August 2024 Announcements | |
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Just a Quick Reminder!
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
begin Friday, July 26 and continue until Sunday, August 11.
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Several sports editors say that this is the very best team the U.S. has ever assembled for the Games. Don't miss one of our greatest gymnastic stars, Simone Biles.
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CO-PRESIDENTS' MESSAGE
"And the HEAT GOES ON!"
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If you are spending your summer in Green Valley, you undoubtedly are seeking solace in air conditioning. Want to know a great place to be? The SRAL studio. Your friends have discovered this is a place to beat the heat and join in the fun. Come in and paint! The Saturday Still-Life Sessions have begun. Members have been terrific with setting up and painting on Saturdays! Any media can be used. We often have more than one still life setting to choose from. You have options! Be sure to see the dates and times below because a few more dates have been added. It’s a fun way to spend a summer morning!
Who said the summer season is slow? We are busy planning for the 2024-2025 season! Shows, SIGs, Classes, Mini-Workshops, Demonstrations, Mix and Mingle, and all the painting.
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While we do enjoy our summer down time, we are still excited to get another season started! But first…….just one more summer vacation please.
Thank you all who have volunteered to keep our numerous activities within the League. Only have a few volunteer spots remaining. If you can help, please let a board member know. The members are what makes an organization great!
We appreciate you!
Applications for 3 of the upcoming shows are on the website. As promised, paper copies are at the studio in the hanging file. We hope this summer your travels are inspiring you. Keep a collection of sketches for your future paintings. Come back renewed and excited to let those ideas flow on canvas or paper. We can not wait to see what you create!
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"STILL LIFE SATURDAYS"
9:00am-12:00pm.........SRAL Studio
Saturday Sessions
July 27th, August 3rd, & August 17th
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A still life grouping or maybe two will be set up for each 3-hour session. The goal is to practice our skills and enjoy painting together. No formal instruction is given at the sessions.
- Come to one of the sessions or to all of them. All members are welcome.
- Bring your paper or canvas and your media of choice. It can be acrylic, pastel, watercolor, water soluble oil, or a sketchbook and pencils.
- If you would like to bring and setup one of the still life compositions for the group to paint, please let us know.
Your participation is welcomed and appreciated.
Remember the sessions are 9 am to noon.
Have questions? Email Arlene (ArleneS@SantaRitaArt.org)
or Jeani (JeaniG@SantaRitaArt.org)
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Ursula Schneider
Will Be Our August
Demo Artist
"Ink & Its Hidden Possibilities"
August 8, 2024 from 1pm to 3pm
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"Ink is usually relegated to the 'writing tools bin.' But it can be an extremely exciting, alive tool for creating a wide variety of effects that range from very sharp lines to soft, watercolor effects." Join me as we take a brief walk through just a fraction of the possibilities that will give you a fresh perspective on the art of ink! | |
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"Saguaro Stories Mixed Media" | |
"Seeing Blind - Beyond Prime" | |
"A Walking in Dry Places" | |
My passion for art has led me to explore numerous art mediums, including pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic and my current love, soft pastel. As I continue my growth, a shift to mixed media, combining all of my favorites when the subject merits it was an easy progression. A creative life developed for me from years of gazing intently at the life around me and realizing that I had no choice but to find a way to translate what enraptures my soul. | | |
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"Cactus Florals in Sumi Ink with Watercolor" | |
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Mix and Mingle
At the Art League Studio
Thursday, August 1st
from 3-5pm
In honor of our monsoon season, bring artwork that fits a "WET" theme.
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We love to share our artwork and allow it to generate conversations.
It's always fun. Bring a snack, a favorite beverage or just show up.
We would love to see you.
Remember it's August 1st, 3pm to 5pm at the SRAL studio.
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Art League Shows -- Coming Up
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"The Fall Open Exhibit"
at the
GVR Desert Hills Social Center
This is an ongoing show that was delayed during July while GVR was repairing the auditorium. The good news is that the show will begin on August 9th and run until November 8th.
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Each artist may enter 2 paintings, list them in order of preference for inclusion, (#1 and #2) that's just in case we have more than 24 paintings entered.
Include title, medium, price, (or NFS); your name and contact information, as you want to appear on your title card. Send your entry information to Jan Harnish, no later than Saturday, August 3rd. This is a "first in, first hung" process. Those artists who contact Jan Harnish first have preference over those who contact her later.
We shall hang the next show on Friday, August 9th from 1pm to 2pm.
Follow SRAL requirements for what can be displayed, and check that frames and hanging hardware are in good condition. Framed dimensions must be no more than 30 inches either direction. By limiting the size of individual entries, we are able to hang at least 24 paintings in a visually appealing manner.
