Be sure to scroll to the end of the newsletter to catch all the latest . . . |
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SAAG is now in its 22nd year of dreams, inspiration and artistry coming together. |
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A Message from Suzanne Villella, President |
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Dear Members and Patrons,
Happy New Year to all our artists and patrons! It’s that time of year to ask ourselves…
What is holding you back? What is it that is keeping you from sharing your work, exploring your technique, and happiness as an artist? Do you need networking? Are you discouraged by a peer’s personality? Are you challenged with time management? Are you concerned your work isn’t good enough? I have experienced ALL those things in the last year. So let me share my story, because the Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG) is an educational guild and provides so much support and networking for our members and patrons. It will give you a push in your creative direction. So get cozy.
Four years ago, I started creating a mixed media series of playing cards based on Arizona. I created ten face cards at first. I hung them at the SAAG Gallery. I was so excited about them. I thought I was so clever, but they weren’t really understood except by some wonderful folks who really studied them. I took them home and put them in a closet. Then SAAG had an exhibition at the Overlook Restaurant. I submitted three of these playing cards to the show which were accepted. The Juror gave me an honorable mention and told me I should think about creating an entire deck of cards. It was the push I needed.
In the Spring of 2023, I decided to go for it. I ordered canvases in bulk. I contemplated Arizona. I sketched, cut paper, glued, and painted. Each time a card was complete I took it to a local print company to be scanned for prints, a significant monetary cost. I set a goal to show the entire deck in 2024. I had to secure a location for the exhibition and reached out to Suzanne Sahakian, a SAAG photographer and exhibitions coordinator at the Steinfeld Gallery. I reached out to my SAAG mentor, Diane Loving, and fellow SAAG artists for advice. I spoke with our SAAG Marketing Chair, Theresa Poalucci about my press release. I asked SAAG artist Madeleine Wick to curate this show, and she said yes! I was thrilled to have SAAG networking and creative support.
It is a lot of work, time, and money to have a large solo exhibition. I created marketing materials and a marketing plan. I applied for a grant. I ordered prints and then had to have them reprinted after they were printed incorrectly (ugh!). I had to find my voice and stand up for myself. I had to let go of my inhibitions and stop losing sleep over the little stuff. I had to embrace the process and the expenses, and just have FUN. It’s part of the beautiful risk we take as artists to put our souls on public exhibition.
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I hope you see how being an active member of SAAG is a gift. I have a group of artists who truly care, and I am so grateful. So, what is holding you back? Believe in yourself and gather your SAAG support system this year. Get over that hump that is holding you back. This is a special guild and beneficial on many levels when you get a little more involved. I hope you will join me on February 3, 2024 at the Steinfeld Gallery. This exhibition happened with the support of my Southern Arizona Arts Guild family. |
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Suzanne Villella
President, Southern Arizona Arts Guild
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New Management for the SAAG Gallery for 2024
The SAAG Board has announced a new management team for the Gallery starting in January. Casonti McClure, who has been serving as an Interim Gallery Manager will now co-lead with Randy Larson. Together they will do their best to coordinate the various components for the gallery, such as manage the calendar, cashiers, floor sales, and more. They will also work on training as well as serve as a conduit for artists to be directed or connect with the right person in the Guild for assistance on a variety of subjects.
Danuta Jakubowski will serve as business manager for the gallery. Her responsibilities will include banking and bill paying. She also will handle the ordering of gallery supplies.
Maddie Wick continues as the gallery merchandise manager. She is in charge of curating the overall look of the gallery. Maddie also leads the merchandising team when introducing new SAAG members into the gallery. Her scouting has led to SAAG bringing in new Tucson talent as well.
"We are going to be a strong working team, supporting our gallery artists and ensuring the success of our beautiful space at La Encantada," said Casonti. If you need to reach the team you can email gallerymgrbox@gmail.com. |
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New gallery windows will be changed on January 31st. As always, a variety of types of art is encouraged—photography, fiber, metal, wood, jewelry, ceramics, glass, paintings and more. Both abstract, impressionistic and representational works are welcome.
