Mispillion Art League honors past, looks to future
In December 2019, Mispillion Art League members said farewell to founding member and artist Sara Gallagher as she retired from her role on the board of directors. Gallagher’s contributions to the art league sprang from a devotion to the arts and a love of Milford. She chaired the public arts committee and served as president. She also initiated the Third Thursday Programs, bringing in art-focused speakers, films and demonstrations.
Gallagher was instrumental in securing nonprofit status for the art league. She also spearheaded the mural project on the Salvation Army building, bringing together a large group of artists and community members to add their DNA to the project. The murals have become a point of pride for the neighborhood.
League members extend best wishes to Pearl Burbage on her retirement at the end of June from the board of directors. A lifelong Milford resident, Burbage worked as an environmental researcher at Delaware State University, as a water-quality tester for National Fish and Wildlife, and a part-time employee for DNREC and the DuPont Nature Center, where she taught and ran projects to bring environmental education into the classroom. She served as fundraising chair for the art league board. Her work will be remembered on many special events including Rosedale Revisited, Harlem Nights and the Annual 6x6 Silent Auction.
Mary Galligan’s term of office as president is at an end, and the league welcomes Morgan Golladay as its new board president. Golladay has an extensive background in nonprofit organizations, both as a staff member and a volunteer. She is an acrylic artist and poet. Galligan will remain on the board as secretary and in an advisory role to Golladay.
Martha Gery is the new board vice president. Gery, the manager of strategy and planning for Cisco, joined the board in February. She serves as project manager for The Big Draw Festival Delaware and as exhibits chair.
Additional new board members include Rosemary Connelly, a retired graphic designer and chair of The Big Draw Festival; landscape architect Eric Wahl; and retired middle school art teacher Keith Warren.
