paired words challenge

The first in series of challenges that our group has participated in this summer and fall is the Pair Word Challenge. Everyone who wanted to participate threw their name in a "hat" and was randomly paired with another member. Then one of the pair got to pull a random word from that "hat". Each pair of members interpreted the word on their own, without any conversation with their partner, except for a discussion on size in some cases.

A our last meeting the art quilts were revealed and it was very interesting to see how different or similar the interpretations were.

Here is a look at the pairs. Ann Louise Lyman and Nancy Mirman

Gail Ellspermann and Carole Hoffman

Linda Long (Linda's partner could not participate)

Norma Schlager and Natalya Aikens

Cindy Green and Martha Buhl

Claire Oehler and Barbara Sferra

Jamie Horikawa and Cecelia Leiseroff

Maxine Oliver and Debbie Bein







Micki Tedeschi and Mary Ann HealeyJane Davila and Judy GignesiVivien Zepf and Joyce Sullivan Fran Osinoff and Joanne Lubchenko

An Arty Play Day

Back in May, our group sponsored an Arty Play Day for interested and available members. It was held in a local high school's chemistry lab, which was perfect - running water and indestructible surfaces. We had plenty of room to spread out and everyone worked on their own project/process for the day. It was fantastic and we all got a lot done while having a great time.

Joyce prepared to wet-felt some fibers together.

Barbara tried her hand at shaving cream marbling.

Ann Louise worked with free-motion stitching and acrylic inks.

 

Martha made some gorgeous gelatin-plate prints.

Debbie painted her shoes - so glam!!

Gail got into a beading project.

 

MaryAnn attached a finished piece to canvas.

 

Nike drew, doodled and journaled

 

Judy painted.

Maxine worked on a beautiful applique quilt.

 

Joanne stamped and printed.

Jane painted acrylic ink washes onto cotton and cotton/silk.

 

The only one missing in the photos is our intrepid photographer, Fran.

We chatted, we created, we laughed, we ate chocolate - we'll definitely be doing this again!

Photography workshop

On Saturday we were fortunate to have the amazing, multi-talented professional photographer Howard Goodman give us a workshop on how to photograph artwork. The six hours just flew by and we learned so much. I think we all feel more empowered now by the knowledge we gained and the practical hands-on experience we had.

It was very much a hands-on class. We learned about PhotoShop Elements 8, including lots of neat tricks (LOVE the new Magic Extractor tool). Howard set up lights, reflectors, a tripod and more so that we could try out our own cameras (both DSLR and a range of point-and-shoot) and he could advise us as to the particular settings our own cameras need to use, where the lights need to be, everything we need to know to get good, clear, correctly-colored shots of our art.

He even showed us how to shoot artwork framed under glass so that there are no reflections. As artists, we are extremely visual people so it was very satisfying to have an instructor show us how to do something, to actually see the process in action and to be able to ask for clarification. Howard has a book coming out early next year - stay tuned!

A most satisfying and educational day!

UPDATE: More photos from the workshop:

portraits of the artists

Here are a few portraits of the artists with their art. Linda Long Mary Ann HealyClaire OehlerCecelia LeiseroffNike Cutsumpas Sonny ReiberFran OsinoffMaxine Oliver Norma Schlager Natalya Aikens Ann Louise LymanCindy Green

More photos from our opening

These were taken by our member Susan Schrott. Thank you Susan!