QUARTERLY QUOTE

“I have touched with a sense of art some people—they felt the love and the life. Can you offer me anything to compare to that joy for an artist?”

Mary Cassatt

We’ve had our two workshops and they were sensational. Our Members’ Exhibition is up for viewing, and our Juried Show is coming this fall.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 22-July 28, 2018: VPS Members’ Exhibition at The Chaffee Art Center, Rutland, VT.

September 29-November 17, 2018: VPS Juried Show at Laumeister Art Center, Bennington, VT

VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE

We are currently celebrating, unofficially and without fanfare, the 1-year anniversary of the VPS Regional Hubs Initiative. In the past year, we can remark on several things that have occurred as a consequence of starting the hubs.

First, regional artists are getting together more than ever with their pastel painting comrades, and sharing in a wide range of activities.

Second, most of the hubs are having local shows of their hub’s artists’ works, or are talking about venues to show at. This means that instead of us having only two state-wide VPS shows a year, we now are more frequently promoting VPS artists regionally and having more opportunities to exhibit our work.

Third, as this year’s Members’ Exhibition demonstrated, the hub, in the region where the show is taking place, works with Susannah and the venue to receive the paintings, to organize the reception, to photograph the event, and to help with taking down the exhibition. VPS MidState did a fantastic job with all parts of this task, and has set the bar high for the next hub—VPS SouthWest—in the fall with the Juried Show. Thank you, VPS: MidState for showing us the way and thank you VPS: SouthWest for taking the baton from them.

Fourth, our membership is growing to over 100 members, and some of that growth is a result of the attraction of the regional hubs.

In other Hub news, VPS SouthWest has added Shelli Duboff as a point person, joining Linda Masten. VPS UpperValley has another duo as point people—Kathy Detzer and Paula Dorr, taking over for Michael Shafer. Thank you Shelli, Kathy, and Paula for stepping up to fill this very important role for your hub.

And thank you, Monica Hastings, Rodrica Tilley, Judy Albright, Linda Masten, Belle McDougal, and Kim Provost for being willing to stay on as point people for your hubs for another year. This continuity makes the hubs stronger and keeps our hub members more engaged.

VPS EXHIBTIONS

June 22-July 28, 2018: VPS Members’ Exhibition at The Chaffee Art Center, Rutland, VT.

Amid the arpeggios and trills of the violin and piano, with floral arrangements on the many table tops, and hors d’oeuvres befitting a presidential banquet, the 2018 Vermont Pastel Society’s Members’ Exhibition reception took place at the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, Vermont on Saturday, June 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. 
Hosted by executive director, Jim Boughton and his capable staff, the Members Exhibition was attended by scores of viewers–artists and art-lovers. An awards ceremony took place at 3 p.m., with the four attending board members reading off the winners in ten creatively-crafted categories, interpreted by respected Rutland area artist William Ramage, who stepped in as our judge when the original judge had an unexpected conflict.
Special thanks to Susanna Colby and Louise Kenney who worked out all the many details of this fantastic show and reception, and to VPS MidState who coordinated the painting drop offs, the refreshments and reception, and were there to welcome the viewers, and to all the VPS artists who submitted paintings to this memorable 2018 Members’ Exhibition.

September 29-November 17, 2018: VPS Juried Show at the Laumeister Art Center in Bennington, VT.

Susannah is finalizing the details of the show with the venue and will be sending out the official announcement very soon. Stay tuned!

VPS WORKSHOPS

Here is what Linda wrote about Alain Picard’s workshop, April 23-27, in Bennington, VT: Providing a looser, painterly approach to landscapes and portraits, Alain limited his demos to instructions and encouraged artists to try new approaches. A lot of time was given to the 13 participants for painting; individualized attention was at a premium. High marks in all areas for Alain. Thank you to Linda Masten and Shelli DuBoff for arranging this rewarding workshop!

Here is what Diane Sziachetka said about the Karen Margulis’ Workshop, June 21-24, in Hyde Park, VT: Making color vibrate in the landscape was the focus of the workshop, and vibrate they did as KM shared her expertise with our group of 16 pastel artists. Using observations from nature en plein air she demonstrated how to bring color into the studio and onto the paper. The participants had ample opportunity to paint and receive personalized guidance. The program ended with everyone sharing some of their work and personal goals achieved. Thank you to Diane Sziachetka and Patti Braun for making this sensational workshop happen!

BOARD NEWS

Please see the minutes posted on the website. Some points to mention:   

We want each hub to have 2 or more artists willing and able to post to FaceBook and Instagram for your hub, so contact your point person and volunteer to do this!

All non-VPS matters (such as other workshop offerings, shows, sales, etc.) will be posted on the VPS FaceBook page, so check there if you are interested in statewide or regional matters not sponsored by the VPS.

Cindy would like to give her webmaster job to another VPS member.  Maintaining the site is not difficult, and she will teach anyone and be available to help anyone who is willing to take on the role. Please email me at [email protected] if you want to help in this way.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS!

We are who we are from the inspiration, creativity and energy that you all give to our organization. Keep it coming, as you keep on art-making!

Matt Peake

VPS President

QUARTERLY QUOTE

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

Thomas Merton

 SPRING CAN MEAN MANY THINGS FOR US VPS ARTISTS, ONE OF WHICH IS WELCOMING THE BUDDING SEASON AND TELLING THE WORLD ABOUT IT IN OUR PASTEL CREATIONS

We have two tantalizing workshops scheduled this year, one just a couple weeks away.

