April 2023 Brushstrokes

April 10

BWS meeting program to explore

several watercolor mediums

The monthly BWS meeting will be both in-person and on Zoom, starting at 6 p.m. Following the business meeting, members/attendees will have time to sample various watercolor mediums under the direction of Jeanne Dutton and Carol Rhodes. Those attending should bring their own paints, paper, brushes, and mixing palette or plate. Tubes of paint work best; a few colors will suffice.

Our May 8 BWS program will be given by Matthew Schnaars, a custom framer of Framemakers. He is calling this “Watercolor Painting with Framing in Mind.” Let Joanne Weddle know if you would like Matthew to address specific topics in this session so she can pass them on to him. Matthew expressed great interest in doing this program for us and was glad we had asked him to do it. Zoom option is to be determined; the large-format content of the demonstration may not be suited to a Zoom setup.

Encore Exhibit

“We Paint…Historic Bloomington!”

The Monroe County History Center welcomes the encore presentation of “We Paint … Historic Bloomington!” April 25 through July 8. You won’t want to miss this collection of paintings by the Bloomington Watercolor Society, an exhibit featuring historic homes and buildings, trailblazing citizens, and landmarks.  Entertaining and educational, the show also includes new paintings from Joanna Samorow-Merzer, Charlotte Griffin, Deborah Rush, and Joan MacDermid.

Mark your calendars and save these dates:

• Opening Reception, Friday, April 28, 5-7 p.m.
• “Paint on the Lawn,” Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Closing Reception, Friday, July 7, 5-7 p.m.

The History Center hours are 10 a.m.– p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and is located at 202 E. Sixth Street in beautiful downtown – and historic – Bloomington.

Art vs. Fiction

by Andy Rogers

I recently discovered novels by an American author whom you may or may not be familiar with; however, I have found these works stimulating and of artistic interest. The author Susan Vreeland has written several books that deal with the relationship between art and fiction. The Passion of Artemisia is an investigation of some aspects of the life of Artemisia Gentilecschi, while the Girl in Hyacinth Blue centers around an imaginary painting by Vermeer. My favorite was Luncheon of the Boating Party, an exceptional novel describing the creation of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” painting and the characters that were included in this composition. The painting, considered “one of the most famous French paintings of modern times,” combines Renoir’s signature impressionist style with portraiture, still life and an en plein air setting. Additional Vreeland novels are Lisette’s List, Clara and Mr. Tiffany, The Forest Lover, What Love Sees, and Life Studies: Stories.

Most of these books are available at the Monroe County Public Library or can be found on Amazon. If you haven’t read any of these, I encourage you to do so.

Have watercolors, will travel

by Penny Lulich

I have been doing a lot of traveling of late and when I travel, I try to connect with watercolor artists wherever I go. So I thought I would share some of my experiences and paintings from recent trips. I hope to encourage artists to reach out wherever they go because it can be fun and you can make new friends. I have learned so much from artists in other states here at home, and in other countries too.

Don’t wait for a workshop to connect with other watercolor artists!

I make it a mission, wherever I go, to connect with watercolorists ahead of time. Sometimes it works out to paint together or visit a studio. I got great tips for sketching in Ireland from the president of the Irish Watercolor Society who lives in Kinsale. I had been invited to visit her studio and go together painting one morning.

 

I have also developed relationships with watercolor artists in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. I am always encouraged by how friendly and welcoming artists are when you contact them and show up in their town. It’s a great way to grow as an artist, and to make new friends. I have found that people who do watercolor are the nicest people.

 

A look back

In 2010, Meadowood hosted “Art in the Garden” plant sale and craft fair. In addition to featuring flowers, herbs, vegetable plants, and gardening tools, they had an art show with Bloomington Watercolor Society. Quite a few artists displayed their work. Jeanne Dutton and Jo Weddle were just a couple who showed their paintings.

Artists for Climate Awareness brings

Avon Waters to teach wet pastels

Several BWS members learned how to use soft pastels with various mediums in an Artists for Climate Awareness workshop, “Painting Nature in Wet Pastel” last month. Avon Waters shared eight techniques he uses which add watermedia to pastels.

Waters taught various pastel techniques; Ann Connors from Sycamore Land Trust gave a short talk about what that organization is doing for the environment; Carol Rhodes led an all-group discussion about how to talk about climate change and caring for the environment. See the activities in progress and the works– both in-progress and finished– by going to the following website and clicking the pictures and advancing through the collection: https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/painting-nature-in-wet-pastel/.

“Bloomington has a large watercolor society and to my surprise a lot of the students in this class were watercolorists — they took to these techniques like a duck to water… Watching watercolorists us(ing) these techniques gave me new ideas to try.” – Avon Waters

Member News

Tim Lewis received a Distinction of Merit award from judge Jeff Hagan at the Brown County Art Guild’s Annual Patron Show in January for his watercolor, “Crab Bounty.”  Tim is also the Show Chair for the annual Watercolor Society of Indiana Juried Exhibition this year. The show is open to WSI members only. Entries must be submitted by May 5, and the show will hang in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from Aug. 5 through Sept. 24. More details are available on the WSI website at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/Juried-Exhibit.

Leslie Gamboa announces a Beginning Watercolor class starting April 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Owen County Art Guild. This class will meet each Wednesday for six weeks. The cost for the six-week session is $40 per person. Call 812-829-1877 or email Owencountyartguild@outlook.com to reserve your spot.

Stephen Edwards’ painting, “Butterfly Dreams,” was accepted into the 2023 National Watercolor Society Members Exhibit. It won the Robbie Laird President’s Award of Excellence as well. Steve writes: “My wife, Sheree, and I would like to thank the group for their thoughtful get-well card. Sheree is recovering and progressing well after the car accident. Many thanks from both of us.”

This month Viridian Moon Art Gallery hosts another group exhibition – “Places We Love” – featuring work in various media by three local artists: Kathy Truelove Barton (watercolor and acrylics), Bill Schwab (oils), and MarySue Veerkamp Schwab (oils and watercolor. These three artists teamed together to share with the public their traveling experiences and plein air adventures. The reception for the show is Saturday, April 8, 3-5 p.m. The details, as always, are here: https://www.viridianmoon.art/events.

Viridian Moon has also launched a fundraiser to help talented young art students from the Salvador Dali Academy of Contemporary Arts in Kyiv, Ukraine, pay their tuition. So far $700 has been raised for the cause. The ultimate goal is to raise $3,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds from print sales will benefit the Art Academy students. Learn more here: https://www.viridianmoon.art/post/prints-from-students-of-salvador-dali-academy-of-contemporary-art.

Nancy Davis Metz attended the weeklong Kanuga Watermedia Workshop in Montreat, N.C., last month. She worked with instructor Teresa Kirk. The workshop drew nearly 200 artists, who chose from 10 artists who who work in numerous genres and styles. Anyone interested in learning more about this annual workshop should ask for details. (P.S. She LOVED it.)

Calendar

April 8 3-5 p.m. Reception for “Places We Love” at Viridian Moon Art Gallery

April 10 6 p.m. BWS meeting

April 19 Beginning Watercolor class begins at Owen County Art Guild

April 28 5 – 7 p.m. Opening Reception Encore Exhibition “We Paint … Historic Bloomington”

May 5 Deadline for entering Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Juried Exhibition

May 8 6 p.m. BWS meeting

BWS Business Meeting and Program — March 13

BWS’ March Meeting will be held in the Great Hall at First Christian Church beginning at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be send by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.

Program: Painting a Still Life

Bring your paints and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! After a short business meeting, we’ll share our time and talents as we paint a still life “set up” featuring flowers, shamrocks, and other things Irish. And, hopefully, enjoy Jo’s famous homemade shamrock sugar cookies.

Some words of inspiration!!

“My still-life painting has more to do with light and shadow than with the objects themselves ”
— William C. Wright

“I love painting still life because there’s a feeling of musical, flowing experience. The drawing doesn’t matter as much – what you’re really after is a feeling of clarity and beauty.”
— Jacob Collins

“Memories are like still life painted by ten different student artists: some will be blue-based; others red; some will be as stark as Picasso and others as rich as Rembrandt; some will be foreshortened and others distant . Recollections are in the eye of the beholder; no two held up side by side will ever quite match.”
— Jodi Picoult

Remember to bring painting supplies!!

Inside BWS

We Paint….Monet and More!

BWS’s show We Paint…Monet and More is currently at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage. It is scheduled to run through March 27. The show benefits Bloomington’s Teachers Warehouse.  

The winter benefit show for Teachers Warehouse opened with its first reception during Gallery Walk on February 3 and was well attended with over 50 people enjoying the exhibit.  Needless to say, there were many favorable comments from visitors and fellow artists and, again, it’s an exhibit of which BWS can be proud.  Congratulations to Barbara Epperson on the sale of her painting.  

Twenty-two artists entered paintings in varying adaptations of the impressionist style, a school of art fathered by Claude Monet.  Those paintings were considered by three judges, taking into account technique, presentation, and relevance to the theme of the show.   The winners are Jo Weddle, Silver Second, for her painting “Loving Lilies,” and Rose Brenner won Best of Show for her work, “Fish Pond.”  

It takes a full team of folks to make an exhibit happen, and many thanks are due to many people…just too numerous to mention!  But Gabe Colman gets a special round of applause for rounding up the judges, interacting with Teachers Warehouse, inspiring Rotary North to sponsor the YouTube video, and being emcee at the reception.  His daughter, Stella Rose, age 4, was also a big help with the drawings for the door prizes which were won by:  Sharon Parsons, a Monet tote bag from Newfields;  Kathy Barton, a Monet coloring book; and Jo Weddle, a 2023 calendar featuring many of Monet’s famous paintings.

