on the move again. The new address is:

408 Harrell Street
Murfreesboro, NC 27855

Sadly I have to report that “The Point” in Wills Point, Texas, has disbanded.

Sorry to lose you. We wish you the very best of luck for your future.

Have a great, sunny weekend.

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

REQUEST: Print the following in your Club Newsletter or send to your members in your E-News, when timely and appropriate.  We want the members to know what GAT does for them!

Rooster-Sauvie Volunteers Need YOU!

–Mark Buchweitz

With spring approaching, it’s time to let you know that the Rooster-Sauvie Volunteer (RSV) group is encouraging AANR members to join in and help preserve, protect, and promote nude recreation at the clothing-optional beaches near Portland, Oregon.

SAVE THE DATES:

Ø May 16^th – Down by the Riverside at Rooster Rock State Park. This is part of SOLV’s annual river cleanup.

Ø August 1^st/2^nd – Rooster-Sauvie Annual Beach Party

Ø August 1^st – Day at Rooster Rock. Overnight at Mountaindale Sun Resort.

Ø August 2^nd – Day at Sauvie Island

We’re also planning some purely social events and are looking for some suggestions on the type of activities. Picnics, volleyball, kite-flying, canuding, beach bocce-ball, beach Olympics? What would you like to do at the beach?

For years AANR GAT volunteers have had fun while making our beaches cleaner, safer places for family-friendly, social nude recreation. We’ve adopted Rooster Rock and Sauvie Island through our partnerships with SOLV, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Oregon State Park’s adoption program. We work with the park rangers and law enforcement agencies, who value our contributions.

Comments or questions about the group? Drop us a line at rooster.sauvie@yahoo.com.

See you at the beach!

Lake Associates Recreation Club (LARC) – VOTE for Nude Recreation

LARC has been entered into a contest for the best Northwest Escape in the campground category. It’s the first time that a clothing-optional campground has been entered.

Here is the link if you would like to give this Washington state club your vote:

http://best.king5.com/contests/northwest-escapes/4261/great-getaways/campground

U.S. Department of Interior – 160^th Anniversary

Provided through AANR’s membership with ARC

(American Recreation Coalition www.funoutdoors.com)

President Obama joined more than 500 Department of Interior staffers to mark its 160^th anniversary in Washington, D.C.  President Obama spoke about connecting kids with the great outdoors during his visit to Interior Department.  A partial transcript follows, but take the time to go to the 45 second clip on the Washington Post Web site:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/03/AR2009030302316.html

Here is the relevant portion of the President’s remarks:

“Throughout our history, there’s been a tension between those who’ve sought to conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and those who have sought to profit from these resources. But I’m here to tell you this is a false choice. With smart, sustainable policies, we can grow our economy today and preserve the environment for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.

“That’s what we must do.

“For you know — you know, that our long-term prosperity depends upon the faithful stewardship of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land that we sow. That’s a sacred trust the importance of which cannot be measured merely by the acres we protect, the miles of rivers we preserve, the energy we draw from public lands.

Ø It’s a child wandering amidst ancient redwoods, a love for science spurred as she looks skyward.

Ø It’s a young man running his hand along the walls at Ellis Island where his grandmother once carried her every possession and the hope of a new life.

Ø It’s a family hiking along canyons carved by ancient floods or mountains shaped by shifting continents finding peace in the beauty of the natural world.

“These are experiences that enrich our lives and remind us of the blessing that we share. That was certainly the case for me. As many of you known, I spent much of my childhood in Hawaii, a place of extraordinary beauty…

“It was an experience I will never forget. It’s an experience I want for my daughters and for all of our daughters and sons to see the incredible beauty of this nation. It’s an experience that’s only possible because of the work you do each and every day.

So thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.”

AANR Legislative Tracking

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 42 states, D.C. and U.S. in Regular Session. There is 1 state in Special Session. KY is in Veto Session.

States in Regular Session: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, US, VT, WA, WV

AANR Statistics:

o 2,386 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o 322 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o 194 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership and like-minded nudists and naturists to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation.  Always contact the AANR office before taking action. This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or advocacy effort.  Remember, AANR GAT works for you!

I’ve entered LARC in a contest for the best Northwest Escape in the campground category. It’s the first time that a clothing-optional campground has been entered.

