Blog

The date for the next silk painting offered by Stephanie Strong class is Thursday, June 21st, at 1:00 PM at Gwen’s studio. Due to the size of the project, class will be limited to 8 participants. There will be four sizes of scarves from which to choose; prices, including scarf and materials, will range from $15 to $25. For more information, contact Stephanie at strong12@yahoo.com.

Denise Champion’s April 28th workshop on acrylic pouring techniques was a great success, with a dozen participants getting “down and dirty” (i.e., making a mess!) to create beautiful abstract canvases of their own.  Thanks, Denise, for providing a fun and fantastic creative activity!

On March 15, the third Watercolor Batik class, with a new theme of “Batik a Bunny” for the Easter season was attended by Stephanie Strong, Danila VanVeen, Roz Claffey, Lynn Cowan, Alice Healy, Virginia Heaven, Karen McCormick, Diana Wassal, and Gwen Callahan.  The process of using masa paper, watercolors, and wax…. produced interesting individual color combinations and fun results to be framed.

Denise Champion’s demonstration of acrylic pouring techniques on Thursday, February 22, was beyond fascinating!  All in attendance were enthralled as gorgeous paintings were coaxed into appearing out of a cupful of various paints and additives poured out over canvas.  Denise brought several finished examples along and completed three paintings while doing the demonstration.  There appears to be interest in having Denise teach a class in this technique, where participants could pour and complete their own paintings.  Watch our “Upcoming Events” page for more information as details are firmed up.  See more of Denise’s work at the Northwind Arts Center in Port Townsend, WA, opening March 3.

From Sarah Lane, class instructor:

We had our “Lovely Dimension” class this afternoon at Gwen’s lovely studio, and I think I speak for all when I say that we had a good time!  We started the class with a little video about Wayne Thiebaud, painter of desserts!  I discovered him after I discovered my attraction to depth in desserts.  We identified both his need for integrity and humor.  He never considered himself Picasso, but his works do sell for $1.7M now.  And while it sounds like any of us wouldn’t mind having that kind of renown and success, we were satisfied to work with gel medium and acrylics. Gwen warmed up the afternoon with a steamy cup of coffee, while Roz’s flowers and cupcake vibrated with brilliant color.  Virginia demonstrated her mastery of color, and Victoria gave herself the opportunity to “play” that she’s offered many children in the past.  She achieved, light  and joy in gel medium!  Whitney, graphic designer and gardener extraordinaire, brought primrose to life, blending watercolor and acrylic techniques and giving us a glimpse at spring.  Beryl applied her natural attraction to subtle color to her cupcake painting.  And Danila worked steadily and delicately, building and drawing the surface of her painting.  And then we ate cupcakes!  Many thanks to everyone for their love of art and community–for sharing a truly lovely afternoon.  A special thanks to Gwen for sharing her light, bright space!

On December 3, Valley Arts Group President Gwen Callahan led a contingent of VAG members on a tour of two galleries in White Rock, BC.  The group spent a lovely afternoon viewing wood carvings, fabric art, ceramics and paintings in oils, watercolors, and acrylics by Arnold Mikelson at the Mind and Matter Art Gallery and then visited the festive Christmas Open House at the White Rock Gallery, where many of the exhibiting artists happily shared their ideas and thoughts about producing the art they had on display.  Attendees were greeted and welcomed by a formal doorman and enjoyed complimentary wine and fine food bites while perusing the exhibits.  The VAG group enjoyed time to discuss all they had seen while savoring dinner in a local restaurant before returning home.  Many thanks to Gwen for arranging and facilitating this holiday trip!