RAG HISTORY
MINUTES
May 10, 2010
Minutes of RAG monthly meeting held on May 10, 2010, in room 2017 of Wilson Hall on the W&L Campus.
Present: Alan Maurer, Jan Jarrard, Suzanne LaPrade, SueNell Dillon, Art Williams, Sarah Brownlee, John Anfin, John Winfrey, Barbara Winfrey, John C. Winfrey, Alice Williams, Bill Peel, Ann Peel, Katherine March, Marion Lunnemann, M. Devenief (sp?), Peg Leinbach
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Alan Maurer, President
Announcements:
1. Alan thanks those responsible for providing refreshments.
2. Reflections on Art on the Green that was held on May 1st.
Members noted that attendance was somewhat lower than previous years and that may have been due to the fact that many other activities/events were held on the same day. In addition, sales appeared to be lower than in the past. Alan thanked Bill Peel and those who assisted with setting up and taking down the display panels. Alan also thanked Ellen Martin and Mary Ann Triplett for an excellent job in coordinating the event. There was some discussion regarding the idea of sponsoring a similar event in the fall to coincide with Parents’ weekend at W&L.
3. Rockbridge County Fair. Bill Peel, coordinator for this event, reported that preparations are going smoothly and track lighting will be installed in the display area. The deadline for entries is July 7th and all art work is to be brought to the Horse Center on Sunday, July 18th.
4. Treasurer’s report. Ann Peel, Treasurer, noted that expenses for Art of the Green were $2012.00 with all but about $100 being contributed to prize money. See attached.
5. RAG Website. .Alan again thanked John Anfin for the outstanding work he has done on the RAG website.
6. Book Club. John Anfin invited everyone to attend the next meeting of the book club which will be held on May 19th at 6:30 PM in the home of Pauline Hallam Mason to discuss the book “Evard Munch” by J.P. Hodin.
7. Jordan Point Day. It was noted that Jordan Point Day will be held on May 22nd. The house has been renovated and if the weather is good it may be an opportunity for artists to paint en plein air during the event.
8. Paint Out. It was noted that the Beverly Street Studio in Staunton will be sponsoring a Paint Out event at Wades Mill on May 22nd. All are invited to participate.
9. Book Recommendation. The novel,” The Boat Party”, was recommended as an excellent book about Renoir.
10. Alan noted that this is the last meeting of the season and asked members to consider participating as officers in the organization. Alan announced that he will be resigning as president and the Board is working to draw up a slate of officers for next year. The next RAG meeting will be in September, 2010.
PROGRAM
Kathleen Olson Janjic, Professor of Art at W&L was the guest speaker and presented a visual tour of her art as it has developed through the years. She noted that her work reflects a tension between chaos and structure and she presented a slide show of her work from childhood through the present. She paints primarily on large canvases with oils and some mixed media.
Her formal education included degrees from Berkley, the Pratt Institute and Yale as well as years spend studying in Italy, Belgium, Lousiana, southern France, Greece and Montenegro before accepting her position at W&L.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM but was followed by a gallery tour featuring Professor Olson’s work.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg Leinbach
Secretary
April 12, 2010
Minutes of RAG monthly meeting held on April 12, 2010, in the Piovano Room of the Rockbridge Regional Library.
Present: Alan Maurer, Darin Docekal, John Anfin, Anna Bangley, Bill Peel, Ann Peel, Marion Lunnenaun, Lois Crewdson, Bob Crewdson, Marilyn Pearson, Joan Joyce, Dorothy Coker, Suzanne LaPrade, SueNell Dillon, Carole Jean Figlo, Joan Carson, Thurman Whiteside, Paul Candler, Marilyn Candler, Jesse Conner, Sally Lewane, Jan Jarrard, Sarah Brownlee, Nancy Lenhardt, Peg Leinbach
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Alan Maurer, President.
Announcements:
1. Alan thanked several members of the guild for their contributions to the organization: John Anfin, for organizing the book club and for serving as web-master for RAG; Dorothy Coker, for publishing the guild’s newsletter; and Darin Docekal, for filling in during his absence. All are deeply appreciated for their fine work and dedication to RAG.
2. Fair Art Show. Bill Peel reported that the planning for the summer Fair Art Show is coming along nicely. He noted that volunteers are still needed to serve as clerks to record awards during the judging. Joan Carson volunteered to head up the reception for artists as they deliver their work. All entries are to be delivered to the Horse Center on July 18th. The entries will be hung on July 19th, judged on the 20th and open for viewing during the Fair on July 21st – 24th.
