September 2010 Newsletter
SPRAC Exhibitions
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Benson City Hall Gallery
Now through October 30.
In conjunction with Benson’s annual celebration of the Butterfield Overland Stage, the San Pedro River Arts Council has an exhibition of nine artists titled “Stage West; Old and New Visions of the American West.”The nine participating artists are: Denise Eggman, Bernie Fierro, Mary Fogelman, Charlene Kennedy, Marcela Camarena Lubian, Shryl Miles, Darlene Rodriguez, Clement Scott and Rosemary Tyrrell.
The show will be open anytime there is an event in the Council Chambers plus we are trying something new.
On Saturdays from 1-4 pm, one of the artists who is exhibiting or a SPRAC volunteer will be at the Gallery. The schedule is;
- August 28: Charlene Kennedy
- September 4: Sylvia Burnside
- September 11: Marcela Camarena Lubian
- September 18: Darlene Rodriguez
- September 25: Rosemary Tyrrell
- October 2: OPEN – please let us know if you wish to sit the gallery this day.
- October 9: Bernie Fierro
- October 16: Denise Eggman
This is an opportunity to stop by to see the exhibit and to discuss the art work with one of the artists or a SPRAC volunteer.
The Benson City Hall Gallery is at 120 West 6th Street, Benson, AZ.
- Turquoise Hills Golf & RV, Triple Green Cafe, now through October 2nd.
Charlene Kennedy is our exhibiting artist.
The Triple Green Cafe is located at 800 East Country Club Drive, Benson, AZ.
Triple Green Cafe storm damage
UPDATE: The cafe suffered extensive water damage during a storm on August 24. Fortunately none of Charlene’s work was damaged. The staff at the Triple Green Cafe got everything off the wall and into a safe place. Clean up and repairs are underway and as soon as we can we will rehang Charlene’s work. We will announce the show in our events calendar once Charlene’s work is rehung.
Gathering Of Artists & Friends
Our fall kickoff event for the season is scheduled for October 23rd and will be held at Turquoise Hills Golf & RV, 800 East Country Club Drive, Benson, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. This is a social event that brings together artists, volunteers, members and the art loving public. This event is open to the public and there is no cost for admittance. This year we will feature entertainment by SHADE, hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, a no host bar and silent auction.
We are seeking donations of items for the silent auction. Donations can be original art, art supplies, electronics, gift certificates, new or used items. Donated items become the property of SPRAC and may be sold at this or subsequent auctions.
Fantastic Opportunity – An Update
In last month’s Newsletter we told you about the opportunity we were given to help with the art instruction program at the St. David schools. Charlotte Taylor, Assistant Principal at St. David took over the Art classes at the High School and Mrs. Chandler the Middle School. Both wanted to augment their programs with instruction and guidance from local artists. The best way to bring you up-to-date is to let Charlotte tell you in her own words.
Shryl [Miles] is coming in regularly. Lindsay Roberts is working with me and Mrs. Chandler. Alix Orton and Willow Hoaglund are also helping out! I am so excited about having the visiting artists!
I would love more.Here is your opportunity to share your skills and knowledge in the classroom. You need not commit to volunteering every day, once a week or even once a month. If any Cochise County artists wish to participate in this program, please email Charlotte Taylor to begin discussing how you can help and the time you have available.
Featured Artist – Charlene Kennedy
Charlene Kennedy grew up in southeastern Arizona on the original family homestead. Many family members surround her on the existing property today. The country life has inspired her art since childhood. Charlene has one daughter Megan, an EMT and her boyfriend of ten years a Pecan Framer/Conservationist. She was never given any formal training until taking two art classes at Cochise Community College, while working on an Associates Degree in Computer Applications in 2002. She works for the Cochise County Library District, as Manager of the Elfrida Branch Library.
Kennedy started taking her art serious when she attended one drawing and one watercolor class in college. She has entered 4 pieces of art in competitions. One while in college was a juried art show at the Central Art Project in Bisbee; an two others in 3 different competitions Willcox, Elfrida and Cochise County fair, where she won, 3 best of show, one 1st, 1 2nd, Rex Allen Best Western, Cowbell’s Choice, Sponsor, and 1 People’s Choice award.
Rita Sue Powell a realistic color pencil Artist, lives close to Kennedy and has proven to be an inspiration and coach in her last two color pencil drawings. Each time she thought she was done, Rita would tell her she wasn’t and why. Rita introduced Kennedy to new supplies, methods, and invaluable instruction to aid in the progression of her artwork.
Although Kennedy has never sold any artwork, she believes her art and style will be popular in the art world. Leaning toward western and wildlife, she has also done 3 portraits and was asked as a member of Valley Art Center, to paint a mural that hangs outside Bobs Hometown Hardware in Elfrida. Kennedy also makes her own frames, using old barn wood or recycled frames, which she believes add character to her drawings.
In Charlene’s own words;Getting lost in my drawing isn’t a hard task. I felt guilty for a long time because I can start a picture and everything and everyone goes away. I might as well be in another universe. With encouragement from mentors, family and friends, I have decided to take my art to the next level to earn some recognition and a supplemental income doing what I enjoy. Jumping in with both feet didn’t prepare me for starting at the bottom like all artists. Being a little too proud of my work I have seemed to overprice it. I am rethinking my starting point and trying to be a little more realistic on pricing my art. I hope that people will welcome me into the art community and feel excited to be taking a major step that didn’t feel comfortable for me previously.
Volunteer Sought
We seek a volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors in the position of Secretary. The Secretary keeps the records for the San Pedro River Arts Council and assists with official correspondence. A few of the duties include;
- Prepares the agenda for Board meetings.
- Writes meeting minutes.
- Maintains a file of all meeting minutes and correspondence.
- Is a member of the Executive Committee and plays a key role is guiding the Council.
Time estimate is 5 to 10 hours per week.
By clicking one of these links you can read more about the position and complete an on-line volunteer application. We work hard but we also have a lot of fun, meet interesting people and derive a high level of satisfaction with our successes.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Board of Directors.
Message From Our Treasurer – Janice Wright
We are pleased to announce that Sierra Southwest is helping to finance our “Gathering of Artists & Friends” (read more about this further along in the newsletter) and “Art Is Ageless” – our childrens’ art show held in December.
It is only with sponsorships such as this from Sierra Southwest and your membership that enables us to bring all art forms to the public and encourage art education.
New & Renewing Members
The San Pedro River Arts Council is delighted to welcome the following new and renewing members in August: (Note: If name appears in blue you may click on the artist’s name to visit their web site.
- Celeste Collier – Artist Member, Drawing, Watercolor, Oil
- Bernie Fierro – Artist Member, Acrylic, Oil
- Rebecca Fortenberry – Artist Member, Photography
- Charlene Kennedy – Artist Member, Drawing, Pastels
- Valerie Lancaster – Supporter, Web site design
- Marcela Camarena Lubian – Artist Member, Oil
- Glenn Nichols – Supporter
- L.J. Nichols – Artist Member/Crafts – Quilter
- Virginia Shaw-Taylor – Supporter
Annual membership is a only $10.00 per year, with membership running July 1 through June 30. Yet your $10 contributions do a lot to support our efforts in bringing programs to our members, member artists and the public. Becoming a member is quite simple, simply click on the PayPal “Donate” button in the left sidebar of our site or here. This is a secure site and you can use a credit card to painlessly join or contribute.
Do not forget you can always check our event calendar in the left sidebar.
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