We now have a Members’ Exhibition and Juried Show set for 2018.

Continue reading below for more information.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 23-27, 2018: Alain Picard Workshop at Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, VT

June 9-July 7, 2018: VPS Members’ Exhibition at The Chaffee Art Center, Rutland, VT.

June 21-24, 2018: Karen Margulis Workshop in Hyde Park, VT

September 9-November 17, 2018: VPS Juried Show at Laumeister Art Center, Bennington, VT

VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE

Some hubs, like VPS SouthEast and VPS MidState are welcoming new members, meeting regularly, providing a critique opportunity to all artists who bring paintings to hub gatherings, and offering painting challenges, like paint-alongs with a black and white photo reference.

Other hubs, like VPS UpperValley and VPS SouthEast are finding venues for exhibiting their hub’s artist’s works.

VPS Social Media Teams—one or two members of each hub becoming Social Media Artists (SMAs)—are offering to photograph hub events, activities, shows and to post those images on FaceBook and Instagram. So far, VPS SouthEast, SouthWest, and Midstate, have SMAs. VPS Upper Valley artists are hoping to meet in the near future to discuss this. VPS Central has some savvy artists who understand FB and Instagram and have offered to be of help to their hub. Thanks again to those artists for helping to make the VPS Social Media Team a reality—it provides another way for individual VPS artists to help our organization succeed.

VPS EXHIBTIONS

Thanks to Michael Shafer (VPS UV) and Louise Kinney (VPS MS), for their suggestions and helpfulness, Susannah Colby (VPS UV) has secured us a venue for our Members’ Exhibition (ME) for 2018 in The Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, VT from 6/9-7/9/18. Details will be forthcoming, but like the last two MEs, we will be offering prizes in 9 categories, which are fun and open to each judge’s interpretation—like Most Lively Still Life, Going Gaga with Color, The Yin and Yang of Light and Dark, etc—so watch for Susannah’s upcoming emails and put a painting or two in this show!

And once more, thanks to Susannah’s indefatigable spirit, we have a place for our Juried Show at Laumeister Art Center in Bennington, VT from 9/9 to 11/17/18. Specifics for this show will be arriving in early summer, so stay alert and paint a thing or two to enter.

Two more things:

• The Regional Hub’s Role: This year, we will be asking the Hub of the region that the show is taking place in, to help with the hanging, if needed, organizing the reception, and attending and photographing the exhibition reception and award winners. For the ME this year, VPS MidState will be the responsible host, and, for the JS, it will be VPS SouthWest. Thank you both in advance!
• Exhibitions Team: Because the responsibilities for putting on a show are numerous and sometimes quite involved, one person cannot do it all. Thankfully, we have generous VPS artists willing to give some of their time to join Susannah in this endeavor. So I want to thank those members who are helping this year: Louise Kinney will be joining Susannah in the organizational and communicational aspects; and, as they did the last two years, Pat McPike (VPS SE) and Deedee Jones (VPS SE) will be securing the prizes for the ME). Thanks to all three of you!!!

VPS WORKSHOPS

Alain Picard’s workshop, April 23-27, in Bennington, VT, organized by Linda Masten (VPS SW), will be a combination of portrait-making for 2 days and landscape-painting for 3 days. Artists can take one or both parts. Only a couple weeks left to register, so do not delay!

Karen Margulis’ Workshop, June 21-24, in Hyde Park, VT is being organized by Diane Szlachetka and Patti Braun (both from VPS CEN). Although this is a couple months away, please sign up soon if you want to assure yourself a place!

BOARD NEWS

Several items to report.

1) Our long-time Treasurer, Norma Jean Rollet, (VPS MS) will be moving to TN in April, and so will be leaving our board and will no longer be serving as our Treasurer. We wish her luck in her new location and thank her for the years of service she gave to the VPS.

2) Taking over as Treasurer will be current board member, Linda Masten. We are so lucky to have an artist member who is so qualified to act as Treasurer and is so willing to give of her time—thank you, Linda!

3) In a vote at the end of March, VPS members elected Jerry Ralya  (VPS CEN) to the VPS board to complete the 2-year term that Norma is leaving (11/17-11/19). Thank you, VPS members, for voting so promptly, and thank you Jerry for being so agreeable to being on our board.

4) A couple weeks ago, our VPS Website was hacked. We do not know if any information was used by hackers, but as always we should not open anything spam-looking, but that should be true always anyway. Cindy Griffith, (VPS CEN) and a tech guy fixed the problem, and we bought more protection, but in the process, Cindy realized that she is not as qualified to do the high tech things that a webmaster should be able to do, so we are asking if there is a VPS member who can technically manage our website to either join her or take her place as webmaster. Please email me at [email protected] if you want to help in this way.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS!

We are who we are from the inspiration, creativity and energy that you all give to our organization. Let spring bring you all rejuvenation, renewal, and revitalization!

Matt Peake

VPS President

QUARTERLY QUOTE

A white lace curtain on the window was for me as important as a great work of art. This gossamer quality, the reflection, the form, the movement. I learned more about art from that than I did in school.

Louise Nevelson

IT’S COLD OUT THERE, BUT THE VPS ISN’T CHILLIN’–WE’RE ON FIRE

Our hubs engaged in many and varied activities last year and this year promises to offer even more to learn about and take inspiration from

We have two amazing workshops scheduled this year, one just a couple months from now.