You can contact Jan at: JanH@SantaRitaArt.org
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"The New Permanent Show"
at the
GVR West Center
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We are so delighted to be able to exhibit our member's paintings in one of our most visited centers. This show will run from Friday, September 6th until Friday, November 8th.
There is no theme for this exhibit. Artwork created beyond 2 years ago is acceptable. There is no past showing restriction and 2 pieces of art can be submitted. There are no size restrictions but note that if a 36"x36" canvas is submitted, one per individual will be allowed. In addition to showing a variety of paintings, we want everyone to have this opportunity.
Paintings can be any size but a maximum of 3 (36"x36") will be accepted.
The hanging drop off date is Friday, September 6th between 9am-10am only.
Pick-up of your paintings will be Friday, November 8th between 9am-11am.
For your title card(s) please submit the title of your painting(s) and the medium used, along with your name and email so those interested can contact you, and the price of each painting or (NFS).
"For more information, contact Hana at Hanh@SantaRitaArt.org."
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2024 Members’ December Exhibit
Monday, December 2 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024
"Between Light and Shadow"
At Canoa Hills GVR Social Center
- Non-refundable Entry Fee: $10
- Entry Form Deadline: Postmark no later than Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
- Art Due for Hanging: Monday, December 2, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM.
- Reception date: TBD from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: Canoa Hills Center, 3660 S Camino Del Sol, Green Valley, AZ 85622
- Prizes: Six Artists' Choice Awards.
For more Information & Entry Form Click Here
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"The 1st Ellen Sussman-Eva Briggs
Abstract Art Competition"
Presented by The Santa Rita Art League
Premiering January 2, 2025 at CPAC
The First Annual Ellen Sussman-Eva Briggs Memorial Abstract Art Competition will be held in January of 2025. Choose your media: watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, collage, and/or mixed media! The caveat: Only SQUARES are acceptable! Submissions can be in any medium: Acrylic, Watercolor, Oils, Pastel, Collage, & Mixed Media. All substrates (canvas, wood panel, paper or cradle board) must measure 12" X 12", 20" X 20", 24" X 24", 30" X 30",
36" X 36", or 48" by 48". The maximum dimensions of a framed piece shall not exceed more than 2" above the substrate's size. If you can’t decide on the size? Paint two!
For the $40.00 entry fee, one or two paintings can be entered into the show. That has the possibility of the judge seeing a lot of squares, but the spectacular artwork is bound to delight all the viewers! Prize money awards are BIG for this show, but personal satisfaction and gratification is BIGGER!
Jump into the most expressive and mind-expanding journey of abstract painting! Entry forms with complete details are now available online. Paper copies will be available in July in the studio.
For more information on the SRAL website, CLICK HERE
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"The 20th Annual Eva Briggs Abstract Art Competition"
January 30, 2025 at CPAC
The Eva Briggs Abstract Art Competition is open to all SRAL members and is a judged show, which is held at the Community Performance and Art Center in February. This exhibit was established by Eva Briggs with her bequest for twenty years of prizes to SRAL in 2003. She stipulated that all artwork entered must be abstract and created on a 36″ X 36″ substrate.
The prizes include first, second, and third place awards, plus three honorable mentions and a people’s choice award. Each of these prizes includes a ribbon and a cash award. The awards are presented at a reception.
For more information on the SRAL website, CLICK HERE
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The Santa Rita Art Library has had a"facelift."
It all started several months ago with our 1,116 books so overcrowded that it was difficult to browse and search for selections. There was no room for additional donated books. One more bookshelf unit was located and installed. All shelves were braced for strength, the books were moved to create more spacing. New labeling was applied for every category of videos and books.
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Our library may have the largest selection of art books in Green Valley. Come by and check out one or two. Remember, Francis Bacon once stated that "Knowledge is Power." | |
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Just like any facelift a new dress is required, so the tops of each shelf unit were painted with purple, blue or green to brighten the atmosphere of the library. Finally, an accessory topped it all off; a fresh book display rack. Each week or so, five to six books of varying art topics are displayed.
Please come in to enjoy and explore this inspiring art library. All SRAL members are welcome to check out books for four weeks. -- Carol Shiffer
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SRAL LOCKERS AND SLOTS FOR RENT
Lockers and slots for storing art supplies, canvasses, etc. are available for rental in the SRAL studio. Yearly fee for a locker is $20, and $15 for a slot.
There are a limited number of lockers and slots. If all are rented, a waiting list will be kept and filled as available.
Fees can be paid by filling out a rental application (available in the studio or on the website by clicking here) to include with your cash or check payment; both should be left with the studio monitor.
For more information, please contact Valerie St. Marie: Click Here
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Art History for Everyone
The art historians on our staff researched some of the notable contributors to the craft that we love the most --> "A R T."
