January 2023 No Meeting, See what follows

 Hi MCS Members,

Hope you are all staying warm and well and enjoying the Holiday Season.  Lucky Midwesterners that we are, we go from below zero temperatures for Christmas to 40/50degrees a week later for New Year's.  Lucky us!!  I write a list of intentions for the coming year and number one this year is to do more art.  I do not know why I procrastinate, because on days I'm creating, I'm just so much happier.  Do you experience that too?   Let us all be prolific with our creativity all year long. 

A big thank you to Nancy Swingle for arranging our successful Holiday Party on December 4th at the Patio.  A fun time was had by all.

MCS does not meet in January so don't show up at the Darien Police Department.

On February 5th we will have a Work Day from 9am-2:30pm.  Bring any project you choose to work on and enjoy the camaraderie of MCS members.   A day to create!  Something to look forward to.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!  Now get out there and create...it keeps us healthy in mind and spirit.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEETINGS 

January - NO MEETING

February 5th  Workday, 9am - 2:30

March 5th Make Boho Beads with Chris Jacobson 

Here’s an example of some Boho beads to make at our March meeting.  You might want to look for some interesting beads or charms to add to the main body. These are great things to add to journals and hand-made books.

EXHIBITS 

Downers Grove Library

April 2023 

Theme - Enigma

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. It will be Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

Information and registration forms will be available in April.

   

MEMBERS 

Andrea Fox and Margi Hafer are participating in the Crete Creative Gallery- 6th Annual Community Showcase. Come see the incredible work of over 30 local artists showing over 70 works of art in a variety of mediums and styles. Exhibit is open through January 20, 2023. 1304 Main Street, Crete, IL. Visit cretecreative.org for more information.

Laura Lein-Svencner will be teaching one day workshops and a new series of classes called Inner Compass Circles at Darien Park District starting the first of the New Year.  Darien Park District brochure.  

National Vision Board Day, Jan. 14th, there will be an all-day workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library  and Paper Treasures One Day Workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library for cardholders. 

 Check out the Workshop List Here - https://www.lauralein-svencner.com/workshops

 And Classes Here https://www.lauralein-svencner.com/classes
Online Classes available Here https://www.lonecrowstudio.com/

CALL FOR ART

An in-person exhibit is to be held at the TLD Design Center & Gallery in Westmont, IL. The theme is "Beneath the Surface" and is scheduled to open March 1, 2023. Deadline to submit  digital entries is January 15, 2023.  The prospectus and digital entry application may be accessed at our secure website:   http://www.tlddesigns.com/Beneath.The.Surface.Art.Show.Perspective.htm

December's Meeting and Information

Hope you all are well and enjoyed a tasty Thanksgiving with family/friends.  The trees are bare as we begin to enter the Winter season.  A great opportunity to make art and let your creative juices flow.  Just do it!

At our last meeting, Nancy Swingle shared her expertise on using napkin applique in the creative process for many different applications.  So many surfaces, so little time.  Thanks Nancy

Remember art pick up at the Batavia Library is on Wednesday, November 30th between 10 am and 12 noon. Thanks to Chris Jacobson and Adrienne Austin for arranging the wonderful show.  

Since everyone enjoyed our Holiday Party last year at the Patio where you can order your own meal choice, we are going to have a repeat of this success.   Our Holiday meeting on December 4th, 12 noon to 2:30pm  will be held at the Patio Restaurant, 7440 S Kingery Highway (Rt.83) in Darien.  A separate invitation was sent to all members which included details for the grab bag.  Many thanks to Nancy Swingle for making all the arrangements.  Hope to see you there.

Remember there is no meeting in January.

Wishing you all a very Healthy, Merry Holiday Season.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEETINGS 

MCS Holiday Party

Sunday, December 4th

12 noon to 2:30pm

The Patio restaurant

7440 S. Kingery Highway (Rte 83), Darien 

Nancy Swingle has reserved a space for our group.

