BRUSHMARK - OCTOBER 1, 2025

So much happens in a month around here! Welcome Fall, and all our activities, join In!

President's Message

Wow, the holiday season is here. Time for family, friends, and let the fun begin! No matter where we are located, it will be exciting!

In October, new wall covering is going up, and flooring is being prepared. We will be walking back into a brighter gallery space, with a whole new look (the exact date is still up in the air), and it was great to see you all adapting to new situations so well. We have had nothing but compliments from the public on you welcoming people, your professionalism, and your adaptability. It really has made a difference, and is exciting to hear about. Thank you all for keeping a smile on the gallery.

Moving forward, it is to all our benefits that we embrace these new concepts, and continue them when we return. I know you all will do whatever it takes to hold this gallery up to today's standards, while keeping the organization strong. After 74 years, you have certainly proven you can do that, and your hard work pays off. We have much to be proud of. Well done everyone!

I extend my deepest appreciation to everyone. Best regard, Cheryl Ehlers

Congratulations to Show Artists

Be patient, coming soon! Abstract Show Winners October 10th

Abstract Show Artists.

View them online

September Monthly Winners. View them online

September People's Choice

Joan Hansen, Lady Kate, Acrylic (on display in Novebmber.

Welcome New Members

Please join us in welcoming new members, Wade Goodman, Richard Rose, Elise Tysick, Andrew Lisowski, and Marleen DuBona.

Director of Membership - Scott Bruckner, 2026 Membership Renewal is coming up.

As we prepare to enter the fourth quarter of a rather tumultuous year, the Board has turned its attention to the annual dues for membership. We have examined other organizations and assessed our overall requirements for operating COAL, and have determined that an increase is warranted. The Board has voted to make our dues for 2026 renewing members at $135, with joint membership at $200.

We are still in the middle of recovering from our latest calamity causing us to move our location on a temporary basis. We are all in hopes of getting back into our remodeled space very, very soon.

Thank you for all of those that have helped the gallery to hum right along. Best regards, Scott.

Questions: Contact Scott Brucker

Renew or signup for this page

BECOME A MEMBER

Renewals begin Oct 1 to Dec 31.

The Gallery Manager Messages, she keeps us on track!

Thank you!

Can anyone offer any Hosting assist?

PLEASE, PLEASE, Very Important! We have 20 shifts open in October. I know Ellen has been asking everyone. If you did not know, it takes 72 shifts to keep us rolling down the river, especially during the holidays. We all are pitching in, how about you, can you spare 3 hours?

Please contact Gertrude at (818) 421-7760 to make arrangements, and she will get scheduled into the Calendar with Ellen. (Calendar Chair) COALCALENDER@gmail.com.

Gallery Manager: Gertrude Lewis, this is always important to review.

While we await our return, we have had such positive public response and they have enjoyed our temporary space, art tours immensely, So thanks for being part of the Hosting team, and managing the labyrinth of art. It has been a great experience for us all, to work in a different way, and this certainly perked our ears and raised the bar in a more efficient way of addressing and selling to the public. We really look forward to continuing to do so.

With so much going on, please take a look.

IMPORTANT, The other day we had teenage pranksters turn on the water faucets in the gallery. It was caught at closing time, try to walk the gallery before you leave, have a look at the faucets and watch those teens, we are inclined to not allow them in unattended. So be observant, best you can, it could have been worse.

Remember to use the map, we will be adding another room 7 this month.
Walk the layout for the light switches, and fans, and turn them on while the door is locked from the inside.
The Credit card machine software has been updated. You only need to tap it a few times, and it will light up and tell you to swipe up.
During Open Shows, Hosts are not able to bring in extra art to sell.
Keep things tidy please.
Run the floor duster once in a while, across from room 5.
Please notify the Calendar Chair, Ellen Cramer for any Calendar changes.

Thank you everyone, you are very appreciated. Gertrude.

Place your phone camera over the QRCode and follow the link.

Remember, you need to be responsible and careful.

The New Parking Method.

All Members will need to use the QRCode to register your car, even though we had signed you up in the past.

LAX parking is now managing the parking lots and the Grand Avenue parking and Spin Records are for employees parking. Once registered, it takes 24 hours to be in effect.

