Photo taken at May Creek Farms Paint-Out by Deborah Rush
Meeting–June 10
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, June 10, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Remember: BWS is taking a summer break from business meetings! We’ll resume in September. Meanwhile, watch your email for announcements of summer activities.
Following the Business Meeting, Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz will lead the evening’s program.
“Discovering your Artistic Voice”
“Every artist from beginner to professional possesses a unique voice: rich and powerful, shaped by their experiences and stories. This voice is encouraged to grow with practice and thought–not fabricated, but discovered. Your inner artistic voice is intrinsic and can be found in everyday experiences and choices in your life, reflected in things like personal handwriting, home decor, music, and favorite conversations. Your internal voice is always evolving; it is driven by continuous growth and inspiration, and your art will correspondingly change over time.
In our upcoming meeting on June 10, Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes, along with four panelists (Jerry Harste, Jacki Frey, Zain Mackey, and Tim Lewis) will explore “Discovering Your Artistic Voice” and guide you in identifying and nurturing your own distinct style.
For the workshop, bring 3-5 photos of your artwork that you particularly LIKE (cell phone or tablet is fine) plus a pencil and paper to jot down some thoughts. You will use these for some exercises.”
REMINDER: Those who made folded journals in the May meeting are encouraged to bring their partial or completed work to share at the June meeting!
Inside BWS
Be an “Artist in the Garden” at the Garden Walk
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday June 23, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Whether it’s the potting shed, the statuary, the vegetables, a magnolia tree in bloom, annual flowers or perennial flowering shrubs, you can find something to paint at one of the Bloomington Garden Club’s Garden Walk!
Want to go with a paint pal? Four of the six gardens have room for two artists. The attached descriptions explain which gardens can host more than one, so please read the attached to find one you might like.
(This year, there is a bit of confusion on the map about the numbering scheme for the gardens so let’s refer to the gardens by the street address and the owners’ names.)
Participating artist earn a free ticket for the day they aren’t painting. Just tell Kathy when you sign up.
Remember – this is a rain or shine event (within reason since a deluge of rain and paint don’t play well together).
Kathy Truelove Barton will be maintaining a signup sheet for each day. She will be sending reminders a few days ahead. If you need to cancel, please let Kathy know ASAP.
Descriptions of the Gardens
The first 2 of the gardens are compact and have space for only 1 artist each.
Jeff Soper & Erica Burrin — 900 w 2nd Street
There’s something for everyone here. A huge magnolia shades a splashing pond and a cool and calm dining retreat. Birds and their feeders abound. A small garden produces veggies. A charming playhouse is tucked in surrounded by a bounty of native and colorful plantings.
Joe & Merridee La Mantia – 82- W Howe Street
This small sunny garden uses space wisely. Tree peonies and annuals grown by seed fill the space between sidewalk and the street. In the back yard a “start” from a relative produced a jaw-dropping arbor covered with plump grapes. Willow trees offer privacy and their branches have been used in art projects.
The rest of the gardens below can each host 2 artists.
Beth Applegate & Trish Kerle – 911 W 3rd Street
Once you walk through the gate, you will be WOWED by this large, imaginative, and intricately designed garden. The path which is bordered by flowers and sculptures leads you to an infinity loop which spirals into a tour of more trees, plants, flowers, sculptures, and art.
Richard Balaban & Julie Bloom – 1916 E Ruby Lane
Welcome to the Zen Garden. This owner had problems to solve. Large trees and the lack of sun dictated the garden design and plant selection. Run off from a steep slope was diverted to create an attractive rock-filled dry stream bed. A small fountain and wisteria arbor combined to create a cool, calm retreat.
Vidan & Trace Jovanovic – 1209 S Pickwick Place
The front gardens give a clue to what is to come. Annuals planted among perennials provide summer long color. Zinnias of all types and colors grown from seed are favored by the owner. Beds of vegetables; heirloom tomatoes among them, create a continual feast for the tummy as well as the eyes.
Bob & Nancy Miller – 2369 E Linden Hill Drive
The owners designed, labored, and immersed their lives into creating this magnificent large hydrangea heaven. A walkway much like a tour takes you by a whimsical potting shed and off to see a tremendous variety of hydrangeas, Conifers, alliums, and imaginative vignettes.
Membership Renewal Time
Andy Roberts, BWS Membership Chair, wrote to say, “Just a reminder that membership renewal time is here and that our dues are still only $35.00 per year. Please go to our website: https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/ and click “Join Us” at top of the page. The alternative ways to remit and instructions are easy to follow. We look forward to another exciting year and extend an invitation to join us in all our many creative art activities along with our monthly meetings.
