News

ANAC Selection Show Winners: Drop Off and Pick Up Dates

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Category: News

Published: Sun. Jun 9, 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. 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. Please put art in a carrier (Something light weight like plastic bag) and marked on the outside with your ID so that art and carrier are easily reunited at the conclusion of ANAC. Please remember that any art piece MUST have plexiglass instead of glass. Except for pastels.

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
• Linda Jones 402-613-0966
• Karen Lastovica 402-498-6423

ANAC (Association of Nebraska Art Clubs) www.nebraskaartclubs.org

Recipients/Winners of the 2019 Scholarships:

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Category: News

Published: Sun. Jun 9, 2019

Omaha Artists Inc Memorial Scholarship – Sherry Reese

I am so happy to be a part of Omaha Artists, Inc.! First, I would like to thank OAI for believing in me and awarding me the OAI Memorial Scholarship for 2019. It is helping me to continue my vision of being "a pas-sionate artist currently pursuing a feast for the eyes" thru acrylic painting and mixed media. It is a good thing to continue to learn and excel - this will be happening for me by attending a 5-day painting workshop with Robert Burridge in Dillman's Bay, WI at one of their Creative Art Workshops. The workshop is called "Loosening Up With Aquamedia". As an artist and former art teacher 30+ years, I look forward to coming home, using these new methods and sharing them with all of you! We will be doing a Fun Shop Class in May 2020. So mark your calendars and stay as excited as me!

I joined OAI in November 2018. I was looking for a group of artists to share thoughts and ideas with about art, a variety of experience, skills and ages, and to "hang out" a few times a month. This group certainly surpassed my expectations with their warm and welcoming attitude, friendliness and adventures in art!

At Auburn University (back in the 70's) and through my years of teaching, I've tried just about everything in art. I love learning. My main focus for years was drawing with ink and colored pencils from a 4 x 5 in. all the way up to a 16 x 20. I started concentrating on abstract acrylic painting, collage and mixed media after my bout with colon cancer in 2009. After retiring in 2015, I've had more time to paint and enjoy my life as an artist. It is a pleasure for me to be a part of this group and I hope to keep learning and excelling along with all of you.

***On a side note, Shirley Schmidt, Fun Shop Chair has reported that Sherry Reese has already signed up to be an instructor in the lineup of next year's Fun Shop Schedule, Thank you, Sherry

Genie Schafer Art Memorial Scholarship – Linda Jones

I really appreciate the Genie Schafer Art Memorial Scholarship and plan on utilizing local instructors to enhance my knowledge and skills. Currently I've taken two workshops with Becky Kinloch on pastels and plan to continue with her for watercolor tutorials.

I've been an artist all my life and was a skilled typesetter and print production manager. Even was tabletop stripper at a print shop to earn my way through college. Done working now and want to draw and paint what I want, when I want.

My medium is pastel and watercolor but have done oil or alcohol ink to change up and mess with my brain cells.

It is wonderful to see our club invest back to their members so they can pursue their dreams.

Genie Schafer Art Memorial Scholarship – Margaret (Peg) Watkins

First off, thank you and OAI for affording me this wonderful opportunity. I plan to put the award towards the USB Cold Wax Class offered by Rebecca Crowell & Jerry McLaughlin. It is a 5 hour, 29 part video that included all the demos, techniques, and topics that they present in their 5 day workshop. I purchased their wonderful book a year ago and loved every page. It has wonderful information & photos. I learned about them from Diane Lounsberry Williams from whom I have taken numerous classes.

I joined OAI in the Spring of 2017. I have been a glass artist since about 2005, and a potter since 1975. After working 30 years for the City of Omaha Recreation Department I was finally able to retire and devote my time to my art. In about 2018 I started painting again, hadn't done that since college! Working with some great teachers and being encouraged by some great friends and customers I now spend most of my time painting. I started with abstract acrylics, and have been exploring cold wax/oil since about 2015.

Once again thank you for encouraging me to keep exploring, to have the opportunity & confidence to display my work, and to met new creative friends.

Spotlight Member Section featuring Shirley Schmidt

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Category: News

Published: Sun. Jun 9, 2019

Q: Tell us about you?

