Morro Bay Art Association


OUR MISSION: TO CHAMPION ART AS ESSENTIAL TO LIFE AND GIVE OUR COMMUNITY A CREATIVE VOICE.


AUGUST 2023

Register For Classes

President's Message

The upcoming exhibit, Lazy Days of Summer, will feature plein aire and other works inspired by the beautiful scenery and colorful wildlife found throughout the gentle sloping landscapes of the Central Coast. PLEASE NOTE: THIS SHOW IS NOT LIMITED TO PLEIN AIRE, we are inviting artists of all sorts to participate. The Central Coast Woodturners will also have wood turned vessels, bowls and other three dimensional artwork on display during this exhibition. I hope to see you all at the reception on August 13th, from 2 to 4pm and if you would like to enter your artwork into this show, Take-in is on August 8th, 10am-2pm. To participate in hanging or tagging the artwork for the exhibit, signup here.


Also, Labor Day is right around the corner, which means we are quickly approaching our last Art in the Park of 2023. If you would like to exhibit your artwork (no entry fees!) and participate in this fun event sign up here now!


As always, we are on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our volunteer team. As a nonprofit organization, volunteers are the backbone of our gallery. Whether you have experience in specific areas or simply a love for the arts, your contribution will make a significant impact on our mission. If you would like to be part of our vibrant community and contribute your skills, please reach out to us via email  artcenter.morrobay@gmail.com.


We are currently in need of docents and social media help, as well as, a Docent Director. Nola’s board service as Docent Director is coming to an end and we are accepting applications from folks interested in joining our board. She has set a high bar during her tenure but we are confident that we will be able to find someone with an equal amount of enthusiasm for art and community to fill her shoes. If you have ever thought about serving on the MBAA’s Board, please reach out ASAP! 


Docents play a vital role in keeping our gallery doors open. They greet visitors, share the mission and vision of the organization and assist our clients interested in purchasing the artwork on display. Social Media Associates create graphics for posting on social media posts, write content for social media posts, use monthly content calendar as guideline for posting. This position requires knowledge of Facebook Planner, a working knowledge of Canva, or similar and knowledge of hashtag best practices.


Last month, the Board of Directors took a field trip to Santa Barbara where we visited The Santa Barbara Museum of Art. We were given a great tour of their current exhibitions which offered everything from classic European and Asian arts to contemporary ceramics, visual art and photography. We also popped into The Crafter’s Library to check out the classroom and to pick up ideas. Needless to say, we came home inspired.


At the end of July, I took another quick field trip to Humboldt County so I could spend some much needed quality time with my daughter, Leni. As many of you may know, Leni has been volunteering from afar, for the last year or so, we have been able to utilize her graphic design skills. She has crafted a lot of our print media, including eye-catching posters and postcards. Beyond her graphic design contributions, Leni has also been instrumental in upgrading and maintaining the gallery's point of sale system, including, troubleshooting and uploading the new inventory for each exhibition. My decision to join the MBAA’s board has been an incredibly rewarding experience in itself, but being able to collaborate with my kid has been a huge unforeseen bonus. I cherish the moments when we are able to brainstorm ideas, leverage her expertise and work on projects together. I am grateful for her unwavering support, insights, and encouragement. Having the opportunity to work with her and see how she has grown into a talented individual with a wealth of knowledge has made my board service even more meaningful and unforgettable. 


Cheers, 

Kathleen

CALL TO ARTISTS

Brushstrokes 2023


Submission Deadline: August 1

Exhibition: September 21 – November 6

Opening Reception: Sunday, September 24, 2-4 PM


Learn more

Now Exhibiting!


Abstraction and Rock, Paper, Print


ends August 7th, Tuesday

Upcoming Exhibit

Lazy Days of Summer

Take-in, August 8, 2023, 10am – 2pm

Reception: Sunday, August 13, 2-4pm


Learn more

Join the Board

The Morro Bay Art Association is currently seeking a Docent Director! This unique board position requires a leader with great communication skills and a passion for art and community. The Docent Director is a role crucial to the success of gallery/retail operations at Art Center Morro Bay.


As the Docent Director, you will hold a leadership position, allowing you to guide and inspire a team of dedicated volunteers. The Docent Director participates in monthly board meetings and oversees the recruitment, training and scheduling of docents (volunteers) to ensure the gallery/retail space at Art Center is sufficiently staffed.


If you are interested in joining the board and/or learning more about other fun volunteer opportunities, please reach out, we are looking forward to hearing from you! Applyby sending an email to art center.morrobay@gmail.com


Joining the MBAA Board of Directors can be a fulfilling and impactful experience. Here are the tip 4 reasons why you might consider taking on this role:

1. Leadership and Impact: As the Docent Director, you will hold a leadership position that allows you to have a direct impact on the Art Association's success and growth,. You'll lead a team of docents and play a vital role in shaping the visitor experience, promoting art, and supporting artists.