In closing, I would first like to thank all the members of BWS and especially the Executive Board that has allowed me the privilege of serving with them and BWS membership the past three years. I have enjoyed all that being an officer entails and would encourage those that have never served in this capacity to step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. It is personally rewarding as well as a great service to the Bloomington Arts Community.
Announcing the 2024 BWS Scholarship Winner!
The Scholarship Committee, led by Sarah Ward, is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 BWS Scholarship. Graduating from BHSS with an exceptional GPA and headed for Washington University, Miss Seongwon Park explains her education goal:
“My interest in communication design was sparked by the use of symbols in Mexico’s metro stations, aiding navigation during times of high illiteracy. This intersection of art and communication deeply resonated with me, inspiring my ambition to create impactful designs. In college, I plan to pursue interdisciplinary studies alongside a focus on visual communication design, aiming to convey messages through thoughtful visual elements.
In the long term, I aspire to become a graphic or UX designer, or even a product designer, dedicated to creating designs that enhance the lives of minority groups such as immigrants, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. I aim to find creative solutions for effective communication and propose innovative ideas that improve daily life. As an immigrant myself, I relate to the challenges they face and hope to address them through my unique designs.”
Seongwon is shown here receiving the First Place Award for her entry in Bloomington’s 2024 Eco-Heroes contest. (Photo credit: Kriste Lindberg via City of Bloomington’s Environmental Commission).
Seong’s artwork is outstanding in many mediums, including this mixed media creation titled “Rotating Through Memories and Dreams.”
May Creek Farm Paint-Out
Kathy Truelove Barton sent in a picture of BWS’ Paint-Out at May Creek Farms. She reported, “Many thanks to Sara Steffy McQueen, Sharon Parsons, and Betty Wagoner who were the hostess for the paint out at May Creek Farm during May. The day was sunny and pleasant. We had access to flower gardens, painting tables in the shelter house which opens to a pond. Some folks painted on easels on the dam looking toward the pond and beyond. We had about 11 artists painting that day, including Jeanne Dutton, Sarah Ward, Linda Brandstetter Ann Woods, Bruce Kell, Krista August, and Charlotte Griffin and her sister Carolyn Frey.
Artists are invited to bring their paintings to the June meeting to share.
SHARE YOUR ART – HAVE AN EXHIBIT and
SUPPORT CSC ART PROGRAMS
Two years ago, the Cancer Support Community and BWS partnered to create the Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery and it’s been a fine success. Participating artists have seen combined sales of over $6500, averaging $650 per show!
The BWS Gallery is located at 1719 W Third (that’s at the intersection of West Third and Landmark Avenue) in the CSC facility. Great benefits for Exhibiting Artists include:
- CSC hosts an Opening Reception on the 2nd Friday of the first month of the exhibit.
- CSC provides professional marketing materials to support each exhibit.
- CSC provides publicity through their mailing lists, social media, etc.
- Staff assists the artist in hanging the show
Thirty Feet of wall space is available to display your 2-D artwork using a STAS rail system.
Racks for greeting cards and prints and unframed originals are available.
Artists retain 70% of sales, while the remaining 30% supports the CSC art programs.
Share the Fun – Grab a Fellow Artist and have a DUO SHOW! APPLY NOW!
All of 2025 is open!
Contact Emily at CSC to apply: emily@cancersupportscin.org (812) 233-3286
CSC holds programs 3-4 times per week, and the Gallery is open to the public Tuesday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The gallery will generally be available during normal office hours.
Currently exhibiting “Fields, Flowers, and Felines” are Barbara Coffman, Linda Branstetter, and Jeanne Dutton, now through the end of August. A reception is scheduled for Friday, July 12, from 4:00-7:00.
BWS to Participate in IU’s Mini University
BWS has been invited to participate in the Eskenazi Art Museum part of IU Mini-University. Five artists from BWS can show how they do their art to participants attending Mini-University. One hour is required on June 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Eskenazi. A table and a chair can be requested along with a parking pass. Laura Brown, Claude Cookman, Jamela Jafari, Jane Matranga, and Arkady Roytman have signed up for this opportunity.
In July BWS & Upland Will Share a Paint Out
BWS and Upland are joining forces again this July for a paint out extraordinaire! We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to paint at the home of Karen Pacific and David Shipley who, through their love of flowers and art, have created stunning sculptures and gardens that we get to enjoy and paint! Besides many garden areas and vistas to choose from they have chickens, horses, a donkey, pastures, little out buildings, a big barn, and a uniquely charming home. This is a paint out you do not want to miss.
