Willard Bond was a charter member of the esteemed American Society of Marine Artists, ASMA, founded in 1978 and Dedicated to the Promotion of American Marine Art and the Free Exchange of Ideas Between Artists. He became an ASMA Fellow in 1983, served as a Director on the Board from 1986 through 2002, and was honored to be named Fellow Emeritus in 2009. He is now featured in their Hall of Fame Gallery.
The Society educates the public about the finest of American marine art, organizes regional juried shows, selects new members, mentors young artists, and holds a major juried members' show every three or four years, which travels for two years to maritime and art museums throughout the United States.
Willard revered the talent, and the scholarly and technical mastery of these dedicated artists, whose styles ranged from the traditional to the contemporary. In this company, Willard finally found security in a family of fellow artists who accepted him and appreciated his highly abstract, modernist style of painting sailing boats. He became deeply involved in all the Society's activities and exhibitions. He relished his mentorship and leadership roles, and especially the friendships he made with his fellow artists over thirty-five years.