December's News!

Holiday Treasures Program a great success!

Before the opening day of "Holiday Treasures" which was November 8th, the Sebastian River Art Club members had completely filled our 7-1/2-foot tree and had to dig another tree out of our storage closet and erect it in the Hume Gallery!  We were ecstatic over the generosity of our members in painting all those little canvases, and after working on these little beauties for a couple of months, the Club officers handed a check for $700 over to representatives from the Ecumenical Council's Food Bank.  We were honored to have the opportunity to contribute such a sum from our humble paintings, and happy to know that our efforts will result in many people having tasty and plentiful meals for Christmas and beyond.

These little "Treasures," suitable for framing, will be available all year long, and can also be seen and purchased during our monthly shows in Riverview Park

L to R, Peni Baker, Mary Rahmig, Claire Tebo,
Food Pantry rep., Ginny Earnshaw of the Food Pantry,
President Judy McNamara, Vice President Judy Burgarella

Earlier that day members celebrated the season with their annual Christmas Party at Captain Butcher's on Indian River Drive.  Wonderful meal and great service.  The turnout was extraordinary, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Christmas party L to R - Lois and Roger Woodrum
Judy & Bob Burgarella

Exhibit Galleries
Theme in the back exhibit galleries for November was "Lighthouses," December is "Waves of the Ocean," and January is "Doorways."

Hume Gallery
Hanging in the Hume gallery for October and November was "Wildlife."  December is "Still LIfe," however many of the wildlife paintings will remain on exhibit through December.

"Pelican" Acrylic by Beve Bruffy

Art 'Round Town
SRAC members showcase their work and beautify the premises in the following public places:  Sebastian City Hall, North End Library and Inlet Wines - all in Sebastian.  COMING SOON: An ongoing exhibit in Compass Therapeutic, on 14th Avenue in Vero Beach's Historic Downtown Arts District!  See many works of our members during the Arts District's monthly Gallery stroll, January 3rd 5-8 pm.  Works will be on view throughout the month, with changeover every two months.  

Courthouse Show
SRAC members will be exhibiting works, compliments of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, in the Indian River County Courthouse in Vero Beach, 2000 16th Avenue, from January 10th through April 10th.  This show will be juried by radio personality and Arts writer Willi Miller.  (Members: deadline for entry is December 26th, delivery is Friday January 10th).


Frits Van Eeden Workshop
On December 17th and 18th, internationally-renowned artist Frits Van Eeden of Melbourne gave a two-day workshop which was a smashing success!  The meeting room was full of painters with big easels and humungus canvases, and stunning paintings were created from those two days.  They are too wonderful to keep under wraps, so an exhibit is in the planning stages so the public can view these exciting works.  Below is just a sampling of what's in store!

Many of these huge beauties can be seen on the Sebastian River Art Club walls at 1245 Main Street, and upcoming at our monthly show in Riverview Park on the corner of US Route 1 and SR 520 East, Saturday January 11th, 10-4:00.  If it happens to rain, the show will be postponed until that Sunday.

Stop by the Clubhouse any Tuesday, Thursday or most Saturdays, 11-3:00 and see what we're about.  If you want to learn how to paint, we have classes.  If you want to help out, we could use you.  If you want to get rid of the blahs or the blues, this could be it.  Someone (usually Suze) puts the coffee on, so stop in and have a cup.  

Judy Burgarella, blogger for
The Sebastian River Art Club
VP & Art Center Chairman

Holiday Treasures Opening - A Great Success!

The Sebastian River art Club welcomed many visitors during the Opening Reception for "Holiday Treasures - Ornaments d'Art," and many of the beautiful original mini paintings went home with new owners, with all proceeds to benefit the Ecumenical Council's Food Pantry in Roseland.

Artists will continue to paint works right up until Christmas, so there will always be new works on display and available, with all proceeds to benefit the Food Pantry.