Everyone may order their own food at the counter which worked well last year. 

Please let Nancy know as soon as you can if you are attending,

because she would like to make name tags for everyone.

Please RSVP to nancyswingle@yahoo.com or text her at 708-635-1122.

Also, we will be having our Holiday Grab Bag! 

If you wish to join in the fun, please bring a handmade gift or purchased art supply

with a value of around ten dollars.

- Message from Nancy -

 Going through my decorations for my tree, I find I am purging quite a few ornaments, which I think maybe we all are.  So please do NOT bring an ornament for the Grab Bag

but some other wonderful creation!

Can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Nancy

January - NO MEETING

February 5th  Workday, 9am - 2:30

March 5th Make Boho Beads with Chris Jacobson 

EXHIBITS 

Gathering at Batavia Public Library 

Ending tomorrow - November 30, 2022

10 South Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510 

Pick up Wednesday, November 30th, 10:00 to 12:00

View Tania's interview about the exhibit:

Facebook: @BataviaPublicLibrary
Instagram: @bataviapubliclibrary
Tik Tok: @bataviapubliclibrary

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

We had 23 people attend this year's retreat. It got a little chilly at night, but we all enjoyed great meals, walking the beautiful campgrounds and seeing amazing sunsets. We were all glad that we took some time and treated ourselves to five days of creating art, learning from each other, being with long-time friends and meeting new art friends. 
Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. It will be Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. The weather will be a little warmer than this year. Information and registration forms will be available in April.

   

We even had an opportunity to learn to play Rummikub!

MEMBERS 

Joan Lucht, Chris Jacobson, Mary Warner and Adrienne Austin sold 30 ornaments and Chris sold 2 pairs of maple seed earrings at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Fine Arts & Craft Festival earning $173.50 for the Loaves & Fishes food pantry.

Andrea Fox is participating in the Crete Creative Gallery- 6th Annual Community Showcase
Come see the incredible work of over 30 local artists showing over 70 works of art in a variety of mediums and styles. Exhibit is open November 25 through January 20, 2023. 1304 Main Street, Crete, IL. Visit cretecreative.org for more information.

Andrea Fox and Margi Hafer have holiday themed artworks at
Frankfort Arts Association at Studio C:
WINTER SPARKLE
NOVEMBER 17, 2022 - JANUARY 8, 2023
14 Hickory Street Unit 14B
Frankfort, IL 60423
(NW corner of Nebraska and Hickory)

Laura Lein-Svencner will be teaching one day workshops and a new series of classes called Inner Compass Circles at Darien Park District starting the first of the New Year. Watch for the details Dec 1st. Darien Park District brochure.  

 Come January 2023  National Vision Board Day, Jan. 14th, there will be an all-day workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library  and Paper Treasures One Day Workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library for cardholders.  Don't want to miss that. 

 Check out the Workshop List Here - https://www.lauralein-svencner.com/workshops

 And Classes Here https://www.lauralein-svencner.com/classes
Online Classes available Here https://www.lonecrowstudio.com/

CALL FOR ART

An in-person exhibit is to be held at the TLD Design Center & Gallery in Westmont, IL. The theme is "Beneath the Surface" and is scheduled to open March 1, 2023. Deadline to submit  digital entries is January 15, 2023.  The prospectus and digital entry application may be accessed at our secure website:   http://www.tlddesigns.com/Beneath.The.Surface.Art.Show.Perspective.htm

November Newsletter 2023

 Dear MCS Members,

What an amazing Fall we have been enjoying.  The colors and weather have been absolutely glorious.  Hope you were able to get outside to savor it all.

The Creativity Retreat was delightful.  It was so nice to have time for uninterrupted art making,  lovely walks,  an enjoyable trip to the theater, fantastic demos, camaraderie,  and of course all of our meals prepared for us.   Many thanks to Marge Boyd for the Eco-print workshop and Joan Lucht for the Leather Journal workshop.   Thank you to Margi Hafer for once again taking on the chair of our Retreat Committee.  Margi works all year round to set this up for our group.  Hip Hip Hooray for Margi.

