Call for Artists

Hello members and other artists, Woman Made Gallery has a call out for artists..

March'7th Meeting Mini workshop

March 7th meeting at 1:30-4:00pm.
at 1710 Plainfield Road Darien Ill. 60561

Ann Hupke Member of the Midwest Collage Society will be our presenter for the Month of March she will be giving a mini workshop on Coptic stitching/book binding. Please note the supplies you will need to bring and the studio fee of 5.00 is also needed.

History of the Coptic Stitch.

In the second or third century AD, the Copts, early Christians living in Egypt, developed the Coptic binding. They folded a few sheets of papyrus together into sections. Then, adapting their technique of interlacing threads in carpet making and weaving, they used a chain stitch to bind the sections between wooden covers. Once parchment became available, it quickly replaced papyrus
for the pages. This binding technique was used throughout the Islamic world and Eastern Christen-dom (Europe), and is still used in Ethiopia today. By the fall of Rome, in 476AD, parchment had
largely replaced papyrus except in Egypt.

We will make a small “Coptic Stitch Book”…….41/2”Wx6”H

I will print out directions.
I will bring Wax thread and needles.
I will pre-cut Book boards (front and back).
I will also pre-cut some pages ( these will be the signatures of our books-and will save time.)
I will also bring the Cradles which we will share.

What members can bring:

Bone folder
Paper piercing tool (awl)
Pencil
Ruler
PVA –Glue and brush
About 3 sheets of 81/2’ x 11” of decorated paper for covers. ( Not watercolor paper because it cracks
when it is bent around the edges of the book board.)
Also a small cutting matt and scissors might be helpful.

MCS News... read up!

1. The next Midwest Collage Society Meeting is Sunday, February 7, at the Darien Municipal Center, 1710 Plainfield Road, Darien. From 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., we will have general studio time to work on new or existing projects. The rest of the afternoon, from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m, will feature a demonstration of Bookbinding and More by Lauren Shover and Angela Ventrella. They will provide all materials for the demo, although you may bring along some of your favorite papers, ribbons and stamps to use if you wish. Bringing your own tools (scissors, bone folder, bookbinding needle/thread) if you have them may be helfpul. Fee is $5.

2. In the near future, each MCS member will be contacted by one of the members of the nominating committee to discuss the upcoming elections. We are seeking to fill several vacancies on the board, including the president's position. We also want to remind you that each member is expected to serve on one of the committees (exhibits/portfolio/online gallery, education, communication, membership), so be thinking about where your talents can fit.

3. Membership renewals are due by the April 5 meeting. Renewal forms will be available at February's meeting and will also be e-mailed to you. Remember to submit your 4x7" collages to Ann Hupke for the chance of winning a year's membership!

4. Because we only have one other group exhibit planned for 2010 so far, the Board has decided that we will have the current "Memory" exhibit judged. Awards will be announced at the closing reception on March 6.

5. If you received an award at the Bloomingdale exhibit last summer, you are eligible to show that artwork in the upcoming Best of the Best exhibit sponsored by the AFA, which begins in March.
To find details and entry information, visit the AFA web site at www.allianceoffineart.com

6. The theme for the upcoming MCS exhibit in April at the Downers Grove Public Library is "References." Details about drop off and pick up times, as well as registration deadlines will be sent shortly.

7. Mark your calendars now for our retreat this fall at Camp Mack in Indiana. Dates are October 28 through 31, and the cost for all 4 days is $180. (The cost for 3-day participation is being negotiated and will be announced soon.) See Pat Pope for more details.