Come on Down -Monthly meeting and demos

Have you heard that we are again having live demos at our monthly membership meetings?    It's true.

 Last  month our long time friend/member and neighbor down the street with his own small gallery and ice cream parlor, Tony Segale, was our artist/demonstrator.     Tony demonstrated his watercolor techniques by creating a painting as he explained his methods.     He was open to questions and comments and the evening flew by.    

This month there was an even larger turnout, as the word spread about the demos.   Some of the newer members showed up and also some we had not seen for quite a while - in fact, we had a full house.    The visiting artist this month was George Allen Durkee, who now works and shows in Murphys.     You can see his work on his website, www.gadurkee.com  George works in oils.   It was fascinating to watch him work while he kept us amused with a lively dialogue.     At the end of the evening he had a little raffle - we put our names in a hat and he pulled out a slip of paper with MY name on it.    I won the painting he did in front of us.     I'm leaving it at the gallery for awhile so everyone can see it.   Ask at the desk, and tell them it's in the back with wet paintings.     That's where Leland Choy keeps his wet work that he does on Wednesday mornings.     

We are going to make some changes in the studio and increase the seating, so more of you can be accommodated.   You really don't want to miss the opportunity to see and hear our guest artists explaining and showing what they do and how they do it.   We all come away inspired and with new ideas to try.    

The monthly membership meetings are held on the second Tuesday evenings of each month.  Please check your newsletter to get the time and find out who is the next artist showing and demonstrating their work.      

Remember, mark your calendars.  Second Tuesday evenings.    Why don't you come downtown, have a nice dinner with friends, and stroll on over for the demo?  I can't think of a much nicer way to spend a Tuesday evening.      

Strategic Planning

The gallery  studio area was buzzing Last evening with the annual task of strategic planning.    The big questions are  - how can we involve more members in our activities?      What programs are most important?       How can we increase our funding?  

 Yes, unfortunately, budget does matter.   A good part of the meeting dealt with budget review and forecasts.  Definitely not my favorite topic, but it's a part of life, personally and as a group.     

There was also a lot of discussion on programs.    And events, and how to make them work within out budget.    

Our new VP Doug Drendell has interesting ideas for fund raising on several levels.     I think we'll  be hearing more from him as he tackles this very important task.     If you have ideas, please bring them to Doug's attention (dougsd@sbcglobal.net) or to our president, JC Strote (jcglassart3@gmail.com).     You can phone them or use email, or come to a meeting.  There are all kinds of ways to input your opinions.   In fact, if you have ideas for programs, classes, outreach, membership services, etc.   please speak up.    There are no mind readers on the board.

 It looks like there are some  good changes and fun times coming ahead, like the monthly demos being a part of our monthly meetings.     I'll write about our last one in a separate post.   Pam Bechill has some really interesting demos planned and I'm sure your will enjoy them, with a little time for socializing and meeting other members at the same time.     This is one way  we get to know you, and how you get to know the rest of us.      

Another way to get to be a part of this organization is to volunteer for something that brings you into contact with the others.   Working together is great fun, I recommend it wholeheartedly.  

Springtime at the gallery

The big Annual Spring Art Show is over.   Whew!    Time to come back to the gallery to see the really special showing of art there this month.    Rochelle Tietze is the featured artist, and if you are familiar with her work, you know you want to see more of it.     

If you were one of the many winners of a raffle prize you can come to the gallery to pick it up.      We have called all the winners, so it's up to you to come and get it.   There were so many nice baskets full of donated items, and also a dozen pieces of hanging art. Thanks to all of you who donated raffle prizes, and to all of you who purchased raffle tickets.     Also this year there was a wine cork pull that helped generate some extra income for the gallery.     Thanks to those that donated wines, and those who paid for the chance to pull a cork and take home the wine with that number on the package.   It all helps.     Many, many thanks to JC Strote and all the volunteers for putting together a spectacular show this year.       Kudos.   

The next board meeting will be on May 6th at 7 p.m. unless it announced changed between now and then.    Everyone is welcome to attend.  This is the meeting that will let us know how well the event went in the way of raising funds for the Art Center.    

