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APRIL 2018 NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Spring has sprung, the grass is riz. I wonder where the boidie is. They say the boidie’s on the wing But that’s absoid. The wing is on the boid. Anonymous (And it wasn’t Ogden Nash)
On February 2 I crawled out of my den like my fellow groundhogs; Brandon Bob, Balzac Billy, Shubenacadie Sam and, of course, Punxsutawney Phil (He should have won an Oscar for Best Supporting Ground Hog in “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray!) We all saw our shadow and slipped back into the burrow for another six week nap. When I finally decided to try again I was greeted by the sounds of a Spring morning in Calgary, a snowblower. But I thought I would give it a day and sure enough on the weekend Spring finally arrived. How did I know this was for real? I heard a throaty rumble outside the condo, ran to the window and watched the “Hell’s Angels” roll by in formation. They had crawled out of their clubhouse, a sure sign that Spring was upon us. It had to be true, after all if you can’t trust the Hell’s Angels who can you trust.
What? Is that a snowblower I hear. Okay a quick trip to Starbucks and then it’s back to my burrow until the May long weekend!
As you all know on Tuesday, April 17, we will get together for another Spring ritual, our Annual General Meeting. Come prepared with your nominations for your new FCA Board. (President, Vice-President, Treasurer)
If you ever saw “Groundhog Day”, there are days I wouldn’t mind living over so I could get it right! But Ah Well, it’s time to “exit stage left”. It has been great spending time with you and with the Board and committed volunteers who have given more than you know to make the FCA work, and to promote the arts in Calgary.
Where is my baton? Time to pass it on!
Peace Bob McAllister 2
CONTENTS
President’s Message AGM and volunteer positions to be filled Meeting Dates Newsletter Submissions Upcoming Events - AGM - FCA April workshop Plein Air Event with Nancy-Lynne Hughes and Doug Swinton Art Show Committee Report Workshop registration process Art Education Workshop Schedule Workshop etiquette Minutes of Last Meeting
MEETING DATES
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at Lakeview Community Centre, 6110 – 34th Street SW at 7 pm. Parking is available but if the meeting is well attended you may have to park on the street. The centre is close to several bus routes.
17th April 15th May No meeting in June, July or August
Next newsletter September 2018
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
If you have an item for the newsletter, please send it to [email protected] by the second Tuesday of each month for inclusion in the next newsletter. I am happy to format items if you send me text in the body of an email or a Word document. Alternatively, a JPEG of a poster for an event etc is easy for me to insert. New volunteer needed to start with the May newsletter.. I will be happy to mentor you and do an issue together if you would like that. The Newsletter Editor is responsible for collecting items for the newsletter, reminding people and editing as needed, compiling the newsletter as a digital document, and sending it to the membership coordinator to be distributed. It is a great position for a new volunteer as you can attend the Executive Board meetings and learn more about the organisation and other roles. Thank you Cassandra Arnold
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UPCOMING EVENTS AGM 17 APRIL
New volunteers will get all the training and handover that they need so don’t be shy!
Open Positions: 1. To be voted in: • President • Vice President • Treasurer (with shadow period)
2. To be appointed: • Membership Coordinator • Workshop Coordinators • Advertising Coordinator • Volunteer Coordinator • Newsletter Editor
Here are details of some of these positions.
1. The membership co-ordinator maintains records of the FCA Calgary Chapter membership. All pertinent information is kept on a spreadsheet and updated regularly. The membership co- ordinator is responsible for meeting new members and guiding them through the application process for both supporting and active membership. Help is offered wherever needed to make the process smooth. This volunteer position is ideal for newer members as it is an excellent way of getting to know people within the chapter and also works closely with members of the board.
