1

BrBrusush SStrtrokokesPresident’s Message

As our 2010-2011 season comes to a close I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who made this year possible.

“Merci” to Vice President, Francine Dufour Jones, for contacting the artists who spoke at our meetings. She made sure they were there and, as our ‘techie chick,’ made sure the visual portion of their talks worked well every time.

“Toda” to Recording Secretary, Marcia Nathanson, for her accurate recording of our meeting minutes and all the times she advised us so well on meeting procedures.

“Gratias” to Treasurer, Kirk Scott, for depositing the income, balancing the books, making sure the bills were paid and cracking us at Board meetings when we least expected it.

“Klitos” to Karen Mattson, our Corresponding

Secretary, who made the long trip from Willow to attend meetings. Her voice on the Board helped us to clarify issues when making important decisions.

“Asante” to Membership Chair, Dorothy Jowers, for maintaining membership records with a sense of warmth and humor. It is always fun to talk to Dorothy even if she is calling to find out if you forgot to pay your dues.

“Köszi” to Newsletter Editor, Linda Parrigin for learning how to use the newsletter software and keeping members up to date. A second “thanks” to Linda for continuing on as a Co-Chair of our annual show. She has been generous with her time.

“Danke schön” to Renate Martin, Scholarship Chair, for setting up the art auctions and everything involved in the selection process. Her attention to detail and on time record are greatly appreciated.

“Gracias” to Media Librarian, LaRae Groves, who with her husband, Gene, have hauled suitcases full of art videos and CD’s to our meetings for at least the past

five years, so members could explore w atercolor at h ome.

“Go raibh maith agat” to Webmaster, Mark McDermott for maintaining our website for almost its entire existence. Mark deserves a second ‘thanks’ for being our 2011 Workshop Co-Chair and yet a third for producing our show catalogs for years.

“Dĕkuji” to Sue Zajac for being our gracious greeter. Her warm smile and assistance with sign-in told members and guests know they were welcome.

“Arigato” to Lura White for making sure our activities were well publicized. Her insight into other watercolor societies has brought fresh ideas to our Board.

“Mahalo” to Marcia Pratt for sending out the e-mail meeting reminders that get us to Sourdough Mining Co. on the right Wednesday.

“Háw'aa” to Beth Taylor for being our 2010 Show Co-Chair and signing on to be our 2011 Workshop Co-Chair. She turned up some great donations for show awards.

(continued on page 2)

A Monthly Newsletter Sept - May May 2011

Jean Watson

A L A S K A W A T E R C O L O R S O C I E T Y

2

May Meeting SpeakerCharlotte Fox

by VP Francine Dufour JonesThe Alaska State Council on the Arts is a state agency that fosters the development of the arts for all Alaskans through education, partnerships, grants and services.

With guidance from the ASCA appointed visual arts committee, staff works to provide increased visibility, public appreciation and opportunities for visual artists in Alaska.

The program currently provides funds to individuals through the career opportunity grant category. Non-profit organiza-tions apply for workshop grants and operating support grants to sponsor projects ranging from exhibits to workshops

Charlotte will be talking about ways that we can work with the Watercolor Society, artist’s opportunities, and projects. She will have handouts about their grants and programs for visual artists.

Officers & Committee Chairs

President:Jean Watson 333-5799 H

skeinofgeese@alaska.net 333-4678 MsgVice President:

Francine Dufour Jonesfrancine@artbyfrancine.com 868-2658

Recording Secretary:Marcia Nathanson

mln@ak.net 346-1092Corresponding Secretary:

Karen Mattsonkamakws@hotmail.com 495-6633

Treasurer:Kirk Scott

kirk_scott@yahoo.com 562-3406Membership:

Dorothy Jowersdali_too@yahoo.com 522-0187

Newsletter Editor:Linda Parrigin

lindaparrigin@gmail.com 317-3516Hospitality Chair:

Sue Zajacsuezajac@msn.com 694-3013

Scholarship: Renate Martin

k.r.martin@alaska.net 279-1077Scholarship Calendar:

Peggie Hunnicuttphnyct@gmail.com 349-4168

Media Librarian: LaRae Groves

LGROVES@gci.net 563-6245Publicity:Lura White

lura.white@att.net 277-3854Meeting Reminder: Marcia Pratt

mpratt@alaska.net 337-3695Show Co-Chairs:Mark McDermott

markmcde@gci.net 345-6997 Beth Taylor

Taylor_Beth2asdk12.org 248-1003

Workshop Co-ChairsLinda Parrigin

lindaparrigin@gmail.com 317-3516opportunity open

(continued from page 1)

“Tack så mycket” to Peggie Hunnicutt for her work creating the AKWS calendar, which has helped greatly to fund our annual scholarship.

“Spasiba” to Nancy Angelini Crawford for all her help on the 2010 Workshop especially for her coordin-ation with the juror.

“Taing mhór” to Dot Tideman, Pat Hudec and Mae Ohlert for coordinating our member shows. Without them these shows just would not have happened.