Each of our front windows will have a different theme.
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1. Going Green. The future of our planet is dependent on saving the environment. The color green is a symbol of our challenge to live in a more eco-friendly way. As artists, your challenge is to create works that feature that color, keeping the environment in mind, and using whatever media carries out that theme.
2. Industrial Art. At the opposite end of the spectrum, your challenge is to create industrial art: industrial landscapes, sculpture, machinery, jewelry or objects using paint, metal, wood, plastic or other industrial materials.
To have your work considered for display, please send no more than two images, including your name, title of your work (if appropriate), medium and dimensions to:
Please send submissions by January 22nd. If your art is accepted, you will be asked to bring it to the back room of the SAAG gallery by January 29th or 30th. We want to keep that room as clutter-free as possible, but if you need a special exception to bring your work earlier, please call Beth or Peggy.
All art must be properly labeled and in the POS before you bring it in.
Not all work can be chosen for display. Selection will be based on which pieces best represent the theme and coordinate with each other.
Thank you for considering submitting your work.
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Nancy Jacques at home working on her art. |
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ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
Nancy Jacques
BY PAT SCOTT
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Nancy Jacques is a painter who focuses her work on social and environmental themes.
How long have you been in Tucson?
Ten years ago we moved to Tucson. We came from Durango but we lived in DC for 5 years before we came to Tucson. We chose Tucson because I developed arthritis and it is hard for me to be in really cold weather. We love the culture here. I am originally from LA. I lived there as a child.
Tell us about your background?
I studied art. I went to UA before I ended up graduating from the Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA. After living in Virginia for 9 years, I came back to CA and taught art for 15 years at a private girls’ school.
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I also have a master’s in psychology which is a really natural transition from art. Because art is the deepest form of psychology. I was a systems therapist. I practiced therapy for about five years along with teaching art at the same time.
Then I had a mid-life crazy and I could not stand Los Angeles and consumerism anymore. So, I lived in a van for 4 1/2 years. I wrote a book on the environment, After that, me, my dog, and our canoe, traveled 27 rivers around the west by ourselves. That is how I found Durango and then I settled. I walked away from art for about 8 years. Because I couldn’t stand the political games, I couldn’t stand the consumption. I had been a craftsman, I had been a metal smith, a potter and a fiber artist and I was in galleries in Southern CA but I was making stuff and it really really bothered me that I was contributing to consumerism. I knew what was happening to the planet so that is why I just took off.
After that I worked with my husband on climate change, river restoration and endangered species. I realized later that I don’t have good boundaries for doing that work full time and I do not have the patience with politics. I was in such despair and I finally got cancer. Cancer is a perverse gift, it allows you to really reassess if you survive it. So I went back to art and I’ll exhibit my art, but I don’t care about galleries, I don’t care about the money, because I do activism art, social and environmental activism. I want my art out there to be shown so I exhibit but I don’t care if it sells.
What is the biggest challenge of your work?
I love the solving of problems, so I will set myself up a problem. What if I do this, a lot of times it doesn’t work. It’s okay. That is my journey, my adventure.
What is the greatest satisfaction in your work?
The learning, the adventure of it and if I like it at the end, then I’ll exhibit it. Sometimes it just happens magically, if I try to repeat it, it just doesn’t go. Sometimes you just can’t control it .
Who is your favorite artist?
I don't have a favorite artist because there are so many with strengths and genius at different times in history. I adore going into museums to get ideas.
Who influenced your work the most?
Because my work is about making up challenges for myself, it depends. I guess my two mentors influenced me the most when it comes to portraits and figures. Robert Liberace, who draws and paints in realism in a classical fashion, and Danni Dawson, who is a colorist. The activism is purely my lifetime experience brought forth in creating ideas with the old mantra: a visual is worth 1,000 points of data. We don't get the message across, either about climate change or fairness, until it touches our hearts.
How long have you been a member of SAAG?
