News

ANAC Selection Show Winners

Details

Category: News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

ANAC Selection Show Winners that will be going to Albion, NE on June 19 – 22, 2019.

ANAC members that are NOT going to Albion, please bring your ANAC Selection showpieces and $15.00 on Wednesday, June 12th to Soaring Wings Winery at the June 12th meeting and lunch. This is our last meeting of the calendar year. Direction will be put in the June newsletter. These show pieces will be delivered and hung at the 2019 Conference "On The Edge of Something" in Albion, NE. June 19th through June 22nd, 2019. Then brought back to Omaha.

After the Conference, pieces may be picked on Monday, June 24th in the EAST parking lot of the Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 South 114th Street at 11:00 am. Any questions regarding pick up or delivering please call: Jo Anne Nielsen 402-250-6464 or Linda Jones 402-613-0966 or Karen Lastovica 402-498-6423.

Please remember that any art piece MUST have plexiglass instead of glass. Except for pastels.

Changes to Omaha Artists Inc. Constitution and By-laws

Details

Category: News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Anything new is underlined
(underlines do not indicate a link in this article)
Anything with a strike through is taken out.

Constitution

Name:

The name of the organization shall be “Omaha Artists, Incorporated.”

Purpose:

The purpose of Omaha Artists, Inc. shall be to promote the development and appreciation of art in Omaha and the surrounding areas.

Membership:

All persons are eligible for membership upon application and payment of the annual membership dues Application and dues are submitted to the Membership Chairperson.

Meetings

The organization shall hold General Meetings once each month. except July, August, and December. usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A special meeting may be called by the President, a majority of the Board and at the request of a quorum of the membership.

Quorum:

General Meeting: Twenty members will constitute a quorum.

Board Meeting: Majority will constitute a quorum.

Officers:

Executive Officers of OAI shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Advisor (immediate Past President.) The Board shall consist of the Executive Officers and Committee Chairpersons. Any member of Omaha Artists, Inc. may attend Board Meetings. Terms of office shall be June to June. Vacancies: In the event of a vacant office the Executive Board will choose a replacement to be voted on at the next general meeting.

Elections:

Officers are elected by the general membership.

Authority

Omaha Artists, Inc authorizes shall use Robert’s Rules of Order when conducting a meeting.

Constitution:

The Constitution may be amended at any General meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, providing there is a quorum and notice was given at the previous meeting. By-laws shall be reviewed yearly by a Committee of five, which includes the President. The changes in the by-laws shall be presented at the April Board Meeting, listed in the May Newsletter and voted on at the May General Meeting.

Disbandment:

In the event of disbandment of the Omaha Artists, Inc., all Association funds and properties in excess of liabilities shall be disposed of to qualified tax exempt organization in whatever manner the Executive Board deems advisable, subject to the approval of the General Membership. In no event will any distribution be made to any of the members of the Association.

By-laws

Election and Nomination for the Executive Officers:

The Advisor at the February meeting shall select a Nomination Committee of three. The Advisor shall serve as Chairperson. They shall present a slate of Executive officers at the April General Meeting. This report is to be voted on by the members in May. Installation is to be at the June meeting.

Vacancies:

In the event of a vacant office the Executive Board will choose a replacement to be voted on at the next general meeting.

Dues:

The dues of active members of Omaha Artists, Inc shall be $22.00 per year until changed by a vote of the membership. Dues are payable May 1st and delinquent July 1st. To be included in The Roster, dues need to be paid by July 1st. Please note that you may not renew your membership or join Omaha Artist’s Inc. during registration of an art show. Dues and membership forms must be submitted at least one week prior to an art show in order to be a member in good standing to participate in an art show. The art show committee is not equipped to take people’s dues or handle membership.

The amount of ANAC dues shall be at the discretion of that organization.

By-laws:

The by-laws may be amended at any general meeting by a majority vote of members present, provided there is a quorum and notice was given at the previous meeting.

Annual Review:

By-laws shall be reviewed yearly by A Committee of five, (including the President) shall review the by-laws yearly. which includes the President The changes in the by-laws shall be presented at the April Board Meeting, listed in the May Newsletter and voted on at the May General Meeting.

Duties Of The Officers And Committee Chairmen

The Board, presided over by the President, shall discuss and formulate all business and bring it before the General Meeting of Omaha Artists, Inc. for action. The Board shall also recommend such appropriations as necessary to accomplish the purpose of OAI. and shall keep an activity report to be passed on to their successors. The Board shall revoke membership if any person knowingly works to defeat the object or pur-pose of Omaha Artists, Inc. The President shall call special meetings.

