MCMURRAY ART LINES

TO PROVIDE AND STIMULATE November 2013 FOCUS ON THE ARTS

Audrey Flack’s Rich Art 1973 www.mcmurrayartleague.org

A Note from the President

Dear MAL Friends,

Wow, looking back at October, it was so busy. MAL had 26 events happening in one month! No wonder it seemed like a whirlwind of activity—it was! Laura Mooney and Ginnie Hults deserve a round of applause for chairing our first all-art-leagues Art Show at the Galleria. They had great support in planning from Jan Pini and Theresa Bozzo as well as the support and assistance from many others in the league---even from those who had not entered art in the show. Now that is a dedicated group! Thank you all so much!

With shock I looked out the window two weeks ago and saw snow. So I shouldn’t have been surprised that November snuck up on me, but I was. Looking forward, finishing out this calendar year there are classes with Christine Swann-pastels, Barry Jeter-oil, David Csont-wc, Elaine Wertheim-Art Talk and three CAFEs. Be sure to sign up now. Note that the artwork in this newsletter is the work of Audrey Flack Sign up to learn more about this artist featured in Art Talk on Nov. 14. Our December MAL Mingle is being held on the 10th. It was a huge success last year and there was a resounding yes to having our second annual Mingle. Hope to see you there!

Since our next newsletter will be our February newsletter, I want to take this time to wish you all a warm and happy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season! Your president, Linda Saksa 1 News and Notes from the League Membership for third place between Sue Levy’s “Victorian House” and Ted Hardy’s “Ludlow PA Barn”. Congratulations! Currently, MAL consists of 115 artists and we welcome our latest members! The MAL Directory Updates are all MAL’s Mingle Holiday Get Together on page 11 of the newsletter.

Since classes are coming to an end November 18 and McMurray Art League's CAFE Away a out next general meeting isn’t until February 13, we Big Success! decided to set aside a time to gather with our art friends at the studio. MAL’s Mingle will be held on Tuesday, Everyone had a great time at Oglebay Park for CAFE December 10. Take a couple of hours for yourself to Away. Anne Trimble, Jan Pini, Louise Atwell, Judy take a breather from the hustle and bustle and plan to be Lauso. Lois Illar, Jeanne Polizzano, Darlene Sanders, at the studio for MAL Mingle between 11-1. Please Sandy Conley, and Theresa Bozzo all attended. We had bring along some hors d'oeuvres, cookies or treats to CAFE classes for Zentangle, making little decorative share with your creative friends. Sign up online or send boxes and bracelets. The artists painted, ate, laughed an email to Anne Davis at [email protected] or call and generally just had a good time. Ann played her her at 724-941-2581 by Sunday, December 8 to let us guitar for us. We enjoyed wine and a lovely fire place. know that you will be attending. This was great fun and The weather didn't cooperate, but as always MAL a huge success in 2012. Hope to see you on the 10th of makes any event a good time. We are planning to have December. another get away in the spring. Hope more of you will consider coming. It was a wonderful way to get to know Nomination Committee 2014-2015 members better and a chance to be creative and relax. The Nominations Committee will begin its search for MAL Member Directories the June 2014 - May 2015 Officers and Board Members in January. It is time to think about what you can do for If you haven't yet received yours, the MAL2013-2014 MAL. If anyone is interested in stepping up to help to Directories will be available for pick-up at the guide MAL,please contact Darla Duffy November 14, 2013 General Meeting. See Alena Lutton. [email protected] or Theresa Bozzo [email protected] (Chairs). We are always fortunate to find support in this MAL Members in the Spotlight wonderful membership to carry on the service in our interest that we provide in the Arts Community. • Jan Pini and Mary Dunn have pieces accepted in the Southwestern Council for the Arts' 18th Annual Sympathies and Get Well Wishes Regional Juried Art Exhibition. The show runs November 22 through February 9, 2014 at the Southern We are saddened to announce that long-time board Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, One member and Art League Liaison, Marianne Koellner, Boucher Lane and Rt. 711S, Ligonier. The reception is passed away in early October. Notes of sympathy can November 23 from 6 to 10 pm. be sent to her daughter, Carol Koellner, at Marianne's address in the directory. The League has arranged for •Mary Dunn has been accepted into the national Pastel Peters Township Library to purchase an art book in her Society of America as an Associate Member. memory--Art Fundamentals: Color, Light, Composition, Anatomy, Perspective and Depth. •Jan Pini was MAL’s first place People’s Choice Award winner for her painting “Maine Lake from the Many of you may remember Carol Randolph, who was Water”. As winner, she received $25 from the Lee very active in McMurray Art League. She is currently Hanawalt Memorial Award Fund. Ted Hardy’s undergoing intensive medical treatment and would certainly appreciate your cards and good wishes. “Aruba Surf” came in second place, and there was a tie 2 2013-2014 MAL Classes, CAFEs and Events

The McMurray Art League is in a class all it's own! We are one of the few organizations that offer the amount and variety of classes and CAFEs in this area. So let's support the league and get together and have some fun! There are still openings in the following classes and we will need more students in order to hold them. If these are your favorite teachers please send in your registrations ASAP. It would be a shame to have to cancel these wonderful instructors' classes.