2. Workshop Coordinators (usually two people collaborate in this role) will have full responsibility for the planning and delivery of all FCA workshops including:
1. Scheduling 2. -planning and scheduling the educational workshop program a year in advance 3. -sourcing and hiring professional artists 4. -securing dates and times with artists, provide them with the FCA contract 5. -book art studio with Kensington art supply/store/studio(Friday night demo and Sat/Sun)
6. Advertising/Promoting 7. -Prepare a “year at a glance” brochure with workshop schedule for the September 8. newsletter, and provide it to Kensington Art supply/store manager 9. -promote the workshops on the FCA website, and face book page 4
10. -prepare monthly workshop information for the FCA newsletter
11. Registration 12. -attend each FCA general meeting to manage registration 13. -communicate regularly with treasurer to ensure participants are registered correctly 14. -observe the FCA website to ensure workshop information is accurate 15. -provide participants with receipts on day of workshop
16. Supplies 17. -get supply list from artist 18. -one month prior order supplies from the Kensington Art Supply Store 19. -send out supply list to all participants at least one week prior to workshop 20. -purchase snacks for the workshop
21. Hosting Workshop 22. -ensure artist has booked hotel Sandman Inn 23. -Drive artist to and from workshop 24. -introduce artist Friday night 25. -assist in the set up of studio for the weekend workshop 26. -facillitate workshop, support artist in timing of activities, generally making sure participants and artist are having an enjoyable learning experience
27. Administrative Duties 28. -participate on the executive board 29. -document all expenses on provided forms for the treasurer 30. -provide payment to Instructors, KAS, etc
3. Treasurer: looking for a new treasurer shadow Nadine in the Fall and takeover in January 2019. The position covers:
Membership renewals Workshops Demos Art Show expenses and sales Year End AGLC report Board Meetings on second Tuesday of each month
No accounting skills are required but a basic understanding of banking and organizational skills are good to have. The paid accountant takes care of all of the inputting, year-end filing and AGLC report.
If you’re interested, please feel free to contact Nadine at [email protected]. She will be happy to go through and explain everything in more detail. 5
NEXT WORKSHOP
APRIL
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MAY
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MEMBER SHOWCASE
Marija Petricevic-Bosnjak AFCA is pleased to announce the unveiling of commissioned portraits to Engineered Air, one of North America’s largest manufacturers of Heating, Air Conditioning and other products.
The unveiling of Mr. David Kukkonen’s portrait was on Jan 20 2018 at Newmarket, Ontario, and the unveiling of Mr. John Lindstrom’s portrait was on February 2 2018 in Calgary.
Mr. David Kukkonen, Oil, 30” x 24”
Mr. John Lindstrom, Oil, 30” x 24”
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ART SHOW COMMITTEE REPORT
FEDERATION OF CANADIAN ARTISTS – CALGARY CHAPTER
ART-O-RAMA at FORT CALGARY 750-9th Ave. S.E. JUNE 15TH AND JUNE 16TH 2018
We have a unique opportunity before us with a June show at Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is a landmark setting, easy to find, and popular with tourists and locals alike. There is ample free parking, and it is within walking distance of popular facilities, transit, and the bike path. Which make it perfectly situated destination to enjoy on a warm, bright Friday evening or Saturday.
For us to continue our promote our brand as representative of a professional level of quality, integrity of product and originality, we look to YOU - our membership - to commit to that purpose.
It is with excitement and trust, that we encourage each one of you to submit your best five paintings to this show jury.
As always, there are the basics and the behind the scenes work in progress to present a show of this kind. The show team has venue booked, warehouse delivery booked, signs booked, invitations ready, advertising in progress, and we await the results in early May to begin the next steps. Do yourself a favor and pay your hanging fees at the May general meeting. It reduces the scramble on show day.
Fort Calgary welcomes us to their second floor Officer’s Mess Hall, a beautiful setting with lots of light, and yes, there is an elevator.
Friday June 15. We will be the show starting with easel delivery at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, June 15. Next, the artists will bring their paintings at 4:00 p.m. (don’t be late), and the hanging committee will do their magic from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. We open to the public at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday June 16, 2018, our show opens at 10:00 a.m. and runs through to 4:00 p.m. We have a new volunteer sign up sheet which will be made available prior to the show. Everyone in the show must contribute 2 hours. After the show closes, we will pack the delivery truck for the warehouse. Please note, we are unable to store or return left items, please ensure you have all your belongings.
