Art Bridge held their first lesson for the school year on Wednesday September 11th, at Augustana Lutheran Church. It is located at 3647 Lafayette Ave in Omaha. There were two classes for a total of 52 ESL students doing scratch board.
Our next lesson will be 3-D pumpkins on Wednesday October 9th.
Linda Bernett
Art Bridge Chair
Omaha Artist Inc. General Meeting, September 25, 2019 at Charlie’s on the Lake. President Katie Johnson-Welcomed guests and called meeting to order.
Secretary, Judy Freeland-Minutes in newsletter -approved.
Treasurer, JoAnne Nielsen Report: Checking $6,027.86
A.N.A.C. The 2020 conference would be held in Fremont, June 10-13, 2020. The theme is “Art in Sight”.
Art Shows: Sharon Clawson announced La Casa will host our art November 4th. Registration on 11/4 at 11 to 1pm. Reception will be Monday, Nov. 11th, 5-7 pm. Take down January 6, 2020, 11-1pm. There will be a limit of three pictures . Theme is “From Farm to Kitchen.”
Jan. 31st The Jewish Community Center will host our art. Registration on the 31st from 11-1pm. Reception will be Sunday, Feb. 9th from 2-4pm. Take down to be announced. There will be no theme.
Our spring show will be at Hot Shops April 28 – May 31 with registration April 28, 11-1pm. Reception is May 3, 2-4pm and take down May 31st, 11-1pm.
Community Art Bridge: No new report this month.
Community Art Reach: Sara Wamsat - No new report.
Courtsey: Barbara Mathewson, no cards sent yet this month.
Fun Shop: Shirley Schmidt, Neva Cozine, and new co-chair, Sheila Scarborough. Twenty two attended the Fun Shop Wednesday, September 18th. $88 was collected. Nancy Lepo demonstrated ink pointillism. Her examples were stunning. Thank you, Nancy. Wednesday, Oct. 16 Fun Shop, Marilyn Beig will demonstrate gesso over watercolor.
Host/Hostess: Carol McCall and Patti Kounkel have planned our first evening Board meeting. Wednesday, October 23 will begin with Board meeting at 5:30pm at the DC Center, 11830 Stonegate Dr. Buffet Dinner will begin at 6:30, A general meeting will follow with the program on metal art given by Janna Harsh from Impact Nebraska Art. Please make your reservation by October 14th to Carol McCall.
Membership: Susan Stevens announced 167 members, 119 active. Remember to get your dues in to Jo Anne or Susan.
Newsletter: Please get information into Linda, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by this weekend, Sept. 28th.
Programs: Barbara Egr announced the program speaker at our evening meeting in October will be Janna Harsh from Impact Nebraska Artist. She will discuss her skills in metal art. January meeting program will be Paula Wallace speaking on the topic of “so you wanna publish a book!”.
Publicity: Sharon Clawson will be promoting art shows with cards available by the Fun Shop or the General Meeting/Program. Nia Karmann is trying to find contact names for the media.
Webmaster: Susan Stevens reported no new information.
Vice President: Barb Egr advised the roster will be ready for the printing shortly. .
President: Announced Patti Kounkel will be the Event Coordinator for the Gala and Jo Anne Nielsen and Susan Stevens will be heading up the OAI Cookbook!
Unfinished Business: October 16 Fun Shop and October 23 Program are the deadlines to get ornaments in for our tree in the Shriners Festival of Trees.
New Business: A big thank you to Linda Jones and her brother, Mike Jones who donated $100 toward a train to go around the OAI Tree . Members signed a card for Mr. Jones.
Motion to Adjourn by Barbara Mathewson Seconded by Laurie Taylor
Judy Freeland
Secretary
Q: Tell us about you?
A: A farm, high on a hill, in the middle of Colfax County was home. I attended a country school until 8th grade, then went off to the big town of Clarkson, NE for high school. I had two older brothers, who got me into more trouble, so I was an extremely accomplished tom-boy. In high school, I sang in the madrigals and chorus and played French horn in the band; I was Valedictorian of my class, so I was pretty much a nerd.
Dean and I met while I was a senior in high school and he was a student at Creighton University. After a year at UNL, Dean and I were married, we recently celebrated our 55th anniversary. We have three children, Deb and her husband are professors at the University of Arkansas, their sons (our grandsons) Robby and his wife are currently relocating to Oklahoma, where Robby will begin as a writer and reporter for the four public radio stations at University of Oklahoma. Nate, a 2019 FFAR Fellow, is studying for his PHD in food science at UNL. Pam, our second daughter is Chair and professor in the Biology Department at Catholic University in Washington DC. She and her husband, a cultural anthropologist, live in Baltimore, MD. Our son and his wife live in Seabeck, WA, where he is the Director on Membership at the YMCA.
