Bloomington Watercolor Society

March 13, 2017

President Charlotte Griffin called the meeting to order shortly after 6 p.m.

Hospitality

Mary Walker thanked the following members who had provided refreshments for the meeting: Candi Bailey, Kriste Lindberg, Charlotte Griffin, and Char Dapena. Mary also brought food for the evening.

Minutes

Meri Reinhold moved and Betty Wagoner seconded that the minutes of the Feb. 13, 2017, meeting be accepted as submitted with no additions, deletions, or corrections.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Patty Uffman reported the BWS bank and fund balances.

Old Business

• Notecard Set II is available for sale at The Venue. Tricia Wente will see if The Monroe County History Center will continue to sell the sets as well.
• Nominations Committee Chair Patty Uffman announced that Bev Ohneck Holly and Kathy Truelove-Barton are serving on the Committee with her. Patty distributed a sheet with brief descriptions of all board and committee positions and asked those currently serving in those posts to describe their duties. She encouraged members to volunteer to be considered for the 2017-18 slate or to agree to serve if asked.

New Business

Programs

Jo Weddle announced a change in the programs scheduled for April and May. Jerry Harste will be leading a program called “Gamboling Goats: Exploring Technique” at the April 10 meeting. Robin Edmundson will present “Basic Color Theory for Painters” at the May 8 meeting.

Shows

Tricia Wente reported that Jerry Harste, Mary Jo Cannedy, and Deb Rush sold paintings from the Art of Chocolate Show. In addition, Tricia sold two paintings from the Art of Chocolate keynote event. $600 was raised through the sale of paintings and cards.

The next show will be the Upland Painters exhibition.

Upland Painters

Kristen Stamper invited members to join the weekly painting group and to sign up for the email distribution list.

She then distributed the Prospectus for the Plein Air Exhibition, April 6 – May 2 at the Farmer House Museum’s Bellevue Gallery. To be eligible for the show, works must be 2D and created at least 75% in plein air at paintouts sponsored by Upland or BWS. Works may be in any media except photography. Maximum artwork size (before framing) is 11 x 15 inches.

Deliver work: Bellevue Gallery, 529 N. College Ave., Bloomington, on Wednesday, April 5 between 10 a.m. and noon.

Opening reception: Friday, April 7, 5 – 8 p.m.

Pick up: Wednesday, May 3, 10 a.m. to noon.

Penny Lulich is the coordinator for weekly events in April and May.

Kristen announced other upcoming events:M

• March 21: Visit to Pygmalion’s and to BWS Member Lynne Gilliatt’s show at the Thomas Gallery
• April 4: Spring Mill
• April 12: Azalea Farm in Hazelton
• April 18: T.C. Steele Historic Site

Scholarship

Jeanne Dutton announced the May meeting will include a Table Sale with proceeds going to the BWS Scholarship Fund. Members are asked to bring gently used or new art supplies, magazines, and books to the meeting to be sold. Jeanne asked members to put a price on the items they bring.

Workshop

The BWS Spring Workshop, “Alcohol Ink and Water Soluble Crayons,” is scheduled for March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lynn Busch, from Jacquard Products and Preston Arts Center will be the instructor.

Participants should bring a Brown Bag lunch.

Jeanne also distributed the new BWS rack cards, designed by Carol Rhodes and featuring artwork by Sara Steffey McQueen and Nancy Davis Metz.

Adjournment

Tricia Wente moved and Char Dapena seconded that the meeting be adjourned.

Following a brief break, Jacki Frey presented a program, “Value Sketch Study using Black or Payne’s Gray.”

Upcoming Monthly Meeting

Monday, March 13, 2017
6:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
Bloomington

After refreshments, socializing, and a short business meeting, BWS Signature Member Jacki Frey will present a program on creating a “Value Study Sketch Using Black or Payne’s Grey Watercolor for Sketching.”

Supplies to bring to the meeting are black or Payne’s Grey paint, a pencil, eraser, quarter sheets of watercolor paper or watercolor pad, and round brushes size 8 and 12.

Also, bring a favorite photo.  Jacki will provide some photos as well.

New Signature Members

Congratulations to the two new Signature members, Cathy Korinek and Donna Whitsitt.  To become a Signature member, certain criteria must be met.  Then, the applicants submit a selection of their work and their credentials before being “judged” by an outside juror.  Interested in applying?  The next opening will be in January 2018.  Questions can be directed to Tricia Wente.

Left to Right: Donna Whitsitt, Cathy Korinek

Welcome, New Members

Hello and welcome to Marie Kosakowski, Henry Leck, Diane Thayer, Debra Tocco, and Grant Wood.  Glad you could join us, and hope to see you soon!

BWS Spring Workshop

“Alcohol Inks and Water Soluble Crayons on Yupo”

March 25, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
First Christian Church, Bloomington

Come learn about the versatility and magic of alcohol inks on Yupo!  This workshop will inspire artists of all levels to loosen up and go with the flow. We will create abstract and non-objective works while learning the qualities of this vibrant medium. The day will start with making samples of different techniques.

We will take an intermission before lunch to introduce pearl-ex, a mica pigment that can be added to your watercolors, and water soluble wax pastels/crayons.

After lunch, you’ll apply the learned processes in your own way with suggestions and guidance.