How can we make this organization the “go to” for the best quality art show in the city? YOU.
Beatrice Wilhelm [email protected]
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ART AVENUE OPPORTUNITIES
The next deadline for submissions is June 1st for the July issue.
Fellow artists,
I am unable to attend meetings but I continue to be an enthusiastic volunteer as Art Avenue liaison. I would like to invite you to help me improve our contributions. Anyone can help by contacting me at this email address: [email protected]
The 4 point takeaway suggestions to consider from the following is:
• Share stories, thoughts, feedback, advertisements about your exhibitions, workshops, publications via Facebook and our Newsletter with links to your webpages to make it easy to find when submissions are due. What Carol Crenna, Art Avenue editor is looking for: "gallery inclusions, award wins, new marketing opportunities, solo shows, new active members (with a line of background about artist), members inclusions in magazines or other publicity." • Create a channel of communication for the liaison to remind artists to contribute a week before the deadlines? Perhaps a reminder at the meetings? • Who should receive the draft versions of the submission to ensure the Chapter news is well- represented? • List of workshops that should be covered in each submission? What is the most efficient way to do that?
The Art Avenue liaison volunteer contributes to a section in the magazine dedicated to news from the chapters. The new Art Avenue format, which was introduced in 2017, places greater emphasis on content that is of wider interest and uses larger images. Chapter sections highlight Chapter exhibitions (with photos of 1st, 2nd, 3rd place award winning artworks), workshops, demonstrations, and newsworthy accomplishments by individual artists. In the past this included awards and honors, solo exhibitions, publications, and participation in exhibitions such as Federation Gallery juried shows, etc
There is an additional section in Art Avenue where individual artists submit their own content and photos for In the News (page 3).
The liaison also has had occasional opportunities to contribute to full page feature articles, as was the case this year with the article on the 35th anniversary of the Calgary Chapter in January 2017, the article on Rex Beanland's studio, published in Art Avenue July/August 2017 and a similar article on my own studio in September 2017.
Regularly, our contribution consists of c. 120 words with 1 or 2 images. This varies depending on contributions by other Chapters, etc.
In October 3, 2017 I posted this plea for content on our Facebook page, three days after the deadline for our Art Avenue submission. It was the first time I didn't have enough content from our chapter. 10
"It's like having a wall made available to you to display your artwork in a major venue and not hanging your paintings there."
"You have an amazing opportunity to have photos of your work in our national high quality art magazine! We need your news and photos! Don't be shy. ... Carol Crenna has given us a new deadline - October 10. In her email, Carol asked me to remind you, " it doesn’t have to be earth- shattering news. And not to be shy about little achievements. It’s a way to get their painting in the magazine, even if they were just one of many in a local show that has nothing to do with the FCA." We only need 120 words and 1 or 2 art images.
The new guidelines ask for:
• "Newsworthy accomplishments of Chapter members – gallery inclusions, award wins, new marketing opportunities, solo shows, new active members (with a line of background about artist), members inclusions in magazines or other publicity." • If you attended a recent workshop could you give some feedback? • "Recent workshop or demo with an artist (member or nonmember) that you would like to include with 1-2 lines on their accomplishments or exactly what they discussed in the workshop."
If you need help with wording, I can do that.
The deadline for submissions are the first day of February, April, June, August, October and December. The content is published for about mid-March, May, July, September, November and January. So announcements for upcoming activities need to be consider the publication date which is 5 or 6 weeks after the submission date.
I have been using content from our website, specifically under events and workshops. (I also rely on the workshop coordinators contributions, and will often look up background information on workshop facilitators for either demonstrations in monthly meetings or weekend workshops.) I have looked at FCA exhibitions in Vancouver to see who has been juried in to exhibitions there. I have visited web pages of individual artists to look for recent activities. I have emailed and phoned individuals. I consult our Chapter's Facebook page but most of all, I depend on the invaluable work of Cassandra Arnold (and previous editors) in our Chapter's monthly newsletters.
