To champion art as essential to life and give our community
a creative voice
From the President’s Desk
As February gets underway, the MBAA Board of Directors continue to work hard on several projects for Art Center Morro Bay. They are an incredible team of volunteers and I am honored to work with them!
A virtual tour of Art Center Morro Bay can now be found on Google Maps! Click on the Art Center image and follow the arrows to virtually move about the gallery HERE
The Morro Bay Plein Air Festival is heating up with lots of excitement! The fun kicks off with International Artist, Guido Frick giving a free demonstration and a 2-day plein air workshop.
Things really heat up on April 16! Artists who sign up ahead of time, may have their photo and Paint Out area of choice, added to the Plein Air Festival brochure. Paint Out participants will check in between 8-10am and enjoy a continental breakfast before heading off to their chosen locations. By 2pm, artists will stop painting and head to Inn at Morro Bay to submit framed, wet paintings, for the silent auction and VIP Party! During the party, everyone will enjoy the jazzy music of Mike Thibault, sip local wines provided by Harmony Cellars, enjoy appetizers and silent auction bidding followed by awards, announced by Mr. Frick. At 5pm, the Quick Draw begins! Marvel at the fast paced creation of beautiful paintings in a short span of time. When time is called, artists will place their signed paintings into frames and and step away from their easels. Mr. Frick will announce awards and the live auction begins! This is an event you wont want to miss! The restaurant and no-host bar will be open.
Artists may have one unsold painting taken to Art Center Morro Bay to exhibit. To register for all, or part of this incredible event, visit www.morrobaypleinairfestival.org
For members who wish to volunteer during the Morro Bay Plein Air Fesitival, watch for the signupgenius in your email. Volunteers will be encouraged to attend a short training session before this event.
A special thank you, to Pacific Wildlife Care! Volunteers brought four stunning, live birds, to our reception and they were magnificent! We also appreciate the coverage by KSBY! For more information about this wonderful organization or to donate please visit: https://www.pacificwildlifecare.org
Patricia Newton
Sharon Westray’s dedication to Art Center Morro Bay is no secret!
Sharon, a lifetime MBAA member since approximately 1998, can often be found during Creativity Day with her knitting and generous smile. She rarely misses an art exchange, while helping to process art take-in and provides assistance to others learning the ropes. Her extensive knowledge is invaluable, as she generously gives her time and service as a dedicated docent and training new volunteers.
Attend any reception and Sharon will likely be there to greet you with her beautiful smile as she quietly ensures the result is a seamless and enjoyable event. When needed, Sharon will shop and order food items and she later helps clean up, right down to laundering tables cloths!
Sharon, your generous contributions of time and energy as a volunteer is an inspiration. Art Center Morro Bay runs smoothly impart to your efforts.
Your acts of kindness are not small and the impact they will leave in the world will be huge. Thanks for volunteering.
From the Gallery Director
Gallery Director, Barbara Sitar is away on a vacation this month, however would like to extend her wishes to see artists bringing in abstracts for BIG, BOLD, ABSTRACT, Tuesday, February 18th, 10am - 2pm. Since space is limited to the downstairs only, we may have to limit everyone to (1) 2D abstract artwork. There is no size limitation and we will hang as much as possible. Up to (3) three dimensional artworks may be submitted, again space is limited, so we will do our best.
WEEKLY LIFE DRAWING CLASSES
every Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm
at the Morro Bay Recreation Center
1001 Kennedy Way
Tom Dale Dakota Pitts
No registration or sign-up is necessary! Just come and bring your own materials. We provide a live model tables, coffee, lighting and music. It is open to all skill levels, and (almost) any media. The cost is $10.00 per session.
Len Boyle Ardella Swanberg
For further info Call Bob Rodger at 805-528-4248
SQUARE ART SHOP UPDATE Call for artists to participate!