Instructor:  Lynn Busch, who has a BFA from Berea College, is an Artist and Educator with Jacquard Products, and a manager and teacher at Preston Arts Center in Louisville.

ALL details can be found at http://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/2017-spring-workshop/, or contact Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES

BWS has new Rack Cards, thanks to Carol Rhodes!  If you are participating in an exhibit or a craft show or are represented by a gallery, please consider taking some rack cards along with you.  Contact Jeanne at Info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for a supply.

Sarah & Salmon by Phyllis Taylor

Congratulations to….

Phyllis Taylor, BWS’ Northwest Coast “affiliate,” was one of 19 artists, from a group of 80, juried into a show at the Cannon Beach Arts Association (Oregon) titled “Contemporary Portraiture.” Juror was Martha Lee, owner of Russo Lee Gallery, Portland.

Works explore what role portraits now play in society with today’s “selfie” culture. Taylor’s work, “Afternoon Catch,” is a portrait of friend Sarah holding a large salmon she’d caught–and looking pretty pleased about it. This was the first juried show Phyllis has entered since moving to Oregon.

Wild Women by Sara Steffey-McQueen

Sara Steffey-McQueen’s linoleum print, “Wild Women,” was juried into the 37th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink Contemporary Gallery.  The opening reception is March 31, 6-9 pm, at the gallery, 300 East Main Street in Ft. Wayne.

BWS Upland Painters

Reporting: Kristen Stamper
Upland Plein Air Painters Plans a Busy April.
BWS’ 1st Plein Air Exhibition will open during Gallery Walk, 5-8 p.m. on April 7, at the Bellevue Gallery in the Farmer House Museum at 529 N. College St.  Over 30 BWS artists are planning to participate. Please come out and share the fun of this exciting review of local scenes painted on location at numerous BWS sponsored paint outs. The show will be on display through May 2, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In preparation for the Plein Air Exhibition, Kathy Barton and Donna Whitsitt are hosting a framing workshop. Ever the DIY divas, they will demonstrate framing techniques and share their knowledge on sources and professionally framing artwork yourself, including cost-saving approaches that can offer more flexibility than purchasing these services. Please contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org to reserve your spot and receive full details.
Finally, with the return of spring weather we will be outside to paint, starting in April. Please join us for any of these events. Please contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for details.

• Tuesday, March 7, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Framing workshop, downtown location TBD, Host: Kathy Barton & Donna Whitsitt
• Tuesday, April 4, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Spring Mill State Park, Host: Rose Brenner
• Wednesday, April 5, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Turn in paintings for Plein Air Show at Bellevue Gallery, 529 N. College St.
• Friday, April 7, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Opening reception for 1st Plein Air Show at Bellevue Gallery, 529 N. College St.
• Wednesday, April 12, All Day,  Azalea Path & Arboretum in Hazleton, Indiana, Host: Kathy Barton
• Tuesday, April 18, 9 a.m.-12 noon, TC Steele State Historic Site, Host: Anne-Karine Bley

Arts in the Parks

Betty Wagoner received a grant for the state “Arts in the Parks” program. The workshop sessions will take place March through August, so watch here for later opportunities, or contact Betty.

• Saturday, March 25, 1-4 p.m.  TC Steele State Historic Site, in the Large Studio.

A brief review of watercolor pencil techniques and plein air techniques used by TC Steele as evidenced in his paintings.

• Saturday, May 13, 1-4 p.m. – TC Steele State Historic Site, Watercolor plein air painting workshop.

Watercolor techniques and plein air basics will be covered and participants will paint around the grounds.

The Art of Chocolate

Thank you to all the BWS artists who participated in the Mardi Gras show and painted at the Keynote event.  We can be proud that sales of our art generated over $600 for LIFEDesigns!  The exhibit will remain at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage through March 27.

Please pick up your paintings between 11:00 – 2:00, at the Vault on March 28.

Penance, Mardi Gras Style by Jerry Harste

Best in Show, C’est fou, by Deborah Rush

Babette Ballinger holding a painting by Tricia Wente at Art of Chocolate

OPPORTUNITIES

Eco-Heroes Contest
The City of Bloomington Environmental Commission announces the sixth annual Eco-Heroes Contest. While this art contest has always been for local K-12 students, this year the Environmental Commission is collaborating with the Commission on Aging to pilot an additional category for adults. Entries are due Friday, March 31 at 5:00 p.mm at the City’s Planning and Transportation Department in City Hall. For more information, contact Sarah Green, City of Bloomington Environmental Commission.

Orchids in Watercolor at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Now through July 9, IMA offers a wonderful show of botanical watercolors.  This exhibition features “30 orchid watercolors collected by Josiah K. Lilly, son of the founder of Eli Lilly and Company and its president from 1898 until 1932.  Through these works, significant for both their scientific accuracy and aesthetic quality, guests will be able to explore botanical facts about orchids and learn more about the Lilly family’s interest in collecting and growing them.” http://www.imamuseum.org/exhibition/lilly-collection-orchids-watercolors

Frederick William Bolas (English, 1871–1951), Orchid: Cypripedium smithae, 1907, watercolor on Whatman’s water colour sketching board, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. J.K. Lilly, 63.81

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Minutes of the Bloomington Watercolor Society Membership meeting

February 13, 2016, 6 pm     First Christian Church

6:05 pm: Call to Order

Welcome and Guest Introductions

Meeting guests were Barbara Coffman, Tom Tierney, and Billie Moore. Debra Tocco attended her first meeting as a new member. Welcome!

