News

Going the Extra Mile

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

June 2020 was the passing of the rose ceremony. Pictured Katie Johnson-President, Barbara Egr-Vice President, Judy Freeland-Secretary and Jo Anne Nielsen-Treasurer. We welcome the new Executive Board (2020-2021), Barbara Egr-President, Sherry Reese-Vice President, Linda Leary-Secretary and Jo Anne Nielsen-Treasurer! During her presidency, Katie Johnson totally appreciated each member who was on the OAI Board. These volunteer positions are each an important cog in the wheel that makes this organization successful. The passing of the gavel to Barbara Egr will make for a smooth transition during this bumpy COVID road! 

At the installation of officers, two members were awarded “The Extra Mile Award” by Katie Johnson. Susan Stevens, a past Vice President, manages the OAI Website, co-chairs the Membership Committee, handles the email communications, is on the Cookbook Committee, has published the rosters and has provided other services and advice. She willingly fills many needs of OAI without complaint. During COVID, there were many times Susan sent out blanket emails each time we had to cancel or postpone an event. 

Jo Anne Nielsen, a past vice president and president, Hostess Committee, then and now co-chair of the Membership Committee, since 2001 has been on the ANAC Committee, Newsletter, Treasurer (Executive Board), assisted with art shows, published numerous rosters and is a wealth of information and help for anyone with questions. 

Community Art Reach

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 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

• Game books

• Small boxed games

• How to art books

• Adult color books

• All frames/cut mats 8x10 and under

A Few Words from Your President…

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Dear Omaha Area Artists, 

First of all, thank you for the honor of representing and leading our membership this upcoming 2020-2021 year. I am honored and excited. 

Recently, the Officers and Board members met at the Lutheran Church of the Master. I am extremely grateful to this church for allowing our club to meet – COVID style: 

• Masked
• Entering the north door (look for balloon)
• Social distancing
• Three to a table 

So, the 2020-2021 art year for OAI officially began with... 

COVID 

COVID is everywhere. Have you noticed? It’s in our news, workplace, demands for masks, on my bank statement and yet I urge you all to set fears aside– yes, Covid-19 is real. I’m not suggesting anyone put themselves or family members at risk – I’m encouraging you all to set concerns and fears aside and focus on nurturing your creative juices. 

If you’re staying home, use this time to reorganize your studio. Overwhelmed? Try working on this project fifteen minutes a day...set your timer. No studio? Create a small corner just for you somewhere in your dwelling. 

Then, start a new series! No ideas? Draw, paint, or sculpt your breakfast dishes after you've eaten! 

So, I will not allow this pandemic to rob me of the joy I derive from making art. Please join me on this journey. 

Our Fun Shops will look a little different this year – like everything else on the planet!! If you can, come anyway. 

I look forward to seeing and hearing about your artistic endeavors. 

Creatively, 
Barbara Egr
Omaha Artists Inc. President
Email Barbara

Fun Shops

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Category: Fun Shops

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Welcome Back fellow artists to our Fun shops. It has been since February when we all gathered last for a workshop and some changes have been made in our procedures: 

• The church would like us to limit our tables to only 3 people to maintain social distancing. 
• Only twenty artists will be allowed to attend our Fun Shop, due to COVID. I will be taking your RSVP to attend, so we do not go over the limited number of participants. 
• Because of this required limited number, we will not be able to accommodate any non-member guests to this workshop. This number may be adjusted at a later date. 
• You will be allowed to bring in your own drink, however the church is NOT allowing any food to be brought in.....so we will not have any treats. 
• Any supplies you bring in cannot be shared with anyone else. 
• Wearing a mask is mandated. 

You will need to RSVP for the workshop by sending me an email.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Master - 2617 South 114th Street - Omaha, NE
Members - $4.00 Please bring your own drink. No Food due to COVID 

Painting Houses with Watercolor Instructor: Judy Freeman 

Judy is a retired kindergarten teacher in the Westside School district. She graduated from Kansas University. She started out wanting an elementary degree with an art minor. However, KU's association with Hallmark did not allow a minor in art, so she put her art away until she retired. She joined Omaha Artists about 10 years ago with her dear teacher cohorts and they have attended several classes from instructors at Hot Shops and several classes offered at Hobby Lobby. Judy has also served as our organization's secretary. 

Judy will show us tips on how to paint a favorite childhood home or lake cabin or a unique house in a small town, without any architectural design skills needed. 

