MORE SCAM EMAILS - BEWARE

More scam emails are being sent to SRAL members. They are being sent with the name of a SRAL board member, but when you view the associated email address, it is not coming from that person.

They have a subject titled "Quick Chat." These messages state that the board member needs to chat with the recipient of the email. If you accidentally responded to the first one, you will receive a second message asking for you to purchase an Apple gift card to surprise a diligent board member.

Do Not Reply or Click on any Links.

If you know how, report them as scam and DELETE them.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

BRING YOUR GVR CARD

TO ALL SANTA RITA ART LEAGUE EVENTS!

WE HAVE A NEW SCANNING SYSTEM TO TRACK ATTENDANCE.

YOU MUST SCAN IN.

GVR IMPROVEMENTS AND SPACE ALLOCATIONS RELY ON

HOW MANY PEOPLE SCAN THEIR GVR CARDS IN OUR STUDIO!



FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR STUDIO,

PLEASE BRING YOUR GVR CARD EVERY TIME YOU COME

AND SCAN INTO THE NEW TRACKING SCANNER.

Presidents Message

(Carol Wiggins-Shiffer) CarolWS@SantaRitaArt.org

(Judy Restad) JudyR@SantaRitaArt.org

ELECTION TIME IS AROUND THE CORNER



Every year at this time we are looking for Board nominations submitted to fill the officer positions for the upcoming year. The nominating Committee is excited to announce that we do have nominations for each Board position.

Nominations are still open and every member is an eligible candidate. If you are interested in a Board position, please submit your name and position to one of our nominating committee members:

Lorna Zarkowski Fuller LornaZF@SantaRitaArt.org or

Jeani Gustafson JeaniG@SantaRitaArt.org, 

before the November Monthly Meeting on November 12^th.

There are a few job descriptions printed for each position in the studio, and they can also be found on the SRAL website under RESOURCES.



All candidates will be announced at the October General Meeting for voting in November.

The current nominees are:

President: returning 2nd VP Lorna Zarkowski Fuller

1st VP: returning Treasurer Berkana Gervais

2nd VP: Carla Odell

Secretary: Rhonda Fisher

Treasurer: Pamela Brown

ART SUPPLY DONATIONS

We love donations! Thank you to everyone who has donated art supplies to SRAL and to those who have purchased these items. Each donation helps the Santa Rita Art League in several ways.

Many items are used by our instructors to keep class costs low. Members can pick up an entirely new medium at a reasonable price and experiment, or you can just replace one worn out brush or sponge.

There are a few simple guidelines. We only accept art supply type items that are in good condition. We do not have the capability to dispose of other property or worn-out items.

Donations should be left in front of the locked storage door if a monitor is not present to assist.



Our education leaders look through large donations first and then they will be displayed for members. There are designated members who will display items on the donation table and then they may be purchased by members. More detailed information is posted on the bulletin board above the donation table.



Check it out every time you come in. Exactly what you want will eventually appear.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME

IS FAST APPROACHING

Renewal of SRAL membership for 2027 will begin on November 12, 2026. The last day will be January 14, 2027. 

This year’s renewal will be for two months instead of four months, and this small change will reduce the work for the treasurer and the membership chair in half. Thank you, members, for helping us easily adapt to the new time frame.

Renew in the studio whenever it is open (cash-correct amount only or check)

Renew online beginning Nov.12th (PayPal or credit card)

Renew by mail postmark before Jan15 (check)

Renew at the General Meeting (cash-correct amount only or check) and enjoy a guest 

We have extended the renewal into Jan so those returning after Christmas can still renew in person if they choose.

Membership allows you to exhibit your art at numerous exhibits, receive newsletters, attend General Meetings with fabulous artist demonstrations, take 101 Art classes, attend mini workshops, use and check books from our well stocked library and so much more. Be sure to keep these privileges active by keeping your membership up to date.

LOCKERS and SLOTS

are for Rent

Lockers are $20 per year

Slots are $15 per year

(rental fees are for January-December)

Applications are available at the front desk. If all lockers/slots are rented a waiting list will be kept, and filled as available. For more info contact Valerie St.Marie, locker/slot coordinator, at ValerieSM@SantaRitaArt.org

New Members

New Members this Month

Barb Jordon

Earla Frank

Rick Fuller

New Membership Orientation 

If you are a new member of Santa Rita Art League or just want to be brought up to “speed” on how to benefit from your membership,

please attend our

New Member Orientation on

Thursday, October 1, at 2:00 pm at the SRALStudio.

Questions? RSVP?

Contact one of our New Member Liaisons:

Sally Bryan at SallyB@SantaRitaArt.org

or Pati Sutherland at PatiS@SantaRitaArt.org

Mix and Mingle

The Mix and Mingle format is changing! 