If you helped with a show, bought a calendar, sold raffle tickets or donated art, a “tusen takk” to you, too.

Finally, thank you to all who attended meetings even in the depths of winter when traveling can be so daunting. You are the warm heart of our Society and I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you.

As you can see, it takes more “thank you’s” than one language can supply for those who keep our AKWS world rolling along.

AKWS was formed in 1974 as a non profit organization to help promote the knowledge

and understanding of professional watercolor

painting in Alaska.

A L A S K A W A T E R C O L O R S O C I E T Y

3

The AKWS and GFWC Anchorage/Nome Clubs have enjoyed a thirty year partnership of encouraging young artists in Alaska. AKWS provides the information packets to university level art students and receives their submissions. The Scholarship Review Committee, made up of representatives from both organizations, meets to review the submitted applications and select a winner for each organization. Thank you to Committee Chair Renate Martin, and members Gail Flotre, Francine Dufour Jones, Marcia Nathanson, Barbara Wilkins and Karen Mattson.

S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R S

The Alaska Watercolor Society and the Greater Federation of Woman’s Clubs, Anchorage and Nome Chapters are pleased to announce the winners of their 2011 Scholarships. Ms. Christel Wagle won the 2011 AKWS $1000 Scholarship and Ms. Jessica Pena won the Woman’s Club $1000 Scholarship.

Ms. Wagle is a fourth year Bachelor of Arts degree student

at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. In 2010 Ms. Wagle won the Woman’s Club scholarship

due to her high level of academic achievement, her success in juried and invita-tional shows, and the artistic skill reflected in her submitted pieces. Ms. Wagle won over the committee this year with the combination of continued academic excellence and the high quality of her most recent paintings. Her work continues to reflect her own, well developed style which draws the viewer into her work from a distance then rewards them with details best viewed close up. Left: Life Above: Self Portrait as a 1950’s Housewife both by Christel Wagel

Jessica Pena, is in her final year of study at University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The North Pole resident recently completed her

BFA thesis exhibition and hopes to move on to a MFA degree.

Ms. Pena received the scholarship based on her

high academic standing and her painting skills as demonstrated in the portfolio she submitted. Jessica based many of her pieces on common visual aids, such as maps and diagrams, as a “departure point for several mixed media pieces which

replaced objectivity with subjective experience and perception...which addressed common human concerns...”

The artwork submitted by this year’s Scholarship winners will be shown at our May 11th meeting. Christel Wagle will be able to attend but Jessica Pena will not due to the long trip to Anchorage.

Above top: Body Fragments Above: A Source both by Jessica Pena

A L A S K A W A T E R C O L O R S O C I E T Y

4

2011 Seward Paint OutLocal artist and instructor, Andy Sonneborn, is again coordinating a unique opportunity for artists to get out of town to paint en plein air in Seward. It is scheduled for June 10-12th, rain or shine. As in past years, Andy has made arrangements through the Seward Hotel because of its central location and the excellent food. She is an experienced coordinator of this event so if you are new to this, know that you are in good hands. Andy will provide the details if you e-mail her at:paintspotinak@aol.com

Judy Morris Workshop

Judy Morris will teach the AKWS 2011 Workshop on August 1-5 in Anchorage. The tuition is $425. A $100 deposit is required by June 1st. The workshop still has a few seats available. Check out details of the workshop at our website http://www.akws.org

Photoshop by the BayMark Mc Dermott and Cat Larrea will teach a three day workshop entitled "Photoshop Basics for Artists" at the Across The Bay Tent & Breakfast near Seldovia on August 12-14. Just $390 includes course, meals, lodging, and water taxi from Homer. This workshop is for artists in any media and at any level, from novice to profes-sional, who would like to learn or enhance their ability tomanipulate and compose digital images using Photoshop Elements as an exciting part of their workflow. If you have wanted to learn more aboutediting and pre-visualizing your work from your photos - this is for you. 345-6997Cat is an accomplished fiber artist http://www.catlarrea.comand Mark is an award winning watercolorist and long time Webmaster for AKWS.http://www.markmcdermottart.com

It’s AKWS Show time!The AKWS 37th Annual Juried show prospectus is available at Blaine’s and our website. This year’s show will be at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. Digital submissions on CD only. Closing date: June 3rd Juror: Judy Morris Fairbanks WorkshopThe FWS will present Spike Ress as workshop instructor from Sept. 1-16th. $350. All levels welcome. Contact: 488-2129.

Robert Bateman SeminarThe Cordova Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 2011 Shore Bird Festival keynote speaker will be wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman.  In addition to his address on Friday night , May 6th, he will be holding an art demonstration/seminar on Saturday, May 7th from 9am - 3 pm. More detailed information is available at: http://www.cordovachamber.com/ under the "Shorebird" tab on the home page.

Member Opportunities

Members News

Signature Member, Mark McDermott has been awarded an artist-in-residence position at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado in July 2011. Way to go, Mark!!