We have a members’ exhibition and juried show being planned for 2018, details to be announced.

Continue reading below for more information.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 23-27, 2018: Alain Picard Workshop at Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, VT

June 21-24, 2018: Karen Margulis Workshop in Hyde Park, VT

VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE

Some hubs are representing the VPS with regional shows right now; some are meeting monthly with informative talks, regular art-making activities, and critique sessions; and some have plans to rotate gatherings at hub members’ studios or houses with an activity idea offered by the hosting member. And they get reported on in Hub Happenings so we can all learn from and then make similar things happen in our own hubs, if we choose.

The newest idea has been to create a VPS Social Media Team by having one or two members of each hub become Social Media Artists (SMAs), offering to photograph hub events, activities, shows and post those images on FaceBook and Instagram. Additionally, if a VPS workshop or the VPS Members’ Exhibition or Juried Show is in a venue within their hub’s region, then the SMA would photograph the reception and promote it similarly. So far, VPS SouthEast, SouthWest, and Upper Valley have embraced this idea with the other hubs moving in that direction. We have some savvy artists in every hub who understand FB and Instagram and have offered to be of help to their hub. Thank you for helping to make the VPS Social Media Team a reality!

VPS EXHIBTIONS

Whether it’s our state or the state of art venues in our state, Susannah has been finding out what previous Exhibitions Coordinators have found out–you can’t count on anything. One of the two venues that promised a 2018 show to the VPS changed ownership and is re-organzing the calendar year, and the other is withdrawing its offer. So we are looking for other places. Hub members have been asked to offer suggestions, so let Susannah Colby know if you have an idea.

Also, as Exhibitions is becoming a bigger part of the VPS experience, and with the Members’ Exhibition becoming more of an event to promote and celebrate, the Exhibitions Team is looking for VPS artists who want to contribute to the effort in specialized ways–such as writing a press release, drafting a show summary for our website, etc. Please contact Susannah, by clicking on the blue link above, if you would like to join the team.

VPS WORKSHOPS

Alain Picard’s workshop, April 23-27, in Bennington, VT, organized by Linda Masten (VPS SouthWest), will be a combination of portrait-making for 2 days and landscape-painting for 3 days,. Artists can take one or both parts. To date, there are 11 signed up, so register today!

Karen Margulis’ Workshop, June 21-24, in Hyde Park, VT is being organized by Diane Szlachetka and Patti Braun (both from VPS Central). As it, too, already has 11 registrants, please sign up soon if you want to assure yourself a place!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS!

We are who we are from the inspiration, creativity and energy that you all give to our organization. Keep it coming, will you!

Matthew Peake

QUARTERLY QUOTE

Artists don’t talk about art. Artists talk about work…. Stop thinking about it as art. Think about it as work. Art is for academics. Art is for scholars. Art is for audiences. Art is not for artists.

Paddy Chayefsky

SUMMER HAS SEGUED INTO FALL

 We now have six active hubs

We’ve completed one show and one is currently hanging.

We’ve had two very successful workshops

And finally, our annual meeting is but a month away

Continue reading below for more details.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

The VPS Juried Show September 14-December 27, 2017 at the Coolidge Hotel in WRJ, VT

VPS Board Meeting on Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. at the Tuckerbox Restaurant in White River Junction

VPS Members’ Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 5, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. at the College of St. Joseph in Rutland, VT

VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE

I met, on Friday, September 29, with 2 of the 3 artists of the St. Johnsbury/Newport region, and we had a very productive discussion. Much of our time was spent on ways to enlarge the hub from three to six or seven members to make it a viable hub, but we couldn’t come up with any workable plans. It was decided to have the three artists join the existing hub they were closest to, which turned out to be VPS Central, until which time when more artists might join the VPS from that area in VT.

Since my last newsletter, in the last three months, that is, we have had seven issues of Hub Happenings and a hub show being hung. The VPS really feels like a vibrant organization and very fun one to belong to.

VPS JURIED SHOW AT THE HOTEL COOLIDGE IN WRJ

As the venue was small, only 29 paintings were able to be selected for the show, so these are really great pieces. Judge Doug Dawson, after concluding his workshop, traveled north to judge the show, and although he knows the five prize winners, no one else does. They will be revealed at the reception on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 5-7pm during Art Walk in WRJ. There will be a Best in Show, Second Place and Third Place awards, The Cape Cod Pastel Society Award, and a new award, The Mallory Lake Memorial Award. So please put it on your calendars and attend the reception–and see the show whenever you can as the hotel is open 24/7!

Read more at VPS Website Exhibitions.

VPS WORKSHOP WITH DOUG DAWSON IN NEWFANE, VT

Doug Dawson’s workshop was greatly successful, with 18 attendees. It made a sizable profit for our VPS, but more importantly, it generated a lot of enthusiastic discussions among not only the participants, but in at least two hubs where his ideas and problem solving approaches were talked about at length. Let’s give a big thank you to Jean Pollack for her organizational efforts in getting this workshop for the VPS.

VPS BOARD MEETING

The agenda for the board meeting in White River Junction will include a summary of the financial health of our VPS, as well as discussions of upcoming workshops, exhibitions and planning for the annual meeting. Although this is a board meeting, any artist from the VPS can attend.