If, by chance you get a ticket, you will need to provide all the information (image of ticket and all you received) and email it all to Cory Orcutt at cory.orcutt@sima.net to correct any issues.

But remember you must have already placed your vehicle information into their QRC form.

Our Volunteer Appreciation Reception was a success! Sorry to any who missed it.

Champagne, cake, (offered by Scott), treats, raffle tickets, and winners setup by Karen and the Board made for a great get together. Terrific acknowledgements and introductions made sharing mean more then you could know. We are going to make this an annual event!

Thank you from the enitre Board of Directors.

Let the "Hall-o-days" begin!

October 25 - 2pm. The Carlsbad Village will be filled with spooks, goblins and more! Family Fun!

Save the date. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, there will be a wide variety of activities throughout the Village that will ensure a smashing day for the whole family.

Event Highlights:

2pm: Business-to-business Safe Trick-or-Treating
4 pm: Costume Contest For Kids of All Ages
Carnival Games, Bounce House, and Fun
Sensory and Allergy Friendly Calm Zone

We can use a few volunteers 1-4pm, email here. Get dressed up and enjoy the kids!

Haunted House Raffle is back, Oct 3-25th

Sell those Raffle tickets, all month. it supports the Inspire Youth Program. It's fun! Final push is on OCT 25 where the winner gets announced.

It will all be laid out for you, QRC too.

It creeps it crawls; it spreads across the walls. Time for family, friends, and loads of fun. What can I say, there is no place like home.

Monthly Show Team, reminds you to please review all the show information, and deadlines made available online.

It makes things run smoothly.

PLEASE, PLEASE, USE YOUR ONLINE Members Info page. Simply view the page, to find everything you need, as well as juse the Annual Calendar. Thank you Joe Gass and Jarvis Beeler for their Monthly Show continued assistance.

Time to meet and support our peers. Congratulations to all!

Reception: October 11, 3-5pm. A fabulous array of art, and a terrific vibe will be groovin!

Time to show off all the art, and the gallery, most likley for the last time in this location. So enjoy the experience!

REMINDER: SEPTEMBER ART PICKUP: Saturday, OCT 4th or Sunday at the OCTOBER 5th OPEN SHOW TAKE-IN. We will be using the extra room for art exhibiting, so please remove all your artwork from the gallery at that time. Thank you.

NOV SHOW- NOV 3 - NOV 28

Nature's Rhythms: Botanical Impressions

OPEN NOW! The deadline to apply: OCT 31 @ noon (depending on our gallery being ready, space might be limited, it will be announced)

Art Take-in is: MON, NOV 3 @ 9:30-1pm

Art Removal is: FRI, NOV 28, by 5pm

Reception SAT, NOV 8, 3-5pm

We do need volunteers for take-in for a few hours. Please sign-up here.

Deadline to apply: NOV 1 @noon

Art Take-in is: NOV 5/6 @ Gallery

Art Removal is: NOV 18 @ the Army/Navy Academy (details TBA)

Parade/Reception: Wednesday and starts at NOV 11, @ 11am.

Please review the Prospectus before you enter, as it has very specific requirements that need to be met in order to place your artwork.

Great write up in the SD Veterans Magazine, view it here.

Deadline to apply: NOV 22 @ noon

Art Take-in is: NOV 30 @ 9:30-1pm

Art Removal is: JAN 3/4 by 5pm

Reception: Saturday, DEC 6, 3-5pm

The Prospectus is online, and should be reviewed before applying. It can be found here (4) pieces, no image to submit. Not juried in!

The gallery will be filled with Holiday, so it will be fun!

We need more artists to make this happen.

Deadline: NOV 20 @ noon

Join us in the spirit of the Holiday! Break out of that shell and lets get together on Small Business Saturday on November 29th for our Holiday Bazaar.

There are many options that you can choose from, so check it out above and let us know your interest.

Preparing your artwork properly is crucial!

We can't stress enough how important it is to follow the Art Preparation Guidelines. They are available online on your Members Info page. The problems we are seeing include:

Wires have not been mounted correctly, some artists are still not using the 3" from the top of the frame rule (when stretched)
Wires need to be taped at the ends.
Clean your artwork before you bring it in.
Cracked or broken, and chipped frames are not acceptable for sale to the public.
Please place ID tags on the back of your work.