Take a virtual tour of “We Paint…Monet and More!” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDSp5ZZg528

Or wander through the BWS SmugMug Gallery at
https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/We-PaintMonet-and-More/n-WZgvfG/

Second Reception: “WE PAINT..Monet and More!”

Please Join Us!!

An Exhibit & Event to Benefit Teachers Warehouse
Friday, March 3, Gallery Walk 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The exhibit may be viewed now through March 27 at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E 6th Street, Bloomington. Gallery Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please call ahead at (812) 334-9700.

Available for Purchase:  Fine Art!  Prints!

Unique hand painted and crafted original greeting cards are $10 each with 100% of the proceeds going to Teachers Warehouse. Proceeds from paintings are shared 50/50 with Teachers Warehouse and the artist. For further information contact Jeanne Ellen Dutton, Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

  A Request From BWS’ Historian

Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, wrote to say “I would be happy to receive flyers, postings, notices of member shows, and other materials that document the work of our watercolor society. These items will be collected and placed in BWS’ History Binders.   Mail materials of this sort to my address.  I do not have a printer.”

Outside BWS

Viridian Moon Art Gallery

Rose Brenner, Susan Savastuk, and Henry Leck have teamed together to present an art show called “The Beauty of Nature” from March, 1 to March 25 with the opening reception on Saturday, March 4th, from 3 to 5 pm. https://www.viridianmoon.art/events

Additionally, the Viridian Moon Art Gallery is fully funding an effort to help pay the tuition of 16 students at the Art Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine by selling 11×14 prints of their work– for $35 each. Attached are some examples of their art pieces, which Irina Shishova has printed and prepared with mats.

Irina says:

“Dear Bloomington friends! We are so excited to let you know about an opportunity to help these amazingly talented art students from Kyiv, Ukraine complete their education under the most challenging circumstances. Please come check out their prints on sale at our community art gallery starting Saturday, February 18th, to show your support! 100% of the print sale’s proceeds will benefit the Art Academy’s students.

Thank you very much!”

See the academy’s website at https://mixmd.edu.ua/en/holovna-english/

Viridian Moon’s website with hours and location are at http//viridianmoon.art

BWS artists support the Cancer Support Community

Thanks to a conversation between staff of the Cancer Support Community for South Central Indiana and BWS member Jeanne Dutton, any BWS artist has the opportunity to present a two-month solo exhibition at CSC offices at the corner of Landmark Avenue and West 3rd Street. Artists donate 20 percent of their proceeds to CSC.

The program started in September of last year. So far BWS artists Meri Reinhold, Laura Brown, and Rose Brenner have participated. Participating artists have so far generated sales that have enabled them to donate $397 to CSC.

CSC provides support groups for cancer patients, family, and caregivers; wellness programs such as yoga, chi kung, nutrition, and art therapy; education; and social opportunities, as well as access to extensive information resources. Exhibition space is open to any BWS member. Call Stephanie Shelton at CSC at 574-606-7687 to inquire about openings in the exhibition schedule. 

The Cancer Support Center will feature the work of Sara Steffey McQueen in March and April. Two posters are attached. While they look alike, one is a bio and the other a description of the show.

Sara wrote to say, “The works in this show are being made into an Intuitive Inquiry Oracle Deck.” The third images is an example of what one of the cards in the Inquiry Oracle Deck looks like.

Sara concluded her note saying, “I hope to see some of my BWS, Upland and Portrait friends at the Reception.”

Opening reception March 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Calling BWS Artists: An Invitation

The Cancer Support Center is needing a BWS artist (or small cadre of BWS artists) to exhibit their work for September/October and November/December. If interested please contact Stephanie Shelton at stephanie@cancersupportscin.org. Stephanie extends her thanks for allowing CSC to host our artists and says that if anyone has any feedback about the CSC/BWS arrangements, comments are welcome.

 

IVY Tech to Host Avon Waters Workshop

Join artist Avon Waters in learning how to work with pastels in a new way, applying velvety rich color using soft pastels along with various liquid blending mediums. This special method, called “wet pastel” is applied in a repeated “construction and deconstruction” process, which allows the painting to guide YOU to its conclusion.

The Avon Waters workshop includes two days of instruction (March 24-25) in pastel techniques along with encouragement to help climate and conservation efforts. Enrollment fees will go to three nonprofit organizations. Featured will be a short discussion about what we can do to help the environment and a brief presentation by a representative of Sycamore Land Trust, who will talk about the organization and its efforts.

See more details at Painting Nature in Wet Pastel by Avon Waters: Two-Day Workshop – Artists for Climate Awareness

(https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/event/wet-pastel-workshop-by-avon-waters/)

When: March 24, 9am to 4pm and March 25, 9am to 3pm

Where: Ivy Tech Bloomington (in-person)

Cost: $140

The workshop is appropriate for both beginners and improvers. In this workshop you can explore new pastel techniques or refine those you already use, while learning how you and your art can help conservation efforts. If you are new to pastels and want to explore them, don’t worry about the investment. Inexpensive soft pastels from various craft stores and popular online stores will work well. 

 Indiana Watercolor Society.

Between now and April 28 members may enter the Annual Membership Exhibit which is scheduled to be held at the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and the Annual Juried Exhibit which will be shown at Newfields in the Indianapolis Museum of Art from May 13th to July 21st.

Both exhibits are on display for more weeks than last year and both venues are working with WSI to help increase exposure and sales!

Follow these links to see deadlines, details, and apply online:

Membership Exhibit Online Registration 

Juried Exhibit Online Registration

Arts of the Earth Day

On Saturday, April 22nd, T. C. Steele State Historic Site will hold its fifth Arts of the Earth Day. Cate Whetsel, the Steele Historic Site Program Developer, asks that If anyone from BWS would like to come out to the site to paint or otherwise work outdoors on the 22nd, they would love to have them!

The site will waive regular day admission for everyone visiting outdoors that day. Building tours (10:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.) will still cost site admission ($10/adult; $8/senior 60+, $5/youth ages 3-17). Artists who wish to work outdoors will work between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on site the day of the program.  Cate says, “We hope to have artists of all mediums! Arts of the Earth is a program to welcome spring and the return of warm weather, and to offer our visitors an inspiring day outdoors. Although we cannot guarantee it, it’s likely the daffodils will be in bloom!

Artist wishes to participate in Arts of the Earth Day should email Cate (museumcommunication@indianamuseum.org) with their name and times during which they will paint (ex. Name: Cate Whetzel, painting from 12-3 p.m.). Cate says she will create a guest list of participating artists for check-in at the Visitor Center. As a thank you for visiting and sharing their art making, artists will be have complimentary coffee, water, and soda available to them.

Additionally, the staff at the Steele Historic Site will be offering the Teddy Bears’ Picnic for kids and families from 1 to 2 p.m. on Arts of the Earth Day. The cost is $4/child with a limit of 20 children. Cookies and lemonade will be served in the garden, accompanied by a reading of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Pre-registration is required, as ticket sales for the picnic will end on April 19. Tickets can be purchased over the phone, in person, or online.

museumcommunication@indianamuseum.org

Local Artist Showcase

From 2012-2016, Bloom Magazine sponsored The Local Artist Showcase, an event featuring artists from Monroe, Brown, Green, Lawrence and Owen counties. This year The Local Artist Showcase will by held on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monroe Convention Center. All artists and galleries are welcome. There is no jurying. Booth fees are $120. Space is limited. Deadline for artist registration is March 10th. Reserve your booth by February 28th to get a discount and receive preferred placement.

Artists for Climate Awareness Gallery Show

As of this writing, six members of BWS who are also members of Artists for Climate Awareness will be displaying their artwork in the Education Room at John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47404 from March 3 – April 7, 2023. The show is in conjunction with a show upstairs named “Climate Shock”, in which Kriste Lindberg will also be showing her work.

The show in the Education Room is called “Elements: An Exhibition by Eight Artists on Climate Awareness.” It features Bess Lee, Joe Lee, Jo Weddle, Carol Rhodes, Meri Reinhold, and Sara Steffey McQueen. Two other artists (Craig Barton and Anita Names) are also in the show but are not members of BWS.

Opening Reception: Friday, March 3rd, 5-8 pm (First Friday)

Attached: Joe Lee, “Save the Animals, Save Yourselves.”

Painting Deserts in Watercolor: Workshop Report

On Saturday, February 25, several Bloomington Watercolor Society members and others attended a daylong workshop hosted by Artists for Climate Awareness, at Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus and online. The workshop, “Painting Deserts in Watercolor,” featured an art project and an environmental education component. Nancy Davis Metz led the demonstration and art portion, and the educational component was led by Carol Rhodes. After a rocky technological start, the participants painted a desert sky and simple landscape using granulating paints and then painted an adobe building in the desert.

Emeriti House Art Show

Members and their partners of the Emeriti House retirees and Indiana University Retiree Association are invited to submit artwork to the 20th Annual Art Exhibit at the Emeriti House on IU’s campus. Artwork must be submitted by April 24. The opening reception will be on Friday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m..

Membership News

Timothy Lewis

Several items of note:

• I received a Distinction Of Merit for my watercolor, “Crab Bounty”, at the Brown County Art Guild’s Annual Patron Show which ended February 18th.
• My watercolor, “Obed River”, was accepted into the 2023 Annual Juried Art Exhibition to be held at the Hamilton County Artists’ Association Gallery, 195 S. 5th Street, Noblesville, IN from March 1 through March, 31. Only 45 out of 327 entries were accepted.
• I have two watercolors I completed recently:   
• “Isle Of Palms 2022” is a 16” x 12” watercolor inspired by a photo taken on vacation at Isle of Palms, SC in 2022.
• “Sunlight Came Softly” is a 15” x 22” watercolor inspired by a bouquet sitting on our dining room table in direct sunlight.

