Hello Everyone,

Welcome to a brand  Year! (And do you believe this SNOW?!)   I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season and is ready to think about "arty" things again.

First, some "old" business--I want to thank everyone who brought work to the Benson Hospital at the end of November for inclusion in the current exhibit!!  I had been concerned that there  might not be a good turnout this time, but my fears were unwarranted, as 42 of our member/artists have contributed work to the display and there are currently over 140 pieces hanging throughout the hospital and its environs,  Blessings to you all!!
Also a special thank you to Shryl Miles for decorating Endeavor Gallery for the holiday season, and to all the docents who worked diligently during the month of December--taking time away from your own holiday activities to keep the doors open and allow for some very nice sales.  Well done, everyone!!

In "on-going" business--please note that our featured artists at Cochise College Benson Center -- members Monika and Clare Aylward--hung a wonderful exhibit featuring Monika's acrylic paintings and cut paper floral pieces, and Clare's multi-media abstracts and two large and exquisite art quilts-- at the beginning of December.  Their work will continue on display throughout the month of January and will be available again for viewing when the college re-opens on January 7th.  Do stop in and view the exhibit the next time you are passing by the college; or make a special trip, and possibly sign up for an art class in the coming semester while you are there!!!

Congratulations to Monika and Clare for hosting a wonderful reception on December 6th!  It was very well attended; and let me say that--if you ever have a chance to taste Monika's home-made pastries, do NOT pass up the opportunity!!!  Yum!!!

OK--on to some "new" stuff-- There will be a Lunch and Learn Program at the Gallery on our "regular" third Thursday in January--the 17th--beginning at noon.  The presenter will be our own Bob Heath, who will be discussing and demonstrating his wood carving techniques as well as showing off some of his stone-carved pieces.  Bob's little animals are charming (and so is he!), so do mark your calendar and plan to attend.  Other wood carvers out there?  Please bring some of your own pieces to show off!!!

Change out of art work at Endeavor Gallery is scheduled for the end of January.  Shryl will be sending out a special notice to all our members as to dates and times for delivery of new work and pick up of out-going pieces.  Please note that every member of the Arts Council is welcome to place work in our Gallery  (there is a $25 dollar exhibitors fee for members not serving as docents), so--even if you have not exhibited before, please consider doing so during the upcoming installation!!

Also, it is not too soon to be thinking about what you might want to enter in our upcoming, 10th annual  "Celebrate the Arts" Fine Arts show and Sale!!    March will be here before you know it.  Entry forms will be coming out at the end of January, entries will be due by late February, and the show will be on display at the college for the whole month of March.  All of this means that consideration will have to be made as to what pieces are exhibited when and where--what a lovely dilemma!! 

 
And speaking of showing--please note that the Huachuca Arts Association will be hosting its own Open, Judged Art Show from January 28th through February 23rd at their Gallery in Sierra Vista.  Entries may be obtained by calling 520 803 1078 or by stopping by their Gallery at 1835 Paseo San Luis.  This will be an "all media" event--accepting entries in traditional Fine art media, photography,  gourd art,  jewelry, ceramics, glass, etc.--so it should be quite a spectacular event.  Entries are due no later than January 18, 2019, so get going if you want to participate...

So that should be enough to get you motivated again.  I know many of our photographers have been out taking beautiful pictures of the unusual winter weather  the last few days--and good for you!
WHATEVER  you decide to do--stay WARM out there.  Hope to see you soon!!!      Linda

San Pedro River Arts Council

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