To champion art as essential to life and give our community
a creative voice
MARCH 2022 NEWSLETTER
From the President’s Desk
March certainly seems to be coming in like a lamb! Hopefully that Lion brings some rain this year! Don’t forget to “spring forward” and reset those clocks. “Daylight Savings Time” begins at 2am on March 13th.
Our parting Treasurer, Kim Hempel has recently given birth to a beautiful baby boy! Our new Treasurer Kathleen Heil and bookkeeper are busy smoothing out the treasury process as it breaks down into work for two this year. Bob Azevedo continues to help both ladies define their new positions. Bob has been the MBAA Treasurer for MBAA since 2015! During that time, he has been instrumental in bringing the MBAA finances into good order, invested money wisely and redrafted the payment system to ensure invoices and artists have been paid in a timely fashion. Bob’s wife Marty, is a watercolor artist and has been an ongoing support for MBAA in several capacities, including membership from 2016 – 2018. She helped out as a docent, during take-in and marketing. Both have helped host the annual holiday dinners and volunteered during Art in the Park. I’m positive that these two have done much more than memory serves! As a result of their extraordinary service, both have been awarded lifetime memberships to MBAA. In addition, as a small token of our appreciation, a gift certificate to Windows on the Water Restaurant for a much deserved romantic night out! Words cannot convey our deepest appreciation!
Also this month, Art Central’s 5th annual “Garage Sale” will be making a huge impact on the lives of deserving, local high school students again this year after raising $4,800.00 for art scholarships! Thanks to all of you who donated and purchased art stuff for this great cause! A huge Thank-You to Etty Pacifico, owner of ART CENTRAL and employees who pitched in, to help support the local community in such an impactful way!
Patricia Newton
CALL TO ARTISTS
Love: Open Hearts, Open Minds April 7 through May 23 Take-in: Tuesday, April 5 10am – 2pm
LOVE has been the inspiration for the creation of more great art than any other human emotion. How do you depict love? How do you convey its complexity and intensity? This theme is a celebration of beauty or tragedy, evoked by emotions stirred from the physical or spiritual effects of love. Artistic expression in all 2D media is acceptable. Space is limited to MBAA members only in the main gallery, downstairs for this exhibit. Limitations on the number of art submissions may apply. Please submit artwork with entry forms and wire tags. Learn more ...
CALL TO ARTISTS
Broken Nature
May 26 through June 27 TAKE-IN: Tuesday, May 24 10am - 2pm
Depicting extraordinary true beauty and/or the devastation of nature. There are two main approaches to take:
environmental - the critical state of the environment due to the impact of human presence; and or the human condition - figurative, representational and abstract artists exposing our psyche. Learn more ...
Exhibitions Director Report
MBAA’s exhibition “For the Birds” was a success and closed on February 21, 2022. Thanks to all who participated and volunteered to make it all happen. Two news exhibitions replaced it and opened on February 24, 2022. The Central Coast Watercolor Society’s exhibition “Aquarius 2022” is currently running in the Russell Gallery, and MBAA’s exhibition “Earth & Fire” is now showing in the Main Gallery. Along with this is the works of featured 3D artist Erik Ohlson. If you haven’t seen these exhibitions yet, I encourage you and invite you to do so. There are some great pieces. The Art Center’s galleries are open from 12:00 to 4:00 pm daily.
Next up will be MBAA’s exhibition “Love, Open Hearts – Open Minds” in the Main Gallery coupled with the International Encaustic Artists’ exhibition “Convergence – Wax on the Water” in the Russell Gallery, each opening on April 7, 2022. I hope you submit works for these upcoming shows. Due to wall space limitations, the number and size of 2D artwork admitted to the ““Love, Open Hearts – Open Minds” exhibit will be restricted to one piece per artist with a maximum size of 6 square feet each. For more information, refer to the Call-to Artists on the Art Center’s website https://artcentermorrobay.org/index.php/call-to-artists/.
As many of you know, a portfolio binder of MBAA artists was created last year for the “Salon” show by Barbara Sitar and Cal Poly interns. This binder remains in the gallery for perusal by visitors. If you are a MBAA member but do not have your portfolio in the binder you are invited to do so. That can be accomplished by emailing to bsitar66@gmail.com in digital form: a.) close-up B&W digital image of yourself, b.) digital image of three of your artworks, c.) your bio, and d.) your artist’s statement.
Have fun creating your new work and I look forward to seeing it!