I did an art talk for SAAG in March of 2020 and I saw what a fabulous organization it is. I had to support the organization, so I joined. The benefits for me are that I get opportunities to exhibit and I have made rewarding friendships with other artists in SAAG.
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Fine Art Festival
January 27 & 28 at La Encantada
Don't miss these live art demonstrations at the Gallery!
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This is an extremely popular event, and the gallery is always busy during this time. As a sponsor of this event the Southern Arizona Arts Guild is responsible for providing live art demonstrations at our Gallery throughout the event.
Each demonstration is 2-hours. Hours for demonstrations are Saturday 10 am to Noon,
Noon to 2 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm; on Sunday 11 am to 1 pm, 1 pm to 3 pm, and 3 pm to 5 pm.
Stop by and meet the artists!
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Saturday, January 27
10-12 pm: Roni Bader-Tables will demonstrate hammering texture on metal
10-12 pm: Tracy Holmes will show different finishes using water color
12-2 pm: Lisa Nakama will exemplify the vatiations of felt & fiber art
12-2 pm: Tom Bacon will be cane wrapping meditation stones
2-4 pm: Corinne Babcock will be building baskets
2-4 pm: Bob Samson will offer a stained glass demonstration
Sunday, January 28
11-1pm: Terese Butler will be creating a fused glass southwest scene
11-1 pm: Eric Black will be drawing using metal point
1-3 pm: Phil Smith show how he creates mixed media collage
1-3 pm: Katharine Norberg illustrates the art of hand building ceramics
3-5 pm: Amber Pierson will be drawing with colored pencil
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January Non-Critique
Refresh Yourself with Lively Art Conversation
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• 3rd Thursday MORNING (January 18) from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom.
Unfortunately, we are suspending the evening session of
Non-Critique. Many thanks to Sarah Wetzel for hosting over the past months. If anyone is interested in hosting an evening or weekend session, please contact Laura LePere at the email below.
How to participate: We invite you to show one or two pieces of your art and talk about your inspiration and process. If you wish, you can request feedback from the other attendees. But no suggestions will be offered unless you ask. Conversations always focus on the positive and the constructive.
You can just show your work on-camera. Or, to show off your work to the best advantage, we suggest that you submit one or more photos of your piece(s) to the host by the day before. Reminders with details about sending images will come out a couple of days ahead of each session.
Please join us even if you don’t have work to show.
For more information, contact Laura LePere at
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Oracle Piano Society includes two SAAG Artists |
Theresa Poalucci and Laura Stiltner, both SAAG members, are participating in an Art exhibition, along with 17 other artists at the Oracle Piano Society’s Oracle Center for the Arts Gallery. This show takes place now through January 28, 2024. There are two scheduled Signature Series Concerts January 3 and January 6, both at 3 pm. Also, an open house for the public is scheduled for Saturday, January 13 & Sunday, January 14, from 1-4 pm, where many of the artists will be in attendance. For more information on the concerts or the exhibit visit www.oraclepianosociety.org. |
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Ceramic Leaf by Laura Stiltner and "Silver Lining," original acrylic printed on acrylic by Theresa Poalucci. |
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Almost Sisters
Art Exhibition
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Now through January 28 at the Jewish Community Center Gallery, Casonti McClure and Harrie Handler are showing their work jointly. There is a reception on January 28 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and all are invited.
The gallery is located at 3800 E. River Rd., Tucson, 85718.
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Arizona Ante,
meet the artist
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Arizona Ante by Suzanne Jordan Villella and playfully curated by Madeleine Wick will be featured at The Steinfeld Gallery. This collection offers 56 playful cards celebrating the wonders and beauty of Arizona. Visitors can meet the artist on Saturdays in Feburary from 12 pm to 5 pm or by appointment by calling 702-376-7499. An artist reception will take place on February 3 from 4 pm to 6 pm. The Steinfeld Gallery is located at 101 W 6th Street, Tucson, 85701. |
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Peggy Rubin wins award for "Surreal" |
Artist Peggy Rubin's painting entitled "Surreal" won the Bronze Award in December 2023 in a Color Painting competition sponsored by Global Painting Conclave. This was an online international competition. "Surreal" is painted with acrylic on a 24: x 24" canvas. |
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"A New Year" Juried Photography Exhibition |
Several SAAG photographers have been accepted into the juried photo exhibit "A New Year." Congratulations to Chip Donaldson, Randy Larson, Howard Paley and Suzanne Sahakian who will have works on display. Exhibition Opens: January 6, 2024, 4-9 pm. The exhibition will remain open on Saturdays, January 13 and 20 from 12-5 pm.
