June 11, 6:15pm, First Christian Church

Hospitality thanks (Mary Walker)

Thank you to Mary, Betty, Claude, and Jane!

Minutes approval:

Minutes were available on the Web and no changes were proposed. Motion Cathy Korinek   Second Kitty Garlock

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman)

Thank you to everyone who renewed their memberships!  Please send your membership payment by the end of June!

Old Business

Installation of 2018-19 Officers

There is no formal ceremony for incoming officers. We will take a headshot photo of each new officer to publish on the BWS website.

The new executive board: President- Kitty Garlock, VP- Jane Matranga, 2^nd VP- Charlotte Griffin, Treasurer- Patty Uffman, and Secretary-Jill Olshavsky.

A special thank you to Jane Matranga for your efforts as President. A small gift of portable watercolor paintbrushes was given to Jane.

Charlotte – Garden Walk 

Thank you everyone for signing up to paint on the Garden Walk. It is a two to four hour commitment to paint. This event is sponsored by the Bloomington Gardening Club. Please pick a good spot so you aren’t in everyone’s way! Lots of people walk through the gardens and sometimes the paths are small and narrow. Please introduce yourselves to the owner of the garden and ask them for a good place to set up camp!

Charlotte has printed BWS business cards to hand out to visitors who would like more information.

The addresses will be posted online 24 hours before the Garden Tour. We are encouraged to start the tour at the museum.

If you sign up to paint in the gardens then you do not need a ticket.

New business 

Committee Reports

Activities Jeanne Dutton

• Table Sale (When you Spring Clean create a box for the Sale)

The Table Sale will be held September 10^th, the first meeting this Fall. If you are cleaning out your studio, please bring things to donate to the Table Sale! Any usable art supplies in any medium will be accepted. You can price them or drop them off a head of time at Jeanne’s house and she will price them. All proceeds will be used to support the BWS Scholarship fund.

Suggestion: We should use grocery store round-up on all items for sale (to the nearest dollar) to avoid change of nickels and dimes.  Motion for rounding to the nearest dollar at the Table Sale: Robin Edmundson Second: Nancy Davis Metz

• Day Trip

There is a day trip for Ivy Tech Center for Life-Long Learning. You can enroll online. The trip on July 19^th will an extended tour of Twinrocker Paper Company in Indiana. Transportation (bus) is included and you get to make your own piece of paper. The early bird special is $69. Limited to 20 people. Lunch (not included) will be at German bakery next door.

Upland Painters Activities Kristen Stamper

The 2018 calendar has already filled up! If you need contact info please see Kristen.

• Tuesday we will meet at the IU Campus behind the Lily Library with access to the President’s house garden.
• June- Yellowwood State Forest & Kinder Farm.
• July – Moody Farm, WhippoorWill Farm, & Harvest Moon Flower Farm.
• August- Lake Cross, Lampkins Ridge, Bean Blossom, and the near west side neighborhood of Bloomington.

We have been invited to paint at the Botanical Gardens in a few weeks. This will be a separate event from the Upland’s usual paint-outs.

Please keep in mind that all painting locations have shade and are accessible for everyone!

Claude Cookman (6-10 Min) Portrait Group Video Show

The Portrait Group tries to schedule models as diverse as possible in age, ethnicity, gender & gender identity. We meet every other Thursday from 1-3pm. August through may will meet at the Banneker Center 930 W 7^th Street. The rest of the meetings will be held at the Monroe County Public Library (room 2A, past the racks of DVDs).

Everyone is welcome! All mediums welcome! Participants encourage and support each other. $3-5 fee to pay the models. Please email Claude if you would like to model or join!                                                                     

Programs Charlotte Griffin

Pass around suggestion sheet for Programs for next year return to Charlotte

Activities Nancy Metz

July Paint out and Participation in Brushstrokes

July 14^th will be at People’s Park on Kirkwood/Dunn at 7:30am-11:30am. Historically July paint-outs are cancelled due to weather. This time we’re meeting extra early to beat the heat! People’s Park is right across the street from Bloomington Bagels.

Nancy has passed out a small sheet of aluminum foil. You will know what it’s for once you read Brushstrokes!

Please send news for Brushstrokes in advance before it’s posted! Member participation is much appreciated.

Shows Jane Matranga

2018 Membership Show plans

1. Get paintings ready to for the Membership Show, drop off is Wednesday, Aug 1st, 10-noon.  Please be on time and respect the drop off window; get a friend to help drop off if need be.  No sawtooth hangers or screw eyes; flat hangers and taunt wire please.  Please read the prospectus.  Most importantly, please participate and submit a painting.
2.  Folks who would like to submit their painting for publicity purposes need to email them to Kathy Barton by July 7th.  This is optional and is not a requirement to participate in the show.
3.  Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered to help with show preparations and food donations.
4.  Other info: Show location:  The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E Sixth St
5. Reception Aug 3rd, 5-8 September Gallery Walk, Sept 7th, 5-8 Volunteers needed
6. Pickup Sept 28, 10-noon

Publicity: Char Dapena

A Save the Date Card will be emailed to you! Please forward to others. Show title: We Paint (past, present & future). The show information will be posted on Instagram, in galleries, and in Bloom magazine. We are in contact with the Herold Times. You have 6 weeks to get your painting done and framed!

Announcements

• BWS received a card from Deanie, Bob Ferguson’s wife. Unfortunately, Bob passed away on May 25^th. Deanie has made a donation to BWS.  There will be a service for Bob on Labor Day. The venue TBD. If you would like to send a card please email Nancy for the address.  Suggestion: It would be nice to do something nice with the donation from Deanie instead of spending it on napkins/snacks.
• James Min-Ching Yang (former BWS member) has passed away May 30^th in Taiwan at the age of 81. We will get the address to send a card to the family. The family has always been extremely supportive of the arts.
• Betty Walker, Joanne Shank and Kathy Barton have a studio downtown on the Square. If anyone would like to do a demo on gallery walk nights, please let them know. You can bring a box of matted art to sell. Please contact if you are interested!
• Kristen Stamper: Rose Brunner is currently at the Waldron! The Brown County Gallery juried show has accepted a piece by Kristen. Congratulations Kristen!
• Nancy Davis Metz and Carol Rhodes will be offering a class June 30^th 9am-5pm. Title: Through the Windows. Watercolor and Gouache. Please enroll!
• Thank you to Claude Cookman for an extra contribution to BWS along with your membership.