3. Book Club. John Anfin reported that the next meeting of the club will be on May 19th at 6:30 PM at the home of Pauline Hallam Mason to discuss the book “Edvard Munch” by J.P. Hodin. Munch is best known for his composition, “The Scream”. Hodin’s book is still in print and readily available.
4. Board nominations for next year. Alan noted that the Board will meet soon to prepare nominations for officers for next year. He encouraged members who may be interested in serving as officers to make their interest known to board members.
5. Treasurer’s Report. Ann Peel gave the treasurer’s report (see attached) and noted that the healthy balance will be diminished greatly by the awarding of prizes at Art on the Green.
6. Katherine March noted that the Shenandoah Valley Art Center show will be held on September 2nd in Waynesboro.
7. Dorothy Coker encouraged members to submit articles of interest to her for inclusion in the Newletter.
8. Hostesses for the meeting were Marilyn Pearson and Dorothy Coker. Members were encouraged to sign up to help provide refreshments for future meetings.
PROGRAM
Janly Jaggard, an instructor at the Beverly Street Studio School in Staunton who works in oils, clay and vitreous enamel on copper and steel, was again invited to critique the paintings of RAG members who brought their work to the monthly meeting. Janly had presented a similar program last year and it was very well received. Her critique of each work was insightful, highly instructive and constructive. The strong attendance at this meeting and the number of works (25) presented for her review is a testament to her ability to educate and instruct in a positive, helpful manner.
Some of the themes she emphasized during her review of members’ paintings included:
-The importance of working pleine aire is highly desirable using photos as a back-up. She stressed the value of working from three-dimensional subjects rather than pictures or photos that have already collapsed the subject into two dimensions.
-The importance of composition for all work. If the composition is not right, the entire piece falls flat.
-The importance of demonstrating recession through space (especially in landscapes) by using differentials in tonal values.
-The importance of incorporating appropriate shadows while paying attention to tonal values.
-Use care to avoid the use of pure black. She recommended mixing other colors with black to soften the effect and to produce a more realistic black color.
-The importance of selecting the right mat and frame. Matting and framing should enhance a painting so keep it simple but “make it right”.
-The importance of understanding the interrelationships of the subjects. For example, when painting trees or flowers, give attention to how each plant grows and show an understanding of how the parts of the plant related to each other – roots to trunk, trunk to branch, branch to twigs, twigs to leaves, etc.
-When painting/drawing surfaces such as roads, use horizontal strokes to emphasize the flat surface and avoid long sweeping strokes that follow the path of the road.
-When painting sky, avoid grand sweeping horizontal strokes but rather use vertical strokes and experiment with turning the painting upside down when painting sky to keep the color more intense at the top of the sky.
In addition to critiquing the various pieces of art, Janly also stressed the importance of finding time to paint. She suggested that painting with a group may be helpful in this effort. She also stressed the importance of giving one’s self permission to “rehearse” or practice, noting that all drawings do not need to be PERFECT. Artists must allow themselves time to practice. Like all other art forms (dance, music, theatre, etc.), drawing/painting is about learning. She also noted that one can never do enough or too much drawing which is the basis for a good painting.
She also noted that some artists find it instructive to practice “transcription”, the act of trying to duplicate another painting (such as one of the masters) to learn/understand another artist’s work. She also noted that the term “painterly” used to describe the enjoyment of looking at a painting because the paint itself gives one pleasure.
In closing, Janly noted that the months of March through June in Virginia have been designated at Celebration of Women in the Arts – “Minds Wide Open” – and that there are many events throughout the state to honor women in art. She also mentioned two juried shows in the region: one to be held at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community at the end of May in Harrisonburg, and Art at the Mill in Berryville, near Winchester. Other art shows can be found in Staunton, Crozet and Waynesboro.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg Leinbach
Secretary
MARCH 8, 2010
Minutes of RAG monthly meeting held on March 8, 2010, in the Piovano Room of the Rockbridge Regional Library.
Present:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Alan Maurer, President.
Announcements:
1. Bill Peel reported on the progress of coordinating Art at the Fair to be held from Wednesday, July 21st through Saturday, July, 24th. Bill and others met with the new Fair organizer to work out details for the event and to identify possible alternatives for hanging art work. Artists should bring their work to the Virginia Horse Center on Sunday, July 18th for judging on Tuesday, July 20th. All art work is to be picked up on Saturday night or Sunday morning. Specific hours for the show (which includes art work, quilts and flowers) have yet to be determined.