Dee Tunseth’s painting " Desert Gem" was recently accepted into the Texas Watercolor Society 62nd Annual Juried Exhibition.  The paintings will be on exhibit at the San Antonio Art League and Museum during the month of June.  With this acceptance Dee achieved Signature Membership in AKWS. Congratulations, Dee!

Karen Mattson will present “Scene Alaska,” a collection of her recent landscapes, at Artic Rose Gallery, 420 “L” Street in Anchorage. The show opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

May Calendar 5/4! Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Elim Cafe

5/6 First Friday! Shows from 5-7 p.m.

5/11! Membership Meeting Sourdough ! Mining Co. 6 p.m. Social Hour

April Meeting Review

by Francine Dufour ! Jones

Did you miss our April meeting? Here’s a recap from our Vice President:

At our April AKWS meeting we had a great speaker Talya Johnson. Talya talked about  "Color Explorations" and her unique way of seeing light and color. She sees and paints a slight glow around her subjects as if they are radiating with light. She talked about using visual compliments rather than pigment ! ! ! compliments in painting ! ! ! and ways we can see ! ! ! these. Talya shared her ! ! ! paintings and it was very ! ! ! interesting to see the ! ! ! difference between her ! ! ! impressionistic palette ! ! ! knife paintings and her  ! ! ! more formal portraits. Ms. ! ! ! Johnson is a member of the Painted Ladies from Wasilla.  You can see their art at the Artic Rose Gallery. Talya's website is: http://talyajohnson.com

Yuliya Helgesen-Thompson presents a show of mixed media acrylic works with the theme "Catch your dream, build a nest" with a May 6th, First Friday opening from 5:30p.m.-9:30 p.m. 

The show will run until May 31st at Fiddlehead Gallery, 706 W. 4th Ave., Anchorage.  Contact: 258-FERN http://www.yuliyaht.com

Membership RenewalIf you did not renew your membership in May here is your reminder. Questions? Contact Dorothy Jowers at (907) 522-0187.

AKWS Membership Renewal Form 2011-2012 SeasonP.O. Box 09714, Anchorage, AK. 99509-0714

Name:__________________________________________________________________Address:________________________________________________________________City:________________________________State________________Zip____________Telephone number(s)_____________________________________________________E-mail address:__________________________________________________________Check please: Signature Member Juried Member

Associate Member Student MemberHow would you prefer to receive your newsletter:

via E-mail via U. S. Mail

Blaines Art Supply presents a Spring Silk Painting Playshop with artist Francine Dufour Jones on May 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Indulge yourself with a fun day of creating art to wear or hang. All skill levels welcome. Warning: silk painting can be addictive! Space is limited. Call Blaines Art Supply at 561-5344 to reserve your place.More information at:http://artbyfrancine.com

Yet More Opportunities

The Valley Fine Arts Association is having their second annual Juried Art Show at Artic Rose Gallery in November.Entry deadline: Sept 15th.Entries: digital on CD. For further information regarding entries, contact: Ilene Paulsen at 376- 6556, bpaulsen@mtaonline.net

Robbie Laird will present Watercolor Workshop at Blaine’s June 10, 11, 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price: $225.

The 2011 Machetanz Art Festival will be held at Matanuska-Susitna College of UAA on Saturday, June 4th. Instructors include: Dean Larson, Gail Niebrugge, Vladimir Zhikhartsev, Judi Rideout, Jean Shadrach, Sheary Clough Suiter and Joe Nerdland. Morning and afternoon sessions $50 For more info: http://www.matsu.alaska.edu

Help wanted: AKWS is looking for a Newsletter Editor. The software is provided if you do not already have it on your computer. We also need a few good people to help with the annual show. Contact Jean Watson to volunteer. 333-4678

Judy Morris earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in art education from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. She taught art at South Medford High School for thirty years before retiring in 1996 to become a full time professional watercolorist. In the last fifteen years Morris has been a popular juror and workshop teacher throughout the country and in Canada, Mexico, England, Switzerland, France, Italy and Japan.Her paintings have received more than fifty national and regional awards and have been included in exhibitions Her paintings have received more than fifty national and regional awards and have been included in exhibitions throughout the country, most recently those sponsored by the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. In 2005 her painting, CHINATOWN: SAN FRANCISCO, was given the Clara Stroud Memorial Award in the 138th international exhibition of the American Watercolor Society in New York City.She has had numerous feature articles in national publications including theShe has had numerous feature articles in national publications including the August/September 2005 issue of INTERNATIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE. Her work hangs in public and private collections from California to New York, Canada to Mexico, and in Europe.She has been a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon since 1980 and is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and the Northwest Watercolor Society. She is also a member of the West Coast Watercolor Society whose elected membership is limited to fifty artists living in the Pacific coast states. See examples of JudySee examples of Judy’s work at her website: http://www.judymorris-art.com

Tuition before March 31, 2011: $375; After March 31, 2011: $425$100 deposit required by June 1, 2011If the workshop is full when you register, your deposit will be refunded.Waitlisted applicants who do not get into the workshop, and cancellations that can befilled from the waitlist, will have their deposit refunded.