Hi again,
Just a note to let you know that our "grand opening" at the new Endeavor Gallery on September 2nd went VERY well, with lots of traffic throughout the day, many sales, and a successful drawing for our door prizes just before closing. If you didn't make it by on the 2nd, please stop in soon and see what all the excitement is about!
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
And now that the Gallery is up and running, it is time to really get serious about the annual October Photography Show!!! Ribbons have been ordered; we have our usual venue at the college; this year's judge is on board and eager to see your pictures; and the show information and entry forms are now available on line at our website (www.sprarts.org) (You can print out and mail in an entry form, or actually enter on line if you prefer). Now all we need are your entries!!! Hard copies are also available for pick up at Endeavor Gallery; or just send me an email and I'll be happy to snail mail you a copy of the show packet.
This event is always very popular with the public, and offers a chance for all you photographers to show off and share your work. We offer Youth, Amateur, and Advanced/Professional divisions, so don't be shy. This is an open show, so tell your friends and neighbors, too. Let's make this year's show even more spectacular than last!!!!
Our September Lunch and Learn program is set for the usual "third Thursday:--September 21st--in the Gallery "Learning Center" beginning at noon. Artist/member Kaia Thomas will be giving a demonstration on her techniques for animal portraiture, and she'll paint a handsome tuxedo kitty while we're watching! To make things even more exciting--Kaia has graciously offered to participate in a fund-raiser raffle where the winner will receive a finished portrait of the pet of your choice (cat, dog, guinea pig, rabbit, horse, chicken or whatever?!!). We'll be selling tickets for the raffle at the Gallery, and you need not be present at the drawing (to be held at the end of Kaia's demonstration) to win (though we really hope you can attend!) If you've seen any of Kaia's animal portraits, and if you have a special pet you'd like to celebrate, you'll know this is a wonderful opportunity to support the Arts Council and perhaps win a wonderful prize!!
p.s. No, it is not mandatory that you buy a raffle ticket to attend the Lunch and Learn--everyone is welcome; so do come and watch a wonderful artist at work...
The "Featured Artists" in the One With Art Program at Cochise College Benson Center during the month of September are Mel and Larraine Milne and Denise Boyd. The Milnes are featuring some of their outstanding Nature photographs--botanicals, Fall color, and beautiful landscapes; and Denise has chosen to display her beautiful pastel paintings of brightly colored cactus blooms, handsome ladies, stylized landscapes, and even a small fish. This show is a delight to the eye, so do stop by when you are in the neighborhood. Check out their work, and then envision your OWN show in this great space. If you are interested in being a "featured artist" at some point--just contact me and we'll get you on the calendar.
Finally, don't forget that Quarles Art Gallery in Benson will be hosting an Open Show and Sale for all Cochise County artists during the month of October to benefit the Benson Beautification/Benson Clean and Beautiful Murals Project. Any artist may submit up to two works in any two dimensional medium (all works must be for sale) and the subject matter should reflect "Cochise County" in some manner. Sharon will be organizing a spectacular reception featuring her own Cajun cooking on September 28th, and you sure won't want to miss THAT! For entry forms and more information--please contact www.QuarlesArt.com or phone: 520 586 4563.
And speaking of the mural project, it is rumored that Doug will be starting soon on the ginormous cattle drive scene he'll be painting on San Pedro Street--it will run from the corner of the building at 4th street for the entire length of the building and go around our own Endeavor Gallery space!
It will be spectacular, and certainly draw traffic to the area and to our gallery. We can't wait to see the finished mural!!!!
So that should give you some things to do in the coming weeks... I hope that the photographers amongst you will be busy selecting your favorite pictures, making prints, mounting them, and most of all--entering them in the upcoming show!!! Looking forward to seeing you all 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