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