Hospitality thanks (Betty Wagoner/Mary Walker)

Special thanks to Mary Walker, Patty Uffman, Jeanne Dutton, Jo Weddle, Kristen Stamper, and Betty Wagoner, who contributed various dishes.

Minutes approval

No changes to the January minutes were submitted by the members. Motion to approve was submitted by Candi Bailey and seconded by Kathy Barton. There was unanimous approval.

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman)

BWS bank and fund balances were reported.

Old Business

Signature member update

New signature members are Cathy Korinek and Donna Whitsitt. Congratulations!

Spring 2017 Program/Activity Calendar distribution

Jo Weddle distributed an activities calendar extending through July 2017. Programs are currently posted on the website. Paintouts will be posted soon. The first Saturday paintout of the spring is April 29 at Steve Dawson’s farm. More information to come soon.

New Business:

Committee Reports

Nomination Committee (Charlotte Griffin)

Charlotte Griffin appealed for volunteers for the 2017/2018 year.

Activities (Jeanne Dutton)

Jeanne Dutton reported at least 100 attended the WE PAINT…Mardi Gras–the Art of Chocolate event at The Vault.   Best of Show was awarded to Deb Rush; the runner-up was Donna Whitsitt. BWS generated, through sales of paintings and greeting cards, approximately $500 for LIFEDesigns.

A spring workshop on alcohol inks and water-soluble crayons will be facilitated by Lynn Bush on March 25^th. Registration is in progress. Jeanne Dutton distributed a handout with specific information. Details can also be found at bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

The City of Bloomington Environmental Commission announces the sixth annual Eco-Heroes Contest. While this art contest has always been for local K-12 students, this year the Environmental Commission is collaborating with the Commission on Aging to pilot an additional category for adults. Entries are due Friday, March 31 at 5:00 pm at the City’s Planning and Transportation Department in City Hall. For more information, contact Sarah Green, City of Bloomington Environmental Commission.

Upland Painters Activities (Kristen Stamper)

Plein Air Exhibition at Bellevue Gallery
The 1^st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of Upland Plein Air Painters & Bloomington Watercolor Society will be at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum April 6 to May 2. The reception will be Friday April 7 from 5 to 8pm. Members have already signed up to participate and there is a waiting list to exhibit. The prospectus was distributed and posted online at bloomingtonwatercolor.org. For more information, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Brown County paintout and other activities
Kristen Stamper reported that several came to the painting retreat in Brown County, with five participants staying in a cabin. Upcoming activities were also mentioned. The current Upland schedule is at bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Scholarship (Jo Weddle)

Sara Steffey-McQueen has distributed posters advertising the $300 scholarship to teachers in the two high schools. Proposals are due at the end of March.

Gallery Shows: (Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley)

Bicentennial show pickup
Pickups for the Bicentennial show at the Monroe County History Museum was scheduled for February 21 from 2-4pm.

Signature Member show
A BWS Signature Member show is in the works for Meadowwood Retirement Center. More information is forthcoming.

Programs (Jo Weddle)

March program

Jacki Frey will present a demonstration on watercolor value study. A description will be distributed prior to the meeting.

Technology (Carol Rhodes)

Charlotte Griffin asked members present to submit artwork for the BWS Web gallery. Any resolution, format, and size will be accepted.

Monthly Program

Tricia Wente and Carol Rhodes delivered a presentation called “Master Disasters,” on how to fix mistakes and prevent mishaps.

Adjourned 8:30 pm
Submitted by Carol Rhodes, BWS Secretary.

Monthly Meeting

Monday, February 13, 2017

6:00 pm at First Christian Church

After a brief business meeting and introduction of our new juried Signature members, Tricia Wente and Carol Rhodes will present the evening program, “Disasters:  Best Practices in Correcting Errors in Watercolor.”

Improve your paintings, learn to make “adjustments” during the painting process. Everyone needs to learn a few tricks to manage this medium, and by experimenting you too will have a better grasp of how to deal with certain quirks of watercolor painting.

Bring one disaster painting of your own (we all have them) and any of the following materials you have on hand.  For example: sponge, a few brushes, small water container.  We will provide some tools to share.

The BWS Spring Calendar will be distributed and it’s a full one!

Welcome to New members

BWS welcome the following artists and we hope to get to see you soon:

Joanne Baum, Rose Brenner, Eric Brock, Patricia Coleman, Ellen Flach, Tereasa Laakman, and Grant Wood.

The Art of Chocolate Show

We Paint…Mardi Gras!

Opening Reception

Friday Gallery Walk, February 3, 5-8 pm

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage

Wear your beads and mask and have fun at the opening reception where the Best of Show will be announced with a prize of $100 and two tickets to the Week of Chocolate Keynote event at IU Memorial Union.  The Runner-up will receive two tickets, and four names of participating artists will be drawn to receive two tickets each, too.  (Value of the tickets is $75 each!)

