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

Happy New Year!
The first meeting of 2016 is on the calendar for Monday, January 11.
As part of the Signature Series, your January program will feature “Intuitive Abstracts” by Linda Meyer-Wright. Stay tuned for details and supply list.
Also, members are always encouraged to bring their art work to share at every meeting.

Scholarship Donations
Wondering what to give a special person who has everything?  Think about a donation – in their name – to the Bloomington Watercolor Society Scholarship!  It’s easy to do it online at the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools (FMCCS) FoundationofMonoreCountyCommun/OnlineGiving  Donations are tax deductible, and be sure to designate it’s for the BWS Scholarship.  Then paint a beautiful gift certificate, slip it in an envelope, add a bow, and off ya go – the perfect present.

The Art of Chocolate
With all the delicious holiday treats available, I hope you are capturing some on paper for our 2016 community project, The Art of Chocolate.    Paintings of chocolates, chocolate labs, sweets, treats, and more delights are welcome in the exhibit scheduled for February and March. The prospectus (guidelines) are posted further down this blog, and you can contact Jeanne at with questions. Delivery date for paintings is February 2. But don’t worry, you’ll get more prompts as we go along!  All sales pay the artist 50%, and the other 50% supports LIFEDesigns, an organization that supports people with disabilities.

A few of the beautiful greeting cards created by members for the exchange.

Bob Ferguson and Charlotte Griffin share a smile with friends.

Carol and Roger Rhodes visiting with BWS president, Nancy Metz.

Carl Brorson, Candi Bailey, and Connie Brorson visit with Tricia Wente.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
Holiday Party
The annual Holiday Party December 3 was lovely as always. Here are a few photos, with thanks to Claude Cookman for his photography. And thanks to Jo Weddle for her hard work arranging all the fun, Connie Brorson for being our Meadowood hostess, and the chef and staff for providing us with one delicious meal!
Congratulations
Tricia Wente’s pastel portrait of Purdue grad Retired USAF Astronaut Col. Mark N. Brown, Mission Specialist has officially been donated to the Columbus Learning Center collection for display in the Advanced Manufacturing Center of the Community Education Coalition.  The manufacturing center is shared by IUPUC, Ivy Tech, and Purdue College of Technology.

Riddle Point Park

“Riddle Point Survivors” by Kathy Barton

Plein Air Painting Group
Riddle Point 2015
By Kathy Barton
812-679-6353
“It was a chilly November morning with fog and 45 degrees when I made my coffee. I planned my layers of clothing for the day and headed out to Lake Lemon’s Riddle Point about 8:15am, carpooling with Sara Steffey McQueen, to meet the group, not knowing who would be coming today.
“When we arrived, we found an oil painter already on location and many trucks with boat trailers attached. We set up our work stations, each with a different view to paint, but within view of each other. It is reassuring to paint with the group.
“By lunch time, it had warmed to 57 degrees and we had 12 people set up along the edges of Riddle Point. Everyone liked the location and want to go back again in 2016.”
Note: The group will hold a planning meeting at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 14. Save the date and look for full details in the January issue of Brushstrokes.

NEWS and OPPORTUNITIES
Delphi Opera House
BWS friend, Rena Brouwer, sends the following:
“After nearly 6 years as resident artist of the Delphi Opera House, Alan, Deb and I (Rena) have reopened the gallery under new management – US! We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring to you our fine art and our guest artists. We hope you will join us this Saturday for our grand opening.”
A couple years ago, several BWS members took the tour at Twin Rocker Paper in Brookston, then popped over to visit with Rena at her gallery.  Then, we were privileged to get the grand tour of the waiting-to be renovated Opera House.  The renovation is done and wow!  Well worth the trip to visit the gallery AND the Delphi Opera House.

The Lawrence County Art Association offers a paint-in every Thursday from 1:00 – 3:30 at their headquarters, hosted by Phyllis Westfall. All are invited to participate, and in any medium. Here’s the link to the home page: http://www.lawrencecountyart.org/index.html and you may contact Sandra Hudson for more information, sandra.hudson@yandex.com

5th Annual Artists Showcase – Booth sales have just opened!
Bloom Magazine and Ivy Tech Community College are happy to present the Local Artists Showcase on Saturday, February 20th, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center.
Sixty-seven booths for local artists are available at $65 each. Most booths are approximately 10′ x 6′ and will come equipped with a table and two chairs. If you do not wish to use the table and chairs, we can remove them from your booth space. There are some larger booths and some booths also have access to electricity. The booths will spread across the entire top floor of the Convention Center.
Booths are only available to local artists to sell their personal work. Booth reservations are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, if you have special requirements or preferences, you should sign up as soon as possible.
You may sign up by email (erins@magbloom.com), over the phone (812-323-8959 ext. 0), or in person at the Bloom office (please call ahead). Remember that you must present payment in full in order to reserve your booth and there are no refunds.
Contact Erin Stephenson, Assistant Editor, Bloom Magazine, 812-323-8959 ext. 0.

Recent work, Sara Steffey McQueen

Wishing you all the joy of this wonderful holiday season,
and peace and good will to all people.

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