Bloomington Watercolor Society
State of the Society
Submitted by Nancy Davis Metz, BWS president, 2015-2016.

BWS Art Display at the Art of Chocolate Gala

This marked the organization’s 10^th year, a milestone that was celebrated at the Member Show in the fall and throughout the year with a robust calendar of events. This report provides a capsule view of BWS’s year.
Membership count
We had 84 members. This tied with the 2013/2014 count, which is the highest BWS has recorded.
Committees
Hospitality: Betty Wagoner, chair
Shows: Tricia Wente, chair, and Donna Whitsitt
Programs: Jo Weddle, chair
Paintouts: Executive Board with suggestions from the members
Scholarship: Jeanne Dutton, chair, Deb Strother, Sara Steffey McQueen and Jo Weddle
Nominating: Meri Reinhold, chair, Candi Bailey, and Carol Rhodes
Historian: Tricia Wente
Publicity: Susie Graham
Treasurer’s Report
As of Sept. 14, 2015                                                     As of June 13, 2016
$2,854                                                                              $2,310
Meeting programs/activities
September: Show and Share, members talking about work they have created recently
October: Cassidy Young, Demonstration of Light and Shadows
November: Meri Reinhold, How to Transfer an Image
January: Linda Meyer-Wright, Intuitive Abstracts
February: Carol Rhodes, Speed Dating (an organized way for members to learn more about other members and their art)
March: Jo Weddle, Staycation Painting (a paint-in of sorts for members who stayed in town for Spring Break)
April: Carol Rhodes, Mixed Greens (methods for mixing the color green and creating credible foliage)
May: Betty Wagoner, Experimenting with Watercolor Pencils
June: Jeanne Dutton, Blooming in Bloomington: A Workshop on Painting Flowers

Claire Jenness and Robin Edmundson practice tulips at the June meeting.

Paintouts
Oct. 10 – Lower Cascades Park
April 30 – IU campus
May 21 – T.C. Steele State Historic Site Festival of Flowers
June 25-26 – Bloomington Garden Club Annual Garden Walk
July 23 – Monroe County Fair, canceled because of weather
Sept. 10 – T.C. Steele Historic Site, Great Outdoor Art Contest

Jenny Sparks paints at the end-of-the-season paint out at Cascades Park.

Shows
Oct. 2 to Nov. 2: 10^th Anniversary Member Show, City Hall in Showers Plaza. The show exhibited 30 paintings from 30 BWS members. The reception served as an anniversary celebration with cake being served.

Signature Members Tricia Wente and Nancy Metz admiring the 10th Birthday Cake!

Feb. 5 to March 31: Art of Chocolate, a fund-raiser for LifeDesigns, at The Vault Gallery. The opening reception had 200-250 people. As a partner in this event, BWS provided three artists to paint greeting cards on site at a dinner and auction Feb. 13 and gallery sitters on Saturdays and evenings for the duration of the exhibit.  About $150 worth of greeting cards created by the artists were sold. Cassidy Young’s colored pencil work, “Milk and Chocolate,” was awarded Best of Show, which carried with it $100 in prize money. The exhibit was part of the February and March Gallery Walks.
May: BWS Signature Members had a show at Waldron Arts Center’s Rosemary P. Miller Gallery This is the first time Signature Members have had their own exhibit. Artists participating in the show were Connie Brorson, Bob Burris, Jacki Frey, Jerome Harste, Sara Steffey McQueen, Nancy Metz, Tricia Heiser Wente and Linda Meyer-Wright.

Jerry Harste and his artwork at the Signature Member Show, May 2016

Workshop
April 2 – Steve Dawson presented a daylong workshop, Art Journaling: Living the Illustrated Life,” that was well received.
Special projects and activities
Upland Painters
At the September meeting, new member Kristen Stamper asked if anyone would be interested in plein air painting on a weekly basis. The answer was a resounding YES, and a group immediately started weekly outings, created a structure and system for themselves, and grew in numbers throughout the year. By June they had placed 27 members on their listserv, coordinated 24 events, and held two organizational meetings. In addition, the group is working on web pages to enhance the BWS website.
Peden Farm
BWS participation in the annual Peden Farm Children’s Festival was led by Jeanne Dutton, Anne-Karine Bley and Andy Lehman. Andy designed a logo that was printed on bookmarks that will be used for thumb-print animals painted by the children at the event.  BWS painters at the event Sept. 29-30 helped the children at the booth as well as painted en plein air.

Terry, Anne-Karine, and Nico at Peden Children’s Farm Festival, September 2015

Scholarships
Anna McCoy from Bloomington High School North received a $300 scholarship from BWS to be used for art supplies. Anna plans to attend IU as a business and fine arts major.
Gently to never used art supplies and books were donated by Margret Kingery and other BWS members for a table sale to benefit the Scholarship Fund. The spring sale yielded $265, all of which was deposited in the Scholarship Fund overseen by the MCCSC Foundation. BWS plans to have future table sales.
Holiday Party
The Society enjoyed its annual holiday party at Meadowood Dec. 3. Members gathered for a reception, dinner, and exchange of greeting cards they had painted.
Artful Learning Fairview
Carla Hedges arranged for Kathy Heise and Roy Reynolds, Fairview Elementary teachers, to describe the Artful Learning Program to be implemented at their school for the 2016-17 academic year. They invited BWS members to volunteer as artist mentors to work alongside students once or twice a week in a project-based environment.
Garden Walk
The Bloomington Garden Club invited BWS painters for its annual Garden Walk June 25-26. Participants received free tickets for the Walk. This partnership was coordinated by BWS member Charlotte Griffin. Members volunteered to paint in each of the five gardens during the weekend.

Charlotte Griffin, the 2016-2017 BWS President

Officers for 2016-17
President Charlotte Griffin
First Vice President Nancy Davis Metz
Second Vice President Jeanne Dutton
Secretary Cassidy Young
Treasurer Patty Uffman
Committee chairs for 2016-17
Hospitality: Mary Walker and Betty Wagoner
Shows: Tricia Wente with Anne-Karine Bley as an understudy and Kathy Barton as a committee member
Historian: Candi Bailey
Brushstrokes: Jeanne Dutton
Programs: Jo Weddle
Publicity: Susie Graham
Scholarship: Jeanne Dutton
Website: Charlotte Griffin

SEPTEMBER MEETING
Monday, September 12, 6:00 pm at First Christian Church
It’s Show-and-Share! There will be a business meeting to catch up, but the program is simply sharing your summer paintings (framed or unframed), your travel journals, whatever you’d like to share. Receive free critiques, kindly suggestions, and many accolades.
At the meeting, you can pick up your BWS refrigerator calendar with the many, many events coming up this Autumn.
Haven’t paid your dues that were due in June? Bring your $25 annual dues to the meeting or go on-line to BloomingtonWatercolor.org.