We hope you remember and celebrate each individual.
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Birthdays in August
1 Arthur Dove 1880......................... 17 Larry Rivers 1923
5 Tom Thomson 1877..................... 21 Aubrey Beardsley 1872
6 Andy Warhol 1928............. ...........27 Man Ray 1890
7 Emil Nolde 1867............................29 Jean-Auguste-Dominique
12 Jean-Michel Basquiat 1960..............1780
15 Leonard Baskin 1922..................30 Jacques-Louis David 1748
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"Clouds and Water"
by Arthur Dove
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"Spring in Algonquin Park"
by Tom Thomson
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"Dance Around
the Golden Calf"
by Emil Nolde
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"Campbell Soup"
by Andy Warhol
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"Napoleon Crossing the Alps"
by Jacques-Louis David
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"Art Nouveau Rose"
by Aubrey Beardsley
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The Influence of Art on Society
"Artists have used their Talent to Change Society"
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” -- Andy Warhol.
"Art is power. It can influence perception, opinion, and values. And the artist who creates uses his paintbrush to focus on a moment in time...recording those things that touch the heart." -- Nina Baldwin
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What kind of artist do you want to be?
After retiring, moving to Green Valley, joining the Art League, and offering to teach art to those also new to retirement, I became aware that each student had their own reasons to take my art classes. Some simply wanted to learn how to paint -- it was for the joy of creating something that was all theirs, some wanted to make some money by selling their art pieces, one wanted to rapidly become nationally famous, a few wanted to send paintings to their grandchildren and show their family back home what they were accomplishing here in Arizona.
Basically, everyone has their own reasons to learn about art. However, if we remove money and fame from the table, I'd like to focus on those artists who simply wish for a better world. It can be misinterpreted as political positioning but I'd rather look at it as historical artistic involvement.
In our last Eblast we mentioned, "How History Affects Art."
What about, "Art's Influence on Society?"
Some artists have used their talents to affect change. And for the most part they may not be famous or wealthy. As often is the case, a few have been elevated to museum quality due to their different approach or focus. Museums love when an artist comes up with a new way of creating art or targeting an issue that needs change.
Here are a few examples of artists who wanted to alert citizens of discrimination, inequality, oppression, genocide, war crimes, and all sorts of egregious acts. They used their talent for justice, fairness, and essentially to better the lives of others.
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We're all aware of Paul Revere's famous ride to warn the colonists that the British were coming. We know that he was a silversmith. But did you know that he was a fine artist and produced a sketch of the "Boston Massacre in 1770" and that it was sent throughout the colonies to bring the colonists together to support the American Revolution? | |
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In 1814, Spanish artist, Francisco Goya wanted to dramatize the inhumanity of French troops executing Spanish citizens. Which was caused by Emperor Napoleon who had installed his brother, Joseph, as the King of Spain and wanted to insure the rule of his brother.
"The Third of May, 1808"
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During the 1870s, British artist Gustave Dore became disgusted with the living conditions of poor people in London. Thus, he began a series of drawings that alarmed the nobility and residents, resulting in changes to clean up the filth, create a sewer system to wash away the mess, and provide jobs for those downtrodden.............."London Streets 1870" | |
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Käthe Kollwitz was a German artist who worked with painting, printmaking, and sculpture. She concentrated on the effects of poverty, hunger, and war on the working class. In July 1936, she and her husband were visited by the Gestapo, who threatened her with arrest and deportation to a Nazi concentration camp; they resolved to commit suicide if such a prospect became inevitable. She didn't budge, she continued pushing for change to better society.
"Germany's Children Are Starving, 1924"
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“Guernica” by Pablo Picasso depicts the abstract extreme turmoil of the bombing attack on a small Spanish village on April 26, 1937 by Hitler’s Nazi Luftwaffe. After the war both sides in the Spanish conflict agreed that the little town of Guernica had nothing to do with the turmoil in Spain -- Hitler simply used it as a practice exercise to see what his Luftwaffe could accomplish. Later in the 1940s, when Paris was occupied by the Germans, a Nazi officer visited Picasso’s studio. “Did you do that?” the officer asked Picasso while standing in front of the painting. “No,” Picasso replied, “you did.” | |
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In 1964, Norman Rockwell created,
“The Problem We All Live With”
Rockwell had a lifelong association with freedoms and civil rights.
Enough said; most of us lived through this shameful time.
