News

June Board Meeting Notes

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Category: Board Meeting Notes

Published: Mon. Sep 9, 2019

Place, Soaring Wings Winery-Potluck luncheon on June 12, 2019.  Minutes read and corrected by Judy Freeland, Secretary.

Meeting called to order by President, Katie Johnson. 

Treasurer's Report: Jo Anne Nielsen reported $3,712.82.

ANAC: Jo Anne Nielsen collected art going to Albion, NE for the ANAC conference location June 19th. Pick up will be June 24th at Lutheran Church of The Master at 11:00. 

Art Shows: Chairman, Sharon Clawson reminded us the next show will be at La Casa. Registration Nov. 4th, 11-1. Reception Nov. 11, 5-7pm. Take down Monday, Jan. 6th, 2020 11-1. Theme is “From Farm To Kitchen”. 

Art Bridge: No report as school is out for the summer. 

Art Reach: Chairman, Sara Wamsat delivered paint brushes to the hospital. Sara is looking for a co-chair. If interested, call Sara at 402-415-7276. 

Fun Shop: June 24 OAI turned Lutheran Church of The Master into Christmas in July. Ornaments were decorated for the tree we will donate to the Shriner’s Festival of Trees 2019. Lunch was catered. An art garage sale was also going on. Details of the day will be in September’s newsletter. 

Membership: Chairman, JoAnne Nielsen reminded us of the July 1st deadline for getting dues in to AOI. Contact Jo Anne if you have missed that date. 

Newsletter: Linda Guynn announced the next newsletter will be September 7. 

Programs: Barb Egr will list programs planned for the 2019-20 year in the September newsletter. If you would like to co-chair with Barb, call her at 402-686-0521. 

President, Katie Johnson closed the meeting with kind words of appreciation, roses and gifts to her board for a fun and productive year. 

Spotlight Member Section featuring Patti Kounkel

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Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Mon. Sep 9, 2019

Q: Tell us about you?

A: I am originally from Dodge, Nebraska, a small town 80 miles west of Omaha. I grew up in an idyllic setting, a farm next to the town park where there was always something to investigate with many hours spent making a house in the trees or the barn. I was the youngest of four and very shy and spent a lot of time drawing. Although I had some obvious talent my parents got me organ lessons thinking I may make an occupation out of it. My later years while on a trip to Hawaii, a cousin who lived in Honolulu encouraged me to take art lessons, which I did. I will never be able to thank her enough because it opened up an entire new world for me. I learned oil painting from a man in Honolulu who had a view of Diamond Head. He spent invaluable time teaching me how to mix color. Back in the states, I attended Patricia Steven's College and really appreciated the Interior Design and Illustration classes. I lived life for a while, marrying, having two children (my biggest passions) and going thru trials and errors. In 1990 I found myself newly divorced and in need of a job. I started cleaning houses and during those years I started a business "Murals by Patricia". I always had the propensity to paint on a large scale so it was a perfect fit. I slowly grew my business and worked with Builders and Interior Designers which got me involved in many of the "Street of Dreams" and "Designer Show Houses". At this time, I switched over to acrylics because they dried faster. It was a good time for personal and artistic growth. It was very lucrative and gave me the best opportunity to help raise my children as a single parent. After about ten years I met my husband Tom, who also had children and together we have a fantastic blended family 

Q: Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc. 

A: I retired from painting murals for the most part and looked online for an art club. I was a little nervous at my first Fun shop and Luncheon, but it didn't take long and I got to know people that I consider good friends. I've been in the club seven years and help as the Hostess with my sidekick, Carol McCall. I check out restaurants and make reservations for our luncheons. I also write the luncheon information for each newsletter. Carol collects names for those who want to attend. It's a joint effort and it's fun to be involved. I am the newly appointed chairperson for the upcoming Gala celebrating the 75 year anniversary of Omaha Artists Inc. 

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

A: A little known fact (or maybe not) is I have a quirky sense of humor, some may say odd. It runs in the family. My son is actually making a living as a comedian/writer and extra in Los Angeles. It's been a life of laughter and pranks. You may be at a family gathering and someone will come out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel. Anything to shock your audience is the best joke of all. You just don't know what to think of this bunch I call family, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Q: What hobbies, other interests do you enjoy? Favorite vacations? 