Sales will be split 50/50 with the artist and LIFEDesigns.  Greeting cards featuring chocolate and Valentines will be sold at the reception for $5 each, with all proceeds going to LIFEDesigns.

And while you are downtown, scoot on over to the Monroe County History Center where a few BWS artists will be doing demos.  The Centennial show is up through the end of February and now is a good time to go see it again!

Emerging Artists Exhibit

BWS is proud to support and encourage young high school artists, and we did just that by sponsoring awards at the Emerging Artists exhibit, held in January at the Venue Fine Art and Gifts.  The results are in: below, you can see the three works that won the 2D painting category and the 3D Best in Show.

Child by Emily Yeargin
(Best in Show)

Boy by Olivia Robinson (Silver Best in Show)

Pine Trees in Winter by Jaiden Harris (Honorable Mention)

Imre by Barbara Granicz (Stained Glass (3D Best in Show))

BWS Scholarship Application Open for input

Thanks to Jo Weddle, chair of the BWS Scholarship Committee, for attending and promoting the scholarship.  Many thanks, also, to Andy Lehman for designing the BWS Scholarship poster. See the poster at the link below:

BWS Poster

Please encourage your young artists to apply.  Request details at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

Member News

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

On January 17, Upland held the winter/spring organizational meeting where we began to fill in the 2017 calendar. Through March, Upland will concentrate on a variety of inside activities which are in the planning phase now. If you are not an Upland participant and want to join in, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Plein Air Exhibition at Bellevue Gallery

The 1st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of the Bloomington Watercolor Society and Upland Plein Air Painters will be at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum, April 6 to May 2. The reception will be Friday, April 7 from 5 to 8 pm.  Members have already signed up to exhibit and, because of limited space, there is a waiting list. The prospectus was distributed and posted online at bloomingtonwatercolor.org. For more information, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Opportunities

All-Media Still Life Class

Don Geyra has scheduled an all media art class for two Wednesdays, February 15 and 22, 2-4 pm.  Price is $60 and will consist of a still life to be worked over the two sessions. All media are welcome. Pastel. Oil. Watercolor. Acrylic.  The class will be held in Bedford at the Lawrence County Art Association.

Contact Don Geyra 287-8748 or Phyllis Westfall 279-4734 to enroll. If you are unfamiliar with Don’s work, go here to   dongeyra.com/gallery

Color Theory Workshop

Robin Edmundson will be facilitating a 3-day Color Experience at MoonTree Studios in Plymouth, Indiana, April 21-23, 2017.  If you’ve been waiting for a chance to learn some color theory, and then have the time really run with it, this is your chance. There will be a half day class on basic color theory to jump start you, then you’ll have 2 1/2 days to explore color in your own direction. Robin is there to cheer you on, help with more color theory, brainstorm, bounce ideas off of, etc. We conclude each day with a “show and tell” to look at what others are doing with other media, share progress, ask questions, share frustrations, and brainstorm. You’ll be encouraged to experiment and explore things you haven’t tried before, and explorations will be flexible enough to allow for change in direction if desired. Our emphasis is on the color exploration, not on completing a set of products by the end of the experience. It’ll be a small-ish group between 6-8 folks in any area of visual art or fiber art. $320 for the three days [$290 if you’re a member of MoonTree Studios] (For example explorations and materials list, see their website – link below.)  Here’s the link to the class: http://www.moontreestudios.org/index.php/test-store/2015-09-11-19-14-42#!/Color-Exploration-in-2D-and-3D-Visual-Art-with-Robin-Edmundson/p/72672647/category=19838035 Robin will have MoonTree Studios catalogs at the February meeting so you can see all the great classes they offer.