After the Opening, many from the Club moseyed over to Inlet Wines to celebrate Kristen Beck's Opening of her show there.  Another good time was had by all, and we all enjoyed hearing about Kristen's adventurous treks across the wilderness, and what her art represents.

November's theme for members of the gallery spaces is "Lighthouses" - a popular subject for painters.  Be sure to visit the spaces and vote for your favorite ones - ribbons will be awarded for the three most popular.

COMING SOON ~
December will bring Still Life works to the Hume Gallery space, open to all Art Club members.  This blogger has seen some wonderful still life works created by our members, and so it should be a wonderful show.  A preview is shown below.

Judy Burgarella
VP, and Blogger for the
Sebastian River Art Club
Sebastian, Florida

The Tree is Up!

The Sebastian River Art Club's "Holiday Treasures" Christmas tree is up and lit and decorated in the Picasso Gallery where we have an ongoing small works exhibit decorating the gallery walls.  On the Christmas tree are dozens of lovely little paintings, all to benefit the Ecumenical Council's Food Pantry, to help feed the needy for the holiday season.

Below is a pic of the lovely tree, adorned by beautiful works of fine art--original each one!

Works are available for viewing and purchasing as of November 1st, although we hope our members can hold off buying any more until the public gets a gander of them.  $10 each, and 100% to benefit the above-named charity.  Opening reception will be Friday, November 8th, 3-6 pm.  Stop by and immerse yourself in color and beauty, enjoy refreshments, and chat with all the artists. 

Members will continue to create these little "jewels" for the public to purchase and enjoy ... our gift to the needy, the City, and our townfolk.  When have you ever heard of being able to buy an original work of art for $10?  It is a labor of love, and we are proud to use this opportunity to give back to the community, in the spirit of Christmas.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club
(& VP of the Club)

Coming Soon--"Holiday Treasures"

MARK THE DATE!

NOVEMBER 8TH, 3-6 PM

 OPENING RECEPTION FOR HOLIDAY TREASURES

Well, October's Fall Colors Art Show was a smashing success, with great attendance, lots of beautiful artwork, and we hung it all very elegantly on covered standing racks in the big meeting room adjoining the Sebastian River Art Club's exhibit space.  Our shows just keep getting better and better.  Many of our members spent the day there, helping out one way or another, chatting with visitors and just enjoying each others' company.

Helping Hands for the Food Pantry Fundraiser

This blogger set up the dozens of little "Holiday Treasures," small paintings suitable for ornaments or as framed paintings which were created by our members, and we all sat around a big table and glued the backs, hangers and labels on them.  As we lined them up assembly-line style, we all remarked at how beautiful they were-in between jokes and jabs.  100% of the proceeds from the sale of these beauties will be donated to the Ecumenical Council Food Pantry to help feed those in need over the Holidays.  Hopefully all will sell and we'll have a big fat check to give them.  It's a great feeling to know that our artistic "gifts" can help make a difference in people's lives.

We at the Sebastian River Art Club are always looking for ways in which we can make a difference in the community, aside from our joy of painting and our camaraderie at the Club space.  We have a long list of charitable accomplishments over the years that have made a difference in our community.  Our Rosalee Hume Scholarship Fund is one of the ways in which we are always looking for a means to raise funds.  Of little note, for many years we have collected canned goods from our members at our monthly meetings for the Ecumenical Council's Food Pantry, and so it seemed a fitting and needy organization to receive any funds derived from our "Holiday Treasures" efforts.

Below is just a sampling of some of the wonderful paintings that will be available after November 1st.  However, as of now none will be able to be removed until after the opening reception which is November  8th, 3-6 pm.  Members will continue to paint new and beautiful original works all through November and December, so visitors may want to revisit periodically to see what's new!

We plan to put the tree up this Thursday or Saturday, and can't wait to put all those beautifully hand-painted works of art on it.  And hopefully we'll have enough donations of white lights to make the tree sparkle.