2. Alan noted that planning for the Art on the Green event is on schedule and that most panels have been reserved. Very few (3-4) panels remain available. He also noted that a peddler’s license is not required to participate in the show which is jointly sponsored by RAG, the Camera Club and FAIR.
3. Ann Peel, Treasurer, reported a balance of $2,388.76 in the treasury and noted that 65 members have renewed their membership for this year. See Attached.
4. Alan noted that a RAG Board meeting will be called in the near future to discuss several outstanding issues.
5. John Anfin invited members to participate in the newly formed book club that will hold its next meeting on March 24th at Books and Company. The book to be discussed is Living Color: A Writer Paints her World by Natalie Goldberg. John noted that the book is available through Amazon books at a very reasonable cost. He also encouraged participants to bring a piece of art that represents ideas generated by the book to the March meeting. All are welcome.
6. Alan announced that Lois Crewdson will have a one-woman show on April 16th from 5-8 PM in Buena Vista at the Brown Deer Frame Shop.
7. Alan thanked all members for their many cards and the support shown to him during his recent convalesce from surgery.
8. Darin Docekal reminded members that Janly Jaggard from the Beverly Street Studio in Staunton, VA, will be present at the April meeting to critique members’ art work. Everyone is encouraged to bring a piece of their work to participate in the program which has been very educational and constructive in the past. In May, the program will be presented by Kathleen Olsen from the Art Department at Washington and Lee University.
PROGRAM:
Jennie Floyd, Tax Advisor and Office Manager from H&R Block, presented the evening’s program that focused on the business aspects of selling art work.
Ms Floyd distributed Schedule C Forms and explained each component as it would apply specifically to an artist’s business. She stressed the importance of keeping careful records and saving receipts of all expenditures. The net gain or loss calculated on the Schedule C Form should then be reported on one’s regular income tax form. Any gain reported on Schedule C will requires the completion of a Self-Employment form and the payment of required taxes.
The program was most educational and answered many questions posed by members.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Peg Leinbach
Secretary
February 8, 2010
Minutes of the RAG monthly meeting held on February 8, 2010, in the Piovano Room of the Rockbridge Regional Library.
Present: Darin Docekal, Jerry Partrick, Thurman Whiteside, Dorothy Coker, Ann Peel, Bill Peel, Lois Crewdson, Bob Crewdson, John Anfin, Anna Bangley, Evan Atkins, Joan Joyce, Maria Quillin, Julie Hollingsworth, Peg Leinbach
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Darin Docekal, Vice President.
Announcements:
1. Members were reminded to sign up early to participate in Art on the Green which will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Entry forms must be postmarked no later than April 15th. If there are questions, please call Mary Ann Triplett (463-1530) or Ellen Martin (464-5687).
2. RAG dues for 2010 ($20 per individual and $25 per family) are now due. Please send them to RAG at P.O. 747, Lexington, VA.
3. Joan Carson reported that the library wall is open this month for anyone interested in displaying their work. Those interested should inquire at the main desk.
4. The program for the March meeting of RAG will be a presentation by a representative of H&R Block who will be discussing business aspects and issues pertaining to those interested in selling their work.
5. The next Book Club meeting will be held on March 10th at 7:00 PM at Books and Co..
Program:
James Underwood, a regionally known artist from Bedford, VA, demonstrated some of his techniques and general information about working with pastels. He also displayed a sample of his finished work that was a spectacular mountain scene which was a true inspiration to all present. His presentation was filled with helpful information for beginners and advanced artists who work with this medium. Some of his suggestions included:
-Using a “facer” (a thick mat) between one’s finished work and the display mat to catch particles that flake off from the work and prevent them from falling onto the display matting.
-Tilting the easel slightly toward you as you work to present the flaking pastel from falling onto your work.
-Using anti-reflective glass to prevent glare on your finished work.
-Using sanded paper which “grabs” the pastel easily and can also be erased using a kneeded eraser.
-Wearing a latex glove to protect one hand while using the other hand to blend colors on the paper.
-Using quality products for your work. He uses both Unison and Rembrandt pastels.
-Using a LIGHT spray of workable fixative periodically during the painting process. The light spray helps eliminate speckling and often eliminates the need for a final fixing when the work in complete.
-Using pastel pencils to sketch your work as well as during the process of drawing to help define sharp edges.