A: When I'm not painting, I am babysitting our little granddaughter. I love to clean house (weird I know). I enjoy decorating and reading spiritual books. Each year I have a large garden and enjoy canning the harvest! I play the piano, but not well...sorry mom and dad...didn't end up being the occupation they had hoped for. LOL! 

My husband and I love to travel. We have a large travel trailer which we take on excursions from a few days to a month or more. We've also traveled to Europe and the UK a number of times. I loved the small medieval towns of Italy, the historic part of Prague, Ireland, Scotland. There are too many places to see and not enough time! 

Q: What is a motto or saying that you live by and like or that describes you…a statement or slogan or quote? 

A: The motto I live by is ...."You can't stay young forever but you can stay immature indefinitely". I do my best to uphold this sacred motto. 

President's Message: More or Less

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

Dr. Seuss wrote "Green Eggs and Ham" on a bet that he could not write a book with 50 words or less! Does this article have more or less? I believe there is more to this story! This is the last President's Message until the September Newsletter. What do you have planned for the next few months, more or less?

Do you have plans for more time for yourself or with family & friends, exercising, more positivity, sleeping, reading, playing a musical instrument, art projects or classes, camping, traveling, practicing or exploring new techniques whether it be sewing, photography, cooking or art – so much more to consider!

Should we make a plan to do less? Less procrastinating, less complaining, less talk (more action), less unhealthy habits both physically, mentally and emotionally, less over-thinking, less speaking without thinking, less 'stuff' in our homes-garages-closets-drawers, less negative thoughts, less couch potato life-style. There is again so much less to consider!

Do you remember the greater-than symbol denoting the inequality between two values? Is it greater to have more or less when living our best life: what should we add or subtract? Perhaps the secret of feeling secure with what we have and to stay motivated is to be grateful and focus on the positive. A Tibetan Prophet wrote a simple equation well worth considering, "the secret to living well and longer: eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure".

I thank you for your vote of confidence to lead OAI as President for yet another year: I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I wish to thank the phenomenal OAI Board, Chairpersons and Committees for all you do to make this a successful and growing organization. I thank you the members for your participation and willingness to promote the appreciation and development of fine art in and around the Omaha Metro area – you are all making a difference in our community.

Wanting more and not settling for less,
Katie Johnson
Omaha Artists Inc. President

In addition: Mark your calendars for our Christmas in July Celebration: painting ornaments, artists garage sale and a free lunch on July 24th. Further, dues must be paid prior to July 1st to ensure your artist/contact information is included in the new 2019-2020 roster and to receive the monthly newsletters! Renew online  or if you wish to renew by postal mail, use this printable form. Please check the roster if you are renewing – is your roster information correct? Detailed information of upcoming events follows.

June Meeting and Potluck at Soaring Wings Vineyard

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

Please join us for a potluck at Soaring Wings Vineyard and Brewing. Remember this is our only meeting in June – No Fun Shop and No usual Luncheon/Program!

Potluck Luncheon Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Soaring Wings Vineyard and Brewing
17111 South 138th St Springfield, NE
(See Directions below – or rely on GPS)

Board meeting 11:30 am
Potluck on Deck at 12:30 pm (General Meeting and Installation of Officers)

Please bring a dish:
A - I: Salad, appetizers, or bread
J - S: Entrees, sides or vegetable
T - Z: Dessert

Soaring Wings has many wines to select from. ENJOY! Feel free to enjoy visiting afterwards.

Tea and Water, dishes/flatware and glasses will be provided. Please note if your dish selection is soup, you may wish to bring bowls.

We wish to thank Patti Kounkel and Carol McCall for your dedication in making sure our meeting venues are delightful, arranging our June Potluck Meetings and handling the reservations…well done!

Next Exciting Event: Christmas in July!

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

Let's celebrate Christmas in July! No meetings – just a fun-filled day spent with friends! Join us for the Next Exciting Event Of Omaha Artists Inc is Christmas In July (July 24, 2019)!

July 24, 2019, 9:00 am –1:45 pm
Lutheran Church of the Master – 114th and Center, Omaha, NE (Upstairs Family Center)
Painting Christmas Ornaments, Garage Sale and Free Lunch!

