October 2015Newsletter

IN THE ROWE GALLERY:

Water AuthoritySept 12 – Oct 23

Snowflake Showcase Nov 14 – Dec 23

Member Silent AuctionJan 16 – Feb 26

IN THE ROWE GALLERY
Water Authority
Thurston / Vrscak/ Webb

Through October 23

Notes from the President

  • JACOB BINNIE – Our Seton Hill intern Jacob Binnie, a Studio Arts major, has been busy assisting with the Rowe Gallery, my opening, and the picnic, and the clay studio getting an initiation by fire in the real art world. And he hasn’t even tackled Snowflake Showcase yet!That will certainly test his mettle. Welcome, Jake!
  • THEN AND NOW! – I was humbled and honored by the show of support from so many of my GAC friends and many others from other important parts of my life. Despite the stress of having to produce art on those days that my mind and hands didn’t cooperate in fulfilling my objectives, I finally got into a rhythm that makes me eager to start painting again on a regular basis. That tried and true concept of “fake it till you make it” is now my motto.Thanks to all of you who encouraged me to paint, paint, paint.
  • WATERCOLOR AUTHORITY – Lots and lots of people discovered us through this well attended opening and resulted in many Pittsburghers applauding our gallery as well as our artist market.Several paintings were sold with hopes of more to come. The exhibit is stunning and a real coup for us to feature such a widely respected group of watercolorists.Their skill in manipulating such an elusive medium with such assuredness and brilliance is awe-inspiring.
  • PLEIN AIRE PICNIC – Good weather, tons of food, and several newcomers to the club got to join many of us old-timers in celebrating the end of summer and the beginning of the new art season. It was especially gratifying to see Betty and Alan Reese join in on the day. Betty even brought her light box and some art materials to donate to the center as they get established in their new life. Also, I noticed more than one beautiful painting emerging from those who chose to participate in the pre-picnic plein aire session.All in all a good day and, just as last year, we beat the rain at clean up time!Can’t ask for much more than that. My sincerest thanks to those of you who helped on this event. I couldn’t have done it without you – BILL AND BONNIE HOFFMAN, ED AND CAROL GROSS, GORDON SARTI, LARRY LABAR, PAT MAJCHER, NANCY WAITKUS, LYNN SELWAY, KEN WHITE, HELEN THORNE, GLORIA GONZALEZ, ALL WHO HELPED CLEAN UP AT THE END OF THE PICNIC TAKING EVERYTHING BACK INTO MY HOUSE,and, of course, those of you who brought all the goodies to eat!!!My sincerest gratitude to all of you. The axiom “Many hands make light work’ is so true.
  • CHRISTMAS PARTY– STILL WAITING!!!!Rose Sovyak has graciously offered to chair our party this year, but this is NOT a one-person job.Give her a call and offer your assistance with games, food, decorations, etc.I F YOU LOVE THIS EVENT, YOU NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE ANDHELP MAKE IT HAPPEN.Every little thing you can do will help.Make calls about food dishes, plan an activity or two, make some decorations, help with set up and/or cleanup. If you volunteer for even one little portion, we will all have a great event to look forward to.
  • 2015 EXHIBITS
  • Sept 12 – Oct 23ROWE GALLERYFrank Webb/Ron Thurston/Bill Vrsack
  • Nov 14 - Dec 23 ROWE GALLERYSnowflake showcaseCLASSROOMEvie Sharbaugh
  • 2016 EXHIBITS
  • Jan 16 -Feb26ROWE GALLERYMember Silent Auction CLASSROOM Phyllis Jean Walters
  • Mar 12 -Apr 22ROWE GALLERY2+2+2 – group show CLASSROOMSt VincentStudents
  • May 14 -June 24ROWE GALLERYClaire HardyCLASSROOMWCCCStudents
  • July 16 – Aug 26ROWE GALLERYRhythms” – Biennial JuriedCLASSROOMDoreen Currie’s Class
  • Sept 10 – Oct 22ROWE GALLERYJolene JoynerCLASSROOMSeton Hill Students
  • Nov 5 -Dec 22ROWE GALLERYSnowflake ShowcaseCLASSROOMEileen Sudzina
  • SPECIAL EVENTS OF INTEREST –Frank Webb’s Workshop is filled to the limit and those lucky enough to be participants will be in for a treat. For those of us not able to attend, we still have the option of going to his presentation about his work being held Saturday October 3 at 2:30 pm.
  • CONGRATULATIONS, KUDOS, HIP HIP HOORAY, AND ALL THAT GOOD STUFF -Pam Cooper was awarded “Best of Show” at Norwin Art Club’s Juried exhibit , which was judged by Frank Webb. What a coup!
  • ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF MEMBERSHIP –The nightmare weeds around the parking lot have been vanquished (at least for awhile) primarily by Bob Majcher with some assistance by Don Pollock. Such a thankless task, but I will try to at least acknowledge and offer some humble thanks to both of you for tackling this challenge. On a different topic, Tony Kresicki has been diligently offering his expertise with plans for the storage shed and kiln shed which have been modified many times to bring us to the submission stage for the township and bids.This has been a daunting project for all involved and we are grateful thatwe are finally on the home stretch, albeit in a new direction.The center will finally be able to “breathe” again with the overload materials and items being moved to the new space in approximately 1 month. Anyone who has been temporarily sheltering GAC items at their home, garage, or shed will be happy to know that you can finally reclaim your space.
  • AMAZON SMILE Program – WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER DIRECT DEPOSIT FROM AMAZON SMILE!!!Keep thoseAmazon Smile purchases coming so that the GAC can continue getting checks from this program. This is the easiest way to help support your center by simply spending your money on any Amazon purchase for regular purchases and simply signing in first at Amazon Smile, selecting Greensburg Art Club, and then make your purchase as usual. Everyone should know that Amazon will give ½% of the purchase amount to your designated non-profit 501c3 – that would be …drum roll…Greensburg Art Club (please note the word CLUB. Our official non-profit designation is CLUB, not center.Every little bit helps, so the next time you are buying through Amazon, please remember the AMAZON SMILE program and choose us as your beneficiary for the ½%. Share this link: friends and family and ask yourfamily, employees, and friends to bookmark this link so all their eligible shopping will benefit Greensburg Art Club.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING : October 12 at 7 pm. Guest Speaker: Toni Richey-Spinning and Fiber Arts