Materials to bring: 

• One sheet of 10x14 watercolor paper 
• One sheet of tracing paper 
• Sharpened pencil 
• Watercolor or acrylic paint supplies 
• Brushes, container for water 

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shops Chair

Courtesy

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Cards were sent to our following members:

• Sophia Schaefer, Julie Seevers, Ann Marie Howmon – New Members 
• Judith Rohwer – Returning Member 
• Carol Ratcliff – Recovering from surgery 

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

Art Show News

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Category: Art Show News

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Update: The November show at Gallery 92 has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Omaha Artists, Inc. Fall Art Show
November 2020
Theme "Shadows" at Galley 92 Art Center Fremont, NE 

We will begin registration on Sunday, November 1. To prevent everyone showing up at the same time, we will assign you a time slot according to the first letter of your last name. We may divide into 4 groups, and have 1/2 register on Nov. 1, and the other 1/2 on Nov. 2. The logistics will be in the next newsletter. This will be a judged show, but we are not sure yet if we will be able to have a reception due to COVID restrictions and safeguards. Take down will be on Sunday November 29. 

Things to remember: 

• You can only enter up to 3 pieces, depending on size. (See size restrictions below) 

• You cannot enter any art that you have already entered in another OAI art show. 

• All pieces must have a wire hanger on the back. 

• All artwork must have been completed within the last 2 years. 

Fee to enter - $15, whether you enter 1, 2 or 3 pieces. Remember to price your pieces accordingly, remembering that Galley 92 takes 25% of the value. 

Image Size Guidelines 

We will be enforcing size guidelines, in order to give the shows a better look, and to avoid overcrowding. These sizes refer to the OUTSIDE EDGES OF THE FRAME: 

3 pieces allowed 11 x 14 or smaller, (area of 154 square inches or smaller), each piece. Square inches are measured by multiplying the length by the width of the outside edge of the frame. 

2 pieces allowed at 24 x 30 or smaller, (area of 720 square inches or smaller). 

1 piece allowed larger than 24 x 30, with maximum size of 40 x 40, (1600 square inches). 

Or you can figure out sizes this way: 

Sizes may be figured by adding two adjacent sides, so smallest no bigger than 25 (11+14, or 12+12 etc.), middle size 54, (24+30, or 26+28, etc.)), and largest – when two sides added together are greater than 54 but not larger than 80 total. 

2021 Art Shows - None have been scheduled yet. I have looked into the Jewish community Center, and also Hot shops Art Center. I'm waiting to hear back from them. If you have any ideas for new art show venues, please contact me. 

Sharon Clawson

Art Shows Chair

Email Sharon

September General Meeting Luncheon

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Reservations due
Tuesday, September 15 by Noon.

Have you ever seen glass art? Did you ever wonder about the difference between stained glass or fused glass? Maybe YOU have dreamed of someday exploring the world of glass? Please join the Omaha Artist’s Inc: 

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - Charlie's On the Lake - 4150 S. 144 Street - Banquet Room 

11:00 Board Meeting
12:00 Lunch, followed by General Meeting and Program (order from the menu) 

RSVP to Linda Guynn 402-618-0347 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Reservation by Tuesday Noon, September 15, 2020. 

Seating will be limited to 30. Due to Covid-19, we will order off the menu. Since only 30 members or guests may attend, it is very important that all who make reservations attend (except of course in the case of illness or an emergency.) Due to the limited availability of seating ONLY those eating lunch with a reservation will be allowed to attend. Guests are welcome, but members will be given priority.

Program

We are honored our speaker will be Rhonda Bruggeman, glass artist. She will enrich our artistic lives as she shares her beautiful glass journey. As a military family traveling throughout Europe, Rhonda became inspired to become a stained-glass artist after touring The Cathedral of Notre Dame in France, the Ely Cathedral in England, and other world-renowned churches. Today, she creates fused glass and her company is titled Bits of Glass. Her enlightening and inspirational life story will want you to further your artistic endeavors. 

By-Law Corrections 

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

There was a committee of 5 members, (Katie Johnson, Barbara Egr, Jo Anne Nielsen, Sherry Reese and Dick Brown) that looked over the Constitution and By-Laws and made corrections. 

Anything new is underlined. 

Anything with a strike through is taken out. 

Advisor: The Advisor shall form a committee of the Advisor and (3) three members to select the winner of the Genie Schafer Scholarship and the OAI Memorial Scholarship. A committee of three, the advisor, one executive board member and one member shall select the recipients of the scholarships from the applications submitted by members of OAI. 

Membership: Word change from object to objectives. 

Punctuation, spelling and some grammar were corrected. 

Spotlight Member

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Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Tell us about you? 

I was born and raised in Douglas County. I have made art from the time I was able to hold a stick, chalk or a crayon! I attended high school in Elkhorn because it was the closest school with an art department; I found not only an art teacher, but a mentor, supporter, and a friend...who still visits me at the Hot Shops! 