We will be competing in the Shriner's Festival 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. Bring your desired paints and brushes, beads, lace, glue – anything you wish to decorate these ornaments!

In conjunction with the ornament painting, we will hold an artists garage sale. Bring any art items (tools, books, magazine, pencils, colors, paints, brushes, canvases, frames, easels – you name it and we'll claim it…anything you want to sell) – mark the items with your name and amount of money you wish – you can keep the money or donate to OAI! This will be a Cash and Carry Sale – so, cash only.

Please read the information in the Art Show article by Sharon Clawson, Art Show Chairperson as she describes the plethora of art supplies donated by the family of Joy and Roy Long to be sold at our garage sale with proceeds donated to Omaha Artists Inc.

There will be no charge for this extraordinary day; in fact, we are providing a free lunch to be catered to our July 24th group of participating artists. Reservations are a must. Please know a blanket email will be sent in July reminding you of this special celebration as this is the last newsletter until September.

As a side note: if you have ideas of a menu or a catering company, please contact Katie Johnson by email or text (see roster) or if you have a food allergy or preference.

Make reservations by July 20, 2019 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Carol McCall at 402 499-7071.

Courtesy Notes

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

New Members:  Judith Robinson, Gloria Timperley, Paula Fryer

Injury/Get Well: Betty Allen

90th Birthday: Betty Allen

Barbara Mathewson

Courtesy Chair

A 2019 final note from your vice-president/program chairman...

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

Haven't we artists had a fun, productive, educational year with the Omaha Artists, Inc. luncheon programs? In March our own member/Joslyn docents led us through the exhibit of 30 African-American artists. One magnificent piece was painted by the same artist that created a Presidential portrait of Obama.

Our own past president, Katrina Swanson shared from her heart her trials with cancer and how she carried on to return to a productive, amazing artist!!!

Finally, this last month, Pat Mangarelli taught 40 of our members about the "dos" and "don'ts" of successful composition.
Please, please, please don't put off rejoining the Omaha Artists for our 2020 year. Allow yourself to learn how to inspire yourself, find your own voice/style and enjoy the fellowship of other creative souls!!!!

Have a GREAT summer everyone! Thank you for letting me serve,

Barbara Egr

Vice President and Program Chair

Art Bridge

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

Our May lesson was weaving a "May" basket. There were 39 students who really seemed to en-joy this class. There are no classes until OPS resumes school in September. Therefore until then A big thank you to all the Art Bridge volunteers. We couldn't do it without you.

Linda Bernett

Art Bridge Chair

A Thank You

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Category: News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

My Dear Art Friends,

I thank you for all the cards, prayers, kind words, thoughtful gifts and especially the flowers with the wrapped canvas photo of Lori that you have given me. This is a very difficult time not knowing " why" and I am looking forward to my "New Normal"! I cannot believe how blessed I am to be surrounded by such wonderful and amazing friends.

Again, I thank you, with love,

Jo Anne Nielsen

Art Show News

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Category: Art Show News

Published: Tue. Jun 11, 2019

We had one sale at the Hot Shops Art Show. Vickey Timperley sold her small painted box – titled Tree House. Congrats to you!!

Fall Art Show

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. Sharon at 402-672-7536

Garage Sale – July 24th

The garage sale in July will have a number of art books, a wooden table easel, wooden frames, never used gold metal frames of various sizes, canvases, paints, palettes, pastel papers, art binders, pens, markers, col-ored pencils, drawing and painting pads, - a PLETHORA of art supplies that come from the home of Joy and Roy Long. Their family has donated all of these art supplies to OAI, so they will be for sale at the garage sale, and proceeds will go to OAI.

Roy made for Joy a wooden portable box with an upper compartment and three drawers that have compartments in them. Perfect for pastels, or for paints. A photo is provided of this item.

The July 24th Garage Sale (July 24th in conjunction with the Christmas in July Event) will have a number of art books, a wooden table easel, wooden frames, never used gold metal frames of various sizes, canvases, paints, palettes, pastel papers, art binders, pens, markers, colored pencils, drawing and painting pads, – a PLETHORA of art supplies that come from the home of Joy and Roy Long.