Dates ARTIST MEDIA HOURS MEMBER NON-MEM. Nov 5, 12, 19 Christine Swann: Pastel Portraits 9:30 to 3 $45 $50 per day Nov 9, 16 David Csont: Watercolor and More 10 to 3 $35 $40 per day Jan 21, 22 Jeannie McGuire: Watercolor Figures 10 to 4 $45 $50 per day Jan 29 Mary Kay Richardson Miniature Paintings 10 to 4 $30 $35 per day

Feb 4, 11 Kit Paulson: Watercolor 10 to 4 $30 $35 per day Feb 20 Leslie Fehling Intro to Sketchbook Journaling 10 to 4 $30 $35 per day More information will be on our website

Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 Tom McNickle: Watercolor Painting 10 to 4 $35 $40 per day Mar 20, 27 Robert Daley: Oil Portraits 10 to 4 $40 $45 per day April 2,9, 16,23, 30 Sue Levy: Watercolor Painting 10 to 2 $25 $30 per day

April 8, 15, Barry Jeter: Watercolor Painting 10 to 4 $35 $40 per day May 20 Denise Graham: Polymer Clay Painting 10 to 4 $35 $40 per day (Poppies) Material Fee TBA Signing up for Classes Don’t forget, there are two ways that you can sign up for classes: using our website or by contacting Jean Kunz. You can sign up on the website by viewing either “Events” or “Calendar”. Using the “Calendar” you can view the entire month at a time. If you have questions, please refer to our past newsletters or call Theresa Bozzo. What's New With Upcoming Classes

Just wanted to give people a heads up about some classes we are planning for MAL members. The Miniature Painting class is a reflection of "Whiskey Painting" (no whiskey involved), you might want to look up this art form on the net to get and idea of what it involves. This should be fun. The Sketchbook Journaling is going to be followed in the Spring with a possible bus trip to the Phipps or some other inspiring site to experience first hand journaling skills. We are trying to schedule a class where we would learn and make our own journals that you might want to use on the planned sketchbook journaling outing. We are waiting confirmation from Robert Daley for Portraiture Oil Painting on March 20, & 27. We have contacted Peggi Habets for a watercolor class, she is checking her calendar for possible dates.

We hope that these up coming classes will get your creative juices flowing and encourage you to take our classes. If anyone has suggestions for future classes, contact Theresa Bozzo at [email protected] or at 412 429 1619. We appreciate all the support from our members.

3 CAFEs

With the holidays right around the corner, consider making a last minute gift in an affordable CAFE workshop at the studio.

• Nov 11 - Altered Papers workshop with Darlene Sanders. Fee $6.00- to register: [email protected] or 724-743-9197 • Dec 5 - GingerBread House Ornament in Polymer Clay workshop with Denise Graham. Fee $15.00- must register by 12/2 [email protected] or 412-221-1692 • Dec 12 - Simple Bracelets For Everyone with Theresa Bozzo 10 am to 11:30 In this CAFE Theresa will demonstrate how to make simple bracelets for yourself or for a Christmas Gift. They will be made with stretchy cord and she will also demonstrate memory wire bracelets. All you need to bring with you is your creativity to pick beads that you like, and you will learn how to lay out, string and knot the beads or use the memory wire. The cost for this CAFE is the $3.00 studio fee and the cost for the beads and materials you will use. The cost will be between $5.00 to $10.00 depending on your bead selection. Please register on the MAL website (mcmurrayartlegue.org) by December 2, by clicking on Events or WA Calendar and select CAFE on December 12. If you cannot register on line email Carol Kilkeary ([email protected]) or call Theresa Bozzo at(412 429 1619). There will be a limit of 12 students. 2013-14 Thematic Shows

Take down of the current “Black and White” thematic show will be Thursday, November 21 between 5:00 and 8:00pm. Drop off for the next show, "Seasons" will be at the same time. All McMurray Art League members are invited to hang “seasonal” themed work. C o n t a c t S a n d y Conley [email protected] or Michalina Pendzich [email protected] by November 14 if you want to participate. For those of you who do not take part in the show, be sure to stop by on a Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. to view the show and to visit with fellow artists who are either there as an exhibiting artist or working at the studio during that time.

