February 2025 Newsletter

You can access our website by clicking: https://santaritaart.org/

 Important Dates in January and February

January 31- GVR Club Showcase - 1:00 - 5:00 - Las Campanas Rec Center

January 31- Briggs Reception - CPAC 5:00 - 7:00

February 3-Mini Workshop on Better Brushstrokes

February 6- Mix and Mingle/ ART SUPPLY SALE  - 3:00 to 5:00 SRAL Studio

February 6- New Member Orientation - 2:00 pm

February 8 - Open Studio Tour for all clubs at Santa Rita Springs Center

February 8 - Masters Exhibit :  Postmark entry deadline

February 13 - General Meeting - 1:00 - 3:00 Anza Room at the Springs Rec Center

February 15 - Pastel Art 101 class (for members who previously signed up online)

February 16 - Masters Exhibit begins - West Center

February 22 - March Members Show Postmark entry deadline

February 22- Collage Art 101 class (for members who previously signed up online)

CO-PRESIDENTS' Message

February 2025

Green Valley is buzzing with activity this time of the year. There are so many things to choose from and the Santa Rita Art League can keep your calendar full for February and beyond. You won’t want to miss a moment!    

 Here is just a little reminder--Are your dues current? 

To participate in all the wonderful SRAL activities, such as Special Interest Groups (SIG), Art 101 classes and mini workshops, monthly demonstrations and art competitions and exhibits, you’ll need to have your 2025 SRAL dues payment current. For your convenience, we offer online payment through our website, or cash or check payments are accepted at the studio. The studio is open Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm.  How wonderful to have set hours due to our dedicated monitors!  THANK YOU!

An Important Board Announcement about Tuesday mornings:

 Our oil painters have outgrown the working space in Studio B! To accommodate the painters until further studio expansion or scheduling changes are made, oil painters may now paint anywhere in the studio on Tuesday mornings during open studio hours. Here are a few things concerning Oil painting to remember:  

• At all times, only use odor free solvent. No solvent disposal at the studio. Take it home.
• The RED trash can in studio B, is for disposal of soiled oil paint/solvent paper towels. 

PLEASE AVOID COMING TO THE STUDIO ON TUESDAY MORNINGS IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO OR CONCERNED ABOUT CONTACT WITH OIL PAINTING ELEMENTS. WE WILL MAKE OUR BEST EFFORTS TO VENTILATE THE STUDIO DURING AND AFTER EACH SESSION.  

Thank you for supporting SRAL. We love that you make our community beautiful through creating and sharing your art!   

Thank you also to all our generous volunteering members for sharing their time and energy.  

We could not do it without you!  Happy Painting!

Jeani Gustafsen & Arlene Szypulski

Mix and Mingle

And

ART SUPPLY SALE

Thursday, February 6 from 3:00 - 5:00

At the SRAL Studio

February theme is Romance. Bring artwork that you feel expresses the theme

of Romance. We simply share our artwork at these gatherings. It works great to initiate conversations.

As always, snacks to share and beverages are welcome.

We have a lot of donated art supplies.

They will be available to you for a donation at the Mix and Mingle in February.

Quite a bit of collage papers

Travel Paint easel

Tripod

Acrylic paint

Oil Paint

Brushes

pastels

Website Update

The studio calendar (button available at the top of all webpages) now contains the following:

• Board Meetings
• General Meetings
• All SIG meetings
• Mix and Mingle Events
• Art 101 Classes after they are announced
• Mini Workshops after they are announced
• Monitor Schedule of the current month, which is displayed towards the end of the previous month.



Currently on computers at the bottom of the Art Exhibit webpage (https://santaritaart.org/art-exhibits/) is a list of all the current and upcoming exhibits, plus their deadlines and reception dates. Shortly this information will be available on tablets and phones.

Under the About Us website tab, is a list of emails for board members, Sig leaders, and chairpersons. The direct link to this list is https://santaritaart.org/sral-contact-information/.

Artist Demo

Greg Wallace & Denyse Fenelon

1:00-3:00pm, Thursday, February 13, 2025

in the Anza Room at the Springs Rec. Center

 Greg and Denyse discovered that working side by side while painting plein air and in the studio naturally developed into a curiosity to blend their input into single shared canvases. They trade brushwork similar to two musicians improvising on a song. The results are an exciting tapestry of color and texture, inspired by the call and answer to each other’s spontaneous brushstrokes.

