March 1, 2026

President's Message:

Dear Members

We have some news to share as we look toward a bright new chapter at COAL. I’ll be wrapping up my role as President on August 1, 2026, and I’m feeling incredibly grateful for everything we’ve created together.

Your energy, curiosity, and love of the visual arts have made this community gallery such a joyful place. Because of you, our gallery has been full of color, conversation, and creativity—and that spirit will continue to shine as the Board begins the search for our next leader as soon as possible.

Our exhibitions, programs, and events will need to keep moving forward with the same vibrancy you’ve helped nurture. I’m excited for all the art, inspiration, and connection still ahead this season. So, let's sell art, to keep the doors to our gallery open for all to enjoy for a very long time.

With appreciation and a big smile,

Cheryl Ehlers

Up Coming Events, Deadlines and More . . . At A Glance

• March 1, 2026 - EGG-Stravaganza Fundraiser for the INSPIRE” Youth Art Program

• March 2 - 75th Annual Members Show - Mar 2 - Apr 14, (45 day show). 

Take-in March 2, 9:30AM-1PM  Art removal - April 14.

• Mar 4, 2026, Art Share: 5pm-6:30pm. Contact Scott

• March 5, Demo, Watercolor with Keiko Tanabe. 1:30pm-3:30pm

• March 7 - Reception 3PM-5PM (75th Annual Members Award Show)

• Mar 11, 2026, Inside Look: 5pm-6pm, Contact Cheryl

• APRIL 1 Gallery goes back to weekend hours 9-8pm.

• April 1, 2026 Take-In for the Minis

• April 1, 2026, Art Share: 5pm-6:30pm. Contact Scott

• April 8, 2026, Inside Look: 5pm-6pm, Contact Cheryl

• Apr 15 - Apr 18 - Gallery closed for repairs. There will be no access to the Gallery

• April 15 - April 18 Little Fest Open Air Gallery Art Pop-Up

• April 19 - Baffle Installation 11 am – 5 pm only

• April 20, 2026 - May Show: ArtVentures: Explore, Engage, Evoke

Show Runs Apr 20- June 1; Take-In 9:30am-1pm; Art Removal June 1

Gallery Manager, Gertrude Lewis - @ the Gallery

A few things for all members to remember:

Hosting Dates

We understand that many of you are having to choose hosting dates well in advance of the shows and expressing issues with that. We cannot control the days in a month, and we have to work with what we can, so not everyone is going to be pleased, but at the very least you can actually choose your suitable Hosting dates well in advance. So take advantage of the opportunity to schedule ahead. We are maintaining our Gallery in top performance and appreciate each host and we need you. And out of respect for our Calendar Chair, please respond to her emails, she does her best to get you the dates you request. This is how we maintain the standard of the hosts at the gallery and the Calendar. The Gallery goes back to weekend hours 9-8pm on April 1 so we will be ok with the overage.

Thank you.

The Gallery is no longer open to artists after hours without the express permission from Gertrude. Please notify her of your request. We need to monitor our security. Thank you.

Attention all Hosts; You all will be contacted via email regarding procedures, issues and instructions for hosting the gallery, monthly. Please make certain you read, print and keep the email for future reference Thank you.

Welcome New Members

Cheryl Dicus, Watercolor/watermedia/Mixed Mediium/Collage

Chris Strode, Oil

HAPPENING IN MARCH 2026

The Best of North County is back and nominations are open now and close Friday, March 6 at 5pm. Voting opens March 23 and closes April 10. All nominations and voting will be done online. Click Here to nominate & vote.

For Business: type "North Coastal Art Gallery" and then under category go to "Things To Do" and select "Art Gallery".



March - ANNUAL MEMBERS AWARDS SHOW - March 2 - April 14 (45 day show)



Art Take-in, Mar 2 @ 9:30am - 1pm 

(bring your bio for mo show artist book)

Art Removal: April 14. (Remember your art cannot be stored)

Reception, Mar 7, 3pm-5pm

Demo - March 5, Watercolor with

Keiko Tanabe. 1:30pm-3:30pm

Simplify, Express, Paint! Storytelling with watercolor and painting sunlight

Reserve your seat here

“EGG-Stravaganza Fundraiser for the INSPIRE” Youth Art Program



At the Gallery beginning March 1 and at the March “Panache Art Auction" at the Escondido Art Partnership Gallery. Win the opportunity to get a gift certificate to select another one of the eggs at the NCAG Gallery too!!



Art Share with host Scott Bruckner, March 4, 2026, 5pm-6:30pm - Join now for a monthly Art Share at COAL. On the first Wed of each month, an event where you will share your work, ideas and creative energy, and get to know fellow members of the gallery. 

Whether you are just starting out and looking for comments on your work, or you have years of experience, this is a way to connect with others in a very relaxed and supportive environment. You will find it inspiring and uplifting, I know I do. 

No judging. No competition. Just creativity, community, and connection. Contact Scott to let us know you will be there.

Inside Look with host, Cheryl Ehlers, March 11, 2026, 5-6pm. Come meet and talk to our featured Monthly Artist, Katinka Clementsmith.