2. Art Enthusiasm: You'll be the life of the party! Your friends and family will be wowed by epic tales of all of your fun artistic endeavors and commun9ity collaborations. If you have a passion for art and enjoy sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, this role provides a platform to inspire and engage others through art exhibitions, events, workshops and educational programs.

3. Community Building: Volunteering as the Docent Director allows you to contribute to building a vibrant and connected community. You'll work with many people including artists, volunteers and art enthusiasts, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

4.Personal and Professional Development: Serving on the board and leading a team of docents offers opportunities for personal and professional growth/skill development. Collaborating with other motivated and inspired folks can be incredibly rewarding. You may enhance your leadership, communication, and organizational abilities while collaborating with fellow board members and community.

Great Leadership + Art = CommUNITY

2- DAY WORKSHOP

Oil Painting – Beyond Technique: Finding Individual Expression with Frank Eber


August 19-20

9am - 4pm both days, one hour lunch


A painter's painter, Frank Eber works in a direct, loose style influenced by the Old World masters. Typical in his art are color mixes and light that evoke nostalgia while remaining absolutely in the present.

Small class settings only. Please sign up early!

Last Day of Registration: 8/13/2023.

FREE MONTHLY DEMO

Introduction to Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

with Mary Lou Johnson


 August 14 3:00pm - 5:00pm


Gold Leafing on Watercolor Paintings with Spencer Collins


On July 10th, Spencer Collins presented and interactive workshop to a full house. Starting with brush pens and Prang watercolors, she gave us 4-5 simple patterns for beautiful flowers, then showed us how to apply gold leaf, both within the design and also as borders.  She brought music, a thorough knowledge of products, and her own warm and friendly style to a delightful afternoon as we relaxed and created our own bookmarks. 


On August 14th, we welcome a new person to MBAA, but not to the community. Mary Lou Johnson, Calligrapher, is the creator of the Farmer’s Market Logo, the Morro Bay Harvest Festival poster, countless wedding and graduation announcements, and has taught Calligraphy and Lettering At Art Central, Cuesta College, and SLO Adult Education. These skills are easy to develop, and can add sparkle to any presentation.


Demo Days are on the second Monday of the month from 3 to 5, and are free and open to the public


SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS

Suze Crowley – Mandala Master


As an aerobic dance choreographer for 32 years, she has depended on beats in music, finding the rhythm to create dance routines. She began drawing freehand symmetrical designs when she was 15 before she knew what a Mandala was. When drawing her geometric designs, she describes the smallest lines as circles and the spirals in "eights", somewhat like a smooth rhythmic dance with my pens. 



When asked how long it takes me to draw a Mandala, she often says 53 years! They vary from 6x6 up to 16x16 Inch Square on watercolor paper or birch panels.


Here is an example of one of her intricate Mandala designs titled “Semblance of Summer


The word “Mandala” means circle or enclosure in Sanskrit. They are an ancient eastern art form traditionally created by Tibetan Buddhist monks. In meditation, they act as a guide toward a deeper self-understanding and ultimate truth.


She also enjoys making cards, wooden medallions, and ceramic ornaments. By finding the center of the paper Suze draws a small circle with micron fine line pens. Then continue outward with no clear destination. Although she now creates Mandalas with "themes" for each MB Art Center exhibit and personalized commissioned artwork.


Suze’s Mandalas have grown in both size and detail over the decades. Since Covid and becoming a member of the Morro Bay Art Association in 2020, she has designed over 300 Mandalas. She says “It is a passion and a journey that continues to bring me internal peace every day. Sharing my art with others is the most wonderful joy of all.”


Look for Suze during Show Openings as she sets up some of the most tantalizing treats she has been inspired to make in her kitchen to share with all the hungry artists and guests. Many thanks for all your dedicated work and contributions to the even flow of our gallery! 

Art on the Patio

Saturday, Aug.26

12:00 to 4:00pm


contact

Deborah Lord: dsl1201@aol.com

Forth of July Art in the Park

Next Art in the Park:

Labor Day Weekend

Exhibit free when volunteering for a shift.

sign up

MORRO BAY ART ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

Not a member yet? Please consider becoming an active member of the Morro Bay Art Association. Your membership fees are a key component in supporting this local all volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is TO CHAMPION ART AS ESSENTIAL TO LIFE AND GIVE OUR COMMUNITY A CREATIVE VOICE.  Your Membership fees are tax deductible!

 

Click here to join today to help support the local arts community.

 

Can't remember when you last renewed your membership? Click here to manage your account in the membership portal.

Thank you for your support!

Other SLO County art groups’ news 

Central Coast Artists Collective http://centralcoastartistscollective.org/Newsletters.html

Cambria Center for the Arts https://cambriaarts.org/gallery-schedule/ 



The next meeting of the Morro Bay Art Association Board of Directors is

 August 22 2023 10:00pm - Noon

Morro Bay Art Association

835 Main St., Morro Bay, CA 93442

Tel: (805) 772-2504

Email: mbaa@artcentermorrobay.org

Facebook  Instagram  Twitter
Contact Us