In The Studio With...
Betsy Gilpin, Incoming SDAG President
2026-2027
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Why Does She Create?
After retiring from a career as a research statistician, I became curious about what the creative side of my brain could do. That curiosity led me to drawing and watercolor painting, and today I proudly consider myself an artist. My artistic education has come primarily through community art classes, where I continue to learn and grow.
One of the greatest gifts of being an artist is developing an "artist's eye." It changes the way you see the world. Everyday scenes become filled with beauty, light, color, and possibility, inspiring thoughts of how they might be expressed in a painting. I've created countless paintings in my imagination that have never made it to paper, and because of that, I never run out of inspiration.
As I continue to refine my watercolor techniques, I feel I am gradually discovering a style that allows me to express what truly moves me. My goal isn't simply to reproduce a photograph, but to use composition, line, value, color, and form to communicate what first captivated me about a scene. I hope each painting offers viewers not only an image, but also a glimpse of the feeling and wonder that inspired me to paint it.
Did You Know? Betsy has been a dedicated contributor to the San Dieguito Art Guild for many years. She first became involved by hosting one of our Mother's Day Weekend Fundraiser homes and has since become an active member of the Guild. She served as Fundraising Chair for three years and continues to generously volunteer her time at Off Track Gallery in a variety of ways.
Her enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to our organization have made a lasting impact, and we're delighted to welcome her as our new Guild President. We're fortunate to have her leadership as we look to the future.
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San Dieguito Art Guild
Board of Directors
2026-2027
The new Board of Directors for 2026-2027 for the San Dieguito Art Guild was sworn in at the last meeting of their fiscal year on August 24, 2026. This was a joint meeting of current, outgoing, and incoming board members followed by a pot luck lunch — the “old” board providing lunch for the incoming board.
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Pictured here: Ann Nebolon, Secretary; Lin Holzinger, Newsletter Director; Sharon Hoffman, Treasurer; Patricia Eldon, Wall Director; Grace Swanson, Publicity Director; Betsy Gilpin, President; Whitney Moore, Web Director; Sandy Heath, Calendar Director; Daina Collins, Hospitality Director; Denise Odion, Monthly Show Director; Elena Miller, Social Media Chair; Kathy Bush, Publicity Chair; Sue DeWulf, Gallery Manager; Marcy Evers, Floor Chair; Judianne Shannon, Jobs Director and Karen Fidel, Vice President/Membership Director. Not pictured: Shadee Talebi, Fundraising Director; Dolores Renner, Calendar Chair, Sandy Holder, Parliamentarian
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This Month's New Members
Ana Cristina de Carvalho, Acrylic
Anne Kellett, Jewelry
Kinga Wulcznska-Lauer, Acrylic
Shades Talebi, Ceramics
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Upcoming Off Track Gallery Receptions
10/17/26 City of Encinitas Art Night Reception 5-8pm
Theme: Fall into Art
Music by S.N.A.Q.
Featured Artist: Grace Swanson and Lily Pourat
12/12/26 Off Track Gallery Daytime Reception 2-5pm
Theme: Holiday Gifting
Featuring: Sue Minnock and Deborah Buffington
...PLUS a Holiday Creation Station
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LOOK!
C-Note Sale
Coming This Month
Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20, 2026
Off Track Gallery
(Take-in Friday, September 18th, 4 - 7pm)
(Pick up by 9:30am, Monday, September 21, 2026)
Need more info? Contact: pr@sandieguitoartguild.com
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UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 2026
Mon. 9/7: Floor Rotation (jewelry)
Tue. 9/8: Floor Rotation (cubes)
Wed. 9/9: Wall Rotation
Thur. 9/10: Wall Rotation
Fri. 9/18: Jurying New Artists. Artists must contact Sue DeWulf one week prior. Drop off at 8:30 am/Pick up artwork by 10:30 am)
Fri. 9/18: Take In for C-Note Sale (4- 7:00pm)
Sat. 9/19 C-Note Sale, 10 am - 6:00 pm Gallery
Sun. 9/20 C-Note Sale, 10 am - 6:00 pm Gallery
Friday, 9/25: Gallery Committee Meeting (9:30 am/Zoom)
Mon. 9/28: BOD meeting (10-12pm)
Tue. 9/29: Monthly Show Take In (3-5:30 pm)
Wed. 9/30: Monthly Show Judging
OCTOBER 2026
Sat. 10/17, Art Night Reception (6 - 8:00pm)
Fri. 10/23: Gallery Committee Meeting (9:30am/Zoom)
Mon. 10/26: BOD meeting (10am-12pm)
Tue. 10/27: Monthly Show Take In (3-5:30 pm)
Wed. 10/28: Monthly Show Judging
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SAVE THESE DATES!
