News

General OAI Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2021

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Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Sat. Feb 13, 2021

President, Barbara Egr called the meeting to order at 1:07 pm with 21 attending (Zoom Meeting).

2. The November 18, 2020 Fun Shop did not include a general meeting-no minutes

3. Treasurer Report, Jo Anne Nielsen-Checking Account Balance: $4,385.49.

Barbara Egr welcomed new member, Kathleen Van Lieu.

Committe Reports:

A.N.A.C. (Association of NE Art Clubs) – Dick Brown, Jo Anne Nielsen, Linda Jones, Karen Lastovica
JoAnne Nielsen reported the June 2021 Conference is canceled. There will possibly be a Virtual Art Show. More information will be in the March newsletter. New members must pay dues of $12 for 2021 membership by February 28. Current members who paidthe 2020 dues will not be charged dues for 2021 due to COVID-19 cancellations of club activities.

Art Shows – Sharon Clawson

Barbara Egr reported the Virtual Art Show will be online and judged on February 1 by Todd Muller. The Virtual reception and judge’s comments will be available on Zoom at 2pm, Saturday, February 6.

Calling – Marilyn Beig
No report.

Cookbook – Katie Johnson, JoAnne Nielsen, Susan Stevens
Katie Johnson will write a newsletter article inviting members to submit more recipes.

Fun Shop – Shirley Schmidt, Sheila Scarborough
Shirley reported 7 artists attended the Rainbow Glass January 20th Fun Shop. On February 17, 9 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Master - 114th & Center Streets Jasmine Fuller, acrylic artist, will present, “Achieving Vibrancy with Layers in Acrylic.” Reservations, social distancing and masks are required.

Gala – Patti Kounkel, Event Coordinator, Katie Johnson
Katie will announce exciting details in February.

Hostesses/Luncheon/Dinner – Linda Guynn, Sue Loyd
Sue Loyd advised the February 24th 11am Board meeting/Luncheon is at Famous Dave’s, 2015 Pratt Ave., near Menards on Cornhusker. Ordering from the menu, separate checks, masks and social distancing are the procedure. Make reservations with Linda Guynn at 402-618-0347.

Membership – JoAnne Nielsen, Susan Stevens
Susan Stevens reported 110 active members.

Newsletter – Danielle Easdale
Barbara Egr reminded members the February newsletter articles are to be submitted to Danielle on Friday or Saturday, January 29 or 30.

Programs – Barbara Egr, Sherry Reese, Vickey Timperley
Sarah McWilliams spoke about “Discovering Inspiration and Your Personal Style” January 27th Zoom meeting. OPS canceled their “in-person” school therefore the art club did not meet in person. Barbara Egr announced Steve Reese, professional photographer and proprietor of Mervin Reese Photography will present, “Photograph your Artwork in High Resolution.” Wednesday, Feb. 24th. Board meeting – 11:00 Luncheon at Famous Dave’s, 2015 Pratt Ave., near Menards on Cornhusker. Ordering from the menu, separate checks, masks and social distancing are the procedure. Make reservations with Linda Guynn at 402-618-0347.

Publicity – Sharon Clawson, Katie Johnson
Katie reported she is alerting media contacts about the Virtual Art Show and is posting show details on the OAI Facebook page.

Website – Susan Stevens
Susan Stevens reported 94 show entries, 39 of 110 members submitting.

Vice President – Sherry Reese
Sherry reported Steve Reese enjoyed photographing twelve members’ artwork and willhelp with photography needs of members for upcoming virtual shows.

Unfinished Business
Barbara Egr invited contributions to the Barbara Mitchell Memorial Fund to finance a renowned artist to present a future club-sponsored workshop.

New Business
Barbara Egr encouraged members to apply for the Genie Schafer Memorial $400 Scholarship or the Omaha Artists Inc. Memorial $500 Scholarship with March 1 deadlines. Both have the 2-year OAI member requirement. The OAI scholarship recipient will share the expertise learned at a future Fun Shop. The Scholarship Committee will be Katie Johnson, Judy Freeland, and Linda Leary.

Other Announcements or Messages:
Shirley Schmidt invited members to volunteer to help chair the 2022 Fun Shops. The 2021 Fun Shops are established.

Emmett Egr has a show at the Mayor’s Office - access through the Mayor’s receptionist.