Since I married early, I went back to get my degree at Creighton University, I changed my major from journalism to theology. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1996. Along the way I was a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, The Associate Director of Cathedral Arts Project and a photographer for The Catholic Voice. I retired from the Archdiocese in 2004. Now I’m in retirement, whatever that really means!
Q: Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc.
A: I joined OAI in the late 1990s, I served as President (also advisor), on the Art Committee, and was Courtesy Chair for more years than I want to remember!!! I love the camaraderie of the artists and learning new skills from other professionals.
Q: What other organizations are you a member or have belonged?
A: 4-H was a given in our family, I followed my brothers, and was a member and a junior leader as a teen. In art, I belonged to Associated Artists, SDA, and SAQA. I am a member of Alpha Sigma Nu honor society through Creighton University.
Q: How did you get involved in art and what mediums do you prefer?
A: Photography for the newspaper led me to photography as art. I had a number of solo photography shows throughout the years. After years of photography I turned to textiles, my preferred medium these days. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try others, I recently took pour acrylic and cold wax/oil classes...even I’m not too old to learn, although probably not with much proficiency!!
Q: What is a little-known fact about you, something most people do not know?
A: A little known fact, I modeled at the State Fair in high school and as did both of my daughters when they were in high school; 4-H being the common denominator.
Q What do you enjoy doing in your “free time”?
A: When I’m not creating, I love to read, my favorite genre is mysteries!
Q: What are your travel experiences – Where is the most interesting or favorite place you have been?
A: When my husband was working, I went to most places he spoke at conferences. Canada, Italy, Germany, the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, were among of his speaking venues. My favorite was Ayres Rock in Australia, although I called Santa Fe, NM my home-away-from-home for 15 years.
Q: What is your favorite movie? Favorite Book? Favorite Music or Song?
A: I’m a Dan Brown fan, so have read all of his books. I’m not much into movies, but love live theater, and classical music. Anything produced by the BBC are my tv shows of choice.
Q: What is in your bucket list? What do you wish to accomplish or do before you die?
A: My bucket list is pretty short, I would like to spend time in Spain.
Q: Has anything or anyone changed your life or what events in your life made you who you are?
A: My faith leads my life, and probably more than anything else has made me ‘who I am’.
Q: What are you known for – what you are famous for among your friends and family?
A: I haven’t a clue what I am famous for, I only hope people see me as an advocate for others.
Q: What personal rules or personality trait describes you?
A: I am a contemplative, so enjoy time just being quiet, this has been part of my nature since I was a little girl. As an introvert, I walk away when my energy level lags, in order to recharge my batteries. Other people may find this annoying!
… and now we will show the results of this celebration at the Shriner’s Feztival of Trees in November.
We will be competing in the Shriner’s Feztival of Trees in November. Our tree is named “The Artful Tree”. Mr Carl Monico (with the help of Linda Jones) donated Christmas Ornaments to OAI). Mike Jones, brother of Linda Jones donated $100.00 to OAI to purchase a train and tracks to be on display circling the tree during the festival. Members have taken ornaments home to paint – these finished ornaments must be returned – October 16 (Fun Shop) and October 23 (dinner program).
It was a fun-filled day spent with friends July 24th of 2019! Check out the photographs taken by Katie John-son showing the artists painting extraordinary ornaments and enjoying the day! We met in the family center at the Lutheran Church of the Master… There was no charge for this enjoyable day - OAI PROVIDED a free lunch that was catered by Olive Garden Restaurant, 2 pastas – 2 sauces and 3 meats, bread sticks AND salad! Brownies and lemon bars were donated by Shirley Schmidt and Katie Johnson.
In conjunction with the ornament painting, we held an artists garage sale. There was a plethora of art supplies donated by the family of the late Joy and Roy Long to be sold at our garage sale as well as those who sold their own art supplies – artists were able to keep money from their sold items or donate the proceeds to Omaha Artists Inc. There were books left over – It was decided to donate books to OPS - these books were donated to the William Jennings Bryan School in Bellevue, NE to be used in the school and students were given the choice of books for their very own in hopes of a future artist emerging because of this gift. The tapes were donated to the Public Library as the schools preferred the books.
We should be so proud of ourselves for the good we give and do for the community. Doesn’t it warm your heart to know this group of artists spreads joy to others – a gift on the Meals on Wheels dinner trays, art supply donations to the Lied Transplant Center’s Life Care Center (those awaiting transplants), art classes to ESL Students (at no charge), donation to flood victims and now our donation of a decorated tree (one of 70 trees) with monies to benefit the Tangier Shrine Center.
Doesn’t it make you proud to be a member of Omaha Artists Inc?