-Using deep red as an undercoat base for black. This results in a vibrant black finished color.
In closing, James shared that his work is currently on exhibit through March 1st at Augusta Medical Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg Leinbach
Secretary
January 11, 2010
Minutes of the RAG monthly meeting held on January 11, 2010, in the Piovano Room of the Rockbridge Regional Library.
Present: Darin Docekal, John Anfin, Joan Carson, Dorothy Coker, Thurman Whiteside, Lois Crewdson, Jerry Partrick, Maria Quillin, Ann Peel, Bill Peel, Jesse Conner, Marilyn Pearson, Chuck Pearson, Bob Crewdson, John Warfrey, Peg Leinbach
The meeting was called to order by Darin Docekal, Vice President, at 7:00 PM.
Alan Maurer’s status. Darin up-dated the members on the progress of Alan’s recovery from abdominal surgery in early December. She was happy to report that, despite some post-surgery complications, he is doing well.
Announcement: Dorothy Coker requested all committee chairmen send her up-dates so that she can include this information in the next newsletter.
Old Business:
1. Holiday Party: Many thanks to Chuck and Marilyn Pearson for hosting a wonderful holiday party. Attendees reported that it was “delightful”. Darin encouraged members to offer suggestions for future parties.
2. Art on the Green: Darin announced that preparation for this year’s show in now underway and is being led by Ellen Marin and Mary AnnTripplet. An article has been placed in the newspaper with contact information and the sign up period will open later this year. Darin also noted that hurdles with the City over artists’ business licenses have been overcome and exhibitors should not see any difference from past years.
3. Washington D.C. Bus Trip: Many thanks to Alan and Debbie Maurer for organizing a wonderful day trip to Washington DC last fall. Unfortunately, the trip was not as well attended as in the past so members are being asked to think of ways to increase participation such as partnering with others (i.e. Camera Club or Newcomers’ Club). Partnering with others would also ease the workload and the financial burden.
The Maurer’s will be stepping down as coordinators of this trip so those interested in accepting this responsibility should contact Alan.
4. Edinburg Art Gallery day trip: Darin announced that the day trip to the Edinburg Art Gallery in December was cancelled due to lack of interest. It was the consensus of the group to reschedule this outing at a less hectic time of year.
New Business:
1. Book Club: John Anfin reported that 11 members have expressed interest in the newly formed book club. Three members attended the first meeting. The next book club will be held at the home of Anne Weede (670 Chestnut Grove Trail, Lexington) on January 19th at 7:30 PM. They will be discussing The Art Spirit by Robert Henri.
2. Hospital Bulletin Board: A wall bulletin board in the hospital was donated and has been maintained as a display space for school art. RAG has been asked to take over the maintenance of the board. The details have been circulated to RAG board members for discussion and a decision at a future meeting. If anyone has interest in this on-going project, please contact a board member.
3. Art Work on Display in the Rockbridge Regional Library. Joan Carson is currently displaying her work. Those interested in using this venue for a monthly display of their art should contact the library directly.
4. Art Instruction: In response to a request for art instruction, the following suggestions were offered: Shenandoah Arts in Waynesboro, Studio 11, Eleanor Fauber, the Beverly Street Studios in Staunton, and the Blue Dog Gallery in Buena Vista.
5. RAG Website: John Anfin reported that Julie Hollingsworth, a new member, now has her work added to the display in the website. He encouraged all members to up-date their web pages and offered his assistance.
6. Member’s work: Three excellent paintings by Bill Peel were displayed; 2 were paintings from a recent trip out west and 1 was a portrait.
Program – A Talk by local artist, Gary Casteel.
Gary Casteel, a local artist who is nationally known painter and sculptor of historical art, presented a fascinating program that shared his artist process and how he brings historical authenticity to his work.
Gary noted that he is a self-taught artist who enjoys working in several mediums, particularly watercolor and sculpting. He shared his history and evolution as an artist over the years. His outstanding reputation as a Civil War artist has been earned by his depth of knowledge and attention to detail of uniforms, weapons and in-depth study of his subjects. He stressed the importance of his voluminous research into all aspects of each project and the ability to work through any political issues at invariably arise.
He displayed many photographs of his work and commented on the issues that made each work unique.
To help explain the multiple steps in sculpting a large memorial he distributed a booklet, “It’s About Time – The Sculpting of the General Longstreet Memorial”, which he authored. In addition, he displayed and discussed the sculpted head of a black Civil War soldier that will be part of a larger work (the U.S.C.T. Maryland Infantryman memorial) that will be displayed in Lexington Park, Maryland. He noted that most sculptures take a minimum of 3 years to complete.
