May 2006 Newsletter

Important: The Art League's bi-annual figure show, "Figurative Speaking," is coming up in July. Click here for more information.

“Duet of the Arts” Beaux Arts of Volusia Exhibit — April 2 - May 4, 2006

FROM ANOTHER VIEWPOINT

By Mildred Kinbar

The Beaux Arts "Duet of the Arts" exhibitors, 39 of them, so varied in their artistic interpretations nevertheless connect in their renditions of life.

For starters, Mara Whitridge's "Writer's Block,” a hodgepodge of circles reminiscent of Palmer's cursive o's covered with nonsensical doodles ensconced in a rectangle, brings an immediate deja vu to our collective minds. How to break out? Robin Moore attempts it in her "Inscrutable" Mona Lisa. Something has emerged, but not yet clear. However, Peg Williams has found an answer in her "Martian Invaders.” Out of barren lava rock a vivid sprig of green has broken through a seeming immutable force. Rites of passage by Susan Bottaro's "I Am Women" finds interpretation through a muted background of childhood games to a female adult who has realized her talents. Conversely, Betty Morris Parker's "Leading Lady" is faceless, her own identity gone, when she assumes leading lady characterizations of Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" and Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary.” Her robe, rife with patches of vivid colors, personifies the many roles she has played. The imagination has now broken loose in Lisa Lloyd Blais' fiery "The Second Horse.” Every muscle, taut as a springboard, is ready to leap off the canvas rarin' to go. Don Kennedy, with an inner joy, sees dancing roads lead to his "Oh, Come to the Church" and Suzanne Clark's, "Hallelujah" portrays a still life infiltrated with lyrics, a musical oxymoron. In the passion evoking rhythms of "Rock and Roll", Judi Dold finds mind, body and soul reaching for the oneness in us all. Karin Stoever takes us beyond the ken of our immediate environment to maharajas, elephants elaborately decorated, and a panorama of India. Foreign to us, perhaps, but possibly a temple of her familiars as does. Kathy O'Meara with her sculpted " Temple of My Familiars" firmly embedded in metal to solidify their importance. Tying it all together is Jennie Snyder's "Lovely as a Tree.” It emerges on its own, firmly rooted, to produce leaves and flowers which add beauty to life, as you all have done.

Above are members and guests at the Beaux Arts opening of “Duet of the Arts” listening to Pat Flannery (lower photo) reading the Juror’s Jim Murphy comments on the exhibit.

At the Opening in Studio A

Exhibit of Watercolor Paintings by
Elaine Vice and her Students

Shown above are Elaine and her students at the opening on Sunday, April 2. Both exhibits were well attended and the refreshments reflected the culinary talents and good tastes of the exhibiting artists. We are proud of our teachers and their students’ work. And at this writing seven paintings from Elaine’s exhibit have been purchased by patrons. Congratulations!

The News Journal’s Egg
Project a Great Success!

When Laura Stewart approached the Art League about artists painting large eggs in their own style, we were inspired. Originally, Laura was going to supply the eggs, but was unable to find any the size she envisioned. One of our artists, Gary Bobcik, came to our rescue and showed us how to make these eggs with balloons and rigid wrap. We had very little time to complete this project, but all that were involved were amazing in their accomplishments. Connie’s tree was an inspiration and made it just under the wire for the New Journal photographer to take photos which appeared with the article by Laura Stewart in the Sunday, April 16, issue. We filled two pages with photos of the eggs and the artists and a description of the progression of the making of the eggs. This was great fun for all involved! Thanks to all who participated: Susan Bottaro, Connie Krzyzowski, Betty Luzynski, Gary Bobcik, David Smith, Marion Adler, Suzanne Clark, Peggy Landeen, Sharon Friedman, Leona Haas, & Nan Jacoby (who supplied the newspaper with photos).

POT LUCK LUNCHEON
& GENERAL MEETING:

Election of Officers - May 10 at noon - Please join us!

Bring your favorite hors d'oeuvre, entree, salad, dessert, bread, etc. (Art League will provide meat entree and beverages) and join Art League members for lunch and get a chance to meet some of the many interesting artists and members that are part of the League’s membership. This has always been a fun event (with delicious food)..

NEW MEMBERS: We would especially like for you to come, have lunch with fellow League members. We are thrilled at all the new members, some coming from quite a distance to be a part of this special place for artists. We look forward to seeing you.

Don’t miss Guest Speakers & Demonstrators Fred & Rose Ann Samuelson’s presentation at this event!

The Nominating Committee’s Slate of Proposed Officers for the Executive Board are:

• President Connie Krzyzowski

• 1st Vice President Amelie Bush

• 2nd Vice President’s Don Kennedy & Sharon Friedman

• 3rd Vice President Toelle Hovan

• Treasurer Margaret Landeen

• Recording Secretary Susan Bottaro

• Corres. Secretary Paton Axelrod

• Membership Chair Suzanne Clark

• Newsletter Nan Jacoby

• Programs Elaine Vice

• Gallery Chair David Smith

Nominations may also be made from the floor, provided that the consent of the nominee has been obtained.

STACY BARTERS’ WORKSHOP

APRIL 10-13, 2006

The gallery took on the appearance of an atelier in a big cosmopolitan city with Stacy Barter’s students fervently working away. Both photos below show Stacy during her demonstrations with her admiring students looking on. Participants in this workshop were grateful for the opportunity to study with this exceptional artist. Her deft strokes of paint quickly demonstrated her method of painting flowers. Some of the students came from out of the area (as far as North Carolina & West Palm Beach, Florida). Two students became members of the League after seeing what we have to offer (for classes, workshops, and exhibits, etc.). The comments were: “the Art League is such a special place—they haven’t seen anything like it in their area.” The enthusiasm for the workshop was shared by all attending. All wanted to know if we could have Stacy back again next year. This is definitely in our plans!

MEMBERS’ NEWS

• Joe Smith: Award of Merit at the recent Fiesta show & awards at Ponce and recent Port Orange show. Congratulations Joe!

• Vicki Lankford was awarded Judges Choice in Images; 2nd Place - Englewood Rotary Fine Art Festival and Merit Award - Port Orange ArtFest.

• Pauline McHugh was awarded 3rd Place-Abstracts - Art in the Park - Flagler County Art League’s judged show.

• Erlinda Fitzpatrick was given an Award of Distinction in the Port Orange show

Thanks to all our volunteers, especially to Sarah Smith for the lovely flowers she planted in front of the League which she waters regularly to keep them going. And to Eric Paterson for helping finish painting the restrooms.

Our wonderful “pond lady” Elizabelth Zealor working to get our “Monet’s Garden” pond back in shape - thank you so much!

5/14/2006

Gallery Sitting: Please help us with sitting the gallery on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.  This is so important for us to be open these days for the public to visit our shows and of course our "Members' Gallery."

Members Gallery: Bring your paintings in (no wider than 42") to be hung in the "Members Gallery." We have been successful in selling paintings from this area, but even if your work doesn't sell, it's a place to show your work. Visitors have often remarked about the work in this gallery, enjoying them sometimes more than the current show in the main galleries. And, we are proud to show off the work of our very talented members.

FRAMING INFORMATION:

Many new members ask about framing so we plan to have a demonstration and workshops soon on this subject. Our more experienced members recommend the following commercial framers:

• The Frame Up (30% discount to Art League members), 228 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona - 255-5712

• Tropical Frames (20% discount to artists), 2800 Nova Road , Bldg. A, S. Daytona - 788-6577

• Southern Paint gives a 20% discount on art supplies, 239 S. Seagrave, Daytona Beach - 235-8107