Thursday May 16 Art Center Happenings

MARK THE DATES!!

Mark your calendars, as of SRAC's last Business Meeting, dates were locked in for the Club's outdoor shows in Sebastian's Riverview Park as follows (Saturdays with one exception): October 19, November 16, December 14, January 11, February 15-16 (Sat & Sun), March 22 and April 12.

Mark your calendar also for a demonstration by SRAC member Richard Ramirez, who will be doing something pottery-related.  Date is set for Tuesday, June 11, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.  FREE!

Another one to mark your calendar for is Joe Miller's woodcarving demonstration, May 30th,  1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  FREE!

Today this blogger had art class, and it was exciting to see the different artworks, methods and mediums in progress - An acrylic Indian, oil of a tall horse, vivid coleus, a tropical scene, and a stormy night.  It's hard to keep their brush out of my hands because it all looks like such fun.

At the request of a member, I did a water-soluble oil demonstration of a small still life.  Below is how far I got, and it was great fun to see them watch it come to life, and hopefully inspiring them to try this easy-to-use and non-toxic medium.

Unfinished water-soluble oil painting by Judy Burgarella

Member Grace Savage brought her plein air painting which was painted during the SRAC's Celebrate the Arts Paint-out in the park in back of the Clubhouse on april 27th.  Grace struggled with this painting, but having plein-aired with her before I knew it would end up being a knockout.  And it is as you can see below.   Fresh and colorful, with bold strokes and great composition.  She really didn't have much to work with at the  location where she was standing.  Great job Grace!

Woodland Trail View, oil by Grace Savage

The light at the Art Center is great for painting, as is the views out the doors and windows, as you can see with this curious visitor who stayed just long enough for me to snap this shot.  We've had sandhill cranes come to the door a-beggin' also.  Just adds to the lovely day spent at the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center, which was bustling with activity today.  And thanks to Vito for his delicious chicken curry ... and Suzie for the crunchy cake and good coffee.  Stop by some time and we'll pour you a cup.  The Art Center is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11-3:00, and our Open Studios in the Art Center's Meeting Room is open for painting and hanging out Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-3:00.

A Curious visitor at our door

Oh, and Bon Voyage to Peni and Laurie!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center

Woodcarver Joe Miller Workshop Coming!

"Crappie" Bass wood Woodcarving by Joe Miller

A free woodcarving demonstration will be given at the Sebastian River Art Club Art Center on May 30th, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, given by Joe Miller, who currently has many wood carvings on display in the Club's Art Center.  Joe will show you the fundamentals of creating something beautiful from wood.   His show will be dismantled right after the demonstration, so be sure to get to the Art Center before this show is gone.

Joe took up the art of woodcarving seriously about twelve years ago, and turned a pastime into his life's passion, and he shares this passion with anyone who will listen.  As president of the Indian River Woodcarvers, he has overseen the progress of many emerging wood artisans, and he continues to be an inspiration to his students and fans alike.  Joe will have a sign-up sheet at the demonstration for those who would like to take classes from him.

Joe's Indian River Woodcarvers group carve beautiful canes and walking sticks for the Purple Heart veterans, and the carvers present each veteran with a personalized walking stick and a certificate showing the service branch, rank, military medals received and places served.  Of note also, one of Joe's walking sticks was used as a prop in "Pirates of the Carribbean."  Joe maintains a studio/gallery at Art Mundo, in Downtown Fort Pierce, where he shows all his beautiful pieces and teaches woodcarving.  To see more of his work visit www.joemillerwoodcarver.com, and for information about his demo or classes contact him at 617-623-6057.  Classes will also be forming soon in Zentangle, a new art for using lines to form patterns, given by Francesca Pratten.

The SRAC Art Center is located at 1245 Main Street, 2 blocks west of Route 1 in Sebastian.  Hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11:00-3:00.  Classes in most drawing and painting mediums are available. For more information about joining the Sebastian River Art Club, or for information about our art classes call 772-581-8281.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club
SRAC VP & Art Center Chair

" I feel that God’s sunlight on a single blade of grass 

is such a miracle and is so difficult to capture in paint, 

it is worth a lifetime of trying."

Paul Strisk, Artist – 1918-1998

House Pets and Gardens

(P-s-s-s-t!  Don't forget, the reception for the Woodcarver Show Saturday, May 11th, 2-5 pm--join us for refreshments and talk to the Master Carvers!!  Other artist members of the Sebastian River Art Club will be onhand to talk art with you and show you around)

Tomorrow (Monday) the carpets will be cleaned in the art Center, due to some water problems the building was experiencing last month which soaked the rugs in two of our exhibit rooms.  Because of that, our March theme did not get voted on, wich was "House Pets."  So at the end of April everyone had to vote on two themes, with April being "Gardens."  Below are some of the ribbon-winners:

Ann Emery's oil painting of two kittens - 2nd place House Pets

Mary Rahmig's "Hollyhocks" took 3rd place in "Gardens"

Patti Goins oil Lilipond, First Place Gardens

Vito Derasmo's watercolor of two dogs, 3rd place Pets

Peni Baker's Acrylic of "Avocado Cottage" 2nd Place Gardens

Kathleen richter's Acrylic of "Kitty in the Garden" 1st Place House Pets

Don't forget to join us for an opening reception for the Woodcarver's show this Saturday, 2-5:00.  Enjoy refreshments and the camaraderie of artists and people who just love art.  Lots of creative energy in the Sebastian River Art Club, so come see what we're up to.  SRAC's Art Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-3:00, and most Saturdays 11-3:00.  Open studio in the meeting room Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00-3:00.  772-581-8281.  Website - www.sebastianriverartclub.org (currently under construction).