Phyllis Taylor

I have three works accepted into the juried art show “Figure & Face” at the Cannon Beach Art Gallery in Cannon Beach, OR.  This show runs from February 17 – March 26, 2023. (https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/current-exhibit-1) 

The group I belong to in Oregan just had the artists reception last Friday. It was fun to meet artists from all over the state. A nice mental boost during these gray winter days.

I have two watercolors and a Prismacolor sketch accepted in the show.  See attached.

Tricia Heiser Wente

Tricia Heiser Wente sent her good wishes and invited everyone to her new show in Salem, OR.

Carolyn Rodgers Richards

The only relevant news is that I will have some of my paintings in our cooperative Hoosier Artist Gallery’s booth at the Local Artists Showcase on Sunday, April 23^rd at the Convention Center. Below is an image of one of my painting for the Local Artists Showcase. It is called, “Summer Bouquet” and was done in acrylic and acrylic compatible cold wax. 

Christine Peterson

I’m a fairly new member of BWS.  I received the BWS email regarding the venue at Cancer Support Community, and today they signed the contract with me to have my exhibit there for the months of May and June!  The show will be called, “The Spice of Life.” I will have cards and prints available of the 30 to 40 paintings I will be hanging.  Attached are samples of my work and a statement about me and the show.

“For the past fifteen years or so, Chris Peterson has enjoyed studying many techniques for painting inwatercolors, acrylics, encaustic, and most recently oils. Every year she has attended a workshop or two with different artists in many locations. These experiences have resulted in this exhibit of extremely diverse works including portraits, abstracts, still life, and a few landscapes. She continues to learn and paint, and will probably never settle on one style. “Spice of Life” offers variety in mood, subject and atmosphere.”

Kathleen Truelove Barton

MarySue Schwab

Bill Schwab

MarySue Schwab, Bill Schwab and myself, Kathy Truelove Barton will be participating in a show that will hang for the month of April in Viridian Moon Gallery here in Monroe County.  This exhibition featuring work in various media. Paintings  capture the “spirit of place” with Central and Southern Indianan being the focus.  It is a unique collection of work representing places we have traveled and recorded in paint. Painting together does not mean seeing in the same way, and we think this show is a wonderful view into the eye of the artist. The show will be at the Gallery from March 29^th through April 22^nd.

Lynne Gilliat

I’m happy to report that I won first prize in the “Let It Snow” Show at the Viridian Moon Gallery. My painting was done in pastel on sandpaper and was entitled, “Prayer Flags in the Snow.”

Jerome Harste

I have been playing, trying new techniques and styles. The painting I submitted to our Historical Bloomington show is shown below (Painting 1) and was entitled “Building America.” I wanted to honor Bloomington’s limestone industry and its impact on architecture throughout the nation. Painting 2 is an attempt to redo that first painting in more whimsical style using patterns upon patterns. Painting 3 is my attempt to take a small section of Painting 2 to create an abstract which, of course, I also ended up embellishing.

Kitty Garlock

In January a friend of mine who lives in Australia contracted me to paint a picture for her mother-in-law’s 60th birthday present.  She sent me a couple photos of their home to choose from and I fell in love with this one.  I told her I had never done anything bigger than 7.5 x 9.5 and wondered if that was ok…they thought they would rather have a larger one.  So this is my foray into the largest piece I have ever done…10.5 x 13.5!  Finished mid-February and should be arriving in Australia any day now!  My friend said…”Oh she is going to cry when she sees this!”  Making someone cry may not sound right but it sure made me feel good!!

Now I am doing another one contracted by a friend and I have decided to make it the same size!!

Susan Savastuk

Three items:

*Team Show with Rose Brenner and Henry Leck at Viridian Moon Gallery. Opening reception Saturday March 4, 2023. 3-5PM

* Preparing for a July show at Gallery B in Bloomingfoods West. It will be a series of portraits in pointillism  with marker.

*Showing in the John Waldron Art Center Spotlight Gallery March – April. Opening night reception for Gallery Walk will be March 3rd from 5-8 PM.

Rose Brenner

Rose Brenner took best of show award in the Patron category at the Brown County Art Guild in Nashville, Indiana on February 17th! 

Jacki Frey

We are in San Miguel de Allende, here’s my night scene.

Nancy Metz

My painting of Molnar’s sculpture, “The Light of the World,” that stands over the south door of the Monroe County Courthouse has been juried in to the 2023 Kentucky Watercolor Society AquaVenture Show.  The show hangs from March 17 to April 27 at the Lyric Theater, 300 E. Third St., Lexington, KY.

Charlotte Griffin

Charlotte sends greetings from Vero Beach, Florida.

Calendar

Now — Support Ukrainian art students’ by purchasing reprints at Viridian Moon Gallery.

March 1 to 25 — “Beauty of Nature” Show, Viridian Moon Gallery, Bloomington.

March 1 to 31 — Annual Juried Exhibition, Hamilton County Artists’ Association, Noblesville.

March 3 — Second Reception, “We Paint…Monet and More,” The Vault, Bloomington, 5 to 8 p.m.

March 3 — Opening Reception for Sara Savastuk, Spotlight Gallery, Waldron, 5 to 8 p.m.

March 4 — Reception, Susan Savastuk, Rose Brenner, & Henry Leck, Viridian, 3 to 5 p.m.

March 10 — Deadline for registering for a booth at the Local Arts Showcase.

March 10 — Opening Reception, Sara Steffey McQueen, Cancer Resource Center, 4 to 7 p.m.

March 13 — March BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, Bloomington, 6 p.m.

March 24 and 25 — Avon Walters Workshop, IVY Tech, Bloomington.

March 27 — Last day to see “We Paint…Monet and More” Exhibition, Vault, Bloomington.

Month of April — MarySue Schwab, Bill Schwab, & Kathleen Truelove Barton Exhibition, Viridian Moon Gallery, Bloomington.

April 22 — Art of Earth Day, T. C. Steele Historic Site.

April 22 — Teddy Bear’s Picnic, T. C. Steele Historic Site.

April 23 — Local Artist Showcase, Monroe Convention Center, Bloomington.

April 24 — Last day to submit artwork to the 20th Annual Art Show at the Emeriti House, Bloomington.

April 28 — Last day to enter WSI’s Membership and Annual Juried Exhibitions, Indianapolis.

April 28 — Reception, 20th Annual Emeriti House and IURA Art Exhibit, 5 to 7 p.m.

Months of May and June — “Spice of Life” Exhibition, Cancer Support Center, Bloomington.

Feb. 13

Come paint with BWS

Bloomington Watercolor Society’s monthly meeting will be the night before Valentine’s Day so the program will feature a painting session following the business meeting. There will be a live floral arrangement to paint; if you prefer, you are invited to bring a sentimental valentine or memento you wish to paint.

The February meeting will be in-person only. BWS will resume the Zoom component for the March meeting.

The business meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email.

Time for HS seniors to apply

for BWS Art Scholarship

If you know any MCCSC high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in visual fine arts, arts education, architecture or design from an accredited college, university or school of design, encourage them to apply for the BWS Art Scholarship. Application may be made through the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools (FMCCS) beginning February 2023 at https://mccsfoundation.org/.

January meeting at the McCalla School

BWS started 2023 with a well-attended meeting and a docent tour of the IU University Collections. Housed in the fully renovated McCalla School at 9th Street and Indiana Avenue, the Collections include permanent and temporary exhibits that “span disciplines, time periods, and geography …  [including] many significant art, cultural, historical, and scientific collections from across all nine IU campuses.”

Thanks to Jo Weddle for arranging the meeting place, and to curator Alicia Beard for an excellent docent tour. Find more about the museum at https://mccalla.iu.edu/contact/index.html. Saturday hours are anticipated to start in February.

Viridian Moon’s All Media Winter Art Show

Several BWS members have works hanging in Viridian Moon’s “Let It Snow!” show which will hang until Feb. 25. You can vote for your favorite piece until Feb. 17. Winners will be announced and People’s Choice prizes awarded Saturday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. Current Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to https://www.viridianmoon.art/events.

Member News

BWS welcomes two new members: Christine Peterson and Daniel Goebbert.

Jerry Harste has donated a collage called “Picasso’s Sketchbook” to the Franklin G. Burroughs and Simon B. Chapin Art Museum. Each year the museum asks 100 artists in the Myrtle Beach area to donate a painting. Then 100 tickets are sold at $250 each and a drawing is held on Feb. 12. The person whose name gets drawn first, gets first choice, and so on. The event generates $25,000 to support the Museum each year.

Beyond BWS

The Kentucky Watercolor Society invites members and non-members to submit entries for its AquaVenture Show March 17 – April 27 at the Lyric Theater in Lexington, Ky. Gary Edward Jennings, a landscape artists working in soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, and watercolor, will serve as juror for the show. Paintings must be water-based media (watercolor, acrylic, gouache) and completed in 2018 – 2023. Artists may enter up to 3 paintings and are strongly encouraged to use the KWS website for AquaVenture 2023 to upload images. The deadline for submitting entries is Feb. 17. For a complete prospectus, go to https://www.kentuckywatercolorsociety.com/aquaventure-2023-events-listing.

Calendar

Feb. 3 “We Paint … Monet and More,” The Vault at Gallery Mortgage.,121 E Sixth St., 5 – 8 p.m.

Feb. 13 BWS monthly meeting, First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave., 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 Deadline for submitting entries to KWS’s AquaVenture Show

Feb. 18 “Let It Snow” reception, Viridian Moon Gallery, 1600 W. Bloomfield Rd., Suite B, 3-5 p.m.