Please do stop in a visit us any Tuesday, Thursday and most Saturdays between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Lots to see in our little club, and lots to do on open studio days which are Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00-3:00 ... coffee is always on, thanks to Suze Lavender!

Judy Burgarella, VP and
Blogger for the
Sebastian River Art Club
1245 Main Street
Sebastian, Florida

FALL SHOW & LITTLE TREASURES!

Coming this Saturday - Sebastian River Art Club's Fall Art Show, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, in the Art Center Meeting Room.  This show is for all SRAC members, and is their opportunity to showcase a few of their finest works.

Approximately 30 artists will be displaying works in a myriad of subjects and mediums, and many of the artists will be on hand all day to greet visitors and chat about their art.  Punch and finger foods will be available, and visitors may also view works in the Club's gallery spaces.  On view right now in the Art Center gallery spaces is a show entitled "Wildlife," in celebration of October being National Wildlife Month.

Visitors may notice a small stand with some very small paintings hung from its hooks ... this "teaser" is a small sampling of the "Little Treasures" which will be on display hanging on our Christmas tree through November and December in the Picasso Gallery.  SRAC member artists have been doing their finest miniature work on these little beauties, which will be on sale for $10 and will benefit the Ecumenical Food Pantry, helping to feed those in need over the holidays. Below is one of this blogger's contributions.

"White Cat" Acrylic by Judy Burgarella

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club

Fritz Van Eden's Fantastic Demo!!

On Tuesday, October 1st, renowned international artist Fritz Van Eden graciously spent the afternoon at the SRAC Art Center, demonstrating his flamboyant method of painting for members and guests.  He drew a full house as usual, and a great inspiring time was had by all.  

Coming Soon ~ 1 or 2 day workshop by Fritz!

Tentatively planned for December.  

Coming in November ~ See our "Little Treasures," delightful and diverse little paintings that will be adorning a Christmas tree in the Picasso gallery.  Items will be for sale, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Ecumenical Food Pantry, to help feed those in need during the holidays.  All paintings are priced at only $10.  Please support this very worthy cause ... members by painting a few canvas panels (available free in the Art Center), and visitors by choosing one of these lovely original works of art to bring home for your tree or as a unique gift.  Many of these works are suitable and worthy of framing.  Below is a sample of one of this blogger's contributions, and there are so many other wonderful little "Treasures" coming in:

"Sandhill Portrait" Acrylic by Judy Burgarella

COMING NEXT SATURDAY - "FALL COLORS ART SHOW" - October 19, 10-4:00.

An exhibition by all Club members in the Large Meeting Room.  There will be spaces for 26 artists, who will be showcasing their very best works.  Refreshments will be served, and on display will be works in a myriad of styles, subjects, sizes and mediums.

Judy Burgarella

VP and Blogger for the

Sebastian River Art Club's

Art Center

Coming in October!

SEBASTIAN RIVER ART CLUB

1245 Main Street,Sebastian, Florida

www.SebastianRiverArtClub.org (currently under construction)

For information about SRAC's Art Center, contact Judy Burgarella, Art Center Chairman - 772-581-8281, or email her at judithburgarella@gmail.com
Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11:00-3:00.
Open Studio for Members Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-3:00
Painting Classes on first and third Tuesdays and Thursdays
      Watercolor with Judy McNamara Tuesdays 9-12:00
      Oil and Acrylics with Judy Burgarella Thursdays 9-12:00

COMING IN OCTOBER! 

 Demonstration by Renowned Artist

FRITZ VAN EDEN!