Members, please use the online Annual Calendar, Instructions, Directions, and Preparation Guidelines, they are so helpful.

All found under your Members Info page online which represents all the valuable resources you need to participate. Please use this tool, it is a resource created to respond to all your questions.

It's all very simple, just take the time to read the requirements and follow them. Your work represents not only you, but the gallery as a professional business.

Recap of the Abstract Open Show

A question, and something you need to consider for the future. With over 211 entries, there is no way to tell who's art belongs to who, if you do not name the image with the artist name and artwork name.The images get reviewed on a screen and the artwork image needs to correlate to the entry sheets. Phew, that is a challenge, no one wants to take on, but it is just common sense.

All Open Shows have a Prospectus for a reason. The requirements are important to review, and adhere to when entering any show. It the specifics meet the shows needs.

We want to help you understand the how, why and what, of entering shows per requirements. We will be hosting impromptu classes to show you how in 2026. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Thank you.

The Gallery needs your holiday spirit!

WE NEED YOUR UNWANTED DECORATIONS NOW PLEASE! We plan on decorating on Nov. 1/2, and have loads to do. Can you please drop off your items in the XMAS box at gallery (first hallway(s) to your right). In a brown box labeled "Xmas Box" before the door marked Private. Thank you.

We need your old holiday decorations please. Deadline is October 18th.

Hurry the elves are awaiting in the workshop! Got things laying around you want to be rid of?

Drop them off at the gallery! We have a collection box off the hallway in the temporary gallery. "Xmas Box".

We want the "Best" storefront award. it's FREE advertising for the gallery.

December 7, Event is 12-2pm

We need a few holiday helpers to assist us.

Setup/take-down and help with the kids making simple ornaments, a snow blowing machine, fun for all at the Plaza, Santa in town, face painting, tree lighting, rotary club has activities, all in the front parking lot! Join us!

We need, please sign up here. Time to have some fun together!

DUE NOV 1 - Let's get your ORNAMENTS AND CARDS READY NOW. Bring in beginning November 1st. When the racks are filled you will have to hold off until there is room. Time waits for no one.

Ornaments, 10 to start with, please bring you own hooks. We will have a tri-folded rack. Holiday cards, 12 ea. We need you to be prepared.

Please review the ornament requirements for placing into the gallery at Cards/Shrink/Holiday Ornament Policies (Item 11) on your Members Info page.

Director of Programs - Julie Brooks, she promotes us!

She is always working on keeping us coordinated. Check out the new videos of Art on the Green. Share them and join. Questions, please contact Julie Brooks

Art on the Green

Things are humming along smoothly.

SAT/SUN and open to all community artists, and art organizations.

Review the details online.

Check out recent videos:

1: AOG On the way to the beach

2: AOG we want you..

Demo & Expressions

We are seeking and will train:

Demo Coordinator for Thursdays: 1-4pm

Demo Assistants for

Thursdays 1-4pm

Judge Coordinator for

Thursdays 9-12pm

We really need your support. Contact Julie.

Jewelry

Always seeking jewelers, know of any? You can send them our way.

We love to offer additional new creative styles bylocal artists.

Email Julie above.

Remember we have Gift Certificates!

Demo & Expression, join the last one of 2025!

October 11, 2025 - Vira Ustianska, Oil. 1:45pm - 3:15pm. Doors open at 1:30pm for check-in.

It's the last Demonstration until January 2026, at the Pine Avenue Community Center, 3209 Harding Ave, Carlsbad, CA. Supplies are provided. Tell your friends!

You just need to RSVP for seating and arrive at 1:30pm.

Learn more about Vira.

SPOTLIGHTED: Grantee recognized by the City ENews

COAL's...teams work hard for this recognition for the Demo and Expression program, which brings those to our gallery. We really need more hands involved, so we can do more. Are you into the Arts Community? As local artists we all should be. So think about what you can do to help.

Contact Julie Brooks and signup today!

Our Gallery Committee Chairs and team efforts, on target.

Baffle Coordinator - Char Cee Colosia

UPDATE: The Baffles now await the the final details of which gallery they will be placed into. Schedules remain for NOV/DEC. So hang tight. Questions, please contact Charcee

Card and Shrink Wrap Coordinators - Vivi Anderson/Nancy Hackamack, and Linda Ericksen

Shrink Wraps: 6 per artists, all art must be covered with clear bags, not taped, no foam core backing, and labeled on the "backside" only. Questions: Contact Linda Erickson.

