June 2025

Membership Newsletter


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“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.”

Frida Kahlo

Hello Everyone!

June is here so that means that it is time to hopefully jury in more displaying members, make the 2nd half of the work schedules and create new calendars. If you want to change jobs, now is the time to do it. Please be sure to contact Vicki Houston and let her know any changes you may need or want…. ASAP! The docent training has been rescheduled to June 21, so she needs to know before then.

When the league started in 1965, it was just a group of artist friends who got together to display their artwork and support each other while creating art. This is the earliest yearbook that we have in the library, 1968-69. Back then the yearbook was just 20 pages, with 45 member’s phone numbers, and 2 pages of Constitution/Bylaws. In the center of the book was a 2-page schedule that you were asked to remove and put on your frig with dates and locations around town to display your artwork. Today, our yearbook is 60 pages long; and, at our last update, we have 268 members. We have special shows, workshops, classes, and our beautiful building with our own display space. This has all been achieved because members like you have volunteered their time and skills to make it happen. THANK YOU for being a supporting member of NBAL.


Talents we are looking for to help us move forward are math to help us with bookkeeping and computer skills to help us to move into the 21st century. Just let me know if you are interested


See you guys in the gallery, 😊

Mary Hammond

NBAL President

Treasurer's Report for April 2025

Marcie Helmke, Treasurer

nbaltreasurer@gmail.com


Top ten sellers: Diane Parker, Diane Black, Marta Roberts, Joe Eby, Susan Calafrancesco, Miles Willett, Paula Dayoub- Schweizer, Brent McCarthy, Mary Shepard, Erin Velez


Total Sales:

April 2025 $6680.48

April 2024 $7624.72


A detailed financial report of the Art League balances is furnished to the Board monthly and is available to anyone upon request.

Docent Tip of the Month

 

EVERY tangible item sold at the docent desk is taxable. This includes the NBAL postcards sold at the desk.

 

Please ask each customer for their contact info when writing up an invoice. For those who are resistant to providing any info, please get their zip code at a minimum. We need the data to track tourist traffic at the gallery.

 

Please be aware that if you “tap” a credit card on the Clover machine, you will have to manually print out the 2 receipts and obtain a signature. It is far easier to either swipe OR insert the chip card. The required receipt will automatically print then.

NBAL SPECIAL SHOW INFORMATION FOR JUNE

 Debbie Cooper – 2nd VP

irongoddess1@gmail.com

”Art in Bloom” closed May 31. Please remember to pick up your art -Today Please. Making room for…


“Make A Splash”. Summer starts!!! 


Submission Day….Monday, June 2, 9am to 12noon.

Show opens ….Tuesday, June 3.

Reception….Friday, June 6, 6-7:30

Pick up art no later than Sunday, June 29.

This show is for members only. See you on submission day.


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***JURY DAY***

Saturday, June 7, 10am – 12pm

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News Alert!!! The Executive Board has changed Rule 24B for special shows. It now reads:


B. Only ORIGINAL works of art will be accepted in Special Shows. Artwork done in a workshop or NBAL class may be submitted with the understanding that the instructor/teacher has not personally worked on the art piece but has coached or critiqued only. If working from photographs, the photographs used cannot infringe on copyrights.

 

Happy creating!

Lost and Found at the Gallery


Here are a dozen items that have been left behind at NBAL The corner coat tree is overloaded. Because of the warmer weather you may not have missed your favorite coat or vest. If you recognize an item as yours or belonging to a friend, please come by and pick it up. 

Let’s Collaborate

Carol Haralson, Workshop Chairman

workshopnbal@gmail.com

 

We are excited to announce that the Dripping Springs Art Leage (DSAL) and NBAL have agreed to collaborate on the advertising of workshops and special events. This collaboration will broaden awareness of art opportunities for the membership of each organization.

 

  • The following announcement of an upcoming event from DSAL:

“DSAL will once again be hosting the Songwriters Art Tent at the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival in mid-October. This is a vibrant, high-traffic event where we showcase artwork inspired by music, Hill Country life, and the creative spirit of our region.

 

Last year, we featured over 200 pieces of art in a 20’x60’ tent and sold over $7,000 in artwork! Many of our artists also painted live during the singer-songwriter performances, which added a dynamic and engaging element to the experience.

 

While participating artists must be DSAL members (just $35 for a 12-month membership), we’d love to invite your members to join and be part of this one-of-a-kind event. There was no participation fee last year—just a commitment to drop off and pick up artwork onsite and volunteer for a 2-hour shift during the weekend.

 

Looking forward to building a creative connection between our two leagues! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any other questions or ideas.

Warmly,

Jennifer Friedman,

Co-Founder & Membership Chair

Dripping Springs Art League

dsartleague.jennifer@gmail.com


  • Upcoming October event from River Arts

Watch the following video for information

Calling All Artist

Upcoming Workshops

Carol Haralson, Workshop Chairman

workshopnbal@gmail.com


Why not sign up for a workshop today?


