Serenity Studio Artists in Cornwall Living!

Focus Art members Tracy-Lynn Chisholm, Anne Wylemans, MiSun Hunter and Emily MacLeod are shown in the Seaway News photo as they check out the latest edition of Cornwall Living, of which they (and Serenity Studio) are featured on the cover and in an article inside. If you haven't read the article, you can go here to Seaway New's website and read it. You can get a copy of Cornwall Living by dropping by the offices of Seaway News at 29 Second Street East. Below is a screenshot of the cover photo also showing Rick Shaver.

Congratulations to Serenity Studio and the great artists who show there!

Deb

Planning Meeting

Next week is the planning meeting for next year's activities and general meetings. Please take a moment and make a wish list of things you would like to be considered, ideas for; guest speakers, technical advice, business planning, web sight planning, workshops, appraisals, mat cutting, group activities, etc. Let us know so we can try and fit some of all of it in next years plan.

You can write to any board member with your suggestions and thoughts.

Beauty and the Beast Show at The Abbey

Emily MacLeod is in the Beauty and the Beast Show, along with several other artists, at The Abbey in Glen Nevis! The Vernisage is Saturday, June 27.

For more info, click on the pic below to see a full size invitation.


Just for the record, Jacqueline Milner, another Focus Art member also shows at The Abbey.

New Art Festival in Ottawa

There are several of our artists participating in The New Art Festival in Ottawa this weekend! Candice Nixon, Gillian Horgan and MiSun Kim-Hunter were all juried into this must-see event that takes place in the Glebe. There are also several other Cornwall / area artists participating as well: Peter Leclair, Cynthia Gatien.

For more information and a map, go to http://www.artinfoboy.org/

Help Wanted

Position Opening for Website Administrator of Bio Pages on Focus Art Website..

Focus Art needs someone who will input info onto the bio pages of the website. This is not a demanding job. The setup work is done ; members forward their bio to you as well as 4 images. It may require a little interaction with the members but new members purchasing a bio page are few and far between.

Qualification : a basic ability to follow a template on the computer
a willingness to help members get their info on the web.

Interested parties please respond before May 30th, 2009.

Please contact Rose at rosedesn@cogeco.ca if you're interested.

Be a part of the action.

Deb's Note: You MUST be a member of Focus Art!

Farmer's Market

Focus Art have been invited to participate in the Cornwall Farmers Market which is located in George Assaly Laneway Pitt St between 2nd & 3rd Streets. The season began May 16th and runs to Oct 31.

The market is open every Sat. morning from 8am. To 1.pm..

1 stall (10x10) = $25.00/day or $100.00/month paid to Farmer's Market in advance.
1 stall (10x20) = $40.00/day or $160.00/month paid to farmer's Market in advance.

Artists interested could double up and this would defray the costs It appears to be a very good venue, and the committee for Farmers Market are committed to make this an annual event, so far the advertising has been exceptional.

There is a one time membership fee of $35.00 which Focus Art could take on with the understanding that our banner and advertizing material be displayed. Before we commit to this we must have assurances from at least 10 artists in Focus Art that they are definitely interested this venue.

If you are interested contact me, Pat Campbell at patcamp@live.com before next weekend..

Deb's Note: You can click here to see a short news video on the Market and get an idea of the stalls.

Someone Else We Need to Thank ....

There is someone in Focus Art who does an incredible amount of work behind the scenes. She works incredibly hard for us and most of us have never even seen her! The lady I'm talking about is D'Arcy's wife, Sherry.

Thanks for all you do for us Sherry!

What Happened at the May 6 Meeting?

D’Arcy opened the meeting at 7:15, welcoming the crowd of members and new people. He introduced Karen Burns, who was given two great rounds of applause by everyone. Karen is the reason we were at Cornwall Square and she told us that they had received "a ton" of good responses from the public about our exhibition and Calendar Show. (Photo to the left shows D'Arcy speaking to our hero, Karen, after the show.)

