A few MCS Holiday photo's

 The Holiday food table was something, Barb here has been our Refreshment chair for sometime and always out does herself.  Kudo's to Barb and thanks to everyone that shared.

 Many events are happen every weekend in December so it's hard for all our members to make it but here's a good bunch enjoying art talk and a collage of great food.

We did a small gift exchange here's the table growing as members came in.

JANUARY MEETING

Instead of a January meeting, we have been invited to meet with the Book and Paper Arts Guild at the Lisle Public Library to begin a collaborative project.  Below is their invitation (please read carefully and note day and time):

The Book and Paper Arts Guild

 

Invites the members of

 

The Midwest Collage Society

 

To join us in each making an envelope book at

our January meeting, Thursday, January 9, 2014

from 7-8:30pm at the Lisle Public Library.

If you care to come early, we set up the room at

6pm and have a short meeting at 6:30.

 

Please bring along scissors, a piece of handmade

Paper 6” x 15” for the cover, another coordinating

piece of handmade paper 4 ¼ x 11 ½” for the inside

cover, scissors, 12” ruler,  glue stick and tacky glue.

We will have extra of these for those who

need them. All other supplies will be provided.

 

Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many

are attending or if you have any questions, contact

Mary Warner at m.warner5@sbcglobal.net

or 630-833-0125.

Christkindl Days - 2013

 

Showing the work of Mary Warner

 

A good friend has offered me her beautiful

home to present a showing and sale of

 both my art and my craft work. Come find

 those last minute gifts and holiday items.

 

Hours are Friday, December13th  6 pm-9pm

and   Saturday, December 14^th,  10am-3pm

 

1231 S. Ardmore Ave

Villa Park

 (The house is only a few blocks north of Roosevelt

Road; there’s a stop light at Ardmore and Roosevelt.

Park only on the east side of Ardmore or

around the corner on Harrison)

 

Contact me with any questions at

m.warner5@sbcglobal.net or 630-833-0125

 

Hope to see you there, Mary Warner

Two classes/workshops coming in 2014

December meeting and Members News

Our December potluck is fast approaching!  We will meet on Sunday, December 1, from 12:30-3:00 pm at the Darien Municipal Center to share our traditional holiday meal and enjoy lots of time to chat with fellow artists.  In order to help our Hospitality Coordinator Barb Arntzen plan, please RSVP to her at jarntz@wideopenwest.com to let her know what dish you will bring for the potluck.  We will also have a gift swap, so bring a small, wrapped handmade gift or art item if you'd like to participate in the exchange. We also need several people to help set up the tables and chairs and to return the room to normal at the end of the meeting.  Please let Barb know if you can help.

2.  JANUARY MEETING
Instead of a January meeting, we have been invited to meet with the Book and Paper Arts Guild at the Lisle Public Library to begin a collaborative project.  Below is their invitation (please read carefully and note day and time):

The Book and Paper Arts Guild

 

Invites the members of

 

The Midwest Collage Society

 

To join us in each making an envelope book at

our January meeting, Thursday, January 9, 2014

from 7-8:30pm at the Lisle Public Library.

If you care to come early, we set up the room at

6pm and have a short meeting at 6:30.

 

Please bring along scissors, a piece of handmade

Paper 6” x 15” for the cover, another coordinating

piece of handmade paper 4 ¼ x 11 ½” for the inside

cover, scissors, 12” ruler,  glue stick and tacky glue.

We will have extra of these for those who

need them. All other supplies will be provided.

 

Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many

are attending or if you have any questions, contact

Mary Warner at m.warner5@sbcglobal.net

or 630-833-0125.

3.  FEBRUARY MEETING
Our February meeting will be held on the SECOND Sunday of the month, February 9, from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm at the Darien Municipal Center.  The morning will consist of open work time and the BPAG will join us in the afternoon to create collages to go in the envelope books that were created in January. 