Hopefully we will all be together again at the MCS meeting on November 6th.  Nancy Swingle will be sharing many different ways to use napkins in our projects.

Congratulations to the winners of the Crete Creative Gallery Exhibit and many thanks to our Co-Chairs, Adrienne Austin and Chris Jacobson for all of their efforts regarding this show.  

Thanks to Chris Jacobson for organizing and to everyone who participated in our fundraiser at Lucky Penny.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEETINGS 

November 6  noon-2:30pm  Napkin Appliqué with Nancy Swingle  

Nancy will bring a ton of napkins and multiple types of surfaces for us to decoupage.

BRING matte medium, brushes and water container (a fan brush works great if you have one), scissors, masking tape, and your own surface(s) if you’d like. The surfaces you bring should be white or light colored. A few ideas are Gesso on boards, books, canvases or rocks.

December 4  noon-2:30pm Holiday Party

EXHIBITS 

Gathering at Batavia Public Library 

November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022

10 South Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510

12 MCS participants have 27 works in this show. 

Pick up Wednesday, November 30th, 10:00 to 12:00

Art Auction at the Lucky Penny Restaurant
raised $410.00 for The Loaves and Fishes.
Nancy Castner sold 2 @$35 = $70
Sold 1 @50 = $50
Margi Hafer sold 1 @$35 =$35
Chris Jacobson sold 1 @$40 =$40
sold 2 @50 =$100
Mary Warner sold 1 @$80 =$80
Joan Lucht sold 1 @$35 =$35
Total Sales = $ 410.00
There were 2 pieces that were bid on but not picked up which would have given us another $75. The response to the auction this year was disappointing both for the number of pieces donated by members and on the resulting donations. The sales this year were hampered due to the fact that The Lucky Penny cut their hours from 7-8pm to 7-3pm just 1 week after we hung the show.

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

We had 23 people attend this year's retreat. It got a little chilly at night, but we all enjoyed great meals, walking the beautiful campgrounds and seeing amazing sunsets. We were all glad that we took some time and treated ourselves to five days of creating art, learning from each other, being with long-time friends and meeting new art friends. 
Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. It will be Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. The weather will be a little warmer than this year. Information and registration forms will be available in April.
NOTE: Long time MCS member and Retreat participant, Dee De Schneider, had a fall at camp and broke bones in both of her wrists. Thank you to all of the Retreat participants who helped Dee De get the help she needed at the local hospital, and also those who helped her covalence at camp and drive her and her car back to Illinois. Since returning home to Wisconsin, Dee De has had surgery on both wrists and is recouping at home with the help of her son.
Here is her address if you would like to send her a card: Dee De Schneider, 505 Lawson School Road ( #5 ) Delavan, WI  53115

     

MEMBERS 

Mary Warner will be exhibiting in the Fine Arts & Craft Festival at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville on Saturday, November 12, 11:00 - 6:00 pm, and Sunday 11/13, 9:00 - 1:00 pm.

Joan Lucht, Chris Jacobson, Mary Warner, Adrienne Austin and Nancy Castner created ornaments and Chris made maple seed earrings to sell at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, Fine Arts & Craft Festival. All proceeds will benefit Loaves & Fishes. Time same as above.

Laura Lein-Svencner will be teaching one day workshops and a new series of classes called Inner Compass Circles at Darien Park District starting the first of the New Year. Watch for the details. Come January on National Vision Board Day, Jan. 14th, there will be an all-day workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library for cardholders. Don't want to miss that.  Check out the Workshop List Here - https://www.lauralein-svencner.com/workshops

 And Classes Here https://www.lauralein-svencner.com/classes
Online Classes available Here https://www.lonecrowstudio.com/

CALL FOR ART

An in-person exhibit is to be held at the TLD Design Center & Gallery in Westmont, IL. The theme is "Beneath the Surface" and is scheduled to open March 1, 2023. Deadline to submit  digital entries is January 15, 2023.  The prospectus and digital entry application may be accessed at our secure website:   http://www.tlddesigns.com/Beneath.The.Surface.Art.Show.Perspective.htm

October and MCS Retreat

 Dear MCS Members,

Fall is officially here and the weather is letting us know it!  Actually had to wear a jacket on my morning walks lately.  I think that's a good thing.  Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the crisp weather.  Leaves are beginning to change and soon we will have a feast for the eyes.