A: I have been a life-long Omaha resident and attended South High School, graduating in a class of over 800 students. I married my high school sweetheart, Ron: we have been married almost 53 years. We have two children, our daughter, Andrea and our son, Ryan. Our daughter has a blended family of five children and our son is single. Luckily, they all reside in Omaha, so we are very fortunate to be able to spoil our grandchildren and watch them grow.

Q: Tell us about your OAI History

A: I've worked for several businesses and retired as a technical writer at a company that conducted marketing research for nationwide hospitals. After retirement, and a few years of watching (spoiling) our grandchildren while my daughter worked, I returned to my interest of art. That's when I began my online search of clubs in Omaha and found Omaha Artists. I don't remember the year I joined, only that I was very reluctant to join because I've had no formal art classes. I am so glad that I did not let that deter me, as it has been such an enjoyable experience.

Q: What hobbies, sports or other interests do you enjoy? 

 A: As well as my undying passion for art, golfing, traveling and reading are other past times that fill my retirement days. I started a book club with a group of 15 friends about 12 years ago and meet on a monthly basis. We have read so many wonderful books that I would have never chosen on my own, with my two favorites being "Cutting for Stone" and "Snow Falling on Cedars". I hope to continue traveling, "arting", golfing and maintaining good health. My husband and I travel to the Florida panhandle in the winter. It is an area near Destin which is quiet, right on the ocean (a little artsy) and I am very thankful that we both still have our good health to be able do this.

Q: What do you enjoy most about Omaha Artists Inc?

A: So much of what our club offers is very fulfilling, from our monthly workshops and luncheon/speaker meetings to all of the wonderful art shows that are made available to us. It has been so interesting learning from all of the area artists that have shared their artistic talent to teach us their skill and technique.

Q: What other organizations are you a member?

A: I am involved with Assistance League of Omaha. We are an Omaha chapter of a nationwide organization consisting mostly of retired teachers. We have many philanthropic programs; our biggest one is clothing over 3,000 Omaha needy school children in the fall. I have been a member of this organization for over five years. We hold a "Christmas Caravan" activity in November to help fund all of our endeavors. Four homes are opened up and area florists decorate for Christmas and the public is invited to tour these homes. This is one of our biggest money-makers.

Q: How did you get involved in art and what medium do you enjoy most?

 A: While raising our children and before going back to work full time, I started a small stenciling business in Omaha. I sold hand-cut stencil designs to a few small craft stores in Omaha and also stenciled homes. However, this art form seemed to grow out of style and I returned to the work force. This was my first engagement to art since drawing paper dolls in my childhood with my older sister. I have a hard time deciding what art medium I enjoy the most. Experimenting with alcohol inks, acrylic, watercolor and mosaic all hold my interest. After a winter trip to Florida a few years ago and taking a class there using resin, I guess this has become my current passion. This is a process affixing frit (small ground glass), beads, paint, and other objects on glass. It has also been fun to play with powders mixed in with the resin to create ab-stract paintings.

Q: What is a little-known fact about you:

A: Ron and I lived briefly in Texas before he was deployed to Viet Nam in 1967. While in Texas I worked at Gibson Department Store. When I was working there, we received a phoned-in bomb threat. Management cleared the store of all customers…..however employees were told to look for the bomb. This was the 60's! Happily (and to my good health) a bomb was not found that day. But one exploded in another store a few months later and was found to be by a disgruntled employee. I love telling people this story,..it is a little hard to believe!!

President's Message for May

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Category: News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Volunteerism empowers individuals to improve their community, to make changes, to follow their hearts and find their passion. We are just coming off National Volunteer month – a time to encourage volunteerism and to thank those who volunteer.

First, I appreciate the team members who make Omaha Artists Inc the fine organization it is…a success: I thank you the OAI Board, Chairpersons and Committees. Often these valued individuals wear many hats, helping and encouraging each other, working many hours and do so without pay or perks.

Secondly, I want to encourage our members who are not volunteers to join us in serving the community. Not only do we give back to the community with projects cheering the elderly and the sick, donating to flood victims and other activities: we have the Community Art Reach and Community Art Bridge composed of volunteers. Don't forget…as stated in our roster, Omaha Artists Inc was organized to promote the appreciation and development of fine art in and around the Omaha Metro area. What are you doing to help with this mission?