Café Art a la Mode: October 3, 2015 from 1-4 PM Open House for our Current Exhibition: Three Masters of Watercolor.

This will be an afternoon of inspiration, art tips, trends, presentations, coffee and refreshments. The highlight of the afternoon will be a special presentation by world-renown watercolorist, Frank Webb, one of artists on exhibit at the center. His informative presentation will be begin at 2:30 PM. The Gift Shop and Rowe Gallery offers decorative and functional items for the home, personalized gifts and gifts for garden lovers. Special offers and discounts will be available for our shoppers.

FALL CLASS FLYER CORRECTIONS

1. RAKU AND YOU - $100 gets you 25 (not 5) pounds of clay, glazing and firing.

2. CREATIVE ART FOR PRESCHOOLERS - Oct 28 & Nov 4 and Nov 11 (not Nov 1) & 18

DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR GAC MEMBERSHIP! The annual membership drive begins in September. 2015 memberships expire December 31, 2015. Individual dues are $30 per year. Family memberships are $50. Your membership gives you 10% off all classes and assures you will receive newsletters and notifications of classes, events and exhibitions. Renew online at GAC’s website.

“Picture This at the Library” is a joint venture between the Greensburg Art Center and theGreensburg-Hempfield Library in which art club members display their artwork. The current exhibition is presented by Renie Pollock, president of GAC. Her exhibition,entitled “Then and Now” will be on display until November 11, 2015. This exhibitionconcludes a very successful celebration of color and art. The Greensburg Art Center extends a very heartfelt thanks to the members who exhibited their work throughoutour season. These artists include Nancy Dalverny and Cheryl Kirsch, Suzanne Kapusta,Sue White and grandaughter, Morgan Williams, and Renie Pollock. It has been apleasure to work closely with the Greensburg-Hempfield Library staff includingDiane Ciabatonni and Lance, the custodian. We look forward to the 2016 season!