January 9th: BWS Membership Meeting

Inside BWS

Monet and Friends

On December 7th members of BWS took a trip to Newfields to see the LUME exhibit “Monet & Friends.” Kathy Barton’s photos document the adventure.

BWS’s Holiday Party

On December 12th BWS had its annual holiday party at Meadowood. Participants were invited to bring a painting inspired by Monet for the annual holiday exchange. Nancy Metz documented the event in pictures.

BWS’ Winter Benefit Show: We Paint Monet and More!!

Jeanne Dutton announced that again this winter, BWS will host an exhibit to benefit Teachers Warehouse.  Last year, we were incredibly successful and raised over $1000.  Because of TW’s purchasing arrangments and buying power, that $1000 translated into more the $10,000.  In short, we did GREAT!

This year, our theme moves from the post-impressionist Van Gogh to the Impressionist artists.  Founded by Claude Monet, others who followed this movement were Degas, Delacroix, Cassatt, Matisse, just to name a famous few.

Our exhibit – with YOUR impressions of landscapes, portraits, and still lifes – will run from February 3 through March 31.  Please send images and all the info for the SmugMug gallery to Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org by January 20.. Attached is the prospectus.  It is also posted online at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/member-shows-workshops/show-rules/prospectus/

Remember, this show is open to all 2D mediums, so get out those pastels, oils, acrylics, inks, any medium you choose. And to inspire you, here are some links to enjoy and a sample from one of your fellow artists.  (Thank you, Deborah Rush!)

Happy painting!

Jeanne

Monet bio – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claude-Monet

Monet – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFPs_cRRGdM

Giverny – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUOcIFya_eA

Cassatt – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPlJ9CJPwpc

Degas – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXB187Gpz6I&t=132s

Impressionism – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tw51Eh9vcw

Renoir – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF_nArPfEgs

BWS’ Scholarship Winner Makes the News

Sandi Nitti Education Fund

Sandi Nitti donated her collection of art books to BWS. BWS has used the money from sales of these books to set up rhe Sandi Nitti Scholarship Fund. The Fund is awarded to members who need assistance in attending watercolor events of interest to them which they could not otherwise afford. 

Kathy Truelove Barton reports that to date BWS has generated $320.00 from sales of Sandi Nitti’s books and to remind the membership that the book sales continues. More than 50 books are still available. Techniques in pastel, watercolor and ink as well as some books with beautiful pictures of paintings for inspiration and browsing. Contact Kathy Truelove Barton to schedule an appointment to select  a book or two, or three. Hardback books are $10.00 and soft cover books are$ 5.00.

Outside BWS

Upland Plein Air will host their Winter Membership Show entitled “Things We Love” at the Bloomington Arts Alliance from January 13th through February 12th.

The Watercolor Society of Indiana celebrates the artists of Indiana in its watercolor show in Fort Wayne from January 7th through February 25th.

The Viridian Moon Art Gallery in Bloomington will host an All Media Winter Art Show entitled, “Let It Snow!” from January 7th through February 25th.

Membership News

Jacki Frye. This is my snow scene for the Veridian Moon art show in January. Also, it is the scene I painted for a few Christmas notes that I mailed out.  This farm actually exist. It’s on the winding road as you go back to Yellowood  State Park from Highway 46.  Title: moon rising.

Susan Savastuck. I will have some pieces in the Virdian Moon Gallery Show in January, Meanwhile I continue to display at the art Alliance Center in the Collage Mall. Will have some pieces in the Viridian Moon Gallery Snow Show in January. This painting is called “Winter Crisp,” painted on a 12″x 12″ piece of gesso board. Finished right before I came down with Covid.

Laura Brown. Here are some winter themed paintings I’ve been working on.  They are all submitted for the “Let It Snow!!” exhibit at Viridian Moon in January. 

r 

Rose Brenner. Attached is a flyer for my show at the Cancer Support Community Center.Everyone Is invited to Rose’s opening reception on January 13th.

Nancy Metz send in pictures from BWS’s Trip to Newfields to see the Monet and

friends exhibit.

Mary Sue & Bill Schwab will have artwork in the Patron Show at theBrown County Art Guild. MarySue’s student entered the show with a beautiful pastel of a horse. As a horse lover, Ms. Deboy drew and painted her horse, “It’s the first time I used pastels” she said! 

MarySue has been accepted in the light Space and Time online Botanical art show from entries around the world. 

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery – Home Pagelightspacetime.art

In addition, Bill and MarySue will have art work in the “Let it snow” art show at Viridian Moon. 

Irina Shishova. January is a busy month at Viridian Moon Art Gallery and I would like to share a few things with our artistic community: 

1) “Let it snow!” all-media show starts on January 7th;

2) Three local photographers have joined us. The reception is on Saturday, January 7th, 3-5 pm;

3) Meri Reinhold, Betty Wagoner, and Candi Bailey are showing their work in our reorganized “Watercolor Room”.

Attached is a flyer for the photography show and a thumbnail look any the paintings in the “Let It Snow” Show.

And for those who are interested here are websites for various events currently goes on at the Viridian Moon Gallery:

https://www.viridianmoon.art/events

https://www.viridianmoon.art/ourstories

https://www.viridianmoon.art/artists/meri-reinhold

https://www.viridianmoon.art/artists/betty-wagoner

https://www.viridianmoon.art/artists/candace-candi-bailey

Calendar

January 7 — Opening Reception for the three photographers that are showing at the Viridian Moon Gallery.

January 7 to February 25 — WSI’s “Artists of Indiana” Show, Fort Wayne.

January 7 to February 25 — “Let It Snow” Show at Viridian Moon Gallery, Bloomington.

January 9 — BWS January Membership Meeting, McCalla Elementary School.

January 13 — Opening Reception for Rose Brenner’s Show, Cancer Community Support Center.

January 13 to February 12 — Upland Plein Air Show, Bloomington Arts Alliance.

January 20 — Send images for BWS Winter Benefit Show to the SmugMug gallery to Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.

February 2 to March 31 — BWS Winter Benefit Show for Teachers Warehouse.

BWS Holiday Party returns to Meadowood

BWS is once again throwing a Holiday Party at Meadowood the evening of Monday, Dec. 12. The deadline to reserve is Sunday, Dec. 4. 

Reservations are open on the BWS Website, from the right-hand nav bar or at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/holiday-party-2022/. Cost of the meal is $20 per person. 

Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Each member may bring a guest. To join in the fun, you can optionally create and bring a painting in the manner of Monet (sized 5×7 to 9×12) to exchange with someone else who participates in the optional activity. This activity coordinates with the field trip to The LUME to see the Monet exhibition on Dec. 7. (See https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/lume-field-trip-monet-exhibition/)

Bloomington Watercolor Society Art Scholarship

by Jeanne Dutton

I encourage you to view the items up for bid at The Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools – Watercolor Society | BiddingForGood. https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341700160.

BWS awarded its scholarship this past spring to Jesse Kogge, who is now studying at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design at Indiana University. The scholarship provides $500 for the purpose of purchasing art supplies. We now need to pump up our scholarship fund.  Will you help with that?

Here are two ways you can contribute and THANKS in advance!

ONE, make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools (FMCCS) at https://mccsfoundation.org/. Please be sure to indicate that your donation should be directed to the Bloomington Watercolor Society Scholarship. 

TWO, FMCCS holds an online auction every autumn, “Reading, Writing, Bidding.” The 2022 auction will be “live” from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6. The BWS Scholarship fund benefits from every item offered by BWS members. Thanks to Bob Florini, Lynne Gilliatt, and Phil Bowsher for their contributions.  You can also find up for auction a set of watercolor greetings cards and a three-hour watercolor lesson. 

Order your personalized BWS name badge

Still time to order a  BWS Personalized Name Badge. This badge is white, made of hard plastic, 2.5 in x 2.5 inches, with the BWS logo in blue and your name printed underneath it in black. It is secured to clothing via a magnet strip and magnet. The badges are $9 and can be ordered via our BWS Website: https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/members-purchase-a-permanent-badge/ .

“We Paint…Historic Bloomington!”

People’s Choice Award

Congratulations to Joanna Samorow-Merzer for winning the People’s Choice Award in the 2022 Membership Show.  Her painting of George and Viola Taliaferro was the overwhelming favorite, and that earned Joanna a prize of $50.

Credit also goes to second place,  “Yellow House on West 7th Street” by Jacki Frey and third place to “Light of the World” by Nancy Davis Metz.

The comments were varied and all complimentary:  “Beautiful show” and “I loved the educational component,” to “Reminded me of my great-great aunt’s beautiful watercolors.”

Many thanks to all who helped take in the entries, hang the show, host at receptions, and take it down, and to all the very talented BWS artists who participated.

Thanks also to the Monroe County History Center for collaborating with us, and to the Vault at Gallery Mortgage for the gallery space.

To see the exhibit online, please go to https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/We-Paint-Historic-Bloomington/n-XhK82C/.

Member News

Sara Steffey McQueen will be exhibiting her prints and cards this month at the Cardinal Collective, 24 E. Main St., Bloomfield. She will have signed giclee prints, boxed card sets, and more. Sara is also participating in Bloomfield’s Hometown Christmas Sunday, Dec. 4, noon to 5 p.m. The event on the town square will feature food trucks, craft vendors, family-friendly activities, and Santa Claus arriving in style. Also, the weekend of Dec. 10- 11 Sara will be at the Arts Alliance Center in College Mall from noon to 6 p.m. offering short Tarot Constellations of individual’s Birthdays on original designed Mandalas.