Motion to Adjourn – Katie Johnson
Motion Seconded – Peg Watkins
Adjournment – 1:27pm

Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leary
OAI Recording Secretary

A few words from your President…

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Dear Omaha Area Artists,

First of all Happy New Year! This is the first time we can literally say, “Hindsight is 2020.” Personally, I am totally ready to put that year in the can and move on. However, I learned a few lessons from last year. A few of my life lessons:

To Try – Our Omaha Artists, Inc Board discussed the idea of a virtual art show for several months before we were willing to take the leap and try. We reasoned that “something would be better than no art show at all.” Guess what? Many of you agreed. As a matter of fact, 35 of you signed up for the show!

To Strengthen my “art of living” muscle – When I felt lonely, I tried to call someone who was staying home due to health reasons. I taught myself some new songs for the piano. I helped others – family & friends – with food when they had the virus. When I felt defeated (our Christmas trip was canceled and I missed my granddaughter so badly) I painted. Art has always been my therapy.

To Find Joy – The only real control, in life, I hold is what can fit in my own personal hula hoop- my attitude, actions, and words. It’s up to me to find and complete fulfilling activities. For me, simple pleasures truly are the best – spending time with a child...even Facetime! Being present and enjoying a sunset. Finding the beauty in winter fog.

I realize for some, 2020 was total devastation...loss of loved ones, health, or a job. The above mentioned items are just the lessons I learned. I hope you will ponder the idea of what you gleaned from 2020. I would love you to share your epiphanies with me, if you so desire. Until then... 

Warmly,
Barbara Egr

"To be an artist is to believe in life."

Henry Moore

Courtesy

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

New Members:

• Tim Guzinski
• Hana Brock
• Patri Slaven (Rejoin)

Celebration:

• Linda Leary - 50th Wedding Anniversary

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

January General Meeting

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Learn how to Develop Your Artistic Sense of Style!

Have you ever noticed how some artists just have a signature style? You can identify their artwork within a show. Did you ever wonder how this “style” was developed?

Our January speaker, Sarah McWilliams acrylic artist, has enjoyed an eclectic life history which included studying art history and has always loved animals. She will share how she developed her signature style. “Uniquely You! Discovering Inspiration and Your Personal Style”is the subject of our next luncheon for Ms. McWilliams’ lecture:

January 27th, 2021 - 12:00 pm
Farmhouse Cafe - 3461 South 84th St.
(next to Mangelsen’s)

Reservations MUST be made by Friday January 22nd by noon to Linda Guynn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Strict Covid restrictions – social distancing / masks – will be in place assuring our safety.

January Fun Shop: Fused Glass with Sarah

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Category: Fun Shops

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Note Change of Time & Venue – Pre-Registration Required

Fused Glass With Sarah
January 20th, 2021 - 10:30 am
Rainbow Artistic Glass
3709 South 138th St (138th & "B" St) Omaha

Pre-Register by Monday, January 18th. Send email to Shirley Schmidt.

We open our 2021 Fun Shop schedule with a "field trip" to Rainbow Artistic Glass where Sarah Stieren will guide our class in creating a fused glass art piece. Class size will be limited so you must pre-register. If we exceed a safe "social distancing" morning session number, we can add a 1:30 pm afternoon class.

Sarah will demonstrate and guide us in making a fused glass piece; these art pieces can range from a 4x4 glass tile, to a 6" slumped (dish) tile, picture frame, garden stake, and other larger pieces if desired. Prices will range from $12 to $35-$40 (depending on your selection). Payment is to be made the day of class and it usually takes about 2 weeks for the pieces to be fired, and ready to be picked up. If you get a chance to stop in beforehand, you can get an idea of what is available. Please call ahead to be sure they will be open (402-330-7676) .

Safety glasses will be provided, however you may bring your own. If people wear regular glasses, that could be sufficient. Masks are of course required. I've taken several classes and it is a fun activity with a beautiful piece of art as a result. I look forward to seeing you there and to a year of fun classes. Happy 2021!!!

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shops Chair

Artwork Entries Due January 15 for the First Ever Virtual Art Show

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Category: Art Show News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

The judged, virtual show will be exhibited on our website February 1. The show will have awarded prizes, including a $100 Member’s Choice Award from Dick Blick. This award will be voted for by members only! The winners will be announced online in February (date to be announced). Prize money and appropriate ribbons will be mailed to the winners. 

There is no theme for this show. We hope many of our artists will try this new way to show their art! Keep on painting and creating and someday we will have “in-person” shows again!!!! 

Here’s how it will work: 

Prior to judging, all entries will appear on the website with the entry title and number only. Once the judge has made award selections, the entries will be updated to display the artist’s name with the title, medium, size, and price. There will also be a link to a form for interested buyers to contact the artist. You are responsible for working out the details of the sale. 