Program: Sara Steffy-McQueeen “Mixed Media Abstracts” Let’s play with some of those failed paintings

First Christian Church 6:15 pm

Charlotte Griffin ran the meeting for Jane Matranga who was taking students to Paris.

New members introduction: Francie Agostino, Dawn Cartwright, and Suzanne Thorin

Hospitality:  Refreshments Chair, Mary Walker, gave thanks to Nancy  Davis-Metz, Jacqueline Fernette, Patty Uffman, Charlotte Griffin and Penny Lulich who provided bounteous  refreshments.  Mary passed around a sign-up for refreshments for future meetings.

Minutes:  Charlotte Griffin referred to the minutes of the April meeting as published on line.  No corrections were voiced.

Minutes were approved:  Motion: Carla Hedges, Second: Kathy Barton

Treasurer’s Report:  Char Dapena gave the treasurer’s report for Patty Uffman who was ill and specifics are available by contacting Patty.   Char reminded the members that membership dues are to be paid in June.  Dues are $35 for individuals and $50 for families and should be mailed to our PO Box or you can use pay pal.  BWS cards with envelopes are for sale for $12/packet.

The report was approved:  Motion: Betty Wagoner, Second: Kitty Garlock

Old Business

Charlotte Griffin distributed the slate of officers for 2018-2019. The handout included the list of Committee Chairs who represent the extended board and Officers who represent the Executive Board. These individuals will take office following the June meeting. The members of BWS vote on the Officers/Executive board.  The chairpersons are appointed by the president; the only open position is for Activities chairman, and anyone who would like to volunteer should contact Kitty Garlock.   The members in attendance approved the election of the slate of officers proposed as follows:

• Kitty Garlock, President
• Jane Matranga, 1^st VP
• Charlotte Griffin, 2^nd VP
• Patty Uffman, Treasurer
• Jill Olshavsky, Secretary

Charlotte Griffin reported on the BWS sponsored workshop by Dale Popovich.  Dale, who was a graduate and an instructor at the American Academy of Art, Chicago, IL, presented a successful workshop on April 28 in which all who participated learned a lot. Dale did 3 demos. Those who attended painted along with him on the third demo.  Charlotte Griffin brought 2 of Dale’s demo paintings, and she and 4 others brought their paintings from the workshop.

New Business

None

Chair Reports

Activities:

• We will have an art supply table sale in September or October to raise money for our scholarship fund.  During your spring cleaning, please create a box for the sale.
• Charlotte Griffin passed around a sign-up sheet for the 2018 Garden Walk paint out. Those who sign up receive a ticket to the garden walk.
• Nancy Davis-Metz passed out a list of up-coming weekend paint-outs which she and Babette Ballinger put together, and she passed around sign-up sheets:

Upcoming Paint outs:

May 19, Brown County State Park,

June 16-17, Bloomington Garden Club Garden Walk, Artist in the Garden

July 14. People’s Park,

August 17. West Baden Springs,

September 8 T.C. Steele Historic Site,

and October TBD May Creek Farm.

For more detail see Brushstrokes closer to the specific date.

Upland Plein Air Painters:

• Kristen Stamper reported that Upland Plein Air Painters would meet
  • May 15 at Morgan Monroe State Forest,
  • May 22 Tuesday at Payne Town,
  • May 29 at Cedar Creek, hosted by Jackie Frey,
  • and June 5 at Babette Balliger’s home for an organizational meeting and pitch-in lunch.

Kristin passed around a sign-up sheet for hosts for future Upland meetings. Kristin also reported that the Hidden Treasures of Indiana exhibit at the Wiley House barn which ended on Thursday, involved 18 artists who exhibited 44 works (up to 3 per artist). Over 65 attended, and one painting was sold.  The entrance fee was used for a People’s Choice Award which was given to  Kristen Stamper and Jackie Frey in a tie vote.

Scholarship:

Jo Weddle reported that she presented the BWS scholarship to Clara Smith at the BHHSS awards ceremony, and she read Clara’s letter which was quite impressive.  Clara will be invited to attend one of our meetings in the Fall.

Programs:

Jo Weddle reminded the members that Sara Steffey-McQueen’s program for the June 11 meeting is ‘Mixed media and abstract’.  Members are each asked to bring a failed painting or two as well as watercolor crayons.

At the June meeting we will be asked to contribute ideas for next year’s programs.

Kathy Barton said that we could publish a BWS book for about $20 with the proceeds to be used for our scholarship program. Kathy volunteered to work on it, and Babette Ballinger and Candi Bailey also volunteered.

Shows:

Anne-Karine Bley reported that she is chairing the 2018 BWS show on August 3 at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage. She passed around sign-up sheets for people to bring food for the reception on August 3, to take in and hang the show, and to greet people at the reception on September 1.  Images should be submitted by July 7 (note this is a correction in date) to Anne-Karine for publicity.  August 1 from 10-12 is when paintings are to be dropped off, August 3 from 5-8 is the reception, September 7 from 5-8 is a second gallery walk when a representative from BWS would be helpful.  There is no specific theme for the show, but the committee will decide on a title.

Announcements

• Charlotte Griffin reported that Jerry Harste’s show at the Waldron ends May 19 and encouraged everyone to see it.
• Jo Weddle described the tree painting in the lobby of First Christian Church which features her and several other BWS members’ tree paintings.
• Bob Buress told us about Paint Columbus, the first annual event for plein air painting in which he participated.  Artists are invited to submit 2 paintings, and 1/3 of the paintings sold.  Columbus will repeat the event in the Fall as part of ‘Exhibit Columbus’.
• Cassidy Young reported that on Friday the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship would have an emerging artists show from 5-7:30.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm

Program:  Cassidy Young:  Collaborative Art Exercises/Silly Portrait

First Christian Church
April 9, 2018, 6:16pm

• Guests Welcome- Former BWS member, Dan Alexander (a wonderful artist who has a studio over The Book Corner) is a guest tonight.

Dan opens his studio to the public every other month on the first Friday. He is always looking for art to fill the gallery wall in his studio, no commission if your work sells. Please bring a bottle of wine/munchies the night of the event and self-promote your art

• New Members Introduction- Linda Branstetter, Linda Mann, Dianna Mattos, Donnie & Elizabeth Mattos (family membership)
• Hospitality: Thanks to Anne-Karine Bley, Bess Lee, Betty Wagoner, Kathy Barton, Sara McQueen and Mary Walker for all the goodies.  Mary passed around sign-up for refreshments for future meetings.
• Minutes: Erin Duff – Minutes approval: Motion Meri Reinhold Second Kathy Truelove-Barton
• Treasurer’s Report: Patty Uffman – Balances & Expenses Report

Old Business

• Charlotte- We are low on enrollment with the Dale Popovich workshop on April 28th. There is space for 20 people. There will be a handout about materials that you will need, along with links to his tutorials
• Jane- Won’t be present for the May BWS meeting (taking students to Paris). Jane will become the 1st Vice President for the next BWS term. Jane will be retiring next year.