Yours in painting, Maureen
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WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
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WORKSHOP REGISTRATION PROCESS
Registration for the workshops will also be open to the other organized “art groups” or “artists” as our educational programs are meant to benefit all artists within our community. Members and non- members may only register for the workshop being offered for that current month. Registration will open on a first come, first served basis on the day of the General Meeting (the third Tuesday of each month).
There will be an opportunity for those who wish to pay by cheque or credit/debit card to do so at the FCA General Meeting scheduled for one month prior to the workshop. The cash payment option will no longer be available. Should you wish to use your casino voucher for payment, please email Sheila Mitchell ([email protected]) Pre-registration will no longer be available. Once a workshop is full we will have a waitlist which will accommodate registrants in a first come first served basis.
Workshop Coordinators: Sheila Mitchell, Caran Magaw
WORKSHOP ETIQUETTE
Please read and reflect on this document before registering for workshops, to ensure that all participants, including the instructor, will have a quality experience.
Workshop Etiquette
An interview with Michael Chesley Johnson
Artist’s Magazine, October 2016, page 31
“There is no accomplishment so easy to acquire as politeness, and none more profitable.” George Bernard Shaw Workshop Manners
Q: I attend a lot of workshops and enjoy them immensely because I learn so much from the instructors and enjoy interacting with other participants. Often, though, there’s one participant who mars the experience with continual comments or even argumentative statements to the instructor. Can you suggest a code of etiquette for workshop attendees?
A: You pay a lot for a workshop, so you’ll want to get the most out of it. Following a few simple guidelines will maximize the benefits:
• Respect the instructor: You paid him, so you must think he knows more than you. If it turns out he doesn’t, then disagree politely and let it go. Arguments waste time. 14
• Read the supply list and bring the items listed. Chances are you are going to learn a new technique and, without the proper materials, you won’t be able to participate fully.
• Follow the curriculum. You attend a workshop to learn from the instructor; going your own way is just treading over old ground. If the instructor’s method doesn’t work for you, you can abandon it after the workshop.
• Follow the rules. Instructors will set ground rules such as start and end times, permissible plein air painting areas and so on. Rules make a successful workshop.
• Turn off your cell phone. No texting either. No matter how surreptitious you may think you are, you’re not.
• Keep your questions relevant. Save off-topic questions for a coffee break (but also realize the instructor may need that coffee break as badly as you do!).
• Don’t photograph or videotape the instructor, students or models without explicit permission. There are legal reasons for this, but it’s also just polite.
• Respect your fellow students. If you’re more advanced, grit your teeth and bear it; you’ll still learn something. If you’re behind the others, don’t be needy; the others paid as much for attention as you did.
• Keep quiet while others are trying to concentrate during the painting session. Gabbing away is distracting.
• Don’t ask to put on music. No group can ever agree on a playlist. If you must have music, bring a personal listening device with earbuds. But make sure you don’t mistakenly send “I’m not available” signal to the instructor when he makes the rounds.
• Avoid monopolizing the critique time. Others want their work critiqued too.
• Don’t offer critiques unless invited by the instructor to do so. Students are paying for the instructor’s feedback, not yours.
• Don’t criticize the instructor behind his back. Either talk to the instructor privately about your problem or keep it to yourself.
These rules, based on common politeness, are all easy to follow. Usually, bad manners are an accident resulting from the person at fault’s simply not paying attention. Being aware of others is the best way to make sure everyone has a happy workshop experience.
MICHAEL CHESLEY JOHNSON, is a contributing editor for The Artist’s Magazine. He teaches plein air workshops throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - MARCH 2018
General Meeting Minutes: March 20, 2018 Lakeview Community Centre SW, Calgary Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by Bob McAlister
Approval of February 2018 AGM minutes: Dianne Stewart approved, Marija Bosnjak seconded minutes.