VPS MEMBERS’ ANNUAL MEETING

As usual, we will divide our two hours into a business meeting for the first hour (or less) and a pastel activity for everyone in the second hour (or more). This will be something new and different, challenging and fun. We will send more information about what to bring with you closer to the date of the meeting, which is on November 5, 2017 from 2-4.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS!

We continue to grow and thrive from the creativity, inspiration and energy that you all give to our organization. Keep it coming will you!

Matt Peake

President, Vermont Pastel Society

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Edgar Degas

SUMMERTIME…AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY We now have six active hubs and one more to bring into the fold—up in the Northeast Kingdom.

We’ve had one successful show and one to come. And we’ve had one successful workshop, and one more to come as well

Finally, we are unveiling a new communications tool—Constant Contact—to help all of us visually gifted people to see at a glance what information is coming to us from the VPS. 

Continue reading below for more details

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

We have another great workshop this summer:

Doug Dawson September 15-17, 2017 in Newfane, VT

Currently there are 16 participants, but there is room for 3 more so contact Jean Pollack [email protected] if you want to sign up.

We will be having another VPS show this year:

VPS Juried Show September 14-December 27, 2017 in WRJ, VT.

The venue is small, so only 29 paintings were able to be selected for the show, but the Coolidge Hotel seems to sell a lot of paintings and the time of year should encourage many visitors. Stay tuned for more information.

VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE

Over the last three months, I have had the opportunity to meet with three more groups of VPS artists in three different parts of our state, as we continue the process of forming regional hubs according to the proposal made at the end of last year. I am finding a lot of common themes with each group I meet with, a recurring one being hubs providing opportunities for artists with a love of pastels to get together and share the love in a multiplicity of ways. 

Three new regions have had their first meeting, have adopted a name, and have chosen a point person to facilitate their hub activities. They are VPS SouthWest in the Bennington/Manchester area; VPS Upper Valley centered around White River Junction; and VPS Champlain uniting the Burlington/ St. Albans regions. Activities that their hubs want to engage in have been brainstormed, and once more, many are similar from hub to hub, but some are unique. Overwhelmingly, the response has been enthusiastic for regional hubs to allow members to gain that sense of community that comes with becoming part of the VPS.

I will be getting together with the artists of the St. Johnsbury/Newport region soon, and with that meeting, we will have our 7 hubs up and going as proposed.

We also have a Director of Hubs, Judy Albright, who has sent out several Hub Happenings communiqués letting everyone know what each hub is up to. Hopefully this will give ideas to artists in other hubs for activities to engage in.

VPS MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION AT SVAC

Numbers to remember: 40/9/5

We had 40 artists participating (40 paintings displayed). Robert Carsten was our judge and awarded prizes in 9 categories. Five paintings were sold–those of Karen Baker, Wendy Soliday, Norma Jean Rollet, Angela Arkway, and Ann Wickham. Congrats to all participants, to award winners, and to painting sellers! Read more at https://vermontpastelsociety.com/vps-exhibition/.

VPS WORKSHOP WITH DESMOND O’HAGAN IN NORTH BENNINGTON, VT

Desmond O’Hagan’s workshop was greatly successful, with 12 attendees. It made a modest profit, but more importantly, it generated a lot of enthusiastic discussions among not only the participants, but in at least two hubs where paintings, begun in his workshop, were shown and talked about to all hub members present. Let’s give a big shout out to Linda Masten for her organizational efforts in getting this workshop for the VPS.

 OPPORTUNITIES TO USE VPS FACEBOOK

We have two opportunities to show our art-making on FB:

One is for an artist who is willing to take pictures of their work during the painting process and send that to Carol Corliss at [email protected]. By doing so, we can all get an idea of a member artist’s approach, mistakes that were made and corrected, or serendipities that occurred that changed the course of the painting for the better. After all, it’s all about the process, right? So please email her with your interest, and/or send her 4-6 photos of a painting from start to finish, each image with one or two sentences explaining something special about that step in your creative process.

Two is the 40/4 Challenge announced in June: Paint four paintings using only 40 strokes each on 4 separate days. You can do a painting a day for four days or  in a time frame that works for you. Post your paintings on the Vermont Pastel Society Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Vermont-Pastel-Society-1526769437591380/?fref=ts and share a little about your experience.

 THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS! These are action-packed times for all of us, especially as we continue to attract new members every week who want to share in what we, in the VPS, are all about.

Matt Peake

VERMONT PASTEL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER—April 2017

If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.

Edward Hopper

IT’S SPRING AND VPS HAS NEW BUDS AND SHOOTS OF PROMISE

We have begun the process of regional hub-ridizing—three  hubs have been formed and 4 more will follow in the coming months.

We are unveiling a new feature on our Facebook page, which will offer artists a chance to see the painting processes that a variety of our member artists use. 

Continue reading below for more details.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

We have two great workshops this summer:

Desmond O’Hagan June 28-30, 2017 in North Bennington, VT

Doug Dawson September 15-17, 2017 in Newfane, VT

Sign up is underway and the deadline to register is fast approaching. These are great artists and great teachers, so sign up today!

We will be having two VPS shows this year:

Members’ Exhibition May 27-July 8, 2017 in Manchester, VT

Juried Show September 14-December 27, 2017 in WRJ, VT

Susannah Colby has already sent out the invitation for the Members’ Exhibition. Remember last year’s Members’ Exhibition in Burlington? This year’s show will also feature prizes awarded for 9 different categories of pastel painting, so get your information to her now.

VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE

Over the last two months, I have had the opportunity to meet with three groups of VPS artists in three different parts of our state, as we begin the process of forming regional hubs according to the proposal made at the end of last year. Not only did this provide me with the opportunity to newly meet many VPS members, but it showed me that the pastel art spirit is alive and thriving in Vermont.

Three regions have had their first meeting, have adopted a name, and have chosen a point person or co-point people to facilitate their hub activities. They are VPS SouthEast in the Brattleboro area; VPS Central centered around Montpelier; and VPS MidState uniting the Middlebury/Rutland regions. Activities that their hubs want to engage in have been brainstormed, and interestingly, many are similar from hub to hub, but some are unique. Overwhelmingly, the response has been enthusiastic for regional hubs to allow members to gain that sense of community that comes with becoming part of the VPS.

Next up will be the regions around WRJ, Bennington/Manchester, Burlington, and St. J., not in any particular order. If you have any questions as we continue this process, and especially if you would like to help with the development of this exciting proposal, please get in touch with Matt Peake at[email protected]

NEW VPS FACEBOOK FEATURE

Carol Corliss, our Facebook editor, is going to be unveiling a new centerpiece for our FB page. Each month, she will feature an artist who is willing to take pictures of her/his work during the painting process and supply an observation about each of 4-6 images. That way, we can all get an idea of a member artist’s approach, mistakes that were made and corrected, or serendipities that occurred that changed the course of the painting for the better. After all, it’s all about the process, right? So please email her at [email protected] with your interest, and/or send her 4-6 photos of a painting from start to finish, each image with one or two sentences explaining something special about that step in your creative process.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS! These are exciting times for all of us.

Matt Peake

We spend our lives in the love and cultivation of sensations, relishing our emotions, searching for their clearest expression, and taking pleasure in exclaiming them to others.  Robert Henri

IT’S A NEW YEAR AND THERE ARE NEW LOOKS FOR OUR VPS

We are starting out 2017 with a couple of brand new features for the VPS: one you can see right now—the new VPS website—and the other will be appearing as the year unfolds—VPS Regional Hubs.

Many of you at the annual meeting were introduced to our new website by Cindy Griffiths, our new Webmaster, and some of you have been there to check it out and/or have already sent in digital images of paintings for the site. Please frequent it often, as it will serve as one source of

communication. And if you haven’t sent in an image or two, please do so by going to the site, clicking on the “About” menu across the top in the purple, then clicking on the drop down entry “Policies and Procedures.”

As for the Regional Hubs proposal, keep reading!

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

We have two great workshops upcoming:

Desmond O’Hagan June 28-30, 2017 in North Bennington, VT

Doug Dawson September 15-17, 2017 in Newfane, VT

Stay tuned for details from Grace Cothalis and/or Maggie Smith as the time approaches.

We will be having two VPS exhibits this year:

Members’ Exhibition May 27-June 8, 2017 in Manchester, VT

Juried Show September 14-December 27, 2017 in WRJ, VT

Our new Exhibitions chair, Susannah Colby, will be sending out notices so pay attention both to emails from our new Membership chair, Maggie Smith, and to the VPS website.

VPS REGIONAL HUBS PROPOSAL

We all have joined the VPS for one or more reasons. It may have been for access to workshops, opportunities to exhibit our work, having a web presence, etc. but right up there with any or all of those reasons is the opportunity to associate with other artists who share a love of pastels and to provide us with the opportunity to learn from each other—and teach each other—as we enjoy each other’s work.

As artists, we, by and large, work alone. The times we can get together, during workshops or shows, for example, are few and far between. Geography and the relatively low density of artists limits our ability to associate with each other, and to achieve that sense of community that comes with becoming part of a society.

Using the experience of the Vermont Watercolor Association, we have developed a proposal for regional hubs for our own VPS. The Vermont Pastel Society mission statement calls for us to build and strengthen connections among pastelists, to foster artistic development, and to promote public appreciation of pastels as a fine art medium. With those goals in mind, we have taken the membership roster, divided it up by ZIP Code, and assigned each member one of eight regions in which to belong. Our hope is that, by having a cadre of local artists congregating periodically, the feeling of being part of a pastel society will be realized.

Over the coming year, we will introduce different portions of our proposal, lay out the regions, and meet with regional hub members to help begin the process of activating their regional hub.

If you have any questions as we begin this process, and especially if you would like to help with the development of this exciting proposal, please get in touch with Matt Peake at [email protected]

VPS ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 IN WRJ, VT

We had a wonderful meeting a couple months ago at the Center for Cartoon Studies in WRJ, highlighted by a presentation by photographer, Kent Scrivener, and a pastel painting of the figure demo by Aline Ordman. Please go to the website, search (upper right) for “Minutes” or go to the the About tab, then down to VPS Meeting Minutes to read it.

 THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE VPS!

We’re looking forward to a thrilling ride this new year, so hang on to your easels, papers, and pastels!

Matt Peake,

VPS President

Dear VPS Members,

The beautiful fall weather has been a special treat this year for those of you who love to paint en plein air.  Or, maybe you like to just paint on your porch!  Wherever you paint, I hope you have enjoyed the beauty around us.