New Business

Jane Matranga:

• Call for members willing to serve as president and secretary
• Call for volunteers to serve on a money generating ideas task force

Committee Reports

Programs: Jo Weddle  The May meeting program has been switched. Cassidy Young will present at the next BWS meeting on May 14th with Collaborative Art Exercises & Silly Portrait Exercises. Please bring watercolor materials to the meeting. Sara Steffey McQueen will present at the June 11th BWS meeting with Non-Objective: What is Abstract to You? Please bring some unsuccessful pieces of art that you have made. We will have a group discussion.

There will be a sheet passed around at the BWS June meeting to gather ideas and suggestions for Program topics next year.

Scholarship: Jo Weddle -The BWS Scholarship applications came in on March 30th through MCCSC, only one person applied. The BWS Scholarship Committee will give a recommendation back to the foundation. MCCSC will make the final decision.
Shows: Anne-Karine Bley –  Members Show – August/September, upcoming juried shows.

• The Membership Show is scheduled in August and will be held at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage. The information is also on Brushstrokes. Drop off will be August 1st at 10am-12n. The reception will be on Friday, August 3rd. The Gallery Walk on August 7th will be another opportunity to see the show. Pick up will be on September 28th. The size limitation is 24”, edge to edge. Make sure your membership dues are paid (requirement to be in the show)! Anne-Karine Bley will send out lots of emails as reminders.
• The Art of Chocolate: Please keep thinking of ideas for next year!
  Now is the time to start thinking about the Signature Membership process if you are interested. There is a list of shows that you can apply to (National Watercolor Show, State Fair, Watercolor Society of Indiana, etc.). Deadlines to join shows is quickly approaching.
• The Show Chair is constantly looking for venues for future BWS shows. Not all spaces are appropriate for Membership Shows. Anne-Karine is compiling a list of information for artists upon request.

Upland Painters Activities: Kristen Stamper

• Plein Air painting at Cascade Falls 4/10 will be from 11am-1pm. Please dress warm!
• Saturday,4/14, is the artist reception for Hidden Treasure of Indiana at the Wylie House.
• Tuesday, 4/17, will be with Rebecca out near Morgan Monroe State Forest.
• Tuesday, 4/24, the paint-out will be at McCormics Creek State park.
• Tuesday, 5/1, the paint-out will be at Bryants Lake Shelter House.
• The Tuesday, 5/8, paint-out will be at a Lake House belonging to Henry Leck in Brown county.

On May 10th, artists must pick up their paintings from The Hidden Treasures of Indiana Show. There are 17 members displaying 43 paintings. The show looks great! Great publicity and support from Kathy Truelove-Barton and Sara Steffey McQueen. All of the property owners of where Upland has painted have been invited to the show. There will be an award of $75 for People’s Choice Award. Voting will be held at the reception.

Announcements

Jo Weddle: The Church has instituted security procedures and doors will be locked. The Washington Street door will be able to be opened by a code on the security keypad to the right of the door between 5:00 and 9:00 – the code is: 1029#. Be sure to punch the numbers firmly and don’t forget the #. That should open the door. Jo Weddle will monitor her phone 812 345 6217 throughout the meeting if you have a problem.

Bess & Joe Lee: have a show at the Blueline Gallery. The show will be up through April 27th. 30% of profits will go to Earth Charter (a non-profit out of Indianapolis). The Blueline Gallery is open from 10am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Meri Reinhold: is downsizing and moving into town. She brought a ton of painting supplies for everyone to take home.

Robin Edmundson: is having an Open Studio May 5th from 10am-5pm. The address is 6877 E Bland Rd. Solsberry, IN 47459 812-876-9583. Robin has a painting in the Hoosier Women Artists Exhibit: Works Selected for the Statehouse. The show will be up until July 7th. The address is 920 E State St, Lafayette, IN 47905.

Jo Weddle: The last BWS meeting, Jo passed around a Bloomington sketchbook from 2004. She accidentally took one home that wasn’t hers. Jo will bring the book back to the next meeting.

Patty Uffman: Watercolor prints of 8 watercolor cards w/ envelopes are for sale for $12. All profits go to BWS /Scholarship fund. We will possibly make new cards in the future.

Sara Steffey-McQueen:

• 2nd May Day Celebration on the first weekend in May! There will be a pot luck and an outdoor dance party on Saturday. Sunday will be the family day (May Pole, puppet show, family celebration). Everyone is invited to come!
• The Tree Sisters Organization is planting 2 million trees a year. It is a Great Brittian charity. They focus on reforestation of Rain forests that have been destroyed. If you are selling your art, please consider donating a percentage to Tree Sisters.

Meeting adjourned at 6:56pm

Program:

From “Ladies’ Medium” to Color Field: A Short History of Watercolor Painting in America
Nan Brewer, the Eksenazi Museum of Art’s Lucienne M. Glaubinger Curator of Works on Paper

First Christian Church

March 12, 2018, 6:10pm

            Charlotte Griffin (1^st VP) filling in for Jane Matranga (president)

Guests Welcome: Don Cartwright, Linda Merile, & Dawn Grace

New Members Introduction: Glenda Thompson

Hospitality:  Thanks to Mary Walker, pass around sign-up for refreshments

Minutes: Erin Duff – Minutes approval:  Motion Candi Bailey  Second Betty Wagoner

• Correction by Kristen Stamper- The Hidden Treasures of Indiana date was incorrect published in the Minutes on Brushstrokes last month. The date needs to be corrected to April 3^rd.

Treasurer’s Report: Patty Uffman – Balances & Expenses Report Acceptance: Motion Char Dapena Second Nina Ost

Old Business  

Joanne Weddle: Security. We’d like to keep the Church building secure without leaving all of the doors open. The doors will be locked after the meeting starts. There is a security box to the right of the door that will require a four-digit security code to unlock the door. The code will be valid for a designated time before it expires (the few hours the meeting is held). An email will be sent to BWS members with the door security code and Jo’s cell phone number (in case you need help getting inside).