Annual Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, November 28, 10am - 4pm
Annual Members Meeting, Saturday, January 30, 10am - noon
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Upcoming Art Night Reception
Saturday, October 17, 2026
6 - 8:00pm
Featuring Lily The Potter & Gourds By Grace
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Featured Artist, Elizabeth Pourat, (aka Lily the Potter), creates, abstract works and handmade sculptural as well as functional pottery. Lily says that each one of her pieces is meant to celebrate creativity and bring the spirit of artistic expression into everyday life.
https://lilythepotter.wordpress.com/
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Featured Artist, Grace Swanson, (aka Gourds By Grace), Grace creates unique gourd artwork that beautifully blends function, design, and artistic expression. Today, her pieces are widely admired and collected for their distinctive beauty and individuality.
https://gourdsbygrace.com/
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Plein Air Painting with Lorraine Cote
Join Lorraine and her painting buddies at their next paint out
If you are interested in Plein Air painting, Lorraine and her 'regulars' venture out into a variety of scenic North County locations every Tuesday from 9am-noon. There is no instruction for this event, but you'll meet other encouraging artists who share a love of getting outside and painting from life. All are welcomed to attend.
Please contact Lorraine Marie Cote for further details:
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SDAG Artful August Antics
Members' Goings-On
August 15, 2026 Reception
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| MONTHLY SHOW - September 2026 | |
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Show Juror - Denise Cerro
Denise Cerro’s creative journey has unfolded across parallel careers in visual presentation and the decorative arts, including many years as a faux finish and mural artist. Her mural work eventually led her to painting on canvas, where a keen eye for composition and color drew her toward mixed media and assemblage. Originally self-taught, Denise has continued to expand her artistic practice through extensive study, participating in classes and workshops exploring both representational and abstract painting.
Denise’s work is characterized by vibrant, expressive color and a playful yet sophisticated blending of materials. She combines the fantastical with the familiar, inviting viewers into imaginative worlds where texture, depth, and emotion come together. Through her mixed media approach, Denise transforms everyday materials into richly layered visual stories—each one filled with character, curiosity, and a sense of discovery.
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Best of Show,
Barbara Davies, "BoatHouse" Oil
First Place Holders
Oil - Deborah Fitzpatrick, "Balboa Park"
Watercolor - Angela Lyon Jackson, "Weather"
Acrylic - Daina Collins, "The One That Got Away"
Photography - Nicki Geigert, "Anza"
Other Media - Michael Dicken, "Fish Display"
Mixed Media - Elizabeth Gilpin, "In The Woods"
Jewelry - Anne Kellett, "Night Crossing To Coronado"
Freestanding - Shades Telebi, "The Hidden Network"
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Oil
Deborah Fitzpatrick, "Balboa Park""
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Watercolor
Angela Lyon Jackson, "Weather"
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Acrylic
Daina Collins,
"The One That Got Away"
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Jewelry
Anne Kellett,
"Night Crossing To Coronado"
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Photography
Nicki Geigert,
"Anza"
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Freestanding
Shadee Telebi,
"The Hidden Network"
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Other Media
Michael Dicken,
"Fish Display"
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Mixed Media Elizabeth Gilpin,
"In The Woods"
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Support SDAG — Celebrate 60 Years of Art!
As the San Dieguito Art Guild marks six decades in our community, we remain deeply grateful for the contributions of our members. To keep our gallery strong and sustain our scholarships and arts programs, please consider making a gift — especially via your IRA.
Did you know that an IRA gift can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and offer tax benefits? It’s a thoughtful way to support our mission and leave a lasting legacy.
Thank you for helping keep Off Track Gallery vibrant and welcoming for artists now and in the future.
Contact linholzinger@gmail.com for more info.
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Remembering Our Artists
Bea Gold
Bea was a painter, woodcut artist, avid gardener, and dedicated community activist whose life was filled with creativity and service. Born in New York City in 1927, she studied at the Art Students League on scholarship during her high school years and continued her artistic education beyond graduation.
After moving to California as a young adult, Bea lived in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles for 37 years before settling in Encinitas, where she became a member of the San Dieguito Art Guild. She remained active in the arts through her participation in international woodcut exchanges and also painted commissioned family portraits.