There's something special about being able to say, "I am making a difference." Are you making a difference? Can you make a difference? If you need a change in your life, enjoy making someone smile, want to lessen the load of someone else, contact a member of our board or committees. Then, you will be giving, doing and making a difference.

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others". — Audrey Hepburn

Forever thankful,
Katie Johnson
Omaha Artists Inc. President

May Lunch and Program

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Category: News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Wednesday, May 22, 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

Reservation by Monday May 20th. If space is needed for the program but no meal, make your reservation as such. Contact Carol McCall 402 499-7071 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Program featuring Mr. Pat Mingarellin:

Have you ever wondered why some works of art "pop" or catch your eye at an art show? Well, May's general meeting speaker, at Charlie's on the Lake, will unlock this phenomenon's secrets. Our speaker, Pat Mingarelli, teaches adult continuing education classes at Metro and Iowa Western Community Colleges. As a participant in the field of photography for 30 years, he will focus on composition as well as the common mistakes artists make with their art!

Come for fellowship, inspiration, and basic foundational art education to strengthen your creative endeavors.

Barbara Egr

Program Chair

Fun Shop: Acrylic Dabbing with "Pao Pao" Ng

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Category: Fun Shops

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 / 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Lutheran Church of the Master.
2716 South 114th, Omaha, NE
Members $4.00 – Non-Members $5.00

Coffee/tea provided. Please bring snacks to share!

Sok-Chan "Pao Pao" Ng is from Macau (China). She graduated from the Fine Arts College of Shanghai Normal University and has been engaged in art education and creation in Macau for over eight years. She moved to Omaha in 2016 and currently focuses on oil painting, pastel and Chinese Calligraphy! Pao Pao showed a couple paintings in an art show at the Hot Shops. Her technique caught the eye of our President Katie Johnson, who could not stop staring at the unique beauty of these paintings. It was decided Pao Pao just had to show us how to paint in what appeared to be dabbing pointillism…the painting technique with a sponge!

This technique uses a sponge, fabric or wrinkled paper to create a texture that is rougher than a brush stroke. It is ideal for covering a large, flat area. While other materials are also worth trying, sponges are one of the most practical tools that help create an interesting trace of boldness.

Bring these SUPPLIES for class:

• Acrylic pigment and water container
• Palette or Disposal Palette Paper Pad
• Canvas Panels
• Acrylic Brushes and various Painting Knives
• Scissors
• Sponges of various textures and shapes
• Latex Gloves
• Paper Towels

Shirley Schmidt

Fun Shop Co-chair

Nancy Ralson

Fun Shop Co-chair

Neva Cozine

Fun Shop Co-chair

Courtesy Notes

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Category: News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

New members: Verna Headley, Carol Ratcliff

Get Well: Bill Bernett, Carl Monico, Linda Glantz

Sympathy: Jo Anne Nielsen (Daughter Lori Lynn), Roy Long Family

Thank you: Karla Lechtenberger – Joslyn Art Museum

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

Community Announcements

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Category: News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Member Shows

Judi Cross will be showing her photo assemblage '100 Years, Black & White to Color,' at the Bassett Art Gallery during the months of May and June. These photos presented on red canvases, represent 100 years of her Mother's life. Please get in touch with me if you have questions. Thank you, Judi Cross 402-880-9405

Beck Kinloch is the featured artist at Gallery 92, Hines Gallery in Fremont, NE during the month of May. Opening is Friday, May 3, 5 pm-7 pm

Barbara Egr is a visiting artist at the Noyes Gallery, Lincoln, NE May 3, 6-9 pm and May 17, 6-9 pm

Generous Benefactors

We encourage you to send cards to:

Carl Monico is ill with cancer. He has donated easels for our Meals on Wheels Project and the ornaments for the Festival of Trees! His address is 13070 Sky Park Drive, Omaha, NE 68137

Roy Long passed away April 17, 2019. The address of the family is 8324 Parker Street, Omaha, NE. Mr. Long's wife Joy passed away in 2014: Joy was a member of the Omaha Artists Inc for many years, and was a talented artist winning awards in various media, including oil and watercolor. A cash art show prize was graciously provided by the family of Joy Long. The award went to an artist for "excellence inexpressing light and atmosphere in the artists chosen medium." Her own wonderful effects with focus on "light and atmosphere" made her artwork stand out.