Cards sold as part of the Art of Chocolate Week: BWS sold $130, Gabe (The Venue) sold $50, The Art of Chocolate sold $80 during opening night. A total of $260 card sales. Kristen Stamper sold a painting at The Art of Chocolate! Congratulations, Kristen!

New Business

Jane Matranga:

• Call for volunteers to serve on nominating committee.

The nominating position is short lived. We are looking to find people to take on the responsibility for a year. Please volunteer!

• Call for volunteers to serve on a money generating ideas task force 

Joanne Weddle shared The Bloomington Sketchbook printed in 2004. The book was passed around the room. It would be a great idea to publish a BWS Sketchbook for Bloomington’s two-hundred-year anniversary! Note: Susan Jane Williams is a professional publicist that can make cards out of all of our work. She may be a good contact to discuss publishing a BWS Sketchbook.

• Chair members, please announce if you a staying/leaving your position for the next term

Committee Reports

Activities: Charlotte Griffin  The Workshop on April 28 is on Landscape Painting presented by Dale Popovich.

    The Website has more information and the Paypal button is active.

Brushstrokes: Nancy Metz Nancy not present.

Publicity: Sara Steffey-McQueen Sara not present.

Programs: Jo Weddle 

• April 9^th Meeting Nan Brewer (The Lucienne m. Glaubinger Curator of Works on Paper, Eskenazi Museum of Art, IU) will be presenting “Ladies Medium” to Color Field: a short history of watercolor painting in America.
• May 14^th, Sara Steffey McQueen will present on “Mixed Media Abstracts”.
• June 11^th, Cassidy Young will present on “Collaborative Art Exercise/ Silly Portraits”.

Scholarship: Babette has scholarship donation forms.

Applicants are due by March 30^th. Donation forms are available through the MCCSC foundation. Please pick up a form if you’d like to make a donation. A $300 scholarship will be awarded to a MCCSC High School graduating senior.

Shows: Anne-Karine Bley Anne-Karine not present.

Charlotte delivered Anne-Karine’s message to members to inform them that the fall membership show will be early this year (August or September).  It will be hung at The Vault.  Expect a prospectus soon and plan on creating some wonderful art to enter in the show this summer.

Activites: Jeanne in absentia:

    A reminder to everyone to pick up their paintings at the Vault on Monday, April 2, from 11am-2pm. Jeanne will send out a reminder.

Upland Painters Activities: Kristen Stamper 

    Upland is sponsoring a show of Plein Air paintings: Hidden Treasures of Indiana. Please sign up now! Paintings must be turned in on March 31^st at  The Wylie House. Plein Air is the theme. You can submit up to two pieces. Paintings can be up to 35” wide. There is a $5 commitment fee which will go to the People’s Choice Award. The show will run from April 3^rd-May 9^th.

Wednesday, March 13^th, Upland Painters will paint inside the Wylie House museum. Tuesday, March 20^th, Jackie Frey.

Announcements

Meri Reinhold: Sent out an announcement on February 8^th on the listserv but it did not go through. Announcement: there is an artist in residence opportunity at Porcupine State Park for two weeks. Applications are due March 30^th. Artists will find out if they have been accepted by April 30^th. The artist will stay at a rustic cabin, 25 miles from the shoreline of Lake Superior in the UP of Michigan. There are lakes, rivers, waterfalls in the virgin forest. The payment for the residents will be one finished art piece.

Jo: Charles Gruppe: Afloat or Ashore- trip to the French Rivera in Europe. Lunch and dinner not included. The trip will include time in France and Italy (coast cities). The focus will be on Impressionism. The trip leaves from New York. You do not need to be a painter to join the trip.

Charlotte Griffin passed around copies of an email from Brown County Art Guild for a plein air offering on March 31^st, hosted by Jeanne McLeish and Jerry Smith. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/407014663044618/?active_tab=about

Meeting closed @ 6:40pm

Program: Founding members Alice Sharp and Paul Sharp made a presentation about how to do plein air painting.

First Christian Church

February 12, 2018, 6:15pm

Guests Welcome

New Members Introduction:  Glenda Thompson & Carolyn Waldman (not present)

Hospitality:  Thanks to Mary Walker, pass around sign-up for refreshments

Minutes: Erin Duff – Minutes approval:  Motion Patty Uffman    Second Char Dapena

Treasurer’s Report: Patty Uffman – Balances & Expenses Report

$50 from two new members.

Old Business

Patty Uffman: Dues increase & BWS Operating Budget

Our current year ends in June. When dues become due in May, the annual cost will increase to $35.

New Business

Jane Matranga: We are asking for nominations to form a BWS money raising committee (four people). Please email Jane if you are willing to serve on the task force or if you have any ideas to share. The committee will meet in mid-March and come up with ideas to raise funds/ determine what is feasible for 2018-2019.

We are also looking for nominations for board members. We will need a new Secretary and President (Jane will move to the 2nd Vice President position) next year. Patty Uffman will stay on as Treasurer. Patty Uffman and Kathy Barton were on the nominating committee last year. Nominations must be turned into the Board before everyone votes in May. The Chair of Nominating committee will present new nominations at the April meeting.

Committee Reports

Activities: Jeanne Dutton (not present)

Art of Chocolate: We Paint Jazz

Approximately 150 people came to the reception from 5-7:30pm. Best of Show went to our brand new member, Katya. Her family was here visiting from the Ukraine. Candi Bailey received second place for her shell mosaic. Carol Rhodes art was selected to be on the cover of the program. Proceeds from card sales went to Life Designs.

Brushstrokes: Nancy Metz

Jo Weddle: A shout out to Nancy for doing such a great job taking over Brushstrokes. It takes a lot of time and hard work!

Publicity: Sara Steffey-McQueen (2 min.) (Sara not present)

Cassidy Young: The Kentucky Watercolor Society will announce to their members about our workshop with Dale Popovich so we can get more interest. Sara distributed the scholarship posters to the local high schools. The prospectus and PR items will be distributed in March.

The Wylie House exhibition will be in April. There will be postings on the community calendars. Sara will release information on social media and Cathy Barton is in charge of print media. If you have something that you’d like to say about your piece please submit to Sara or Cathy.  Check out @GalleryWalkBtown on Instagram to see some of our work posted.

Cassidy offered to run a workshop on Instagram for those who are unfamiliar with the app.