Greg Wallace

Greg is a lifelong professional visual artist and representational painter. The son of an artist and teacher, he grew up and was educated in Madison, Wisconsin. A number of art awards at a young age nurtured an interest and confidence in the arts. His adult art training was received at the University of Wisconsin, Madison from 1974 -78 where he majored in art and art education. This time was predominantly spent developing a strong foundation in classical drawing and painting skills. Soon after, a move to Arizona in 1979 fueled an interest in studio landscape painting, which eventually sparked an interest and dedication to painting on location in plein air. A resident of Tucson, Ariz. for four decades, he has had continuous gallery representation, participating in many gallery and invitational art events across the country. Wallace currently works out of his rural desert studio adjacent to Saguaro National Park West. His unique oil and watercolor paintings are included in corporate and private collections throughout the United States

Denyse Fenelon

I have always been interested in all aspects of art. I can't think of anything else that gives me as much joy as oil painting.

I remember that in third grade art class, we were going to draw apples. The instructor said to look at the shadows, that dark side of the apple is purple. I didn't see it then, but I started looking for the purple.

Along the way I experimented with various mediums from sculpture, ceramics, textiles and jewelry. Always looking at the colors, patterns, textures. Painting in oils is my medium, I like the buttery feel of the paints and the laying out of the colors. The interplay between light & shadow is one of the most interesting aspects.

My "Chair" & "Barrio"series both explore objects and their shadows. An extension of this idea can be found in "The California" series which combines California architectural motifs with Magrittes "Empire of Lights" theme. 

Tucson and the Southwest light have inspired me to investigate Our Lady of Guadalupe- icon of the Southwest along with the historic architecture. In that vein I have expanded the use of female figures looking into their roles as spiritual leaders, godesses and political figureheads. I surround her with trappings of power or creatures from the natural world.

From plein air painting in and around Tucson, I feel a direct connection to the landscape. The rich history of the area is apparent in the barrio neighborhoods. The desert provides those sharp light contrasts I like. The quality of the light has expanded my color palette. I have found the purple.

Special Note to All Members about

Upcoming Art Exhibits

All the upcoming exhibits (to date) have been listed on the bottom of the ART EXHIBITS webpage. To zip over to check out the coming shows, Click Here.

Art Shows You May Want to Enter:

2025 Members’ Annual Judged Exhibit

Saturday, March 1 – Monday, March 31, 2025 

at the Canoa Hills Social Center

Each artist may enter one piece.  

Please note: Art pieces must conform to SRAL guidelines. Art not following SRAL criteria for artwork, won’t be accepted into the exhibit. For more information go here https://santaritaart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CRITERIA-FOR-ARTWORK.pdf. 

Categories: Representational and Non-Representational (Artist will need to select which category best fits their artwork).

The Maximum Image Size: 24″ x 30″ or a total of 720 sq. inches.

Reception: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: $20

Prizes: First Place – $300, Second Place – $200, Third Place – $100, plus three Honorable Mentions – $50/one award each for each category, and The People’s Choice Award – $100

Entry Deadline: Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Judge: David Simons is a self-taught artist of over 30 years from Tubac, Arizona. His unique and captivating oil paintings have made him one of the most notable artists in the Southwest, with collectors worldwide. Displaying a range of diverse subjects in his work, David brings his signature style to life with scenes from the southwest, seascapes, portraits, still life, and more. David also hosts workshops on oil painting and is a renowned artist not only by Arizona locals, but national publications such as Southwest Art, Art Talk Magazine, and Arizona Highways.

"Oil painting for me is a meditative experience -- essential to my well-being, and a necessary part of my life. Painting brings me great joy, and, I hope, uplifts the hearts of those who view my work. 

I like to explore the subtle ways that light affects the subject. I also enjoy color, but the value relationships in a scene are what interest me most. I also like to emphasize the abstract nature of what surrounds us." View works by David at http://www.davidsimonsfineart.com/.

Co-Chairs: Pamela Guard and Maureen Kirk-Detberner

Prospectuses (Description, Criteria, and Entry Form) are available in the Studio or Download them here at https://santaritaart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Annual-Members-Judged-Exhibit-Prospectus-rev-4-Final-1-6-2025.pdf.

.2025 Masters Show! 

Will be held at the West Center

Sunday, February 16 to Monday, March 31, 2025.

The deadline for entries to be postmarked is Sat Feb 8th.

Entries are due for delivery on Sun Feb 16th, 10am to 11am.

Please contact Cheryl Schaeffer if you have any questions.

Pat Doughty Exhibit

Pat Doughty has a major exhibit of her recent oil paintings, "Skies and Spires", at Desert Hills Lutheran Church, 2150 S Camino del Sol, during the months of January and February as part of the church’s community outreach program. It will be hanging in the area accessible via the north entry, and will be open to all during regular church hours 9 AM- 5PM.

Opening reception: Friday, January 10 from 4 to 5:30 pm.