The next membership meeting will be on May 13th.      It is time for our election of new officers.      Time to get involved and time to vote.       Please come out and be an active part of LCAC.       

If you missed the Spring Show, the winning paintings, photographs, graphics, and 3 dimensional pieces will be on display at the gallery during the month of May.     You still have a chance to see them in person.      

Spring is here and so is the big Spring Art Annual

The art is here, coming in from all over the area for this juried art show.    The judging is done, the winners names are posted on our web site, and we are getting ready to move the art to the Robert Mondavi Winery in Acampo for the big show.      It's all so exciting.  

 It is also really fun to work with others to make it happen.      There is still work to be done, and more volunteers needed to make the Annual Spring Art Show a great success.   Thursday the art will be moved out of the gallery into the truck which will be parked directly in front of the gallery.       Then on Friday, between 8 and 9 in the morning we need lots of people to help unload the truck and move the art into the winery and get ready to hang the paintings.       I encourage you to show up at the winery before 9 o'clock to see how this all happens and to help move paintings.  Many of the volunteers have done this before and can help show you what is needed and you'll soon just fall into place and feel a part of the crew.     You will be appreciated.    

After the moving art in, the art is placed and hung.    More people needed for this too.     Setting everything up for the show, with tables, check in area, etc.   takes more people.  

Then it's time to party!      See the website for gala information and scenes from past shows.         The Mondavi Winery venue is a beautiful site for this show.  You really must come out to see the show and enjoy the art.  Remember there are only three days to see this.  Friday evening by ticket only, and Saturday and Sunday open to the public, free admission.            See you there.

Gallery Browsing - Photography Show

The photography show is brimming with beautiful, touching, awesome and splendid photographs,      There are landscapes, portriats, still lifes, and manipulated photographs.      As this is a rainy weekend, it's the perfect time to spend some quality time in the gallery admiring and critiquing the entries.       I think you will be delighted with the variety.       There might be something there you will want to hang on your wall.   

While you are there, you might want to pick up your tickets to the Spring Show Gala Event.    And maybe sign up to volunteer for one of the jobs associated with putting on the show.    There are big jobs, small jobs, vigorous jobs and quiet jobs - something to suit most all of us.      We need all the help  we can get.       

If you can't get out to the gallery, then please check out the website at the link above and see the program which contains pics of the winning entries and a list of the entrants.   

Spring Show is on the horizon

Oh my, how time flies.      As this very dry winter is passing, the volunteers have been working on plans for the Spring Show. 

  Information is available on the web site.       One of the things some people are challenged by, is the entry procedure.   Other people love the new online system and are comfortable with it.    But, for those who do not use computers, or are otherwise intimidated by the entry procedures, there is help available.     According to  a new email from Rich Allen:  

There is one more chance to get help entering the spring show. This Saturday, 2/15, from 1 to 3 at the LCAC Studio there will be someone to assist those who need it.

 

The studio is in the back room , enter through the gallery.    

Whle we are talking about the Spring Show, let me take this opportunity to encourage you to come to the gala opening night festivities.  The theme is Putting on the Ritz for Art.      Lots of us either come in costume or at least dress up in our fanciest duds for this evening of good wines, good food, good music, lots of friendly  people including many of the artists who are showing their works, and a festive atmosphere.      Check the website for ticket information, or come by the gallery and get your tickets while they are still available.       I hope to see you there.

Time moves forward

Sales have been good for the small works show, but there is still good art on the walls and shelves, so better get down there soon, before it all disappears.       The holiday decorations are up, the heat is on, and good people to help you with your purchases.















 There is already a buzz in the air about the Spring Show which will be on April 11th thru 13th.     JC Strote is chairing the show and looking for volunteers to help with many different aspects.   I'm sure she can use your talents and time in some way.  The more people we have working on it, the less it leaves for the few who usually carry the load.     Let's give them a hand and make this the best show ever.     It is so much fun to help, it makes you feel involved and part of the show, even if you are not showing your own art.   

There is plenty of time to get some art ready for the Spring Show.    Soon as the new year is here, I'm making it one of my priorities.       I'd love to see something of mine hanging there again at the winery.      How about you?