WHAL Newsletter

Demonstrator Corner

Look Who's Coming!

Robert Yonke

Thursday, October 15, 2009,

7:30 pm meeting of WHAL

Meeting location and directions

The West Hills Art League October meeting will feature artist Robert Yonke. Also known as "the bluegrass artist," Robert will discuss the how and why of taking your art public. He will cover such issues as the importance of creating a "niche," and ways to develop awarenes and use of the Internet. He will also discuss ways to retail your wares.

According to Robert, the only person that needs to be happy with art is the artist, but there are times when someone else’s perception comes into play. This other person could be a “decorator”, collector, professional art buyer, promoter or juror. He will discuss what might influence each of these.

Robert Yonke's "Faded Love"

Robert's award winning art has been shown in many galleries throughout the region. He is a member of the Garrett County Arts Council in Western Maryland and Participating Artist of the Turkeyfoot Highlands. One of his favorite projects was providing original artwork for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2008 World of Bluegrass promotional materials.

In addition to working at his art, Robert enjoys teaching watercolor seminars around the region.

Robert’s original paintings, prints and cards can be found in shops and galleries nationwide and online at www.appalachianstudio.com.

Original artwork can be commissioned by emailing Bob.

You can also check in on Robert’s latest work or thoughts at The Bluegrass Painter Blog.

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Newsletter Deadlines

Connie will accept newsletter articles and announcements as late as the 1st of every month for publication in that month's newsletter. Both Connie (hardcopy newsletter) and Cathy (online newsletter) require this lead time to write, assemble and distribute the newsletter to our members prior to our meeting dates.

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Step Up and Support Your League!

Our first meeting of the season met with some very good suggestions for fundraisers for our league! Audra Zampogna, our league Treasurer, pointed out our funds are low this year and a fundraiser would be a very good idea in lieu of an increase in membership dues.

With that in mind, the suggestions offered at the meeting are llisted below. We are asking for a volunteer(s) to step up and organize the fundraiser for our league. We need your help!

Member Suggestions

Yart Sale – yard-sale style, selling unused art supplies, art books, etc. (yard sale prices)

Holiday craft shows to sell our note cards, items painted by our members such as glass jars/candles, slate, ornaments, etc. Small artwork (6 x 8) and/or prints to sell under $25.

Some locations suggested were Robin Hill, Sharon Church, Merrick Art Gallery, Holy Trinity church in Robinson, St. Margaret Mary church in Moon and CCBC “Under The Dome” craft show.

Again, all input and suggestions are welcomed!

Kim Iyer will bring to the meeting decorative painting magazines to look for ideas to contribute to our fundraiser. If we come together and each of us paint 3-4 items, it will result in a very successful and enjoyable fundraiser! It will also be a good chance to try your hand and express your artistic talents in another media.

Included below is a breakdown of the treasurer's report for 2008/2009. While we have elected to make adjustments to our outlay for our annual art show, opting for ribbons & certificates instead of the monetary prizes, a fundraiser is still in need to support our demonstrator program and various other expenses incurred.

2008/09 Treasurer's Report:

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Time to Renew Your Membership

It's that time of year, a new season begins for the West Hills Art League and so does our annual membership drive. Whether you are a returning member, or wish to join the league for the first time, the annual membership fee is $25 for an individual and $35 for a family.

Returning members may apply a $5 discount if they renew their membership prior to October 31st, making the fee $20/$30, individual/family.

For more information about membership benefits, see our Membership link. Download the membership form and bring it with you to our next meeting, or mail to the West Hills Art League using the address available on the membership form. We look forward to seeing you!

Download WHAL Membership form.

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International Images!

International Images, ltd. is pleased to announce its exhibition, “From Mod to Modern: Celebrating Pittsburgh Associated Artists of the 60s,” showcasing the following renowned local artists: Sylvester Damianos, Aaronel deRoy Gruber, Frances Gialamas, Peter Calaboyias, Robert Qualters, Tom Brunger, Girts Purins, and Donna Hollan Bolmgren.

As the title suggests, all the artists are exhibiting works in a wide variety of media produced in the revolutionary decade of the 1960s and today. This show is a precursor of the 100th anniversary of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, which will be commemorated in 2010.

In accompaniment to “From Mod to Modern,” the second floor gallery will feature new works by artist Eliza Houston. Eliza is a senior at Moon Area High School. For her senior project she is displaying her mixed media work in the gallery, with any proceeds benefiting the Laughlin Center of Sewickley.

Also on the second floor are various paintings by Cuban artists from the International Images collection and those evoking the feeling of Autumn by local and international artists.

For more information, including hours and directions, visit the website at www.internationalimagesltd.com

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This month's website of interest was offered by Cathy Vignolini. Artist Robert Genn was blogging before blogging was cool. His insights can be found at The Painter's Keys. Robert writes twice-weekly newsletters in response to readers' questions or on a topic that he has lately pondered, himself. The newsletter feature provides a "clickback" that artists can use to respond to Robert or expand on his thoughts.

One of Cathy's favorite features of this website are Robert's painting videos he calls "Shoulder Clips." It's always fascinating to watch how another artist's work comes together.

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Come paint the fall colors at our house!

Saturday, October 17th

Kim and Rege extend an an invitation to come out to their new house in Hookstown, PA to paint the fall colors.

Their house sits high atop a hill, overlooking miles and miles of rolling hills and farmland. The view is breathtaking and promises to yield spectacular fall color!

Come early and stay until the sun sets! Snacks and covered dishes welcomed! For directions email Kim at kimiyer@comcast.net or Cathy at cvignolini@comcast.net

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Meeting Start Time Change Proposed!

A few members have suggested an earlier start time for the WHAL meetings. The WHAL board would like members to consider moving the start time to 7:00 p.m. The proposal will be discussed at the business portion of the October meeting. Members will have the opportunity to express their opinion before a general vote is taken at the meeting.

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