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"My advice to you about your art is to be true to yourself; follow your heart; and do what you think is right." -- Rich Metcalf
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Member's News
"Artists of La Posada"
Featuring Works by Residents of La Posada
Location: Harry & Ann Paxton Gallery and Theater Lobby
at the
Community Performance & Art Center
This Fabulous Show continues until October 31st
We must give credit to two former members of the Art League, Randy Cole and Skip Perkins who have greatly improved the art program at the retirement village of La Posada, in Green Valley. Aware that there are many residents who were active artists and many who wished to improve their art skills, both Randy and Skip encouraged those artists to prepare for a summer display at the Community Performance & Art Center. The folks at CPAC were delighted to exhibit the art that these dedicated senior artists worked for several months to produce.
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"Sunburst"
by Molly Squibb, oil
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"Waiting for the Season"
by Molly Hyde, oil
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"Bryce Canyon National Park"
by Sandra Rooney, photo
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"Village in the Hills"
by Barbara Gurwitz,
ink & acrylic
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"Saying Goodbye"
by Lois Vanskike,
mixed media
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We continue to revisit this outstanding art show. It is always such a delight to view art by gifted artists. The show includes oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel paintings as well as ceramic and mixed media pieces along with one to two photo illustration and fiber art pieces. Don't waste your time waiting to visit this show. The first show sold several of the pieces on display. On July 19th, the second show was hung and the collection is fantastic. The general feeling is that several pieces in this second exhibit will also sell. Take some time and see this show before pieces start moving. | |
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"Returning Home to Empire Ranch"
by Judy McCormick, oil
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"City"
by Marcia Wiener, tapestry
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If you are looking for a collector's piece or just want to enjoy an hour or two observing exceptional and outstanding art, plan a visit to the galleries at CPAC. You will definitely enjoy each of these incredibly high quality art pieces. Don't pass up this excellent opportunity to have a great time enjoying what you love ... observing fine art.
The CPAC galleries are open each weekday and admission is free ... and there's plenty of parking.
The artists exhibiting their paintings include former and current members of the Santa Rita Art League.
Click Here for More Information About This Exhibit
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SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)
There are 10 Special Interest Groups and all of them are open to the members of the Art League.
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- ABSTRACT BRIGGade
- ASSEMBLAGE
- COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA
.........and ACRYLIC
- FIGURE DRAWING
- OIL PAINTING & PASTEL
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- OPEN STUDIO
- PLEIN AIR
- PORTRAIT
- PRINTMAKERS GUILD
- WATERCOLOR
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On the SRAL website there is a complete description for each SIG.
If you wish to learn more about any of the SIGs, Click Here
Below is additional INFO not on the SRAL webpage.
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ABSTRACT BRIGGade
There are no special skills required to join in with this friendly group. Attendees always find artist support, often with live demos, workshops, and critiques.
However, we do not meet during the summer months. We shall start our season again in October. Have a good summer.
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ASSEMBLAGE
Assemblage Art combines mundane, every-day objects in new and surprising ways, gives objects new meanings, and elevates non-art materials into the realm of Art. We are an informal group for those who are interested in creating three dimensional artworks.
Our Assemblage Group does not meet during the summer months. We shall resume our meetings this coming Fall when we will continue our meetings on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00pm in the Main SRAL Studio.
You are certainly invited to come and have fun with us in a creative, collaborative environment! All SRAL members are welcome.
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COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC
Just a reminder that the Collage/Mixed Media and Acrylic group will start meeting Wednesday, September 4th at 1:00pm in the Main SRAL Studio. Until then happy painting.
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FIGURE DRAWING
FYI: We do not meet during the summer months. The first session of the 2024/2025 season will be held this coming fall.
Hope to see you then.
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OIL/PASTEL
This group meets every Monday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. We are a friendly, supportive, and informal group that allows our members a scheduled time to paint, share ideas, and techniques. We welcome both beginner and accomplished artists alike!
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PLEIN AIR PAINT OUTINGS
We shall resume our activities in November!
Hope to see you for our beginning Plein Air Season in November.
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PRINTMAKERS GUILD
The Printmakers Guild is not meeting during the summer months through August. Plan for our next meeting on September 25 at 9:30 AM (always on the 4th Wednesday of the month), when John McGraw will teach us how to do screen printing with stencils.
NOTE: If you have prints to put in the SRAL Studio show in September, please contact John McGraw or Karen Keim (listed under Printmakers on the SRAL website). Likewise, if you would like to use the Studio intaglio presses during the summer, please contact John. Click Here
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WATERCOLOR
The Watercolor Group meets year-round in the SRAL studio on Fridays from 9-noon. We are an informal, social group working on our own watercolor projects, while sharing ideas and support. All levels are welcome from beginners to those who have painted for years. The SRAL library also has many books on watercolors for your reference.
FYI: Some members meet via ZOOM on Fridays, 9 to 12 (AZ time).
Anyone not receiving the Zoom invite email, but want to receive it, can contact Valerie St. Marie. Click Here
Please Come and Join Us.
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