Lawrence County Art Association

The LCAA, located in downtown Bedford at the Wiley Art Center, 1402 J Street, offers members an opportunity for a paint-in nearly every Thursday from 1-3 pm.  To discover more and become a member, link to http://www.lawrencecountyart.org.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Bloomington Watercolor Society
Meeting Minutes
Feb. 8, 2016
Call to order: Cassidy Young, first vice president, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Cassidy announced that we have three new members: Kitty Garlock, Lynne Gilliatt, and Penny Lulich.
Guest Speaker: Cassidy introduced Cate Whetzel, the program developer at the T.C. Steele Historic Site. Cate talked about the T.C. Steele Art Out event that will be held Oct. 7–8 in Bloomington. The Art Out is a project for the Indiana Bicentennial, and part of an Indiana Master Grant. The goal of the grant is getting Bloomington people to know about T.C. Steele.
There will be a paint out on Oct. 8. Cate would like Bloomington Watercolor Society members to participate. All kinds of artists will be invited to do representations of Bloomington, including downtown and the campus. The Indiana Plein Air Painters Association artists, and IU students are also invited. Artists of all levels and ages are welcome. Artists can paint anytime from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Artists will gather in Dunn Meadow from 3–5 p.m. to show their work. It will be a chance for people to see and buy art. There will be a tent with food, music, and performers from The Breeze Bends the Grass.
The T.C. Steele Historic Site is partnering with the IU Henry Radford Hope School of Fine Arts for the Art Out. Betsy Stirratt from the Grunwald Gallery of Art is helping with the campus part of the event. There will be tours of Steele’s works in the Indiana Memorial Union. Steele was IU’s first artist in residence.
Oct. 7 is a day of education. There will be a talk at the IU Art Museum by Nan Brewer on Steele’s student days in Munich. There will also be plein air demonstrations. Rachel Perry will give a keynote speech at the IMU University Club. Artists registered for the Art Out can attend the keynote.
Jeanne Dutton asked what BWS could do. Cate said individuals could commit to the program.
Tricia Wente said that people might carry in works to the tent that weren’t created that day. Betty Wagoner said that Cate might want to limit the paintings in the tent to one for each person.
Claude Cookman said artists might want to paint at the farmers market to engage people. He also suggested that information about Steele be available.
It was suggested that the Oct. 8 paint out be called an outdoor art event. Cate is calling the event an “art out” to involve non-painters.
Jeanne Dutton said BWS will help promote the event through Facebook, Brush Strokes, and email.
The current Artist-in-Residence at T.C. Steele is Elizabeth Seagull Heeter. She will offer a watercolor and paper cutting workshop on Feb. 20 from 2–3:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Minutes of the November meeting: Tricia Wente moved to accept the minutes. Jeanne Dutton seconded the motion, which passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Charlotte Griffin, treasurer, reported a balance of $1,438.89.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Signature Membership: Tricia Wente had forms available for anyone interested in becoming a signature member. Information is also available on the BWS Website. Dates will be set up in spring.
Program for March: Jo Weddle said that the March 14 meeting theme will be Staycation Painting. It will be a party for those of us who spend Spring Break in Bloomington. She said to think beach. Bring shells and pictures from vacation trips to warm spots.
April 2 Workshop: Jeanne Dutton passed around announcements for “Art Journaling: Living the Illustrated Life.” Steve Dawson, the instructor, journals in all different mediums. The workshop will be Sat., April 2, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with a half hour break for lunch. Cost is $50. Attendees can order a catered lunch for an additional $7. Sign up online at Bloomingtonwatercolor.org. Charlotte Griffin can also take cash or a check. The workshop will be fun and inspiring!
BWS Upland Painters: Kristen Stamper said the group had an organizational meeting. They started planning the 2016 calendar of weekly activities. They have a name, the BWS Upland Plein Air Painters (UP). BWS members are welcome to come to any event. Sign up with Kristen if you want to participate. UP will communicate with BWS through Brush Strokes. Meetings are on Wednesdays. The next meeting is Feb. 17, when they will visit the Hutton Honors Building and tour the IMU paintings. Feb. 24 is at host Donna Whitsitt’s home studio from noon–3 p.m. for a studio paint-in or paint-out. It’s good to contact the event host for details. UP has a calendar through May. Kristen said “Come join us if you’re interested!”
Scholarship Committee: Jeanne Dutton said that the poster will be ready tomorrow. Andy Lehman did the artwork for the posters, and Sara Steffey McQueen will deliver them to all Bloomington high school teachers. Jeanne said it is hard to get art students to apply for the scholarship.
Hospitality: Claude Cookman, Char Dapena, Betty Wagoner, and Mary Walker provided refreshments.

OLD BUSINESS
“We Paint … Chocolate!” Jeanne said that the Art of Chocolate opening had about 200–250 people in attendance. Gabe Colman from the Venue was there the whole time. The staff at the Vault at Gallery Montage did a great job with the food. The exhibit will be open Mon.– Fri. from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Vault is at 121 E. Sixth St.
The Art of Chocolate dinner will be Feb. 13. Jeanne Dutton, Cassidy Young, and one other BWS member will be doing artist’s demos. About a dozen paintings from the exhibit will be displayed at the dinner.

NEW BUSINESS
Charlotte Griffin has the second set of BWS notecards available. The first set has been sold. There are still some single cards from the first set that could be put together. Charlotte brought some seeds from Rural King to give away.
Jeanne Dutton said the Preston Arts Center in Louisville is having their annual Art Expo Feb. 19–20. There are some workshops for only $10.

PROGRAM
Following the meeting, Carol Rhodes led the group in a “Speed Dating” program. Members had a chance to share their art experiences with other members. Some members brought a piece of art to kick off the conversations. It was a fun way to learn more about our fellow artists.

Respectfully submitted,
Char Dapena, Secretary

February 2016

Monthly Meeting
Monday, February 8, 6:00 pm
First Christian Church
Corner of Kirkwood and Washington
Bloomington, Indiana

After the usual short business meeting, the program begins…and this one is going to be fun!
BWS has happily added many new artists recently to its roster…artists not only new to BWS, but new to Bloomington. So, in order to meet each other, we will be doing “Speed Dating!”
Carol Rhodes, 2nd VP, who has extensive experience coordinating workshops for IU and national organizations, will lead us as we get to know each other.  Here’s what she has to say:

 “Over the past few years, speed networking has emerged as an entertaining and humorous activity for getting to know people. Speed networking takes place in a room layout that configures people in pairs. As soon as participants have assembled, an event leader announces an art-related topic and then signals the beginning of timed conversations. At the beginning of each “round robin,” the first person in each pair introduces him/herself and says something about the topic. At the halfway point, the conversation switches to the other person, who then adds their perspective on the same topic. After a 4-to-5-minute total period for each topic, the event leader indicates that it is time to move on to the next person and to talk about a new art topic. At the end of the event, everyone has made new artist friends, most of them with people they would not ordinarily have approached. It’s a little noisy, but it’s very jovial!  Ideas for topics are welcomed.”
Suggested topics may include, “Why I love watercolor,” or, “Tell me about your background in art.”

