News

Letter from the President

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Category: News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Did you know April is National Volunteer Month? Volunteerism empowers individuals to improve their community, to make changes, to follow their hearts and find their passion. April is National Volunteer Month – a time to encourage volunteerism and to thank those who volunteer.

First of all, I appreciate the team members who make OAI the fine organization it is...a successful art club even during a pandemic. I thank you, the OAI Board, Chairpersons and Committees. Often these valued individuals wear many hats, helping and encouraging each other, working many hours and doing so without pay or recognition.

Secondly, I want to encourage our members who are not yet “plugged-in” to a volunteer position to join us in serving the community. Not only do we give back with projects; cheering the elderly and the sick, we have the Community Art Reach and Community Art Bridge composed of volunteers. Don’t forget – as stated in our roster, Omaha Artists, Inc. was organized to promote the appreciation and development of fine art in and around the Omaha Metro area. What are YOU doing to help with this mission?

Of course, due to Covid, some outreach committees have been unable to meet. However, there are opportunities to serve. We need a secretary for next year. I have held that position, and everyone helped me. I did fine. We also are in need of a Vice President. If you feel a tiny bit interested in this position, please give me a call. I promise you will get a lot of support.

There’s something special about being able to say, “I am making a difference.” Are you making a difference? Can you? If you need a change in your life, want to add some FUN, enjoy making someone smile, want to lessen the load of someone else, contact a member of our board or committees. Then, YOU will be giving, doing and making a difference!

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands...one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

– Audrey Hepburn

Most of this article was written by Katie Johnson last year. I thought it was so beautiful and significant I “borrowed” it. Thanks, Katie! ;)

Warmly,
Barbara Schmid-Egr,
President

Barbara Mitchell Memorial Fund

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Category: News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Barbara Louise Mitchell, a long time member of Omaha Artists Inc. and a well-known artist, entered into the loving arms of her Savior on April 17, 2020. Barbara dearly loved her association with Omaha Artists Inc. She was a friend to all and lit up a room when she entered. One of the memorial donations she requested was a watercolor workshop for her artist friends.

Therefore, with the blessing of her family, Jo Anne Nielsen and Katie Johnson have set these plans in motion by setting up a Barbara Mitchell Memorial Fund. A Two-Day-Workshop (watercolor) is being set up for 2022. We will keep you apprised of further information and will update you each month.

At this time, we have collected $647.00. We thank you for your donations.

Please see the April newsletter for information on where to send your donation.

Fun Shop: "Loosen Up & Get Creative" with Karen Thurlow from Gallery 92

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Category: Fun Shops

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Lutheran Church of the Master
2617 South 114th Street
Omaha, Nebraska

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(Please note change of date from the Roster listing)

Cost: $4.00 members - $5.00 non-members

Pre-Registration required to Shirley Schmidt (limited number allowed, so register early)

Social distancing will be followed as well as mask-wearing. Please bring your own drinks.

We are offering this Saturday Fun Shop in the hopes that members of OAI who are employed will have the opportunity to attend a weekend Fun Shop. Karen Thurlow is a Nebraska native. She did not have the opportunity to have a formal art education so she explored every avenue to perfect her craft. Lots of art books and workshops....lots of trial and error.

Karen has worked in a number of media over the years. She now works mostly with acrylic paint and other water medias. Her work leans toward the impressionist style and has explored the abstract style of painting for the last few years. She also decorates furniture and wooden boxes. Karen has taught many workshops and classes in Nebraska. She is often asked to judge artwork for various organizations and schools. Karen is the past president of ANAC and also served on their board. Karen has also been a long-time member of the Fremont Area Art Association and served as their past president and is a current board member. She is also a member of the Noyes Art Gallery in Lincoln, NE. This workshop is compiled of several exercises to make you more creative. We will be painting with wild abandonment! We will stray from the tried and true and go with your natural impulses.
This workshop can be done with watercolor, acrylic, oil or pastel.....pick your poison.