Kathy Truelove Barton has a solo show, “Happy Little Paintings,” at Bloomingfoods Near West Side, 316 W. Sixth St. The show will go through the end of December.

Beyond BWS

Viridian Moon Art Gallery is calling for entries for its Winter Art Show, “Let It Snow!” which will hang from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25. Online submission of artworks is ongoing through Dec. 28 with drop-off Jan. 4 – 5 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Gallery, 1600 W. Bloomfield Rd. The opening reception will be 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Prizes will be awarded, based on People’s Choice votes, on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. If you have questions, email info@viridianmoon.art.

Calendar

Ongoing through Dec. 6

Online auction Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools Corporation (https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341700160).

Dec. 4

Deadline to make reservations for BWS Holiday Party. Go to https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/holiday-party-2022/.

Dec. 7

BWS field trip to The LUME, Newfield’s Monet experience

Dec. 12

BWS Holiday Party at Meadowood. Social hour at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 28

Deadline for online submissions for Viridian Moon’s Winter Exhibit, “Let It Snow!” For complete info see above or contact info@virridanmoon.art.

November 14 — Membership Meeting

The Bloomington Watercolor Society will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, November 14, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. Members are welcome to share the number with guests, and a phone number will be posted on the door as backup. For those choosing to attend via Zoom, the meeting room and password stay the same month to month. However, for security reasons, Zoom meeting details are not published on the Web. Instructions will be sent by email and members are welcome to share them with guests.

After a brief business meeting, BWS member, Penny Lulich will present the program.

“Finding Joy and Confidence with Watercolors: What I’ve Been Learning Along the Way.” 

Paintings: Haystack Rock, Sand Dunes, Depot Bay, Oregon Coast

“I’ll be painting a scene from a photo I captured of Big Sur on the coast of California, while sharing some of my watercolor story, and the watercolor adventures I’ve had over the past seven years.  I’ll chat about how I found joy and confidence after a very rocky beginning, and even during a time of lonely painting under the “stay at home” Covid conditions.   I’ll share my favorites; paints and palettes, inspirational watercolor artists, books, and videos, and tools that have helped me along the way.

I don’t know how much of the painting I’ll finish during the BWS program at the November meeting, but my hope is to inspire by sharing my story with you.

Below you will find my drawing of the Big Sur scene, and the photo I took.  I’ll list the paints, brushes, and paper I use.  Bring your own along with you or paint from home if you like.  

Paper:  140 lb coldpress

Brushes:  Escoda Prado #20 (for covering large areas quickly), Princeton Aqua Elite # 12, Princeton Aqua Elite # 8   (Mostly, I like round brushes)

Paint and palette:  I mostly use Daniel Smith paints, but occasionally I use M. Graham or Windsor Newton.  Bring the paints you use and enjoy.  

Palette:  All the usual suspects;  yellow ochre, burnt Sienna, cobalt blue, new gamboge, lemon yellow, ultramarine blue, Indigo, sap green, green gold, cobalt violet (or any purple color that you like), Alizarin Crimson, cad orange, cobalt turquoise,  shadow violet, shadow green, cascade green.  Any other color combinations that you like to use, that include both warm and cool tones.  

Inside BWS

October Was Some Month!! BWS Has Lots of People to Thank!

We ended September on a bang! On September 29 and 30, BWS supported the Peden Farm Children’s Farm Festival by assisting young children in creating thumbprint animals. The Children’s Festival was a large event, with hundreds of elementary and pre-school children in attendance. BWS volunteers worked full or half-day shifts in groups of three or four. Sarah Ward coordinated the effort. And then came October…..

• Paint Bloomington-Babette Ballenger

On October 8, The Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, Upland Plein Air, Bloomington Watercolor Society, Artists for Climate Awareness, and Bloomington Portrait Group teamed up to provide a free all-day event.  Patty Uffman reported that although the day was chilly those who attended enjoyed the day and the excitement it fostered. The sessions for both adults and children were well attended.  Babette Ballinger thanks BWS members for their support in donations of supplies and volunteering their time. 

• Paint Historic Bloomington Show– Jeanne Dutton

This BWS Membership Show can be seen through November 23 at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage.  The first reception was on October 7. Somewhere between 50 to 60 people attended.  There is an on-line version of the show available via Smugmug.  A second reception will be held on November 4.  Members are reminded that works from the show will be shown again next year at the Monroe County History Center. 

Special visitors to the Opening Reception were the daughters of George and Viola Taliaferro, featured in the painting shown here.  Linda Harvey on the left and Renee Taliaferro on the right posing with artist Joanna Samorow-Merzer.

• BWS Saturday Paint Out-Betty Wagoner

BWS had its final Saturday paint out on October 15 along with a pot luck at Peden Farm.  Patty Uffman and Betty Wagoner provided two flavors of chili (Red-beef and White-chicken) while participants bought side dishes. Here is Betty’s report:

“It was a beautiful day although a bit nippy.  We enjoyed the fields, farm barns and a variety of animals and birds. The Pedens were gracious hosts.  For our lunch, they set up tables and
chairs in one of the barns and Mrs. Peden provided vases of cut flowers from her garden.
We enjoyed red chilli from Patty Uffman and white chilly from Betty Wagoner. Those attending: Babette Ballinger, Linda Branstetter, Jackie Frey, Kitty Garlock, Pennly Lulich, Andy Roberts, Patty Uffman, Betty
Wagoner.”

Second Reception: “We Paint…Historic Bloomington!”

Mark your calendar! The 2nd reception for the BWS Annual Membership Show takes place during the Gallery Walk, Friday, November 4, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage (121 E. 6th Street).  It’s a great show featuring 26 watercolor paintings by Bloomington Watercolor Society members. You don’t want to miss this beautiful – and educational – exhibit, created in collaboration with the Monroe County History Center.

While you’re there, please be sure to vote for your favorite piece of art.  The People’s Choice award of $50 will be announced on November 28.  

LUME field Trip: Monet and Friends

Wednesday, December 7^th, 2022

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 (ish)

Newfields – the Indianapolis Museum of Art  

Bloomington Watercolor Society members are invited to jump on the bus and take a road trip to see this fabulous display at Newfields!  Discounted ticket price is only $25 per person.  Reservations begin November 1.  Members, watch your email for all the details.  Questions?  Send an email to info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.

“The moment you step out of the elevator into Floor 4 of the IMA Galleries, you are transported to 19th century Paris, when the face of European art changed forever. Your journey comes to life with a rich, dynamic display of light, color, and sound. Impressionist paintings, dance around you on an enormous scale, revealing the vivid detail and bold brushstrokes of some of the most famous artists of all time including Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Cézanne, and more—all set to a musical score that includes Europe’s most renowned composers.“

A Monet-Inspired Christmas Party at Meadowood!

Mark Your Calendar!!! Monday, December 12, 6 p.m.

This year our BWS Christmas Party will be at Meadowood. The event will feature a buffet dinner. While not mandatory, participants are invited to bring ‘a Monet-inspired painting’ (5″x7″ – Greeting Card Sized) for a “Bring One; Take One” Exchange. Your attendance is important, whether you engage in the “Bring One; Take One Exchange or not. Signing up to attend will begin at our November meeting and continue through December 1. Dinner choices and costs will be sent to you once these details have been finalized, but probably will be about the same as in other years.

A Historic Note

Linda Bransletter, BWS Historian, reports that in September of 2010, after the business meeting, Nancy Metz and her team took on a project of selling BWS greeting cards for $12 a packet to help raise funds for the BWS Scholarship Fund.   Member were encouraged to buy and sell the card packets for distribution as Christmas, birthday, and hostess gifts.

BWS Name Badges

Andy Roberts is willing to order a BWS Name Badge for anyone who wants one. The badges are made of durable plastic with a magnetic backing (size 2.5″ x 2.5″). Attached is a mock-up. Andy sees wearing BWS name badges as a public relations effort; good advertising for for BWS when a member is volunteering or just out painting plein air. Andy estimates the cost of each badge to be between $8 and $9. If interested, contact Andy for ordering and for making payment.

Outside BWS

Viridian Moon Art Gallery has made a call for entries to its all media art show: “Let It Snow!” which will run from January 7 to February 25. Art work can be submitted online from now to December 28. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information go to the Viridian Moon website (www.viridianmoon.art). Questions: infor@viridianmoon.art.

The Indiana Watercolor Society is having a plein air paint out for it members and guests at Heritage Farms Alpacas & Events, 4175 North 1200 West, Flora, IN 46929 on Monday, November 21, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Swope Art Museum ‘s 78th Annual Wabash Valley Show opens with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 4. On November 12 the Museum will hold a fund raiser entitled The Big Deal. One hundred and fifty works of art will be up for sale at $99 dollars each. Tickets for the event cost 25 dollars.

Member News

Joe Lee. If you haven’t seen it, do get a copy of the latest Bloom Magazine. Our own Joe Lee is the featured artist. Our sincere congratulations!!!

And for your information: Joe will be selling his clocks at the Bloomington City Holiday Market on Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Showers Common, 401 N. Morton Street).

Kathy Truelove Barton has a solo show of her watercolor paintings at Gallery B in BloomingFoods Near West from October through December. BloomingFoods is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (316 W. 6th Street). A reception will be held November 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Kathy wrote to add this update:

“My web site is now secure and the address is as follows. Https://kathysartllc.Square.Site. All the works in the show are on the site but the colors are much richer in real life. 

My grandson is getting married the week of the November reception so my administrative assistant will be covering for me that night. She is a middle-aged woman who has been working with me for four years and is quite capable.

Thank you all for your interest in my works and progress as a painter.”