THE ART OF CHOCOLATE
Opening Reception: Friday, February 5, 5-8

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage

“Waiting for Godiva,” watercolor by Char Dapena

121 E Sixth Street
Bloomington, Indiana
Who doesn’t love Chocolate, especially at Valentine’s Day? Bring your sweetie and enjoy this fun exhibit! It runs through March 31, and gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9-5.
Friday, March 4, there will be a second reception during Gallery Walk.
BWS will be represented at The Art of Chocolate dinner event on February 13 with artists Nancy Davis Metz, Cassidy Young, and yours truly doing watercolor demos. Ten to twelve paintings from the exhibit will be featured for sale at the dinner event, also.
All sales benefit the artist and LIFEDesigns, an organization which helps people with developmental disabilities gain community living skills…a very worthy purpose. For a complete listing of the events for the Week of Chocolate, go to lifedesignsinc.org/week-of-chocolate-2/. For tickets to the dinner, click on that event’s link.

Take-in Day: Tricia and Nina admire Cassidy’s entry, “Milk and Chocolate.”

ANNOUNCING the BWS SPRING WORKSHOP
“Art Journaling: Living the Illustrated Life”
Steve Dawson, Instructor
Saturday, April 2nd
9:00 – 3:00
First Christian Church
Cost: $50 for members; $60 for non-members
Catered light lunch available for $7
Fee includes a 9×12 watercolor journal!
Reservations open at the February meeting.

Journal page, Steve Dawson

“Sailboat,” watercolor by Steve Dawson.

Steve is a prolific and very talented journaling artist and brings a special inspiration to his classes.  For his bio and complete workshop details, please go to BloomingtonWatercolor.org.
Description: “In this workshop, we are going to explore Art Journaling and how we can use it as a way to bring Art into our lives on a daily basis.  Art Journaling is a no-stress and pressure-free way to relax, experiment, and have fun!  And, by keeping our art journaling supplies close by, any time is art journaling time.  In the hectic and busy world we all live in, Art Journaling is an easy and inexpensive way to remember to have fun and explore our world through Art.  Over time, the little journals and sketchbooks we keep become treasures that chronicle our Illustrated Life.”
Workshop Supplies: Watercolor paints, brushes, ink pens, pencil, ruler or straightedge, and something from your studio or junk drawer that you haven’t used in a while.  We can sometimes find inspiration by experimenting with a different medium or tool.  And, lastly, a fun attitude – we are going to tap into our inner 8 year old and have a blast playing in our art journal sandbox!

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
BWS Upland Plein Air Painters (UP)
UP is the recently organized group of BWS artists whose goal is to provide a weekly opportunity for painting en plein air.  Because winter is a challenging time for plein air, but enthusiasm is strong, several fun events have been organized that are less “weather dependent.”  All BWS artists are welcome and, if you’d like to get on their email list, please contact Kristen Stamper.
February 10, Cambridge Square: Valentines, collages & still life.  Host:  Barbara Edmonds.
February 17, Hutton Honors Building and IU Union: Tour of IU Paintings.  Host: Kathy Barton.
February 24, Studio Paint-in or Paint-out at Donna’s.  12 Noon – 3pm.  Host: Donna Whitsitt.
UP will meet this winter on Wednesdays from 10am-1pm, unless otherwise specified.  The remaining winter season includes February and March, and the March schedule will be announced soon.  Stay tuned! 

Photo by Candi Bailey.

Painting Class
Tricia Wente, BWS Signature member, is leading a workshop this month in Florida at the Boca Grande Art Center. If you’re going to be in the area, feel free to sign up! bocagrandeartcenter.org/

OPPORTUNITY
Indiana Now 2016: The Bicentennial

As Indiana celebrates 200 years of statehood in 2016, The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette will celebrate by presenting the art of contemporary artists in INDIANA NOW 2016: THE BICENTENNIAL.  Simultaneously, A BICENTENNIAL LEGACY, ARTSMART: INDIANA featuring historic Hoosier works from public, private and the permanent collection will be on exhibition.
Indiana Now 2016 is a juried, fine art exhibition featuring the work of today’s Indiana artists.  If you are a Hoosier by birth or have been a resident for one (1) year anytime in your lifetime you are qualified to enter. We believe “Once a Hoosier, always a Hoosier”.
Chicago artist and gallery owner Kenneth Probst is juror.  A total of $2,100.00 cash will be awarded. Both 2D and 3D work will be accepted. The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette may select works for their permanent collection.
Join this celebration of Indiana’s rich artistic culture, both past and present.
Details and entry at www.callforentry.org  keyword Indiana Now.

Wishing each and all of you, and those you love, a
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Brushstrokes is the (almost) monthly
newsletter of the
 Bloomington (IN) Watercolor Society
Jeanne Ellen Dutton, Editor
 BloomingtonWatercolor.org
WePaintBloomington.org

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January 11, 2016
Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. by Nancy Metz, president. Nancy welcomed members to 2016.
Guest in attendance: There were no guests.
Minutes of the November meeting: Susie Graham moved to accept the minutes. Cassidy Young seconded the motion, which passed.