You will need the supplies that you normally use for your selected media and a ruler, scissors and masking tape. Depending on your media choice, you will need either a sheet of watercolor paper (22x30) or a couple of canvas boards (16x20). To save class time you can take your watercolor paper or canvas board and divide it out. You can use a pencil, pen or marker to divide your paper or board. If you are using watercolor paper, you need to divide and cut the paper into 3 pieces, 7x30 inches, then divide each piece into 5 inch pieces giving you six 5x7 windows on each 7x30 strip. If you are using 16x20 canvas board, you will end up with eight 5x7 portions. First measure the 16 inch side into two 8 inch parts. Then measure the 20 inch side and mark into four 5 inch sections. You will be surprised at the creativity that you thought you didn't possess.

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shops Chair

April General Meeting and Program "Why Color Matters" with Laurie Mach

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Category: News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Have you ever wondered how you could strengthen your art?

How important are your color choices when you create?

How does an artist choose which colors to use?

If these or other “color concerns” plague you or if you just love color, then April’s guest speaker at our April meeting will be just the answer to your curiosity.

Anthony’s Ozone Lounge,
7220 F Street,
Wednesday, April 28.

Board Meeting at 11:00

Our guest speaker, Laurie Mach, will explain “Why Color Matters.”

Laurie is a renowned fabric artist.

Required reservation by April 24. (call Linda Guynn 402-618-0347)

Social distancing, separate checks, and masks required.

Next Virtual Art Show "Shadows"

Details

Category: Art Show News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

May 1 - 31, 2021
Judge – Deborah Murphy

• April  1-15  –  submit  artwork  online.  A  link  will  be made available on the Spring Virtual Art Show information page April 1. April 15 will be the last day you can upload your artwork.
• May 1 – show begins. It will be available online until the end of the day May 31st.
• May 8 – Awards presentation via Zoom at  2:00 with Deborah Murphy, the judge for the show. A Zoom invitation will be sent to all OAI members.
• Awards will be posted online by Tuesday, May 4 Member’s Choice Award with Gift Certificate – awarded on June 1

Artwork Photography

Steve Reese is once again offering to photograph up to three pieces of art for $29. He is taking appointments for  April  1  –  10.  Steve's  phone  number  is  402-212-5404. You must be registered for the show before making an appointment. Of course, you can photograph and submit your own artwork if this is something you are comfortable doing yourself.

Judges Bio: Deborah Murphy

Deborah J. Murphy has shown extensively around the midwest where her work has  received several awards and has been collected both publicly and privately. She is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Painting as well as a Distinguished Alumni Grant from the Nebraska Arts Council. She has completed major commissions, the latest for Farm Credit Services, Omaha, 2020.

Her work has been selected for the United States Department of State “Art in Embassies Program”, first in Tirana, Albania and now currently in Hanoi, Vietnam. She’s a retired art department adjunct, Metropolitan Community College and maintains a studio in Omaha.

Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Selection Show

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Category: News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Lutheran Church of the Master
2617 South 114th Street

Judging for the Selection show will be on the upper level of the church in the fellowship hall. Please use the NORTH door.

Friday, April 16, 2021

Registration: 10:00 -10:30 a.m.

• TWO pieces of art are allowed for selection and both are eligible.
• Label both pieces of art on the back of your art with YOUR BUSINESS CARD or PIECE OF PAPER WITH THE NAME OF YOUR ART ON IT
• ANAC paperwork and a $7.00 fee per art piece MUST be completed IF CHOSEN.
• Paperwork and Pick up time: FRIDAY, April 16, at 12:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call an ANAC committee member. See April newsletter for contact information.

Because of Covid19 and rules of the Church, everyone MUST wear a mask and SOCIAL DISTANCING. This year’s ANAC Conference will be a Virtual Art Show. At our selection show, if you are selected, you will be given complete instructions on how to enter your art work.

Gala News

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Category: News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Saturday, October 2, 2021
Thompson Center UNO

We are in the continual process of organizing team assignments, donations, and events for the evening.

We still need Vendors to sell their art and crafts for the evening. We will be asking for $25 application fee plus 20% commission on sales. Click here to get an application to fill out a send to: Patricia Kounkel.  See April newsletter for postal mailing address.