Terms Of Office

The term of office shall be from June installation to the following June installation.

President

The President shall call meetings and preside over them, and cast the deciding vote in case of a tie; shall preside at all General Meetings; shall be Chairman of the Board; shall, with the Treasurer, sign all contracts. The President shall be a member ex-officio of all committees not otherwise provided for in these By-laws. The President receives membership free during the time served as President and the following year when serving as Advisor, thereafter, returning to dues paying status. At the request of the majority of the Board, a meeting may be called, and, at the request of the quorum of the membership, a special meeting may be called.

Vice President

The Vice President shall act as aide to the President, and, in the absence of the President, perform all du-ties of the office; and, with the Membership Chairman shall be responsible for compiling and distributing the Roster.

Secretary

The Secretary shall keep records of the General and Board Meetings and shall conduct all correspondence as directed by the President.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for all receipts and disbursements of funds received and related to Omaha Artists, Inc., and ANAC. The Treasurer shall oversee the Genie Schafer Memorial Art Fund. The Treasurer will pay the bi-annual fee to the State of Nebraska. (Detailed instructions to be given to the new Treasurer at time of assuming office.)

Advisor

The Advisor shall help incoming President with his/her duties. 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. The Advisor shall contact Bellevue Artist Association to notify them that the Genie Schafer Scholarship application should be placed in their January newsletter. The Advisor should also communicate with the Schafer family each year to keep them advised as to the Scholarship gift(s).

Committee’s

(This is just a list of the committee’s) nothing has changed except taking out Historian and Authority )

Committee Chairmen

• ANAC (Association of Nebraska Art Clubs)
• Community Art Reach
• Art Bridge [formerly Sudanese Art Project]
• Courtesy
• Funshop
• Historian
• Hostess
• Membership
• Newsletter
• Program
• Publicity & Public Relations
• Web Master
• Authority Omaha Artists, Inc. authorizes Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Fellowship and Scholarship (Advisor)
  • The Genie Schafer Art Memorial Scholarship
  • The Omaha Art Memorial Scholarship

President's Message for April

Details

Category: News

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

What an awe-inspiring and special time at the Joslyn Art Museum for lunch and a tour of the
"30 Americans" Art Exhibit experienced by those attending the meeting in March. Thank you,
Pat Lontor and Cheri Oelke for taking us on the tour and Pat, again we thank you for this well-organized experience each year. I am sure you will agree with me – for those who attended, it was a profound experience, sharing a moment in time: this exhibit was enjoyed for the paintings, fiber art and sculptures, the humor, the beauty and thought-provoking and haunting stories.

It is an honor to be a member of Omaha Artists Inc – each month is a new experience, friendships are
born, our art is inspired by speakers, art shows and workshops, our lives are motivated as we share each other's ideas, achievements and dreams. …and it is not all about us. This organization cares about others, giving back to our community those young and old and continues to find new ways of doing for
others. OAI – making a difference. Peruse our calendar of events and join us for an enjoyable experience!

Keep the sun shining – Katie Johnson

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." – Anatole France

April Lunch and Program

Details

Category: News

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Board Meeting at 11:00
Luncheon/General Meeting at 12:00

Greek Islands
3821 Center Street, Banquet Room.
Order from menu.

Reservations by Monday, April 22. If space is needed for the program and no meal, make reservation as such. Contact Carol McCall at 402-499-7071 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Program

Springtime is a time when something comes from nothing. The long-awaited crocus poke through the dead earth’s soil and suddenly voila! … beautiful splash of color appears where once there was only dirt or snow.

If you appreciate the renewal of life, you are in for a treat at Omaha Artists, Inc.’s next luncheon.
Our speaker will be our own Danielle Easdale, paper artist! This artist uses a surgeon’s knife, ordered from Great Britain, to cut images from paper. Although she is very modest and humble about her work stating paper artists are in abundance in Australia, her native land, the intricate work demands a new blade every TWENTY minutes!!! She can literally take nothing…just a piece of paper, and create a masterpiece. Danielle will share her artist’s journey and techniques as our next program speaker April 24 at Greek Islands.

Greek Islands is located at 3821 Center Street. Luncheon at noon and the general meeting/speaker will begin at 1:00. THIS is one program you will not want to miss!