We have launched a new, year round display and selling platform within the gallery. The soft launch proved the idea to be a success. Many of you created pieces for the first display and we sold a few pieces as well. We adjusted prices with feedback from artists, MBAA board and customers. I would like to encourage more artists to participate and create square sizes at the fixed prices. It's a nice way to create quick little works that sell faster. We noticed almost every visitor stops to examine the Square Art wall first upon entering the gallery. I would like to see participants get to the point of creating an ongoing series of artwork in support of “collectors of the square art”.
This project has a strong presence and diversity. It's eye-catching display is aimed toward the increasing international visitors, local tourism and 2020 summer season.
I would also like to encourage more works from photographers and 3D multimedia artists.
Square Art Shop Details:
- The Square Art theme is anything that defines the local vibe and spirit. It's open and free, but should be considered according to size, labor and attractiveness to sell.
- Artworks accepted by the curator will be temporarily stored before the exhibit is changed out, replaced or returned.
- Canvas or wood panels must be unframed and fully covered or painted on all sides. - 3D art can be mounted into the reverse side (box) of the cradled panel.
- Take-in is during Demo days or by appointment.
- Panels are available to purchase in the gallery or upon appointment.
- No take-in fee for MBAA Members!
- Commission: 25% of all sales.
- Display time is 2 months or longer by curator’s decision.
- Up to 3 Square Artworks may be submitted at one time
Project requirements:
- Unframed canvas or cradled wood panel 1.5 inch deep.
- Sizes, 6×6 $45; 8×8 $80; 10×10 $100; 12×12 $145. Prices are size-fixed.
- Artwork wired on the back.
- All media accepted.
- Submitted artwork accompanied with a take in sheet for Square Art.
For an appointment or more information contact the curator, Barbara Sitar, email: bsitar66@gmail.com or phone: (617) 320-2956.
The volunteer run Morro Bay Art Association is in need of
a book keeper and a marketing specialist.
These are key positions (no pressure intended) to the smooth, continuous running of our wonderful art gallery. Bring a friend along and share the position! Bring 2 friends, the more the merrier! You may devote as little or as much time as you have available.
Please contact Pat Newton at artbypatricianewton@gmail.com
and Pat will explain all that is entailed with these exciting jobs.
For the Birds Reception
January 12, 2020
Barbara set up a booth at the Winter Bird Festival for Art Center Morro Bay and made these Osprey Wings for photo ops.
TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
2020 is here! Your membership dollars keep the gallery doors open, provide for scholarships, children's art classes, free community demos and more.
Click here and renew your membership for 2020 now!
Translated into Danish, is Solvang. The Danish Village of Solvang was established in 1911 by a group of Danish teachers and mimics a European village. There you can find not only superior pastries, friendly shopkeepers dressed in authentic Danish costumes, the Danish Maid, windmills, wooden shoes, and cuckoo clocks, but wonderful museums, galleries and Danish history, architecture, and art. Thanks to its Danish lifestyle and architecture, Solvang is known as “California’s Denmark” and hosts a million visitors a year to its charming village.
Discover the art and history that Solvang is renowned for. On February 20th, the Art Center Morro Bay invites you to join us on a sunny fields field trip to Solvang where we will visit the Wildling Museum and the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art along with some free time to explore this beautiful village. We will leave Morro Bay at 9:30am visit both museums and have time for lunch and pastry purchases; returning to Morro Bay at about 4:30pm. The cost for this wonderful excursion is $65.00 for members of Morro Bay Art Association and $75.00 for non-members. The ticket prices for both museums are included in the price and we will be joined by tour guides or docents at each museum to make our day that much more special.
Pre-registration is required online or at Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay. For additional information online, visit www.artcentermorrobay.org. Click on the excursions tab or the shop tab, or here.
FEBRUARY DEMO
The Healing Power of Art with Anne Gill Kellogg
February 10 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Art therapy utilizes art media, images and the creative art process as reflections of an individual’s development, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts. Art therapy practice, utilizing developmental and psychological theories, reconciles emotional conflicts, fosters self-awareness, problem solving, aids in reducing anxiety, reality orientation and increases self-esteem. It is practiced alongside other health programs and treatments.