Come cheer your fellow SAAG members on from 4-9, January 6, at the Steinfeld Warehouse, 101 W. 6th St.
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Pictured above is a "Champagne Toast,"
by Suzanne Sahakian.
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New Solo Show
"Sonoran Joy"
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SAAG artist Kristin Harvey is celebrating her first solo show in Tucson at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Little Gallery. The show takes place starting January 28 through February 9, 2024. Artist reception on the 28th from 12-3. Daily gallery hours 10-4.
Be sure to visit Kristin's show which features two-dimensional Flora & Fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
The Little Gallery is located at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun north of Tucson at 6300 N. Swan Rd., 85718.
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As you all know, SAAG is a volunteer operation. Some jobs, like being a committee chair are ongoing. But many committees are looking for one-offs — a couple of hours of volunteer time for a special event. Here are some opportunities listed below. |
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A new SAAG Programs Coordinator is needed to bring educational and inspiring presentations to the SAAG General meetings once a month. E mail Suzanne Villella if you are interested. Programs are already scheduled through February of next year, giving our new Programs Coordinator plenty of time to start planning.
Caryn Stedman, Ana Thompson and Celika Preciado have created a new Events Committee for SAAG. They are looking for volunteers and great ideas. Reach out to any of them and let them know you are interested! Just click on a name above to email.
Every SAAG volunteer
is critical to making us the great organization that we are!
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MEMBER OPPORTUNITY
Put a sample picture of your art on the SAAG Website
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Has everyone seen the new Digital Gallery of guild members work on the website? All SAAG members have the opportunity to have a piece of their artwork displayed along with a link to their website or social media. To participate send a photo of your work to soartsguild@gmail.com.
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Sign up to teach an art class! |
The Guild is looking for art instructors! If you like teaching and want to share your talents, please consider teaching a workshop/class at the gallery. To find out more, please go to our website at www.southernarizonaartsguild.com
and click on classes, then “Teaching at SAAG” - there you will find all you need about how to instruct at the gallery. If you have questions, please contact Erin Newman at infor4saagworkshops@gmail.com
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January 5, 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Stress Free Watercolors
Choose to paint a Sunflower or a Rooster
with Susan Oyler
$40
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January 9, 2024
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Camera
Phone
Photography
with Nancy Schroeder
$45
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January 10, 2024
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Painting
Silk Scarves
with Mary Gavan
$90
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January 19, 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Stress Free Watercolors
Choose to paint a Frog or
Red Flowers
with Susan Oyler
$40
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Sign up today!
Easy registration online.
All class registration takes place here, online. Classes are taught at the SAAG Gallery at La Encantada in the back room of the gallery. All classes are taught by members of the Southern Arizona Arts Guild. Classes are for beginners unless otherwise advertised. With most classes, students leave with a finished project. Also, unless otherwise advertised, the teachers provide all the materials needed for the class.
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SAAG currently
has 1500 followers
on Facebook and
our Instagram
account now has 1053 followers!
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Social Media Tips from SAAG |
SAAG has opportunities for its members on both Facebook and Instagram.
If you would like to have your artwork images posted to Facebook and/or Instagram, email jpgs to Gail Kushner at gail@kushnerskreations.com. Please include your name, the name of the art piece, and the medium.
If you are using Instagram please note: the correct, official, hashtag for the Southern Arizona Arts Guild is #saagtucson and the direct address is @saagtucson. Please use this hashtag in the future. Thanks!
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