December 2024
Membership Newsletter
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Merry Christmas Everyone! đ
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are ready for all the busy activities for the holidays.
đTo my non-Christian members may this holiday season bring you love and happiness amongst your family and friends.
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I am so excited with the wonderful turn out for our November general meeting. To the 40+ members who attended, thank you so much for coming to have cookies and cake with the Team and Executive Boards. Having the dialog and suggestions really help the boards and I make decisions and changes that reflect what our members want and what is best for our organization.
If you missed it .... no worries. đ We understand, life is crazy busy this time of year for some of us and downright rough for others. To those members who are dealing with loss, injuries, or illnesses, our love, support, and prayers are with you. đđ
Here is what you missed:
Larry Johnson and Vickie Moon Merchant both gave an excellent presentation on how our website and Facebook ads are being viewed all over the world and then made recommendations on how we can to take it to the next levelâŠ. Push those buttons, like, and share.
The Special Show Schedule and Master Event Schedule were handed out and discussed along with the prospectus for our new teen show called âHome Brewed Fantasyâ. This new show will have two age groups with the hope that parents and teens or grandparents and grandkids will participate in the show together. It will be open to whoever wants to come so help us get the word out. Should be up on the website soon.
After much discussion on the topic of General Meetings, and the Potluck. We decided that we want these events to become a more communal time with each other. So ... there will be two general meetings next year which will take place on the third Tuesday of April and November, one will be in the evening and the other will be in the afternoon. The potluck will now be called the General Member Mixer.
April - General Member Mixer with Booksale and Art Exchange, to be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. NBAL provides a meat course and wine. The attending members are asked to bringing side dishes and desserts. Spouses are welcome. We really want this get-together to be a welcome to new members and a chance to talk about our favorite subject... Art!
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November - General Business Luncheon will be held from 12:15 to 2:00 PM. ALL members are asked to attend to meet the needed quorum to vote for the incoming board members, and for any changes to the Constitution or Bylaws. Lunch will be provided by the Executive and Team Board members.
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A Big Thank You to Gina Cumberland who once again got our Christmas tree up and looking beautiful. Also, thanks for organizing and maintaining our ornament fundraiser. To date it has raised $450. Many thanks to the artists who have donated their time to create the ornaments we are selling. Good job to all of you! đ
See you guys in the gallery, đ
ï»żMary Hammond
NBAL President
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Community Art Reach Update
Many thanks to you all for the donations of gourds, paint, paper, pencils, brushes, and more. The items donated this year have brought our Art Reach recipients immense joy. We have painted, sculpted, done collage projects and even helped put together a 3-D Halloween -themed mural.
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Going into the new year, we plan to continue working with Hill Country MHDD Day Program for adults on Tuesday afternoons and at Colonial Manor Nursing Center one morning per month.
We need guest artists to bring us projects. If you can spare one or two hours even ONE time next year, we will have a robust program at both locations. We can provide all materials.
As always, we can use acrylic paints, canvases, and brushes. We paint 8 x 10 and 9 x 12 projects because they can be hung in smaller spaces. The donation boxes for items are upstairs beside the entrance into the smaller classroom.
The volunteers on our team love the interaction we have with those we serve. Please be a part of it. Give me a call if you have any questions or would like to participate in any way.
Thanks again.
Marta Roberts
830.237.5609
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The Greater New Braunfels Arts Council Presents
Caroling Downtown:
A Holiday Tradition Returns!
and Art Haus
Join us on First Friday, December 6, 2024, as we bring back a beloved holiday traditionâCaroling Downtown! For the 44th year, this festive celebration returns to its roots, moving from the park back to the heart of downtown, where the holiday magic began.
A Night of Song, Art, and Celebration
This yearâs event promises to be a heartwarming evening filled with holiday cheer for all ages. Local Arts Council organizations will come together to share the joy of the season with caroling performances, along with a variety of Christmas music and performances that will fill the streets with festive spirit. It's the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends and experience the magic of the holidays in the heart of our community.