Mark your Calendar for the November 2016 Annual Meeting:

November 6, 2016; 1PM – 4PM –

Location: The Center for Cartoon Studies,

94 S. Main Street, WRJ, VT 05001.

Our meeting will be approximately an hour and we have additional FREE presentations that may interest you:

1. Kent Scrivener, Photographer: We have a photographer, Kent Scrivener, coming to present how to photograph your art.  He also provides professional art photography services which he will briefly discuss, as well.  His business is com.
2. Aline Ordman, Artist, is back this year for a demonstration. With so much positive feedback from the last time Aline came to provide VPS with still life demonstration, we have asked her back for another.  Working from a clothed model, Aline Ordman will do several poses ranging from 5 minutes to 20 minutes showing how to build a figure pastel from just a quick gesture painting to a longer, more layered painting.

About Aline:  Aline received her BFA at Cornell University, and continued her training at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, earning a degree in Illustration.  Aline is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society and a Master Circle Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies. She was been featured in The Pastel Journal, has been honored with awards at the 33rd, 34th  and 38th Annual Juried Shows of the Pastel Society of America in New York City  and juried the 2014 Pastel Society of America’s National Juried Show.  In 2016 she was a Faculty Pastel Demonstrator for the National Plein Air Convention and in 2017 will do a Pastel presentation at the National Plein Air Convention.   Her work has been accepted in national juried shows of the American Impressionist Society, The Pastel Society of America and the Oil Painters of America.   Aline teaches workshops throughout the country and in Europe.  Her website is www.alineordman.com and she maintains a blog at http://alineordmanartwork.blogspot.com/

Last year a number of us paid our upcoming dues at the Annual Meeting.  It was painless, saved a stamp, and we didn’t have to worry about!  So, we encourage you to bring your annual $30 membership check with you (made out to VPS) to the Annual Meeting and hand it over to our new Membership Secretary  (after one is voted on!).

Board Planning Meeting:

 VPS Board met September 30, 2016 to discuss the past year, as well as the upcoming year.  The meeting minutes are at the end of this newsletter.

We discussed the vacancies coming up in 2017, and thankfully, a number of VPS members have stepped up to volunteer to fill the vacancies for 2017.  We will vote on the positions at the annual meeting.  Please refer to the minutes for the list of our 2016 Board members and 2017 volunteers, along with the position they seek.

My thanks go out to those who have stepped forward to volunteer.  And, special thanks go out to those leaving the VPS Board who served so faithfully over the years:  Anne Unangst has served as our Secretary and as our Exhibitions Board member and has organized several workshops for VPS. Debra Kraemer has served as our Membership Board member over the past two years and has been so helpful in getting demonstrations for us at VPS events.  Both have provided tremendous insight into improvements to VPS and have put countless hours in to helping VPS move forward.  It takes a strong group of volunteers to keep VPS going.  Without Anne’s and Debra’s support, we could not have continued over the years!  Thank you very much.

VPS Website:

We have started adding new VPS member art and bios to the new website.  The new site is still not open to the public, but we anticipate it will be by our Annual Meeting.

IMPORTANT!!! – The existing VPS website will be taken down soon and none of the information on the site will be available. 

Anyone now, who wants their art and bio added to the new VPS website, please submit it to me.  It is important you follow the instructions at the end of this newsletter: Instructions to be Included in the Gallery.  Please follow it carefully in order to help this process proceed gracefully.

The new website will still have the same name as the old:  https://vermontpastelsociety.com/

The new website has a BLOG feature within the site, so our old BLOG will be going away at the same time the old website goes away.  One efficient location for VPS information!

Also remember we have a Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/Vermont-Pastel- Society-1526769437591380/?fref=ts

I hope to see you at the Annual Meeting on November 6, 2016!  It should be a great opportunity to get to know your new Board Members and to receive information from two presenters.

Cindy Griffith, VPS President

(Attachment 1 to Newsletter)

Vermont Pastel Society Board Meeting at the T.W. Wood Gallery

September 30, 2016

Present: Cindy Griffin, Norma Jean Rollet, Debra Kraemer, Wendy Soliday, Grace Cothalis, Grace Greene, Susannah Colby and Matthew Peake

1. Cindy began the meeting by reviewing the Board lineup for next year considering upcoming vacancies:

President                          Vacant
Vice President                   Grace Cothalis
Secretary                           Grace Greene
Treasurer                           Norma Jean Rollet
Exhibitions                          Vacant
Membership                        Vacant
Member at large                 Wendy Soliday
Member at large                 Joyce Kahn
Webmaster                        Vacant

The following people have voiced interest in the respective positions:

Matthew Peake – President

Susannah Colby – Exhibitions

Maggie Smith – Membership

Cindy Griffith – Webmaster

This lineup needs to be voted on at the annual meeting in November, along with other members who may step up before the meeting showing interest.   Cindy said she will stay a couple of years as webmaster, and will train others to take over.

2.Reports

Workshops:  Discussion about what more needs to be done to have full workshop proposals for a Desmond O’Hagan workshop and a Doug Dawson one. Grace C. will follow up on this with the proposers, using the form on the blog that specifies everything to consider. The Dawson one is almost complete, but the O’Hagan one is lacking several details.

Exhibitions during the past year:  Everyone agreed that the Arts Alive venue worked well for an opening, but not well at all for an ongoing exhibit. There was no one in charge, no way to buy a painting, and the exhibit was not well attended. Only one of our members sold a piece. The art awards that Mickey Myers gave out were creative and fun.

Exhibitions for 2017: Looking at the Hotel Coolidge, WRJ, VT for the fall. Someone is there 24/7, so there is no worry about theft, and the person can answer questions and handle sales.  They generally sell several pieces when they have shows.

