News

October General Meeting Dinner

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Do you work full-time? Is joining a gallery on your bucket list? Well, 2020 is the PERFECT year to make this happen, and this evening meeting will give you the information you need. You will not want to miss this opportunity! 

Please come join us Wednesday, October 28 IN THE EVENING at 6:30- Covid style - at Valentino’s 102nd and Maple Street. We will wear masks, set only three to a table, and social distance. Valentino’s has a large room in which we will meet. 

Photographer Ashley Stevens will share her journey as an artist/photographer/multiple gallery member from Dallas to Gretna. A question and answer session will follow her program. 

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Valentino’s, 102nd & Maple Street – Function Room 

Make a lunch reservation by Monday Noon, October 26th, 2020. 

Hi! My name is Ashley Stevens. I am a local Nebraska photographer. I am in four different art galleries, here in Nebraska. I participate in shows and events and run a portrait photography business. I strive to be a one-stop shop for all photography needs. I print my own fine art prints and can create anything of which you dream. I capture everyday moments in my art so others can enjoy the beauty of life. I begin my career shooting portraits in Omaha, and I enjoy working with all types of subjects. 

Spotlight Member: Barbara Egr 

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Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Tell us about you? 

I was born in Illinois but raised in Omaha. I love the Midwest and the changing seasons. I was the “surprise that turned into the blessing.” (my parents’ words)! My grandmother lived with us and we hung out together a lot. 

Emmett and I knew some mutual friends who introduced us. We have nine grandchildren and three children. 

I went to Metro and was trained as a commercial artist. I worked for the Yellow Pages way back when. However, I felt “the call” to become a teacher in my 30s. How great is it that we live in a country where we can return to college at any point in our lives? So, I returned to college and earned a teaching degree. 

I taught first grade for 15 years. After my brother passed in 2012, I took a hard look at my life and decided I would leave the classroom and sub. I was working about 70 hours a week and I was afraid I would be so busy I would not participate in my grandchildren’s lives. I wanted them to know me and I wanted to know them! 

About three years ago, I joined the Passageway Gallery in Omaha’s Old Market. It is a co-op gallery, and everyone is quite helpful in teaching artists how to grow. Last year, just before Covid-19, I joined Nebraska City’s Self Expressions Gallery. Both galleries have been a lot of fun! 

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc? 

My mother passed before I was 30. At that time, I knew a fellow artist, and some of you know her, too. Her name was Maxine Tatreau. She became my “adopted” mother. She had been a member of OAI, and she encouraged me to join when I left the classroom. 

What do you like most about this organization or the people? 

I love the membership! We are fortunate to have a diverse group – some of our artists are professionals while others are just beginning the journey. I am a people-person. It is from others I gain energy and when we meet for Fun Shops or general meetings to learn about others, I draw a star on my calendar for a “red letter day!” Remember, if you’re not enjoying this thing called “life” then you’re doing something wrong! Now, of course, we all have bad days and even chapters in life, but OAI adds spice to life for me. 

Anything you would recommend to new members or those thinking of joining? 

Let us know you want to get involved, please! We are looking for three people, right now, to help on an easy committee! 

Tell us about a couple of your favorite books you have read (name and author)? 

“Business Boutique” by Christy Wright and “First Phone Call from Heaven” by Mitch Albom 

What are your travel experiences? 

Our family camped all over the Midwest as I was growing up. I saved up my pennies and visited relatives in Germany when I was 20. I have visited many, many National Parks, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean 

What are you known for? 

I am tall, patient, kind, and cannot tell a joke, although sometimes I am naturally humorous! 

What skills would you like to learn? 

I love watercolor. It is a goal to keep some areas of the composition negative and just keep the white paper. 

Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

I believe my parents had a huge influence on my attitude. They were positive and saw problems as “stepping stones from which to grow”. When I asked my father what he thought about me returning to college to become a teacher he said, “Go for it, kid!” 

What is your favorite quote or saying? 

Be positive...it’s my blood type and motto for life! 

Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight Reporter

Barbara Mitchell Memorial Fund

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Our member and friend, Barbara Mitchell, passed earlier this year. At our September Fun Shop, each guest was given a rose in remembrance of Barbara! 

Barbara’s family recognized the joy and contributions this dear artist added to our club. Therefore, they have authorized the creation of a memorial fund, in Barbara Mitchell’s honor, funding a watercolor workshop next year. Your contributions may be sent to: 

Jo Anne Nielsen 

See page 5 of the October newsletter for mailing information.

General OAI Meeting Minutes - September 23, 2020

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Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Omaha Artists Inc. (OAI) General Meeting
Date: 9/23/2020
Place: Charlie’s on the Lake 

1. President, Barbara Egr – Called to order 12:00pm 

2. Treasurer Report, Jo Anne Nielsen – Checking Account Balance: $5016.16 

President Barbara Egr welcomed members to the general meeting. 

Committee Reports: 

Art Shows - Barbara Egr reported the November Gallery 92 show in Fremont is cancelled since no reception is possible, the gallery is open only 9 hours a week and it is a long distance. It costs $400 for a judge, prize winners’ awards and there would be less volunteer workers due to covid. 

Cookbooks - Jo Anne Nielsen reported the recipes are slowly coming in. 

Community Art Outreach - Sara Wamsat reported Linda Jones found a 70% off sale and purchased all the colored pencils from a store. Sara told about a young hospital patient wanting to sketch. He was elated when the nurse brought him colored pencils and a sketchpad. 

Fun Shop - Shirley Schmidt reported 15 attended the watercolor class presented by Judy Freeland. October’s Fun Shop will be a plein air class with the option of oil, acrylic or watercolor. No rsvp is necessary. 

Hostesses - Linda Guynn will take reservations by phone or email at lunch@omahaartistsinc to rsvp for dinner before October 15. Valentino’s, 102nd and Maple-Dinner-$14.50 includes pizza, bread sticks and lasagna with social distanced seating. 

Program - Sue Loyd reported to Barbara Egr the October 26, 2020 program will be Photographer Ashley Stevens. Ashley has works in 5 local galleries, is a go getter and will appeal to the younger members. 

Membership - Jo Anne Nielsen is updating the roster as members send dues. There are 100 members as of September 22, 2020. 

Newsletter - Barbara Egr reported 50 members get a hard copy and no one received the September newsletters. An inquiry is being made with the United State Postal Service. 

Vice-President - Sherry Reese reported the roster will be completed by the October meeting. The non-members are deleted from the website gallery pages. 

Jo Anne pointed out in past years the rosters were distributed at the October meeting and she did not mail the remaining rosters until January of the following year. In person distribution saved $.80 a roster in addition to an envelope cost. 

New Business – Bylaws Committee - Jo Anne Nielsen reported the bylaws changes were in the newsletter. Carol Coppi made the motion and Rhonda Bruggeman seconded the motion to accept the bylaws changes. The vote to accept the bylaws changes was unanimous. 

Adjournment motion Karen Laskovicka, Shirley Schmidt seconded 

Barbara Egr adjourned the general meeting. 

75 Year Anniversary Gala Celebration Cookbook Fund Raiser

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Category: News

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 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 November 15, 2020.  Learn more.

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