Upland Painters Activities: Kristen Stamper

The Upland schedule has changed: February 20th meeting will be sketching ballet class at MAC, Feb 27th will be sketching at Mathers Museum, March 13th at Wylie House museum during Spring break

The Upland Show

Please read Brushstrokes regarding information on the Upland Show—Hidden Treasures of Indiana.

Please grab a prospectus from Kristen.

Kitty Garlock: We are asking for a $5 commitment fee to submit your plein air painting for the Hidden Treasures of Indiana at the Wylie House. Paintings will be judged for People’s Choice Award. The $5 commitment fee goes to the award. Please look at the prospectus to get information on how the paintings need to be hung. Artists must manage their own sales. Buyers will be contacting the painters directly. You are welcome to sell your painting during the show but please have another painting to take its place. The reception will probably be the best opportunity to sell your painting. Note: these are plein air paintings, not still lives.

Programs: Jo Weddle Printed programs list passed out to everyone.

Alice Sharp will be our guest next month for the program on “Plein Air Painting.”. Alice creates illustrations for textbooks.

Connie Brorsen has reserved our Christmas Party for December 5th at Meadowood.

Scholarship: Jo Weddle

Information went out to school counselors on January 24th. Posters have been delivered by Sara. The deadline is Friday, March 30th. We were planning to pass out fliers at the Venue during the Emerging Artists Show but that has been put on hold. We have lots of fliers to pass out. The Youth Art Month at the Waldron in March will  be a good opportunity to get the word out.

Announcements

Nancy Davis Metz: IMO an abbreviation for “In My Opinion” in Brushstrokes: “If you could paint anywhere your heart’s desire, where would you paint?” Please answer in no more than three sentences and email to Nancy.

Claude Cookman: The Thursday, February 22nd portrait model will be Connie Brorsen (BWS member) at Meadowood from 1-3pm.

Notecards are available for $12/pack.

Meeting adjourned 6:50pm.

Program: Anne-Karin A Non-Traditional Approach to Composition

First Christian Church

January 8, 2018, 6:15pm

Guests Welcome: Katya Alexeeva & Merry Wenger

New Members Introduction

Hospitality:  Thanks to Mary Walker, pass around sign-up for refreshments

Thank you to Bess, Charlotte, Jane, & Cassidy for contributing refreshments.

Minutes: Erin Duff – Minutes approval:  Motion Jane Matranga Second Patty Uffman

Treasurer’s Report: Patty Uffman – Balances & Expenses Report

Petty cash: $100, PayPal: $38, IUCU: $1,747, Balance: $1,885.

Reminder: Packets of notecards are for sale for $12 or $1 each.

Old Business

New business

BWS Operating Budget – Patty Uffman

BWS will honor our budget commitments the remainder of the year through June 2018. There are now about eighty BWS members. With continued membership growth, more shows, and more committees, there is a need for more resources. Late last year we voted yes to pass an amendment to change the bylaws. Most members voted in favor. The bylaws state that membership fees will be determined periodically (most likely an annual basis). A budget committee was formed, including Charlotte Griffin, Carol Rhodes, and Patty Uffman. We currently have limited operating funds which are an essential part of any sustainable organization. Our expenses and the list of expenses have increased over the past twelve years. BWS collects about $2,000 a year in membership dues. Our annual expenses equal about $3,000. The committee presented the budget to the board, which voted with a unanimous decision to approve increased dues. We have reallocated some amounts, including a reduced amount for the Venue emerging artists award, eliminating the BWS tote bags, and eliminating the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington membership. BWS membership dues (payable May 1st) for next year will increase by $10 (Associate membership will increase by $5). We have also added new allocations, including a $50 budget for the portraits group, a $100 budget for Upland Painters, increased the shows budget to $400, and offset the annual workshop by $250 (so members don’t have to absorb all of the cost).

Our current budget will end after the last meeting in June, 2018. The new budget starts in July, 2018.

If anyone wants to make a gift/donation please address to Bloomington Watercolor Society.

Suggestion: Adding an entry fee of $5-10 for our membership shows. The bylaws state that Signature members are exempt from show entry fees.

Note: The membership show is a benefit for being part of our organization. Adding an entry fee will complicate the show.

Suggestion: We might do another set of notecards. Notecards do bring in more money.

Suggestion: A proposed revenue coming in that would cover us from July 2018 to June 2019. It might be helpful to have revenues and expenses in writing made available to members.

Suggestion: A committee should be formed to come up with fundraiser projects, possibly charging for shows, more notecards, etc to help offset the revenue/budget balance. Motion: Cathy Barton Second: Anne-Karine Bley

Committee Reports

Activities: Jeanne Dutton Art of Chocolate: We Paint Jazz

Art of Chocolate: Mardi Gras overall theme. Our BWS theme is “We Paint Jazz”. Please submit your images soon. An image will be used for the program. The image will go online and you’ll be credited. Check out http://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/bwsshows/we-paint-jazz-prospectus/ to look at the show rules. Please drop off your artwork on Tuesday January 30th. The Opening is on February 2nd for the Gallery Walk. There will be a $100 Best of Show prize and two tickets for the Keynote event ($150 value). The runner up will receive two tickets to the Keynote event ($150 value). The remaining tickets will get distributed by raffle. All details are online.

There will be three volunteers to paint notecards onsite (Cassidy, Robin, & Jeanne). You can donate greeting cards to the event. Sale from cards will go to benefit Life Designs.

Brushstrokes: Jeanne Dutton New editor: Nancy Metz

Publicity: Sara Steffey-McQueen  Anne-Karine Bley speaking for Sara

Winter Scenes for HT must be submitted by January 10th. See Anne-Karine Bley for questions. They will most likely be published January 14th.

Upland Painters Activities: Kristen Stamper

Upland, current locations for this month and general committee participation guidelines

Upland is having a winter organization meeting on January 16th, 10:30am at Jacki’s house in Ellettsville (5024 W September Drive). We are planning our calendar with a pitch in lunch. Please bring a current piece of artwork to share.

There is an organized Plein air event at the Wylie House Museum Bradley Education Center (307 E 2nd St). Theme: Hidden Treasures of Indiana. The prospectus is on the BWS website. You can submit two pieces from an event sponsored by BWS. The pieces need to be 60% completed onsite in Plein air. The final layers can be added later. There is a $5 cash commitment fee to enter. The profits will be used for People’s Choice award (voted on at the reception). Work must be framed with hangers. Please see Penny to sign up. We are taking commitments until March. The reception will be held on Saturday, April 14th 2pm-4:30pm. Please spread the word!