In addition to the artistic processes of his work he also discussed several innovative techniques that he has used to market his work.
His talk was fascinating and greatly appreciated by the members in attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg Leinbach
Secretary
October 12, 2009
Minutes of the RAG monthly meeting held on October 12, 2009 in the Piovano Room at the Rockbridge Regional Library.
Present: Alan Maurer, Ann Peel, Bill Peel, Jerry Patrick, Joan Carson, Julie Hollingsworth, Kathy Kvach, Anna Bangley, Art Williams, Thurman Whiteside, Darin Docekal, Peg Leinbach, Chuck Pearson, Marilyn Pearson, Anne Weede, Sarah Brownlee, Jan Jarrard and John Anfin.
The meeting was called to order by Alan Maurer at 7:00 PM.
New Members: Susan Hogan, Martha Devening
Review of Old Business:
1. Rockbridge Fair Art Show. Bill Peel reported that there was some very good art work on display at the Fair. Unfortunately, the date of the Fair coincided with the Bath Art Show which resulted in fewer pieces of art work for display. He noted that attendance during the week was good but was lower on the weekends. Alan Maurer challenged the RAG membership to think of ideas to encourage participation and attendance at future shows. Art Williams suggested that RAG consider using the Lexington Golf and County Club as a venue for classes and/or an art show. This venue would provide an attractive setting, good parking and options for lunch.
2. Art on the Green. Alan announced May 1, 2010, as the date of the next Art on the Green event. He also reported that the City Council has passed a revised ordinance to allow Camera Club and RAG members to display/sell art work without obtaining a costly peddlers license. Mary Ann Triplett and Ellen Martin will promote this event next spring.
3. Fall picnic. Alan reported that the fall picnic which was hosted by Dorothy and Tom Coker was very successful despite rainy weather. Attendance was good and the food was outstanding.
Future programs for RAG meetings. Darin Docekal, Vice President, reported the following programs have been confirmed for future RAG meetings:
January 11, 2010. Gary Casteel, an expert in Civil War art and sculpture will present a program that includes discussion of his background and techniques.
February 8, 2010. James Underwood who works in pastels will give a demonstration and talk about his work which ranges from realistic to landscapes.
March 8, 2010 and April 12, 2010. Programs have been planned for these months with firm dates yet to be assigned. One program will feature a representative from H&R Block who will present issues regarding tax laws and other information for artists who sell their work. John Anfin reported that he has heard this presentation and that it is very helpful. The other program will invite all members to bring a work of art to be critiqued by Janly Jaggard from the Beverly Street Studio in Staunton, VA. Janly was present last spring for a similar program and all found her comments to be excellent and most educational.
May, 2010. Jerry Patrick is looking into the possibility of inviting an art professor from W&L to present a demonstration or lecture. Another program option is Mark Strauss, an abstract impressionist painter from Woodstock, VA, who is a holocaust survivor.
Bus trip to Washington, D.C. Alan announced that the fall trip to D.C. will be on November 4, 2009 and the cost will be $40.00 per person. The bus will leave the Tractor Supply parking lot at 7:15 AM and will return by 9:00 PM. To date, 13 individuals have enrolled. Alan encouraged all members to generate interest and participation.
Christmas Party. The Christmas party will be held on December 14th. After much discussion regarding venue and cost, Marilyn and Chuck Pearson volunteered to host this year’s party at their Birdfield home. Many thanks!
Donation. Darin Docekal offered a number of Clayboards of various sizes that were donated to RAG by Gary Casteel. Members interested in using these boards were encourage to make a free offering that will be given to Gary to thank him for the generous donation.
RAG Website. John Anfin has agreed to serve as webmaster for the RAG website which was formerly managed by Jim Tichenor. John demonstrated the outstanding progress he has made in the development of the RAG website. Great appreciation was expressed for his work and creativity. John also distributed a RAG Website Survey and offered to assist members with getting their information posted on the website.
Book Club. John Anfin discussed the formation of a new book club that will focus on literature pertaining to art. He encouraged all RAG members to participate. The first meeting will be held at his home. Specifics can be found at the RAG website.
Critique of Art Work. The following members brought works to be discussed/critiqued by the membership: Sara Brownlee, Bill Peel, Peg Leinbach, Jan Jarrard and Joan Carson.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg Leinbach
Secretary