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A Special Kickoff at the Art Haus
In addition to the caroling, weâre excited to announce that this event will also kick off the first-ever First Friday at the Art Haus at the NBU Courtyard. Explore the Art Haus as it becomes a hub for creativity and community, showcasing local artists and their unique works. Itâs the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while celebrating our vibrant local arts scene.
What to Expect:
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Live Caroling & Holiday Performances: Enjoy festive music by local choirs, arts groups, and musicians.
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Art Vendors: Browse a variety of handmade art and crafts from talented local artists.
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Festive Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with lights, music, and community celebrations.
A Night Not to Miss!
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Treasurer's Report Dec 2024
Top ten sellers: Diane Black, Myra Knapp, Sherry Wooley, Nancy Reese, Rosemary Barta, Jeffrey Yentz, Joe Meyer, Flo Landsteiner, Shelley Henderson, Vicki Munie
Total Sales: Oct 2024 $ 11472.70
Oct 2023 $ 11706.30
A detailed financial report of the Art League balances is furnished to the Board monthly and is available to anyone upon request.
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It's That Time of Year Again
It is time for the annual training for the NBAL Information Security Policy. The notebook will be on the docent desk. Please READ the policies and then sign beside your name in acceptance. ANYONE working the docent desk MUST sign the book. Let's try to get this done by January 1st.
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Docent Tip of the Month
ï»żPlease complete your daily sales log entirely. All data needs to be entered and totaled. Please use a calculator to avoid math errors.
Please complete the sales invoice completely. Dollar figures should be written with a decimal point to avoid careless errors. i.e. $57.00 NOT 57.
You MUST submit a signed charge slip for every charged purchase. The customer keeps the copy without a signature line. NBAL retains the signed receipt. Exact steps to follow are posted on the desk.
Ornament sales are a fundraiser for NBAL. The "artist" written on the sales invoice is NBAL.
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Docent Schedules and Calendars
Vicki Houston, 1st Vice President
msravenhouston@gmail.com
Docent schedules and calendars are being created as we speak. If you have not paid your membership and are a Displaying Member, then your workday may be given to someone else. Please get your membership turned in.
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Jury Day is Saturday, December 7th, 9am â 12noon. If you would like to become a Displaying Member or jury into another medium, here is your time to do that.
The current show âCome and Gift Itâ is now through January 5th, 2025. Yes, you read that rightâŠ2025 is right around the corner. Where did the year go?!?
The 2025 Special Show Schedule is now posted on the bulletin board in the Kitchen. All show prospectuses will be available shortly.
Our first show in 2025 is âArtist of the Year â 2024â. The list of eligible winners has been sent to your email. Please respond to me, Debbie Cooper, by December 15 if you intend to participate. Space is limited. The winner will be announced at the reception on Friday, January 10th from 6-7:30.
ï»żAfter Artist of the Year Show is the ever popular âAnything Goesâ Show. Submissions Day is Monday, January 27. You can find the prospectus in the kitchen on the bulletin board or at NBAL.org.
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Annual Christmas Fundraiser for NBAL
Thank you for your donations.
One Month Left!!!
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Each donated ornament should be tagged with a sale price. Special tags will be available. Place the sale price on one side of the tag and your name on the other. All proceeds will be given back to NBAL.
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Questions? E-mail Gina Cumberland, Chairperson, at gcumberland@yahoo.com Thank You!
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Give the Gift of Creativity This Holiday Season!
Workshops
Workshop Coordinator, Wally Lafaiete
waldinei@hotmail.com
Looking for a unique holiday gift for a family member or friend? Enroll them in one of our upcoming workshops at the New Braunfels Art League! With spaces filling up quickly each year, these hands-on classes are the perfect way to inspire creativity in the coming months. From beginner to advanced levels, our workshops cater to various artistic interests and skill levels, led by renowned artists and skilled instructors.