4.  CALLS FOR ART
4ArtInc in Bridgeport has put out two themed calls for art that are very interesting!  Check them out here:http://www.4artinc.com/submission.htmAnd here are direct links to the entry forms:http://www.4artinc.com/OMG_submission_Form.pdf
http://www.4artinc.com/eggsistential_submission_Form.pdf
5.  HELP NEEDED!
We need several members to serve on the nominating committee again this year.  Our elections will be coming up in the spring, and we need to identify candidates and determine the slate.  We've found that 3 people is ideal for this committee, so if you are willing to serve, please contact me.  This committee works entirely by phone or email, so no traveling is needed.

6.  MEMBER NEWS
Nancy Staszak has a solo show at the Woodridge Library for the month of November.  Join her for the reception on Friday, November 22, from 7:00-8:30 pm.The Bendi Dolls Project (with work from many of our members) is on exhibit until December 30 at the Indian Prairie Library in Darien.
Congratulations to Eve Ozer who won First Place at the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Winter show for her piece "I Had to Go There to Come Here #2."  She also sold her piece "Yearning" to an art consultant.

Members Exhibit-Nancy Stazsak and "Pop up" Class

Nancy Stazsak has her work on exhibit at the Woodridge Public Library now till the end of November. Reception is Friday November 22nd from 7:00-8:30. Or stop in and view the artwork during Library hours.

Also Nancy is Teaching a Pop up Class on Gelatin Prints and Making a small book  at Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery Next Tuesday November 12th from 12:30 - 3:00 Address 508 N. Center Street, Naperville.

You will need to bring:
An apron, scissors, Glue stick pencil, optional bring any pressed plants or stencils to print, Bring any paper you love to print.

$25.00  to be paid to Naperville Art League,
and $5.00 supply fee to be paid to Nancy Stazsak

Nancy will supply the gelatin trays, paints, plants, papers and cardboard for the little books.

Call Naperville Art League to register, (630)355-2530
 

November and Decembers Meeting Agenda

1.  NOVEMBER MEETING
Our November meeting is this Sunday, November 3, and we'll meet as usual at the Darien Municipal Center, 1710 Plainfield Road, Darien, from 12:30-3:00 p.m. A $5 studio fee will apply. Feel free to bring items for the swap/sale table (if you are selling items, please mark them clearly so there are no misunderstandings).

Our guest will be Ginni Guzior, who will lead us in creating paper angels just in time for our holiday decorating.  Please bring the following supplies with you:

Cutting mat

Sharp scissors (tiny ones if you have them, like embroidery scissors)

Craft knife (exacto knife) with extra blades

Pencil

Watercolors, colored pencils, markers

Wide container for water (like a container for Cool Whip)

 

Optional:  decorative paper punches, metallic markers

2.  DECEMBER MEETING
We'll meet Sunday, December 1, from 12:30-3:00 p.m. to share our annual holiday potluck lunch and some quality time with each other. We'll be asking you soon what dish you plan to bring for the potluck. As always, we encourage you to bring a wrapped, handmade item for the gift swap (it can be handmade by you or someone else). We will also need several people to help with moving tables and chairs both before and after the meeting. If you are willing to help, please email me!

3.  MEMBER NEWS

Maureen Gasek has a solo show opening this Friday, November 1, at If These Walls Could Talk, 32 South Stolp Ave., Aurora, IL 60506  Call 331-212-5962 for more info.  Reception is Friday, November 1, from 7:00-11:00 p.m.

Dennis Salaty and Dianne Martia each won awards at Art in the Barn. Dennis won Best Mixed Media category, and Dianne won 3 Purchase Awards, one from Good Shepherd Hospital Medical Staff and 2 from Good Shepherd Hospital Auxiliary. The annual juried art show is held on the grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.

If you've been juried into a show, won an award, sold a piece or are teaching a class or workshop, please let me know so I can share your news with the rest of the members!