VPS Exhibitions are looking at SVAC for a members’ show in 2017, and have tentative approval, but need to contact and work with the new staff at SVAC to make arrangements. They have three times we could use in May and June. The same VPS members have said they will get prizes for the show. The Board agreed that it would be up to the judge to decide what titles to use for awards. Everyone liked the commentary that Mickey made on why she chose the pieces she did, so hope to have that again. We pay $100 to jurors (their work is done online only) and $300 plus mileage to the judge. Matt has a list of potential jurors and judges.

Membership report:  Debra reported that we currently have 99 members, of whom 13 are from out of state. Debra proposed changing the timing of the membership appeal to the beginning of December so as not to conflict with Christmas. People will be encouraged to bring their dues to the annual meeting in November.

Treasurer‘s report: Norma Jean Rollet pointed out some of the important information, such as the fact that we have $15, 3438.11 total. Discussion ensued about non-VPS awards and how organizations give each other the same amount of money to fund an extra award (e.g. the Cape Cod Pastel Society gives us $100 for an award for exhibitions, and we do the same for them). This arrangement was missed this year and we did not do it but will remember this next year.   It’s an easy way to promote one another.   As a rule, VPS tries to make money through workshops, while keeping the cost to members down.  We did make more money this year from the Richard McKinley workshop than anticipated, which helped to feed our reserve.  This money will now go toward other FREE events for VPS members in the future.

There is no line item for marketing, so we discussed whether there should be one, and what to do with one if it existed. Three hundred dollars will be designated for marketing. Grace G. will compile a list of places to send out information.

Grace G. moved and Debra seconded to accept the budget as presented.

3.Annual meeting plans: 

The meeting will be held on November 6, 2016 at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction. Kent Scrivener will give a short presentation on how to photograph your art, and will also tell about his services.

We discussed several other possibilities for a presentation, and ended up with figure drawing demonstration by Aline Ordman. Aline will find a model. We will pay Aline $200, and the model $25.

Board members will supply snacks for the annual meeting. Items to discuss at the annual meeting:

• IAPS – Wendy Soliday
• Approval of annual meeting minutes for last year
• Election of 2017 Board members
• New VPS Website

After the formal adjournment of the meeting, Cindy showed the new VPS website and its features. She needs us to send in our art and statements. Everyone agreed that it looks great and that she has done a fabulous job. It will be formally debuted at the annual membership meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Worcester Greene

(Attachment 2 to Newsletter)

Instruction to be Included in the Gallery:

Instructions for Member Gallery Submissions

Dear VPS Members,

The beautiful weather is here and it provides a special environment for those of you who love to paint en plein air.  Or, maybe you like to just paint on your porch!  Wherever you paint, enjoy your summer!

2016 VPS Juried Exhibition:

The 2016 VPS Juried Exhibition should not be missed.  The Compass Music and Art Center in Brandon has spectacular exhibition space.  And now it is full of breathtaking art from our pastel society.  It truly is a lovely exhibit.  Thanks to all who helped in achieving its success.  The Compass Center has been very accommodating and supportive of VPS.  We thank our jurors (Alan Flattmann (http://alanflattmann.com) and Karen Israel (http://artbykarenisrael.com) for selecting the art for the exhibit and our judge Christine Ivers (http://www.christineivers.com) for selecting the award winners.  The reception was very well attended and it was really nice talking to several of you from the more southern parts of Vermont.  An exhibition takes the work of many cooperative individuals.  Thanks!

At the end of this document, you will find a list of award winners for the exhibition.

VPS Website:

If you have been following this saga, we have been seeking alternatives to our old website.  Finally, we have a web developer working on one now!  We will roll it out to you soon, so be thinking about the art you would like to exhibit on the new website.  This site will allow you to manage your own personal information and upload your own images as well as making payments for membership and workshops.  But, before we can get everyone trained in how it works, we’ll handle the images the first time around.  More to come on this soon.   Remember, find us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Vermont-Pastel- Society-1526769437591380/?fref=ts

or on our BLOG:

http://vermontpastelsociety.blogspot.com/

 November 2016 Annual Meeting:

November 6, 2016 will be the date of the Annual Meeting which will take place in the afternoon in the White River Junction area.  Mark your calendar!  We will try to find some interesting entertainment, as usual, for this meeting.

Also, be thinking about volunteering on the VPS Board.  There has been interest in the President’s position, so we anticipate we will be voting in a new President in November.  But, if any of you are interested, please let me know.

We have a Membership position opening up on the Board.  The duties are as follows:

• Emailing notice of Membership Dues in December
  • Reminders end of January
  • Reminders end of February (If needed)
• Received and record member application and demographic information, including amount received for each member, on spreadsheet.
• Annually, work with Treasurer to reconcile membership records and deposit to verify.
• Process occasional memberships throughout the year
• Disseminates annual membership letters
• Works with Treasurer regarding deposits
• Disseminate VSP-wide emails as needed
• Record and maintain records of membership
• Reports as needed.
• Member of VPS Board

Note: Duties may lessen with new website as people start using it to enter their own membership information.  We anticipate new members will sign up and make payment right online. 

Other Board positions may become vacant, as well.