Fun Shop: Watercolor Pointillism with Judy Freeland

Details

Category: News

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

April 17, 2019, 9:00 a.m. until 2:00p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Master, 2716 So. 114th Street
Fee is $4.00 for members, $5.00 for non-members.

Bring snacks to share.

Omaha Artist Judy Freeland was interested in drawing and creating art at a young age. Her mother enrolled her in classes at the Des Moines Art Center as soon as she was old enough to take classes. In college, Judy minored in art and taught school for 20 plus years.

Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. Ms. Freeland has found watercolor pointillism enjoyable. If one tries it on a painting that you have set aside because of creative disappointment, you will find it adds interest, vibrancy and improves the depth to your object!

Supplies:

• A pre-painted simple still-life painting such as an apple, flower or a tree.
• Fine point watercolor markers - the cheaper the better.

If you come without a painting, you will need:

• Watercolor paper
• Watercolor paints and brushes.
• Water container

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shop Co-chair

Nancy Ralson

Fun Shop Co-chair

Neva Cozine

Fun Shop Co-chair

Courtesy Notes

Details

Category: News

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

New Members: Maria Tillotson. Sharen Rotolo
Returning member: Mary Ann Zebolsky

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

Art Show News

Details

Category: Art Show News

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

Spring Art Show - "Childhood Memories"

Hot Shops Art Center 1301 Nicholas Street

Theme is "Childhood Memories". Along with your entry, you must also write a short explanation of your "Childhood Memories" art piece on a 3x5 card to hang beside your artwork.

Registration: Tuesday, April 30, 11 am - 1 pm
Reception: Sunday, May 5, 2 -4 pm
Take down: Tuesday, May 28, 11 am -1 pm

Entry fee is $15 for up to 3 pieces, depending on the size of your art pieces
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 11 x 14 or smaller.
• 2 pieces are allowed if both are 30 x 30 or smaller.
• One piece if it's larger than 30 x 30, with maximum size of 40 x 40.

Sizes may be figured by adding two adjacent sides, so smallest no bigger than 25 (11+14), middle size 60 (30 + 30), and largest when two sides are greater than 60 but not larger than 80 total.

Our Fall Art Show will be in October at La Casa. This show will also have a theme. Omaha Artists, Inc. will be publishing a cookbook, with recipes from our members, and with artwork from our artists. So the theme will be something dealing with food – and can depict scenes of crops in the field, the harvest, gardens, fruit trees, farm animals, still lifes of food, people working in the kitchen, someone milking a cow or goat, feeding chickens, etc. A title for the show will be forthcoming. Dates will be determined soon.

The title or theme for the Oct. show is: “From Farm to Kitchen”.

Sharon Clawson

Art Shows Chair

March Board Meeting Notes

Details

Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

March 27, 2019 at the Joslyn Museum, Omaha, NE Meeting called to order by President-Katie Johnson. Minutes read by Judy Freeland-Secretary. Minutes approved after motion by Barbara Egr and motion seconded by Sharon Clawson.

Treasurer’s Report $4,247.88

ANAC: Conference will be held in Albion, NE in June. ANAC Art Selection - Lutheran Church of The Master - Art to be bought April 8,10:00-10:30 am. Two pieces are allowed, no larger than 40 x 40 size. More details in newsletter.

Art Shows: Hot Shops – Theme Childhood Memories, April 30. Registration 11-1. May 5 Reception 2:00-4:00 pm. La Casa-October OAI Art Show in October with food theme for future OAI Cookbook planned. More Information to follow.

Community Art Bridge: Chairman Linda Bernett reported 25 ESL students created collages in March and will paint flowers using watercolors in April.

Fun Shop: Shirley Schmidt reported 14 attended Gourd Painting by Linda Bernett for the March Fun Shop. Judy Freeland will lead a demonstration on watercolor pointillism April 17th, Lutheran Church of the Master, 9-2pm. Details in this newsletter.

Host/Hostess: Patti Kounkel/Carol McCall advised Greek Islands will be our Meeting/luncheon location April 24.

Membership: Susan Stevens reported 159 members.

Newsletter: Linda Guynn asked articles be sent this weekend.

Programs: Barb Egr announced Danielle Easdale, Paper Artist, as our Program Speaker - April 24 at the Greek Island Restaurant – Banquet Room.

Unfinished Business: Jo Anne Nielsen advised By-Law and Constitution Committee met / Final Revisions will be shared in Newsletter for approval.