Previously this casual get together was a monthly event. Going forward we are reducing the frequency from monthly to perhaps quarterly and to a "pop-up" basis. Meaning that once in awhile... we will announce via newsletter and calendar on the website that a mix and mingle is planned. And hopefully we will make it a party!! Stay tuned for the next mix and mingle... sometime this fall.

Contact: Judy Lawrence • JudyL@SantaRitaArt.org

SRAL Monthly General Meeting

& Artist Demo 

Anza Room, October 8th, 1:00-3:00pm

Please arrive early-Meeting starts promptly at 1:00

Hello Art Leaguers! After so much abstract intuitive demos, we change the pace to a bit more representational watercolor art. Still free flowing, but you can tell what the subject is! Beautiful depth of color. This should be another interesting presentation... and no worries, we got the microphone figured out! As always, bring goodies to share - we all thank you!!

Artist Bio: Tracy Lynn Ross

An award-winning watercolorist, Tracy Lynn Ross has been immersed in art since childhood. Growing up, she began her studies in a Japanese school where early exposure to creative traditions shaped a lifelong passion for painting. Beginning with oils at a young age, Tracy Lynn, always embraced new media and techniques, carrying forward a spirit of curiosity as a lifelong learner. Today, watercolor is her primary medium, where fluid brushwork and layered luminosity define a distinctive style. Recognized for artistic excellence, Tracy Lynn is a Signature Member of the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, and has reached Saguaro status with the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild. She shares her knowledge through demonstrations, teaching, and community events. Each painting reflects not only years of practice but also an enduring joy in discovery and creation. 

Demonstration: Let the Watercolor Do the Talking!

What happens when you give watercolor permission to misbehave? Tracy Lynn Ross will explore the pros and cons of painting on watercolor canvas versus traditional watercolor paper. Using wet-on-wet techniques and granulating pigments, she’ll create unexpected textures and organic “magic,” then let those happy accidents inspire the development of a realistic image. A demonstration of embracing spontaneity while bringing intention and technique to the painting process. Come see what happens when spontaneity, imagination, and watercolor work together!

ART EXHIBITS

Masters Show Update for 2027

Deb Nealy and Diane Conant are the new chairs for the 2027 Masters Show. Please send all inquiries to them.

As stated in the letter that was attached to your paintings, the Special Section was to be "Mexican artists." That has now been changed to simply "Seascapes". Think of the beach for your Masters painting! Of course the Special section is just a suggestion and not required. As always, paint what you love.

The Assemblage group

will have their show at the Desert Hills Center lobby from September 1st thru October 31st. Come and see the magic of using junk and trash to create art.  

Collage/Mixed Media, Acrylic Group

Layers, texture, color and a lot of glue! Our group is showing new work in the West Center Lobby November 16 - December 31. Come see what we have been up to!

Paula Richards Solo Exhibit

at Las Campanas for the

month of October.

New Exhibit Opportunities

Make a note to participate in a really

BIG SHOW of SMALL WORKS

November 2-30, 2026 at Canoa Hills!

This is a maiden show for SRAL and promises to be a lot of fun! Please pick up an entry form in the studio. They are in a green folder on the desk and completed entries can be returned to the folder. Entries are due October 23. That gives us time to prepare the info cards for your pieces for display.

There is no fee, no judging and 2 entries are permitted. Largest size accepted is 12x12 or 144 square inches.

Artists! This is an opportunity to show smaller pieces, ideally for sale, that can be purchased without a huge cash outlay and should appeal to visitors as they can be tucked into suitcases to be brought home as souvenirs.



Chair Person: Susan McKelvy (SusanM@SantaRitaArt.org)

Members can view all the

SRAL Exhibits and Competitions for 2026

on the art exhibit webpage (https://santaritaart.org/art-exhibits/)

and also in the events calendar on the events webpage (https://santaritaart.org/exhibits/). Get painting!

SANTA RITA ART STUDIO

GALLERY DISPLAYS

Walls in the Studio

This is where members can show off their Art.

See the new signs?  Each area of the studio now has an official name. 

Studio A

• October - Portrait and Figure Drawing
• November -Plein Air

Studio B

• October - Open to all (there is room for more)
• November and December – art from Members.

Theme: “Vibrant Colors”

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AT SRAL

SRAL Mat Cutting Workshops

Our two trainers are: 

1. Kris Martens: KrisM@SantaRitaArt.org (full time resident)

2. Mary Oelschlaeger: MaryO@SantaRitaArt.org (Seasonal)

Each trainer offers selected times every month for training members on how 

to use the new mat cutter. They request direct contact for scheduling.

Maximum group size for each session is three. 

COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE & ART CENTER – CPAC

Adult Workshops

• Beginning the Pastel Painting with Roadmaps taught by SRAL member Hana Hanleigh on November 3 – 4, 2026 

• Bold Brush! Textural Abstraction Acrylic Application taught by Tonja Vojacek Sell on November 30 – December 1, 2026 

• Mastering Values & Edges: Painting Light, Reflections, and Transparency in Pastels taught by Sonsoles (Sunny) Shack on January 25 – 26, 2027

Click here for more information. 

Weekly Classes

• Open Studio taught by SRAL member Fran Sutherland on Wednesday, November 18, December 2, 9, 16, 2026

Click here for more information. 



EXHIBITS AT CPAC

Small Wonders 

Prize Money Anonymously Donated in January 2026

Featuring Work by Arizona Artists

In the Harry and Ann Paxton Gallery and Theater Lobby

September 29 – November 2, 2026

Layered Artworks

A Collage and/or Mixed Media Exhibit

Featuring Work by Arizona Artists

In the Harry and Ann Paxton Gallery and Theater Lobby

November 3 – December 21, 2026

Ranch Life

Featuring Work by Arizona Artists

In the Harry and Ann Paxton Gallery and Theater Lobby

January 4 – February 1, 2027 

PORTRAIT MODELS NEEDED

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

There are 11 Special Interest Groups and all of them are open to the members of the Art League.

• ABSTRACT
• ABSTRACT EXPLORERS
• ASSEMBLAGE
• COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC
• FIGURE DRAWING

• OIL & PASTELS
• 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

Our next meeting is Monday, October 12th, in the Studio. At 9AM is the painting/skills session and at 10:30AM is the regular discussion time with art work comments, too. 

Facilitator: Nan Lux (NanL@SantaRitaArt.org.)

ABSTRACT EXPLORERS

Co-facilitators:

Rhonda Fisher/Co-Leader -RhondaF@SantaRitaArt.org 

Berkana Gervais/Co-Leader -BerkanaG@SantaRitaArt.org

Lorna Zarkowski Fuller/Co-Leader -LornaZF@SantaRitaArt.org

ASSEMBLAGE

The Assemblage Special Interest Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at the SRAL studio from 1-3 pm.

Cheryl Schaeffer CherylS@SantaRitaArt.org

Sue Bollig SueB@SantaRitaArt.org

COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC

This fun group returns to twice monthly meetings in October - on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1–3 pm at the SRAL. October's meetings are on the 7th and the 21st. 

October's meetings will be focused on creating or finishing pieces to show at the West Center exhibit in November. Bring papers, substrates, brushes, glues/medium, paints - everything you need to collage.

Facilitator: Mary Dargan MaryD@santaritaart.org.

FIGURE DRAWING

The Figure Drawing group will hold its first session of the 2026/2027 season on Saturday, November 7th, 9 AM to Noon. We do not have a session in October. There will be six sessions during the season (Nov. thru April), all scheduled on the first Saturday of each month. We will have a live model who will do a variety of timed poses. The fee per participant is $5 and tips for the model are encouraged. Hope to see you there in November.



Facilitator: Lisa Schmit LisaS@SantaRitaArt.org

OIL and PASTEL

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

We meet every Monday from noon to 3:00. Contact Linda Patterson with questions at LindaP@SantaRitaArt.org

OPEN STUDIO

This popular event occurs every Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM. All members are welcome to use all media types. Oil paint is allowed in the main studio on Mondays and Tuesdays. Consequently, this is a great time for oil painting, but only an odorless solvent, such as Gamsol, can be used. Our usual members stop to have lunch at noon. 

PLEIN AIR

We will be meeting every Thursday morning with a venue listed on the schedule posted on the bulletin board. If interested, please send an email with your name, phone number and email address to Nanci Sheppard  NanciS@SantaRitaArt.org.

PORTRAIT

Are You a Reluctant Portrait Artist? Does drawing or painting faces call to you, but you’re not sure you’re skilled or experienced enough? The Portrait Group brings together a wide range of explorative artists, each doing our own thing with different mediums, different techniques, and different (sometimes crazy!) ways of seeing the same subject.

Join us on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. for practice and fun. See you at the studio! Contact CarlaO@SantaRitaArt.org with questions or to be added to our email list.

PRINTMAKERS GUILD

Leads: Karen Keim and John McGraw

We meet from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM on the second Wednesday and the fourth Thursday of each month (alternate Thursdays in Nov./Dec due to holidays). Interested SRAL members are always welcome to visit or join us in printmaking. Limited supplies are available for participation. To join the e-mail list, or if you have questions, please contact Karen Keim at KarenK@SantaRitaArt.org

WATERCOLOR



The Watercolor group meets year-round every Friday from 9 am-12 pm. All levels are welcome. Come join us! If you have any questions, please contact Valerie St. Marie ValerieSM@SantaRitaArt.org