May Newsletter 2025

May 2025

Membership Newsletter

“To create one’s own world takes courage” “Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.”

Georgia O’Keeffe

Hello Everyone!

A great time was had by all at our General Member Mixer. We had a good turnout of members with their spouses who enjoyed delicious food, beer and wine. Laraine and her helpers did a fantastic job setting up the tables for dining in the main gallery and everyone agreed that it was wonderful to eat with our art all around us. Myra’s book sale went great, some members exchanged artwork, and the films by Vickie and Larry were viewed and enjoyed.

Gina’s games were great fun. The balloon and dart game created a lot of laughter and cheers as the balloons popped and the prizes; gift cards from Krause’s, 2Tarts, Water 2 Wine, the Mess Around the Crosswalk, and Scoop Street along with some cash; were collected. Something about popping balloons brings out the child in all of us. 🤣

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make all of this happen. 👏👏👏💗

3 IMPORTANT THINGS PENDING

1. NBAL Becoming Incorporated

We are in the process of changing our art league’s legal identity from an unincorporated association to an incorporated organization while maintaining our 501(c)3 status. This requires a lot of paperwork and legal hoop jumping. Larry Johnson (NBAL Parliamentarian) has done an excellent job in researching NBAL history and writing extensive answers to multiple questions. Marcie Helmke (NBAL Treasurer) helped with all of this by providing all the financial information needed to complete the forms. Thank You Larry and Marcie! 👏👏

Advantages of becoming Incorporated

1. Limited Liability Protection – Protects personal (members’) assets from business liabilities.

2. Asset Protection – Safeguards our property (our wonderful building).

3. Enhanced Credibility – Adds trustworthiness as we submit requests for grants or donations.

4. Perpetual Existence – Provides stability for long term planning so that the organization can continue for future generations.

2. Request for Grant

Paperwork for a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts has been submitted. The grant we are applying for is one we do not have to match so it would be straight money that can be used for upgrades or just the running of the organization. We have big plans on how to use it if we get it so stay tuned, and we will let you know. Thanks again, Larry! 👏

3. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen remodel is moving forward with new cabinets to be installed. We are not sure of the dates for the work yet, but as soon as I know, I will send it out to give everyone fair warning about parking and kitchen use. Thank you, Laraine Romine, for overseeing this for us. 👏

PLEASE keep in mind that all three of these are in process and I would appreciate your prayers that they all come to completion smoothly.

Jury Day is coming on the 1^st Saturday of June, so encourage any artists that you meet to come and join us.

See you guys in the gallery, 😊

Mary Hammond

NBAL President

Treasurer's Report for March 2025

Marcie Helmke, Treasurer

nbaltreasurer@gmail.com

Top ten sellers: Mary LaFond, Ron Mills, Marilyn Hamilton, Jeffrey Yentz, Mary Shepard, Paula Dayoub Schweizer, Diane Black, Billy Butler, Sherry Riggs, Joan Conrad

Total Sales: March 2025 $10,774.47

March 2024 $ 6,644,69

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

NBAL SPECIAL SHOW INFORMATION FOR MAY

Debbie Cooper – 2nd VP

irongoddess1@gmail.com

NBAL’s annual classic, ”Art in Bloom” show is now open!!! The reception is Friday, May 2, 6-7:30pm. Awards will be announced at 7pm. We had 57 artists submit 121 works of art: 33 Acrylic and oil; 24 Water Media; 20 Drawing/Pastel; 27 Photography/Digital Art; and 17 3D Media.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the gallery.

***JURY DAY***

Saturday, June 7, 10am – 12pm

And it’s just around the corner. If you know of a budding artist who would be a wonderful asset to NBAL, or if you would like to jury in another medium, here is your chance.

Our June show is “Make A Splash”. Sounds like fun!!! Submission Day is Monday, June 2, 9am to 12noon. The prospectus and inventory sheet may be found at NBAL.org. This is a members only show. See you on submission day.

Wishing you all a creative month!

Looking for Window Artists … Experienced or Wannabes!

With our new neighbors across the street at Cowboys and Cadillacs rooftop bar, we thought it would be neighborly to say hi while putting in a shameless plug for NBAL with a very simple message like We See You … Come See Us.

Paint on the windows, paint or write on a poster board a message to put in the window. Contact Gretchen Goode goodecreative@gmail.com or 773-771-3364 if you’d like to do this or have questions.

Upcoming Workshops

Carol Haralson, Workshop Coordinator

caharalson@yahoo.com

Why sign up for a workshop today?

“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” – Brian Herbert

A Three-Day, Hands-On Workshop

With Michael deMeng

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

NBAL Members - $645 Non-Members - $685

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

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

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