New Business: An evening Board meeting/meal was discussed/October suggested. Details to follow. Any member interested in being on the board or participating on a committee, contact Katie Johnson or a Committee Chairman.

Motion to Adjourn: Barb Egr / Seconded: Sharon Clawson

Spotlight Member Section featuring Albert Rhea

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Tue. Apr 9, 2019

This Spotlight Member Section is meant to get to know each other!

Q: Tell us about you?

A: My first interest in art was in grade school at Vinton Elementary in South Omaha. I remember being in poster contests at Vinton. I always took art classes at Central High School. I worked part time at Joslyn Art Museum in High School assisting in children's classes. After graduation in 1966 I went to the University of Omaha and studied electronics. Served in the Army 1970 - 1973. Studied Graphic Design and Sculpture at Bellevue Collage in the 80's Graduated Bellevue University in 1990 with a BS in Business.

Q: How long have you been a member of OAI and what is/are your present position(s)?

A: I have been a member of OAI for six years. I enjoy the people in OAI and the networking. I help on the art show committee and am one of the administrators for our Facebook pages. I am also a member of the Bellevue Artists Association and I manage their Facebook page. I am an administrator for the Nebraska Artists Supporting the Arts Facebook site. Bottom line, I am a member of every artist Facebook page I can find in Nebraska.

Q: How did you get involved in art? Tell us your story...

A: My interests are Sculpture and Photography. I have two mentors, my dad Albert Rhea Sr. and sculptor Les Bruning. My dad, a welder by trade, taught me welding and shop fabrication. Bellevue University professor and sculptor Les Bruning instructed in sculpture design and fabrication techniques. Les said, “Sculpture is a hard sell because it takes up living space. I immediately thought of outside sculpture and have been producing monumental sculptures ever since college. The first fifteen years I produced figurative painted steel works. In the last fifteen years, I have specialized in creating stainless steel sculptures. My web site is wwwalbertrhea.com.

I am carrying on my father’s interest in wild life photography in the macrophotography realm. To me, macrophotography is magical because it takes me into a smaller universe of vibrant colors, exquisite details and extraordinary patterns that can literally take your breath away. This is especially the case when doing macrophotography of wildflowers and butterflies which provide an incredible variety of shapes and colors that could potentially keep me engaged for a lifetime. Macrophotography can be challenging because it involves moving in close and magnifying what is there beyond our normal perception of it.

Q: Tell us something that most people do not know about you?

A: I have two "Art for a Cause" subjects which I do not display too often. This Edgy work had to find a venue. Besides at the Bemis only Omaha Artists and Bellevue Artists Association have seen these works.

Q: What are your other interests - hobbies?

A: I started painting simple India Ink paintings of the natural world on the back of medicine boxes – my medicine metaphor paintings. I use the unfolded boxes as a canvas. Using India Ink colors, I have painted a series of delicate flowers and butterflies and posted them to the inside of the packaging. I also have a Smokers Regret Series. In my art, I am trying to express smokers regret of ever starting smoking. Cigarette packages are emptied, flattened and embellished with acrylic paints in a pop art style.

President's Message for March

Details

Category: News

Published: Sat. Mar 9, 2019

Perspective in thoughts and art are similar – both involve drawing conclusions!

As I sit at my desk watching it snow AGAIN, thoughts turn to our February Luncheon Meeting and I am soaking up the internal sunshine of that day. I realize now why my grandparents looked forward to their garden club; not only did they learn more about their passion and the value of friendships, but they were filling their bucket with joy!

Having attended, you may have been involved in conversations happening around you some...topics included the fascinating story of the theft of the Mona Lisa, a great movie to watch "Woman in Gold", the best place in the Old Market to sip wine and watch people, wild horses in Wyoming and did you know nowadays a facial includes hot wax for your hands and feet along with a massage?

What an interesting and special group of people sharing a meal, a common passion and perhaps a laugh or two. The business meeting was informative and several topics were covered with new ideas for the future of Omaha Artists Inc. Susan Stevens presented an impressive and helpful power point of our OAI Gallery Page. If you did not attend this enjoyable day, you missed out.

I encourage you to consider joining this spectacular group for Fun Shops and Luncheon Meetings, learning more about art, making new friends and filling your buckets with joy! Omaha Artists Inc. where friendships begin and last a lifetime! Now, that's my perspective!

Katie Johnson
Omaha Artists Inc. President

"World Friendship Day is March 1; a world of friends can be a world of peace" – a recent press release.