Committee Reports
Hospitality: Betty Wagoner thanked Ann Karine Bley, Mary Reinhold, Deborah Rush, Patty Uffman, and Jane Watkins for the refreshments.

NEW BUSINESS
Signature Members: Signature Membership information will be distributed at the February meeting.
Scholarship donations: Jeanne Dutton reported that there is $886.26 in the fund. $135 in donations has come in since November. Andy Lehman is designing posters and flyers. Sara Steffey McQueen will deliver the posters and flyers to high school teachers.

OLD BUSINESS
The Art of Chocolate update: Jeanne Dutton reported that BWS would have the Art of Chocolate Exhibit this year. The best of show will be awarded $100 by two anonymous judges.

The Art of Chocolate dinner will be Feb. 13. Three BWS members are needed to give demos. The demos will be of greeting cards, which will be for sale. The demo artists’ paintings will be displayed at the dinner, plus 10-12 works from BWS members. Artists giving demos will receive two free tickets to the dinner.

Paintings for the Art of Chocolate exhibit must be turned in to the Venue Gallery on Feb. 2. Artwork must be framed and ready to hang. The exhibit will be held at the Vault Gallery during Feb. and March 2016. Artists will get 50% of their painting’s sale price.

BWS members are needed to host at the Vault to host during Friday Gallery Walks on Feb. 5 and March 4. Let Jeanne know if you want to give a demo, host, or submit a painting.

Garden Walk 2016: Charlotte Griffin reported that the Bloomington Garden Club invited BWS members to paint in the gardens again this year. Dates are Sat., June 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Sun. June 26 from noon-4 p.m. One artist is needed for each of the 5-6 gardens on the walk. Charlotte passed out an interest sheet to gauge member interest in painting during the walk.

Other Business:
Charlotte Griffin brought some slate to give away from a farmhouse in Ohio. She showed sample paintings done on the slate.

Jo Weddle invited the group to a free journaling workshop with Jeanne Dutton. The workshop will be at the church Sat. Jan. 16 from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. The theme will be illustrating faith artistically or expressing feelings through art. Supplies will be provided. Bring a sack lunch.

Jo Weddle announced that the Feb. 8 meeting will be Speed Dating, but it is not romantic! It will be an art-related surprise. More information will be announced in Brush Strokes.

The plein air group has 22 people signed up. They will meet 10:30 Thurs., Jan. 14 at Jackie Frey’s home to decide where they’ll paint next year. The meeting will be a potluck lunch. Everyone is invited to attend.

Jo Weddle moved to adjourn the meeting. Kathy Barton seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Following the business meeting, Linda Meyer Wright presented a program on abstract collage. After a discussion on collage, members had a chance to work on their own pieces. Linda provided many materials to use on the project.

Respectfully submitted,
Char Dapena, Secretary

MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, January 11
6:00pm
First Christian Church
Corner of Washington and Kirkwood
Bloomington, Indiana

Working on your Art of Chocolate painting? Bring it along for suggestions, gentle critiques, and just to share and inspire. After the business meeting, at which the spring calendar will be distributed, Signature member Linda Meyer-Wright will present the following program:

Intuitive Abstracts
We use intuition to express ourselves in creating an abstract collage.  Using intuition can mean many things – letting go of control – allowing the inner child to come out and play – listening to your muse – just trusting yourself.  And, although we will be working intuitively, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to plan or prepare.  Here are some things to bring with you:

• Old watercolor/acrylic paintings on paper.  We will use one as the support for the collage and the other may be torn into bits to use as collage pieces.
• Your paints & brushes.  Include an old cheap brush to use as a glue brush.
• Other media you like to use – such as pens, markers, watercolor or other pencils, watercolor crayons, oil pastels, inks, etc.
• Adhesive.  Bring whatever you have on hand.  Some favorites of collage artists are Yes! Paste, Perfect Paper Adhesive (PPA) or gel medium.  I use Golden Gel Medium and/or Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid.
• Papers – this is where you get to clean house.  Look for whatever speaks to you – tissue paper – newspaper – gelli prints – sewing patterns – old or weird books – maps – paint sample cards – greeting cards – magazines – tea bags/coffee filters – labels – string – threads – security or other envelopes – junk mail – boxes – cardboard  phone books – catalogs – sheet music – letters – school assignments – this fabric – the list is endless.  If it is anything you treasure, make a photo copy.

You should not need to go out and buy anything.  Unless of course there is something you really, really want and need a good excuse.

The Art of Chocolate
On the left of your screen is the prospectus.  Just click the link for all the info.  Paintings are due February 2 so you have lots of time to do your best work!

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
Signature member Bob Burris has three paintings in the show, “Columbus Makes,” now on display through February 13 at the IU Gallery Art and Design, 310 Jackson Street, Columbus, IN. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-5pm.
http://www.columbus.in.us/columbus/gallery-iuca-d

Jane Matranga’s hand painted silk coat, inspired by Monet’s Giverny.

Jane Matranga, who recently joined BWS, is participating in the IU faculty art exhibition. The opening reception is at the Grunwald Gallery on Friday, January 15th from 6-8pm. Gallery talks take place at noon on Friday, January 22nd in the gallery, 1201 E 7th Street on the IU campus.

OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Art Instructors Needed
LIFEDesigns, with whom we are working for The Art of Chocolate, offers an art class every Friday afternoon from 1:30-2:45 to its clients. The class takes place at the Waldron. They are currently looking for volunteer instructors who can teach 2-4 weeks (Maximum contact hours equal only 5 hours) in various mediums, including chalk pastels, watercolor, collage, or some other of the instructor’s choice. If you are interested and willing, please contact Stephanie Shelton, Chief Development Officer, LIFEDesigns, Inc., 800-875-9615, lifedesignsinc.org
And while we are on the subject, a big thank you goes out to BWS members who volunteered this past semester: Betty Wagoner, Sara Steffey McQueen, and Cassidy Young. Good job, ladies!

“Pray, Paint, Play”
A free workshop focused on creatively illustrating faith will take place Saturday, January 16 at First Christian Church, 10am-2pm. If you are interested, check out the details at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/play-paint-pray-workshop-tickets-20045190705
Inspired by Illustrated Faith™ from Shanna Noel, the workshop invites first time and experienced painters to study biblical scripture and reflect on the text painting. It is designed to serve as a starting point for those who wish to include creative expressions as part of their spiritual discipline. Register by January 10 online at www.fccbloomington.org or by calling the church office at (812) 332-4459. An art journal plus basic art materials and supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring any paints, markers, or pens that they currently own. Participants should bring a brown bag lunch; coffee and tea will be provided.  Jeanne Dutton, with support and help from Jo Weddle, will lead the day’s activities.

Indiana Plein Air Painters Association
The City Gallery and Harrison Center for the Arts are seeking interested artists for a group show celebrating Indiana’s bicentennial by honoring the lives and legacies of May Wright Sewall, John Herron, and T.C. Steele  Each of these culture builders contributed to the historic John Herron Art Institute.  In addition, their actions advanced art, culture, and social justice throughout the state. The show will hang June 3-24, 2016. See details regarding entries, deadlines, etc. below. Please respond by Friday, January 29, 2016 and include three samples of your work to be considered for inclusion in the exhibit. FYI:
We are accepting all media.  you are submitting video, you will need to supply your own video equipment.
Pieces that are not easily hung should be installed by the artist.
Artwork must be presented in a professional manner and delivered wired and ready to hang. (No sawtooth hangers.) If an accepted entry is delivered in a format that is not ready to hang, it will not be exhibited.
arrison Center retains the right to decline artwork based on appropriateness for family audiences.
Work must be for sale.
Artists who are selected to participate in the show will be notified by Friday, February 12, 2016.
Harrison Center takes a 30% commission on sales.  Send samples of your work to pam@harrisoncenter.org (put “Sewall, Herron & Steele” in the subject line) or to: Sewall, Herron & Steele c/o Pam Allee 1505 N. Delaware Street Indianapolis, IN  46202 Direct questions to 317.396.3886.

Artists Showcase
“Bloom Magazine and Ivy Tech Community College are happy to present the Local Artists Showcase on Saturday, February 20th, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center.
Sixty-seven booths for local artists are available at $65 each. Most booths are approximately 10′ x 6′ and will come equipped with a table and two chairs. If you do not wish to use the table and chairs, we can remove them from your booth space. There are some larger booths and some booths also have access to electricity. The booths will spread across the entire top floor of the Convention Center.
Booths are only available to local artists to sell their personal work. Booth reservations are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, if you have special requirements or preferences, you should sign up as soon as possible.
In order to reserve your booth, you must provide the following:

• Full payment ($65) in the form of a check or credit card information
• Your personal name and contact information
• The formal name of your business (can be the same as your personal name)
• The category of your artwork/craft
• Booth preferences, if any

You may sign up by email to Erin Stephenson (erins@magbloom.com), over the phone (812-323-8959 ext. 0), or in person at the Bloom office (please call ahead). Remember that you must present payment in full in order to reserve your booth and there are no refunds.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We look forward to hearing from you and displaying the wonderful artwork the Bloomington area has to offer!”

CLASSES
Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning is offering many wonderful classes, including the new “Improvers Series” from your BWS president, Nancy Davis Metz. First is “Playing with Color” and then “Composition.”
This editor will teach “Beginning Watercolor III” and “IV,” with III featuring different watercolor mediums (w/c pencils, crayons, gouache, most of which will be provided), and IV being a series of mini-workshops. Students will be asked to keep a reference journal throughout the class. Linda Meyer-Wright brings her creativity to two classes, “Wabi Sabi” and “Personal Expression through Collage.”
Nancy and Jeanne are also offering classes at StoneGate, the new CLL site in Bedford, at Burton Kimble Farms Education Center, and at Springs Valley Learning Center in French Lick. Spread the word! All classes can be found in the Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning catalog at https://www.ivytech.edu/bloomington/cll/13752.html#Arts

Ilona Richey’s snow scene from Beginning Watercolor III, March 2015

Brushstrokes is the (almost) monthly
newsletter of the
 Bloomington (IN) Watercolor Society
Jeanne Ellen Dutton, Editor
 BloomingtonWatercolor.org
WePaintBloomington.org