Mary Warner led a very informative discussion on the Whys and Hows we strive to be creative people at our September meeting.  She provided thought provoking handouts and some that answered many questions regarding making and critiquing art.  We left with many tips to help us with future projects.  Thank you Mary for your professional thought provoking program.

Remember, there will be no meeting in October due to the Fall 2022 Creativity Retreat.  For those planning to attend, better start packing your materials ASAP as it always takes longer than expected.  I am so looking forward to sharing five delightful days with friends, old and new, and of course enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Waubee.

The Crete Creative Gallery Exhibit is delightful.  Try to get there to see all the beautiful artwork displayed in the lovely former home now converted to an amazing gallery.  The exhibit continues through October 15th.

If you haven't stopped by the Lucky Penny Diner, please do so.  This is our annual fundraiser so you might just see a piece of art you may want to pick up for yourself or as a gift for the holidays.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEETINGS

October No Meeting  Retreat October 5-9

November 6  noon-2:30pm  Napkin Appliqué with Nancy Swingle

December 4  noon-2:30pm Holiday Party

EXHIBITS  

Imagination Run Wild at Crete Creative Gallery thru October 15

Thanks to Margi Hafer for telling us about the Crete Creative Gallery and School. The Exhibit is fabulous! The reception was well attended and the following artists received recognition. 

Laura Lein Svencner - First Place

Chris Jacobson - Second

Carol Weber - Third 

Nancy Castner - Honorable Mention

Marge Boyd - Honorable Mention

Pick up October 15, 2022 (10am to 2pm)

Crete Creative Gallery & School is located at 1304 Main Street, Crete, Illinois 60417.

Gathering at Batavia Public Library 

November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022

10 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510

Prospectus (attached) due October 14 to give Chris time to compile information and make labels

Drop off Tuesday, November 1st,  10:00 to 12:00.

Pick up Wednesday, November 30th, 10:00 to 12:00

Batavia Library Waiver (attached) will be required to accompany your art.

Lucky Penny Diner  MCS second annual silent auction

September 1 now thru October 16

1224 W Ogden Ave Ste G, Naperville, IL 60563

Open 7 days a week from 7am to 3pm

Bidding has ended, but art will remain on display until October 16 with bidding open to art that had no bids by our original deadline.

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  
October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack

We have 23 people registered for the retreat. Photos will be posted in the November MCS  Newsletter.

   

MEMBERS 

Carol Weber has a solo show, Works by Carol Weber, at the Downers Grove Library October 1 - 30. There is a Meet the Artist reception on October 16th from 2-4pm.  Everyone is welcome.

Margi Hafer is exhibiting 10 of her watercolors in the invitational Water Works exhibit at Tall Grass Arts Center in Park Forest, IL. The show opens with a reception on October 1, from 1-3 pm. The show closes on  November 5.

Andrea Fox and Margi Hafer have pieces accepted into the Gallery Seven juried Iliart Exhibit in Lockport, IL. 

Reception is on Saturday, October 15, from 1-3pm.

Laura Lein-Svencner has a wonderful online studio for all to learn about collage from very basic to the integration of mixed media. Take a look - new online classes pop up all the time. Laura has a sale running till October 22nd. Creating a Palette for Collage
You just need the Code Word-NEWCOLLAGEPAPERS, and you will receive 22 % off
Check it out at Lonecrow Studio

MCS Next Exhibit Checkout the Details

Check out the site at Crete Creative  

September MCS Meeting and More

 Dear MCS Members,

Summer has flown by so quickly this year.  Hope you are well and have been able to let your creativity flow. 

