January 2024 Announcements

You can access our new website by clicking: https://santaritaart.org/

"Intrigue"

by Angelique Gillespie

"Taking a Break"

by Angelique Gillespie

“More information can be found on the Monthly Demo page of SRAL’s website by clicking here.” (https://santaritaart.org/monthly-demos/)



It has been 50 years since we listened and followed President John F. Kennedy's dream. Those who make up our generation remember the statement JFK made in his inaugural address.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ..."

Do you remember the rest of his statement?

President Kennedy urged people to consider the positive impact they could have on others by volunteering. Our Art League runs because volunteers stand up and pitch in to help with everything. Please consider volunteering. You don't have to take on the biggest tasks. Helping to arrange tables or chairs, cleaning off tables after an art lesson, helping a speaker carry items from a car or helping to carry items back to the car, help straightening out the kitchen area, help with an art show, maybe help to hang a few paintings, check in those bringing paintings to a show, help with taking a show down, help those who set up the special interest groups, or help with the monthly demos. There are so many activities that you could do to help make everything run smoothly.

This newsletter is not put together by only one person. Every 'volunteer' director of a special interest group contributes. The volunteers who comprise the Board of Directors contribute. In addition, there are volunteers who submit information about shows and other activities. Volunteers proof read each article before we send out a copy to each League member. The bottom line is that without volunteers, we would not have an Art League.

I'm asking you to "Stand Up" and volunteer to help out.

As for President Kennedy's historic words, they can apply to our SRAL.

"Ask not what your Art League can do for you - ask what you can do for the members of our Art League."

Contact one of our Co-Presidents to volunteer.

To reach Arlene Szypulski CLICK HERE.



To reach Jeani Gustafson CLICK HERE.

Fun for Everyone:

"Mix n Mingle"

On Thursday, January 4th from 3:00-5:00 pm. Come to the Art League's Main Studio. The theme is: "Bring your favorite painting/artwork from 2023". Members may bring a snack and/or an adult beverage to share. The "Mix n Mingle" is a great way to chat, meet, and reconnect with other SRAL members in a casual fun atmosphere. We hope to see you.

Quotes for you to enjoy:

"Art must be an expression of love or it is nothing." -- Marc Chagall

"To see is wonderful, and an artist sees with her heart." -- Rich Metcalf

We have so many creative members that we would love to publish quotes from you about art. This is for everyone's enjoyment. We shall print your inspirational quotes.

Please send your quotes to us for the next Eblast. Click Here

Important Update to the SRAL Website:

The following topics now have their own page on the website to make it easier for anyone to locate information about our Art League!

• Each Special Interest Group (SIG)
• The List of Officers, Committee Chairs, and SIG Coordinators
• Eblasts
• Board Minutes

To take a look at the improvements, Click Here.

Highlighting our

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Periodically, we plan to visit each Interest Group to see what's happening and learn more about them. Each Interest Group has its devoted volunteers who vigorously work to provide meaningful sessions for its members.

Knowing more about each group may be right up your alley. Who knows, you may find another interest to pursue and that may be a good thing.

Printmaker's Guild

The Printmakers Guild meets on the fourth Wednesday from September through May, from 9:30 am to noon. John McGraw and Karen Keim supervise this SIG, including arranging demos and offering instructions as well as advice when asked.

"Serenity" by Karen Keim

"Come Play" by Karen Keim

"Point of Interest" by John McGraw

Studio A at the Art League is well equipped with professional equipment. But the most important asset is that both Karen and John are there to help everyone who would like to explore printing. So pay them a visit. They would love to meet you.

Current Art League Shows

2024 Eva Briggs Retrospective Show

"KA-BOOM!"

by Pat Doughty

"Tumult"

by Bonnie Nelson

The Abstract Brigade is exhibiting several art pieces that were first displayed in past Eva Briggs Show competitions. Each piece is absolutely magnificent. Plan to stop at each painting and enjoy. This writer was amazed at the quality and depth of artistic design as well as how a viewer is pulled into each piece.

This fabulous show will be at the GVR Las Campanas Center the entire month of January. Don't miss it!

"Arrival

by Nan Lux

"Sweet Greens"

by Karen Keim

Oil Painting and Pastels Group Show

The Special Interest Group that focuses on creating art using oil paints or pastels is displaying some of their very best pieces in the Main Studio of SRAL. The show will be available to members for the month of January.

Their art pieces are extraordinary, so make sure you allot time to enjoy them.

"No Title"

by Judy Lawrence

"The Blue Bench"

by Lisa Schmidt

"Adobe Rest"

by Valerie St. Marie

"Untitled"

by Bonnie Gore

Art 101: New Workshops in January 2024

Are you a beginning artist and want to learn the basics about different mediums, design, and color? Are you an artist that has wanted to learn a different medium? Then Art 101 is perfect for you. The Art 101 classes offered this fall and winter will be presented by SRAL members volunteering to share their time and expertise. 