Here is the link if you would like to give us a vote:

http://best.king5.com/contests/northwest-escapes/4261/great-getaways/campground

Thanks!

Astrid

Clubs and Trustees Weekly Report

March 13, 2009

Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

I am sorry that my report must be brief this week. I am working a number of “irons in the fire.” It would be premature to discuss these projects at this moment, but I should have details in a future report.

Oops, I Goofed

Last week, we brought you news of Carolina Foothills Resort being interviewed by local television media. What I neglected to realize and mention was that Cedar Creek in Pelion, South Carolina, also got considerable press and did a great job. Thanks to them for the double punch for nude recreation in the state.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

Jim Carrey Gets Naked

Read all about it in the latest edition of the Cyber-Bulletin at http://www.aanr.com/cyber_bulletin.html

Nudes In The News

What does a trampoline, an antique car, Bubba, and Pumpkin have in common? Find out in the April issue of The Bulletin that goes to the printer on Monday.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

I helped Steve with his move to Austin, Texas, and I fell in love with the place.  He is just about settled in his new apartment.

Positive Publicity

We have been working with a man who is doing a documentary.  I will keep you posted as it progresses.

We sent out pitch on nude Woodstock and within one-half hour we received a hit.  Check the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/x-4636-Pittsburgh-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d4-Where-have-all-the-flowers-gone-Call-is-out-for-a-nude-Woodstock-reunion-Thats-the-naked-truth

Shirley Gauthier had a hand in this.

http://www.garfieldmessenger.com/features/

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

This is the only change for this week:

Sno-Birds in Minnesota has a new Web site which is: www.thesno-birds.com

Also, the zip code is wrong. It should be 55434.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

REQUEST: Print the following in your Club Newsletter or send to your members in your E-News, when timely and appropriate.  We want the members to know what GAT does for them!

Message from Alonzo Stevens, GA Chair:

Great Outdoors Week (GOW) in Washington, D.C., is approaching in June.  Your AANR Government Affairs Team is carefully planning our annual trip to represent our clubs, members and those of you who recreate on public lands.  We have a strong core team and plan to grow our team of AANR representatives with a few new volunteers who will make visits in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the AANR.  The team is well equipped with the AANR GAT GOW Guide, which articulates our key talking points and directs new volunteers in the process of making appointments, etc.  The team will assemble June 7-13 to visit national recreational leaders, legislators, and their staffers, participate in a GAT leadership meeting, and support the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) www.funoutdoors.com by sponsoring and attending various GOW activities.  Remember, “I work for you and your voice counts!”

AANR-West Beach Cleanup

Joe Panganiban, AANR-West Membership Marketing Chair

During the AANR-West Spring Board Meeting, March 7, 2009, held at Lupin Lodge in Northern California, it was brought up by a board member that after the meeting board members might spring into action with a community service event.  It was mentioned that the event might promote the goodwill of AANR and demonstrate our contribution to a specific community or public project.  About 20 miles from Lupin is a white sand beach known as Bonny Doon.  This public state beach is frequently visited by nudists and nurtured by the Bay Area Naturists.  During the meeting, the challenge was presented to have a Bonny Doon beach cleanup on Sunday.  We met at the Lupin clubhouse and headed to the beach.  Signs were posted, and with large bags in hand the cleanup was in progress.  After the cleanup, one of our volunteers approached a nudist with the recent Bulletin close at hand.  Subsequently, the nudist offered to loan the volunteer HIS Bulletin and thanked us for the work we do!

Seeking Cape Cod Beach Volunteers – June 13^th
Contributed by Bill Falconer

Dear Beach Enthusiasts,

Your presence is requested at a celebration of volunteers on Cape Cod:

13^H ANNUAL CAPE COD BEACH CLEANUP

at Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, MA

9:00 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009

 

Clubs and Trustees Weekly Report

March 6, 2009

Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

AANR Helping Members and Clubs

This week our office responded to a request from a member in Canada concerned that his participation in nude recreation could affect an ongoing custody matter involving his grandchildren.  We have expedited a legal information kit and other materials, as well as providing information about legal direct assistance funds for which he may apply. This week we also provided detailed Claritas information to an East Coast club that may help it to better understand existing membership and reach out to new prospects.