Pat Doughty Fine Art www.patdoughty.com

SRAL CLASSES

February 2025 Art 101 Classes

Intro To Pastels

Instructor: Nanci Sheppard

Pastels is a versatile medium developed in France in the late 1800’s. It was perfected for the French Impressionist because they are immediate, correctable and can be transported easily. They have a special quality of luminescence that can’t be duplicated with any other medium.

In class I will discuss the properties of pastel, the various paper types, framing and types of pastels. Each student will be provided with the same color photo reference, 2 sheets of different paper to try, an eraser and, hopefully a finished painting to take home. Nanci will demonstrate on the same papers as are handed out, because each type of paper has different qualities.

Date:  February 15, 2025

Time:  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: SRAL Studio

Maximum Number of Participants:  16

Cost: $10.00 collected at the beginning of class

Students to provide: An apron and thin rubber gloves

CLICK HERE for more information and to register on the SRAL website

Creative Creature Collage: Color and Contrast

Instructors: Janet Johnson and Susan Werner

Learn the fundamentals of collage through creating a fun “painting” of an imaginary creature with collage papers. You will learn the basics of collage such as choosing paper; preparing supports; and how to use the fundamentals of color and contrast to create a fun and interesting piece. Let your inner child out to explore and learn in this workshop perfect for those interested in learning collage.

Date:  February 22, 2025

Time:  9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: SRAL Studio

Maximum Number of Participants:  12

Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class

CLICK HERE for more information and to register on the SRAL website

Art Workshops and

Art Classes in the Area

Educational Opportunities at the

Community Performance & Art Center (CPAC)



CPAC has expanded their adult education program to include a variety of workshops. Various media, traditional and new techniques, as well as classes for personal growth are all offered.

Adult Workshops at CPAC

Betsy Kimbrough: "Creating an Art Journal Practice"

January 28 - 29, 2025

Roberta Rogers:  Discovering Your Authentic View

February 25 – 26, 2025

Sonsoles (Sunny) Shack: Create Beautiful Landscapes with Pastels and Pan Pastels

March 18 – 19, 2025

Leslie Berry: Oil Painting for Beginners

March 25 - 26, 2025

Susan Ettl: Gelli Printing Extravaganza

April 8 – 9, 2025

For more information about the CPAC workshops, CLICK HERE.

Weekly Classes at CPAC

.Fran Sutherland: ."Memoir Memories, Four Ways to Start a Painting"

Every Wednesday AM from January 8 to February 12, 2025

........

.Rich Metcalf: "Discovering Your Artistic Style"

Every Monday AM from February 3 - 24, 2025....

For more information about the CPAC classes, CLICK HERE.

Upcoming Exhibits at CPAC

"Art of Recycle"

Featuring Works by several SRAL Artists

Location: In the Harry and Ann Paxton Gallery

February 28 – March 31, 2025

Reception: Wednesday, March 5th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Click Here for more information

“Picture Perfect”

Featuring Works by several SRAL Artists

Location: In the Harry and Ann Paxton Gallery

March 31 – April 30, 2025

Reception: Thursday, April 3rd from 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Click Here for more information and prospectus (criteria and entry

form)

Learning Opportunities at the

Tubac School of Fine Art

The Tubac School of Fine Art is offering workshops from a variety of artists.

Please click here for information.

Phone: 520-398-2589

Email: workshops@tubacschooloffineart.org

SRAL LOCKERS AND SLOTS FOR RENT 

Lockers and slots for storing art supplies, canvases, etc., are available for rental in the SRAL studio. Yearly fee for a locker is $20, and $15 for a slot.

There are a limited number of lockers and slots. If all are rented, a waiting list will be kept and filled as available.

Fees can be paid by filling out a rental application (available in the studio or on the website by clicking here) to include with your cash or check payment; both should be left with the studio monitor. 

“If you currently rent a locker/slot, fees will be due soon for 2025 rentals.” Fees can be paid… (as already written).

“If you will no longer wish to rent your locker/slot for 2025, please contact Valerie to let her know, and remove your supplies by the end of the year.”

You can contact Valerie St. Marie by clicking here -->  Just Click Here 

Members’ News

SRAL New Member Orientation

If you are new member of Santa Rita Art League, or just want to be brought up to “speed” on how to benefit from your membership and how you can participate/volunteer, please attend our New Member Orientation on Thursday, February 6, at 2:00 pm at the SRAL Studio. Questions? RSVP? Contact Sally Bryan, New Member Liason, SallyB@santaritaart.org

MEMBERSHIP

Don't forget to renew your membership. You can do it online.

