News

 A few words from your President… 

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Category: News

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

Dear Omaha Area Artists, 

November is a month in which I always associate gratitude or thanksgiving. Of course, it is the month in which Thanksgiving is celebrated. However, with Covid-19, everything is different. 

I am a positive person. I don’t want to test positive with COVID-19, of course! Yet, looking for the good, in the mist of our current global pandemic, helps me navigate through life. One way I feel better or happier each day is by looking for positive outcomes, or unexpected circumstances. For example...I was unable to purchase my favorite lavender scented bathroom cleaner because of the pandemic. So, I tried a new product and I like it even better! This is just one small victory. 

A second example of an unintended consequence is a new coffee cup I purchased from a local dealer. On the cup are the words, “NO BAD DAYS.” I enjoy my morning brew, and the reminder that I can embrace a good attitude which will help me have a good day. 

The third example, for which I am extremely grateful, of an unintended consequence of the pandemic is the focus of many to support local businesses. I belong to a Facebook group specifically for that purpose here in the Omaha area. This group is fun. Every week, Emmett and I go to a specific business for dinner or dessert in a group effort to support that proprietor. 

So, you may be wondering, how does this tie in with our art club? I am suggesting you each consider doing a little Christmas shopping through local artists! We know each other and we know our Christmas list! I heard a rumor that Santa was quarantining this year---SHHHHH! So, he needs your help! Please go to the Omaha Artists, Inc. website and look at the artwork in the gallery pages. 

So, shop local, look for positive unintended consequences, and strive for a good attitude! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas – there will be no newsletter in December, as you know! 

Gratefully, 

Barbara Egr, President 

November Fun Shop

Details

Category: Fun Shops

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

Fun Shop Committee: Shirley Schmidt, Neva Cozine, Sheila Scarborough, Barb Mathewson 

WHAT: Designing Cards - No Potluck 

WHERE: Lutheran Church of the Master - 114th & Center Streets (enter at North Door - look for balloon) 

WHEN: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Wednesday, November 18th - $4.00 members / $5.00 non-members 

Email Shirley Schmidt to pre-register by Monday, November 16th.

We will be closing out our somewhat unusual Fun Shop year with our annual card designing class. Barb Mathewson (our Courtesy Chair) will supply the cards. She sends these beautiful cards out to members throughout the year. (We do not send out Christmas or other holiday cards.) Unfortunately, due to the current Coronavirus restrictions, we will NOT be having our usual potluck. You may bring your own drinks. 

You will need to pre-register as we are still restricted to 3 people to a table, so we want to be sure to have enough tables set up for everyone. 

In addition to your creativity, please bring the art supplies that you intend to use, i.e., watercolors (container for water), colored pencils, markers, mixed media.... whatever items you like to work with. We will not have an instructor for this class. 

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, we will not be having a General/Board Meeting the end of November. Instead, the Board will meet at 11:30 during Fun Shop. 

Hopefully 2021 will bring a more open format and we can again enjoy each other's company and all our scheduled classes. And just as a heads up, in January we will be holding our first 2021 Fun Shop at Rainbow Glass (near Oakview). Details will be in the January newsletter. 

Look forward to seeing you in November. 

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shops Chair

Courtesy

Details

Category: News

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

• Sympathy - Donna Justsen – Sister passed 

• Encouragement – Sheila Scarborough – Husband, herself, and daughter are all ill 

• Encouragement - Judy Freeland – Husband ill 

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

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”. 

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

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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

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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