Board Planning Meeting:

 Each year before the Annual Meeting, the Board meets to discuss the following year’s budget and other potential events.  If any of you want to volunteer to organize a workshop in your area let us know.  The Board members are listed in this document at the top.  Remember if you organize a workshop the workshop is FREE for you.  We have a couple of very experienced members, who have repeatedly volunteered to organize workshops and I’m sure they could talk you through the process.  We also have procedures.  Lastly, if you do decide to organize a workshop, our Board is always available to help you along the way.    I just heard from another VPS member, that a B & B in Warren, VT would LOVE to be a location for an art workshop (http://westhillbb.com/).    Again, if you are interested let one of us know and we’ll add your proposal to our planning meeting.

If there is anything you’d particularly like to see VPS do in 2017, send along an email to one of us and we’ll share that at the Board Meeting.  And remember, volunteering is critical to achieving VPS activities.   Many, many members have volunteered this year to accomplish the success we’ve had with our exhibits!

As a member of VPS, you are always welcome to come to our Board meetings.

 Vermont Pastel Society Member Exhibit 2016

The following is a list of awards presented at the 2016 VPS Juried Exhibition at the Compass Music and Art Center.  Our appreciation goes out to Christine Ivers, the Judge of Awards for VPS.  She included a statement (below) regarding the exhibition in general.

Each award listed, is followed by a statement from Christine Ivers about her impressions of the piece.  Congratulations to all of our winners.  The exhibition is incredibly professional in appearance.  VPS has some amazing artists!

Juror’s Statement

First, I would like to thank VPS for giving me the opportunity to judge this wonderful show for awards. It was truly an honor and it was most difficult to choose the winners from so many wonderful pastels. From the moment I walked into your facility I knew I would be spending hours trying award only a few awards when I honestly could have handed out at least another five or six. The variety of styles, the skilled use of the medium, and the professional presentation of all of the artists involved made for a beautiful show and I commend all involved. I hope that you will continue to create more terrific work and help to educate others as to why we love to paint with pure pigment. Thank you so much again.

• Christine Ivers, PSA-MP, IAPS/MC

First Prize:

Diane Burns, “The Golden Hour”

As soon as I saw this painting I was awestruck with its dynamic composition and incredible use of color temperature. The vibrancy of light turning from the “magic light” of the sun to the subtle harmonies of beautiful shadows made me feel as if I were standing in the scene. The boldness and directional strokes pulled me to the destination that the artist intended. This painting was as incredible as “The Golden Hour” always is and is deserving of this show’s highest award. Kudos to the artist!

Second Prize:

Matthew Peake, “Overlook #26 Partners in Time”

Motion! Energy! The creative and imaginative way of looking at the world from a different angle made this composition filled with a circular motion of the figures, all the while in contrast to the geometric floor. The bold use of color complimented the piece, which kept me feeling that I was spying on the musicians and dancer from the balcony above. By truly “thinking out of the box” this artist has definitely found a creative niche that should inspire others to look at the world differently. Great job!

Third Prize:

Patti Braun, “Spring Run Off”

The dancing light on the waterfall contrasting the forest in luscious dark and vibrant color immediately drew my attention! The exceptional use of color choices in the lit and shadowed sections of the painting made me feel the perspective of the water and cascading rocks. I particularly loved the use of the violets in the shadows, which made what are normally overlooked supporting actors, such as the rocks, come alive with those delicious strokes of color. Excellent presentation as the wooden frame seemed to be part of the composition. Beautiful piece. Congratulations!

 Honorable Mention: The Philip M. Danylik Memorial Award sponsored by Christine Ivers

Jean Pollack, “KaBOOM….pshhhhhh….”

It wasn’t only the crashing wave or the excellent composition that drew me into the scene; it was the fantastic rim light on the rocks that spoke to me! The use of alizarin and violets against the warmth of the sand and sky is absolutely beautiful and kept me looking deeper into the areas that were almost imperceptible shadows. Motion and power contrasted by a serene sky and gentle sand makes for a powerful work. Totally enjoyed this terrific piece.

Honorable Mention: sponsored by Otter Creek Frame Shop of Middlebury

Carol Eberlein, “Sunshot”

The contrasting aspects of this painting were what drew me to it the moment I saw it. Bold, defining strokes, a spectrum of values and the flickers of light on the horizon and trees gave me the feeling that night was falling or that a storm might be coming in. I enjoyed trying to figure out which of those two scenarios this painting might be trying to convey, which I found interesting enough to make me linger with it. Striking is how I would describe the artist’s approach and I hope to see more of her work in the future. Congratulations!

Honorable Mention: sponsored by Phoenix Bookstore of Burlington

Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, “Autumn Reflection”

The abstract qualities and the freedom of the artist’s strokes were what first caught my attention in this work. The movement and serendipity that was achieved in this painting is wonderful! “Bouncing” light that created the bold reflections, the artist’s use of the extreme light and dark values, and the color temperatures that gave the piece depth, are a true testament to her skill as a painter. The simplicity and tone of the painting is beautiful yet difficult to achieve. I applaud Kathrena for creating such a memorable piece.

Honorable Mention: sponsored by Zephyr Designs of Brattleboro

Norma Jean Rollet, “Garden en Plein Air”

The atmospheric perspective in this painting is telling me much more about the artist’s ability to give her viewer a true taste of depth in a landscape. From the softness and coolness in the background hills to the crisp strokes that make the flowers in the foreground jump out at you in the composition, these techniques alone absolutely makes this painting worthy of recognition. Add to that the use of value and temperature to create a piece that is not only beautiful but shows just how beautiful the medium can be. Truly deserving on an award.