Kriste Lindberg’s bicycle sketch, Italy, 2013

Table Sale Two!
It’s time for another Table Sale with art books, papers of various kinds, and miscellaneous supplies. Clean out that studio and bring your things to the meeting…just price it beforehand and add it to the other treasures for sale. 100% goes to support the BWS Scholarship! Sale starts at 5:30 and will be open before and after the meeting. Cash or check gladly accepted.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
“We Paint…the Bicentennial!”
BWS’ annual membership show will be held starting in December at the History Center, across the alley from the church where we meet. The full prospectus will be distributed by Show Co-chairs Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley at the September meeting. Please remember, space is limited and the largest size allowed is a half-sheet. This is a great opportunity for BWS to participate in Indiana’s 200th birthday celebration and I hope you’ll be part of it!
WSI Juried Show
Three BWS members have paintings in the Watercolor Society of Indiana (WSI) juried show. Congratulations to Jacki Frey, Joanne Shank, and Donna Whitsitt. See the show beginning October 9 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

“Summer Street”, watercolor on paper, Jacki Frey, BWS

“Autumn Chickadee”, watercolor on paper, Joanne Shank

Miscellaneous Good News
Tricia Wente, BWS Signature Member, received a commission to paint a triple portrait of the founders of MB&G Natural Resource Consultants, David Mason, Donald Bruce, and Jim Girard. The painting will hang in the MB&G Building in Portland, Oregon, and be unveiled in December in honor of the firm’s 1921 founding.
Don Geyra’s paintings are on exhibit at the John Waldron Arts Center now through September 24.
Jacki Frey, BWS Signature Member, has two paintings on display at the Hoosier Salon Gallery in New Harmony. That show is up through September 25.   Jacki also has another painting at the Indiana Artist Club show at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, September 23 through November 27.
PEDEN CHILDREN’S FARM FESTIVAL
The 28th annual festival anticipates 2,000 children and teachers and parents will attend. BWS has a “booth” with a watercolor activity and volunteers are needed to host. Three people per shift are needed, approximately 8:00-10:30 and 10:30- about 1:00 pm. Times are flexible!
Check-in starts at 8:00 am and, if you arrive early, you can unload your equipment and supplies close to the Big Barn. After that, cars are parked in the field. Shuttle service is available during peak hours.
School busses – LOTS of school busses – start arriving at 9:00 so it’s good to be set up and ready early.
Plein air painters: register to participate on either day by sending an email to jeanne@bloomingtonwatercolor.org no later than SEPTEMBER 22.
NOTE: Pre-registration is required! Volunteers must check in at the festival and receive their identifying tag.
Many thanks to Anne-Karine for her help in organizing the activities!

Terry Youngman, Anne-Karine Bley and son Nico at Peden Farm

Cassidy Young’s painting at TC Steele

BWS Upland Painters
This fall, the weekly paint outs take place on Tuesdays at 10 am. Note that BWS participates and supports other plein air activities in the area and those days are listed. Kitty Garlock is the season coordinator.
Details for these events become available on the Sunday prior. To receive details, please email upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. Every BWS member is encouraged to come to the paint outs and may join Upland at any time. The only requirement is to host at least one painting event each year.
Here is the schedule for Autumn so far:
Tuesday, September 6, Babette Ballinger at her sister’s place
Saturday, September 10, T.C. Steele Great Outdoor Art Contest at the Steele State Historic Site
Tuesday, September 13, Spring Mill State Park, hosted by Nancy Davis Metz
Tuesday, September 20, Champs Barn, Sande Nitti, host
Thursday and Friday, September 29 & 30, Peden Children’s Farm Festival. BWS members must pre-register by September 22, and participation is limited to 12 artists per day.
Tuesday, October 4, Limestone Quarry, hosted by Claude Cookman
Saturday, October 8, T.C. Steele Bicentennial ART OUT in downtown Bloomington and on the IU campus  (Open to all artists  – watch your email for further details.)
Tuesday, October 11, Moody Farm, hosted by Sande Nitti
OPPORTUNITIES
Studio Space
Kathy Barton and Joanne Shank are looking into the possibility of renting a studio space together on the square above Caveat Emptor. Great location! Sharing space could cost as little as $50 a month.  Please contact Kathy or Joanne if you are interested.
Watercolor Workshop
Internationally known artist Joseph Fettingis will be teaching a watercolor workshop October 21 and 22, 9 am-4pm each day. The workshop will be conducted at the Art Sanctuary in Martinsville, Indiana. The class fee is $160. Breakfast snacks will be provided, contact Sarah Hedges 765-792-0328 for additional details or mail $80 deposit to Sarah at 2645 Burton Lane, Martinsville, IN 4615.
Brown County Art Guild
On Sunday, September 11, 2016 the historic Brown County Art Guild will host the 2nd Annual Villagescape Plein Air Paint Out.  The day begins with Breakfast with the Artists 7:30 to 8:30 am Artists Colony Inn. Admission $20, free for artists participating in the Villagescape Plein Air Paint Out.  The Villagescape Plein Air Paint Out will take place from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. The entry fee is $15 for Guild member artists and $20 for others (includes breakfast and one free drink at the Playhouse during judging.)
Artists at the Playhouse 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Benefit Concert for the Brown County Art Guild featuring The Hungarian Slacks. Admission is free for Villagescape Plein Air Paint Out artists and $20 for others.  Closing Reception and Awards Ceremony 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Brown County Art Guild.
Prizes include $1,000 for First Place, $500 for Second Place, $250 for Third Place, and $125 for Peoples Choice Award.  Here’s the link:
browncountyartguild.org/upcoming_events
Persimmon Festival
The annual Persimmon Festival in Mitchell, Indiana provides an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work. Here are all the pertinent details.
Venue: Mitchell Community Public Library, 9th and Main Streets, Mitchell, Indiana
Entry Deadline is Saturday, September 17, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Exhibit Dates: September 19-23, 2016
Pick Up Date: Saturday, September 24, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Entry Fee: $5 per painting. Maximum three, space permitting.
Here’s the link: persimmonfestival.org
IPAPA
The delivery date for entries into the IPAPA member show at the Brown County Art Gallery is November 5.  Two entries can be shown.   Fee for  members is $35 and anyone can become a member of IPAPA.  All mediums are accepted.   Go to www.inpainters.org  or contact, 317.508.0667 to join and have label forms mailed to you.   Show dates are November 12 to November 26. $5,000 in award money is presented.
CLASSES
BWS Signature Member Nancy Metz will lead the class, “Watercolor: Playing with Color.” It’s a five-week course which starts on Friday, October 7, 2:15-4:45. It’s all about the “unlimited color possibilities of a limited palette.”
Another Signature Member, Linda Meyer-Wright, offers two classes. The first, “Experimental and Intuitive Mixed Media,” focuses on the process of painting rather than the results. Offered Wednesday afternoons beginning October 26.
Linda’s second offering is “Painting in the Abstract – A Mixed Media Class.” “Students will work…intuitively, making marks, splattering, pouring, dripping, and spritzing.” This class starts October 25 and takes place every Tuesday for seven weeks.
Your editor (that’s me!) offers Beginning Watercolor II on Thursday afternoons starting October 27. Experience painting on various surfaces, learning new techniques, and generally having a fun time with students at your skill level.
All classes take place through Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning at the Waldron Arts Center in beautiful downtown Bloomington. To register and review the complete catalog, go to ivytech.edu/bloomington/cll