• Each class will be held in the SRAL studio, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A few may have a different time slot. 
• Materials for classes will be provided by SRAL and include paints, paper or canvas, and an appropriate paint brush. 
• Participants will need to bring a water container, paper towels, an apron, or any appropriate working clothes.
• The class size is determined by the instructor; generally, 12 - 18 people. We encourage members to sign up for only one media class per month to enable everyone to participate. This will ensure participants a fuller mastery of the new medium and allow us to accommodate more members.
• Registration for each class will be on Art 101 webpage. A small material fee of $10.00 is required to complete and validate your registration. Each class list is compiled on a first come first serve basis. You will receive notification after you have registered. You will then be notified about how and when the material fee is to be paid.

More Free Art 101 Classes in January

"Art Basics for Success"

Instructor: Rich Metcalf

Date: Sundays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024

(A series that builds on each other.)

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Maximum Number of Participants: 18 ............. Class is FULL

For More Information Click Here

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"Images in Mist"

in Watercolor

Instructor: Darilyn Ronn

Date: Saturday, January 13th

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Maximum Number of Participants: 15

For More Information Click Here

LOCKER AND SLOT FOR RENT

Locker and slot renewals for 2024 are now due, and must be paid by the 

January 11, 2024 general meeting. Fees can be paid by filling out a rental application (available in the studio or on the website by clicking here) to include with your cash or check payment; both should be left with the studio monitor. Or fees can be paid at the January 11 meeting. Fees are still $20 for lockers, and $15 for slots.

If you no longer want your locker or slot for 2024, PLEASE contact Valerie at 

ValerieSM@SantaRitaArt.org.



If you would like a locker and/or slot and none are available, your name will be put on a waiting list for the next available. 

For more information, or if you no longer want your locker or slot this year, PLEASE contact Valerie St.Marie by clicking here.

SRAL Art Shows to Prepare For:

"Desert Hills Permanent Show"

The winter show at Desert Hills will be on display from January 9 to April 9, in the large auditorium. Please email your entry information to Jan Harnish,

no later than January 5. Bring entries to the Desert Hills auditorium on

January 9, from 1-3 pm.

Send the following information: title of artwork, media, price, artist name, phone number, and your email address (Please indicate if you do not want your contact information on the ID card).

We have room for 24 paintings, two entries max. per artist. Because of difficulty handling and arranging larger pieces, limit framed painting dimensions to LESS than 36", either direction. If more than 12 artists enter, we will hang the first painting listed on the entry forms.

Please check that matting, framing, and hanging hardware are in good shape.

This is a great opportunity to exhibit your work because the DH auditorium has a tremendous number of activities!

We are looking forward to another great SRAL show.

"The 2024 Master's Show"

March & April

"The Cradle"

by Berthe Morisot

"Twilight Confidences"

by Cecilia Beaux

"Looking in the Mirror"

by Elizabeth Vigee-Le Brun

Recreating a Master painting is a time-honored tradition for developing artistic skills. It is a good way to try out a new technique, improve on your own style, and have some fun!  

For 2024 there will be a special section featuring Women Artists. We have posted a list of names on the bulletin board as a suggestion, or you can choose another woman artist. Of course, this is not a requirement, and you may choose any artist that you consider to be a Master, male or female. We have a good library for ideas.

     ++++Now for the Rules!!!++++

Due to United States copyright law, the artist must be deceased for AT LEAST 70 YEARS. So any artist who died in 1954 or before is allowed. ANY ARTIST DECEASED FROM 1955 AND ON WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE SHOW. Please check your artist info.

Two entries are allowed and there is no entry fee. Five ribbons will be awarded, judged by the artists who are entered into the show. Judging should be based on how close to the original artwork you have come. No size limit. You do not have to paint in the original medium, as most were oil. Watercolor, pastel, acrylic, etc, is fine. 

The 2024 show will be held at the East Center for the months of March and April. Delivery date is Friday, March 1, 10am - 11am. Pickup is Tuesday, April 30, 10am - 11am. Email for more info: CherylS@SantaRitaArt.org 

Entry forms are available online at our website or in the studio on the wall next to the key pad. Entries must be postmarked before Feb 15th, 2024. 

Learning Opportunities at

Tubac School of Fine Art

The Tubac School of Fine Art is offering workshops from a variety of artists. Please click below for information.

