July 2024 Announcements

You can access our new website by clicking: https://santaritaart.org/

Arlene Szypulski

Jeani Gustafson

Aren’t we the lucky ones! As Americans, we enjoy so many freedoms. This includes our artistic expression.

Let’s Celebrate!

We have a couple of new ideas:

• You can brush up on your drawing and painting skills at a still life session which will be available several Saturdays this summer, see article below for details.

• Instead of a demo artist in July, we have created a group game we’re calling "Art Pictionary." We are excited to share it with you. There will be laughter! There will be prizes! It will be unforgettable! July 11, for details see article below.

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We have had a great response to our plea for volunteers to keep our many League activities going. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and willingness to take part. Volunteer opportunities are always available. -- Jeani & Arlene

Oh, one more item. Next week is the 4th of July, so let's

....Dance!...........Celebrate!............Appreciate!...........Paint!

Since there is no demo artist scheduled for the general meeting on July 11th, please join Jeani and Arlene from 1pm to 3pm in an artistic FUN afternoon!

***** Pictionary *****

We are hosting a 2-hour “Art Pictionary” session. It’s bound to be an afternoon of challenges and laughter! An afternoon you will not easily forget.

.......- If you choose not to draw, please come and be a part of the audience!

.......- As usual, we welcome snacks for the event!

If you are not familiar with Pictionary, here's a short description:

"Pictionary is a drawing and guessing game where a secret word, in this case pertaining to art, is given to one person who will be drawing for their team. 

On an erasable white board, the drawer silently and quickly creates an image to describe the word he/she was given. The audience or fellow teammates, shout out their guesses as the person drawing progresses with the word image."

"STILL LIFE SATURDAYS"

9:00am - 12:00pm........SRAL Studio.........Five Sessions

- 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.

Here are the dates: (remember 9 am to noon)

June 29th.....July 13th.....July 27th.....August 3.....August 17

Have questions? Email Arlene (ArleneS@SantaRitaArt.org)

or Jeani (JeaniG@SantaRitaArt.org)

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Special Note to Everyone about Coming Art Exhibits

All the upcoming exhibits (to date) have been listed on the bottom of the ART EXHIBITS webpage. To zip over to check out the coming shows, Click Here.

We shall alert you as more shows are added.

One comment we received is that in this old photo, "everyone looks so young."

We're sure everyone in the photo 'Thanks You' for that flattering comment.

We thank everyone for helping to identify our members. Here are the names of the artists in the photo, above.

Kneeling: Linda Long, Laurie Boyett, Liz Wolf

Standing: Diane Perkins, Karen Metcalf, Valerie St. Marie, Rich Metcalf, Nancy Wesorick, Serene Rein, Sheridan Shimp, Olga Ludviga, Linda Patterson, Terrie Hodson, & Altie Metcalf.

Activity: The Pastel SIG was at Saguaro West National Park on a plein air outing.

Here are two more old photos.

These old photos show members in a past Oil Painting SIG.

They were given an assignment to paint an apple.

The critique turned out to be quite a lot of fun.

Your assignment is to identify the participants.

How History Affects Art

What is Freedom?

"Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves."

― Abraham Lincoln

"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people." — Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred." ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Below are two oil paintings created in the 1800s that some believe are the two most famous symbolic representations with a figure representing "Liberty.".

"Liberty Leading the People"

by Eugéne Delacroix (1830)

"Unveiling the Statue of Liberty"

by Edward Moran (1886)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his 1941 State of the Union address, outlined four democratic values that he considered essential to preserve our freedoms. Two years later, Norman Rockwell, working for the Saturday Evening Post, created four covers, each representing one of those four freedoms.

"Freedom from Want"

by Norman Rockwell, 1943

"Freedom of Speech"

by Norman Rockwell, 1943

"Freedom of Worship"

by Norman Rockwell, 1943

"Freedom from Fear"

by Norman Rockwell, 1943

Remember that in 1943, the United States was in the middle of WWII. Just about everyone knew someone in the military service or working to help those fighting for the U.S.

Rockwell was well aware of the fear folks had and the hope they shared for our country to persevere in that difficult time. He used his art skills to encourage people to remain hopeful that this challenging period would pass.

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Current Art League Shows

"The Spring Open Exhibit"

at the

GVR Desert Hills Social Center

This notice is to keep you informed as to the shows at this Center.

The Art League has been notified by GVR that necessary repair work is required at the Desert Hills Center, which includes the auditorium. All paintings need to be removed before construction begins.



Artists who have paintings in the Spring Show should retrieve their paintings on Tuesday, July 2, 1-2 pm.

Jan Harnish aims to continue with the ongoing permanent shows once the repairs are completed. She is hoping that the auditorium will be ready by August and anticipates that we can have the next exhibit hanging on August 6th from 1-2 pm. If all goes as hoped, Jan will ask all artists to send their entry information to her by August 2nd.

Once dates for the next exhibit are confirmed by GVR, we shall inform everyone in an Eblast.

We will certainly keep everyone up to date.