Cornwall Square has been very generous to Focus Art members - giving us this venue free of charge, advertising in the papers free of charge, advertising on the radio free of charge and advertising on their billboard outside free of charge. They provided the chairs and tables for the General Meeting, free of charge, and they’ve done everything to make Focus Art's stay there a fantastic experience. Focus Art and it’s members cannot thank Cornwall Square enough.

Many thanks to Tim Horton’s of the Square for supplying us with coffee and timbits at no charge for the meeting.

The expected closing will be on Saturday (May 9) instead of Sunday, as Sunday is Mother’s Day. So, all artwork must be picked up on Saturday, May 9, 2009 before 5:30. D’Arcy says that anything left afterwards becomes his and he will not apologize for taking it home. ;-)

It was also discussed briefly that during upcoming school holidays, when kids are running around - such as March Break, etc, we could create some workshops at the Square in which would involve children making art with us. There is good potential for other exercises.

Certificates were handed out to the artists of the Twelve Chosen Calendar Paintings as each artist stood and presented their artwork to the group - and also posed for a photograph to be taken by Adele, who was the official photographer of the event. (Even though D’Arcy assured Deb that she wouldn’t have to do this beforehand when questioned about the "standing and presenting" part of his email notice. But she *did* survive the ordeal.) Brunhilde and Jane were absent.

Sales of the calendars will be in September and will be held at Cornwall Square.

Bernie Carriere gave an excellent talk on photography. Bernie is a fairly new member and teaches both philosophy and photography at the Cornwall Public Library. Call the Library in August if you’re interested in attending the classes in September. Currently, they are being held free of charge.

Bernie explained many of the basic guidelines in photography. Breaking the rules makes a great photograph but you have to know the rules to break. Another thought Bernie shared was that what you have in your head is more important that what’s in your hands. He also explained lenses, telephotos vs. zooms, and cleaning them, as well as the three most important accessories you can buy for your camera - tripod, polarizing filter and a lens shade. Many thanks to Bernie for the very interesting talk! If you’d like to learn more about using your camera, take Bernie’s classes in September!

The 50 / 50 draw was won by Micheline Tanguay, who took home $36.00.

After the meeting, Bonnie Baker of Seaway Custom Framing provided quite a few brushes, mats and markers for everyone to take as samples. Thanks very much, Bonnie! Bonnie is also a new member to Focus Art. (Seaway Custom Frames is located at 14705 County Rd. 2, Ingleside. If you'd like Bonnie's telephone number, contact me.)

Next meeting will be held as usual at the Centre Charles-Emile Claude on Chevrier.

Below are several shots of the winners receiving their certificates and presenting their paintings to the group.

See you soon,

Deb

Update on Family Art Day at the Park

Family Art Day @ the Park: Sunday July 26 1-4p.m.
to be held @ Lamoureux Park around the bandshell .

As the featured attraction, Focus Art Association members will be the main contributor for this new city event. It will be advertised in tourist literature, etc. Therefore, if we have enough artists who respond to this email invitation by May 18th , then Focus Art will approach the city coordinator for the go ahead. Possibly other groups could follow; The chess group has shown interest in participating.

Let's make ART visible again in Cornwall!

Artists are invited to set up their own individual space to interact with children with their given medium of choice. This is an interactive set-up not a display of art wares only. Each participating artist must comply to this venue to be engaged with the children visiting their set-up table. The same rules regarding vending apply here as @ the Square. No sales on the premises.

Please contact Charlene for further info or to sign up. *** Include your name and a brief description of your activity. If participation is/not satisfactory in numbers an email will be sent on May 21 following the executive meeting of May 20th.

*** If you don't have Charlene's address, contact Deb for it. It's not being posted here to save Charlene from being spammed.

Deb

Helping Children Learn

The Twelve Chosen

The results for the 12 chosen artworks to appear on the 2010 were supposed to be revealed at the May 6 meeting but the local newspaper, Standard Freeholder, wanted to publish them. Since we don't often get exposure from them, the names were released.

I have 12 very low quality shots that I've cropped from shots I took at the show. I'm warning you now that they are not good quality, but if you want great quality, buy the calendar! It'll be on sale in the fall. Cornwall Square has already agreed to let us set up a table and sell them in the mall.

If I can get small shots of each from the official photographer, I will replace these. (And to be fair, I did not include the shot I have on file of my own, but rather kept it as a cropped one - same as the others. Is that not noble or what???)

Congratulations to the 12 public-voter-chosen pieces of art. Actually, it's congratulations to everyone who exhibited - the walls were filled with very fine art! All of which was shown to a very many people!!

Here, in numerical order, are the calendar pieces;

Cornwall Square Show

The Cornwall Square Show is coming together beautifully. I was there today to drop off my paintings and again tonight to make sure there were enough volunteers. It is looking great! Larger paintings and all formats are making for an even better show than the Calendar Show. (And I wouldn't have thought that possible!)

There is awesome work there! Go see it! Add your's to it if you haven't put anything in yet.

Volunteers are needed urgently. It's only four hours for each time slot and we're flexible. Let's not let this fade out (which is going to happen if we don't get more volunteers) - let's keep it alive. Members are urged to volunteer to make this a success!

During the Calendar Show, we had over 2,2o0 people go through. (More if you include the non-voters.) A few hours of volunteer time is a small price to pay for this kind of exposure to your work.

Contact D'Arcy and let him know when you are available. See your email box for the schedule.

I'll post pics tomorrow of the show.

Deb

Another Show! Starting Immediately!

It is official, Cornwall Square loves us! The public’s response has been so positive that Focus Art has been invited to return to the same locale at Cornwall Square and exhibit from April 29th to May 9th.

This will be different from the first exhibit because it will not be limited to "landscape" format (as was needed for the Calendar). It will allow all our members to exhibit a broader range of work - anything, any format.

Until we know how many people can put something in (and you all should!), it is limited to 2 medium size paintings/works or 1 big painting/work. D'Arcy would like to see everyone put something in, especially the members that did not exhibit during the calendar show. It is also strongly suggested that you put in different work than was exhibited in the Calendar Show. This will make the show different and more interesting for guests coming back for more eye candy.

We plan to have some of our members actually working on their art at the Square, so the public can see our new artwork and we can show them what we can do. All members have another chance to really promote their work, so don't miss this opportunity!

This is a members only "Open" exhibit.

Deb (with excerpts from D'Arcy's group announcements)

Calendar Show Winner

In D'Arcy's words,

Focus Art is pleased to report on the overwhelming response from the public at our most recent exhibit held in the Cornwall Square. The "Public’s Choice" of the 12 best works of Focus Art’s members for our 2010 calendar brought in a total of 2,207 votes and we thank everyone sincerely for participating.

Mrs. Claire Lacroix, from Alexandria, was the winner of an original watercolour painting by Alan Bain. This was the first time we have opened this exhibit and choice of artworks to the public and we have received high praise and great encouragement for doing it.

We must share these accolades with the staff of Cornwall Square, without their support none of this would have been possible. We would like to thank: Chris Savard, General Manager, for authorizing the use of the space; Karen Burns, Marketing Director, for arranging all lease details and operations with personnel; Kim Villeneuve for administrative support and Mall Security for their assistance.

Following is a photo of (left) Alan Bain, artist of the watercolour, (centre) Claire Lacroix, winner of the watercolour and (right) D'Arcy Thorpe, president of Focus Art.

Deb

Calendar Show!

The Calendar Show is into its fourth day and is a very resounding success! If (as a member), you didn't put any artwork into the show show, you are missing a fantastic amount of exposure to the community!

Saturday was the first day open to the public and 454 ballots were filled in. Sunday's totals have been reported as 177 ballots. (I'll put Monday's totals here as soon as I receive them from D'Arcy.)

