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.

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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