2015 Snowflake Showcase, opening this year on November 14. We will be accepting work around November 1. More details will be posted later as to days and times we will be receiving paintings and crafts/3D art. Begin preparing now to avoid the late fee. Crafts include holiday decorations, ornaments, centerpieces; matted & framed prints; accessories -- knitted & crocheted items, jewelry, purses, gloves, mittens, scarves, scarf pins, shawls, shrugs, neckwarmers; ceramics, textiles, trivets, pillows, dolls, kitchen items, cards & note cards, glassware; wine gifts and wine stoppers; and one-of-a-kind gifts. We always have requests for holiday items with snowflakes and also gifts for men and boys. We are always happy to have new items in our inventory for sale each year. It is recommended that holiday art be priced affordably. Open to Members and Non-Members. More instructions below.

This month GAC would like to acknowledge the generous donations of Janice Decker and Charlotte Long

.

2015 Fall Class schedule and online registration now available on the GAC website.

FRANK WEBB WORKSHOPOctober 16, 17 and 189 am to 4 pm.Registration full!. WORKSHOP IS CLOSED.

NEW!! FREE!!! Download Abobe Photoshop CS2for Windows and Macs
Also FREE Adobe InDesign for Mac and Windows See link on GAC’s website

WE’RE LOOKING FOR NEW MONITORS !!! Wehave permanent monitors who take the same day every month...like the 1st. Tues. 10AM to 1PM orthe 3rd Friday 1PM to 4PM. If a monitor does not want to commit to a certain day every month, I put them on the "fill-in " list and call each of them every month to see which of the remaining days they are willing to take.Once in awhile, a permanent monitor is unable to take his/her shiftso I see if any of the other permanent monitors are willing to trade. If that is not possible, I contact the monitors on the "fill in" list to see if any of them can take that shift.The permanent monitors have signed up for one, two or three shifts a month. Some of the "fill in" monitors also sign up for more than one day, though most do a single shift....which is fine. I am presently training new monitors to share the work, since some of the regulars have had to quit due to health problems, or are unavailable fora month or two at a time.

The monitors are themembers who keep GAC open on a day to day basis! Let me know which days you are available for training and we'll get you scheduled. Thanks for being willing to help. Alice

Is your life worth $1000?The Development Committee has secured a small grant for $250 to help secure an AED ( Automated External Defibrillator ) for the Art Club.We will be researching other options for the purchase of the AED.As we all know, securing funds from agencies is becoming very difficult, so as always we will be asking for donations.The number of sudden Heart Attacks is on the rise and getting help immediately can save a life of one of our members, students or visitors.We realize that we do not want to think negatively or to wish anyone ill will.Being prepared is a priority!!The total cost will probably be around $1500, which would include the AED machine, battery back-up, additional adult pads and maintenance.Training would also be required and hopefully we can secure this locally.Your feedback is certainly welcomed and you will be hearing more about this goal as the months go by.

Purchase a unique keepsake designed by The Cat’s Meow. This miniature wooden replica measures 3 ¼” H x 6 ¼ ” W. The front shows our Center and the back has a brief history/description. Checks payable to: GAC, 230 Todd School Rd, Greensburg, PA 1560116$ Call 724-837-6791 or order online-go to Artist Market at

GAC members are invited to participate in the 2015 Murrysville Womens Club Art Show to be held at Redstone Highlands, Murrysville, PA (4951 Cline Hollow Road (near Hoss' and Table Restaurants).The event is held on the weekend only of October 8 through October 10.Experienced, amateur, and student artists (to age18) are welcomeEntry fees are $5 for adult and $2 for student per piece.
If interested, please contact Lane Neff at 724-327-3495 for details and entry form.

