Bernice Spigel, the Creative Arts Guild's Patron of the Year, has passed away.

Bernice was one of the founders of the Guild, and served as its first paid executive director from 1972 until 1993. Bernice remained an active supporter and volunteer her entire life. She was synonymous with the Guild and all of its activities. No matter what the event, there was a likelihood that Bernice was not only in attendance, but also had a hand in the planning, organizing or executing of it.

Bernice Spigel was especially devoted to this community, and she loved seeing the arts grow and expand here, both at the Guild and at other organizations in the area. Importantly, she supported the arts not only in Dalton, but across the state.

She was one of the founders of the Georgia Assembly of Community Arts Agencies, served on several of the Georgia Council for the Arts advisory and steering committees and was a recipient of the prestigous Governer's Award for Excellence in the Arts. And her devotion reached beyond her decades guiding the Creative Arts Guild, it was a wholehearted commitment to the good of all those who live in Dalton.

Bernice had an appreciation and love for Dalton that was profound. She was a member of a generation who transformed this town, in both business and civic matters. Bernice unselfishly served others, her contributions often out of public sight.

Her love touched the lives of children, and it reached across the state as she contributed to Georgia's art community. Generations yet to come will benefit from the things Bernice accomplished.

She leaves the richest possible legacy from which we and our children, and our children's children have benefited, and will continue to benefit. Bernice's chosen arena, the arts and the Creative Arts Guild, were molded by her vision and work. But it is in her life's work of unselfish commitment to others that she will remain a shining example and mentor to us all.