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In my younger days, the month of September marked the excitement of school with thoughts of new schoolbooks to read with the chance to earn an A for a grade! I still love the feel of a book in my hands, the excitement of turning the page; thus, I often can be found reading a book or magazine. Recently, I read the story of the late Richard DeVos, the co-owner of Amway Corporation.
Last month, the OAI Board held a Recipe of Success Planning Meeting. We called it that because we have plans to publish a cookbook and are holding a ‘Farm to Table’ Art Show. I thought it interesting that Mr. DeVos believed there were 3 key ingredients in the recipe for success. He called them the “three A’s”: atmosphere, attitude and action.
His first ‘A’ is ‘Atmosphere.’ We need an encouraging atmosphere to achieve our potential. Omaha Artists Inc has an exciting new year planned with Fun Shops and luncheon meetings featuring informative speakers. These gatherings provide the atmosphere to encourage and achieve.
His second ‘A’ is ‘Attitude.’ A positive attitude can give us the desire to have a goal to learn and improve! Having an attitude of joining a group of like-minded artists can build confidence while joining friends with the same passion for learning and improving.
His last ‘A’ is ‘Action.’ He said that without action, the other two A’s cannot happen. The action on your part? Join this dynamic group of artists, volunteer to be on a committee and enjoy lasting friendships while experiencing growth, personal happiness and success!
As we begin a new year, let’s strive for A’s. …and just so you know, I am referring to our 2019-2020 Board, Chairpersons and Committees as the A-TEAM! Let’s make it a great year!
Katie Johnson
“Success is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing: knowing that is not enough, you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.” — Margaret Thatcher
Katie Johnson
Omaha Artists Inc. President
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Charlies by the Lake – 4150 South 144th Street
Lakeview Room
11:00 am Board Meeting
12:00 pm Lunch - General Meeting and Program to follow. Order from Menu.
Reservations by Monday at Noon, Sept. 23.
Please make reservations in order for us to advise the restaurant of the number attending. If you miss the deadline you may still attend. If space is needed for the program but no meal, make your 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.
He will cover the ten most important “Dos and Don’ts” when framing your artwork!
Have you ever wondered how to frame your art? Are you aware that a good frame can greatly en-hance your piece whereas the “wrong” frame can detract from your beautiful artwork? As you may know, Omaha Artist’s Inc will be hanging the “From Farm to Kitchen” show this November. How will YOU display your piece? Well, your questions can all be answered by attending September’s general meeting this month!!!
Barbara Egr
Program Chair
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 / 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Master
2716 South 114th, Omaha, NE
Members $4.00 – Non-Members $5.00
Please join us for a fun-filled workshop taught by Artist Nancy Lepo showing us how to use pointillism (stippling or dotting) with pen and ink to achieve various effects. It works with all media. Lepo’s pen-and-ink images hang in numerous private collections throughout the United States. Her drawing tools are very fine pen points (Hunt #104), pen holder, India ink, patience . . . and knowing when a drawing is finished. Students will have the opportunity to experiment and see for themselves how to adapt the technique to their own work. Do not be intimidated – learn something new – meet new friends and join up with old friends - enjoy!
Shirley Schmidt
Fun Shop Co-chair
Neva Cozine
Fun Shop Co-chair
New Members: Betty Eggleston, Lynn (Lini) Nordsiden, Ron Schmidt, Annie Troe, Denise Teeple
Get Well: Jo Anne Nielsen. Having minor surgery….in lieu of cards or flowers, please send candy. lol
Sympathy:
Albert Rhea and family...daughter passed suddenly
Ms Carol McCall... sister- in-law passed away
Katie Johnson and family...mother passed away
Theme: “ From Farm to Kitchen”
November 4, 2019 - Jan. 6, 2020
At La Casa, 4432 Leavenworth St
Registration – Monday, Nov. 4 - 11-1 pm
Reception – Monday, Nov. 11 - 5-7 pm
Take Down – Monday, Jan. 6, 11-1pm
Some of the paintings from this show will be put into the Omaha Artists, Inc. cookbook, which will be for a future fundraiser for OAI. Information about the cookbook will be given at a future date. Your paintings can be of anything farm related, or food related, or kitchen related.
Questions? - Call Sharon Clawson at 402-672-7536.
January 31 - March 2, 2020
No theme
At Jewish Community Center, 332 South 132nd St.
Registration – Friday, Jan. 31, 11-1pm
Reception – Sunday Feb. 9, 2-4pm
Take Down – TBA
May, 2020- dates TBA
Hot Shops Art Studio, 1301 Nicholas St.
Theme - “Shadows”
Sharon Clawson
Art Shows Chair
The Nebraska members of the Portrait Society of America are having a show through the month of September at Gallery 92 in Fremont, NE. The opening reception is Friday September 6th from 5 until 7 pm. Omaha Artist member Pat Lontor and former member and past president Debra Groesser will be participating. Hope to see everyone there.