Newsletter Submissions – Bonnie Hoffman- or hoffman.bonnie@comcast,net

Lost your copy of the Newsletter, no worries! The latest version is always available on the web at

Artist Market Participant Fee ScheduleParticipants fees for 2015 are due by Dec 15, 2014 ($35). Those joining after June 15, 2015 will be ½ price. Please contact Cheryl Kirsch 724.864.3140 or Catherine Rosensteel, 724.837.7401.

CLASSES / WORKSHOPS

  • Open Studio Weekdays 10 am – 1 pm
  • Open studio sessionsWednesday Night Painters evenings, 7:00 PM$4.00
  • Oil Painting StudioSaturday afternoons with Jerry Scorpion.1-4 pm$ 12.50
  • Ongoing – Open Studio – Learn What Makes a Good Oil Painting – with Jackie MorenoTuesdays, 1-4pm before Sept 22, and after Oct 27 $14 with instruction, $4 without.
  • Knitting GroupCall Betsy Orr (724-837-1360) for details**
  • Open Studio: “Paint a Masterpiece” with Nina Stahlberg, on Thursdays, from 10:00 to 1:00 offers a wide variety of painting opportunities in oil, acrylic, or pastel. This accomplished artist will guide all participants, from beginners to advanced painters of all ages. The only requirement is a desire to learn to paint. $18.50 per session.
  • Tuesday eveningDecorative Tole Classes with Rose Hastings ongoing except for bad weather or illness.6pm-9pm.
  • FIGURE/PORTRAIT SESSIONS, Fourth Monday of the month, 7-9:45 pm,$10.00
  • Clay Studio Rental:We are pleased to see an increase in interest in using the clay studio. In order to accommodate all interested members and prevent any conflicts among renters and future clay classes, ALL PARTIES must schedule their time on the calendar in the classroom and pay their rentat least 24hours in advance . There will be no increase in the rental fee at this time, but Payment must be made at the time of scheduling. I will be reconciling these payments when I reconcile sales. Please have a monitor fill out a sales slip with your payment for my records.Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.Jackie Moreno

A procedurehas been put into place for rental of the classroom walls. This procedureconsists of a Sign-up Sheet(on the bulletin board in the classroom), Contract Sheets,and Inventory Sheets (both of which aredirectly below bulletin board in white paper holder). Please avail yourselves of this information when considering displaying artwork in the future.Sincerely, Jackie Moreno.

2015 Snowflake Showcase ~ St. Nicholas wooden snowflake ornaments ~ for decorating This year GAC has ordered wooden snowflake ornaments for decorating/painting. We are asking members to pick up wooden snowflakes at the Center, paint/decorate -- using the "St. Nicholas" theme this year, and return to GAC during the month of October. (Would like to receive these by Oct. 15.)

These snowflakes will be sold with all proceeds going to GAC. Use any medium you like, but these must have the "St. Nick" theme. Please sign out the number of ornaments you are taking, at the monitor’s desk, where there will be a yellow sign out book. Please return unpainted ornaments and also sign in when returning finished snowflakes. The back must also be painted the same color as the front, but no image is necessary on the back. However, you may put a design on the back leaving the middle as a place to put a GAC sticker later. After GAC receives these, a hole will be punched for hanging. You may provide a small ribbon, etc., to match, if you desire, or GAC will provide the hanger ribbon. Samples to view will be available soon at the Center.

Questions

Q: Do all snowflakes have to have the St. Nick theme?
A: Yes, there must be an image of St. Nick.

Q: Does the St. Nick work have to be original?
A: Yes. Do not copy/print another artist’s work.
If you have done an original work with this theme, you may make a small 1” square
print of it, and use it in the middle of the snowflake.

Q: Can I use any medium?
A: Yes. When finished, you may also use matte or gloss gel or spray to protect it; may
wood stain or wood burn; may embellish with pearls, rhinestones, etc.; may use
glitter.

Q: Should I sign my name?
A: Name or initials on the work is optional. A good place to put a name or initials would be on the
back on one of the prongs of the snowflake.