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center

Woodcarvers' Show

As I post this, April is coming to an end and May is fast approaching (tomorrow!), and we at the Sebastian River Art Club have been enjoying Joe Miller, et. al.'s, show so far.  More of his colleagues' work will be added before his opening reception, which is scheduled May 11th, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Come see the Woodcarvers' work and all the wonderful works of art in our Art Center, and enjoy some refreshments with us at the Reception.

Most of the work on view is Joe's, peppered with the works of Francesca Pratten, Paul Whelan, and a single piece by Joe's student Danny Bell.  This writer will add more names as Joe brings in additional works. 



Walking Sticks in a variety of wood types, by Joe Miller

Walking Sticks in a variety of wood types, by Joe Miller

Zentangle Wood Purse by Francesca Pratten

Woodcarvings by Paul Whelan

The SRAC Art Center's new sign, compliments of the City of Sebastian ... Thank you!

Just a quick "Thank You" to the City for our spiffy new sign, which matches the sign for the new Senior Center across the courtyard from us.  Makes us feel very much a part of this City which all we members love.  It is an honor to have a part in enhancing the City's profile, using our art and our efforts to beautify, educate, and contribute to the betterment of our town.  One of our missions is to help to make art part of the magnet that attracts people to our town.  And now we're official ... with this beautiful sign!

CELEBRATE THE ARTS

April 27th was the last event planned for the Sebastian River Art Club's contribution to "Celebrate the Arts," which was the second in a 2-part plein air painting session.  Pictured below is plein air painter and Club member Grace Savage, painting a lovely oil of the park entrance in back of our Clubhouse.  Below that is a photo of this writer's works-in-progress of the riverbank.

Grace Savage painting "En Plein Air"

Judy Burgarella's oil painting in progress

Our session was interrupted by this curious visitor below.  The wonderful walkway overlooking the pond out back of the clubhouse is such a photo-op.  Lolling in the water below us like he didn't have a care in the world, this gator was a perfect poser as I snapped away ... and so close you could see the dragonfly on his forehead.  That dark spot to the right is his eye--what a close-up!

Dragonfly on gator's head

Lazy gator

As we head through Spring and onto the lazy summer days, things will slow down for the Art Center a bit, but not completely.  The Club will have one more Business Meeting on May 14th at 12:30, which is a good time to come see what we're all about.   There is social time and refreshments afterwards, so come and introduce yourself.  We're a friendly bunch.

May's theme for select works hanging in the Art Center space is "Storms-Skies-Clouds," so plese vote for your favorite.   We're open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00-3:00.  Classes in all mediums are offered:

Judy McNamara - watercolors, First & Third Tuesdays of the month - 321-724-9857

Judy Burgarella - Acrylics & Oils - 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month - 772-581-8281

Richard Gillmore - Drawing - 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month - 772-228-9066

Let us help you find out the joys and challenges of painting and drawing.

Coming soon ~ Woodcarving workshops!

One more thing ~
Just had to post this picture below ... the renowed Dorothy Starbuck who gave a dynamite workshop for the SRAC in January - she now holds the honorable distinction of being awarded 2nd place in oil/acrylic at the Melbourne Historic Downtown Art Show last weekend (pic taken April 29th).  A tremendous honor since there are so many wonderful artists to compete with.  And we had her here teaching at our little club.  We sure were lucky to get her.  Here she is pictured with the painting that earned her 2nd place (incidentally, an $800 prize to boot!)

Dorothy Starbuck with her 2nd place prize at the Melbourne Art Show

See that . . . sometimes it really does pay to be an artist, especially if you're an outstanding one like her.  So keep on painting!

Judy Burgarella

Blogger for the

Sebastian River Art Club's

Art Center

"Celebrate the Arts" at SRAC!

Kick-off for Indian River County-wide "Celebrate the Arts," (CTA) organized by the Cultural Council of Indian River County, was Friday night, April 19th, in Downtown Vero Beach's Arts District.  14th Avenue was closed to traffic from 19th Street to 23rd Street, and in spite of the sometimes inclement weather there was a decent turnout for this first annual event.

The Sebastian River Art Club's tent was manned by Ray Ground and several other volunteers who volunteered their time and energies to display works by members and hand out information about the Club.