“Sun Dancing,” watercolor by Char Dapena.

Brushstrokes is the (almost) monthly
newsletter of the
Bloomington (IN) Watercolor Society

Jeanne Ellen Dutton, Editor
BloomingtonWatercolor.org
WePaintBloomington.org
info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Find us on Facebook at Bloomington Watercolor Society Community Group
facebook.com/bloomingtonwatercolorsociety/

Summer 2016 Issue

NO MEETINGS JULY and AUGUST

BWS will resume gathering together on September 12
First Christian Church, Bloomington
6:00
Brushstrokes will resume in September, too!
September is always a fun meeting, not only because we get to reconnect with our friends, but it’s Show-and-Share!  Bring in your summer paintings, travel journals, workshop creations, whatever you want to share.  Gentle critiques and suggestions are available along with praise and admiration, so don’t be shy!  We are hoping to have the BWS Scholarship recipient, Anne McCoy, stop in to say hello.
The latest membership roster will be distributed as will the Membership Show prospectus, “We Paint…the Bicentennial!” and the Autumn calendar – and is that calendar a full one!
Here’s a brief look so you can mark your date books.  Always watch your email and Brushstrokes for details and updates.
September – several art classes, taught by BWS members, begin at the Waldron Arts Center.
September 10 – T.C. Steele’s Great American Paint Out in Brown County
September 12 – BWS Meeting
September 29 and 30 – Peden Children’s Farm Festival (BWS members only, registration required)
October 7-8 – T.C. Steele’s Art Out in Bloomington, an Indiana Bicentennial event
October 10 – BWS Meeting with guest watercolor artist, Grant Wood, all the way from South Africa
November 14 – Monthly Meeting with BWS Signature member Nancy Davis Metz teaching the underpainting technique, “Grisaille.”
December 6 – Holiday Party at Meadowood
December 9 – Membership Show, Opening Reception
Plus there are weekly paint sessions organized by the BWS Upland Painters.  So much scenery, so little time…get your smock on, pack up your kit, and get out there and paint!  See below under “Opportunities” for the schedule of upcoming mid-week paint outs.

Meanwhile, this summer, there is one more Saturday paint-out directly sponsored by BWS and this time it’s at the Monroe County Fair.  How fun is that!  Saturday, July 23, 10-2.  The rides won’t be open yet, so the crowd count will be down and that gives us plenty of room to sit and paint, or take photos, or just enjoy the day.  Lots of colors, cows, kids, and corn…and fair food.  Watch your email for complete details coming soon.  Thanks to Tricia Wente for helping host!

MEMBERSHIP SHOW
Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley are putting together the prospectus for the show, “We Paint…the Bicentennial!”  Doesn’t that name inspire myriad ideas for paintings?  Courthouses, Corydon, New Harmony, Pioneer Mothers Forest, French Lick and West Baden, early settlers and Native Americans and right here in Bloomington, Wylie House and Indiana University…the list goes on and on.
NOTE:  The show will take place (appropriately!) at the Monroe County History Center and, due to limited space, the largest size allowed is a half sheet, 15×22, preframed. Full details and dates will be distributed in September.

OFFICERS and CHAIRS
The members who attended the June meeting voted in the Executive Board, while others readily agreed to serve as a committee chair or co-chair.  Here is your Leadership Team for 2016-2017:

Officers:
Charlotte Griffin, President

Charlotte Griffin, the new BWS President

Nancy Metz, 1^st VP
Jeanne Dutton, 2^nd VP
Cassidy Young, Secretary
Patty Uffman, Treasurer
Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs:
Activities:  Jeanne Dutton
Historian: Candi Bailey
Hospitality: Betty Wagoner, Mary Walker
Programs: Jo Weddle
Publicity: Susie Graham
Scholarship:  Jo Weddle, Jeanne Dutton
Shows: Tricia Wente, Anne-Karine Bley
Technology: Carol Rhodes, Charlotte Griffin
Upland Painters: Kristen Stamper

Thanks to Nancy Metz who shared the following photos from June’s program, “Blooming in Bloomington.”

Jeanne shows Kitty Garlock a few brush techniques.

Claire Jenness and Robin Edmundson practice tulips!

Claude Cookman paints while Bob Burris enjoys a cup of coffee.

GARDEN WALK
Kudos to Charlotte Griffin for her work matching BWS members with the annual Garden Walk gardeners.  It was hot both days, but the gardens were lovely, the people were friendly, and the artists were made very welcome.

WELCOME and GOOD-BYE
Glad to have Don Geyra join BWS – welcome to the best little art group in B’town!
Good-bye to long time member Julia Ferguson as she heads north with her husband and sweet baby, James.  We wish you the very best of luck in your new adventure, Julia!

TABLE SALE
The Table Sale of books and supplies raised a whopping $265 and change for the BWS scholarship fund.  Thanks to all who donated supplies and thanks to those who snatched them up.  It was such a success, some members have asked us to do it again while others have donated more items to sell.  Heads up!  It’s happening again at the September meeting.  There are art books, paints, sumi-E supplies, and a variety of other items.  If you are summer cleaning and run across art supplies you don’t use or want, think about donating them.  100% goes directly to the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools which oversees the BWS scholarship.  Ask Jeanne (that’s me) for details at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

LCAA JURIED SHOW
Several BWS members came away with prizes at the juried Lawrence County Art Association show in June.  Don Geyra took tops in Still Life and Flowers while Jodi Estell won 3rd. Meri Reinhold won 1^st in Portraits and Figures for her “8 Minute Portrait” and, in the Animals and Birds category, won 2nd with her painting, “Draft Horse.”
Linda Endris was awarded 2^nd and Jodi Estell 3^rd in the Abstracts and Fantasies category.  Congratulations to all!

Meri Reinhold’s “8 Minute Portrait.”

BWS Technology
We’re getting a facelift.  The BWS technology committee is busy this summer redesigning the web sites and gallery.  All members are welcome to submit images of their watercolor work for inclusion in the gallery.  Interested?  Contact info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

OPPORTUNITIES
Sara Steffey McQueen, BWS Signature member, has a show opening this August.  “With the Elements” will open with a reception on Gallery Walk, First Friday, August 5, 5-8, at the Bloomington Convention Center.
Who is Sara Steffey McQueen?  Not only is she a Signature Member of BWS,  Sara is a painter, printmaker, and mixed media artist who finds the rural hills of Bloomington her home.  She received her Bachelors of Art and Masters of Art for Teachers in Fine Arts at Indiana University.  She had the honor of being a public school Art teacher for 30 yrs. in Bloomington. As an artist/teacher, she found working with young artists rewarding, and a continually renewing experience.
Several recognitions during her career include being published in Artistic Touch 6, having her art owned by two Universities, and receiving two Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship Grants. The Lilly Grants afforded her the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Great Britain, painting along the way.
Sara Steffey McQueen recently retired from Jackson Creek Middle School. She works in her studio, teaches classes, gardens, and enjoys being a grandmother of two beautiful children. Her art reflects her appreciation of Nature through both abstracts and representational paintings.

“Shells” by Sara Steffey McQueen

CREATING a WaterCOLOR JOURNAL
Nancy Metz is leading this fun workshop July 30, 9am – 4pm.  $89 includes a journal!
Spend a Saturday starting a journal that can serve as both a reference and inspiration for your painting. Registration includes a 9”X12” watercolor journal, and the day’s activities will help you explore color triads, color mixing, color schemes, and paint properties as well as your personal relationship with color. Bring the watercolor paints you have, brushes, palette, water containers, and paper towels.  Link for details is ivytech.edu/bloomington/cll

UPLAND PAINTERS
The BWS Upland Plein Air Painters have announced the July schedule.  The regular meeting times are Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and you can ask for details at Upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.  Everyone is welcome, but send an email first in case an event changes.
July 12, May Creek, hosted by Meri Reinhold.
July  19, T.C. Steele, Anne-Karine Bley
July 26, Columbus, Bob Burris, BWS.
August 2, Butler Winery

Sande Nitti enjoys a shady spot to paint at May Creek.

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

Find us on Facebook at Bloomington Watercolor Society Community Group
facebook.com/bloomingtonwatercolorsociety/

June 13, 2016

Call to order: Nancy Metz called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. She thanked Margret Kingery, Carol Rhodes and Jeanne Dutton for the table sale held before the meeting and after the program to benefit the scholarship fund.

Guests: Claire Jenness, Julie Roberts, Elena Von Miller

New Members: Nancy had totes for new members Ellen Cramer and Don Geyra. 

Minutes of the May meeting: Candi Bailey moved to accept the May minutes. Cassidy Young seconded the motion, which passed. 

Treasurer’s Report: Charlotte Griffin, treasurer, reported a balance of $2,310. The table sale yielded $268.20 to the scholarship fund. 

Committee Reports
Hospitality and Cheer: Betty Wagoner thanked Barbara Edmonds, Kitty Garlock, Lynne Gilliatt, Penny Lulich, and Mary Walker for the refreshments.
Scholarship Committee: Jo Weddle reported that the BWS $300 scholarship winner is Anna McCoy from Bloomington High School North. Anna will go to IU this fall as a business and fine arts major.
Meetings/Program Committee: Jo passed out program idea sheets for next year. She said the September meeting will be show and share. December 6 will be the holiday party. Meetings take place the second Monday of every month except December, July, and August.
BWS Upland Plein Air Painters: Kristen Stamper said the group has hosted 24 events since September. She invited BWS members to join the group or attend an event as a guest. Members of the Upland Plein Air Painters pick the location and provide information for one event. See Kristen to join the group. If you want to attend an event contact the event host for information. The group has one event per week, if possible. Events are announced in Brushstrokes and at BWS meetings. Babette Ballinger is the summer coordinator. The group meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. They will meet throughout the summer. Upcoming events include:

• Tues. June 14, Gnaw Bone Camp
• Tues. June 21, Ellen Cramer’s home in Owen County
• Tues. July 5 private property with Kitty Garlock as host.
• Tues. July 12, May Creek Farm, host Meri Reinhold

BWS and the Upland Painters are putting together an exhibition opportunity for April 2017 and the Farmer House Museum. A prospectus will be ready next month. There will be room for 30 paintings at ¼ sheet size or smaller. A sign-up sheet was passed around.

NEW BUSINESS
Membership Dues: Nancy passed around a sheet with important dates, addresses, URLs, and how to pay dues, which are due this month. Anyone who joined since January 2016 does not have to pay dues this year. Dues can be paid on PayPal or by check. Cost is $25 for single membership, $40 for family, and $10 for students.
Slate: Nancy thanked the nominating committee; Candy Bailey, Carol Rhodes, and committee chair Meri Reinhold. The slate is: Charlotte Griffin, president; Nancy Metz, first vice-president; Jeanne Dutton, second vice-president; Cassidy Young, secretary; Patty Uffman, treasurer. Jan Britton moved to accept the slate. Carol Rhodes seconded the motion, which passed.
Committee chairs for next year are: Hospitality, Mary Walker and Betty Wagoner; Shows, Anne-Karine Bley will understudy with Tricia Wente and Kathy Barton will serve on the committee; Historian, Candi Baily; Brushstrokes, Jeanne Dutton;  Programs, Joe Weddle; Publicity, Susie Graham; Scholarship, to be confirmed; Website, Charlotte Griffin.
Meri Reinhold presented a gift to Nancy thanking her for her work as president. Nancy said she was honored to be president and looks forward to many more years with BWS.
June Paintout: The Bloomington Garden Club Annual Garden Walk. Charlotte Griffin said pick a garden!  Artists will paint from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 25, and from noon-4 p.m. on June 26.
OLD BUSINESS
Artful Learning School Project: Nancy thanked Carla Hedges who brought the Artful Learning Program to BWS. Artists can volunteer via email to rreynold@mccsc.edu. The art classes meet Mon., Wed., Fri. from 11:25 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and during a similar time slot on Tues. and Thurs. School starts on Aug. 10. The time commitment is open. Carla said artists will work one-on-one with a student. Artists will not be responsible for teaching a class.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Nancy urged the group to take the challenge! 31 days in July, do 31 paintings! Find more at https://doodlewash.com/world-watercolor-month-july-2016/
Ed Brickler will present his “Watercolor Color Mixing Workshop” at Preston Arts Center on Sunday, August 14.
The Watercolor Society of Indiana 2016 Exhibit (juried show) is coming up:

• July 11, Monday postmark deadline for entries
• July 13, Wednesday receipt deadline CD’s or emails containing entry fee and forms.
• http://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/gallery_juried.html

The June “Homes & Lifestyles” magazine had an article about Sara Steffey McQueen.   April/May “Bloom” magazine had a spread on Linda Meyer-Wright.
July paint-out information will come in email.
Nancy thanked this year’s officers and committee chairs and presented them with lovely journals!
PROGRAM: Jeanne Dutton led the program, “Blooming in Bloomington: A Workshop on Painting Flowers.”

Respectfully submitted,
Char Dapena, Secretary

June 2016

JUNE MEETING
Monday, June 13, 2016
6:00 p.m.
First Christian Church, at the corner of Washington and Kirkwood, Bloomington, Indiana
The meeting will include the election of officers and other important business.
June’s program, “Blooming in Bloomington: Spring Flowers” will be presented by Jeanne Dutton. Bring your paint supplies and learn some simple tips about painting flowers and leaves. For a final project, each artist who stays to paint will receive a watercolor card and envelope to create their own floral greeting!

ANNUAL DUES:
June is the time to pay your membership dues at the meeting, online at BloomingtonWatercolor.org or mail to BWS, PO Box 5236, Bloomington, 47407.   Annual dues are $25 for a regular member; $10 for associate or student member; or $40 for a family membership, which includes two family members.  Those who have joined since January are paid up until June 30, 2017.  See Charlotte, BWS treasurer, at the meeting.

TABLE SALE
Former member Margret Kingery, in anticipation of moving out-of-state, has donated her watercolor and sumi-e supplies to BWS. Those supplies will be for sale at the June meeting and 100% of the proceeds will go to the BWS scholarship fund.
For sale will be many brushes of all kinds and quality, support boards, drawing pencils, sumi-e ink and stones, rice paper, new paints, and a box of art books. Items are reasonably priced, some are brand new, and all are ready for you to add to your inventory. Checks may be made payable to the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools, BWS Scholarship Fund.
Thank you, Margret, for such a thoughtful donation!

REMINDER:  BWS takes a vacation from meetings during the months of July and August, and Brushstrokes will be published only once this summer.  Watch your email for information about other activities.  Have a great summer and we’ll see each other at the September 12 meeting!

Garden Walk, 2015

GARDEN WALK
Just a few more artists are needed to fill the Sunday spots for the Garden Walk.   This is the second year BWS has been invited to participate. It’s really pleasant to go sit in a shady garden, paint, and meet flower lovers. Last year, new members were recruited from the garden walk participants.  Each volunteer will receive a FREE ticket to the Garden Walk which can be used on the day the artist is not painting.  Sign up at the June meeting or respond to your May 27 email from Charlotte Griffin, coordinator.

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to Robin Edmundson, Sheri Hall-Kordosky and granddaughter London, Antonia Richards and Ellen Cramer. Glad you are now part of the BWS group!

Jerry Harste with his paintings at the Signature Show.

Linda Meyer-Wright’s painting in the Signature Show.

SIGNATURE SHOW
The BWS Signature Members, a juried group of fine artists, proudly showed their work at the Rosemary Miller Gallery at the John Waldron Arts Center.  Congratulations to all of them for a successful – and beautiful – show!

TC STEELE Festival of Flowers
Congratulations to BWS members for a fine showing at the Festival of Flowers!
Second place in Adult Watercolors was awarded to BWS Signature member, Bob Burris.
Third place in the Adult Oil category went to Anne-Karine Bley.
Betty Wagoner won Honorable Mention in the Adult Mixed Media/Drawing category.
For a complete list of winners, as well as information about the Centennial Studio celebration this coming Saturday, click here: tcsteele.org/programs/

Anne-Karine Bley’s painting of the House of the Singing Winds

BWS UPLAND PAINTERS
Upland Plein Air Painters is getting ready to plan the rest of 2016.
Come to the planning meeting on June 7 to learn what will be planned for June-November.
Contact the event coordinator or season coordinator for specific details.
Summer: Tuesdays, Coordinator: Babette Ballinger
June 7, 10am – Planning, Share plein air painting, Potluck lunch
June 14, 9am – Gnaw Bone Camp, $3
June 21, YTD
June 28, YTD

Kathy Barton painting “en plein air.”

OPEN STUDIO TOUR
June 4 and 5, 2016 are the dates for the .  Two BWS members will be participating, Joanne Shank and Kathy Barton.  For complete details, including a map and list of artist, go to BloomingtonOpenStudiosTour.com

WATERCOLOR SOCIETY of INDIANA
Signature members Jacki Frey and Tricia Wente, and Betty Wagoner all three have paintings in the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s annual membership show, now on exhibit through July 9 at the Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis. Second Presbyterian is open 8am- 9pm weekdays, 8am- 3pm Saturdays, and 8am – 1pm Sundays. Hours vary slightly from week to week, but are always posted at the main desk. Call ahead to the church to find out if an event is scheduled that makes access a problem. (317-253-6461).   For those of you unfamiliar with Indy or new to the area, here’s the link to the church: secondchurch.org/fine_arts

Did you know?
Let’s take the challenge!  31 days in July, do 31 paintings!  Just the thing to keep you busy during July.
Find more at https://doodlewash.com/world-watercolor-month-july-2016/

YES, BWS is on FACEBOOK!
Like the Bloomington Watercolor Society’s Community Organization page on Facebook.
facebook.com/bloomingtonwatercolorsociety

JUNE 14 is FLAG DAY – Wave them proudly!

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

May 9, 2016

Call to order: Nancy Metz called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.  

Guests: LJ Hall Cueto-Arreola, Kathy Heise, Claire Jenness, Meredith Metz, Roy Reynolds, and honorary member Heidi Heiser 

New Members: Nancy had totes for new members Robin Edmundson, Susan Failey, Sheri Hall-Kordosky, and Antonia Richards. 

Hospitality: Thank you to Candi Bailey, Kathy Barton, Susie Graham, Jerry Harste, Joanne Weddle, and Taresa Youngman, who brought refreshments.