Anne Gill Kellogg’s demo will include an introduction to the subject of “The Healing Power of Art” using visual aids, examples of Anne’s own work, drawings, and reference materials supporting the power of art.
Different types of art journalizing will be presented and explored. If you already have an art journal, bring it! Otherwise, bring in any sketch book you’d like to use to start your own art journal and any art materials you’d like to add. Some supplies will be available at the demo. Learn more here ...
ONGOING CLASSES
Oil Painting Classes
with Jason Mayr
Mondays, 9:00am - 1:00p
All levels welcome to this twice a month Oil Painting class with Jason Mayr.
Reference material will be provided if needed. We will focus on growing our awareness, understanding & sensitivity which naturally improves our skill & proficiency. Classes meet on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month from 9am - 1pm.
Classes are $40 each which includes access to a video library and lesson.
Supply lists are available online.
WHAT: Oil Painting Classes with Jason Mayr
WHERE: Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main Street, Morro Bay, CA
WHEN: 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month, 9am - 1pm
COST: $40. each
REGISTER: https://jasonmayr.com/workshop/23392/apprentice-program or call Cindy Mayr at (805) 234-6940.
Join fellow artists in a safe environment to create, to be inspired and to critique each other's work, plus, it's FREE!
Watercolor - Wet and Wild
Thursdays, 9:00am - 12:00pm
A new watercolor class designed for beginner to advanced students. Classes will be ongoing and feature various instructors.
Adult Coloring and
Zen Doodle Group
Fridays, 10:00 - 11:30am
Relax and unwind in the adult coloring group! Anyone can do it, no experience necessary! Bring your own coloring books or get started with a page from ours. It's FREE!
JANUARY DEMO Pastel Magic Demonstration
Our January demo, Pastel Magic, was given by Dr. Greg Trombly to a full activities room. Over 40 people watched as Dr. Trombly created a dynamic sunset in pastel. He focused on basic drawing and observation skills as well as describing the different uses for hard pastels, soft pastels, and pastel pencils; each having distinctive properties.
Carolyn Blackman won the raffle prize, a beautiful set of note cards.
The Inaugural Morro Bay Plein Air Festival welcomes painters and visitors to Morro Bay to capture and explore the town’s charming downtown, Embarcadero, ocean views, bay, harbor scenery, and surrounding mountain vistas.
Artists from around the country will gather for a plein air demonstration, workshop, Paint Out, Quick Draw competition, VIP Party, Live and Silent art auctions, awards, door prizes and special “meet and greet” with international plein air artist, Guido Frick.
Visitors will find painters at several on site locations around the city with the help of a brochure guide to watch, as their paintings take shape. Then, painters and visitors head to the Inn at Morro Bay for a Quick Draw competition, Live and Silent Auctions.
This Festival is made possible by Morro Bay Art Association, Morro Bay Tourism, and Inn at Morro Bay. Along with a host of sponsors who support our community and the Arts. Please visit the sponsors found in our Plein Air Festival Brochure.
The Morro Bay Plein Air Festival is open to emerging to professional artists of all skill levels. We invite the public to watch the art evolve before their eyes, to participate in the evening activities and to purchase beautiful wet paint art pieces in Silent and Live Auction fun.
4-Day Schedule: April 13
3:00pm-5:00pm Free Plein Air Demonstration @ Art Center Morro Bay
April 16
8:00am-2:00pm Paint Out Various Morro Bay Locations listed
April 16
5:00pm-7:00pm Quick Draw @ Inn at Morro Bay
April 16
4:00pm-8:30pm VIP Party, Awards and Auction @Inn at Morro Bay
Participate in one event or all events. The choice is yours!
Click here for detailed information and to register!!