4.  EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

These two classes are being taught by Maureen Gasek in her home studio in Aurora.
****

Fumage  Painting with Smoke

Saturday November 9 & Sunday November 10, 2013
Space Limited Only 10 students allowed
Saturday 10:00-3:00pm Sunday 10:00- 2:00pm
Learn about the art of fumage, painting with smoke. Get hands on experience and experiment using fumage in combination with other media on paper, canvas and other substrates. Students will be working in combination with other media to create works of art. Acrylics, inks, pastels, pencil, marker and more. This workshop is about the process and experimentation to stretch your creativity. (Supply list upon request).

$125.00 Supplies included. $100.00 Bring supplies + $5.00 additional supply fee
Master Card, Visa, Discover Accepted.
Special Student Rate. Please inquire (Must be a Open Studio attendee )
To Sign up: email: maureen@epsilondesign.net or call 630-251-6631

History: Wolfgang Paalen, the father of fumage, quickly progressed toward using fumage as a catalyst for his artworks, the seed from which the whole work would spring forth. With the fumage work providing his starting point, he would then add layers of oil paint, for example, to fully express his artistic vision. In the course of his association with the Surrealists and their attempts to transform automatic writing into drawing and painting, he created fumage – a technique for generating evocative patterns with the smoke and soot of a lit candle.
Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray and Salvador Dali were artist also influenced by this technique and experimented with it.
(NOTE: 48 hour cancellation required for full refund due to space and supplies purchased. No refund if less than 48 hours.)
Students should bring a snack or lunch

****

The World of Mediums, Acrylic Paints, Peels, Pours and More

Saturday November 16 & Sunday November 17, 2013
Space Limited Only 10 students allowed
Saturday 10:00-3:00pm Sunday 10:00- 2:00pm
Mediums, Paint, Digital Grounds and More

Get a better handle on how mediums work and how to incorporate them into your work. This two day workshop will go over new techniques, mediums, paints, peels, pours, glazes digital transfers using digital grounds and more from Golden Artists Colors and a few other unique artists supplies. i.e refillable markers and more  We will cover a variety of techniques, surfaces, transfers, peels, pours and more. 

$135.00 Supplies included.
Master Card, Visa, Discover Accepted.
To Sign up: email: maureen@epsilondesign.net or call 630-251-6631

(NOTE: 48 hour cancellation required for full refund due to space and supplies purchased. No refund if less than 48 hours.)
Students should bring a snack or lunch

Call for Artists

CALL FOR ARTISTSPainters, Photographers, Sculptors, Illustrators, Crafters and all other forms of creative being,

We have an opportunity to “pack” Aurora’s new food pantry! The Aurora Food Pantry and If These Walls Could Talk are hosting the “PACK THE PANTRY PROJECT”

 

The project aims to inspire you all to do something positive for your community by expressing yourself creatively. We challenge you to take an ordinary paper bag and use it to create your art with. You can paint it, write on it, glue stuff to it, stuff things inside of it, cut it up and collage it; “Art” it however you please (staying in “bag” form is not required”.)  A $5 donation (the proceeds of which go to the Food Pantry) lets you choose your paper bag(s) to “art” with. Bags are available starting September 13.  Return your newly re-envisioned bag to If These Walls Could Talk by November 17.

 

There will be a First Friday opening silent auction December 6 from 6-11pm. Bidding on the art starts at 7pm and ends at 9:30pm.

 

More details are to come but we just wanted to give you a shout out to give you plenty of time to get those creative juices flowing.

 

Tim Frederick & Jennifer Rauch
If These Walls Could Talk Custom Framing & Gallery, 32 S. Stolp Ave. Aurora, IL 60506

(331) 212-5962

wallstalk@itwct.com

www.itwct.com

October 6th Meeting Recap

 Dianne Martia demonstration some Book folding to create a 3-D book that can hang on the wall. 

 Everyone listen with all ears

 Oh June's have a good time...

 Barbs on a roll with the folding.

 

DeeDe, is listening to the last instruction before the folding begins.

 

 Tania's Showing us She did it...Great Job there..

 Mary and Debbie having some good old fashion fun.

 That's right Tania get that fold just right...Focus...There you go~

 Oh some great smiles there.

 Maureen's got it working with both hands.

 The President, Jerri and Marguerite trying a different technique.

 Great group today.

 Mary Beth got it going.

 Nancy's books got a uniformed look to it.

 the photo went side ways....suppose to be lengthwise...silly Blogger...but you get the idea with Dianne's piece.

 If you want to display the back you can add the wood with screws that are hide behind the pages.

 this book is available at the library to check out...kind Cool...

And Our Mary has got fold crazy with her book...but oh so nice.

 

Sample folded book sculpture for October meeting

Here is an example of a folded book sculpture that instructor Dianne Martia made.  We can expect to create something similar at our October meeting.  Refer to our newsflash for the supply list and other details!

 

Supply List

• Hardcover book in good condition with sturdy spine, about 200-250 pages
• Decorative paper to line the inside front and back covers (optional)
• Glue and glue brush to affix the decorative paper
• Metal ruler (optional)
• Pencil
• X-acto knife
• Bone folder or something to burnish page folds

Dianne will bring everything needed to attach a hanger to the back of the book for wall mounting. She'll also bring some extra books just in case.

Midwest Collage Society Members Published

 

MCS Members Eve Ozer and Laura Lein-Svencner have work published in this New Best of the Mixed Media, "iNCite Dreams Realized" You can order you copy today.

Award Winners "Reclamation" Exhibit Mayslake Peabody Estate.

The awards for the Reclamation exhibit recently held at Mayslake Peabody Mansion were announced at our meeting yesterday!

Congratulations to the following:

1st Place:  Mary Beth Lies for "Falling Apart"
2nd Place:  Pam Peterson for "De la Terre a la Lune"
2nd Place:  Sandra Mendez for "Glorious Reflection"
3rd Place:  Laura Lein-Svencner for "Journey"
3rd Place:  Jeanne Sulik for "Vino, Viti, Vici"
3rd Place:  Cynthia Lee for "Growth"
Honorable Mention:  Mary Yezek for "Carolyn"
Honorable Mention:  Jerri Reimann for "Tipping Point"
Honorable Mention:  Nancy Staszak for "Things Seen and Unseen"
Honorable Mention:  Sandy Finch for "Revisiting the Bulow Sugar Plantation"

Our judge was Geri Greenman, who has been an artist and educator for over 30 years.  She was the head of the art departments at both Addison Trail and Willowbrook High Schools, has written over 100 articles for an international art education magazine and is the co-author of 2 books, The Complete Photo Guide to Creative Painting and Painting with Mixed Media.Her overall comments on the show:
This show is very impressive and beautifully displayed.  Every piece of art is well-executed and creatively composed.  These qualities made it so difficult to judge!  I wish I had far more honors to bestow on these talented artists.  It was so difficult for me to narrow the winners down to so few.

Newsletter Event Dates, Classes and Much more

1.  SEPTEMBER MEETING
Please note that our September meeting is on the third Sunday of the month!  We will meet Sunday, September 15, at the Darien Municipal Center, 1710 Plainfield Road, Darien from 12:30-3:00 pm.  Our special guest will be Golden working artist Sandy Bacon who will demo various Golden mediums and paints.  Come prepared to take notes so you can experiment later.  We'll also have our typical swap table, and if you want to continue to bring items to sell to one another, that's fine.

2. MAYSLAKE PICK UP
Pick up for our work at Mayslake Peabody Estate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

3.  UPCOMING MEETINGS
October 6 - Dianne Martia mini-workshop - folded book sculptures
November 3 - Ginni Guzior mini-workshop - paper angels
December 8 - Christmas party and grab bag

4.  EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Painting with Oil and Cold Wax Class - Instructor Dianne Martia - LaGrange Art League

Explore the technique of using oil paint and cold wax to create richly colored, textural layers. Unlike encaustic, the wax is used at room temperature without heat. Discover the versatility of this medium by combining oil sticks, pigments and other media. The use of non-traditional tools to apply the medium, and create line, texture and vibrant color fields emphasizes the experimental, intuitive nature of this class.

Date: Fridays 9/13, 9/20, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1; 7 weeks

Time: 9:30 am to noon

Fee: $112M/$126NM plus $12 materials fee

 
Oil and Cold Wax Level II Workshop - Instructor Dianne Martia - LaGrange Art League

Develop a personal vocabulary to express your ideas with this versatile medium. A review of basic techniques, plus new techniques will be presented. Experiment with mark-making, layering, blending, and texturizing. This workshop emphasizes the process of using the medium for personal expression and creativity through experimentation. Ample workshop time will be supplemented with periodic exercises and discussions. Prerequisite: previous oil and cold wax class or workshop.

Date: Friday – Sunday, 11/15 to 11/17, 2013

Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm

Fee: $265M/$295NM

 

Location for Dianne's class & workshop:LaGrange Art League,122 Calendar Ave, LaGrange, IL 60525  (708) 352-3101  www.lagrangeartleague.org

The Artist's Way Class - Instructor Laura Lein-Svencner - Mayslake Peabody EstateMondays, October 21 thru February 10 (no class 11/25, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30)
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.   $165   Reservations: 630-206-9566e
The Artist's Way has helped millionis of people around the world discover and recover their creativity.  This 13-week course will help you experience more creativity in your life through writing, cooking, gardening, painting, drawing acting, poetry or any other creative outlet you can think of.  Some small project may blossom as we meet each week in a group setting sharing our discoveries.  Bring the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, notebook and pen.

5. MEMBER NEWS
“Red Dot - Studio Flip”  Laura Lein-Svencner is flipping her studio and changing things around from 9 am to 4 pm on September 12, 13, and 14. This will be her 6^th Annual Outdoor Exhibit with some great Red Dot sales on art book, nice frames with/without glass, handmade papers, artwork and much, much more. Laura’s address is 6718 Dale Road, Darien, IL 60561 or keep up to date with her blog at www.lauralein-svencner.com
 
Laura was juried and invited to participate in the 12^th Annual Gala of the Arts which will take place on Friday, September 6, in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Over 500 community and philanthropic supporters will come together on this special evening. A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will go directly to Emergency Assistance Programs. More information at www.galaofthearts.com
 
MaryAnn Gradisher, Margi Hafer, Sylvia Koch, Jerri Reimann, Nancy Staszak and Mary Ann Van Soest have work juried into the 15^th Regional Illiana Artists Exhibit at Chesterton Art Center in Chesterton, IN. The exhibit runs through September 27.
 
Laura Lein-Svencner and Eve Ozer have their artwork published in a new North Light mixed media book releasing September 30. “Incite Dreams Realized” features  93 artists and over 120 images of mixed media. Find more information about this book at http://www.amazon.com/Incite-Dreams-Realized-Mixed-Media/dp/1440324816

MCS Members Exihibit - Re Kielar at Gibby's

Up dates for August meeting and Demo's

1.  August MCS Meeting

We have an all-day meeting this Sunday, August 4, from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm.

You may want to bring a lunch and a beverage or even some snacks to share.

During the morning we will have several demos with time for hands-on work.

10 a.m. Demo - Mary Ann Vansoest will show us how to make bleach patterns on fabric (I've seen some of her work and it's way cool).

11 a.m. Demo - Pam Peterson will demo a faux encaustic process that uses cold wax and marble dust.  Bring along a small collage you don't care about, and try the technique!

In the afternoon, besides unstructured work time, we'll have an informal Art Materials Garage Sale.  Bring along materials, tools, books, etc. that you no longer use and offer them for sale.  You may go home with a little cash in your pocket!  We'll be somewhat limited on table space, so you may want to display things in boxes.  Go through your studios and stashes and see what gently used or unused treasures you can find!