Artful Learning School Project: Roy Reynolds and Kathy Heise reported on the Artful Learning Program at Fairview School, the first arts-focused elementary school in Monroe County. They are looking for volunteer artist mentors to work alongside the students once or twice a week in a project-based environment.
Grades K-3 focus on drama, dance, and the visual arts. Grades 4-6 students study 2-D, drawing and painting, and sculpture and ceramics. The 4-6 graders chose a major and minor. Many students start out with a particular painting to study. The last step is a student’s impression of the painting. That’s when the volunteer mentor would work alongside the students. The art teacher would be in the room with the volunteer artist, and the artist would only be responsible for their own things.
The time commitment is open. For example, an artist could volunteer every Monday for nine weeks, or every other Monday for a semester. Volunteers could also partner with another volunteer. The art classes meet Mon., Wed., Fri. from 11:25 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and during a similar time slot on Tues. and Thurs. School starts on Aug. 10. Volunteers would follow the school calendar.
Artists can volunteer via email to rreynold@mccsc.edu.

Minutes of the April meeting: Carla Hedges moved to accept the April minutes. Candi Bailey seconded the motion, which passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Charlotte Griffin, treasurer, reported a balance of $1,874. $261 was given to the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools.

Committee Reports
Hospitality: Betty passed around a sign-up list for June and September refreshments.
Shows: Tricia Wente said we should come and see the BWS Signature Member Show at the Waldron Arts Center.
The BWS annual show will be at the Monroe County History Center in December. BWS members may submit one painting each.
Scholarship Committee: There was one outstanding applicant for the BWS scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded at the school’s awards night.
Program Committee: Jo said that the June 13 program will be “Blooming in Bloomington: Spring Flowers” with Jeanne Dutton.
BWS Upland Plein Air Painters: Anne-Karine Bley, the BWS UP season coordinator, reported on upcoming events:

Wed. May 11, Burnham Woods
Wed. May 18, TC Steele Historic Site
Wed. May 25, Kitty’s property
Tue. May 31, Moody Farm
Mon. June 6 will be a planning meeting from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Babette Ballinger’s house.
The group usually meets from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact Anne-Karine if you have questions about an event. Events will be listed in Brushstrokes. Anyone can attend an event. Those who wish to paint every week can join the group. Group members must host one meeting per year.

Signature Member Applications: Tricia said anyone interested in signature membership should come and see her.

 OLD BUSINESS
Bloomington Garden Club Annual Garden Walk: Charlotte Griffin said that the garden walk will take place June 25-26. Participating artists will receive a free $10 ticket to the walk. Charlotte passed around a sign-up sheet for artists who want to participate. She is counting on having one artist for each garden on both days. Artists will paint from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 25, and from noon-4 p.m. on June 26.  Contact Charlotte

NEW BUSINESS
Membership Dues: Membership dues are due in June. Dues can be paid on PayPal or by check. Cost is $25 for single membership, $40 for family, and $10 for students.

Nominations: Meri Reinhold is chairing the nominating committee. Candi Bailey and Carol Rhodes are on the committee. A slate will come by email, and we will vote in June.  

Jeanne Dutton moved to adjourn and Kathy Barton seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. 

PROGRAM: Betty Wagoner demonstrated and led the group in “Experimenting with Watercolor Pencils.”

Respectfully submitted,
Char Dapena, Secretary

MAY MEETING
Monday, May 9
6:00 pm
First Christian Church
Corner of Washington and Kirkwood, Bloomington

After a short but important business meeting, Betty Wagoner will present a program on using watercolor pencils.

“We will explore various watercolor pencil techniques and how they can be used in your work. There will be examples of w/c pencil paintings for you to look at.  Various uses for this medium will be reviewed.  We will have examples of various w/c pencil products.”
Supplies: We will provide enough w/c pencils for each person to have 2 -3 colors. That’s enough colors for experimenting and creating a tonal painting. Note:  If you own w/c pencils, please bring them.  You will have a greater range of colors for experimenting.
Please bring:
1) Small pieces of watercolor paper or heavy paper.  Scraps or back of failed painting will do. 140# paper or watercolor board work best. Standard weight paper will not hold up.  If you have hot pressed paper, bring it along.  You may find a smoother surface works best for you.
2)  Brushes.  #2-4, #6-8, #10-12
3) water container
4) small palette, optional
5) paper toweling
6)  Water soluble graphite pencil, optional

Select paintings, photo courtesy of John Waldron Art Center

BWS SIGNATURE MEMBER SHOW: Experimental & Traditional Watercolors
The Signature Members of BWS are exhibiting through May 21 at the John Waldron Arts Center in the Rosemary Miller Gallery. Those honored members include Connie Brorson, Bob Burris, Jacki Frey, Jerry Harste, Sara Steffey McQueen, Nancy Metz, Tricia Heiser Wente, and Linda Meyer-Wright.
The Opening Reception is this Friday, May 6, 5-8pm. Hope to see you there!

BWS SATURDAY PAINT OUT/IN
April 30 was a rainy day, but several BWS artists gathered in the IU Union for a nice day of painting together. Thank you to Nancy Metz for hosting and this photo of Anne-Karinne, cozied up next to a warm fire.

Nancy Metz’s journal painting of students at IU, studying for finals.

ART JOURNALING WORKSHOP
From all reports, the Art Journaling Workshop with Steve Dawson was a great success! Our thanks to Steve, Andrew and Kyle Preston for bringing the Art Cart, and to the faithful members who stepped in to take over when your Activity Chairperson (me) met with a family emergency. Many thanks to Nancy Metz, Charlotte Griffin, Susie Graham, Jo Weddle, and Betty Wagoner for all their last minute help!

Kriste Lindberg’s ” fictitious bioluminescent sea creature emerging from the paint, ink, and paper”

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters
The May schedule is as follows. For times and maps, please contact the day’s host for details.
May 11, Wed. Candi Bailey, Burnham Woods
May 18, Wed. Anne-Karine Bley, TC Steele Hist. Site practice for festival of flowers.
May 25, Wed. Kitty Garlock, Foggy Bottom (Kitty’s place).
May 31, Tues. Sande Nitti, Moody Farm.

T.C. Steele Festival of Flowers Paint Out
Although BWS does not sponsor this event, we do support it wholeheartedly, and many BWS members have produced prize-winning paintings. Saturday, May 21, 7am – 2pm
Find all the details and the registration form at http://www.tcsteele.org/programs/
Please note that artists may register the day of the event.