PLEIN AIR FOR CTA
Saturday brought a plein air session for CTA at SRAC's Art Center, on the edges of the beautiful park out back of the Clubhouse.  Although it was a day without shadows, as the sun never showed up, the day was cool and pleasant for painting, and several of us enjoyed the day.  Another session will be offered to the public to enjoy, or try painting it themselves, next Saturday, April 20th 11:00-3:00.  Extra easels, paints and brushes will be provided by the Club for the public to try.  Below is pictured a beautiful scene this blogger painted, one of many beautiful scenes at this lovely meandering park.  And this little duck came a-begging for a treat, which I happily provided for him.  Can't get that experience painting in a cluttered ol' studio!

JOE MILLER, WOODCARVER, FOR CTA
Ongoing in the Art Center for CTA, and throughout the month of May, in the Hume Gallery (SRAC's Guest Artist Gallery) will be works by Joe Miller, et. al, who is the president of the Indian River Woodcarvers.  He maintains a studio gallery at Art Mundo in Fort Pierce. 

Joe is a master woodcarver whose work has been exhibited all over Indian River County and beyond.  Canes, cranes, faces, wildlife and other beautiful woodcarvings will be on display through May.  Joe plans to have a carving workshop for the public at the Art Center in the near future--look for news of that.

VOTE FOR SRAC'S ART CENTER THEMES
In the exhibit rooms of SRAC's Art Center are works on view in all mediums and subjects, but pay particular attention to this month's theme - Gardens - and vote for your favorite.  At the end of each month there will be ribbons given out to the most popular works.  Also vote for last month's theme, "House pets" which missed the mark because of a water problem we had which forced us to remove many works from the walls.  So two votes please for our dedicated artists.

STAY TUNED THROUGH THE SUMMER!
As we all in the SRAC look forward to laying back a little on art-related endeavors for the summer, stay tuned for continuing exhibitions in the Art Center as we paint away and come up with more ideas for the public to enjoy.  Stop by any Tuesday, Thursday and most Saturdays 11:00-3:00 and take a peek at what's going on.  Maybe even join in and take up the brush.  It's a great bunch we have here, we have a good time, do some good work, help the community, share ideas, and find ways to help each other through the creative process.  Have a cup of coffee with us and we'll tell you about it.

Have an "Artsy" day!
Judy Burgarella
VP, and blogger for the
Sebastian River Art Club

CELEBRATE THE ARTS COMING!!!

Lots has happened since the last February blog entry - had some trouble with a busted pipe under the Art Center which also feeds the wonderful newly-opened Senior Center.  Well, that's fixed, and now we're back both back in business. 

Many new paintings have been created by our talented members in February and March, and although we skipped awarding ribbons for March because of the mishap, we ask our members and guests to please vote for their favorite animal portraits for March, and "Garden" painting for April.

Guests can now see studio painters within our gallery space at times during the day, in the DaVinci and Rembrandt Galleries, Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11-3:00. 

Our scholarhsip winner - watch for news of that!

CELEBRATE THE ARTS - A County-wide celebration of the arts, which the SRAC will be participating in.  April 19th to the 28th.  More news to come.

PICNIC - The SRAC Annual Picnic is tomorrow, Tuesday April 2nd, and we all look forward to getting together in a social setting outdoors at our lovely Riverview Park here in Sebastian.  Lots of food, laughs and good artsy conversation, overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, in view of Paul Krogel's bronze statue which resides there, and was created by our own member the late Rosalie Hume.

Rosalie Hume

Well, that's all for now.  Stay tuned for more news about the Sebastian River art Club's Art Center

Art Studio Tour--What a Blast!

Well, it's 2 days post Sebastian Art Studio Tour, and we're still enjoying the "afterglow."  It was a wonderful day for both artists and browsers alike, and the weather cooprated wonderfully too.  I would say we had at least 300 people come by my house, and there was a constant stream coming and going, all ravig about how much fun it was.  All except our master suite and guestroom was open to the public, and I had paintings on easels, tables and panels all over the house, with my Indian paintings on panels in the lanai, with Indian music playing  in the background.  A video of one of my portrait demonstrations was looping on our big screen, and nibblies were placed all around the kitchen area. 

People were happy and friendly, curious andcomplimentary.  Met lots of interesting people who love art or are artists themselves, and made many important contacts.  It was a lot of effort, but well worth it.  I will post photos of it soon.

As for the others, those I have talked to had a fabulous day also, with lots of positive feedback.  The Club had a great day, many members pitched in, painted and brought nibblies, with Peni Baker and Ann Emery overseeing it all.  This was so good for the Club's image and for exposure in the community, and I'm sure many more people are finally aware of it's exisence.  Below are a few pics that were sent to me by peni Baker.

Now this is what an art club should look like - people busily painting and chatting in a roomy, well-lit environment.  Doesn't have to be a castle, just neat, clean and orderly, with plenty of tables and chairs and windows ... the perfect place for us.  FYI, 10% of any sales from all studios will be to the Ecumenical Food Pantry. 

All-in-all, a wonderful and very memorable day.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger