News

Spotlight Member: Barbara Mathewson

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

Q: Tell us about you? 

I am 1 of 7 children born and raised in St. Louis, MO. I attended Harris Stowe College and received my Masters from the University of MO in St Louis. I have 3 daughters and 3 stepchildren,14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. I taught 5th through 8th grade for 9 years before moving to Omaha. I was a substitute teacher for several years. Eventually, I became a restaurant manager for Bakers Supermarkets, working there for 18 years and even did some of their commercials! 

Q: Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc? 

I joined OAI about 7 years ago. I love the Fun Shops and the opportunity to hang my pictures in different galleries. The people in OAI are friendly and I look forward to our time together. 

I am the Chair of the Courtesy Program, sending cards to those who need congratulations, praise, or encouragement. These cards are made by the members of OAI – we meet and make these cards every November. A side note: should you wish a card sent to someone in need of condolence, praise or encouragement please contact me! 

Q: Tell us your art story 

I have always loved art…unfortunately, I have had no formal training. At first, I would take a photo of a house and transfer it to cotton. Then I would embroider the entire picture: I sold many of these. My favorite medium is watercolor. My inspiration comes from anywhere. I do not actively market my pictures. They are like my children! 

Q: What is a little-known fact about you? 

I am a cancer survivor of 31 years! 

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

In my spare time, I love watching nature and taking photos. I love quiet time but, enjoy watching the Cardinals play baseball. I love doing things with the grandkids but, the Covid-19 has drastically reduced our time together. 

Q: What are your travel experiences? 

I have traveled most of the United States, Canada and Paris, France. 

Q: What are you known for? 

I am known for my helpfulness and playful sarcasm. 

Q: What skills would you like to learn? 

I am eager to learn anything having to do with art. 

Q: Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

My children, my students. They taught me to keep a sense of humor and to be patience. 

Q: What is your favorite quote or saying? 

Favorite quote: “We are not given a good life or a bad life. It is up to us to make it good or bad”. 

General OAI Meeting Minutes – October 28th, 2020

Details

Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 - 5:30 pm - Valentino’s Restaurant 

Meeting called to order by President Barbara Egr. 

Katie Johnson (in absence of Secretary Linda Leary) read the September 23, 2020 Meeting Minutes. 

Motion of approval by Sue Lloyd. Motion seconded by Sherry Reese. Approval-Unanimous. 

Treasurer Report for Jo Anne Nielsen (absent) by Katie Johnson – Checking Balance $5,000.14. 

ANAC – No report. 

Art Shows – Sharon Clawson, absent-no report. Discussion lead by Barbara Egr of having a virtual art show. Sherry Reese advised Steve Reese of Mervin Reese Photography would take photos of artwork $29 for the 3 entries in case we would have one. Discussion and subject tabled. 

Cookbook – Katie Johnson advised submit your recipes – see newsletter for details and deadline. 

Community Art Bridge – Linda Bernett, absent. Community Art Bridge on sabbatical due to COVID. 

Community Art Reach – Barbara Egr reported for Sara Wamsat. Bring new art supplies to the November gathering at Lutheran Church of the Master. There will be no potluck. We will be making greeting cards 9:00-12:00. Details in the Newsletter. 

Courtesy – Barbara Mathewson absent but, reported. She sent sympathy card to Donna Justsen (her sister passed), encouragement to Sheila Scarborough (husband- ill, daughter-ill, and Sheila too), Judy Freeland (husband, Mike ill). Reminder of Annual cardmaking in November. Will report supply needs in newsletter. 

Fun Shop – Shirley Schmidt reported next month – Annual Cardmaking. Details in newsletter. January will be Rainbow Glass-there will be RSVP required to be able to set up meeting times. Unfortunately, the Sue Lloyd Plein Air was cancelled due to weather. We are hoping Sue will grace us with another scheduled plein air workshop! 

GALA – Patti Kounkel reported she and Katie Johnson met prior and worked on details for the 75th Anniversary Celebration October 2021. Patti handed out a sign-up-sheet for volunteers and will be handing out sign-up-sheet each meeting. 

Hostesses – Sue Lloyd reported she has reserved Soaring Wings for June 2021 and will be setting up meeting venues January-May, keeping cost per person at $10-$15 and will keep March open for the Joslyn Art Tour – depending on COVID. 

Membership – 100 plus. 

Newsletter – Danielle Easdale advised she will give her new email to all of us on Friday to use to send articles for the newsletter and will coordinate with Susan Stevens. 

Programs – Barbara Egr again advised cardmaking next month – details in newsletter. 

Media Publicity - Katie Johnson advised she sent an email to Peg Watkins asking if she would provide the media contacts she previously gave to Nia. Katie also signed up with the activity publications through the Chamber of Commerce. 

Vice President – Sherry Reese the Feztival of Trees for 2020 was cancelled. Further, the Roster will be available and handed out at the November Meeting. Names can be added if they paid dues after the cutoff date. 

Motion to Adjourn: Shirley Schmidt Motion Seconded: Vickey Timberly 

Meeting Adjourned by President Barbara Egr 

Meeting Notes Respectfully Submitted by Katie Johnson 

We Need Your Recipes

Details

Category: News

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

This cookbook fundraiser is to help reduce the cost of the OAI 2021 GALA. Please read all instructions carefully and submit a maximum of FIVE (5) recipes per artist. We have a new deadline for all recipes, we don't have enough yet.

Deadline for all recipes is December 31, 2020.  Learn more.

Community Art Reach

Details

Category: News

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

For almost 20 years, through the generous donations of our membership, Omaha Artists, Inc. has given art supplies to various groups. We continue with this worthwhile giving opportunity every November at the holiday Fun Shop.

We are no longer able to take any used supplies, and the list has changed a bit. Please consider helping us to gather items that will be appreciated and used by the Life Care patients at the Lied Transplant Center, Nebraska Medicine. If you are unable to attend or shop, monetary donations help fill in areas of need or where we are short on supplies.

Our art reach committee thanks you,
Sara Wamsat, Rose Rutherford, Sally Calhoun 

Needed Donation Items: 

• 24 pack Crayola crayons
• Colored pencils
• Drawing pads
• Drawing pencils
• Sharpeners and erasers
• All colored craft paint
• Canvas 8x10 or smaller
• 8 color watercolor sets
• Brushes and markers
• Scissors
• School glue and glue sticks
• Rulers
• Stencils
• Games books
• Small boxed games
• How to art books
• Adult color books
• All frames/cut mats 8x10 and under 

The October Fun Shop Has Been Cancelled

Details

Category: Fun Shops

Published: Tue. Oct 20, 2020

Tomorrow, October 21, was scheduled for a Plein Air with Sue Lloyd as our instructor – at Zorinsky Park! Thank you, Shirley Schmidt for creating another learning experience. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating! Please psss the word.

A few words from your President…

Details

Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Dear Omaha Area Artists, 

By the time you are reading this newsletter message, the foliage and colors around our area will be amazing. It will be a big change from even a month ago. That is how our earth is. It is always changing. 

I am always changing, too. I bet you are, also. As a watercolorist, this last year I started incorporating faces into my artwork. I never thought I would try and paint faces, but after attending so many zoom meetings, I started sketching. That is how life is for me. There are unintended outcomes…sometimes good and sometimes not so good. 

One way I try and add more color to my life is to have a little fun. This can be as enjoyable as a delicious cup of coffee with a friend-Covid style, a jovial conversation on the telephone, or a piece of commissioned art that turned out the way I had hoped it would. I record these little bright spots with a star in my small calendar I keep in my purse. It is my goal to have 12 stars in a month. 

Please know that we share your disappointments of the canceled art shows. The Board is working on the idea of a virtual art show during our pandemic. There are logistics involved before this can come to fruition. However, just because there is not a November art show does not mean we cannot create art. I challenge you to paint, sculpt, sew, or draw something seasonal and beautiful this October. 

So, during this beautiful autumn season, I encourage you to plan some “star” activities to brighten your days. Playfulness leads to creativity, and creativity often can lead to a creation of art. 