Fritz van Eden at the Canvas

Renowned international artist Fritz van Eden will be demonstrating his fabulous painting techniques at the Clubhouse on Tuesday, October 1st at 12:30.  Don't miss this one--he's an extraordinary painter and a very entertaining demonstrator.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

On Wednesday, October 16th, we have secured permission to enjoy a guided tour of this very special National Wildlife Refuge, and we are also invited to stay and paint at our easels (or sketch, photograph) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  We have permission to accommodate 15 SRAC members, so it will be a first come, first served basis, and sign-up sheet will be in the Clubhouse.  I have never been there so have no idea what we're in for, but we have permission to set up our easels at the Butterfly Garden and the Centennial Pond.  The following is information I gathered from the internet:
More than 5 miles of foot trails and a boardwalk and observation tower are available for viewing wildlife, photography and interpretive programs.
Accessible from the north end of Jungle Trail
(3.7 miles north of CR 510)
(772) 562-3909  |  www.fws.gov/pelicanisland

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center

"Tranquility" in art

SEBASTIAN RIVER ART CLUB

1245 Main Street

Sebastian, Florida

www.SebastianRiverArtClub.org (currently under construction)

For information about SRAC's Art Center, contact Judy Burgarella, Art Center Chairman - 772-581-8281, or email her at judithburgarella@gmail.com
Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11:00-3:00.
Open Studio for Members Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-3:00
Painting Classes on first and third Tuesdays and Thursdays
Watercolor with Judy McNamara Tuesdays 9-12:00
Oil and Acrylics with Judy Burgarella Thursdays 9-12:00

September's theme in the Art Center's Gallery Spaces is "Tranquility - Paintings to Calm the Soul."  As member artists complete their tranquil paintings, you may see a calming effect wafting along our gallery walls and hallways.  Be sure to vote for your favorite themed painting - members and guests alike are invited to cast 2 votes each.  Best to vote at the end of the month when most of the paintings will have been completed.  Below is a sample of Terry Pate's watercolor entry, "View from the "Window."

Terry Pate's Watercolor, "View from the Window"

Below is an acrylic by Gail Fayerweather entitled, "Calm Day" which is the epitome of "Tranquility."

"Calm Day" Acrylic by Gail Fayerweather

If you visited the last blog entry here, you would agree that Suse Lavender's painting won First Place Prize, hands down, Below.

Suze Lavender's Oil Painting from "Lord of the Rings"

Second Place Prize went to Wendy White, for collage mixed media - the resolution of the photo I must apologize for, but it surely is a stunning and very interesting painting.

Mixed Media by Wendy White

Third Place Prize went to Marion Alcorn for her beautiful and dreamy "Wand Maker"

"Wand Maker" by Marion Alcorn

Below is just a snapshot of one small section of the Art Center exhibit spaces.  Pictured is pottery and paintings by Connie Roth (Right half), and paintings by Rosemarie Meikeljohn.

Left side: Paintings By Rosemarie Meikeljohn; Right Side: Pottery and Paintings by Connie roth

Well, that's all for now folks.  Drop back again soon and see what's going on in this very active club, whose membership now is over 150!  Growing--Growing--Growing!!

Be sure to stop by SRAC's Art Center for some inspiration!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club

Twelve Months of Masterpieces!

From July through September the Sebastian River Art Club, of Sebastian Florida, will be exhibiting the Themed paintings which were on display throughout the gallery spaces during this past year.  The Hume Gallery has been divided into 12 spaces, with each space displaying the themed works of a single month.  Art Club members who do not have space in the collective exhibit areas are also invited to show a piece in whichever theme they would like.

Below is an example of this month's theme - Fantasy!
 

Oil by Susan Lavendar

 Come see what the Sebastian River Art Club is all about--visit our Art Center at 1245 Main Street, Sebastian, Florida any time Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays, 11:00-3:00.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00-3:00 we have open studio just beyond our gallery walls in the Community Room--come chat, watch us paint, have a cup of coffee and just hang out.  We love visitors!

Judy Burgarella, Blogger
VP SRAC
& Chairman of SRAC's Art Center

Wow! What a Banner!

Received this image today from Peni Baker, who has just finished the banner for our July 4th float--and Wow!  What a masterful and professional job she's done!  Just had to share it with our blogger fans.  So beautiful, and so representative of the name of our club, the beautiful and exotic Sebastian River.  Enjoy the view below, but you must see it in person at the 4th of July parade.  Look for me on the float showing off my granddaughter Salem.