We will make selections as there are only 12 spaces available.

Volunteers Needed

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Category: News

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

April is National Volunteer Month in the United States, a month to thank those who volunteer and to encourage others to volunteer! On behalf of Omaha Artists Inc, a huge thank you to those who keep the wheel turning. For  the  wheel of  success (in a  business) to roll smoothly, the contribution of each person is an important piece of the organization!

We have some upcoming opportunities for this next year – openings on the Executive Board for: Secretary and Vice President. If you want to know more about these positions and wish to become an integral part of Omaha Artists Inc., please contact either President Barbara Egr or Advisor Katie Johnson.

This will be the most important year to be on the board – the 75-year-anniversary of Omaha Artists Inc!

Come join us for one of the most rewarding experiences by volunteering!

– Advisor Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight: Linda Guynn

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Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

Tell us aboutyou?

Igrewupin WY and NE. I went to high school in North Platte and loved the art class and the teacher. Dabbled in clay and scratch art. I didn’t do much more art till about 21 years ago. I met my husband at a dance, I pretty much ignored him for quite awhile, but he kept pursuing so now we have 3 girls and 2 boys and 2 grandsons. I did some paper routes while the kids were growing up along with a sewing business so we could be a close family. For the last 20 years I’ve enjoyed face painting, then a few years ago I learned to enjoy painting on canvas.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc

I joined OAI in 2016 and took the position of Newsletter Chairperson right off the bat. Everyone was so helpful, I couldn’t have found a better group to help me learn what I know I was born to do! I am now a hostess for the Luncheon Programs! I have taught a Fun Shop – acrylic pours and jewelry.

Are you involved in other organizations or a member?

I am proud and honored to be a member of the Faith Christian Clowns!

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

I have always liked art and creativity. My mom made sure that I learned as much about making clothes, needlepoint, crocheting, and knitting, so  I  already had it in me and I didn’t even know that I loved art before I started painting. I have enjoyed all the medium’s that I have tried that worked out for me.

I had an online watercolor teacher Miriam Schulman, who taught me virtually in 2020 after winning the Genie Schafer Scholarship and that has helped a lot. I watched many YouTube art show’s this last year! I received a Judge’s Recognition Award at the OAI first virtual art show last month. I have a website mzpurplepockets.com, also a Facebook page and Instagram. I have found that marketing on Facebook and in person has been the most successful.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love horses and old falling down barns. I like to start businesses. I’ve started a sewing business in downtown Omaha. Little by little I worked up to sewing wedding dresses and quilt’s. Next I learned how to start a clown business and how to keep it growing. I learned how to be more of a people person and how to make children of all ages smile about art. This last year I started a card business out of being in need of something artsy to do. I have done well finding people to support my card business.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Your hobbies?

My Husband and I go on date days, he drives and I take pictures.

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

Jane Eyre-Charlotte Bronte, Lord of the Rings (Trilogy) -J.R.R.Tolkien

What are your travel experiences?

We have been to Portland, OR to Portland, ME. From Niagra Falls, Canada to New Orleans, LA

What are you known for?

My clown name is Mz. Purple Pockets who does face painting and creates balloons animals and hats!

What skills would you like to learn? (Whether art or personal)

I keep learning things that I did not know I wanted to learn, all the time.

General Meeting Notes - March 24, 2021

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Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Fri. Apr 16, 2021

March 24, 2021 at LaCasa’s 

• President, Barbara Egr called the meeting to order at 11:45 am, 14 members. 
• Secretary, Linda Leary-General meeting minutes of the February 24, 2021 meeting were sent in the March newsletter.
• Treasurer Report, JoAnne Nielsen-Checking Account Balance: $4,426.46 

Committee Reports

A.N.A.C. (Association of NE Art Clubs)
Dick Brown, Jo Anne Nielsen, Linda Jones, Karen Lastovica

Jo Anne Nielsen will provide details in the April newsletter. 