Speaking as one of the volunteers who worked Sunday, there was an incredible amount of people who enjoyed the display. Many didn't even know we had an art group in Cornwall and many didn't realize the display was all local talent. But everyone who voted enjoyed the process of chooosing their twelve favourites and helping to decide on the content of our next calendar. Rose, Adele, Bernie Lauzon, myself and Bernie Carriere (who graciously 'rolled up his sleeves' on-the-spot and filled in) all had a great time talking to so many people about art.

By allowing us the use of this large store, Cornwall Square has given us a great opportunity and we owe them many thanks!

Deb

Here's a few shots of the setup;

Calendar Show Registration Forms

Important Notice to all Members!

If you did not receive your Calendar Show Registration Form by email, please contact me and I'll re-send it to you. Everyone who is on my email list was sent one tonight. If you're a member and not on my list, contact me and I'll add you.

Hope you all enter!

Deb

Tracy-Lynn Chisholm's Painting in Advertisement

While in Toronto, at the One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale, Tracy-Lynn Chisholm had some fantastic luck! One of her paintings appeared in their advertisement for the show! Congratulations Tracy-Lynn .... hope you had lots of luck at the show.

Click on the image below to see a larger view.

Deb

Alan Bain Classes at St. Lawrence College Brockville

Here is a list of the classes Alan will be teaching at St. Lawrence College, Brockville during the spring months and July.

All classes are given at St. Lawrence College - Brockville.

Flowers and Fencelines June 6/7, 9:30 - 4:30 (Watercolours- Beginners and Intermediates) A fond look at old fencelines and the colourful assortment of flowers which love that environment.

Boats, dinghies, canoes and the Thousand Island shores. June 13/14, 9:30 - 4:30. (Watercolours- Beginners and Intermediates) Boats waiting for spring. And Alan's easy to learn technique for drawing boats of all sizes.

Surrounded by Spring May 16/17, 9:30 - 4:30. (Watercolours- Beginners and Intermediates) Just before they are overwhelmed by greens there is a brief period early spring greens and warm sunlight make barns most attractive.

And at the Thousand Islands Summer School for the Arts - Brockville campus:

Summertime and Country Roads, July 14,15 and 16 9:30 to 4:30 (Watercolours- Beginners and Intermediates) An indoor look at the colour, composition and enrichment of bright summer day scenes.

Reflections July 21,22,23, 9:30 - 4:30, (Watercolours- Beginners and Intermediates) Unravel the secrets of painting reflections. After we have looked at colour control and the actual mechanics, reflections are deceptively easy! And the add such truth to your paintings.

Sandra Taylor Teaching at St. Lawrence College, Cornwall Campus

FYI – Painting and Drawing Course is now offered at the Cornwall Campus, Tues evenings from 6:30 – 9:30pm starting May 12, 2009. Now registering for course, $115.72 8 weeks

CREATIVE / FINE ARTS
FINE ARTS
NEW Painting and Drawing I (Part I) In this course, the student learns to align the choice of materials, traditional techniques and contemporary approaches to painting with their artistic vision. Emphasis is placed on building an image, evaluating one’s own process and crafting a surface through individualized projects. Participants may work in the media of their choice. (21 hours) Instructor: S. Taylor

Tues May 12-June 23, 6:30-9:30pm,
$115.71
ARTS6009A, Room M262

Painting and Drawing I (Part II) will be offered in the upcoming Fall 2009 semester.

For more info or to register, please click here.

Deb

Audrey Bain Show

Audrey M. Bain will be showing a selection of her paintings at the South Grenville Guild of Fine Art's 18th Annual Art Show and Sale.

Alan Bain will do a series of demonstrations.

To be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 141 Henry Street, Prescott, Ontario.

April 24 - 7 pm to 9 pm

April 25 - 10 am - 5 pm

April 26 - 11 am - 4 pm

Below, is one of Audrey's paintings. Best of luck to both Audrey and Alan.

Deb