November 21 - January 30, 2014 “Seasons” – Any work that is an expression of or inspired by Seasons is eligible for this show. This could include “seasons of life” as well as depictions of nature. Receiving on Nov. 21, 5 – 8 p.m.

January 30 – March 27, 2014 “Home” – Is it where the heart is or is it an architectural rendering? Think about your home-inspired pieces and participate in the show. Receiving on January 30, 5 – 8 p.m.

March 27 – May 29, 2014 “The Human Form”- Portrait artists and life-drawing class participants, this one’s for you. Receiving on March 27, 5 – 8 p.m.

MAL Speakers for 2013-2014

Spring Mal Speakers will be William McAllister on February 13, Amy Lindenberger on March 6 and finally, Mark Klinger on April 10. Come join us! 4 November 14 Art Talk with Elaine Wertheim

The last Art Talk of the fall series will take place at the MAL studio on Monday, November 18 from 10:00 to 11:30am. Come join us for an informative lecture about Audrey Flack, a contemporary painter, printmaker and public sculptor whom you've probably never heard of. Educated at and , for sixty years Flack has been a deeply influential practicing artist. After studying with the Strawberry Tart Supreme 1974 abstract painter and color theorist , she embarked on a body of abstract expressionist paintings in the early 1950s, and befriended the leading artists of that movement including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Hans Hoffman. Flack earned her reputation as a leading artist of the Photorealist movement, painting hyper real canvases from projected photographs. Her subjects range from press photographs to portraits, still lives, and the epic trilogy she called the Vanitas series.

The first work by a photorealist painter to be acquired by the Museum of , Flack's work is in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art and the National Museum of Art in Canberra, Australia.

Audrey Flack Marilyn Golden Girl 1978 Audrey Flack Wheel of Fortune 1977-78

You can register for this last lecture on the MAL website or by contacting MAL Registrar Jean Kunz at [email protected]. Non-members welcome."

Would You Like to Share?

If you have any information you’d like to share with the League through our newsletter, please submit the information in paragraph form if possible to Renee Keil at [email protected] and also copy the article to Linda Saksa at [email protected] The information/article would be due the Friday after the appropriate board meeting (see schedule on page 7 of the newsletter or on line at the MAL website).

5 MAL 2013 “Art Walk” Fall Exhibit a Great Success!

The multi-art league show at the Galleria was a huge success considering how little time everyone had to prepare for the event. It was wonderful to have so many artists with varying artistic mediums (fiber, watercolor, acrylic, oil, glass, paper, metal, clay, photography, etc.) all in one location. Other leagues included Upper St. Clair, Heritage Box, Bethel Art League, South Arts, Whitehall and the Photography Section. Our display location was great as it was well lit and visible from the center of the mall, from the elevator/escalator area, from the corridor by Pottery Barn Kids and from the entrance near Coldwater Creek. Our screens were enhanced by using a fabric back-drop that covered the wires and hooks, and also by the out-of-the-box thinking of Ted Hardy who re- configured our original setup. Thanks to Ted, our screens were set up more like free-flowing “columns” that lead patrons through our entire display including our lovely card rack area and prints.

Our sales increased in large part from the credit card reader we were able to borrow. Approximately $1,200 of our $1,846.50 total sales were by credit card. Five out of the seven paintings sold were credit card sales. Everyone was pleasantly surprised at how easy the card reader was to use. Jan Pini did a great job on the instructions.

Speaking of sales, approximately 45 items were sold (cards and prints) in addition to the seven paintings listed below:

• Pat Barnitz – “Oakleaf Hydrangea” (Watercolor)

• Theresa Bozzo – “In the Shade” and “Birches on Parade” (Watercolor)

• Denise Graham – “River’s Point” and “Slopes” (Polymer Clay)

• Ted Hardy – “Aruba Surf” and Ludlow PA Barn” (Watercolor)

The reception food got mixed reviews. Each league had one Galleria restaurant assigned to them for the reception food. MAL was fortunate to have BRAVO supply us with delicious hors d'oeuvres, while one league had no food at all. A big THANK YOU to Barbara Wettergreen for the tasty punch she so graciously provided.

Each league was responsible for at least two classes/demonstrations during the ten-day exhibit. MAL had four wonderful classes. In general the classes were not well attended, but none the less they were all delightful for both children and adults. Special THANK YOU’S to our members who volunteered to teach these classes - Susan Castriota, Lydia Mansur, Denise Graham and Judy Kandel. You all did an excellent job!