Programs: Jo Weddle

Betty Wagoner is doing the program tonight. Anne-Karine Bley will do the program next month (non-traditional, abstract approach to composition).

Brushstrokes will publish what supplies you need to bring to the meeting next month.

Scholarships: Jo Weddle

The scholarships go out at the end of next month. Posters from White Rabbit have been printed. Sara Steffey McQueen will hang the posters at schools. The scholarship award is $300. Theme: Paint outside the box.

Announcements

Jeanne Iler

Jeanne Iler was an original BWS member and a professional artist. She moved to California four years ago to be closer to family. Her son passed away suddenly. You are welcome to send her a card. Jo has sent a card to her family on behalf of BWS.

Tricia Wente

says “hello” to everyone!

‘

Program: Betty Wagoner – Aerial Perspective

Meeting adjourned 7:10pm.

First Christian Church

November 13, 2017, 6:20pm

Guests Welcome

New Members Introduction Jan Ellis (joined in June)

Hospitality:  Thanks to Mary Walker, pass around sign-up for refreshments

A special thank you to Babette, Claude, Kathy, Patty, & Kristin!

January is taken care of for refreshments, but we need more sign-ups for future months.

Minutes: Erin Duff

Minutes approval:  Motion Babette Ballinger Second Cathy Korinek

Treasurer’s Report: Patty Uffman – Balances & Expenses Report

Note: If we buy cards directly from BWS, we keep 100% of proceeds. If we buy from the Venue, we only keep 50% of the proceeds.

Cards are $12 for a pack of 8, $1 for singles.

Patty is accepting money for the holiday party. $22 for members, $24 for guests. You can pay through PayPal or via the postal system with an email to info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org saying that a check is coming to the post office box. (PO Box 5236 zip 47407).

Acceptance: Motion Charlotte Griffin Second Candi Bailey

*Note: Sue Haverstock passed in September, BWS will send a card of condolences.

Old Business

Shows: Anne-Karine Bley – Members Show Takedown & pick up

BWS Membership Show closes on November 21^st. Stop by at the Vault and check it out if you haven’t yet! Please pick up your paintings on Wednesday morning, November 22^nd from 10am-12n (the day before Thanksgiving).

New business

Membership Directory – Nancy Metz – distribute an updated membership directory

Committee Reports

Activities: Jeanne Dutton Art of Chocolate: We Paint Jazz

The prospectus is available online at bloomingtonwatercolor.org/bwsshows/we-paint-jazz-prospectus. Delivery of artwork is on Tuesday, January 30^th from 11am-2pm at The Vault Gallery. The show runs from February 2^nd to April 2^nd (2 months). The Vault will have both receptions. BWS has no financial responsibility except for printing the programs. The Best of Show award will be sponsored by The Vault. Life Designs will be giving two $75 dinner tickets to the Best of Show winner. 4 more tickets will be available to draw for. BWS is the only group who is involved in this show. 50% commission goes to Life Designs which support living situations for people with disabilities. A worthy cause!

Jazz@BloomingtonWatercolor.org -all questions regarding Art of Chocolate goes to this email address.

There will be a Keynote event at The Union- three artists sit and paint watercolor. The artists paint and sell cards. The proceeds go to Life Designs. Feel free to paint Greeting cards to donate!

Brushstrokes: Jeanne Dutton

Brushstrokes is posted online! December will be Jeanne’s last issue. Nancy will take over Brushstrokes. If someone wants to volunteer for 2^nd vice president for 6 months (involves being part of the executive board) please contact us!

Upland Painters Activities: Kristen Stamper

Upland, current locations for this month and general committee participation guidelines

The last paint-out of 2017 is November 14^th. There will be coffee and doughnuts. A winter organization meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16^th at Jacki Frey’s house in Ellettsville. Tell us your activity ideas for the cold months!

The Monroe County Barn Tour was a huge success! On Saturday, October 18^th, over 160 people came out to the barn to see the exhibition and sale tables. The sale was held from 9am-5pm. There were 16 participating artists. The $25 table was very popular. Three large framed paintings were sold and more than 20 items from $25 table. $1150 grand total.

Upland has secured a venue to have our Spring Show in 2018. The Wiley House (at the barn) will be Friday, March 30^th through May 9^th (graduation weekend). The reception will be Saturday, April 14^th.

Programs: Jeanne Dutton

Everything regarding the Holiday Party is in Brushstrokes. WePaintBloomington.org. This year’s activity will be to create an ornament. The ornament must have watercolor, must be able to hang, and must be yours. Charlotte brought in a few ornament examples. The ornaments can be made out of any material. No acrylics! They do not have to be 3D, but 3D is encouraged. The party will be held Wednesday, December 6^th at 6pm.  Dinner is at 6:30. The deadline for registering is 5pm on November 30^th.

Please tell us if you are going to send a check. Contact us at BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Announcements

Kriste Lindberg has an Artist Talk about Photography at the Venue on November 14^th from 5:30-7pm.

Cassidy Young is putting together a show for her students at the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship on Friday, December 15^th. There will be live music and snacks! Please join!

Jane Matranga has an oil painting at the School of Faculty Art show  at the Grunwald Gallery of Art, starting  January 1^st or the 2^nd Friday.

Program: Ryan Rud-Cloud from White Rabbit –  Turning Fine Art into Print

Monthly Meeting

November 13, Monday, 6:00 pm

First Christian Church

Corner of Washington and Kirkwood in downtown Bloomington

After a short business meeting, the program will be “Turning Fine Art into Print.”  The guest presenter is Ryan Rud-Cloud, manager and graphic designer at White Rabbit Printers.  Ryan will “explain the basics of turning fine art into digital imaging for custom digital printing.”  He will discuss basic photography and graphic design terminology, color profiles (RGB vs. CMYK), digital image formats and resolutions, different types of printing, and a sample of how to create a greeting card.

BWS 2017 HOLIDAY PARTY

Wednesday, December 6

Social Hour 6:00

Dinner 6:30

Meadowood Retirement Center

2455 N Tamarack Trail

Bloomington, IN

The menu, prepared for BWS by the Meadowood chef, includes Chopped Salad with House Made Vinaigrette, Chicken Dijon, Seasoned Broccoli with Lemon Zest, Bowtie Pasta with Pesto, Rolls and Butter, and Crème Brulee for dessert.  As always, coffee, tea and wine will be served.  (A vegetarian option is available if requested at time of reservation.)

Cost:  $22 per member, $24 per guest

Reservations Required and may be made at the November meeting or through PayPal at BloomingtonWatercolor.org. Deadline for reservations is 5:00 pm, Thursday, November 30. 