Phone: 520-398-2589

Email: workshops@tubacschooloffineart.org

Additional Workshops at Tubac School of Fine Arts

Lisa Lesch Morrow: Oil Rub-Out, January 15-16, 2024

Dianna Fritzler: Paint Bodacious Blooms, January 19-21, 2024

Keiko Tanabe: Capturing the Essence in Watercolor, January 26-28, 2024



For More information Click Here

Art Exhibit at

The Community Performance & Art Center

"Living Legend"

by Linda Sparks

"Cattle Drive"

by Deanna Brooks

"Mending Fences" by Sharon Wirth

"Icons of the West"

Featuring Works by Arizona Artists

In the Harry & Ann Paxton Gallery and Theater Lobby

January 2 - February 1, 2024

Reception: Wednesday, January 10th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Click Here for More Information About This Exhibit



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Learning Opportunities at CPAC

Workshops

"Southwestern Inspired Mixed Media"

Instructor: Suzanne Villella

February 27 – 28, 2024

Create colorful mixed media pieces inspired by the beautiful southwestern landscape. Learn the supplies and materials, including paper, acrylic paint, matte medium, and varnish and their applications on a wood panel to create a unique and dynamic piece of artwork. On day 1 you will work on several small format landscapes to get an understanding of the materials. On day 2 of the workshop, you will create a larger format piece while using your new mixed media knowledge and skills. Click here for more information.

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"Exploring Paint Portraiture"

Instructor: Ana Rincon

March 11 – 12, 2024

This workshop will encompass a series of activities, which will culminate in the completion of an oil painting of animal portrait. Students can bring their own photo or use one of the instructors. Click here for more information.

SRAL MEMBER'S NEWS

Solo Art Exhibition by

John D. Vandebrooke

West Center Lobby

January 3rd -- 31st.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

There are 10 Special Interest Groups and all of them are open to the members of the Art League.

On the SRAL website there is a complete description for each SIG.

If you wish to learn more about any of the SIGs, Click Here

Below is additional INFO not on the SRAL webpage.

ABSTRACT BRIGGade

There are no special skills required to join in with this friendly group. Meeting attendees always find artist support, often with live demos, workshops, and critiques. Come and see what it’s all about.

Next meeting Monday January 8, 2024 in the studio at 10:00. The Monthy Challenge is to paint with 3 colors plus black and white and use a brush that is 1 1/2” or larger. You can use other tools, the idea is to loosen up and use your whole body to paint. 

ASSEMBLAGE

The Assemblage Group’s December/January challenges are:

The Five Element Challenge and the Cigar Tube Challenge.

The purpose of The Five Element Challenge is to provide an opportunity for

the artist to reflect on the personal meaning of each object as it relates to the

intention or concept of their piece. We are challenged to limit ourselves by

using a maximum of five objects to convey the concept of the piece.

The Cigar Tube Challenge will incorporate some recently found vintage metal

cigar tubes into a unique work of art.

FIGURE DRAWING

The Figure Drawing Group will meet on Saturday, January 6th, 9 AM to noon in the Main Studio. Barbara Wallin will be the model. She posed for the group a year ago. The model will hold about ten different poses so it is a great opportunity not only to practice drawing but also to gather original ideas for figurative painting. The fee per participant is $5.00 

OIL/PASTEL

Special Announcement from Deb Nealy

Greetings to Oil Painting & Pastel Artists.

In January 2024, the walls of the SRAL Studio will be adorned with Oil Paintings & Pastels -- but we need your work! We prefer to have it either framed or matted. Let me know if you have any work you would like to be included in this month-long exhibit. Contact me at: DebraN@SantaRitaArt.org

PLEIN AIR PAINT OUTINGS

We will meet on Thursday mornings and try to form carpools. Our destinations are special places around Southern Arizona. Meet times will vary depending on the weather. If you are interested, contact Nanci at: NanciS@SantaRitaArt.org.

Plein Air Schedule for December

• Jan 4. De Grazia Compound 6300 N Swan in Tucson. Meet at East Center, at 11:45 am to form carpools. We will leave at noon. It is a 45 minute drive. But worth the time. Restrooms available.
• Jan 11. Canoa Lake. This is the day of the general meeting at 1pm. If you are wanting to paint in the morning and the weather is decent you might want to try Canoa Lake about 9am. 
• Jan 18. Tubac Fountain Area. Meet at the Springs upper lot off Heroe at 12:30. We will form carpools and leave at 12:45pm. The Fountain is located on a small street just under the arch on Plaza Rd. in Tubac. Turn left at the first place you can turn left and follow the road that parallels the frontage road. You will see the fountain and can park anywhere. Restrooms available.
• Jan 25. Pena Blanca Lake. Meet at the Springs a bit early, 11:45am to form carpools. It is an hour's drive south. We will leave at noon. Pena Blanca is a small reservoir with rocky cliffs, rolling hills, and a lovely lake to paint. Out houses are available. It is located on Hwy 289, off of I-19, near Rio Rico. 

Dress accordingly.

Hope to see you for our beginning Plein Air Year. 

PRINTMAKERS GUILD

In January, we will meet on Wednesday, the 24th at 9:30 am in Room A. Activity TBA. All are welcome. Bring acrylics or thin water-soluble inks and a Gelli plate if you have one.

Click here for the list of SIG chairpersons and their e-mail addresses.