“Innovation is not born from the dream, innovation is born from the struggle.” Simon Sinek

A 3-Day Workshop with​​

Kraig Kiedrowski


​June 20-22, 2025; 9 am - 4 pm Daily

NBAL Members - $395

Non-Members - $435

Register & Pay Now

This class is about improving drawing skills. We will be drawing from a live nude figure, but we will also be spending time working together as a class on exercises to improve visualization and simplification of shape and form. Whether your focus outside of class is on the figure or not this workshop will help your observation skills and drawing facility regardless of subject.

Kraig Kiedrowski is a seasoned painter based in San Antonio, Texas, known for his landscape paintings and multi-media drawings. Born and raised in Montana, Kiedrowski's artistic journey began at Montana State University Billings and continued at the Art Students League in New York, where he honed his figure drawing skills. His early career began to flourish in Northern California, where the scenic beauty there inspired his outdoor paintings.

A Three-Day, Hands-On Workshop

​With  Michael deMeng

Aug 15 - 17, 2025; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

NBAL Members - $645  Non-Members - $685


Register & Pay now

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.


Michael’s workshops are a must for those wanting to elevate their artistic practice. DeMeng, based in Vancouver, Canada, exhibits and teaches his unique art techniques worldwide.


Michael's art delves into themes of transformation, taking discarded materials and breathing new life into them through unexpected combinations. His work embodies rebirth, reimagining these elements as they fuse with other surprising components. Drawing inspiration from myths and legends, his assemblages serve as metaphors for the perpetual cycles of life, death, and renewal. Learn more about Michael and his work at MichaeldeMeng.com

 

A Three-Day, Hands-On Workshop

With  Len Davis

​Sept 12-14, 2025; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

NBAL Members - $645 Non-Members - $685

Register & Pay now

Len Davis, a celebrated artist renowned for his captivating assemblage creations, will be leading an inspiring and hands-on workshop that delves into the art of transformative storytelling through mixed media.

In this workshop, participants will explore the creative potential of found objects, learning how to repurpose everyday items into deeply personal and visually striking works of art. With Len’s guidance, attendees will uncover the hidden narratives within these materials, weaving them together to craft pieces that are rich with meaning, originality, and emotional resonance.

Through a blend of technical instruction, artistic exploration, and Len’s unique approach to storytelling, this workshop promises to ignite creativity and provide participants with the tools and confidence to push their artistic boundaries. Whether you’re an experienced artist or new to assemblage, this is a rare opportunity to learn from a master and discover the transformative power of mixed media art. Len Davis is celebrated for his captivating assemblage work, will lead a dynamic workshop focusing on transformative storytelling through mixed media art.

Visit Len’s website at www.lendavis.com.

With Award Winning Artist

Teresa Saia

Oct 3-5, 2025; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

Note Revised Dates

NBAL Members - $485

Non-Members - $525

Register & Pay now

In this workshop, open to all levels, Teresa will help you take your landscapes to a powerful new level. The workshop will demonstrate Teresa’s love for light and mood with the overall focus: to build a better landscape. The first half of each day will be a demonstration and talk with time for Q & A. The second half of each day will be helping each participant work through their painting. Teresa will give constructive information on what areas can be improved and the best ways to go about the changes as your painting progresses.

Learn more about Teresa and her work at teresasaia.com

With Award Winning Artist

Elizabeth St. Hilaire

November 4-6, 2025; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

NBAL Members - $670

Non-Members - $705

Register & Pay now

Discover the joy of creating whimsically mixed media flowers, beautifully arranged in charming vessels, set against a background bursting with intricate patterns. In this workshop, you'll explore the versatility of various materials, blending acrylic paint, metallic leaf, stencils, and your own gel-printed collage papers to craft a vibrant and dynamic piece of artwork.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class welcomes all skill levels, offering the opportunity to experiment with different textures, colors, and techniques. By the end, you'll have a unique, colorful masterpiece that reflects your creativity and personal style.

Elizabeth's sessions are fun and rich in detail — students love these classes! Learn more about Elizabeth and her work at paperpaintings.com.

Coming Your Way in 2026

Carol Haralson, Workshop Chairman

workshopnbal@gmail.com

A Three-Day, Hands-On Workshop

​With Michelle Belto

Jan 9-11, 2026; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

With Award Winning Artist

Elizabeth St. Hilaire

February 6-8, 2026; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

A Three-Day, Hands-On Workshop

With Joan Fullerton

​Mar 27 - 29, 2026; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

Embracing Your Personal Narrative with Mark Making and Stitching

A Three-Day, Hands-On Workshop

with Sue Conner

Apr 10-12, 2026; 10 am - 5 pm Daily

For information about all upcoming workshop, visit our website

NBAL Workshops

Ongoing Adult Classes

Detailed information on ongoing adult classes can be found online at: 

TheNewBraunfelsArtLeague.com

2024 Board of Officers

President - Mary Hamond

1st VP - Vicki Houston

2nd VP - Debbie Cooper

3rd VP - Gretchen Goode

Secretary - Anthony Castilleja

Treasurer - Marcie Helmke

Ass. Treasure - Chase Willett

President Emeritus - Elaine Felder

Parliamentarian - Dr. Larry Johnson

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