Her creativity, compassion, and dedication to family and community touched many lives and will long be remembered.
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🎨 Help Us Spread the Love of Art!
We all want our art to sell, right?
A little effort from each of us can make a big difference for the gallery...
Here's How:
1. Engage with us
Follow the Guild on Instagram (@offtrackgallery) and Facebook (San Dieguito Art Guild). Like, comment, share, and help boost our visibility—social media loves engagement!
2. Send ideas & tag us
Have a fun studio moment, story, or post idea? Email me at socialmedia@sandieguitoartguild.com or tag @offtrackgallery in your Instagram posts. Great high-resolution content may be featured in our stories!
3. Celebrate sales
Sold a piece? Snap a quick photo with the happy buyer (with permission). It helps show that our gallery is vibrant and thriving.
4. Be featured
Rent gallery space? Let me know if you’d like a short artist interview and social media spotlight. (Or choose to become a Featured Artist at an upcoming gallery reception in June, August, October or December.)
5. Share your wins
Featured in a publication or juried show? Accepted into the Del Mar Art Fair? Send your name, photo, and artwork so we can celebrate you!
Quick tip: Clear, high-resolution photos work best—blurry images don’t get much social media love.
Thanks for helping us grow our gallery community and shine a brighter spotlight on everyone’s art!
Comments? Questions? Email Elena Miller at: elenaandnorm@gmail.com
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Art Takes to the Streets: Encinitas Arts Alive Banner Auction
The Encinitas Arts Alive Banner Auction took place on August 9, following the close of silent bidding on August 8. Each year, the program transforms Coast Highway 101 into an outdoor gallery, featuring original banners created by local artists. After their colorful display along the highway, the banners are auctioned, with proceeds supporting participating artists as well as community art programs and youth arts education.
The event is organized by Art Can’t Hurt You–The Morgan Mallory Art Foundation, founded and led by President Brenda Dizon, in partnership with the City of Encinitas. The nonprofit carries forward the legacy of Morgan Mallory, a longtime Leucadia arts advocate who believed passionately that art should be accessible to everyone.
Congratulations! go out to SDAG members Christina Zeller, Stan Gafner, Grace Swanson, Darlene Katz, and Cheryl Ehlers who had banners in the auction.
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Need a job? Want a job?
Member Opportunities
Love Art? Volunteer! Help San Dieguito Art Guild Thrive
Looking for a fun way to support SDAG and Off Track Gallery while connecting with fellow artists? We're looking for volunteers to help keep our creative community thriving!
Current Opportunities:
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Monthly Show - Judging Coordinator/Helper
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Web Team - Monthly Show Updates
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Community Exhibitions & Venue Coordinator – Help create more opportunities for members to exhibit and sell their artwork by finding venues, coordinating artists, and assisting with installations and receptions.
Whether you have a few hours a month or more to give, your time and talents make a real difference. Volunteering is a great way to meet other members, support the Guild, and help our artistic community continue to grow.
Interested?
Text Judianne Shannon at 760-936-6124 for more information.
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Did you know that one way you can contribute to the financial health of the Guild is by teaching a workshop and donating some or all of the student fees?
A couple of our generous members have already stepped up to do just that—stay tuned for more details on their upcoming workshops!
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Once everything is finalized, we’ll share the information with members and non-members so we can fill these fantastic learning opportunities.
If you’re interested in teaching a workshop, we’d love to hear from you!
Email pr@sandieguitoartguild.com with the subject line "Workshop" to get involved.
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When customers ask about you and your work, we have two information sources in the Gallery to promote yourself and your artwork.
- Membership Artists' Business Cards Binder: put 4 of your business cards here for customers to take. This is particularly useful for members who are not wall or floor renters.
- Membership Artists' Biographies Binder: put your bio here for customers to read. It is limited to one page front and back, or more preferable left and right facing page. Check the binder to see others' layouts.
These two binders are located on the bottom shelf of the table by the back door.
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Off Track Gallery is looking for PAID staffers
If you have already been trained to staff the front desk of the Off Track Gallery and wish to be placed on the list that staff can call to take their PAID shift please respond to:
Grace Swanson, gourdsbygrace@gmail.com
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Gallery Staffers For Hire
If you are unable to fulfill your gallery staffing hours, contact one of the paid staffers below:
| | If you'd like to contribute to the Paint Rag, please send information to Lin Holzinger, Editor. | | | | | | |