GARDEN WALK and BWS
Charlotte Griffin, BWS treasurer, has arranged for BWS to once again participate in the annual Bloomington Garden Walk, Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26.  All details will be provided at the May meeting on Monday, or contact Charlotte.

HONORING INDIANA WOMEN ARTISTS
Congratulations to BWS Signature Member Jacki Frey, and BWS member Kristen Stamper whose paintings were chosen as part of this year’s program.  From the press release, “Treasurer of State Kelly M. Mitchell hosted a reception at the Indiana Statehouse honoring the winners of the 2016 Hoosier Women Artists Contest who will have their artwork displayed in either Treasurer Mitchell’s office or Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb’s office for the next year.
This is the ninth anniversary of the competition, which is held in conjunction with Women’s History Month. A wide variety of art including drawing, painting and photography will be displayed in the offices.
The winning artwork was judged and selected by a committee including Treasurer Mitchell, staff from both the Lt. Governor and Treasurer’s offices as well as Elizabeth Nash, Masters Student of Museum Studies at the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI.
Visitors to the Indiana Statehouse are encouraged to stop by rooms 242 and 333 to view the art Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.”

Sandy Taylor Memorial Service
It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of a fellow artist.  Many of you will fondly remember an early Signature Member and wonderfully creative talent, Sandy Taylor.  Her memorial service is scheduled for May 21, 2pm, at the University Universalist Church at the corner of Fee Lane and the ByPass.

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

April 11, 2016
Call to order: Carol Rhodes called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. She introduced Lynne Gilliatt, a new member attending her first meeting.
Guests: Carol welcomed guest Joey Like.
Minutes of the March meeting: Charlotte Griffin moved to accept the March minutes. Jo Weddle seconded the motion, which passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Charlotte Griffin, treasurer, reported a balance of $2,144.

Committee Reports
Hospitality: Jacqueline Mix, Sandra Nitti, Betty Wagoner, and Tricia Wente provided refreshments. Betty passed around a sign-up list for June and Sept.
Scholarship Committee: Jo reported that applications were due April 1. There was one applicant, and that applicant was outstanding.
Meeting/Program Committee: Jo said that the May 9 program is “Experimenting with Watercolor Pencils” with Betty Wagoner. Jo also said that people had a great time at the April 2 “Art Journaling: Living the Illustrated Life” workshop with Steve Dawson.
Publicity: Susie Graham reported that she will publicize the Garden Walk.
Shows: Tricia Wente reported that the BWS show will be at the History Center in Dec. The paintings can stay until Feb. Artists may want to think of something historical for the bicentennial, but that is optional. BWS members can submit one painting each.

Tricia, Nina Ost, Deborah Rush, and Donna Whitsitt have paintings in “The Art and Soul of Bloomington” at the Venue.

Upland Painters: Kristen Stamper said that they now have 25 people on the email list. Some events include:

• Wed., April 13, Betty Wagoner hosts at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
• Tues., April 19, the group will be at Riddle Point Park, Lake Lemon.
• Wed., April 20, from 5-9 p.m., Pygmalion’s will have their Saffron show and customer appreciation party. Saffron is Pygmalion’s custom color for charity this year. Buy a tube of Saffron for $8.95, use it on a painting, and turn it in by 6 p.m., Mon. April 18 for display in the one-evening Saffron show and party. Proceeds from sale of the paint will go to Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County.
• Wed., April 27, Sandra Nitti will host a paintout at a private farm.

Steve Dawson will be contacted to see if he has access to the other plein air group in the area.

Anne-Karine Bley is the UP season coordinator. Contact Anne-Karine if you have questions.

NEW BUSINESS
Artful School: Carla Hedges said that next year the Artful Learning Program will be back in Fairview Elementary School, and volunteers are needed. Carla would like to set up a volunteer calendar. She will get more information from Fairview’s principal Dr. Hunter, and report back in May.
April Paintout: Carol said that the BWS April paintout will take place April 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on the IU Campus. Meet at the Indiana Memorial Union Commons Mezzanine level, near the bowling alley at 10 a.m. Then go anywhere inside or outside to paint. The usual inside cautions apply (don’t block businesses or walkways, be careful of paint and water, don’t use staining pigments, etc.). Meet back at the Commons at 2 p.m.
Bloomington Garden Club Annual Garden Walk: Charlotte Griffin said that the garden walk will be June 25-26. There will be five gardens, all in town. Charlotte is counting on having one artist for each garden on both days. Participating artists will receive free tickets to the walk. 

OLD BUSINESS
Congratulations to Jackie Frey and Kristen Stamper, who have been accepted into the 2016 Hoosier Women’s Art Show. Their work will be up in the Indiana Statehouse for a year.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Joey Like, representative of the Farmer House Museum and Bellevue Gallery, answered questions about the gallery spaces and the possibility of establishing a relationship with BWS. The conversation was initiated as a result of a previous discussion Cassidy Young had with Emily Purcell, museum curator. Either BWS as a group or individual artists are invited to have a show at the museum. The Farmer House, located at 529 North College Ave., is a preservation house that belonged to the Farmer family. There is a 14 ft. x 14 ft. gallery space, and exhibits can be extended into other parts of the house. Emily is the contact, and her phone number is (812) 336-5599.

Joanne Shank — BloomingtonARTnership is matching art with businesses for August. Businesses will look at artists’ web sites and contact them if they want to hang the artist’s work in their business or have the artist give a demonstration. A couple of artists could go in together.

Bob Burris has seven pieces in the Columbus Area Visitors Center exhibit, “Art Alert … A Showcase of Fine Artists.” The reception will be at the Visitors Center on Fri., April 29, 5-6:30 p.m.

Jo Weddle said that at the June meeting the group will be asked for program ideas for next year. Think about ideas and if you would be willing to do a program.

There will be no April issue of “Brushstrokes.” It will resume in May.

 Sara Steffey McQueen moved to adjourn and Susie Graham seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m..

PROGRAM Carol Rhodes led the group in exercises on mixing greens and creating credible foliage in watercolor.

Respectfully submitted,
Char Dapena, Secretary

March 2016

Monthly Meeting
Monday, March 14, 6:00pm
First Christian Church
Corner of Kirkwood and Washington
In beautiful downtown Bloomington
After the usual short business meeting, we’ll have a special evening –
A STAYCATION PAINT-IN!
All you non-snowbirds and ones who may have returned to the North early, come to the BWS beach party. Bring your sun hats, bags and towels, wear your flip flops (even if there is snow on the ground), wear your bikinis if you are brave enough, fill your sand pails with shells, and load your bag with painting supplies. We will have a staycation party and paint the evening away. There’ll be props for you to paint or bring your beach photos.  Come and dream of warm, summer days while socializing and painting.  It’ll be fun, for sure!