Laura Brown.  “I have some news.  I am going to have a show up at Cancer Support Community Center on the corner of Landmark and West Third Street. The opening is November 11th.   I have attached the details in the flyer for the show and my gallery bio.    For clarification on the RSVP, if anyone is wondering, all it means is to please email Stephanie so they are aware and on the lookout for gallery visitors as they have a small staff and want to make sure all gallery visitors have staff that can assist them with questions or purchasing.

Jerome Harste. In addition to attending Claude Cookman’s Portrait Class (which has been absolutely wonderful!) at the Art Alliance of Bloomington Center in the Mall, I attended a three day workshop with Liam Stewart, a Scottish artist, in Indianapolis. One of the most interesting things I learned was how to lay down a two-toned wash using plain water to save the white for focal areas. His technique involves catching the wash after the sheen has gone and lightly brushing the painting using a dry hake brush to make sure the gradation between hues is seamless. Works wonderfully.

Andy Roberts sent in two pictures. The first is entitled ‘Apollo Spring’ painted at the West Baden Paint-Out sponsored by Indiana Heritage Arts. The second is from the BWS Paint-Out at Peden Farm. This one is called, quite appropriately, “Peden Farm Barn”. 

.MarySue & Bill Schwab. Bill was accepted in the Richmond Art Museum art show which runs November through December.  We both also have paintings hanging at the Brown County Art Gallery, in the Brown County State Park’s show

Calendar

Now – Entries wanted for the “Let It Snow” Show at the Viridian Moon Gallery.

Now – Let Andy Roberts know if you want him to order you a BWS name tag.

Now – See Mary Sue and Bill Schwab’s art work at the Richmond and Brown County Art Museums.

Now through December — See Kathy Barton’s Show at BloomingFoods.

November 4 – Reception, BWS Membership Show, at the Vault.

November 11 through December – See Laura Brown’s Show at the Cancer Support Center.

November 14 – BWS November Meeting, 6 p.m. with Penny Lulich presenting.

November 21 – WSI Paint Out at Heritage Farms & Events.

December 7 – LUME Field Trip to IMA to see Monet & Friends.

December 12 – BWS Christmas Party at Meadowood.

Oct. 10

BWS meeting to feature Mandalas

with Sara Steffey McQueen

The Bloomington Watercolor Society will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. Members are welcome to share the number with guests, and a phone number will be posted on the door as backup. For those choosing to attend via Zoom, the meeting room and password stay the same month to month. However, for security reasons, Zoom meeting details are not published on the Web. Instructions will be sent by email and members are welcome to share them with guests.

After a brief business meeting, Sara Steffey McQueen will lead a session on creating Mandala Art. She writes:

“I was first introduced to Mandala art around 1973 with the work of Jose Arguelles and his book on the subject. Studies of Indian philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism, and southwest Native American art deepened my interest. Early 20th century psychologist Carl Jung used mandalas as a tool to bring the inner psychological world of his clients into expression.  An 11th century  nun, Hildegard von Bingam, drew and painted mandalas as a part of her path to God. Mandalas cross all cultures and beliefs. Throughout history and in nature, the circle has been a great source of artistic inspiration.  

“Mandalas come in many different forms, but they have the common element of radial symmetry and concentric bands or borders. Different than a kaleidoscope, mandalas do have symbolism and personal meaning for the artist.  In psychology and art therapy, they are used for organizing our ideas and as a method inquiry and a focusing technique. Today there are many personal development approaches that use drawing and collage for gathering ideas and structuring and exploring our inner world.  Sometimes these are called ‘Mapping’ or ‘Story boards.’

“I have found the use and study of Mandalas to be a way to bring my interests & inspirations into awareness and expression. In this workshop I will introduce a different approach to painting from the ‘inside-out.’”

Suggested material to bring (Sara will bring extras):

• Sketchbook or Journal
• Square paper
• Straight edge
• Compass, tracer shapes (circles, any shapes)
• Watercolor paints
• Crayons
• Permanent markers

COMING SOON!

2022 Annual Membership Show of the Bloomington Watercolor Society:

“We Paint…Historic Bloomington!”

Oct. 7 – Nov. 23

Beautiful homes, historic buildings, cultural trailblazers, prominent folks and memorable places, captured in watercolor and other water mediums are all part of this year’s membership show.

Please join us at the Opening Reception on Gallery Walk Friday, Oct. 7, 5 – 8 p.m.

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage

121 E. Sixth Street

Bloomington, Ind.

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Many thanks to the Monroe County History Center for their collaboration in creating this exhibit!

BWS paint-out and potluck

Saturday, Oct. 15 at Peden Farm

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Enjoy a paint-out at a pleasant, historic Monroe County farm. Share a meal with fellow BWS members. White and red chili, coffee, and tea are provided. Bring a dish to share.

More information and driving instructions to be provided closer to the date.

Paper marbling workshop with Andrew Preston

Experience the ancient art of paper marbling using acrylic paints, homemade rakes and combs, and specially prepared papers. Students learn to create multiple patterns, from the simple and elegant “stone” to the eye popping “nonpareil.” We will also practice special effect processes such as Spanish Wave and the use of synthetic gall. By the end of the workshop, students will have made a variety of marbled pieces.

To register go to https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/paper-marbling-workshop/.

Saturday, Oct. 22

First Christian Church

Choose one session.

Session 1: 10 a.m. – Noon

OR

Session 2: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $75 ALL supplies included PLUS supplies to take home!

Non-members may register for unfilled spaces beginning Oct. 10 for $85.

BWS at Peden Farm Children’s Festival

by Jeanne Dutton

September 29 dawned sunny and chilly – very chilly – but that didn’t slow down the volunteers at Peden Farm! It was busy as a beehive with dozens and dozens of folks of all ages setting up tables, preparing displays, keeping the coffee pots full and donuts served before the hundreds of children began arriving.  

BWS members met and greeted the little visitors to the table and each child chose an animal drawing from the sample sheet. We showed them how to ink their thumb and press their fingerprint onto a BWS bookmark, and then we helped them draw their animal…and sign their name because artists must always sign their artwork!

Our reward on Thursday was a wonderful lunch of hearty beef stew and fried biscuits with apple butter, just the thing to perk us up after the morning chill.

BWS was well represented and what a fun time we all had. Many thanks to these folks for volunteering: organizer Sarah Ward, Linda Branstetter, Patty Uffman, Andy Roberts, Sharon Parsons, Sara Steffey McQueen, Jan Ellis, Jo Weddle, Kitty Garlock, and Carol Rhodes.

A little history

In 2008 BWS member Tricia Wente wanted to have a “We Paint Parks” exhibition.  In 2010 BWS members drew names of Bloomington parks out of a hat and then took on the challenge to do a painting of whatever park each had chosen .  Forty-two members participated and had 12 months to complete their paintings. Some members painted two areas. BEAD and Bloomington Parks and Recreation were big supporters of the event, which was shown at the Showers Atrium from Nov. 4 to Dec. 2 of 2011.

Obituary

Barbara Edmonds, 1948-2022

Longtime BWS member Barbara Edmonds died unexpectedly at her home Aug. 27. Her daughter Angela asked us to pass along these words: “The UU family with Free Thinkers, Humanists, Poetry classes, Womens Alliance, and general community of artists were very important to her, especially during the pandemic and times of challenging political climate. She revered all of the individual and collective intellectual conversations, talents and compassionate efforts within these arenas. Thank you for embracing her contributions and giving her a platform for living her purpose of transformation and service to others.”

Angela suggests anyone wanting to make a memorial donation consider Green Initiatives program through https://amma.org or the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Bloomington (https://www.uubloomington.org).

Member News

Sara Steffey McQueen will be exhibiting her intuitive acrylics in Seymour for the month of October. They are on display at Pacey Apothecary, 125 W. Second, Seymour, IN 47274. There will be a reception Friday, Oct. 28.

Carol Rhodes’ painting, “Still Waters,” was accepted for Greening the Statehouse 2022: Clean Water for Indiana. The 15th annual Greening the Statehouse, Indiana’s largest environmental gathering, will take place Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield, Ind.  The event is water themed, and Hoosier Environmental Council called for water-themed art because 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.  The program for the day includes presentations, a lunch of locally produced foods, and abundant break time for networking and engagement with the artwork. Juried Artwork will be displayed in the conference space for this one-day conference. Learn more about the event at https://www.hecweb.org/gts/.

Kathy Barton has a solo show, “Happy Little Paintings,” at Bloomingfoods Near West Side, 316 W. Sixth St. The show will go through the end of December.

Beyond BWS

Phil Bowsher, a BWS member, will return to Owen County Art Guild for another Human Figure Drawing class Oct. 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. The session will have a live model. Any medium is welcome. Bring an easel and supplies. Watercolor paper will be for sale for $2 per sheet. Cost is $25 per person. Call 812-829-1877 to reserve your space. Address is 199 W. Cooper St., Spencer 47460.

Viridian Moon is currently hosting a Middle School Art Teachers show: https://www.viridianmoon.art/events. Irina Shishova, gallery owner,  said. “It would be great if local artists could come for the reception on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. to show these amazing teachers their support.”

Paint! Bloomington is a citywide art event that encourages everyone to paint anywhere in Bloomington on Saturday, Oct. 8. Organized events include a judged paint-out, classes, and demonstrations. Advance registration is NOT required and the events are free. To participate in the judged paint-out, artists must check in between 9:30 and 11 a.m. at the Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park to have their canvases or papers stamped before beginning their work. To be eligible for judging, completed works must be delivered to the Woodlawn Pavilion by 3 p.m. Classes will be at the Woodlawn Pavilion from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for youth and teens/adults. Participants will have opportunities to paint with them, and models for portrait classes will be there from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Throughout the day artists will be giving demonstrations and participants will have opportunities to paint with them. Supplies will be available for classes at the Pavilion and some supplies are available for painting on the Bryan Park grounds. Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, Bloomington Watercolor Society, Upland Plein Air Painters and The Portrait Group and Artists for Climate Awareness are teaming up to bring this fun event to Bloomington. Please email paintbloomington@gmail.com for additional information.