The Sebastian River Art Club is proud to be a part of our City's parade, paying homage to the freedoms we all enjoy.  Freedoms which include setting up folding chairs that night at 9:00 along the Indian River Lagoon to see the FABULOUS FIREWORKS the City of Sebastian provides for its residents and visitors.  What a country!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the
Sebastian River Art Club

Bad News ... Good News

In recent weeks, the Sebastian River Art Club has, sadly, lost two of its members. Kinfolk in color, those who share our love for art will reamain forever in our hearts.

In Memoriam . . .

Bill (William) Marsh - Long-time member and master painter of wildlife--especially birds--passed away May 30th, 2013.  Always a smile on his face, you would never know he was ill for such a long time.  He was a soft-spoken, friendly and jovial gentleman of many talents who will be sorely missed at the Sebastian River Art Club.  Of note, Bill was a WWII Veteran who served in the Pacific Asian Theater.

Carolyn Gribbroek - Although not a long-time member, Carolyn loved art and enjoyed the camraderie of other artists and attended various events of the Club.  The photo posted below is Carolyn holding a painting she had done in art class at the Clubhouse, the quality of which proves her skill as a painter.  Carolyn passed away June 14th, 2013.

Carolyn Gribbroek

And now, on the lighter side . . .

JULY 4TH PARADE
The Sebastian River Art Club will be represented in the July 4th parade in Sebastian.  Member Roy Woodall and his wife have graciously volunteered their big boat, pulled by his truck.  Peni Baker has been diligently working on the banner, and Thelma Koopman has been coordinating things and has donated her beautiful carousel horse which she decorated for the event.  The photo below is just a sampling of things to come!

Thelma Koopman's Carousel Horse

CHILDEN'S SHOW - "SUMMER FUN"
The Children's show, "Summer Fun" comes down the end of June, and the reception was a smashing success.  Many children and their parents and friends showed up, and a good time was had by all.  Our members enjoyed hearing about the children's work and what it meant to them.  Some stories were rather funny, but it was obvious that their artwork was important to them in expressing their impressions of life's events.

COMING IN JULY!

The little Jewels (small paintings) will go back up in the Picasso Gallery, and in the Hume Gallery will be exhibited 12 months of themed paintings.  These paintings will hang through the summer and into September.  New work is being exchanged in the gallery spaces all the time, so be sure to stop in now and then to see what's new.

Ciou!
Judy Burgarella
VP and Art Center Chairman, and
Blogger for the
Sebastian River Art Club
Sebastian, Florida

2 Shows! "Summer Fun" and "Waterways"

Lots happening in the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center.  On view are two exciting shows which will wrap up the end of this month ~

"SUMMER FUN!"

Works on paper by 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Students of the Sebastian Elementary School.  Over 70 masterful works of art will be on view through June.  A cookies-and-punch reception will be held Friday, June 21st, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Art Center, 1245 Main Street, Sebastian, florida.  Public of all ages welcome!  

Children were asked to create works of art depicting what they would like to do during their summer vacation, and the results are fantastic!  This delightful and colorful show will make you smile.

"WATERWAYS SHOW"

Running concurrentlyy with "Summer Fun" is "Waterways," a Member's show focusing on and celebrating our wonderful waterways and the ecosystems within them.  This show is also in support of paddleboarder Justin Riney, who stopped off at Sebastian during his long paddleboard trip to bring awareness to our waterways' fragile ecosystem, as part of Expedition Florida 500.  

Coming in July ~

"A YEAR IN THEMES"

12 Months of themed competitions from Art Center exhibiting members

on Display in the Hume Gallery space through September, including

Award-Winning Entries for the following themes:

2012

July – Still Life

August – Abstract

September – Under the Sea

October – Impressionism

November – Sebastian scenes

December – Seascapes & Boats

2013

January – Animals

February – Birds

March – House Pets

April – Gardens

May – Skies/Clouds/Stormy Weather

June –  Fish/Fishing

Art Center hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Open studio for members to paint and network in the big adjacent Community Room is 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.  