Just to put you in the mood…a beach at Hilton Head.

SPRING WORKSHOP

Kriste Lindberg’s Journal

There are only four spots left in the spring workshop, “Art Journaling: Living the Illustrated Life.” It takes place Saturday, April 2, at First Christian Church, 9-3, and you can find the details and a link to enroll at www.bloomingtonwatercolor.org
Payment is due no later than March 14 for members, then non-members may register.  All payments must be made in full by March 25, and there are NO REFUNDS AFTER MARCH 25!

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
Welcome to four new members, Kitty Garlock, Lynne Gilliatt, Penny Lulich, and Susan Failey.  Glad you could join in!

Many thanks to Andy Lehman for designing the new BWS logo celebrating Indiana’s 200th birthday.  Remember the theme of our November membership show is “We Paint…the Bicentennial!”  Take advantage of opportunities to paint historic buildings and churches and whatever comes to mind that celebrates history!

Tempo Gallery is featuring Phyllis Taylor in an all Watercolor Spring Show, “DAFFODILS-THE HARBINGER OF SPRING”.  Phyllis has created a collection of paintings that capture the beauty of a variety of daffodils and other spring flowers that are found in local gardens. Her paintings are fresh and colorful and capture the detail of each blossom. Stop by to meet Phyllis and surround yourself with daffodils! Refreshments will be served from 6-8 on Saturday, March 12.
Editor’s Note: It may be challenging to “Stop by and meet Phyllis…” since the gallery is in Astoria, Oregon, but we send our wishes for a very successful opening!  facebook.com/Tempo-Gallery

“Two Narcissi,” Watercolor by Phyllis Taylor

Betty Wagoner at the Wylie House paint in, January 2016

The BWS Upland Plein Air Painters March Schedule
BWS UP is creating weekly opportunities to meet and paint together. Winter has not slowed us down! All BWS members are welcome to attend. Please email the host of the event you are interested in for full details.
March 9, Cambridge Square: Collages & Still Life, Barbara Edmonds
March 16, Pygmalion’s demo, Share tips at Anne-Karinne’s, Anne-Karinne Bley
March 23, TC Steele Studio paint in, $6.50, 10 maximum so sign up with Betty Wagoner
March 30, Hilltop Greenhouse and Gardens, In or Out, Kristen Stamper

“We Paint…Chocolate!” is such a fun show, be sure to stop by The Vault at Gallery Mortgage now through March 31. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9-5, at 121 East Sixth Street. Gallery Walk Friday, March 4, is the second reception, 5-8pm, and the Best of Show award will be presented at 6:00pm.

The “Art of Chocolate” dinner event on February 13 featured three BWS painters presenting demonstrations of watercolor techniques.   Thank you to Anne-Karinne Bley and Cassidy Young for helping your editor with this “job.” Ha! Not much of a job when you’re doing watercolors, munching on chocolate, and enjoying a glass of wine all at the same time!

Cupcakes by Cassidy Young

Anne-Karinne Bley demonstrating watercolor flowers

LIFEDesigns, Inc. has expressed their heartfelt thanks to BWS for being a sponsor of this annual event.   About $150 worth of greeting cards created by BWS members were sold, plus at least one painting so far.
Thank you, too, to all the artists who took the time to prepare a painting; to Gabe Colman of The Venue for curating the show; and to John LaBella and crew at The Vault for hosting such wonderful receptions.

If you weren’t at the Art of Chocolate dinner and auction, here are just a few of the delicious and decadent treats you missed.  Maybe next year!

Edible roses!

Chocolate Mousse Cups from Zeitgeist.

Function Brewing

One World desserts on the dining tables.

OPPORTUNITIES
From the Brown County Art Guild:

“On Saturday, March 19, the Rotary Club of Brown County will host “A Taste of Art” at the Seasons Lodge Conference Center in Nashville including a wine tasting at 5:30 pm and an auction of 24 paintings and other works of art by well-known Hoosier artists at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $35/person or $60/couple. For information and tickets, please contact Scott Hutchinson at director@browncountyartguild.org

Also from the Guild comes the announcement of a Yupo workshop led by BWS friends, Rena Brouwer and Sandy Ezell on April 2. “Join us for a unique opportunity to watch and learn from two award winning Guild Artist Members. Sandy Ezell and Rena Brouwer will be presenting a live demonstration on painting with watercolors on Yupo paper at the Brown County Art Guild on April 2, 2016. VIP Artists & Patrons will attend a group lunch with Sandy & Rena and Guild staff following the demonstration, then return to the Guild for a workshop with the artists. From beginners to advanced, all levels are welcome to attend the workshop. 9:30-11:15- Rena & Sandy will provide visitors with a live painting demonstration. This portion of the program is free and open to the public. 11:30-12:30- VIP’s ONLY- Group lunch at the Hobnob. 1:00-3:00- VIP’s ONLY- Workshop for VIP Patrons. Space is limited to 20 participants, so reserve your tickets now! Guild Artists & Patron Members receive a discount on tickets.”
http://yupoworkshop.brownpapertickets.com/

March 18 is the deadline to apply to the juried show, “The Art & Soul of Bloomington.” It’s simple. Send an email to venueartshow@gmail.com with photos of the piece or pieces you want to enter attached (one photo per piece), and include your name, email address, and phone number, Provide the title of the piece/s, outside dimensions, medium, and suggested retail price. We will contact you to arrange for your application payment. If dealing with an email or photography poses a problem, call and we will make special arrangements for you. The application fee is $40.00 for one image and $10.00 for each additional image. All application frees must be paid at the time of application, and are non-refundable.  Questions? Call The Venue at 812-339-4200 or go to thevenuebloomington.com/Juried

ART CLASSES
Check out the upcoming classes being taught at the Waldron Art Center, StoneGate Art and Education Center in Bedford, Burton Kimble Farms Education Center in Orleans, and the Orange County Learning Center in French Lick.  Lots of great opportunities to learn new stuff – cooking, sewing, weaving, calligraphy, etc. and etc.
Nancy Davis Metz’s Improvers Series continues with Composition.  Nancy is also teaching a Watercolor Basics class in Bedford.
Linda Meyer-Wright teaches Wabi-Sabi art and another class in Collage.
Yours truly will be offering Beginning Watercolor IV, a series of mini-workshops.  For the full listing of all classes offered by the Ivy Tech Bloomington Center for Lifelong Learning, go to ivytech.edu/bloomington/cll

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day…

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