2004 Lifetime Achievement Award: Gail Sirna

Click here to see some pictures of Gail's work.

One of the 2004 recipient of NAN's Lifetime Achievement Award is our current treasurer, Gail Sirna. Presenting the award in behalf of the organization was Caela Conn Tyler. Below are her remarks.

I have known our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Gail Sirna, for many years. In fact, our friendship goes back so far that we knew each other in the days when our cosmetic kits were actually larger than our medication kits!

Gail and I met when we were students at the famous Elsa Williams School of Needleart in 1976. Because we share a love of the art of needlework along with many other favorites, such as great food and terrific shopping, our friendship has blossomed both personally and professionally over the years. When she was the Dean of Faculty of Great Lakes Region EGA Seminar in Troy, Michigan, Gail offered me my first seminar teaching job. She was instrumental in my enrolling in the NAN Teachers' Certification program, and she was my counselor during that process.

What is so special about Gail? Why are we honoring her this evening? Because Gail has made incredible contributions to three spheres of our "needlework world." First, Gail is a prolific and excellent designer and teacher. So many of her designs are familiar to all of us in this room. Designs like her series of Victorian ornaments. My set graces my tree every year! Gail's series of Oriental buildings is another familiar group. Haven't we all stitched one of Gail's topiaries? Of course her charming postcard series is a marvelous collection of travel vignettes. I could cite many more, but I think I have a time limit.

Gail's skills and talents are not limited to needlework design. She is an incredible writer. Over the years, Gail has contributed often to many needlework publications. Her writing is truly superb - and I am saying that as a nationally recognized writing consultant! Her command of the English language is second to none and she expresses a vast foundation of knowledge. Gail truly knows what she writes about. Each two months, when I receive my needlepoint now, I first read Gail's article - it is my personal highlight of that excellent magazine.

Yes, Gail's contributions to needlework education through teaching and writing have been abundant, but her greatest contribution to the benefit of needlework is the gift of herself. Gail has given her time and her talent to so many organizations in so many ways. She was a founding member of both her local EGA chapter and her ANG chapter and, needless to say, has frequently served both organizations as an officer of that group. I have already alluded to her contributions to the success of Great Lakes Region seminars. She has been Region Director of Great Lakes Region EGA and is currently the Director of Teacher Certification for EGA. Gail was the chair of the ANG national seminar when it was held in Detroit. The National Embroidery Teachers' Association (NETA) has enjoyed her tenures as president, secretary, and editor of NETA's Journal. And the time, talent, and love that she has committed to NAN has done much to support this organization. Gail has given herself to us as counselor, Assistant Director and Director of Teachers' Certification, Director of Education, and treasurer.

She leads us in our decision making.  She is a mentor and problem-solver.  She know how to handle difficult situations.  This gift-- the gift of herself -- has nurtured so many of us and the art we all share a love for. I have looked up to Gail Sirna for many reasons over many years. It is my honor to introduce to you Gail Sirna, the National Academy of Needlearts's 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.