Hello again,
It's February already--a short but very busy month--art-wise!
Our big, 10th Annual Open Fine Arts Show is coming in March! Entry forms and information packets are ready and available on line at our web-site www.sprarts.org where you can print out and mail in a copy, or actually enter and pay on line, OR, you can pick up a copy of the forms and information sheets at Endeavor Gallery; OR you can send me a note and I will be happy to email you the forms or even send you a copy of the packet via snail mail. This will be the 10th year we have held this event, and it seems to get bigger and better every year--so I hope you will all plan to participate or at the very least attend the reception on March 14!!
Entry forms are due by February 25th, and the actual works of art will be delivered to the college on Thursday, Feb. 28th to be hung for display the following day, Friday, March 1st.
I will be looking for some "volunteers" to help with hanging the show, so if you would like to help, and will be free on the morning of the 1st--please let me know...
There will be a lunch time Learning Program in February. We will meet at the Gallery at Noon on Thursday, Feb. 21st to watch SPRAC member Rachel Matthews give her presentation entitled "Beyond Repousee." Rachel creates stunning pieces using this ancient technique in which "maleable metal is ornamented and shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief."
The "beyond" part of her art includes the use of heat, dyes, and special inks to infuse color into her designs. This should be a fascinating look into a beautiful and unusual art form; and I hope you will mark your calendars and plan to attend!!!
Featured artists at Cochise College Benson Center in our "Art Around Town" program during the month of February are our own Carl Sanders and Jean Carr. Carl has given us a "wall of portraits" of well known actors, actresses, and other famous people that creates a stunning visual effect; while Jean is a "master" at working in her favorite medium of colored pencil and she demonstrates that in her many images of botanicals, animals, and southwest scenes. This is another wonderful exhibit, free and open to the public during regular college hours Mondays through Fridays from now until the end of the month. Do stop by and treat yourself to viewing some lovely artwork!!
Please note that we are always looking for members to be "featured" artists at the college. We have a few available slots for late summer and early Fall (or we can start scheduling for next year!), so please let me know if you would like to have your very own show (or pair with a friend!). There is absolutely NO charge, and we would love to put you on our calendar!!
Tis the season for Art Shows. If you happen to be in the Sierra Vista area, do stop by the Huachuca Arts Association Gallery at 1835 Paseo San Luis to view their 2nd Annual open show between now and Feb. 23rd. It is a beautiful show, with works in many media adorning their gallery walls, plus a large display of three dimensional art in wood, ceramics, glass, jewelry, etc.on shelves and tables throughout the gallery. (I WISH we had the ability to display 3-D pieces at our show, but alas we do not... Thank goodness we have Endeavor Gallery to accommodate those arts!)
In additon to our own SPRAC Celebrate the Arts show, the Tombstone Association of the Arts will also be hosting an open, judged Fine Art and Photography Show during the month of March.
Deadline for entries in this show is February 12th, which is coming up quickly! For more information and/or an entry form--contact A. J. Stewart at 419 722 1334, or call the Tombstone Gallery at 520 457 2380.
And as soon as these shows come down, the Willcox Art League will be sponsoring their Umpteenth annual Ann Boyd Wade Fine Arts and Photography Show in early April! (I'll have more information about that in next month's newsletter).
I hope everyone is being very creative, as there is no dearth of places in which to show and share your work right here in Cochise County!!
On another topic, If you have always wanted to learn more about "Figure Painting," please note that well known local artist (and SPRAC member!) CLEMENT SCOTT will be giving a one-day workshop on that subject at Cochise College Benson Center on Friday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. The fee is $55 for the day, and there are only a few slots left. You can register for the class at www.cochise.edu/cll or call 520 515 5492. Clement is a wonderful instructor and I know you will love this workshop!!!
Further afield--the Tubac Art Festival will be running from Feb. 6th through the 11th from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. each day-- featuring the work of more than 200 artists (including our own Brenda Peo)! This all day outing is always worth the drive!!
And, finally, if you have the stamina--don't forget to hit the Tucson Gem and Mineral show! I know that many of our artists make the pilgrimage to pick up beautiful beads and interesting findings amongst the many venues...
Before I finish, I also want to give everyone a "heads up" that the Arts Council will be holding our annual Spring Yard Sale on Saturday, March 23rd. These yard sales serve as a fund raiser for the Council, and as a way for our members to clean out their drawers, closets, garages, store rooms, etc. I will be posting further information about this event in next month's newsletter, but in the meantime--please save any "unwanted" items you might have been thinking about throwing or giving away! We happily accept just about anything--clothing, tools, furniture (if it is not too heavy!!), Knick Knacks, art supplies, potted plants, costume jewelry. etc. etc .etc.--and you needn't worry about having to take it home if it doesn't sell, as we will pass remainders on to other worthy organizations...
Enough! Get those show entries in, and I'll see you 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