‘Til we meet again,
Charles Stup
Exhibitions Director
PHILIP CAREY
Artist, musician, and adventurer Philip Carey passed away peacefully in February 2022 after a brief illness. He loved life and packed as much living and observing and creating as humanly possible into his 79 years, turning nature, medical challenges, even everyday trash into raw material for his art, and documenting his dialysis, kidney transplant, and even the isolation and frustration of the pandemic through mail art, collages, and sculptures. Over his career he spent time with the Gregg Smith Singers (where he recorded with Stravinsky & won a Grammy), the U.S. Navy (where he typed & designed the ship newsletter), and the California Parks Dept. (where he designed beautiful exhibits at places like Big Basin and the Coloma gold discovery site), before reinventing himself once again in retirement as a full-time artist (and passionate succulent gardener) in his adopted hometown of Morro Bay. Read more about his fascinating life here.
"As you can see, I am sitting at my favorite outlook. It was December, the moon was so bright, and I was hoping that this would be our last winter of isolation. Somehow, this new color palette expressed that. I really like the result and I'm going to use these colors again on a project I have in mind. I was also enjoying my new fistful of Prismacolor pencils I got myself for Christmas!" –Philip Carey, January 2022
IT'S PARTY TIME!!
But, we need your help. Do you enjoy social gatherings, meeting new people, food and drink? Then our Hospitality Committee is awaiting for your time and talent. Every six weeks, the Gallery hosts a Sunday afternoon reception to celebrate the opening of our newest exhibition. We could use your assistance with setting up tables and chairs, putting out the food and drink and clean-up. Bring a friend and make a fun time of this! Please contact Pat Newton at artbypatricianewton@gmaail.com for more details. Thank you!
Life Drawing
Wednesday evenings 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Life drawing has remained the cornerstone of art instruction.
We believe life drawing should be fun, accessible and expressive. Art Center Morro Bay is proud to present a weekly, uninstructed, Life Drawing workshop, featuring a variety of male and female nude models.
Put yourself on the pathway to better art! This evening workshop, is open to all adults regardless of experience. Bring your own art supplies and work with medium of choice.
Models pose for various lengths of time, up to 20 minutes while taking short breaks. There is no instruction. This workshop is appropriate for beginner to advanced and participants should be at least 18 years of age to register.
COST: $10.00 MBAA Members and Students $12.00 Non Members
CONTACT: Bob Rodger (805) 528-4248, brodger56@yahoo.com
Suze has been a member and one of MBAA’s dedicated docents over the last couple of years. You might find Suze helping during Art on the Patio, take-in or other areas. She’s quick to learn about gallery needs and helpful in answering questions from the public and fellow members. You may recognize the colorful mandalas that often grace our exhibits. Suze has been known to complete two entire art mandalas in one day! Her latest version was set to motion with a very small battery powered mechanism hidden in the back, to create a melodic, motion effect.
When asked of her experience, Suze replies, “Fifty years ago I began drawing symmetrical designs in the mountains above Santa Barbara. Most of my adult life have been here on the central coast. Art has always been on the sidelines between raising children and my professional life as an aerobics dance choreographer/instructor and personal trainer. The last two years and the changes it has brought created a new space that I slowly filled with art. Immersing myself, it has now evolved into a passion. Over two hundred Mandalas later, I continue to draw daily, enjoying the internal solitude and meditation my art offers.
Wanting to share and learn more about art, I joined the Morro Bay Art Association. It has helped me grow as an artist and opened a new world for me. Being a volunteer docent a couple times a month allows me to be surrounded by the beauty of art in many mediums, while helping the organization continue to be an integral part of our community.”
Suze’s readiness, cheerful demeanor and many contributions continue to make a positive impact on the organization and overall representation to the community.
Brush Strokes for a New Year
From the Desk of Kirsti Wothe
Director of Adult Education ACMB
Hello fellow artists! I’m so excited for spring and can’t wait to get together with friends for some plein air painting. I’m also looking forward to the fun classes we have scheduled at the Art Center. This month we have a variety of workshops: Splashes and Puddles- watercolors with Ardella “Jo” Swanberg, In this workshop you will explore the many ways you can play with water colors; Animalistic Human- mirroring your psyche through animal form featuring live animal models with Barbara Sitar; and Pastel Magic- discover the magic of soft pastels with award winning artist Greg Trombly. Sign up soon to reserve your place.
Please join us for our monthly association meeting and free demo with Greg Trombly on Monday March 14 at 3pm at the Art Center.
March is National Women History month. There are so many women artists that I find inspiring. I want to bring awareness to an artist who I am inspired by. Her name is Njideka Akunyili Crosby. I find Njideka’s work so inspiring as it tells of her family stories through mixed media. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do https://youtu.be/UeYP8ssD_BM.
I hope to meet you at our monthly association meeting and free demo, in our classes, gallery walks and shows.
