San Pedro River Arts Council © 2016
PO Box 1358, Benson,
Arizona 85602-1358
(520) 586-2611
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
Hello everyone,
It's October already--and definitely feeling "Fallish" in the mornings. Nice!!
The last two weeks have definitely been a whirlwind. We're happy to report that the latest gallery change-out went off smoothly (which always seems like a miracle, with so much art going out and coming in). This time we have hung or otherwise placed the wonderful work of 68 of our members in the main gallery (and that doesn't even count those participating solely in the Gift Shop area)--and it all looks fabulous! Thanks so much to everyone in the crew who helped receive, check out, make tags, map the placement of
art on the walls, and ultimately hang the pieces for display! I don't think it takes a village
to get through change out--but it definitely takes a wonderful team!!
Do come by Endeavor Gallery at your convenience to see the new installation in all its
glory! Thanks to Mary Lee and the docent crew- our open hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. and Saturdays From 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.; and we'll look forward to visiting with you there!
So we finished the change-out last Monday, and on Thursday it was "receiving" day at the college for our photo show entries--no rest for the weary!! I am happy to report that our 8th Annual Open Photography Show and Sale is now up and hanging at Cochise College Benson Center through the month of October. (Congratulations to Larraine Milne on her first year serving as the show chairperson!) The show will be judged today --Monday,
Oct. 4th-- and if anyone reading this would like to attend the judge's comments and critique session--you are welcome to come to the college this afternoon at 2 p.m. to listen to Robert Gallucci expound on his thoughts and placings!
While not as large as shows we have had in the past--I think we are still dealing with the
"Covid Effect"-- it is a beautiful show, with wonderful displays in each of the divisions, and well worthy of several visits.
We especially invite you to attend the "official" show reception on Saturday, October 16th from 2 till 4 p.m. at Cochise College Benson Center!!! There will be live music, lite refreshments, a raffle, awards presentations, lots of photographers on hand to tell you the stories behind their art, and a chance to vote for YOUR personal favorite for the "People's Choice" award! This is always a gala event--so please mark your calendar and come join the festivities!!!
If that's not enough to entice you, we will host our monthly "Artists Share" event at Endeavor Gallery on our regular "third Thursday"--October 21st. Our presenter this month will be artist Cindy Connolly, who will be giving a presentation/demonstration on her thoughts and techniques on the use of Mixed Media. Cindy uses combinations of watercolor, colored pencil, and pen and ink to create her wonderful, wonderfully colorful, works of art. You do NOT want to miss the chance to see how she makes the magic happen... Be at the gallery a little before noon to get a "good seat." See you there!!!
And for those of you who have faithfully been holding on to all the "treasures" and other things you plan to donate to our annual SPRAC Yard Sale fundraiser--please hang in there just a little longer... The date is officially set for Saturday, November 13th!! Final information and instructions for drop off will be in next month's newsletter!
Just a few more things to mention-- Deb Warner informs me that the new Stronghold Gallery and Studio (1036 E. Eastland Rd) in Cochise AZ is set to open "officially" on Saturday, October 23rd--with festivities from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Congratulations to Deb--I know you have put in SO much time and effort to make this exciting new venue a reality! Can't wait to come check it out!!!
Also, the Bisbee Plein Air Festival is happening (in Bisbee!) from October 6th through the 10th. This is always a fun and exciting event, with a chance to wander around the town and discover artists "doing their thing" in real time--with a fine art show of their efforts as the finale.
For official times and events-- www.centralschoolproject.org/pleinair-festival--should have all the information you need.
One final item. We want to note the passing of Sylvia Burnside, who was the inspiration for and founder of the San Pedro River Arts Council more than 15 years ago! She saw the need for a community-based group that would encourage and support artists in our area and fought long and hard (especially with the Benson City Council) to bring the group to fruition. It was largely through her efforts that the Arts Council received their important 501 C 3 tax designation; and until her health required a move to Colorado to be closer to family- Sylvia was busy planning art related activities and events for artists in every media.
She remained an enthusiastic supporter of SPRAC activities and kept in touch--frequently sending encouraging emails after reading about our events in the newsletter. She was proud of the way the organization has continued to grow and thrive over the years, and she will be missed by those of us who knew her!! Fare well, Sylvia...
So, in honor of Sylvia--get out there and "Celebrate the Arts" in whatever fashion you
choose! Create art, look at art, buy art, encourage an artist...
Hope to see you soon!! Linda