Calendar

Oct. 7 Opening Reception for BWS Membership Show, “We Paint … Historic Bloomington,” at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E. Sixth St., Bloomington

Oct. 8 Paint! Bloomington. Starts at 9:30. Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park

Oct. 10 BWS monthly meeting. 6 p.m. First Christian Church and via Zoom

Oct. 15 BWS Paint-out and Potluck. Peden Farm. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 Paper Marbling Workshop with Andrew Preston. First Christian Church. 10 a.m. – Noon OR 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Human Figure Drawing Class with Phil Bowsher. Owen County Art Guild in Spencer. 2 – 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 Viridian Moon’s Reception for Middle School Art Teacher’s Show. 3 – 5 p.m.

Every artist was first an amateur.
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is not what you look at, it is what you see.
― Henry David Thoreau

September’s Program: “Show & Tell”

After a short business meeting, Kitty Garlock will moderate the September program. Members are asked to bring paintings that have have completed over the summer and share them with the membership.

In addition, members are invited to bring favorite “art-related” books for members to see.  These could be novels about painters/painting, informational books about painting, etc.  Be sure to put your name on the outside of the books you bring. There will be time for you to look through the materials others bring so you can copy down titles of ones you may wish to purchase on your own.

This will be an in-person/Zoom meeting to be held at First Christian Church at 6 p.m., Monday, September 12. Please enter through the Washington Street door. Zoom information will be send out to the membership just prior to the meeting.

Inside BWS

“Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Dudley”

Our August program featured Rachel Berenson Perry talking about her new book, Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Dudley. Dudley devoted most of his artistic career to painting what is now the Indiana Dunes National Park, a passion that led to his environmental activism to save the Dunes from industrial development. In this picture Rachel interacts with Barbara Coffman and Andy Roberts.

Historic Bloomington Paint Out

On August 6th BWS sponsored at paint out at the Monroe County History Center. Jeanne Dutton reported that “in spite of the dire warnings of thunderstorms and rain, it turned out to be a lovely day to sit outside sketching, painting, and visiting.  Eight artists attended and thank you to Betty Wagoner for co-hosting.  Seeing the preliminary sketches and paintings, everything points to this show, “We Paint…Historic Bloomington!” being a very special one!

Thank you, also, to the Monroe County History Center for inviting us to headquarter there for the paint out.  We enjoyed hearing Daniel Schlegel, director of MCHC, share some interesting stories about the Elephant Hitching Post, the new exhibit “Order Up!  Restaurants of Monroe County”, and other curiosities on hand.”

West Baden Paint Out

On August 12 and 13 the Indiana Heritage Arts sponsored a paint-out at the West Baden Hotel. Indiana artists painted on the hotel grounds.  On the last day, their artworks were displayed under the hotel’s dome. BWS painters at the paint out were:  Katya Alexeeva, Kathy Barton,
Kitty Garlock, Andy Roberts, Henry Lack and Betty Wagoner.  Several participants (Andy Roberts, Katya Alexeeva, and Betty Wagoner) sold paintings to the French Lick Resort for their shop.

Quick Reminder

Traditionally, Jo Weddle has graciously sent greeting cards to those BWS members who are experiencing ill health or the loss of a family member.  If you know or hear of someone in our group who could use a little cheering up, please send a note to info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

A Historical Note

Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, wrote to say, “As I was looking through the history binders I saw where BWS closed out their 2011 paint out schedule with a picnic lunch and painting session at Musgrave Orchard.   At that time Musgrave was open and sold fresh cider, apples of all kinds, pumpkins, squash, popcorn, and caramel apples.   Not sure they will be open this fall. Nonetheless, it ia a pretty drive on old SR 37.   I imagine it was fun to paint the orchard decked out in all its fall colors.”

BWS Activity Calendar: Keeping Yourself in the Know

Now, information about all BWS events is easy to find in the BWS activities calendar. The calendar offers several views, a search field for quick access, and lots of attractive images. If there is a BWS sponsored event or activity that is not in the calendar, you can submit one for moderation. You can even subscribe to get notifications about new events.  To see the calendar, go to https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/bws-calendar/ or simply find it in the menu on our website at bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Key activities for the month of September follow.

September Paint Out: T.C. Steele Historic Site

Saturday, Sept. 10: Great Outdoor Paint Out at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. The paint-out this year is concurrent with a celebration of the birthday of T. C. Steele. There will be a birthday party with cake and lectures. Artists will enjoy painting at a beautiful site while celebrating Steele’s birthday and, of course, cake. The paint-out fee will increase to $15 which will include the celebration if paid in August. In September the fee increases by $5. To register go to https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/INMUSEUM/bulletins/31f91db.

BWS Membership Show: Prospectus and Schedule

“We Paint … Historic Bloomington” is the theme of the 2022 BWS Member Show. It will hang at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E. Sixth St., from Oct. 7 to Nov. 27. A second showing will take place at the Monroe County History Center in Summer 2023.

To keep the show fresh, only new work or work not previously displayed in the Bloomington area is eligible. Members may submit one framed artwork. For size restrictions and framing requirements, consult the Show Prospectus https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/member-shows-workshops/show-rules/prospectus.

Of course, with the rich history of this county, the city limits is not — well, the limit! Quarries. One-room schoolhouses. Farms. So much to choose from.

We are fortunate to be collaborating with the Monroe County History Center, which has over 40,000 images in their files and has graciously waived fees for copies of photos requested by BWS members. To access the photos, go to https://monroehistory.org/photo-fees-and-guidelines/. Contact Hilary Fleck at collection@monroehistory.org for assistance.

Here are the important Show dates to mark in your calendar:

Sept. 15: Submit scanned or photographed artwork for the Online Gallery to Jeanne Dutton at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. Please send in jpg format.

Oct. 4: Deliver paintings to The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E. Sixth St., between 10 a.m. and noon.

Oct. 7: Opening Reception for Gallery Walk 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 4: Second Reception for Gallery Walk 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 28: Pick up paintings at The Vault ay Gallery Mortgage 10 a.m. to noon.

Peden Farm Children’s Festival

Peden Farm Children’s Festival is on again this year! On Thursday and Friday, September 29 and 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., BWS members will conduct art activities for local school children in conjunction with the Peden Farm Children’s Festival. We’re expecting 1,250 young children to pass by our table. Volunteers are needed on both days, morning and afternoon shifts. Contact Sarah Ward by phone or email.

BWS – October’s Paint Out

Saturday,  October 15,  there will be a Final BWS paint-out and Potluck at Peden Farm from 10a.m. to 1 p.m.  Betty Wagoner says, “We will paint and share a meal in the barn/visitor center.  There is water, a restroom and electrical outlets.” Look for more information later in September.

BWS – Cancer Support Center Gallery Show

On Friday, September 9, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Cancer Support Community Building, 1719 W 3rd Street, there will be a reception for Meri Rienhold’s exhibition, Places to Go; People to See. Meri’s show features paintings that capture her travels and the people she met along the way. Her show will be up through the months of September and October.

This gallery partnership is between BWS and the Cancer Support Community. Every two months a new artist will display a solo show of works. The public is invited to the opening reception. Works can be seen at the gallery during business hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

Paint Bloomington!!

WHAT:  First Annual Bloomington Paint Out
WHEN:  Saturday, October 8, 2022. RAIN OR SHINE
WHERE:  Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park (Next to the swimming pool).

HOSTED BY: Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. Bloomington Watercolor Society, Upland Plein Air Painters are teaming up to bring this fun event to Bloomington!  

NO REGISTRATION FEE:   Free No advance registration required.
Artists must check-in between 9.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Pavilion the day of the event.  All artists will have canvasses or multi-media paper stamped before beginning their work. Supplies will be available for classes at the Pavilion and some supplies are available for painting on the Bryant Park grounds.  

HOW:  Artists will be able to paint anywhere in Bloomington. The event is open to professional and emerging artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork of any subject in any medium.  All stamped/tagged works must be completed that day by 3 pm to be eligible for judging. 

Completed works need to be brought to the Woodlawn Pavilion by 3:00 p. m. marked with the artist’s name and email address or telephone number on the back. Please do not sign artwork until after judging. Wet Oil paintings should be in a frame for safe handling. Artists are encouraged to bring their own easel for display.
 
AWARDS: ALL stamped works completed that day will be eligible for judging. Awards will be for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place artists in following categories: Professional artists, Emerging Artists, Teens (12-17), and Youth )7-11)

Email paintbloomington@gmail.com for additional information. 

Outside BWS

More Fall Events You Won’t Want to Miss

The 98th Hoosier Salon Juried Exhibition is at the Indiana State Museum, 650 West Washington Street, and runs through October 23. Stephan Edwards and Jerome Harste have paintings in this show. Both won awards.

The Indiana Artist Club Member Show is exhibiting September 3 through September 29 at one of Indiana’s Historic Homes, 1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis. The reception and opening is September 2 at 5:30 p.m. Awards will be made at 7:00 p.m. Jacki Frey is exhibiting a watercolor in the show.

The Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Juried Exhibit is currently showing at Newfields Indinanapolis Musuem of Art through September 24. This Exhibition is free and open to the public. 

The Brown County Art Gallery Foundation is gearing up for the annual Collector’s Showcase called “Snowfall”, featuring glorious snow scenes by early Brown County Artists. The exhibit opens October 1 and runs through November 13.