Notice

Nominations and Announcement of the OAI Executive Board returning for the 2019-2020 term has beenmade. Voting will occur at the May meeting.

Art Show News

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Category: Art Show News

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Our 2019 "Childhood Memories" Omaha Artists, Inc. Art show at the Hot Shops Art Center has a total of 96 entries from 56 artists. It is a beautiful show, full of images of children, animals, and things that kids like to do. Our judge was Charles Novich, a local artists who has shown and sold his paintings all over the U.S. The winners are :

Congratulations to all of you!! Our next Omaha Artists, Inc. art show will have the theme "From Farm to Kitchen". We are planning on compiling a cookbook with recipes from our members and with artwork from some of the entries in this show as a fundraiser. So the subject matter runs the gamut from fields of wheat, farm animals, prepared food on a plate, kitchen scenes, garden scenes, etc. It will be held at the Leavenworth La Casa. Here are the dates: Registration: Monday, November 6, 11 - 1pm Reception: Monday, November 13, 5 - 7 pm Take Down: Monday, January 6, 2020, 11-1 Call me if you have any questions.

Read more ...

April Board Meeting Notes

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Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Sat. May 11, 2019

Omaha Artists Inc Board Meeting Minutes April 24, 2019 at Greek Isles Restaurant. Meeting called to order by President Katie Johnson Minutes read by Judy Freeland, Secretary (Voted and Approved following Motions by Barbara Egr and Shirley Schmidt)

Treasurer's Report: Jo Anne Nielse reported $4,066.57

ANAC: Jo Anne Nielsen advised artwork to be brought to June 12 Meeting and returned- June 24 at Lutheran Church of the Master. Convention in Albion June 19-22.

Art Shows: Sharon Clawson reported Hot Shops next show with theme of "Childhood Memories" registration April 30, 11-1. Reception Sunday, May 5, 2-4 pm. La Casa will host next art show Nov-Dec.

Community Art Bridge: Linda Bernett watercolor flowers in April and May Baskets in May.

Community Art Reach: Sara Wamsat absent. Ms. Johnson reported Sara delivered supplies and Hobby Lobby Gift Card.

Courtesy: Barbara Mathewson absent (medical). Ms. Schmidt reported Barbara sent 4 get well cards and one sympathy card.

Fun Shop: Shirley Schmidt reported Judy Freeland taught watercolor pointillism – 25 artists $104. Pao Pao Ng will teach acrylic dabbing May 15, 2019 Fun Shop at Lutheran Church of the Master 9 am-2 pm

Host/Hostess: Carol McCall and Patti Kounkel members reported May luncheon will be at Charlie's by the Lake and June 12 will be the Soaring Wings Meeting and Potluck at 11:30 am

Membership: Susan Stevens reported 160. Jo Anne advised membership renew by June – pay with check or PayPal.

Newsletter: Linda Guynn asked articles and reporting by the end of the upcoming weekend.

Programs: Barbara Egr has scheduled Pasquale Mingarelli, a former photo journalist and very knowl-edgeable critic on composition, light and color. He will share advice for artists paintings as well.

Publicity: Sharon Clawson handed out postcards promoting the upcoming art show. The cards featured the 1st Place Winner of the Winter Art Show Harvest Moon by Margaret Watkins.

Unfinished Business: Jo Anne Nielsen asked that all read the newly constructed bylaws and constitution found in May newsletter as we will be voting on them next month (May).

New Business: Katie Johnson reported that the board accepted their positions for another year. Voting at the May meeting, these board members will be voted upon: President Katie Johnson, Vice President Barbara Egr, Secretary Judy Freeland and Treasurer JoAnne Nielsen.

Motion to Adjourn: Judy Freeland. Seconded: Susan Stevens. Meeting adjourned: President Johnson

Respectfully submitted,