Cards and Holiday Cards: 12 per artists, must be covered with clear bags, not taped and labeled on the "backside" only. Questions: Contact Vivi Anderson. (Holiday cards will have their own designated rack)

Please review the Card/Shrinks/Holiday Policies (Item 11) on the Members Info page.

Publicity Team - Elena Miller - Gets us noticed! Help!

Beginning the end of December, we will need a new Publicity Director, This is a key position that has risen our organization to the top in social media. Can you please contact Elena Miller and she will fill you in on the needs for this positions and will start training you now! Canva and Instagrams and Facebook. Thank you.

Meanwhile, while hosting, please remember to text her with any sales info, a photo, and artist name. This assists the gallery social media immensely. T ext her the photos and information to (858) 668-8301

Members Activities/Opportunities

Deadline to Apply is October 9th @ noon. for Nov 1 - May 30, 2026

Jazzercise Call for Artists - Abstract Art Only, Bi-Annual Lease Program

All details are on the application.

Enter up to 6 images (no Fee).
All Images must be labeled and emailed after applying.
Sizes 24x30 in. and larger, only
3D Pedestal work, must come with your own pedestal.
Location Jazzercise, Carlsbad
For more info email artbuzz1@gmail.com

Something we did not know about our artist, Vivi Anderson. An author of several published books, now on sale at Amazon.

Her books are a treasure trove of faith-filled wisdom and inspiration. Through personal stories, scripture, and biblical truths, she invites readers on a journey to live joyfully, grow spiritually, and walk closely with God.

Congratulations Vivi. well done!

HEAD'S UP: Members exhibit information and other, needs to be sent to CIndy at the Brushmrk at least 1 week ahead of publishing. We apologize if we have missed your events.

Tips for Marketing Your Artwork - If you are doing any of these you are on the right track.

Build a consistent online presence with a professional website and active social media profiles,
Create a strong brand by sharing your unique story and style, and engage your target audience through storytelling and valuable content.
Actively connect with potential buyers, and your community by networking, collaborating and volunteering.
Participate in art events, and build an email list to nurture relationships.
Having a public presense allows the Gallery to market you by connecting, tagging, and sharing your information.
If you do not, now is the time to start, and let the world know who youi are!

View What Fall Brings & Check Out the Annual Calendar

Do you know what is happening at the gallery? Please refer to your online Annual Calendar for all details at anytime. Start plug these into your Calendars to stay on track.

October 3 - Haunted House Fund Raiser Returns - Help us sell tickets!
October 5 - Abstract Open Annual Show, take-in 9:30am-1pm
October 11 - Abstract Awards Reception, 3-5pm
October 25 - Halloween in the Village Plaza (need extra volunteers 12-4pm)
November 1 - Toys for Tots Campaign
November 1 - Decorating the Gallery, time TBD
November 2 - Carlsbad Street Faire and Decorating the Gallery
November 3 - Monthly Show, take-in 9:30am-1pm
November 3/4 - Baffles in through January 2, 2026
November 11 - Army and Navy Academy, Celebration in Carlsbad
November 27 - Thanksgiving Day - Gallery closed
November 29 - Holiday Bazaar
November 30 - Small Image Show take-in, 9:30am-1pm
December 6 - Small Image Show Awards Reception, 3-5pm
December 7 - Jingles/Tree lighting 12-2pm
January 10, 2026, - Annual State of the Organization (via Zoom), 9-12pm
January 10 - COAL-New Year's Celebration, Karen Johnson's Carlsbad home, 5 9pm. RSVP required, it's a potluck (TBA)

We are always seeking volunteers, Let's start the year buzzing . . . . so come fly!

You can still donate today here.

We remain hopeful for community and artists support to keep the ball rolling.

Still time to particpate!

Thanks to the Coast News for also advocating for our cause. Did you see the article on September 15 issue?

The funding campaign has now raised over $4,000, every dollar received is a blessing, and will be added to the $19K we need for all the gallery repairs we are responsbile to pay for.

Thanks everyone!