As part of the Showcase activities, artists are invited to participate in the second Brown County State Park Paint Out on October 28 and 29. Last years event was a first for the park and they are going to allow it again. All Indiana artists are invited to register. The Foundation will pay park admission for registered artists.

The Anderson Museum of Art’s Figures of Speech Exhibition opens with a reception on September 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. AMOA’s A Starry Night Exhibition opens September 17. The AMOA is located at 32 West 10th Street in Anderson.

Carmel on Canvas is a Plein Air event held in Carmel from September 17 to 19. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Indiana Design Center in Carmel, 200 S Angeline Road. For more information search carmelartsanddesign.com on the Internet.

The Haan Museum of Indiana Art in Lafayette invites artists to paint on its grounds and in its sculpture garden on September 14 starting at 9 a.m. The Haan Museum is located at 920 E. State Street.

The SWOPE Art Museum, between now and September 19 is accepting work for its 78th Annual Wabash Valley Show. The 78th Annual Wabash Show will run November 4 to January 8.

Member News

Sara Steffy McQueen’s Intuitive Inspirations

Sara Steffy McQueen wrote to say that she would “love to invite you to view my exhibit, of 35 acrylics entitled, Intuitive Inspirations, showing through September at the Vault on 6th Street.”  The Vault is open daily. In addition, the Vault will be open Friday evening, September 2,  from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Katya Alexeeva’s The Magic of Water

Katya Alexeeva wrote to invite BWS to her first personal art exhibition entitled The Magic of Water, at the Viridian Moon Art Galley, 1600 W. Bloomfield Road. The gallery is open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Rose Brenner: Not Everyone Has a Signature Wine Label!!

“Here is an article about one of my paintings winning a wine bottle label contest for Mallow Run Winery.  I’ll be signing the wine bottles at this famous theatre in Franklin, Indiana on September 10, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.” Folks, this is our chance to get a signed bottle of wine to impress our friends!!

Joanne Weddle Gets Interviewed by Morgenstern’s Mitch Teplitsky

Last month, artisan curator Jen Abrams, co-owner Sam Eads, and I (Mitch Teplitsky) dropped by the Bloomington Watercolor Society’s monthly meeting at First Christian Church to table some art books. That’s where I spotted Joanne Weddle, BWS’s Program Chair — and Jen’s former third-grade teacher! (Mitch Teplitsky) This is quite a reunion! Have you been a teacher all your life? (Joanne) I had 38 years in our school district. When I retired in 2005, I was the Director of Reading Services.  How did you get involved with the Watercolor Society? I’m an art museum person. I’ve always gravitated to watercolors. When I retired, I decided to take up watercolors. There’s a warmth and softness about them I just love! Jen tells me you are a regular customer at Morgenstern’s? I can’t stay out of there — I love it! I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I’m in that children’s section all the time! What was the last book you bought there? I bought two copies of Corduroy in the children’s section. And another little book, with cloth animals in the pages. I love that store! Do you remember the original Morgenstern’s? Yes, I remember when it was over in Eastland. I remember going there one time and seeing a picture book Scott Russell Sanders had just written, the story of the family who came down on a raft from the Ohio River. And when they came to where Louisville is now, they stopped and built their cabin. Why was that particular book so memorable, do you think? I was thrilled when I saw that book because my mother was born and raised in Bethlehem, right on the Ohio river. It’s a town this big (holds her hands a couple of inches apart), ten miles south of Madison. That’s where I’ve gone my whole life. I love that story. And we’re big fans of Scott Sanders. When I was at Morgenstern’s the other day, I saw that Scott has written another book! Yes, Small Marvels, and it’s really good. We did an author talk with him recently. I didn’t buy it, but I’m going to! Promise?  I’m going to hold you to that, it’s in the newsletter!  (Laugh) Well, I love teaching, and I love Indiana history.  You were telling me earlier about First Book  — Yes, I work with a national organization called First Book, that gets books into the homes of low-income children. We raise funds and award grants to schools and programs. We’ve been able to provide more than 80,000 books to the children in Monroe County.  That’s wonderful! How can people find out more?  We have a Facebook page, Team First Book – Monroe County. (Note: To access you need to log on as this site is not public.) May I ask what you’re reading right now? Well, I just got through ordering a book online. I presume from Morgenstern’s? Oh, I didn’t this time — I ordered a book from Amazon. Oh no….(feigning horror) (laugh) I know, I know … But I come to Morgenstern’s to buy books all the time! I buy a lot of books, a lot of children’s books. We know you do — and so appreciate your support! Well, Is there anything else you’d like to add?  I am SO glad Morgenstern’s is here. We needed it badly!

Cookman Curates AIDS Exhibition

Long-time BWS member Claude Cookman is lead curator of an exhibition entitled, Wild Horse Running: The Courageous Journey of Tom Fox. Comprising 60 photographs, it tells the story of Bloomington native and IU alumnus Tom Fox, a gay man who contracted AIDS in the late 1980s, when there was no adequate medical response. Fox, who worked in advertising at the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, invited photojournalist Michael A. Schwarz and medical writer Steve Sternberg to document his illness and death. 

“I am a PWA (Person With AIDS), diagnosed on Oct. 2, 1987,” Fox wrote to Sternberg. “I am certainly no activist, only a person living with a serious illness, trying to make the most of life. I represent a growing number of people who unfortunately are not able to share their thoughts and experiences, but if I could help one person open his mind to this problem, I would feel like I made a difference.”

An inspiring instance of the human condition, the exhibition relates how Fox faced his illness and death with humor, courage, and a love for life. A photograph of him on his death bed, surrounded by his grief-stricken parents and brothers, became an iconic image of the AIDS epidemic. Notwithstanding its impact, the more interesting photographs show Fox interacting with family and friends, clowning for laughs, playing with his dogs — typical human behaviors everyone can identify with.

The exhibition, jointly sponsored by IU’s Kinsey Institute and the IU Cook Center for Public Arts and Humanities, hangs in the Grand Hall of Maxwell Hall on the IU Bloomington campus through September 23. A reception and program, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on September 23, will feature Schwarz and Sternberg telling how their interaction with Fox affected their own lives. Cookman will moderate the program. He also wrote an essay for the exhibition catalog. Free copies will be available.

More at this URL:
https://news.iu.edu/stories/2022/08/iub/02-kinsey-tom-fox-exhibit-hiv-aids-awareness.html

A Kaposi sarcoma lesion is evident on Tom Fox’s bicep as he undergoes a medical examination. Photograph by Michael A. Schwarz. 

Susan Savastuk Wins Ribbons & Has a Show

Susan’s show at the Engraving and Stamp Center, 218 North Madison Street (in between Boom-a Rang Salon and Hopscotch Coffee, will be part of the September First Friday Gallery Walk. The opening reception of her show is Friday, September 2, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

In other news, Susan is happy to report that her paintings received 1st and 2nd Place Awards at the Lawrence County Art Association Mid-Summer Show.

Susan participated in the recent  Bloomington Garden Walk at the home of Jan and Jack Bulla Baker.

Phyllis Taylor Continues to Shine

Phyllis Taylor (one of our off-site members) won first place with her portrait, entitled Sleepy, in the Watercolor Division of the Trails End Art Association (TEAA) 71st Annual Judged Show held in Gearhart, Oregon on August 2022. TEAA was thrilled with the array of talent displayed by the 54 artists accepted this year. The show was judged by Marilyn and Joe Clayton of Bronze Coast Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR.

Andy Roberts Shares His West Baden Paintings

BWS September Calendar

Now to Sept. 17 Katya Alexeeva Exhibition, Viridian Moon Gallery, Bloomington

Now to Sept. 19 SWOPE Art Museum is accepting work for its 78th Annual Wabash Show, Terra Haute

Now to Sept. 23 Wild Horse Running: The Courage of Tom Fox Exhibition, Maxwell Hall, IU Campus

Now to Sept. 24 WSI Annual Juried Show, Indiana Museum of Art at Newfields

Now to Oct. 23 98th Hoosier Salon Exhibition, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis

Sept. 2 Susan Savastuk Exhibition at Engraving and Stamps, 218 North Madison Street, Bloomington

Sept. 2 Sara Steffy McQueen Exhibition at the Vault Gallery, Bloomington.

Sept. 2 Meri Reinhart Exhibition at Cancer Support Center, 1719 West 3rd, Bloomington

Sept. 3 Indiana Artist Club Exhibition, 1205 Central Avenue, Indianapolis

Sept 8 Paint Bloomington, Bryan Park, Bloomington

Sept. 8 AMOA’s Figure of Speech Exhibition, Anderson

Sept. 9 Reception for Meri Reinhart at Cancer Support Center, Bloomington

Sept. 10 Rose Brenner Opening Reception at Mellow Run Winery, Franklin

Sept. 10 Great Outdoor Paintout at the T.C. Steele Historic Site

Sept. 12 BWS October Meeting, Show & Tell, 6 p.m. at First Christian Church, Bloomington

Sept. 14 Haan Museum of Indiana Art Paint Out, Lafayette

Sept. 15 Submit scanned or photographed artwork for the BWS Membership Show Online Gallery to Jeanne Dutton at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. Please send in jpg format

Sept. 17 AMOA opening of A Starry Night Exhibit, Anderson

Sept. 17-19 Carmel on Canvas, Indiana Design Center, Carmel

Oct. 4 Deliver BWS Membership Show paintings to The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E. Sixth St., between 10 a.m. and noon

Oct. 7 BWS Membership Show Opening Reception during Gallery Walk, 5 to 8 p.m

Nov. 4 Second BWS Membership Show Reception during Gallery Walk, 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 28 Pick up BWS Membership Show paintings at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 10 a.m. to noon