I have been with my husband, Kevin since December 5, 1971 when we started going steady and married following 4 years of college (Art). We have two children – a son and a daughter and 3 grandchildren with #4 due in February! 

I have always made art a part of my daily life – whether in sales of my own or that of others, many co-operative ventures, boutiques/ and mail orders. I was 18 years in floral design, had folk art gallery in Valley 93-97, involved in country cooperative “cherisables” – mural painting – volunteering, art donations and lots of free labor! 

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc? What other organizations do you belong? 

I was invited to join OAI by Bobbie Harvey and took part in the first anniversary party (Maurine Cummins was President)! There was a need for art supplies by several groups: I had made connections through a nurse at UNMC who was paying for supplies from her own pocket…thus, the Community Art Reach Program was born – when I was President of OAI (2000-2001)! I have held every office with OAI except Hostess and Treasurer! Last year, Rose Rutherford joined me as Co-Chair and Sally Calhoun as my ‘hands on assistant’! 

I think membership in a group of like-minded people, who are committed to art and promoting art is a must for even “Sunday Painters”. We all need our TRIBE! You are never “not really an artist”, you just may not do it as often as others or as much as you would want. 

I am a member of ANAC since 1996-on Exhibition for 3 terms, Secretary for 9 years and a member of the Fremont Art Association (I was president of both FAA and OAI at the same time!). 

How did you get involved in art? Tell us how art evolved, your inspiration, awards? 

I have never not done art – I was always surrounded by very artistic people! My work has always been in a state of flux – I create in multiples, not necessarily a series, but many pieces at once, assembling and always with a finished product in mind. My inspiration is that I have the ability to MAKE. I am so grateful for this blessing. I cannot imagine not being able to imagine! 

I have been very fortunate to receive many awards in the eons I have been doing this…from county fair in 2nd grade, Capital Conference art shows in High School-Gold Key-Purchase Award in ANAC: My favorite recognition was my parents pride in everything I did as well as my daughter now in her 15th year of teaching ART! 

What is a little-known fact about you? 

I co-wrote “Big Red Quilt-ED”. A Curriculum for 4th grade teachers which was a state-wide program through the NE State Quilt Guild. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time, your favorite books you have read, author? 

I love magazines – especially art, antiques, and crafts in America, Ornaments. I love Maya Angelou, “Make the present comfortable and the future promising”. 

What are your travel experiences? 

Just when travel was possible, we can’t as I am the babysitter when my daughter goes back to teaching…and so it goes! 

What are you known for? 

I think I am known for thinking outside the box and doing work that causes people to stop and think or at least smile! 

What skills would you like to learn? 

I really love metal and because my fine motor skills are leaving because of arthritis – welding is really BIG Jewelry, right? I love plasma cutting and would like more practice at that! 

Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

Dorothy Tuma gave me the opportunity to be in the Hot Shops Art Center when I was starting to burst out of the walls I had put myself in – without that confidence she had in me and my work, I would not have kept progressing. Dorothy and Harriet Otis always helped me commit to art for the joy of it! 

What is your favorite quote or saying? 

Back to Maya: “We cannot change the past, but we can change our attitude toward it”. 

General OAI Meeting Minutes - June 24, 2020

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Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Omaha Artists Inc. (OAI) General Meeting
Date: Place: Soaring Wings Winery 

1. President, Katie Johnson-Called to order 12:00pm 

2. Treasurer Report, JoAnne Nielsen- Checking Account Balance: $4,123.82 

Committee Reports: 

(Association of NE Art Clubs) – Dick Brown, JoAnne Nielsen, Linda Jones, Karen Laskovicka 

JoAnne Nielsen reported yearly dues of $12 can be paid with the OAI dues at this time or wait until 2021. 

President - Katie Johnson 

• Katie thanked each Officer and Committee Chairman with a hand-wood burned wooden spoon gift. 
• Katie thanked each Officer and Committee Chairman with a certificate. A volunteer photographer took Katie’s and the recipient’s picture. 
• Katie thanked each member of the Executive Board with a rose bud. The photographer took an Executive Board group photo. 
• Katie thanked Jo Anne Nielsen and Susan Stevens each with “Go the Extra Mile Award” gifts. 
• Katie presented Barbara Egr with the gavel and wished her the best in her Presidency. The photography captured the photo of the transfer of the Presidency. 

Motion to Adjourn-Shirley Schmidt
2nd Motion-Linda Guynn 

First Official Action with a rap of the gavel – Barbara Egr Meeting Adjourned!