Treasurers Report – Nadine Operating $21,026.03 Casino $68,792.83 E-Account $11,677.44
We received the cheque from FCA Vancouver for Shannon's volunteer contribution she submitted to Suncor. $731.00 was deposited into our operating account today. Thank you, Shannon.
The Casino vouchers were loaded today but I did not bring them. I needed to make sure that I could track them properly before I handed them out. They are like cash, if you lose them they are gone. We will not replace them. Each shift that was worked at the casino will receive $162.00 for those that worked 2 shifts they will receive $324.00.
They will be at the AGM. If you want your gift card then you must attend a general meeting, they will not be mailed, and we will not give them to another person. You will have to sign that you received your casino voucher.
Spring Into Art - Show Expenses
A total of 133 paintings were exhibited for sale.
Show Sales $1,600.00 Invitations $305.08 Avery Cards $40.92 Prize Rosettes $80.54 Tri Fold brochures $147.00 Signage $178.00 Truck $430.97 16
Venue $1,815.00 $2,997.51 Jurying Fees Van $ 310.00 estimate Hanging Fees $1,330.00 Total $1,357.51 expense There needs to be some awareness about the conduct at the cash table when signing in at the Spring Into Art show and the behavior of some of our members, specifically how impatient they were with the volunteers. Everyone who volunteers is not necessarily an expert in the area they are assisting or doing, so please be courteous and patient when dealing with them. It would be good for everyone to volunteer at some point, so they have a better understanding of what goes on.
Spring Into Art - Details
Beatrice was very pleased with the venue for the Spring Into Art Show. Curbex was the company that was contacted to do the signage for the show. Beatrice decided to take a drive and look at the signs about 3-4 days prior to the show, she wanted to get some pictures. She didn't see any so she called them. They had forgotten to make our signs and put them out. They were up the next day but that only gave us about 3 days of signage. They were also not very bold, pastel colours not eye catching. Debbie Adams has volunteered to take on signage! Thank you Debbie
As we move forward and more people jump on board it will give everyone an opportunity to learn all about the different jobs.
We used a new delivery truck this time they were on time and everything arrived and made it back to the warehouse. They also came in under budget.
Rita thank you for stepping up to help do the volunteer list at the last minute. It was appreciated.
All the volunteers did an amazing job! Karen Oliver and Linda Clowes did title cards and awards. It wasn't as smooth as in the past but it all came together and was excellent. They both really helped Beatrice!
Anne McGilvary volunteered to do the hanging committee for this past show and will now be doing the Call for submissions and juried paintings role moving forward. Thanks Anne! There are so many steps involved in putting on a show. We know that there are areas of improvements that will be worked on.
Awards- 2 people received 2 awards each. Branko and Marjorie. This would not normally have every happened. So the decision was made to give the 2 people who would have received Honourable mention to be acknowledged.
Ron Czemeres for Eamon's Camp Version 2 and Debbie Adams for The Beaners Pond – K Country. Congratulations!
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For the June show, the submissions will be increased to 5 paintings. If we don't receive the minimum number of paintings, we will consider juried pieces from at least 2 shows previous. Fort Calgary will be amazing. Call for artwork will be out at the end of this week or the end of March.
Edgemont has been booked for the October 6th show.
Strathcona is booked again for Spring 2019.
Participating artists are required to work 2 hours at the show. This could be 2 separate shifts through the day at different stations but it is mandatory you work your 2 hours, or 2 shifts.
Karen and Linda are working on a new sign up system for volunteering. Hanging committee members will not work on the same row where their paintings are hung to ensure there is no favouritism.
Please wear your FCA name tags, it’s important for the people coming in to recognize that we are the artists and also if someone wishes to speak to you we will know who you are. There will be sticky labels next time just in case.