• Susan’s audience of two sweet little girls had pictures of Bella and Wilson (Susan’s dogs) drawn and autographed just for them. Susan signed several books for others who attended.

• Lydia drew a small crowd as she demonstrated an easy method of learning fancy script calligraphy. Everyone got to make a card to take home.

• Denise went through the entire fascinating process of creating polymer clay “fabric” that can be used for an endless amount of artwork and decorating. It’s addictive!

• Judy’s class, located at Learning Express, attracted the younger crowd who were so proud to make something by themselves to take home.

(Please see pictures taken at the Galleria of the show, reception and our classes on page 8 in this newsletter. Photos were taken by Louise Atwell and Laura Mooney) 6 I can’t tell you how much Ginny Hults and I appreciated those who helped in any way to make this show a success. We were thrown into this new show format with no show experience at all, but it all came together. Theresa Bozzo, Linda Saksa and Jan Pini were indispensable for their knowledge and willingness to do what needed to get done. In addition, Theresa designed our beautiful programs, and Jan got us the credit card reader and re-wrote the sales procedures. All three of them gave us a wealth of encouragement and information which made this show run smoothly. Ginny and I spoke to many people who freely helped in some way, so please know that your input was greatly appreciated, too!

Another big THANK YOU to Carol Kilkeary who provided transportation for the screens to/from the show, including her friend and her husband who did much of the heavy work. Many spouses helped also, and for the set up people just came out of nowhere to bring the screens and other show materials in from the parking garage. And of course, THANK YOU to all the artists who participated in this show. The Galleria was impressed with the quality of your work. You made our show outstanding!

We apologize for the long wait the artists had during the check in at the setup. Next time the arrival time for artists will be at least 30 minutes after the screen set up. Other changes to the Spring Show are already being discussed between the Galleria and all participating art leagues to improve and enhance these events. This multi-league show was a great beginning event and it will continue to improve and grow into a “must-see” experience in the very near future. Don’t miss it!!

Laura Mooney, Co-Chair, 2013 Fall Show

Fall Show Online Survey

If you have not already done so, please take a few moments to respond to our online survey regarding the 2013 Fall Show. Your answers will impact changes to the 2014 Spring show and beyond. We would greatly appreciate your input and feedback so that we can know what is important to you, our members, especially if there is something holding you back from participating in shows. This link will take you to the survey https://survey.zohopublic.com/ zs/LGBVLp This survey is anonymous so no personal information is required or collected. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Please contact Laura Mooney 412-561-8176 or [email protected] , if you have any questions about the survey. The deadline for taking the survey is Tuesday, November 12. Results will be reported at the November 14 general meeting and in our next newsletter.

Board Meetings – Mondays General Meetings – Thursdays January 20 – 2:00 pm November 14 – 2:00 pm February 17 – 2:00 pm February 13 – 2:00 pm March 24 – 2:00 pm March 6 - 2:00 pm--1st Thurs April 21 – 2:00 pm April 10 - 7:00 pm

7 McMurray Art League 2013 Fall Show

Reception and Show at the Galleria

Photographs by Louise Atwell and Laura Mooney8 McMurray Art League 2013 Fall Show Classes Susan Castriota: “Wilson’s Wondrous Tails” Drawing Demonstration & Book Signing

Lydia Mansur: Fancy Script Calligraphy

Denise Graham: Free-Form Polymer Clay Fabric

Judy Kandel: Paper Birds

Photographs by Louise Atwell and Laura Mooney Spring Juried Show—2014--“Spring At Last”

We hope you’re as excited as we are about the success of the MAL Fall exhibit at the Galleria: being part of one big exhibit with other leagues, and being able to sell our work. Our Spring 2014 juried exhibit will be the same format, though we probably will be assigned a different space in the mall. Also, the multi-league exhibit will be a couple of months earlier than we have held our spring exhibits in the past. Here are some dates to put on your calendar: Registration Postmark: February 15, 2014

Screening: Saturday, February 22, 2014, 10:00-11:00

Pick up from screening: Sunday, February 23, 2014, 1:00-2:00

Delivery of Work/Set up Show: Thursday, March 13, 2014, 9:00 PM

Show Dates: March 14 – March 23

Reception: Friday, March 15 7:00-9:00 PM (tentative)

Take down Show: Sunday, March 23, 5:00 PM

We’ll have the prospectus and registration forms available before the end of 2013. So time to get painting!! Jan Pini & Annie Trimble Spring Exhibit Co-chairs