If you can help with table and chair set up or tear down, please let me know!

2.  Illiana Artists Exhibit

Please note:  If you are planning to bring artwork on Sunday for MaryAnn Gradisher to deliver to the Chesterton Art Center, you MUST come in the morning because she has to leave by noon.

3.  Mayslake Reception

Kudos to Hospitality Coordinator Barb Arntzen and committee members Mary Beth Lies and Jeanne Sulik along with new friends Lisa & Mike!  What a beautiful and delicious array of goodies they put together for our recent Mayslake Reception.  And you've gotta love Barb's way with centerpieces... she always comes up with something eye-catching and innovative!  Thank you for all the hard work! 

Lots going on; please read carefully!

1.  Mayslake Exhibit - Important Dates
Registration is due Tuesday, July 23
Drop off is Monday, July 29, from 5 pm - 7 pm
Reception is Tuesday, July 30, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm

2.  Blick Art League Appreciation Day
Wednesday, July 24, from 5 pm to 8 pm, Blick Art Materials in Wheaton is having their first annual Art League Appreciation Day. They will offer free hands-on demonstrations, discounts, light refreshments, hourly drawings for a $50.00 (5pm to 8pm) Blick Gift Card as well as giveaways.  Scheduled demos:

5pm to 6pm

Tombow Marker Watercolor Demonstration with Trena Brannon
Color Theory using Crescent products with Crescent Board representative, Lynn Tsan

 6pm to 7pm

Primsacolor Demonstration with Sanford representative, Diana Garrett
Demonstration by *Maureen Gasek – Demonstration to be decided

 

7pm to 8pm
Oil Painting Demonstration with Jacque France

3.  Mayslake Reception Refreshments Needed

If you are willing to provide refreshments for the Mayslake reception and have not yet contacted Barb Arntzen,

4.  August MCS Meeting
We have an all day meeting on Sunday,  August 4, from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm. During the morning we will have several demos with time for hands-on work.
10 a.m. Demo - Mary Ann Vansoest will show us how to make bleach patterns on fabric (I've seen some of her work and it's way cool).
Other morning demos TBA.
In the afternoon, besides unstructured work time, we'll do an informal Art Materials Garage Sale.  If you're anything like me, you have a bunch of materials and tools that you just had to buy, but you never use. They're in great shape so you don't want to just give them away.  Well, bring them along, offer them for sale, and see if you can go home with a little cash in your pocket.  We'll be somewhat limited on table space, so you may want to display things in boxes.  Go through your studios and stashes and see what gently used or unused treasures you can find!

If you can help with table/chair set up or tear down, please let me know.

5.  Carlson's Paint in Downers Grove

I hear that Carlson's Paint in Downers Grove is going out of business, and that they have great prices on their remaining stock of art materials.  Check it out!

 *Midwest Collage Society member

6 CALL FOR ARTMCS member MaryAnn Gradisher has passed on this call for art from Illiana Artists:  Their 15th Regional Juried Exhibition runs August 25 thru September 27 with a registration deadline of August 5.  The exhibit will be held at the Chesterton Arts Center in Chesterton, IN, and involves getting your work there for the jurying process and then picking it up if it is not juried in.  MaryAnn has graciously offered to pick up any work you'd like to enter at our next MCS meeting on August 4 (and then if it is not juried in, she'll return it at our next meeting).  If you did not get a flyer from MaryAnn at one of our previous meetings, you can find one on Illiana Artists Facebook page or email MaryAnn at magradisher@att.net and she will send you a PDF. 

7. BENDI DOLL EXHIBIT AT DGPL
"The Bendi Doll Project," a collaborative project created by various members of MCS, is on display at the Downers Grove Library through August.  It's in the wall display case inside the south entrance to the library (across the hall from the office where we drop off our artwork).  You may have seen some of the dolls in progress at one of our meetings.  Stop by and see the exhibit if you can, it's terrific!