Plein Air Festival
Advertising Opportunity for Artists
The Plein Air Festivalbrochure is a great oppourtunity to get your artwork noticed while supporting this inaugrual event. We are offering a special rate for MBAA members to place an advertisement in the brochure, of which 500 will be produced.
SPECIAL RATE FOR MBAA MEMBERS: 1/4 PAGE $30.00 1/2 PAGE $60.00 FULL PAGE $100.00
Please email your 300 dpi jpeg ads to Janet Hillson: janethillson@hotmail.com
March 13 - 15
10:00am - 4:00pm
with Trowzers Akimbo
Trowzers provides demonstrations and leads step by step exercises, tuning your knowledge and skills to keep your painting sessions humming along like a well-oiled machine. During this 3-day workshop, you will review painting fundamentals and be introduced to new methods of analysis and creative procedure that will make you more productive and your paintings more successful. Discover tools that will assist you in painting with confidence and authority. Learn about Trowzers Akimbo
COST: $400. 00 MBAA Members / $425.00 Non-Members
Plein Air Still Life and Landscape April 14 - 15
9:00am - 5:00pm
with Guido Frick
During this workshop, Guido will teach you how to interpret and translate what you are seeing to a canvas and develop your own artistic language. He will discuss the use of colors, values, mood, drama and atmosphere while painting outdoors. Read more ...
COST: $385.00 MBAA Members / $405.00 Non-Members
Join Guido Frick for a free demonstration, Monday, April 13 3:00 pm-5:00pm
Mark Making-Developing Your Signature Style in Abstract Painting June 19 - 20
10:00am - 4:00pm
with Diane Williams & Chuck Potter
Venture with us into the realm of self-expression by identifying your own unique style. We will be exploring a variety of techniques using water soluble pencils, Sumi ink, charcoal, sticks, scrapers, and other mark making tools. We will also use stencils, stamping, special patinas and other applications to create multi-dimensional layering effects adding depth and visual interest. The results are alive, authentic and exhilarating. Unveil the mysteries of abstraction by practicing techniques in form, rhythm and motion. Learn more ...
COST: $225. 00 MBAA Members / $235.00 Non-Members
Portraits in Pastel July 17 - 19
10:00am - 5:00pm
with Cuong Nguyen
Learn about drawing, values, edges and composition, in a workshop designed to create in a relaxed, informative yet focused environment, for all skill levels. Students will concentrate on drawing the human head and creating life-like skin tone colors using the green foundation technique, while developing new skills in soft pastel and pastel pencil. This workshop will feature live models. Read more ...
COST: $400. 00 MBAA Members / $425. 00 Non-Members
Joan will bring a huge assortment of shells, colored beach glass and glitter to design your scene. Choose a white frame or two metal necklace bezels for your base. NEW OPTION - Use stencils to enhance your stunning artwork. After your scene is complete, you will encase it in glistening resin.
Bonnie Sandecki, San Luis Obispo
Carol Paulson, San Luis Obispo
Mark Mertens, Arroyo Grande
Kauze McCibben, San Luis Obispo
Sherrill Parisian, Cambria
Kathleen Gadway, Berkeley
Curtis Johnson, Grover Beach
Larry Armstrong, Pismo Beach
Dennis Curry, Paso Robles
Kit Gould, San Luis Obispo
Wayne Angeloty, Pismo Beach
Gage Bock, San Luis Obispo
Sandra Thompson, Atascadero
William Haas, Paso Robles
Kathy Riedemann, Los Osos
Anthony Galvan, Goleta
Bobby Avery, Boulder, CO
Marlin Harms, Morro Bay
Nancy Sadja, Morro Bay
Kaya Gwinn, Los Osos
Carolyn Henderson, Nipomo
Kabe Russell, Atascadero
Michelle Watson, Atascadero
Sandra Ferris, Pismo Beach
Next Board Meeting is February 24, 2020 12:00 - 3:00pm
February 2020 Newsletter
Creativity Day 
Adult Coloring and