AANR Club in the News

Kudos to Carolina Foothills Resort of South Carolina, which was on Fox Television in its local market this week.  You can see excerpts of the interviews on the Web at:

http://www.foxcarolina.com/video/18864050/index.html

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

E-Bulletin

This week’s 12,768 subscribers read about a nudist getting wings, a topless coffee shop, people unlearning naked shame, and an exhibit ban. Curious? You, too, can read the fun stuff. Sign up on the home page at www.aanr.com.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Carolyn is traveling to Texas with her grandson, Steve Vickers, to assist him with his move to Austin to set up housekeeping. She will be back in the office on Monday.

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

This week we welcome a new participating business as well as a new club.

Toucans
(PBS)
APDO 244-5000
Liberia GTE Costa Rica
813.579.5036
crsdon@gmail.com

Toucans is along the lines of a B&B but it has rooms with kitchens, and there is a private garden with a pool.

Naturist Family Network
(Non-landed, proprietary club)
P.O. Box 78
Altamont, NY 12009
518.495.3316
www.naturistfamily.net
admin@naturistfamily.net

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

GAT Update from Alonzo Stevens, GA Chair

Thank you to all the AANR members that have been getting involved by sending e-mails and sharing local and state insights.  Your “eyes and ears” are tremendously helpful.  Several of you have chosen to remain anonymous, and we welcome your participation at any level you are comfortable.  It is such a pleasure to hear from you!  As you know, it’s just as easy as sending an e-mail to someone on the GAT roster listed in every Bulletin.  An increasing number of members are sending us their suggestions and alerting us of advocacy opportunities.  We continue to collect your thoughts about the proposed NudistBill of Rights.AANR members and clubs have been contributing significantly in sharing local concerns and news articles regarding legislation in their states.  Government affairs never sleeps, but our AANR members are our strength as an Association.  Thanks again for listening and responding.  Once again, keep those e-mails flying and remember, “I work for you and your voice counts!”

ARC February Recreation Exchange – February 25th

U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly (D-IN) was the special guest at the American Recreation Coalition’s February Recreation Exchange.  The session allowed recreation community leaders to express appreciation for the Congressman’s vigorous efforts to overcome challenges facing America’s recreation industry.  Mr. Donnelly was actively involved in the recent U.S. Treasury announcement of actions to improve consumer loan availability, and specifically provide RV loans, through a $1 trillion program known as TALF (Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility).  He also actively participated in Congressional negotiations on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provides a special federal tax deduction for state sales tax paid on motorhomes and motorcycles in addition to cars, and also expanded tax code provisions allowing many small businesses to apply current losses to the tax returns of past years, when they were profitable – a provision called NOL (Net Operating Loss) carryback.

Mr. Donnelly acknowledged the appreciation and told the group that, as a life-long outdoor recreation enthusiast, he is proud to assist the industry that “makes dreams come true for American families.”

To read the full story in the ARC March 2009 Newsletter, visit www.funoutdoors.com.

California & Pacific Southwest

Recreation & Park Training Conference

The City of Santa Clara in California welcomed the 61st Annual California & Pacific Southwest Recreation & Park Training Conference, March 3-6, 2009. Park and recreation professionals around the region attend this educational experience to learn how local municipal agencies generate ideas for new services, receive solutions for issues relating to existing services, and how opportunities are developed to expand resources through collaboration.  For more information, visit www.cprs.org.

Alonzo and I volunteered at the AANR-West booth and greeted a projected 2,000 attendees with information about nude recreation.  Many attendees visit the AANR booth annually, seeking the same lapel pin that State Legislative staff receives at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).  Many of the exhibitors have paved roads in our clubs, installed safe play ground equipment, shade protection and other recreational and infrastructure products.  A large majority of the attendees openly admitted that they skinny-dipped in younger days, know a nudist, or had enjoyed a club or beach where they live or vacation.  Other show participants discover AANR for the first time; lots of thumbs up and potential nudists at this show!  Frequently, a booth visitor would add their experiences to the conversation with a prospective Nakation-eer.

Register Now for a free subscription to StateNet Capitol Journal and get the latest political news from all 50 states via e-mail. Go to: www.statenet.com to sign up.

