Hi Folks,
Aren't you glad that March "came in like a lamb" after all the crazy weather we had last month?!
I am happy to report that our 10th Annual Open "Celebrate the Arts" Fine Arts Show and Sale is now up and ready for viewing at Cochise College Benson Center!! The final tally is 198 works of art, with 86 participating artists from all over southeastern Arizona; and it is a beautiful show with wonderful work in many media to delight the eye!!
I want to send out a special "Thank You" to all the members who helped to get this show together--Thursday's ladies-- Deb Warner, Jean Carr, Joan Davenport, Chris Blom and Janet Shaw --cheerfully checked in art work as it was delivered, cut exhibit tags, sorted the art by division and medium, and in Janet's case--organized and prepped the youth division entries. Thankfully, we had a big and efficient crew on Friday morning--Denise Boyd, Will Brown, Ellen Cohen, Bob Heath, Patrick McGloughlin, Larraine Milne, Carl Sanders, Harry Stacy, Lisa Stansbury, Deb Warner--and they made light work of tagging and mounting all of that artwork in less than three hours. I am SO impressed with their work ethic, and their artistic sensibilities! Bless you all!!!
The critique for the art show will be held this Thursday afternoon, March 7th, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to hear the judge's comments and get an early look at the show.
The Gala Show Reception will be held on Thursday, March 14th, at the College from 5 till 7 p.m. This is always a fun event--with lots of good food, live music, a 'winner's choice" raffle of one of two gorgeous paintings done by nationally known professional artist Ron Fritts, the awards presentations, an opportunity to purchase that special work of art that catches your eye, and a chance to meet and visit with many of the participating artists. Do plan to attend!! (The event is free, as always, and open to the public --so do bring a friend...!)
In other news--we will have a lunch time Learning Program on Thursday, March 21st featuring our own Deb Warner in a demonstration on the art of poured acrylics. This might be the perfect medium for those of you who say "I can't even draw a stick figure!" Deb will show us different techniques that create amazing effects while literally letting the paint do the work to make beautiful pieces of art. As usual, we will meet at the Gallery at Noon, but plan to come a few minutes early to get a good seat. This is going to be interesting, fun, and informative, and I hope to see you there!
Our Annual Spring Yard Sale will be held in front of and behind Endeavor Gallery on Saturday morning, March 23rd. This is a fund raiser for the Arts Council, and gives our members, friends, and neighbors a chance to find a new home for those items that you just don't need any more. The sale will start at 8:30 a.m. and I hope that many of you will bring in your "treasures" between 8 and 9 0'clock so that we can get them tagged and set out in a timely manner. (If you have items to donate, but cannot drop them off that morning--please contact me and we will make arrangements to collect them at an earlier time.)
We are happy to take almost any type of goods--books, clothing, jewelry, small furniture, glass ware,ceramics, tools and hardware, plants, art supplies, appliances--whatever!! So clean out your closets, car ports, garages, etc.and help us have a successful sale! Who knows, you might even find something that you want to take home yourself?! Please contact me if you have any questions or need help with pick up. Also let me know if you would be available to help with sorting, pricing and selling that day! And remember, you do NOT have to take home UNsold items, as we will donate them on to other worthy organizations...
Further afield--it is time for the annual Tubac Open Studio Tour. The dates are March 15-17 and hours are 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. each day. This is a great excuse to take a drive to Tubac and points north and south along the Santa Cruz river to visit scores of working artists in their studio environment. Our own Brenda Peo will be holding court along with 7 other artists at the Van Helsland Studio at 4021 W. Calle Seis in Green Valley These ladies always put on a great show, with lots of wonderful things to see and buy in a courtyard filled with wildflowers; so do go check them out!!!
And as our art show comes down at the end of March, the Willcox Art League will be hosting their annual Ann Boyd Wade Open Fine Art and Photography Show at the Willcox Community Center on Friday, April 5th through Sunday, April 7th. This is always a great event, with ribbons and cash prizes and lots of great art to view. Entries close on Wednesday, March 20th. If you plan to participate, entry forms and more information can be found on their website at www.willcoxartleague.com
Whew--there is a lot going on this month. Get out there, go seek out what should be wonderful wildflower displays, and continue to "Celebrate the Arts!" See you, somewhere (hopefully, at the reception!) soon... Linda
You can pay your annual SPRAC dues, $15.00 for individual or $20.00 per family by hitting the donate button above.
Note: You may also send your membership payment or donation by check to:
SPRArts
PO Box 1358
Benson, AZ 85602-1358
San Pedro River Arts Council