Secure a spot today and make it a holiday to remember!
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Exciting Workshops
Coming to the New Braunfels Art League in 2025!
We are thrilled to announce an incredible lineup of new workshops at the New Braunfels Art League in 2025! Join us for inspiring sessions with Michelle Belto, Len Davis, Michael deMeng, and our very own Waldinei Lafaiete (Wally)! These workshops are sure to inspire and challenge artists of all levels. Mark your calendars and secure your spot early!
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Michelle Belto: Encaustic and Cold Wax painting have seen a significant surge in popularity among artists in recent years, driven by the unique visual and tactile qualities of wax. Artists are drawn to the luminous surfaces, intriguing textures, and complex depth that can only be achieved with wax-based paints.
Michelle Belto, a nationally recognized teacher in encaustic and cold wax, has discovered ways to merge these two mediums using water-soluble wax materials. This approach allows for a mixed application of hot wax and cold wax while promoting a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Her three-day workshop will include daily presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments, where participants of all skill levels will explore these versatile materials and create sample paintings. Learn more about Michelle's work at www.michellebelto.com.
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Len Davis, celebrated for his captivating assemblage work, will lead a dynamic workshop focusing on transformative storytelling through mixed media art. Using found objects, participants will learn how to create deeply personal and visually stunning pieces that resonate with meaning and originality. Visit Lenâs website at www.lendavis.com.
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Michael deMeng, a master of assemblage and altered art, will share his signature techniques in a workshop centered on crafting art from unexpected materials. Known for his innovative style and inspiring teaching, Michaelâs workshop is a must for those wanting to elevate their artistic practice. Discover Michael's work at www.michaeldemeng.com.
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Waldinei Lafaiete (Wally), an award-winning encaustic artist will offer a one-day Basic Encaustic Workshop on February 1. This intimate workshop, limited to a small group of just 10 participants, will explore the art of painting with hot beeswax, teaching foundational techniques to create stunning, textured works. Donât miss this opportunity to learn from Wallyâs wealth of experience in a supportive and hands-on environment. Learn more about Wallyâs work at www.creativesparks.art.
Spaces for these highly sought-after workshops are limited, and we anticipate a full house for each session. Donât miss your chance to learn from these incredible artistsâvisit our website today to enroll and secure your place!
We canât wait to see you in 2025 for this unforgettable lineup of creative experiences!
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Social Media Report
Vickie Merchant, Social Media
Vickie.moonmerchant@gmail.com
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Jan. 1- Oct. 24, 2024
For the first 10 months of 2024, our Facebook page has reached 112,300 people (those have seen our posts) and we now have 3,177 followers. During this time, we have posted 6,900 times and our engagement is 9,400 (people who have liked, loved, shared). The major traffic has been during Two Rivers Plein Air Special Show and the Johnny Duncan and Photography Special Shows
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The top Content by views include Quick Draw, Winners of Quick Draw, becoming a TRPA Sponsor, Artoberfest, NBAL Outreach program, and Come and Gift It!
Our Instagram has increased as well. We now have 2,600 Followers, with engagements at 22,000; we have posted 344 stories and 95 posts. Since Tracy Murphy took over, we have had a lot more traffic on our Instagram. Top Content by views were Johnny Duncanâs Impending Growth and plein air artists posting their work as well as sharing that Plein Air Artists will be painting again in New Braunfels.
Our Team couldnât do it without our Followers. Please continue to Like, Love and Share these posts to get information about The New Braunfels Art League and its offerings such as Classes, Workshops and Memberships! Thanks so much for your help!
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President - Mary Hamond
1st VP - Vicki Houston
2nd VP - Debbie Cooper
3rd VP - Gretchen Goode
Secretary - Jeanne Balkman
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Treasurer - Marcie Helmke
Ass. Treasure - Chase Willett
President Emeritus - Elaine Felder
Parliamentarian - Dr. Larry Johnson
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