Studio Responsibilities, Blue Tablecloths and Reminders

We welcome the creative endeavors in our studio but want to remind you to be responsible--meaning that when you leave, the areas used must be as clean (or cleaner) than when you arrived. There has been paint left on the tables and splattered on the walls. There are blue vinyl table cloths (in the box under the table near the bulletin board) to use to keep the tables clean. They can also be used as drop cloths. That makes clean up much easier and leaves the studio in “visitors’ condition”. Remember that we are now featuring art shows and we invite the public to view the studio gallery. There is another “keep the studio clean” request. If you use the trash, please empty the trash or take what little you use with you if it is perishable. Recently we had to leave the front door open to air out the studio and put the trash can out back to air out. There was very little trash in the can but it was potent! Thank you for your respectful use of our studio. With your consideration, the studio will be the happy place we all want it to be!

Just a Reminder - Parking at the Studio We have received a letter from the Mosites Corporation to have members park from the corner of the building next to Cedar's Restaurant and around the back of the strip mall. This has always been a requirement for the use of the studio, but we have gotten lax on reminding people to do this. They have also asked all store owners and their employees to park there and other designated areas. There will a map of these areas on the bulletin board in the studio. We are asking for your cooperation in this matter as it is through the generosity of the Mosites that we have our wonderful studio.

10 News from Outside the League and Beyond!

Plein Air Mt. Lebanon is looking for a small group of individuals to manage our newly created Municipal Art Gallery. We have 81 feet of gallery rods and wish to have 2-3 individuals manage the ongoing efforts to display art in this public space. We would be happy to acknowledge the McMurray Art League as the coordinators of this space for 2014 which allows exposure to your organization as well as your members to display artwork. Members of your organization that are also residents of Mt. Lebanon may be most interested in this opportunity. Contact Linda Csont at 412-531-5679

MAL Directory Updates

To Update Your Directory. simply print out the names and member information listed below, then cut out and paste onto a blank page in your directory booklet.

Susan Barr Marian Sallade 323 Winners Circle 205 East Genessee Canonsburg PA 15317 Pittsburgh PA 15223 h:724-745-6533 c:724-249-4537 h:412-487-1455 [email protected] [email protected] Oil, Pastel/WC PWS/NHAC/PPAL ______Donna Chapmen Patricia Young 1136 Arrowhead Dr 118 Hidden Ridge Canonsburg PA 15317 Pittsburgh PA 15238 h:724-222-2262 c: 724-884-6373 h:4122-406-7404 c: 412-873-9630 [email protected] [email protected] Charcoal/Pastel/WC/Oil PPAL/PSA/PWS ______Eugenia Chirino Elaine Wertheim 117 Fireside Dr 136 Mayfair Dr McMurray PA 15317 Pittsburgh PA 15228 h:412-315-8201 h:412-341-4463 c: 412-400-2644 genis_rommero@hotmailcom WC/Acrylic [email protected] ______Carol Devitis Rosann Wagner 86 Red Fox Rd Fulton Rd Hickory PA 15340 Canonsburg PA 15317 h:724-225-3678 Acrylic/WC/Pen & Ink h:724-745-4212 c: 504-301-7999 [email protected] Acrylic/WC/Pen & Ink GTDC

The beautiful art work used in this newsletter is by Audrey Flack who is the subject of the Elaine Wertheim’s Art Talk. Join us on November 14 to learn more about this fabulous artist and her work!

11 The McMurray Art League Officers & Chairs 2013-2014 President: Linda Saksa MCMURRAY ART LINES Co-Vice-Presidents: Carol Kilkeary, Renee Keil Recording Secretary: Louise Atwell Corresponding Secretary: Anne Davis Treasurer: Jan Pini By-Laws: Theresa Bozzo, Sandy Conley Class Coordinator: Theresa Bozzo Class Registrar: Jean Kunz Directory: Alena Lutton Exhibit Co-Chairs (Fall): Ginny Hults, Laura Mooney Exhibit Co-Chairs (Spring): Anne Trimble, Jan Pini Historian: Christy Osiecki Hospitality: Barbara Wettergreen Membership: Carol Kilkeary Newsletter: Renee Keil Nominations: Darla Duffy, Theresa Bozzo Peters Twp. Library: Shirley Williams Program: Fran Marze Publicity: Judy Ann DiGiacomo Scholarship: Carol Aurin Standards: Darlene Sanders Audrey Flack’s Marilyn 1980 Studio Exhibits: Sandy Conley, Michalina Pendzich Studio Window: Darla Duffy Webmaster: Jan Pini

McMurray Art League PO Box 1063 McMurray, PA 15317 www.mcmurrayartleague.org

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