Kirsti Wothe
Adult Education Director
MARCH FREE DEMONSTRATION
Pastel Magic
with Greg Trombly
March 14 3:00pm - 5:00pm
This demonstration will explore color, value and composition with a variety of soft pastels. Greg will apply color combinations that will illuminate the creation of shoreline with a sunset sky. Interaction with the artist is welcome and encouraged.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC *All attendees must wear a mask and show proof of Covid Vaccine
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS 2022
Splashes and Puddles - Part 1 with Jo Swanberg March 3, 10, 17 and 24
10:00am - 12:00pm
Learn to paint in watercolor using unexpected materials to paint without tiny brushes. The goal of this class is to demystify watercolor. You will learn how to splash paint on paper, make color theory your own, and to look at sky shapes to empower your designs. Learn more here
COST: $160.00 Members; $180.00 Non-Members for each 4-day workshop. Register here
ANIMALISTIC HUMAN with Barbara Sitar March 3, 10, 17 and 24
5:30 - 8:30pm
Create an artwork mirroring your psyche through the animal form with a guided Jungian approach. Each session will include guided focus and silent self-inquiry, anatomy observaIon, animal symbolism, making collage, notes, sketches, and creation of final artwork. Live animal models provided in partnership with Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, Pacific Wildlife Care and caring owners. Learn more here. All art materials and supplies included.
Fee: 2 sessions - $100, 4 sessions - $190, 4 sessions online zoom streaming - $80 Register here. Walk-ins are welcome.
Pastel Magic with Greg Trombly March 19, 20 and 21
1:00 - 4:00pm
Discover the magic of soft pastels in a relaxed and supportive environment, focusing on basic drawing and observation skills. This workshop will delve into subject matter relating to the beautiful greens of forest foliage, shorelines and shadows that cast from sunlit skies. An emphasis will be placed on composition, color and value. Read more here. COST: $165. Members; $175. Non-Members for the 3-day workshop. Register here.
Splashes and Puddles - Part 2 with Jo Swanberg April 7, 14, 21 and 28
Learn to paint in watercolor using unexpected materials to paint without tiny brushes. The goal of this class is to demystify watercolor. You will learn how to splash paint on paper, make color theory your own, and to look at sky shapes to empower your designs. Read more here. COST: $160.00 Members; $180.00 Non-Members for each 4-day workshop. Register here.
Introducing Encaustics with Vicky Hoffman
April 23 1:00 - 4:00pm
This mini encaustic workshop provides a hands-on introduction to the basic techniques of the encaustic process – beeswax, resin and pigment. You will be introduced to transfers, mark making, embedding elements, incorporating mixed media, papers, and other secrets to achieve a smooth surface. Read more here. COST: $75 Members; $85 Non-Members for this one-day workshop.
***All materials are included in the cost of the class Register here.
CREATIVE ME TIME CLASSES
WITH JOAN FEE
Sea Glass Art Deco Jewelry March 12 10:00am - 2:00pm
Create a gorgeous art deco inspired sea glass necklace and two pierced earring set. Everything is provided to complete the projects from local sea glass (choose brown, white or green in class), jewelry findings and use of tools.
Class Fee $50. Buy tickets.
Hammered Metal Triangular Jewelry
April 2 10:00am - 2:00pm
Create a gorgeous necklace and two pierced earring set that's fun for all skill levels. Everything is provided to complete the projects including your color choice of beads. Invite your friends and family for a fun day in Morro Bay. Class Fee $50. Buy Tickets.
San Luis Obispo County, CA — The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council is launching its digital directory of local artists. The directory will serve as a hub for all types of artists throughout the county – painters, sculptors, photographers, poets, writers, musicians, dancers – to allow for easy-to-access networking amongst artists, businesses, residents, and organizational partners. There are two annual registration options to accommodate artists of all income-levels.
Members who pay the full $60 annual registration fee will be issued a directory page where they can showcase up to 5 images, links to 2 videos and social channels, and a small bio. It will give artists without their own website a URL to use for self-promotion. A second free option allows artists to have their name and creative discipline displayed.
“During this COVID-era, artists have had to become more creative with their online-networks. The Membership Directory will offer increased exposure for local artists of all experience levels and disciplines.” – Jordan Chesnut, SLOCAC Programs Manager
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About theSan Luis Obispo County Arts Council: The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, as the local partner of the California Arts Council, advances the visual, literary, and performing arts through programs that promote public access to the arts, arts in educational settings, local arts planning and collaboration, and opportunities for artists and arts organizations. More information available at www.artsobispo.org.
NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS
Jen Holcombe
James and Patricia Litsenberger
Kay Wharton
Patti Everett
Heriberto G. Sanchez
Barbara Kosanke
Chet Amyx
Nolan W. Meeks
Linda Harrison
Jim Trask
Sue Nash
Mark Selby
Dan Nichols
Randee Ward
Kabe Russell
Sondra Christey
Yael Korin
Linda DeRosa
Paula Landis
Skyler Lusteg
The next meeting of the Morro Bay Art Association Board of Directors is
March 22, 2022 12:30 - 2:30pm.