CANCELLATION DEADLINE:  5:00 p.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30.  Once the number is given to Meadowood, BWS is responsible for paying for that amount; thus, NO REFUNDS will be issued after NOVEMBER 30.

Checks are accepted, but you must FIRST send an email to info@BloomingtonWatercolor.Org.  Send the check immediately to BWS, PO Box 5236, Bloomington, IN 47407         Plan ahead:  Checks not received by the reservation deadline will cancel the reservation.

The activity this year will be an AQUAGAMI/3-D ORNAMENT CONTEST.  This is a contest to see who can paint, design, and produce the most popular ornament – and you get to vote! Contestants: just bring your entry to the party.  PRIZES will be awarded to the TOP THREE VOTE-GETTERS.

Rules:

1. The ornament must be painted with watercolors but can be on any surface…regular watercolor paper, masa, rice, Yupo, whatever.
2. The ornament may celebrate any holiday, birthday, anniversary, or just be decorative. Whatever makes you happy!
3. The ornament must be able to hang.

Any questions?  Email to info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

MEMBER ACTIVITIES

2017 Membership Show

“We Paint….”

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage

121 E 6th Street in beautiful downtown Bloomington

The show will remain up through November 21, 2017.

Nina Ost’s painting of Autumn squash was featured on the cover of the Fall issue of Literacy Practice and Research.  (Thanks to Jerry Harste for sending this info!)

Jacki Frey is exhibiting a watercolor in the Indiana Artists Member Centennial Exhibition 2017.  The show is on display through December 17 at the Brown County Art Gallery, Nashville, Indiana.  The exhibit features the work of Indiana’s top artists and all paintings are for sale.

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

The final weekly paint out in 2017 will be on November 13, location yet to be determined. If you would like to learn more about the Upland Plein Air Painters, please contact us at upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

• Monroe County Barn Tour Exhibit and Sale

It was a cold and breezy day on October 28, but that did not keep Barn Tour enthusiasts at home. With over 160 visitors to the lovely barn at Whippoorwill Hill, the BWS Upland Plein Air Painters managed a busy exhibition and sale from 9 am to 5 pm. Sixteen artists participated in the event which included a paint out. Artists took turns staffing the check-out area. The $25 area was especially popular with both visitors and artists. By the end of the day, three large framed paintings had sold, more than 20 items from the $25 area, and a dozen cards. Congratulations to our many members who made this day memorable for all who attended.

Jacki Frey with paintings at Whippoorwill

OPPORTUNITIES

BWS Portrait Group Schedule 

Only two more portrait group sessions are scheduled for 2017. Because of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we will have only one session for each of the remaining two months.

Portrait by Ann Umphress

November 9. Amira Sabbagh, a local fabric and performance artist, who modeled for us in early summer, shown in a drawing by BWS member Ann Umphress

December 14: Laura Pence, a graphic designer who owns her own business in Bloomington. Ms. Pence, who has angular features and a shock of black hair, wears colorful, mod outfits.

Portrait​ opportunities are open to all BWS members and their guests. Participants are welcome to work in any medium. Typically models pose for 20 to 25 minute segments, alternating with 5-minute breaks. We share the cost of the models, with a minimum of $3 and a maximum of $5 charged for each session. Sessions are on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. Location is the Banneker Community Center, 930 West Seventh Street, Bloomington.

For full details, including maps, directions, parking information, etc., please email Claude Cookman.

2017 Community Arts Awards and Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning 
10-year anniversary celebration
Friday, November 10
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center

Congratulations to John LaBella at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage!  He and his crew will be honored with the Arts in Business Award.

For tickets, go to https://bctboxoffice.org/event/community-arts-awards/

Planning ahead!

BWS will participate in the Art of Chocolate again this coming February.  The overall theme is Mardi Gras, but the BWS show theme is, “We Paint…Jazz!”  So put on your creative cap and get to thinking about your entry!  The prospectus will be posted as soon as possible.

Best wishes for a truly thankful Thanksgiving!

6pm, First Christian Church

Guests Welcome (Jane Matranga)

New Members Introduction New member: Diane Thayer

Hospitality thanks (Mary Walker) Thank you Candi Bailey, Kitty Garlock & Meri Reinhold

Minutes approval:  Motion Meri Reinhold   Second Kathy Barton

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman) Money went up from August. BWS made a small profit from the Daniel Smith Workshop. BWS came out ahead with $65 from the $5 suggested donation per person (after paying our expenses).

*BWS cards available for purchase at our monthly meetings and at Venue. BWS recoups cost of printing, then 50% of all sales goes into the Scholarship fund.

Old Business– (Charlotte Griffin) We are proceeding with the Dale Popovich workshop. Fifteen people have expressed interest. Date TBD

New business

Committee Reports:

Activities (Jeanne Dutton) The Art of Chocolate will be in February @ the Vault, with no cost except printing. John LaBella will take care of the reception. The overall theme is Mardi Gras. BWS theme is “We paint…Jazz!”. Saxophones, slinky red dresses, smoky bars! The Prospectus will be done by the November meeting. Note: Work does not need to have chocolate in it.

Brushtrokes (Jeanne Dutton) Everything in Brushstrokes!

Publicity- Sara is out of town.

Upland Painters Activities (Kristen Stamper)

*The Barn Tour Exhibition @ Upland October 28th. Babette Ballinger, Candi Bailey, Meri Reinhold & Ann Umphress are on the committee & will take questions.

*Must fill out the registration form by October 14^th (postmarked). If you want to participate, please volunteer to work the space for at least one hour in the exhibition space. Need hands on deck!

*Can submit 1-3 paintings total, please bring your own easel. All work must be Original, no prints. It is your choice to frame or mat your work. Sale price of your choosing.

*The $25 area table means everything for sale will not exceed $25. You may bring any number of Original pieces (matted if watercolor) for the $25 table.

*All Sales will be handled w/ receipts. Cash/check accepted (your choice: to be filled out on registration form). There will be NO means to run a credit card.

*The Barn Tour: tickets $10 paid in advance. Whippoorwill Hill Farm 1780 E Rayletown Rd. Drive S on S walnut, Left on S Fairfax Rd, Left on E Rayletown Rd, Right into driveway. Will be signs.

*Welcome to join and paint-out while not exhibiting work. Please volunteer to work the exhibition space for at least an hour.