Date: Saturday July 20th
Time: 9:00-1:00|
Place: Home of Karen Pacific and David Shipley, 1600 W. Dittemore Rd., Gosport
Carpooling is encouraged as parked cars tend to distract from the view.
A map will follow when the invitation is sent closer to the time of the paint out.
Photograph compliments of Kitty Garlock
Dali Alive!
BWS is sponsoring a road trip in late July to Newfields to see the LUME exhibit, “Dali Alive!”
The exhibit includes four original and amazing watercolors Dali created as opera set designs. The LUME videos are mesmerizing!
Transportation provided by Rural Transit. Be sure to watch your email around July 1 for all the details on time and cost for reservations.
A Little Bit of History
Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, sent in this note: “Wylie House exhibited paintings from Bloomington Watercolor Society March 1st to April 30th, 2014 from a previous paint out in July of the gardens, museum, and docents in period attire.”
Outside BWS
T. C. Steele Member Art Show
The show is open to all members of Friends of T.C. Steele or to
non-members who apply for membership while completing the show’s entry
form. BWS artists are invited to enter their artwork in the show.
Information and entry form are found at:
https://tcsteele.org/2024-member-art-show-registration/
Show dates: August 3 -24, 2024 at Brown County Art Gallery, Nashville, IN.
Registration deadline: July 22, 2024
Delivery of Artwork: July 27- 28, 2024
Reception and Awards Ceremony: Aug. 3, 2024, 2-4 pm
Pick-up Artwork: Aug. 25-26, 2024
Judge: Caleb Weintraub, Assoc. Professor, Area Head of Painting, and Director of Undergraduate at the Eskenazi School of Arts, Architecture, and Design at Indiana University.
All levels of art experience accepted. Award categories: Professional, Amateur/Emerging Artists, and Youth. Parents, grandparents, art tutors and teachers, please encourage young artists to enter the show.
Professional 2023 First Place; Photo Compliments of Betty Wagoner
Watercolor Society of Indiana
Tim Lewis, WSI President sent in this list of upcoming WSI events:
- The Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Member’s Show opens June 14th at Gallery Forty-Two, 42 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, with a public reception at 6:00 pm. The show runs through July 26th.
- The Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Juried Show opens August 2nd at the Waller Gallery in the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in Indianapolis. There is a a public reception and awards ceremony on August 4th at 2:00 pm and the show runs through September 28th.
- There are several demonstrations and workshops by well known artists available through the Watercolor Society of Indiana over the next several months. Check out the WSI website for details: https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/
Membership News
Jerome Harste. While I don’t know whom to credit, I found this delightful poem on Facebook and decided it just had to be shared:
Tim Lewis. I have two new watercolors:
- “Eventually” is a 15” x 22” watercolor of a local tavern near the OSU campus in Columbus, OH.
- “Day’s End” is a 15” x 11” watercolor of three sandhill cranes returning to the Platt river in Nebraska to nest for the night.
Susan Savastuck. Susan shared her painting “Spring Iris After Dark.” Then added, “One more thing: Final Gallery Walk Reception at Bloomingfoods West : “Portraits in Pointillism.”
“Spring Iris After Dark” by Susan Savastuck
“Portraits in Pointillism” by Susan Savastruck
Andy Roberts. I have two recent paintings to share. Both paintings have been in some stage of completion for several months but I recently took time to complete them.
First: Owensburg District School- circa 1955 – was my school from 1st thru 8th grades. I have a lot of fond memories and some exaggerated stories from my days at Owensburg School. I am proud to finally put the image on paper. Pen and Ink- Watercolor
Second: Gnaw Bone Camp- Gnaw Bone, Indiana – a summer camp for girls that has been in operation for 50+ years and is a great place to paint en Plein Air. Pen and Ink- Watercolor.
Kitty Garlock. This painting was done at Terra Flora north of Bloomington and I always wanted to put something silhouetted in the very bright large space at the center right…an animal , person, a little thing of interest…any idea or suggestions as to do or not do?
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 10 – BWS Meeting – “Finding Your Artist Voice.”
June 12 – Eskenazi Museum of Art, BWS artist providing “live art.” Registration required.
June 22-23 – Garden Walk.
July TBD – Dali Alive! Road Trip to Newfields.
July 20 – Paint Out, Kitty Garlock, hosting, location TBA.
August 10 – Paint Out at Owen Valley Winery, April Bledsoe and Zoe Dean, hosting.
September 9 – BWS meetings resume. Show and share summer work.