Classes in several mediums taught Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Stop into the Art Center and find out more about what's going on at the Sebastian River Art Club, and see our bulletin board for coming events.

Judy Burgarella, Blogger and

SRAC VP & Art Center Chairman

Thursday May 16 Art Center Happenings

MARK THE DATES!!

Mark your calendars, as of SRAC's last Business Meeting, dates were locked in for the Club's outdoor shows in Sebastian's Riverview Park as follows (Saturdays with one exception): 

October 19

November 16

December 14

January 11

February 15-16 (Sat & Sun)

March 22

April 12.

Mark your calendar also for a demonstration by SRAC member Richard Ramirez, who will be doing something pottery-related.  Date is set for Tuesday, June 11, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.  FREE!
NOTE - Just got more information on this demonstration.  Richard Ramirez, with an impressive resume of over 36 years in the California Public School System specializing in in Art/Ceramics, he will demonstrate the basics of hand-building in clay.  Richard will also be raffling off some ceramic items at the end of the presentation.  Don't miss this one--Richard is a master potter!

Pottery by Richard Ramirez

Another one to mark your calendar for is Joe Miller's woodcarving demonstration, May 30th,  1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  FREE!
For more information about Joe Miller's Woodcarving Demonstration, scroll down on this blog.

Here's another opportunity for members of SRAC - new member Kristen Beck announced at the SRAC Business Meeting that she would love to have some people painting plein air at an oudoor event, "Expedition Florida 500" at the Riverview Park in Sebastian June 5th.  Paddleboarder Justin Riney will be arriving at 4:00, at the Park, as part of his paddleboarding trip to increase awareness of the state of our waterways, primarily Indian River Lagoon.  Since October is "National Wildlife Month," paintings with a wildlife or Lagoon theme will be featured at the Art Center in October.  If you are interested in participating in this plein air event call Kristen.
In March Kristen will facilitate a trip to Pelican Island for SRAC members, a photo-op which will giveus all plenty of pelican images to paint in the future--perhaps leading to a Pelican Exhibition--wouldn't that be just too appropriate for our beloved Sebastian!  Let's do it!

PORTRAITS--OF INTEREST
If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to view this blogger's time-lapse portrait video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcLf7ACVaJk&feature=youtu.be

If you attended the multi-media portrait demonstrations at the SRAC in the fall, you will surely appreciate watching this 4-1/2 hour portrait painting demonstration condensed into ONE MINUTE!!
Turn volume up, and to see full screen click on the little square brackets on the lower right corner of the video screen.  A shamelless plug for this blogger's art gallery--The Artists Guild Gallery on 14th Ave, VB, will have a special Self-Portrait show for June, with opening reception June 7, 5-8 pm.

----------------------------------

And now for  May 16th's blog entry . . .

Today this blogger had art class, and it was exciting to see the different artworks, methods and mediums in progress - An acrylic Indian, oil of a tall horse, vivid coleus, a tropical scene, and a stormy night.  It's hard to keep their brush out of my hands because it all looks like such fun.

At the request of a member, I did a water-soluble oil demonstration of a small still life.  Below is how far I got, and it was great fun to see them watch it come to life, and hopefully inspiring them to try this easy-to-use and non-toxic medium.

Unfinished water-soluble oil painting by Judy Burgarella

Member Grace Savage brought her plein air painting which was painted during the SRAC's Celebrate the Arts Paint-out in the park in back of the Clubhouse on april 27th.  Grace struggled with this painting, but having plein-aired with her before I knew it would end up being a knockout.  And it is as you can see below.   Fresh and colorful, with bold strokes and great composition.  She really didn't have much to work with at the  location where she was standing.  Great job Grace!