(Anne-Karine Bley) Peden Farm in September: 1,000 extra attendees showed up. We ran out of material this year, next year we will prepare with for more attendees. Thank you to volunteers: Penny Lulich, Jacki Frey, Betty Wagoner, Kitty Garlock, Babette Ballinger, Jeanne Dutton, Jo Weddle, Sara Steffey McQueen, & Cassidy Young. Anne-Karine made all of the Dot cards which were a big hit!

Scholarship (Jo Weddle) Jo has contacted FMCCS to clarify the balance in the scholarship fund. Jeanne has talked to Andy Lehman- getting posters done again. Scholarship info goes out to schools (students, counselors) in January.

Programs (Jo Weddle)

November program Sara Steffey McQueen will not be available for November. November 13th program will be with White Rabbit rep Ryan Rud-Cloud: Turning Fine Art into Print. Check out Brushstrokes to read description. Sara Steffey McQueen switched to May.

Holiday Party– Nothing planned yet. We are contacting Meadowood about our December 6^th  Holiday Party. It will be a very nice occasion. We get to dress up in holiday attire and sit down for dinner & wine.

*Let’s think about what we want to do as an activity for this year and decide!                         Contact Jo Weddle with ideas.

Shows (Anne-Karine Bley) Recap opening of membership show.

*The Membership Show is up until Nov 22^nd. Opening night was very well attended, over 150-200 people came through. Two paintings were sold that evening.

*34 BWS members participated in the show. We filled the space with art work. Thank you to volunteers: Jeanne Dutton, Mary Walker, Meri Reinhold, Jacki Frey, Babette Ballinger, Pam and Donna. Everyone did a great job!

* The Vault Gallery will be open 9am-5pm each week. Welcome to visit on First Friday Nov 3^rd from 5pm-8pm.

*November 22^nd the show comes down.

*This was Anne-Karine’s first time w/ the show- it was seamless! Wonderful job!

Announcements

Bloomington Open Studio Tour 6^th year. There will be 31 participating studios this year. 10am-6pm Saturday/Sunday. 2D, 3D, clay, glass pumpkins, everything! Grab a map and come out!

(Jeanne Dutton)- If you are on Facebook, please like the BWS page!

*Signature Members Show @ the IMA will be up until November 3rd.

*Congratulations to Cathy Korinek and Donna becoming Signature Members of BWS!!!!

Business Meeting adjourned 6:47pm.

Program: Meri  Reinhold “Courage in Profiles:  Drawing Faces without Fear”

My Experiences as an Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Artist-In-Residence

by Anne-Karine Bley

What would it feel like to be able to paint all day without any distractions?  To go wherever I liked, knowing that I was permitted, expected in fact, to be an artist and nothing more.  This was the question that led me to seek out an artist-in-residence with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the program.  I knew that I would get a tour of the park properties and a place to stay.  In return I would be asked to donate a piece of art to the Park’s permanent collection.  I didn’t really need to know anything else because all I wanted was to paint.  In mid-July I arrived open minded and enthusiastic.

There were new questions now.  What should I paint?  Where should I go first?  Is my gear too heavy for me to take on that trail?  I wanted to do it all and I only had two weeks.  In the end there was no need for further planning.  The luxury of living in the park was the tremendous diversity of subjects.  Within minutes of my doorstep were beaches, dunes, woodlands, marsh, inland lakes and historic buildings.  Not surprisingly, the Dunes National Lakeshore is ranked seventh in biodiversity.

It didn’t take long before a natural routine developed and I started to know what it felt like to paint all day.  I painted a lot.  I pushed myself to keep painting and take advantage of every moment.  The questions evolved and now I was asking ‘What am I learning about myself?’, ‘What do I know about the way I paint?’ and ‘What is true and genuine about my work?’   I challenged myself to compose regardless of the location or the weather.  I lugged my French easel everywhere  I went.  I experimented with painting a series of sunsets and skies.  When I was done with the canvases, they were put away out of sight and without judgement.

I did take breaks.  Not only were they essential to the rhythm of my day but the park service expected me to explore and enjoy the properties.  And I did have visitors, including some fellow BWS members.  (A special thank you to those who came up to the Dunes!)  With only a few exceptions I was able to visit all the major properties. Not to be missed are Cowles Bog Trail and Porter beach.  There were local offerings too.  I made new friends among the local plein air group.  I attended a demo at the Chesterton Art Gallery.  And I toured the works of local legend Hazel Hannell who painted up until her death at the age of 106.

There is probably one other question that you are wondering about: ‘What was it like to paint in such a public setting?”  Plein air painting is unusual and people are curious, so naturally I was regularly approached by the public.  I understood these interactions to be part of my function as the artist-in-residence and perhaps surprisingly it was one of the most enriching aspects of the program.  Each day I found myself having meaningful and sometime passionate conversations with all types of people from all over the country.  Many of these exchanges touched on the complicated relationship with neighbors that has shaped the park from its origins.

The park was created in 1966 and incorporated many private communities that have been returned to the nature landscape.  The remaining landowners do not always share the same mission as the park.  Some are even combative.  Consider also that the park stretches across three counties, 30 municipalities and around major industries most notably the steel mills and the port of Indiana.

The contrast of industry and nature is obvious when you look down the shoreline.  In either direction looms some sort of smoke stack or cooling tower.  The struggle for balance between public and private is clearly indicated along the beaches where signage reads ‘private’, ’keep off dune’ or ‘keep out’.  This is what many people wanted to talk about.  One of those people was a homeowner whose bungalow was right behind the foredune and was the subject of my painting.  When he approached me he might have been curious but he was definitely protective.  He had strong feelings about the park.  He felt threatened by the park and was unhappy.  I could empathize with this gentleman but his position was in contrast to my own.  I love the park and I value the role the park service is playing to restore and preserve natural spaces.  That painting is the painting I have selected to donate.  I chose it because it best exemplifies my work and skill at this time but somehow, unintentionally, also it speaks to the story of these opposing points of view.

Now that I am back home the opposition I face is between artistic and familial demands.  The intense focus on painting is gone.  Now there is reflection and assessment.  I can acknowledge what I have accomplished and I have an answer to that first question: What would it feel like to paint all day without any distractions?  To go wherever I liked, knowing that I was permitted, expected in fact, to be an artist.  It felt like exactly what I needed and what I will strive for in the future.

*BWS members wanting to know more about the application process or specific questions about the program may contact me for more information.

Further reading:

park website: https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm

‘The Indiana Dunes Revealed, The Art of Frank V. Dudley’, Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University