See Details for our First Ever Virtual Art Show for more information.

Sharon Clawson

Art Shows Chair

Member Spotlight: Linda Leary

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Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Tell us about you?

I am originally from northwestern KS-Phillipsburg, KS until age 10 and then moved to Lincoln, NE. Igraduated from college with Degrees: B.S. Elementary Education-College of St. Mary, Omaha, M.S.in Elementary Education, Endorsement in Library/Media Education-University of NE at Omaha. I taught Intermediate grades for 7 years and taught as a Library/Media Specialist 25 years. The most eye-opening teaching experience was as a Reading Lab teacher for one semester at Gatesville Home for Boys (Grades 5-8) Reform School, in Gatesville, TX while my husband finished his last 6 months in the Army at Ft. Hood, TX. I retired from teaching in 2006. I now volunteer in various capacities: St.Leo the Great Catholic Church Parish Library, Co-Coordinator of the Christmas Angel Tree Project collecting gifts for children of incarcerated parents, long-time member/current recording secretaryof the Educational Fraternity, Alpha Delta Kappa, Zeta Chapter, looking forward to being a mentor at North Star Foundation and a dog walker at the NE Humane Society in 2021. I belong to 2 book clubs.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc?

I joined a few years ago after a former teaching colleague, painting friend and OAI member, Judy Freeland, told me about the club. I enjoy how everyone in this organization is so helpful. I enjoy learning from other artists at the Fun Shops and admire the community outreach opportunities sponsored by OAI. This is a wonderful organization in which to learn at your own pace and explorenew media. I became an Executive Officer - Secretary of OAI in 2020!

How did you get involved in art? What is your favorite medium? How has your art evolved? Whatis your inspiration? Awards?

Having taken piano lessons as a young child and teenager, I alwayshave been inspired by classical music. I have been enjoyed exploring visual art as a viewer and participant since childhood. Since 2007, three teaching colleagues and I have met weekly to paint, meeting at each others’ homes. A 4th retired teacher joined us 2 years ago. I enjoy watercolor and photography. I am still searching for my personal style and personal medium. Nature, unusual shapes, unusual lighting and other artists inspire me! Awards received: OAI Honorable for photos of the Platte River at Sunset, Joy Long Award for Lighting for a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge/Empire State Bldg.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love to Tent Camp!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My interests include reading, music, flower gardening, volunteering and painting.

Tell us about a couple of your favorite books you haveread (name and author)?

Book of Lost Names by Lisa Windgate, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frank, When the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and any book by Sr. Joyce Rupp, OSM.

What are your travel experiences?

In 2008 Jim and I traveled to Germany for a family reunion of cousins on my maternal grandmother’s side. We enjoy visiting children and other relatives in NYC, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, NC, TX and FL.

What are you known for?

My smile; my organizational skills

What skills would you like to learn?

I would like to play the piano by ear; painting shadows in draping attire; oil painting.

Has anything or anyone changed your life?

Being married to my husband for 50 years and the death of our son.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“I cannot live without books”. - ThomasJefferson

Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight Reporter

ANAC News

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

The ANAC Executive Board has determined with thiscrazy year that 2020 ANAC dues will apply to 2021. New members will still need to pay dues.
Now as for those that have already paid for 2021 thru OAI, the Treasurer has deposited this money and has a record of those who have paid. And in the February newsletter will be posting all those eligible for the 2021 Conference. Your ANAC dues that have been paid will be applied for the following year.
The new Conference date will be June 9, 2021 – June 12, 2021. It is still held in Fremont, NE. Watch for more information in the 2021 Conference Spring newsletter.

If you have any questions please feel free to call contact Jo Anne Nielsen, your ANAC Chairperson.

Keeping Social

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Do you follow OAI online?

Facebook.com/OmahaArtistsInc is the group’s social media channel for informing the public about upcoming events and general information.

Facebook.com/groups/OAI.members is a member’s only page that provides a space for the group to socialize online. Members can submit a request to join. You will be asked if you are an OAI member and what medium you like to work in. One of our Facebook administrators will approve the request after checking your membership status.

Apply for Scholarships - Deadline March 1

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Omaha Artists, Inc. offers two scholarships yearly. The application deadline for both scholarships is March 1, 2021. The scholarships will be awarded at the March meeting.

The Genie Schafer Art Memorial Scholarship awards $400 each to two recipients to attend an art workshop. Learn more.

The Omaha Artists Inc. Memorial Scholarship  awards one member $500 to attend an art workshop of their choice. The recipient must be willing to share what they have learned with other Omaha Artists members at a Fun Shop. Learn more.