Woodland Trail View, oil by Grace Savage

The light at the Art Center is great for painting, as is the views out the doors and windows, as you can see with this curious visitor who stayed just long enough for me to snap this shot.  We've had sandhill cranes come to the door a-beggin' also.  Just adds to the lovely day spent at the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center, which was bustling with activity today.  And thanks to Vito for his delicious chicken curry ... and Suzie for the crunchy cake and good coffee.  Stop by some time and we'll pour you a cup.  The Art Center is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11-3:00, and our Open Studios in the Art Center's Meeting Room is open for painting and hanging out Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-3:00.

A Curious visitor at our door

Oh, and Bon Voyage to Peni and Laurie!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center

Woodcarver Joe Miller Workshop Coming!

"Crappie" Bass wood Woodcarving by Joe Miller

A free woodcarving demonstration will be given at the Sebastian River Art Club Art Center on May 30th, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, given by Joe Miller, who currently has many wood carvings on display in the Club's Art Center.  Joe will show you the fundamentals of creating something beautiful from wood.   His show will be dismantled right after the demonstration, so be sure to get to the Art Center before this show is gone.

Joe took up the art of woodcarving seriously about twelve years ago, and turned a pastime into his life's passion, and he shares this passion with anyone who will listen.  As president of the Indian River Woodcarvers, he has overseen the progress of many emerging wood artisans, and he continues to be an inspiration to his students and fans alike.  Joe will have a sign-up sheet at the demonstration for those who would like to take classes from him.

Joe's Indian River Woodcarvers group carve beautiful canes and walking sticks for the Purple Heart veterans, and the carvers present each veteran with a personalized walking stick and a certificate showing the service branch, rank, military medals received and places served.  Of note also, one of Joe's walking sticks was used as a prop in "Pirates of the Carribbean."  Joe maintains a studio/gallery at Art Mundo, in Downtown Fort Pierce, where he shows all his beautiful pieces and teaches woodcarving.  To see more of his work visit www.joemillerwoodcarver.com, and for information about his demo or classes contact him at 617-623-6057.  Classes will also be forming soon in Zentangle, a new art for using lines to form patterns, given by Francesca Pratten.

The SRAC Art Center is located at 1245 Main Street, 2 blocks west of Route 1 in Sebastian.  Hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays 11:00-3:00.  Classes in most drawing and painting mediums are available. For more information about joining the Sebastian River Art Club, or for information about our art classes call 772-581-8281.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club
SRAC VP & Art Center Chair

" I feel that God’s sunlight on a single blade of grass 

is such a miracle and is so difficult to capture in paint, 

it is worth a lifetime of trying."

Paul Strisk, Artist – 1918-1998

House Pets and Gardens

(P-s-s-s-t!  Don't forget, the reception for the Woodcarver Show Saturday, May 11th, 2-5 pm--join us for refreshments and talk to the Master Carvers!!  Other artist members of the Sebastian River Art Club will be onhand to talk art with you and show you around)

Tomorrow (Monday) the carpets will be cleaned in the art Center, due to some water problems the building was experiencing last month which soaked the rugs in two of our exhibit rooms.  Because of that, our March theme did not get voted on, wich was "House Pets."  So at the end of April everyone had to vote on two themes, with April being "Gardens."  Below are some of the ribbon-winners:

Ann Emery's oil painting of two kittens - 2nd place House Pets

Mary Rahmig's "Hollyhocks" took 3rd place in "Gardens"

Patti Goins oil Lilipond, First Place Gardens

Vito Derasmo's watercolor of two dogs, 3rd place Pets

Peni Baker's Acrylic of "Avocado Cottage" 2nd Place Gardens

Kathleen richter's Acrylic of "Kitty in the Garden" 1st Place House Pets

Don't forget to join us for an opening reception for the Woodcarver's show this Saturday, 2-5:00.  Enjoy refreshments and the camaraderie of artists and people who just love art.  Lots of creative energy in the Sebastian River Art Club, so come see what we're up to.  SRAC's Art Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-3:00, and most Saturdays 11-3:00.  Open studio in the meeting room Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00-3:00.  772-581-8281.  Website - www.sebastianriverartclub.org (currently under construction).