AANR Legislative Tracking

AANR GAT is closely monitoring developments in the Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest.  Next week, we will be updating you regarding some early successes in these regions and possibly some breaking news regarding our continuing work on public lands in AANR-West.  This year the volume of bills being reviewed has increased, while the number of seriously dangerous bills has decreased.  So far, so good. Keep being involved and e-mailing us.  Your “eyes and ears” are greatly appreciated.  Thanks again.

Below, please find statistics we have begun compiling on the 2009 legislative session. Some thoughtful members and clubs have asked us the question, “What is the significance of these statistics?” What we hope most is that you will observe how many thousands of proposals need to be checked to see if they would impact your rights to enjoy nude recreation within appropriate settings. Without the sophisticated monitoring software that your dues make possible, there is no way that the tens of thousands of bills introduced in just a few weeks’ time could be reviewed. Thanks to your support, and assistance from volunteers, we have a solid (albeit not perfect) understanding of what we face in the states this year.

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 44 states, DC and US in Regular Session. There is 1 state in Special Session. There are 3 states in recess.

States in Regular Session: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, US, UT, WA, WV, WY

Number of 2009 Prefiles last week: 953

Number of 2009 Intros last week: 11,628 

Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted last week: 1,566

Number of 2009 Prefiles to date: 31,497 

Number of 2009 Intros to date: 86,607 

Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted overall to date: 5,635

AANR Statistics: 

o    2,063 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o    295 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o    194 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership and like-minded nudists and naturists to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation.  Always contact the AANR office before taking action.  This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or advocacy effort.  Remember, AANR GAT works for you!

“UNCLAD – The Fine Art of the Figure” is an annual exhibit celebrating the nude figure in art. This highly anticipated annual event draws thousands of visitors together each year for an experience that is unexpected, somewhat provocative, and highly engaging. The intrinsic nature of the subject has motivated artists to explore and push their boundaries, producing a show that inspires, opens minds, starts discussions, stirs emotions, and touches lives.

Since its inception, UNCLAD has been a phenomenon that has taken on a life of its own. Eight years ago, Gayle Picken, who was married to a sculptor and managed their Camano Island gallery, decided to celebrate her husband’s birthday in an innovative fashion. She invited several local artists to participate in a nude art show at their gallery and, much to her surprise, her phone started ringing off the hook. Artists she didn’t even know asked if they could be in the show, excited they had found a venue for displaying nudes. That first year, 29 artists participated, crowds poured into the gallery, and the show was born.

Since then, the show has grown exponentially in terms of numbers of participating artists, quality and diversity of the artwork, and attendance. Last year the show featured artwork by 95 artists from across North America and attracted over 3000 visitors. More than 30 volunteers helped with planning, promoting, setting up, and greeting visitors during the show.

As UNCLAD expands to become a festival known throughout the country, the core idea remains the same as it did during the very first show. The stark-naked truth is — that this show called UNCLAD is all about having fun in the business of art. For so many people–artists, art enthusiasts, and the community in general–UNCLAD provides excitement, pleasure, anticipation, and a great source of inspiration.

MISSION

Our mission with UNCLAD: to create a beautiful art event that engages people in the world of art and inspires artists to push forward.

When:
Nude Showing will be on Saturday March 14th from 7PM to 9PM

Where:
Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center
Address: 27130 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood

Driving Directions: View Map
1. From I-5, take Exit 212 (Stanwood – Camano Island) and head West.
2. In about 7 miles, you’ll come to a light at 102nd Ave NW (Bank of America & Bob’s Market). Take a RIGHT on 102nd Ave NW.
3. The Floyd Norgaard hall is 2 blocks on your left. Parking is available at the church lot behind the building.

Where to Stay in Stanwood:

The Medallian Inn in Arlington is only 15 minutes from the UNCLAD 2009 show. For reservations call: 360-657-0500. Mention the UNCLAD art show for a special rate!

Experience 4-star luxury at the Tulalip Resort featuring 170 spacious rooms and suites, delicious dining choices, the world-class T Spa and the outstanding work of Tulalip tribal artists. Only 30 minutes south of the Unclad show. Reservations: 866-716-1762 or www.tulalipresort.com .

Over the Mark Clark Bridge on Camano Island, there are several Bed & Breakfast Inns to choose from. Turn your visit into an island getaway!

For more information about the other fine Bed & Breakfast Inns on the island, see Camano Island Lodging.