Remember, due to labor day, we will be meeting at noon on September 11th. Please bring one of your art pieces and join other members for a constructive  critiquing session.  This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your abilities as an artist.  Sometimes we need to hear other's perspectives of our work to help us understand what is working and what we can improve upon. See you soon.

Take care, 

Nancy Castner 

President

MEETINGS

September 11 noon-2:30pm (a week later than usual because of Labor Day!)

This meeting will be a constructive discussion and mind-searching of the why and how we strive to be creative people. I’ll be providing some questions we perhaps have asked ourselves and we’ll also talk about how we ourselves critique our own collages.

If possible, bring along one of your pieces that you could use to discuss your own “whys” and “hows”.  Hope to see you there!

October No Meeting  Retreat October 5-9

November 6  noon-2:30pm  Making of a small beaded gift book

December 4  noon-2:30pm Holiday Party

EXHIBITS 2022  

Imagination Run Wild at Crete Creative Gallery 

September 8, 2022 through October 15, 2022

Crete Creative Gallery & School is located at 1304 Main Street, Crete, Illinois 60417.  A total of five ribbons will be awarded:1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 2 honorable mentions.  The reception is scheduled for Saturday, September 10. Gallery  hours 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Artist's statements and business cards can be submitted along with the art and the attached Crete Creative Exhibition Agreement must be completed and be included with the art. 

Drop Off: September 3rd (10am to 2pm) Don't forget to bring the gallery agreement.
Hanging: September 4th
Opening Day: September 8th
Opening Reception: September 10th (10am to 2pm)
Closing: October 15th
Pick up: October 15th (10am to 2pm)September 10

October 1, 15

Lucky Penny Diner  MCS second annual silent auction

September 1-30

1224 W Ogden Ave Ste G, Naperville, IL 60563

Open 7 days a week from 7am to 2:30pm

There are very few donations for this fundraiser that everyone voted to do. Please contact Chris Jacobsen achristy0901@gmail.com or Adrienne Austin Rbrbtrfly@aol.com to arrange for a time to bring your art. 

Clipping from the Daily Herald

Batavia Library

November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  
October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack

There are now 22 paid participants registered for this year's retreat and there is still room for 3 more. Margi will send out further information on the schedule and special retreat activities to people who have registered for the retreat. There will be a Leather Journal workshop by Joan Lucht, the traditional 4" square trading cards to share, a swap table, and lots of time to work on your creative art projects. 

Leather journal supplies will be available for $5

The MCS Creative Artists Retreat information and registration form is attached to this email. Please mail your retreat registration to: Margi Hafer, 20711 Hunt Club. Drive, Frankfort, IL 60423 or call Margi at 815-370-3345. 
 All registrations include 11 meals and four nights accommodations. The cost of new Retreat Registrations is $295 as of August 8.

   

MEMBERS 

Laura Lein Svencner  is presenting a 2-Day workshop at Naperville Art League,
Image Transfer & Collage Workshop,
October 14 & 15 (Friday & Saturday)  10am-3pm    $250.00

This workshop will guide you through 4 different ways to create image transfers for a variety of surfaces and your art journaling. We will also work with found papers like book pages, drawing paper, brown lunch bags, maps, and sanded magazines. After you learn these techniques, you can use your own photos to create unique collage works.
Most of your materials will be provided in a packet with a printed handout.
Head over to Naperville Art League and register.

Online classes are always available at Lonecrow Studio

August Meeting Info

 Hi MCS Members,

Hope you enjoyed our July Summer Break.  Personally, I was able to get a project completed for Crete and a small book too.  Our meeting on August 7th is another opportunity for you to let your creative energies flow for any project you desire.   We get to have the meeting room at the Darien Police Department from 9am to 2:30 pm so bring your supplies and enjoy the chance to visit with other members while you work.  We don't get that much time to visit due to having our speakers sharing their knowledge at most meetings.