Up coming Art Shows that you may want to enter.

On the SRAL schedule are the following art shows for our members. We wish to remind you to get going on paintings for each show.

"Between Light and Shadow" in December

"The 1st Ellen Sussman-Eva Briggs Memorial Abstract Art Competition" in January

"The 20th Annual Eva Briggs Abstract Art Competition"

in February

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

The 1st Ellen Sussman-Eva Briggs

Abstract Art Competition

Presented by The Santa Rita Art League

Premiering January 1, 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, 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

"The 20th Annual Eva Briggs Abstract Art Competition"

February 1, 2025 at CPAC

SRAL LOCKERS AND SLOTS FOR RENT 

Lockers and slots for storing art supplies, canvases, 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.

Birthdays

July

6 Frida Kahlo 1907

7 Marc Chagall 1887

8 Käthe Kollwitz 1867

10 Camille Pissarro 1830

11 James Whistler 1834

12 Amedeo Modigliani 1884

14 Gustav Klimt 1862

15 Rembrandt van Rijn 1606

19 Edgar Degas 1834

22 Alexander Calder 1898

22 Edward Hopper 1882

25 Thomas Eakins 1884

30 Henry Moore 1898

"Le Paradis" by Marc Chagall

"Dancing in the Rain" by Edward Hopper

"The Ballet Class"

by Edgar Degas

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"The Kiss"

by Gustav Klint

Self Portrait

by Rembrandt van Rijn

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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

May 10 - October 31st

Two former members of the Art League, Randy Cole and Skip Perkins have worked very hard to improve the art program at the retirement village of La Posada. Aware that there are many residents who were active artists and many who wish to improve their art skills, both Randy and Skip encouraged those artists to prepare for a summer display at the Community Performance & Art Center here in Green Valley. The folks at CPAC were delighted to exhibit the art that these dedicated senior artists worked for several months to produce.

"Rue de Four" Goult, France

by Barbara Gurwitz, oil

"Blooms in Red"

by Nancy Wesorick, pastel

"Wonder" by Molly Squibb, oil

Having the opportunity to preview this show was such a joy to observe what gifted artists can create. And for an extra golden opportunity, the art on display 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.

"Chihua"

by Connie Davis, ceramic

"The Red Canoe"

by Molly Hyde, oil

If you are looking for a collector's piece of art or just want to enjoy an hour or two observing exceptional and outstanding art, plan a visit to the galleries at CPAC. You most definitely will 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 SRAL.

Click Here for More Information About This Exhibit

Artist Carlotta Brandenburg

at Posada Java

"Thoughtful"

"Streamside"

"Nudie Cat 1"

Carlotta is an exceptional artist who works in acrylics and mixed media. Her work reflects a lifelong love of animals and vintage items. She enjoys applying rich, vibrant colors to her art pieces. When she takes hikes, she will often stop to sit awhile and capture the brilliance of a lovely landscape.

Her art resides in collections both in the United States and in Russia.

Regrettably, we only have room for 6 images of the many paintings she has in the show. So treat yourself and drive over to Posada Java to simply enjoy each of her exceptional pieces of art. Carlotta's paintings will be on display until Monday, August 19th.

Do not miss this show.

"Saquaro Cactus"

No Title

"Vintage VW Bug"

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

There are 10 Special Interest Groups and all of them are open to the members of the Art League.

• ABSTRACT BRIGGade
• ASSEMBLAGE
• COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC
• FIGURE DRAWING
• OIL PAINTING & PASTEL

• OPEN STUDIO
• PLEIN AIR
• PORTRAIT
• PRINTMAKERS GUILD
• WATERCOLOR

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.

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.

ASSEMBLAGE

The Assemblage SIG will be meeting throughout the summer on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00pm in the Main SRAL Studio. We have our first in-studio, make-and-take project scheduled for July. And we have agreed on two new challenges to finish out the summer.

The August challenge is to use railroad spikes and horseshoes in an assemblage. Cheryl Schaeffer has generously donated these items for our use. We have spikes and horseshoes available to pick up at the studio during our meetings on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 1-3:00pm.

Our SRAL Studio Show wall pieces will come down on June 30th but we will leave our 3D free standing pieces up until August 31st. 

COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC

There will be no group meetings on Wednesday for the months of June, July, and August. We will resume on the first Wednesday of the month in September. Have a wonderful summer.

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.

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!

PLEIN AIR PAINT OUTINGS

We shall resume our activities in November!

Hope to see you for our beginning Plein Air Season in November. 

PRINTMAKERS GUILD

The Printmakers Guild does not meet during June, July, and August. At our next meeting, 9:30 am on September 25 (always the 4th Wednesday of the month), John McGraw will teach us how to do screen printing using stencils.

NOTE: We are looking for prints to put on the SRAL Studio wall in September. if you would like to use the Studio presses during the summer, please contact John McGraw or Karen Keim (see SRAL website). Click Here

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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Let's

Enjoy 

the 4th

Click here for the list of SIG chairpersons and their e-mail addresses.