Before submitting to the next show please review the show standards for all artwork. Nothing glued on, such as beads, bows, manufactured items that are craft related, anything that is not made by the artist. This is a 2-D show. In the rules you cannot use photo transfers or any transfers that are not manufactured or made by the artist. Please review the show rules and guidelines. Shows like Calyx and others would be considered open shows and would allow for that type of exploration. In the past, most artists made most of their own materials, we have now moved so far from that that it can become a slippery slope that goes down to the craft side of the equation. If you belong to another organization, they don't have the same rules as ours you may be able to show your work then.
Juried work is different than an open show. 2-D materials creating fine art. This raises the questions as well of duplicating your art. Vancouver will not be able to catch everything. They are doing the judication but they can't possibly see everything through the computer. If there are issues with a piece of artwork it will be pulled from the show. Such as framing materials, frames falling off, pieces falling off paintings, non archival materials being used, craft materials being used, anything that would be considered manufactured and not made by the artist. The hanging committee will have the authority to make that call.
Q: John Abbott asked about paper matts on artwork and if anything had been decided regarding that.
A:Paper matts need to be mounted in an archival format. The artwork needs to be able to be moved without damage. It would be better to use linen matting or put behind glass. The artwork was acrylic but the matting was paper so was not framed to be archival.
Member News
Our condolences to Ron Czemeres who lost his wife a few weeks ago to Breast Cancer. If people would like to make a donation in honour of Ron's wife that would be wonderful. You may be able to make it at the AGM in April depending on the tracking and we will have a better idea if Casino vouchers can be used. If we can't do it then we will have the information for you to donate privately. 18
Workshops
Elena Buchan was great.
Mike Svob is full. It is an acrylic workshop. The FCA has a few supplies but not much left. You must bring your own materials, so please review the supply list prior to coming. If you have forgotten something or don't have it, you can purchase it at Kensington Art supply.
There are 16 people in this workshop. It will be very full so be patient and respectful of one another as well as the instructor.
May is the Plein Air event with Doug Swinton and Nancy Lynn Hughes. We aren’t sure how it will look but could be one day with each instructor will let you know. Weather may be an issue and will have a plan at that time.
Caran and Sheila will be finished in June please consider taking over the role of workshops. It gives you an opportunity to work with some amazing instructors. Carol Nelson will be in June and there is lots of interest for her.
Other Announcements
C – Space has the portraits show on now. Ends this Saturday, over 200 artists. Open 8-8 everyday.
AGM – Volunteer Positions
Over the next month we will put out nominations for the upcoming AGM.
• President (3-year term)
• Treasurer
• Vice President
• Second Vice president
• Newsletter
We will be looking for an Advertising Coordinator as well someone to oversee the volunteers (a committee) that can do the following:
• all outlets for free advertising
• Note: More will be posted in the newsletter as well as in the agenda that will come out prior to the AGM. 19
Newsletter
Cassandra is happy to mentor the next person. It’s a great volunteer position for a new member if you haven't volunteered before. It’s fun and you get to go to the board meetings and learn about the other roles. It’s a great way to become involved.
Anne MacGilvary read Cassandras note from the newsletter regarding her posting of items in the newsletter and when she would like information sent to her to put in the newsletter. The 7th day of every month.
Regarding submitting items to the newsletter and what type of content was acceptable or shareable. We get requests from other organizations to put information on workshops and such we can't do it. We would have to charge and we are a not for profit organization and cannot promote sales. It is in conflict with our AGLC rules and guild lines.
AGLC Awareness
Art Avenue has changed its direction or Vancouver has changed the direction its taking Art Avenue. They are using it as a form of self-promotion for artists, shows workshops etc.
The Bio Table at the shows is fine because we are paying out of our operating account and the AGLC is not involved with this at all.
A workshop brochure was dropped off at the Spring Into Art Show. It was not an FCA workshop, the artist did not participate in our show and did not support this show. This will not be allowed.
We have to be very diligent where the AGLC is concerned. They have a form of covert opps, where they watch to make sure organizations are not trying to change from a non-profit to for profit which is in direct conflict with their guidelines. This applies to all organizations that are with the AGLC.
Introduction to Presentation
Nancy Lynn Hughes did a presentation on the Business of Art
Minutes by Shannon King