Save the dates for the new year..

Sunday Feb 5th 2012 -9:30-2:45

Sunday March 4th-12:00-2:45

Sunday April 1st-12:00-2:45

Sunday May 6- 12:00- 2:45 

1.  BLOOMINGDALE PICK-UP DATES

Pick-up time for work at the Bloomingdale "Peace Works" exhibit is quickly approaching.  I understand that a variety of private events have been held at the museum during the run of our exhibit, and that there have been a number of sales.  If you are unable to pick up your own work, please make sure to arrange for another member to do so.  There was a typo on the info sent out with the registration form, so please take note of the correct pick-up dates and times listed below:

Friday, December 16, from 4-5 pm

Monday, December 19, from 6-8 pm

2.  NOMINATING COMMITTEE NEEDED

One to three members are needed to serve on this year's nominating committee.  You would be responsible for contacting current board members to see whether they would be willing to serve another term, and to recruit other members to fill any open positions.  All work can be done via phone or e-mail.  If you'd be willing to serve on the nominating committee, please contact me ASAP at jerrireimann@earthlink.net

3.  NO JANUARY MEETING

There will not be a special January meeting this year, but remember that you can always arrange a "play date" at home and invite a few fellow artists to join you.  That might be a fun time to share new techniques or materials and to have a chance to chat and catch up with each other.

4.  FEBRUARY WORKDAY

As always, February's meeting will be an all-day work day from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM at the Darien Municipal Center.  Bring a project or two that you're working on, a sack lunch and something to drink.  Also feel free to bring goodies to share and collage or assemblage materials to swap.  Ann Hupke and Sylvia Koch have volunteered to help members do a bit of "hands on" work with batik on paper during the workday.  A small supply list will be e-mailed before the meeting for those who wish to experiment with the batik process. 

5.  ADDISON EXHIBIT

More details about the Addison exhibit will be e-mailed soon.  Watch your inbox!

A Workshop is scheduled already with the Addison Art Guild and Addison Center for the Arts.

Location will be at Addson Trail High School Art Dept.

213 N. Lombard Road, Addsion IL 60101

The Fine Art of Collage Workshop

Saturday March 17^th, 2012

 9:30-1:00 

with instructor

Laura Lein-Svencner,

National Collage Society member and co-founder of the Midwest Collage Society

Come celebrate 100 years of Collage as a fine art with the Midwest Collage Society Experience the old and new art movement in collage with this step by step workshop; using found and repurposed papers, acrylic glazing, and clear image transfers. The technique of tacking down the papers with a heat seal iron will be taught. Student will create an 8 x 8 piece of collage art.  All supplies will be proved in a packet and handout. Limited to 10 Student person Session

contact Annette Leiber to register for this workshop at 630-250-9407

 

6.  MEMBER NEWS AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Pam Peterson recently won the Grand Prize in the professional catagory of the Citra-Solv "Falling Into Art" contest.  The prize included a cash award.  Congratulations, Pam!  The winning pieces can be viewed here:

http://www.citrasolv.com/art/contest6fallwinners.html

Some space is still available for the following workshop at LaGrange Art League:

Mixed Media Workshop - Dianne Martia, instructor

Dates:  Friday, December 16 & Saturday, December 17-www.lagrangeartleague.org

Time:  9:30 am to 4 pm

Explore and experiment!  Combine different media to create line, depth and texture in your work.  Learn to combine acrylic, gels and dry media along with altered papers and image transfers to achieve a layered effect.  Composition as well as techniques will be covered.  Students will be encouraged to convey individual expression through their work.  View instructor's work at:  www.caconline.org/dianne_martia

Level:  Advanced Beginner and Above

Some materials are included in registration fee; supply list at registration.

Fee:  $170 members/ $185 non-members

A weekly class at LaGrange Art League: www.lagrangeartleague.org

The Art of Textures - Pamela Peterson, instructor

Dates:  Tuesdays: 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14

Time:  9:30 am - noon in upstairs studio

Come explore the wonderful world of plaster.  In this class, you will learn fabulous texturing secrets using joint compound, plaster of Paris and specialty products.  We will explore the layering of art mediums with plaster, creating canvases that will leave people wondering how they were created.  Papers, acrylic paints, watercolors, pastels, oils, charcoal and graphite can all be used on these wonderful surfaces.  So grab your sense of adventure and an apron, and join us for a truly fun class!

Level:  All levels

Supply list at registration.  A $20 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.

Fee:  $90 members/ $102 non-members

DECEMBER MEETING IS THIS SUNDAY

1. Our annual December "Eat, Gab and Grab" meeting is this Sunday, December 4,
from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Darien Municipal Center, 1710 Plainfield Road, Darien.Members are asked to bring a dish to share on our buffet tables, so please contact our Hospitality Coordinator Barb Arntzen and let her know what you are bringing.  That will help her crew to plan how much serving space is needed and will help balance the menu. 

We will also have a grab bag of small handmade art and/or gifts, so if you'd like to participate, bring a wrapped gift along.  This is always a wonderful time of exchanging our handmade items.


2.  MCS SURVEY
Since January weather is so unpredictable, we normally do not have a January meeting and currently do not have one planned for January 2012.  But there may still be time to put one together if you really want one.  If we DO plan one, it would probably have to be on January 8 or 15 rather than the first Sunday of the month.  Please respond to this e-mail and let us know your preferences: 

January meeting?  Yes or No
Date preference?   January 8 or January 15
Style of meeting?  Discussion, lecture, demonstration, hands-on 


3.  FEBRUARY MEETING
Our February meeting will be an all-day work day on Sunday, February 5, 2012.

If we don't see you at our Decembers Meeting Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season.

One of our own members MCS

Read the article in the LaGrange Suburban Life.

http://lagrange.suntimes.com/entertainment/8849422-421/hinsdale-artist-makes-up-for-lost-time.html

Call for Art

Collage/Assemblage Centennial
1912 - 2012

CALL FOR WORKS: DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2012. PLEASE REPOST

The modern use of collage techniques is consider to have begin in 1912 with works by Pablo Picasso (such as shown). Constructive art as been growing ever since. To celebrate this 100 year anniversary the International Museum of Collage, Assemblage and Construction (collagemuseum.com) would like to invite you to contribute one or more modest sized hand-made collages, assemblages, box assemblages or constructions* representative of your working style for a large (hopefully overwhelming) exhibition that will be held in 2012. A catalog of the exhibition will be created and made available to contributors at actual cost. A PDF version of the catalog will be available to contributors for free.

No Fees, No jury, all works accepted and exhibited, none returned. Your contribution will become an important part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
What is needed.
Please send one or more collages, assemblages, box assemblages or constructions of modest size (you decide what is ‘modest’) that is ready to hang on a wall or exhibit on a pedestal or shelf. Works on paper should be framed if possible or, at a minimum, send in a clear resealable polypropylene bag. Unframed works will be hung together like an installation.

Please send one of the museum’s Deed of Gift forms filled in clearly and a photo of the work. To download a copy see: http://ontologicalmuseum.org/exhibitions.html

On the back or bottom of the work please be sure to include your name and contact information as well as an email address and your website if you have one.

In addition, please send by email:

<!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->o Additionally, send a digital (1000-1200 pixels on the long side) of the work by email with description and contact information for the web page that will be created for the exhibition.

<!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->o A thoughtful statement expressing your views about collage, assemblage and/or constructive art as a contemporary form of art making and/or discuss the history of this genre and why it is interesting to you. These statements will be part of the catalog. Imagine that you are primarily speaking to the other artists who will be participating.

Send to

Collage/Assemblage Centennial
CECIL TOUCHON
135 COUNTRY CENTER DR STE F # 10
PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO 81147-8958

info@collagemuseum.com

* photo montage and digital montage will also be acceptable if printed in high definition/quality on archival material, unique and signed. However, hand made works are preferred.

2011 MCS Collage Retreat

All photos added from the Collage retreat were offered by Gale V. There were a whole bunch more but I to pick just a few...I hear there were 18 members out of our 50 some membership that went...it's always a great time when artist get together and create.  All happy faces~

Peace Works-Midwest Collage Society

"Peace Works” Art Show & Sale

November 12 – December 16, 2011

Bloomingdale Park District Museum

108 S. Bloomingdale Rd.

Bloomingdale, IL   60108

(630) 539-3096

November 2 -- The Midwest Collage Society hopes to stuff a lot of stockings with original art this holiday season.

Their show, “Peace Works,” will feature a wall of original 8-by-8-inch artwork at a flat price of $65 each.  “Our idea is to make fine art accessible and affordable at a time when people can’t spend a lot on gifts and décor,” says Jerri Reimann, President of the MCS.  The exhibit will include two galleries full of larger artwork created on paper, canvas, wood or found objects.

The show will also offer artist-created gift items like handmade books, ornaments, jewelry and cards.  “This is not a craft show,” Reimann explains.  “Each piece is an original piece of art, so you can be sure your gift will not be duplicated!” 

Collage is a fine art medium that will celebrate its 100 year anniversary in 2012.  Collage, assemblage and mixed media artwork is composed through the layering and adhering of materials to create both abstract and realistic images.  Artists utilize an endless supply of manipulated papers, including maps, book pages, sheet music, old letters and photos.  They further embellish their work with images, stamps, paint and three-dimensional materials.  Inspiration can come from nature, color, humanity or society.

Twenty-four artists from the Midwest Collage Society will be represented at “Peace Works.”  The MCS was founded in 2003 to promote collage as a fine art.  Its members, mostly from the Chicagoland area, meet monthly to share techniques and marketing skills and to plan exhibits.

The Bloomingdale Park District Museum is located at 108 S. Bloomingdale Road in Bloomingdale, and is open Wednesdays from 4-8PM, Thursdays and Fridays from 10AM-4PM and Saturdays from noon-4PM.  An artists’ reception will be held Sunday, November 13, from 2-4PM and is free to the public.

Take a peek at the 27th Annual National Exhibit

http://www.nationalcollage.com/index.html

Free Flow Mixed Media Collage workshop

This workshop was presented to the Midwest Collage Society October 23rd 2011.. Looks as though they had a great time.

 The whole group of wonderful creative spirits

 April and Marge

 Cynthia and Debra

 Debra

 Eve above and below

 Jerri working on her first piece

 Jerri's pieces.

 Joan

 Marge sharing

 Mary Ann's piece..sorry for the glare..as we had to use the polymer and the lighting and camera person(me)were competing for the best shot...

 Melinda and Jerri working on their piece after a quick lunch break

 Melinda's pieces

 Nancy's pieces

 Re's piece

 Sally working away on her first piece.

 Sally above and below...she was a busy beaver here...Or was it the snickers bar...either way she was truly enjoying herself  and to me that's what really makes it.

 Tania's pieces

 Turkan deciding where it should go the paper scraps that is.

 the whole group of creative spirits...

 a few shots above and below of some of the works.

This workshop was set up to introduce a bit more paint in the collage process.. and some many of my student are willing souls to experiment further with the paints I decided to work in the acrylic abstract paint and using up the collage scraps we have so many of.  They all were troupers enjoying the process as they went along.

November meeting

Our November meeting is Sunday, November 6, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Darien Municipal Center.  Ann Hupke will demonstrate batik on paper using hot wax and other mediums, and a $5 studio fee will apply.  Here's a little article about her in the Star Newspaper.

Octobers Meeting

October meetingOctober's meeting will be on Sunday, October 2, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN OUR MEETING TIME;
WE WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 1 PM.
Mary Warner will lead a mini-workshop on making some lovely holiday star book and heart ornaments that can be used for your own decorations or as gifts. Studio fee of $5 will apply, and a supply list will be sent out prior to the meeting. Also bring items for the swap table - we will have a wealth of items good for assemblages and collage. And please remember that if you bring something and it is not taken, that you are responsible for picking it up or disposing of it at the end of the meeting. 

The Book as Ornament.

Paper and ribbon will be supplied by instructor.

Members should bring scissors, sharp pencil, ruler, bone folder, good glue stick and/or pva glue, and if you have one, a round pointed jewelry pliers.
I also suggest people bringing plastic to protect the work area, wax or scratch paper to glue on, toothpicks or thin skewer sticks for placing glue, a brush and small can for water if bringing PVA glue..

Midwest Collage Society Member has Solo Show

Mind-field: Creative Explorations

ArtistEve Ozer

LaGrange Art League and Gallery
122 W. Calendar Avenue
LaGrange, IL 60525

October 3-October 27, 2011
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10am-5pm

Artist’s reception
Friday, October 7, 2011 : 6-8 pm

News Flash...

Hard to believe it's the end of August already... where did summer go?  Well, I guess it's still here since it's another 90-degree day with thunderstorms possible tonight!  Ah, Chicago weather...

Lots of interesting info for you this week.  Please read carefully for all the details.

1.  September Museum Field Trip
Instead of a group meeting in September, we will be taking a field trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago on Saturday, September 10.  Two current exhibits there are of special interest:  the Pandora's Box exhibit of Joseph Cornell assemblages and the work of artist Mark Bradford.  See the photos on our blog or the museum web site for more info on these exhibits, but people are raving about them both!

If you are interested in going, you'll need to contact other MCS members to arrange car pools.  You were sent the current list of members in a previous e-mail, and that should assist you in finding members from your geographic area.  If you want to go and are having trouble connecting with other members, drop me an e-mail and I'll try to help.  Although we won't have a formal gathering place at the museum, it's likely our groups will run into each other, and perhaps members will want to lunch together.  We're suggesting that groups might want to go early in the day, but that is completely up to you and your carpool group.  Listed below is more info on the museum hours and parking.

Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 - 312-280-2660
Saturday hours:  10 AM to 5 PM
Suggested admission:  $12 general, $7 senior
Parking at museum from Chicago Ave:  1-2 hours $19, 2-3 hours $22, 3-8 hours $24.  There is a $3 discount if you validate your parking ticket at the museum desk

2.  October meeting
October's meeting will be on Sunday, October 2, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.  PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN OUR MEETING TIME; WE WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 1 PM.   Mary Warner will lead a mini-workshop on making some lovely holiday star book and heart ornaments that can be used for your own decorations or as gifts.  Studio fee of $5 will apply, and a supply list will be sent out prior to the meeting.  Also bring items for the swap table - we will have a wealth of items good for assemblages and collage.  And please remember that if you bring something and it is not taken, that you are responsible for picking it up or disposing of it at the end of the meeting. 

Octobers 23rd Free Flow Mixed Media Workshop is scheduled from 9:3-2:30 Workshop is full now..
3.  November meeting
November's meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 6, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Ann Hupke will demonstrate the process of batik on paper with hot wax and other mediums.  Studio fee of $5 will apply.

4.  Bloomingdale Exhibit "One Size/One Price" Wall
The members have spoken, and for this portion of the exhibit, we will create art in the size of 8x8" that will be priced at $65.  We suggest that you work on a wrapped canvas (any depth) or a wood panel so no framing is necessary.  For this ONE WALL at the exhibit, all pieces must have the outside dimensions of 8x8" and all pieces will be priced at $65.  Proper hanging hardware must be attached.  These pieces will be hung salon style on one wall of the gallery.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask.

5.  Bloomingdale Exhibit General Information
The theme for this exhibit is "Peace Works" and it will run from November 12 thru December 16, with the reception on Sunday, November 13, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Each artist will be allowed to enter several pieces in addition to the one size/one price pieces.  We will also have a bin for flat work that is matted and bagged, as well as a table for a number of gift-type items.  Final details about pre-registration and number of pieces will follow very soon. 

6.  Upcoming Class at LaGrange Art League

Mixed Media Magic: Come prepared to experiment! Combine acrylic paint, gel mediums and dry medium along with altered papers and image transfers to create line, texture, and depth in your work. This class will help you approach your art-making from a different perspective. Composition as well as techniques will be covered. Students will be encouraged to convey individual expression through their work.

Tuesday evenings 9/13, 9/20, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
To register, call LaGrange Art League at (708) 352-3101

Wonderful Exhibit in Chicago

Joesph Cornell's works and Mark Bradford's work is now at the Muesum of Comtemporay Art.. do see it if you have the chance.

End of July's Newsflash 2011

1.  Norris Gallery pick up this Saturday
Remember to pick up your work from the Norris Gallery this Saturday, July 30, between 9:30 and 11:00 AM.  Please arrange for another member to get your work if you are unable to pick it up yourself.

2.  August General Meeting
The August meeting will be an all-day work day on Sunday, August 7, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at the Darien Municipal Center, 1710 Plainfield Road, Darien.  Bring a project you're working on, a bag lunch and beverage, and any items or techniques you'd like to share with other members!

3.  September Field Trip
In lieu of a meeting in September, we'll be organizing a gallery field trip featuring a visit to 4ArtInc in Chicago.  You may remember curator Robin Rios from our January panel discussion.  This field trip will be held on a Saturday rather than our regular Sunday meeting time.  Details will be furnished soon.

4.  MCS Retreat
Don't forget the retreat dates of October 27-30.  Check our blog tab for a registration form, or contact Tania Blanco at taniablanc@aol.com with any questions.

5.  Free Flow Mixed Media Collage Workshop-Workshop is full  -limit of 12. only taking names for a waiting list. email  lonecrow4 @ gmail.com
Laura Lein-Svencner is teaching a one-day collage workshop especially for MCS members who are not able to attend the retreat!  It will be held on Sunday, October 23, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Darien Municipal Center.  Cost is $35 for members ($55 for non-members).  A sign-up sheet will be available at the August meeting, and flyers will be posted/e-mailed soon.

6.  Maureen Gasek Workshops
Six of us recently had the opportunity to attend a one-day workshop on acrylic techniques with Maureen Gasek.  We explored pours, skins, the use of flow aid, and creating on raw canvas.  It was a wonderful day, and we all left with pieces we'd created as well as tons of ideas.  Maureen hosts workshops for 6-8 participants in her studio in Aurora by request, so if you and some friends would like to continue to explore acrylic techniques, contact her at maureen@epsilondesign.net or call 630-898-3859. 

7. Looking Forward
The October 2 meeting features holiday paper arts projects led by Mary Warner, and the November 6 meeting features batik led by Ann Hupke.  More details soon!

8.  Bloomingdale Holiday Show
Our next group exhibit will be at the Bloomingdale Museum, November 12 - December 16, 2011.  Theme is Peace Works.  More details to come, but this exhibit will include a table of holiday gift type items and one wall of same size, same price work.  We want to encourage people to purchase original art as holiday gifts!

9.  Member News & Notes
MCS member Crystal Neubauer is exhibiting as an emerging artist at the American Craft Expo in Evanston August 26-28.  Visit http://americancraftexpo.org for more information.

If you have news to share with our membership, please e-mail me and I will include it in a future newsflash!

August MCS Meeting

All Day - Work Day schedule for August 7th, 9:00-3:00pm.  Members of the MCS are invited to their supplies and ideas to this all day session, great opportunity for fellowship and shared ideas.  Some members aren't able to go on the Collage retreat so this is a day for you.  Bring a lunch or a dish to share and your guarentted to have a great time.

June's meeting with Maureen Gasek

Hi everyone, it was a wonderful meeting today with the MCS members and our presenter Maureen Gasek, She stretched our limits with the acrylic and feed our need for more texture and medium applications which we will combine with collage.  Do take a moment and look at her work, she is a very active artist working all over the area giving demo's, workshop and live painting presentations along with art shows and galleries.

While we were at our meeting everyone was interested in a little salad/dip that I brought and I thought I would share that too.

Antioxidant salad
1 1/2 c. roasted corn kernals- by frozen
1 c. black beans rinsed and drained
1/2 c red bell pepper, diced
1/2 c. red onions-diced
1 ripe mango cut into small pieces
1/2 c. cilantro-chopped fresh or dryed will work
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. canola oil /I used olive oil
1 small chipolte pepper- opional
3 tablespoons, lime juice


Saute the frozen corn in the olive oil, till some of the corn is browned.  Mixed together in large bowl and enjoy with corn tortilla chips or as a side dish on fish and chicken. 

Second Year in a row MCS at Norris Gallery

June Meeting and more

1. JUNE MEETING - SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1:30-4:00 PM AT DARIEN MUNICIPAL CENTER
Our June meeting will include Maureen Gasek presenting a mini-workshop on acrylic techniques. Techniques may include alcohol resolve, lifting, texturing, ragging and sponging.  Studio fee of $5 will apply.
SUPPLY LIST:
Canvas board, canvas pad or other substrate that is gessoed (we suggest   two 8x10" substrates, or one 11x14" or 12x16" substrate that can be marked off   into sections)  
Acrylic paints (heavy body or fluid will both work)  
Brushes  
Palette or stiff paper plate  
Palette knife  
Container for water  
Soft, small sea sponge  
Assortment of mark making tools: bubble wrap, onion bag netting, tissue   paper, T-shirt bags, etc.  
Paper towels  
Plastic tablecloth (if you have one)
2. "ELEMENTS" RECEPTION, FRIDAY, JUNE 24
The reception for the "Elements" exhibit at the Norris Gallery in St. Charles will be held Friday, June 24, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. An electronic invitation will be sent to you soon, and postcards should be available in the next few weeks.   We need to furnish the refreshments for the reception.  If you are willing to bring something, or to help set up/clean up, please contact Barb Arntzen at jarntz@wideopenwest.com so she can coordinate.
3. NO MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR JULY
4. GET YOUR MCS RETREAT RESERVATIONS IN!
Our retreat this fall will again be held at Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, IN. Dates are Thursday, October 27 thru Sunday October 30. Entire cost for 4 days, 3 nights, and 8 meals is only $160! Deposit of $75 should be in by June 15. See Tania Blanco for registration forms or click the Retreat tab on the blog to print your own.

National Collage Society Postcard Exhibit

Two of our members were winners in the 14th Annual National Collage Society Postcard exhibit.
Mary Y. and Margi H...take a peek and see there work...Congratulations Ladies we are proud of you.

Call for Entry...Independent of MCS but sharing info

Call for Entries

For anybody who wants to contribute to the book with their own statement on the importance of art, or where art is hiding that the normal non-artist doesn’t see, or statistics about how much money is spent in any art-related field, whatever you want really, that cites the importance and everywhere-ness of the art we live and breath, now’s your chance to voice your love of art!

YOU don’t even have to be an artist, maybe you just know one (married one, birthed one or just appreciate their hard work, etc) And the statement can be about any kind of art as well: theater, dance, music, visual, the written word, movies, you name it, just:

• write down/doodle/illustrate/digitally design the sentiment / fact / statistic
• in a 9”x7” LANDSCAPE format
• in whatever medium you’d like• mail it (to 4041 Powelton Ave, Apt A1, Philadelphia, PA 19104) or scan it to me sized at atleast 300dpi, or email at artisticrebuttal@yahoo.com
• include your name, state and profession/website with your statement

After I collect all those who want to participate, I will make a book out of them using Lulu.com.

The drawing could take you 5 minutes or 5 days, I don’t care, it’s mostly the statements that I’m focusing in on. But most of us being artistically-swayed, a little flare would be appreciated.

________________________________________

DEADLINES:

March 12th is the deadline for folks who would like to have their statement/image in an abridged version of the book that I am going to take to Arts Advocacy Day with me, which will be left with my PA representatives, so its mainly for PA artists/art appreciators, but all are welcome.

May 15th is the ultimate deadline.

Email all images and/or questions to artisticrebuttal@yahoo.com

MCS's Annual Exhibition-Downers Grove Library April 2011

This invite was created by Sue F. Communication Chair and Artwork by Barbar Pompei Boland...both members of the Midwest Collage Society. Art work is on display all month long and collage works are for sale.

May's Meeting

Please make sure you bring your supplies, May 1st 1:30-4:00pm

News Flash informations

1. DOWNERS GROVE LIBRARY EXHIBIT PRE-REGISTRATION DUE BY MARCH 26


Don't forget to send in your pre-registration info and check for the DGPL exhibit "Construction/Deconstruction." Registration forms are due by Saturday, March 26. Remember, no money may be turned in at the library!



2. APRIL MEETING, SUNDAY, APRIL 3, FROM 1:30-4:00 PM

April's meeting will feature Mike Bessler on Photographing Your Artwork (normal $5 studio fee applies)



This demo will be interactive. So if you own them, please bring your camera and any portable lighting you have, like flashes (Mike will have some lighting available to use). Also bring a piece of art you want to photograph/copy. Mike will go through the steps to get a good a copy of your work based on your equipment. He should have time to show you settings on your camera. Last time he presented this, some of the participants ended up with photos that were good enough they could be used to make copies of the artwork.



Some background on the presenter: Mike Bessler’s passion is to create enhanced photographs on canvas that will capture the awe of nature. He particularly enjoys creating and printing large images that combine his artistic vision with his technical expertise. Mike's work has been shown at the Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational (where he received a first place award), and can also be seen in galleries and lobbies throughout the Chicagoland area

. His work has been sold nationwide to both private consumers and corporations. He enjoys sharing his passion with others as he teaches photography workshops at Starved Rock State Park each year. You can see some of his images at www.BesPhoto.com.



3. IT'S MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME!

April 1 begins our new fiscal year, and that means it's time to renew your membership. A renewal form will be e-mailed to you separately in case you didn't get one at our March meeting. NOTE: We are planning to distribute our new handbooks at the April meeting for all those who have recently renewed.



4. COLLABORATIVE PROJECT IDEAS WANTED

At our March meeting, we briefly discussed what our members desire from the organization, and overwhelmingly, people expressed the desire for more group exhibit opportunities. Members were also eager to create another collaborative project (like the Exquisite Corpse and Altered Purses collaboratives we've done in the past). If you have any ideas for group projects, please e-mail them to me. I've already received a couple of very good ideas, but we'd like more to consider. Think up! The board will use these ideas to brainstorm, so don't hesitate to share any ideas you have.

MCS meeting – Sunday, April 3

Mike Bessler on Photographing Your Artwork

This demo will be interactive. So if you own them, please bring your camera and any portable lighting you have like flashes (Mike will have some lighting available to use). Also bring a piece of art you want to photograph/copy. Mike will go through the steps to get a good copy of your work based on your equipment. He should have time to show you the proper settings on your camera. Last time he presented this, some of the participants ended up with photos that were good enough they could used to make copies of the artwork.

 Michael Bessler gave a wonderful presentation today at our meeting...Our members were asked to bring a piece of their work and their own cameras, so that everyone can find out how to take picture of there art work..

 Here we are learning about the different lighting to use when taking a picture of your work.

 This meeting was well received by all our members and new membership folders where passed out.

Information below was provide by the photographer and with his premission.

BesPhoto Photography
Mike Bessler
630-667-5174
mike@BesPhoto.com
BesPhoto.com

Photographing your own art.

Copy Your own art
near sunset on concrete (sidewalk or better yet driveway),
the sun should not be coming thru the trees
no sun on the artwork, that’s why near sunset
let camera do the white balance, so use auto white balance
camera, see below
between noon and 4pm inside in a south facing room with good window lighting
the sun cannot hit the artwork
in a bedroom, put the art next to the bed on the side away from the window
use a room with neutral colored walls, white, grey, black, not beige
camera, see below
use your flash off camera to one side, pretty far away
set your camera to flash white balance, you’d think it would do it automatically...
camera, see below
use a “reveal” or “blue” type light bulb, pretty far away
probably auto white balance won’t work, so you’ll have to experiment with your camera
camera, see below
use the flash on your camera
set your camera to flash white balance, you’d think it would do it automatically...
unfortunately, you’ll need to place the camera to the side of the artwork, so now photoshop comes into play
camera, see below
in photoshop use the crop tool and click on the perspective box
now you can crop to the corners of the trapizoid of your artwork and photoshop will turn it into a rectangle.
just be sure to check the proportions of width and height and use the “image size” with resample image on and constrain porportions off
I use Alien Skin Blowup
CAMERA
camera on a tripod
set the white balance
use a cable release or self timer so you are not touching the camera when the shutter releases
center the art under the camera or you will have to adjust the image in photoshop



Thanks
Mike Bessler
630-667-5174 cell
Mike@BesPhoto.com
www.BesPhoto.com


Round Robin Exchange a year long project

Five round robin ledgers were on display at this meeting for all our member to see, This project has taken some of our members about a year to complete. More details soon..