Your President, 
Barbara 

Courtesy

Details

Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Cards were sent to our following members:

• Maggie Dallas – New Member 
• Cathy Gilmore – New Member 
• Lavonne Tripp  – With Sympathy 

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

Fun Shop: Plein Air - Acrylic/Watercolor/Oil with Sue Loyd

Details

Category: Fun Shops

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

The Fun Shop has been cancelled due to the weather conditions.

PLEASE NOTE, NEW VENUE FOR OCTOBER CLASS 

WHAT: Plein Air with Sue Loyd
WHERE: Zorinsky Park (Directions Below)
WHEN: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Wednesday, October 21st
COST: $4.00 members/$5.00 non-member 

Pre-Register to Shirley Schmidt.

Due to health restrictions because of COVID, Jean Barban is unable to present her Rock Painting class in October. 

Sue Loyd

OAI member Sue Loyd has graciously accepted to do a class for us on Plein Air – Acrylic/Watercolor/Oil. Sue attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, majored in Fine Art, and married before completing her Bachelor's degree. In addition to family life, Sue was active in Midwest Photo Company (her family's photo lab) until the lab closed. She then worked at Omaha Public Schools. At that time, she began painting with plein air artists locally. Upon retiring in 2018, Sue stepped up her painting, sought out artistic communities, and participated in juried and organizational art shows. Sue is a new member of the Artists' Cooperative Gallery this year, is active in Omaha Artists, Inc., (where she has won a first place award in a showing), has work on display at the Hoff Family Arts and Cultural Center in Council Bluffs, and is a member of Nebraska Women's Caucus for Art. She is married to David Loyd, who is also a member of the Artists' Cooperative Gallery. 

We will meet at Zorinsky Park using the East entrance off 168th Street. The entrance is the first east turn into the park south of Center Street (look for the balloons at the entrance sign). There is a covered pavilion and restroom facilities are at this location. 

Supply List: 

• Easel or flat work surface for watercolors 
• Stretched canvas or canvas board for oil or acrylic. Small sizes work well because of the short time span 
• Watercolor paper. (Dick Blick and Strathmore have watercolor pads that work well as surface also; Cold 
• Press is rougher and Hot Press is smoother. 
• Artists' tape 
• Paint Smock 
• Folding chair or stool (unless you prefer to stand) 
• Paints, the fewer the better. I bring a color wheel too for reference 
• Water for cleaning brushes 
• Water, solvents, and mediums as needed for mixing paints. Squeeze bottles or spray bottles work well. 
• Brushes 
• Palette knives (acrylic or oil) 
• Palette(s) 
• Paper towels or rags and bag to put trash in & clip to attach bag to worksurface or easel 

Optional

• Pencil to make preliminary sketch 
• Camera to take reference photo 
• Frisket for watercolors 
• Compact easel sets available from artist supply stores 
• Backpack to make it easier to carry supplies 
• Small, wheeled tote box (available at office supply stores/Walmart) 
• Umbrella 
• Good walking shoes 
• Sunhat 
• Cotton gloves 

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shops Chair

Art Show News

Details

Category: Art Show News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

October General Meeting Dinner

Details

Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Do you work full-time? Is joining a gallery on your bucket list? Well, 2020 is the PERFECT year to make this happen, and this evening meeting will give you the information you need. You will not want to miss this opportunity! 

Please come join us Wednesday, October 28 IN THE EVENING at 6:30- Covid style - at Valentino’s 102nd and Maple Street. We will wear masks, set only three to a table, and social distance. Valentino’s has a large room in which we will meet. 

Photographer Ashley Stevens will share her journey as an artist/photographer/multiple gallery member from Dallas to Gretna. A question and answer session will follow her program. 

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Valentino’s, 102nd & Maple Street – Function Room 

Make a lunch reservation by Monday Noon, October 26th, 2020. 

Hi! My name is Ashley Stevens. I am a local Nebraska photographer. I am in four different art galleries, here in Nebraska. I participate in shows and events and run a portrait photography business. I strive to be a one-stop shop for all photography needs. I print my own fine art prints and can create anything of which you dream. I capture everyday moments in my art so others can enjoy the beauty of life. I begin my career shooting portraits in Omaha, and I enjoy working with all types of subjects.