You can go onto the SRAL website to:

• Fill out an application and pay online
• Print out an application and pay by cash or check
• Pick up an application in the studio and pay by cash or check
• Pick up an application at the General Meeting and pay there

To go to the Membership Application on the SRAL website, Click Here.



NOTE: PLEASE read the renewal form carefully as it gives you the information you need to renew and how to make your dues payment.

NAME BADGES:

Please pick up your name badge. A new order of badges has just arrived and there are many others that have not been picked up. You will find them in a box labeled Name Badges on the desk in the studio. You can also pick them up at our general meetings each month.

Thank you! - Liz Wolf

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

There are 10 Special Interest Groups and all of them are open to the members of the Art League.

• ABSTRACT BRIGGade
• ASSEMBLAGE
• COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC
• FIGURE DRAWING
• OIL PAINTING & PASTEL

• OPEN STUDIO
• PLEIN AIR
• PORTRAIT
• PRINTMAKERS GUILD
• WATERCOLOR

On the SRAL website there is a complete description for each SIG.

If you wish to learn more about any of the SIGs, Click Here



Click here for the list of SIG chairpersons and their e-mail addresses.

Below is additional INFO not on the SRAL webpage.

ABSTRACT BRIGGade

There are no special skills required to join in with this friendly group. Attendees always find artist support, often with live demos, workshops, and critiques.

Our next meeting is 

Monday February 10th 10:00 am in the studio.

We need you! 

For more information on the SRAL website, CLICK HERE

ASSEMBLAGE

Assemblage Art combines mundane objects in new and surprising ways, requiring the viewer to question their relation to the world of objects around them. Sometimes used as social critique or as an exploration of the fantastical and dream worlds, Assemblage Art gives objects new meanings, makes creative connections between disparate elements, and elevates non-art materials into the realm of art. 

This is currently an informal group meeting for all who are interested in creating three dimensional artworks and is open to all SRAL members. 

The Assemblage Group meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Fridays of every month from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the SRAL Studio.

COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC

You can contact Janet Johnson by Clicking Here.

All Art League members are invited to participate in this SIG.

Get ready for a terrific year.

 Our next meeting will be on January 15^th. 

We will continue with our experiments in composition:

Compositional Design: Pyramid

Art Principle: Unity

Element: Form

Again, it is not necessary for you to participate in our challenges to attend the meeting. Bring something to share or work on, resources to share etc.

We love hearing new ideas and seeing new techniques.

FIGURE DRAWING

The next Figure Drawing session will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 9 AM to Noon.  Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up. Cora will be our model. The fee per participant is $5 and tips are welcome. Hope to see you there.

The model will hold ten different poses. The warm up poses are three to ten minutes each and then we progress to twenty and thirty minute poses. Occasionally we will do a forty five minute pose if time permits. There is a ten minute break every half hour. We listen to “New Age” music during the longer poses. All SRAL members are welcome.

OIL/PASTEL

This group meets every Monday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

We are a friendly, supportive, and informal group that allows our members a scheduled time to paint, share ideas, and techniques. We welcome both beginner and accomplished artists alike!



PLEIN AIR PAINT OUTINGS

We will meet every Thursday from November through April.

The Plein Air Group has been meeting since November 1 at various

places around Southern Arizona. We paint landscapes,lakes and

interesting structures. Two weeks ago we painted at Christopher Columbus

Park, a new venue for us, and enjoyed the setting, the fishermen and

boaters.

Next week we go to San Xavier de Bac. This is to give members

the type of places we like to paint. Since mornings have been so cold

we may have some afternoon paint outs.

An email with the month's schedule is sent out to our email list the last week of the previous month. The schedule is posted at the studio on the bulletin board as well. It is great to paint with others and enjoy the outdoors in

places you may have never been to before. Consider joining us as we

meet at GVR recreation centers to form carpools. All information is on

the schedule.

If you would like to join us send an e-mail to Nanci Sheppard.

Click Here

PRINTMAKERS GUILD

Coordinators: Karen Keim and John McGraw

In January through May, we return to our monthly schedule of meetings on the second Wednesday and the fourth Thursday. Printmaking meetings in February will be on Wednesday February 12 and Thursday February 27.

We hope interested members will join us to make art for our Print Show at Desert Hills in the month of April. All interested SRAL members are welcome to join us in Room A of the SRAL Studio.

WATERCOLOR

The Watercolor Group normally meets year-round in the SRAL studio on Fridays from 9am - noon. 

We are an informal, social group working on our own watercolor projects, while sharing ideas and support. All levels are welcome from beginners to those who have painted for years. The SRAL library also has many books on watercolors for your reference.



To contact Valerie St. Marie Click Here

Click here for the list of SIG chairpersons and their e-mail addresses.