• Show selection, Friday, April 16, 10-10:30 am, pick up noon, Lutheran Church of the Master; 
• Maximum 2 pieces; Socially distanced and masks required. 

Art Shows
Sharon Clawson

Barbara Egr reported the Spring Virtual Art Show details: 

• Opening May 1, Theme-Shadows; 
• No glass or frame for Steve Reese to photo artwork; 
• Zoom Reception with Judge Deb Murphy’s awards and comments on May 8, 2pm; 
• Linda Bernett will co-chair the 2021-2022 shows with Sharon Clawson. 

Cookbook
Katie Johnson JoAnne Nielsen, Susan Stevens

Jo Anne Nielsen reported: 

• Need more than 114 recipes in all categories except hamburger casseroles; 
• 24 colored images chosen from LaCasa’s Nov. 2019 show, “Farm to Kitchen;” 
• Submission permission sent to artists; 
• Price $15-$20; consider for gifts; 
• Katie Johnson will post the needs on OAI Facebook page; 
• 7-9 weeks printing time; submitting to publisher on April 30. 

Artbridge

Linda Bernett reported it is on hiatus due to covid; resume in September. 

Fun Shop
Shirley Schmidt, Sheila Scarborough, Rhonda Bruggeman

Shirley will include the April 24 Fun Shop details in the April newsletter: 

• FUN SHOP SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 9AM-2PM, Lutheran Church of the Master; 
• Reservations, social distancing and masks required; 
• Instructor: Karen Thurlow, Gallery 92, “Loosen Up & Get Creative;” 
• 2021-2022 Chairman Judy Freeland with Linda Leary assisting; 
• May19 Instructor, Cassie Hubbs, recipient of 2020 OAI Scholarship. 

Gala
Patti Kounkel, Event Coordinator

Katie Johnson reported Patti’s current plans: 

• Dinner and dancing, black tie, silent auction, cookbook sales, artists’ vendor booths; 
• Katie Johnson needs corporate sponsor suggestions; 

• Unsuccessful contact with Omaha Arts Council Director, Mr. Harper. 

Hostesses/Luncheon/Dinner
Linda Guynn, Sue Loyd

Reported: 

• Board meeting, April 28, 11am, Anthony’s Ozone Lounge; noon Lunch/General meeting/program; 
• Reservations required by April 24 with Linda Guynn at 402-618-0347; 
• Barbara Egr thanked Linda Guynn for contacting all board members for revised LaCasa’s entrance and seating plan. 

Publicity

Katie Johnson is updating the media contacts list. 

President’s Report

Barbara Egr announced handouts from Sarah McWilliams’ January 27 zoom presentation will be on OAI’s webpage. 

Club Advisor

Katie Johnson reported 2021-2022 officers needed are Vice President and Recording Secretary. Sherry Reese-President; Barbara Egr-Advisor and Newsletter Chairman. 

Membership
Jo Anne Nielsen, Susan Stevens

Jo Anne Nielsen reported 120 active members. 

Newsletter
Danielle Easdale

Barbara requested articles be submitted to Danielle on Friday, March 26 or Saturday, March 27, USING THE EMAIL ADDRESS news at omahaartistsinc.com. 

Programs
Barbara Egr, Sherry Reese, Vickey Timperley

Vickey reported:

• April 28, 2021, Fabric artist, Lori Mach, “Why Color Matters;” 
• Required reservation by April 24; social distancing/masks required. 

Announcements: 

• Winter virtual show prize-winning artists get pieces at Mayor's Gallery at noon, March 31; 
• Rhonda Bruggeman/Barbara Egr’s Song of Summer Show, Passage Way Gallery; 
• Genie Schaefer Scholarship Winners: Watercolorist, Liz Thurman, Cold Wax Artist, Duane Pieper 

Motion to adjourn at 1:10pm-JoAnne Nielsen, Shirley Schmidt seconded. 

Members’ vote to adjourn was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted by Linda Leary, Recording Secretary 

Courtesy

Cards were sent to the following new members Jan Cline-Zimmerman, Glenda Stone and Erin Sanders.