A special thanks to Laura Lein Svencner for securing the meeting place for the Midwest Collage Society over the years.  We are so very fortunate to be able to utilize this fantastic facility each month.  Thank you Laura for taking such good care of us.

Sad to report that the Lemont Center for the Arts will be closing as of August 5th.  If you want to visit on August 5th, they will be open from 9am to noon.

See you on August 7th.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEMBERSHIP

Membership renewals for the 2022-2023 year were due April 1st. If you haven't already done so, mail your application and check to Cherie Denton or pay at the August meeting. Membership is required to participate in MCS exhibits.

Cherie Denton, 1789 35th Street, Apt. 6313, Oak Brook, IL 60523

The renewal form is attached.

MEETINGS

August 7 9am-2:30pm  Work on your own project while enjoying the company of other members.This is a great opportunity to have time getting to know and visit with one another. There will be a short meeting around noon or so.

September 11 noon-2:30pm Discussion of elements of art as we critique some of our own work

October No Meeting  Retreat October 5-9

November 6  noon-2:30pm  Making of a small beaded gift book

December 4  noon-2:30pm Holiday Party

EXHIBITS 2022  

Imagination Run Wild at Crete Creative Gallery 

September 8, 2022 through October 15, 2022

The attached prospectus is due to Chris Jacobson August 15

Crete Creative Gallery & School is located at 1304 Main Street, Crete, Illinois 60417.  A total of six ribbons will be awarded:1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 3 honorable mentions.  The reception is scheduled for Saturday, September 10. Gallery  hours 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Artist's statements can be submitted along with the art and the attached Crete Creative Exhibition Agreement must be completed and be included with the art. 

Note: If a member is not able to download the agreement, Chris and Adrienne will have copies available at the August meeting.

This is a show of MCS collage and mixed media art. Collage is the gluing of paper to another material. Cut or torn pieces of paper are affixed to a base of paper, paint, canvas or wood.

Drop Off: September 3rd
Hanging: September 4th
Opening Day: September 8th
Opening Reception: September 10th
Closing: October 15th
Pick up: October 15th

 

Lucky Penny Diner  MCS second annual silent auction

September 1-30

Please bring your donated art with the attached donation form to the August meeting. Or contact Chris Jacobsen achristy0901@gmail.com or Adrienne Austin Rbrbtrfly@aol.com to make other arrangements. This space is larger so we hope everyone will contribute. 

Batavia Library

November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  
October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack.

There are now 21 participants registered for this year's retreat and there is still room for a few more. Since the Collage Society didn't meet during the month of July we are extending the Early Bird registration fee for those who register by our Sunday, August 7th meeting date. If you have paid a deposit please mail your final check of $120 by that date. After August 7th Margi will send out further information on the schedule and special retreat activities to people who have registered for the retreat. 
.
The MCS Creative Artists Retreat information and registration form is attached to this email. Please mail your retreat registration to: Margi Hafer, 20711 Hunt Club. Drive, Frankfort, IL 60423
The cost of "Early Bird" Retreat Registration (submitted or mailed on or before August 7, 2022) is $270 and includes 11 meals, four nights accommodations. 

The cost of Retreat Registration (submitted after August 7, 2022) is $295.

   

MEMBERS 

Laura Lein Svencner would like to share my online classes available at www.lonecrowstudio.com

Are you looking for assemblage boxes? Jerri Reimann has various sized wood boxes useful for assemblage or even studio storage. They range from large desk drawers to cigar-box sizes and are mostly scavenged vintage items. She is offering them to MCS artists for free.
She also has an antique printer's type drawer and a multi-pane window to sell for $10-15 each.
Text Jerri at 630-244-5873 or email jerrireimann@earthlink.net if you are interested and want to see some photos.