INSIDE LOOK SEEKS MONTHLY SHOW ARTISTS 

 We offer Members:

• NCAG Website presentation (Home page and Event sections)
• Social Media presentation
• Coast News Calendaring
• Local Event Calendaring
• Community Calendaring

Signup today to, share about yourself, your art journey, and your inspiration. Introduce yourself to members and the public. Sign up here now.

Contact Cheryl.

Artists, do you have a Facebook or Instagram page? Please provide your info here.

Reclaimed Radiance

This month you will notice a custom-molded, thermoplastic mesh device with a very red tongue at the gallery. The radiation therapy mask is having its second career as an art piece created by Scott Bruckner. The poster beside it will explain how you can participate in the June exhibition of this healing and transformative roving exhibition.

COMING IN APRIL AND BEYOND

CALL FOR MINIS - BRING MANY MINI’S

Wanted! 3x3, 4x4 or 5x5 in all media. Include an easel or frame which sells with the piece, Gallery takes 20% commission. First take in is April 1st.

No hosting required.

Click Here for details

Questions - Julie Brooks

Reserve your seat here

Selling art is not about pressure — it’s about connection, storytelling, and service.

This interactive member workshop with artist - buyer demonstrations will help artists:

• Feel confident engaging with visitors

• Share the story behind their work naturally

• Recognize buying signals

• Guide conversations toward a sale with authenticity

• Process sales professionally using Zettle

Through discussion, practical tools, and live role-play demonstrations, participants will gain clarity on how art truly sells — and how to turn meaningful conversations into lasting collector relationships.

Little Fest - Art Gallery Pop Up!

The Gallery might be closed but no problem . . . you can still sell your art - in front of the Gallery, April 15th thru April 18th. Tables available or bring your own. Help available to watch your art for restroom breaks. Just pick a date(s) (Apr 15-18) & time.

Sign up here. Many special free activities for the whole family each day. Gallery provides cashier; Gallery takes 20% commission. It is a great way to help during the April closure.

For more info Click Here

Questions Julie Brooks.



May Show

April 20 - June 1 (42 day exhibit)

ArtVentures: Explore, Engage, Evoke

Entries open March 3 here

Take-in: April 20, 9:30am - 1pm

Art Removal: June 1

May 7, 2026 – 1:30pm, DEMO – Sculpture with Dana McCullough Sculpturer/Instructor (@ the Lieu de Sculpture studio in Carlsbad, next to the gallery).

Seating is limited Sign Up Here

Visit Dana

Coming In 2026 – We are starting an Art Mentorship Program whereby our existing Members can mentor other artists, and Members, on their quest into a fulfilling art experience. This is a one-on-one experience, individualized to each artist needs. We believe in the value of sharing your expertise within the arts community, and when you take the time to give back to others, you are fostering a sense of purpose, while also strengthening social connections, and improving self-esteem.

The program is in the development stages, and we look forward to hearing form those that are interested to move forward. Contact: Vice President, Susan Bell at susanllctr@aol.com 

February Awards

Who Oversees What - Who To Call for Help

Director of Programs, Julie Brooks, click to contact Julie

• Demo & Expression Programs
• Art on the Green

Director of Membership - Scott Bruckner, click to contact Scott

• 2026 Membership Drive/Renewal

Baffles Coordinator, Charcee Colosia, click to contact Charcee

Demo Coordinator, Sharon Commins. Be sure to welcome her when you see her at the Jan 8 Demo. Click to contact Sharon

Jewelry and Sculpture Space Rentals - Gallery Manager, Gertrude Lewis,

See tabs 8 & 9 on Members Info Page Questions - contact Gertrude

2026 Membership Drive and Renewals.

Art on the Green - Open to All Artists and Art Organizations

Do you know of any who want to use selling space? Send them our way.

Join us each weekend "on the green".

Easy signup Here. Questions, please contact Julie Brooks

Demo and Expression get details here.

Questions, please contact Sharon Commins

Open now and accepting applications here.

Congratulations, Vita Sorrentino Her painting "Effluence" has been accepted into the Fallbrook Art Center's 17th Annual Signature Exhibition. The opening reception will be on Saturday March 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. Fallbrook Gallery, in Fallbrook. Stop by if you can.

Congratulations, Scott Brucker. He has a sculpture from his "chair series" in the current juried show at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art in Santa Ana. The show runs until March 21st. 

Do you have news of you're upcoming exhibits, awards, etc. you'd like in Brushmark? Please send all the details in a format ready to be published along with any photos to Cindy. It will be published in the next Brushmark that comes out 2 weeks after receipt of your submission.

We Love Our Volunteers

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers! We couldn't run the Gallery without you. Each month, we will highlight many of our volunteers and introduce them and their jobs. You may not always see them - they might be in the back room, behind a desk or at a computer. But everyone of you are critical to our operations. Thank you all!!!

Open volunteer positions - we need you! Jobs Coordinator, Publicity Chair, Publicity assistants

Contact Cheryl if you can help.

Did We Miss Something?

Please check the website. All information is listed on our website under Members Info here.

• Get your Parking squared away & view the Hosting Calendar: Easy to find along with the revised Substitute Host Lists and all the Gallery Information.

To contact the Brushmark Editor, email Cindy Fatica

Gallery Hours

11-5pm Daily - January - March 31, 2026

Extended Hours beginning April 1, 2026