Judy Burgarella
Blogger for the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center

Woodcarvers' Show

As I post this, April is coming to an end and May is fast approaching (tomorrow!), and we at the Sebastian River Art Club have been enjoying Joe Miller, et. al.'s, show so far.  More of his colleagues' work will be added before his opening reception, which is scheduled May 11th, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Come see the Woodcarvers' work and all the wonderful works of art in our Art Center, and enjoy some refreshments with us at the Reception.

Most of the work on view is Joe's, peppered with the works of Francesca Pratten, Paul Whelan, and a single piece by Joe's student Danny Bell.  This writer will add more names as Joe brings in additional works. 



Walking Sticks in a variety of wood types, by Joe Miller

Walking Sticks in a variety of wood types, by Joe Miller

Zentangle Wood Purse by Francesca Pratten

Woodcarvings by Paul Whelan

The SRAC Art Center's new sign, compliments of the City of Sebastian ... Thank you!

Just a quick "Thank You" to the City for our spiffy new sign, which matches the sign for the new Senior Center across the courtyard from us.  Makes us feel very much a part of this City which all we members love.  It is an honor to have a part in enhancing the City's profile, using our art and our efforts to beautify, educate, and contribute to the betterment of our town.  One of our missions is to help to make art part of the magnet that attracts people to our town.  And now we're official ... with this beautiful sign!

CELEBRATE THE ARTS

April 27th was the last event planned for the Sebastian River Art Club's contribution to "Celebrate the Arts," which was the second in a 2-part plein air painting session.  Pictured below is plein air painter and Club member Grace Savage, painting a lovely oil of the park entrance in back of our Clubhouse.  Below that is a photo of this writer's works-in-progress of the riverbank.

Grace Savage painting "En Plein Air"

Judy Burgarella's oil painting in progress

Our session was interrupted by this curious visitor below.  The wonderful walkway overlooking the pond out back of the clubhouse is such a photo-op.  Lolling in the water below us like he didn't have a care in the world, this gator was a perfect poser as I snapped away ... and so close you could see the dragonfly on his forehead.  That dark spot to the right is his eye--what a close-up!

Dragonfly on gator's head

Lazy gator

As we head through Spring and onto the lazy summer days, things will slow down for the Art Center a bit, but not completely.  The Club will have one more Business Meeting on May 14th at 12:30, which is a good time to come see what we're all about.   There is social time and refreshments afterwards, so come and introduce yourself.  We're a friendly bunch.

May's theme for select works hanging in the Art Center space is "Storms-Skies-Clouds," so plese vote for your favorite.   We're open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00-3:00.  Classes in all mediums are offered:

Judy McNamara - watercolors, First & Third Tuesdays of the month - 321-724-9857

Judy Burgarella - Acrylics & Oils - 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month - 772-581-8281

Richard Gillmore - Drawing - 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month - 772-228-9066

Let us help you find out the joys and challenges of painting and drawing.

Coming soon ~ Woodcarving workshops!

One more thing ~
Just had to post this picture below ... the renowed Dorothy Starbuck who gave a dynamite workshop for the SRAC in January - she now holds the honorable distinction of being awarded 2nd place in oil/acrylic at the Melbourne Historic Downtown Art Show last weekend (pic taken April 29th).  A tremendous honor since there are so many wonderful artists to compete with.  And we had her here teaching at our little club.  We sure were lucky to get her.  Here she is pictured with the painting that earned her 2nd place (incidentally, an $800 prize to boot!)

Dorothy Starbuck with her 2nd place prize at the Melbourne Art Show

See that . . . sometimes it really does pay to be an artist, especially if you're an outstanding one like her.  So keep on painting!

Judy Burgarella

Blogger for the

Sebastian River Art Club's

Art Center