Summer Meetings and info for exhibits

 Dear MCS Members,

We had a wonderful meeting in June with Robin Neumann's successful introduction of creating Mandalas.  The promised twist was that we started working on a mandala for a short period of time and then passed it to the next person to work on it.  This went on until we each received our original mandala.  The results were stupendous, each one unique in its beauty.  Thank you Robin.

There will be no meeting in July for our Summer break and when we return in August, it will be a workday for independent projects and Nancy Swingle will offer a brief tutorial on   sewing beaded trim.

Remember to keep working on your art pieces for the judged Tall Grass Association Gallery and for those of you attending the Creative Retreat, begin to gather thoughts and materials for those five wonderful days of creativity.

Hope you all enjoy our brief summer holiday and take time to create whatever you choose. 

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEETINGS 

July - No Meeting - Enjoy your July!

August 6th 9:00am - 3:00pm - This is a workday, but Nancy Swingle will show anyone who is interested her beading technique for book edging.

September 11th 12:00-3:00 -  Barb Thompson will show her technique for her wonderful portrait collages.
October - No Meeting
November 5th 12:00-3:00 -  Margi Hafer will show us how to incorporate watercolor with collage.
December 3rd - Holiday Party 12:00 -3:00

Congruent Fragments

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

September 30 - November 4, 2023

You must be a member to participate. Membership form is attached.

Prospectus (attached) is due August 8

By email - achristy0901@gmail.com

By snail - 717 Four Seasons Blvd., Aurora, IL 605404

 This is a preliminary form for planning, the gallery will

have a loan agreement and consignment form to

complete with the final information.

Please make an appointment to drop off your work.

Drop off - Saturday, September 18-20 from 10 to 12

Pick up - Saturday, October 28 from 10 to 12

FALL 2023 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. 

Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

We have 26 artists registered for our Fall retreat! Margi will be sending a letter to all registrants with updated information on the retreat. I will also send a reminder that the final payment, for those registrants who made a deposit, will be due on August 4th.

If you have questions about the retreat contact Margi Hafer 

(phone: 815-370-3345 or email: margihafer@yahoo.com)

      

        

MEMBERS 

Andrea Fox has a mixed media collage piece on exhibit at Moraine Valley Community College, Fine & Performing Arts Center now through August 3, 2023, in The Robert DeCaprio Art Gallery.

9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 

Laura Lein-Svencner  is exhibiting her three collage totems at North Central College with the Naperville Art League Members "Show Your Stuff" 

Schoenherr Gallery in the Wentz Fine Art Center,

171 E. Chicago Ave, Naperville IL 60540   Exhibit ends July 29th
In Person Classes Local
Inner Compass-South Direction 

July 10th-August 28th,  Monday afternoons, 1:30-3:30
Circle Gathering-discussions, inspiration created around the direction of the south, summer, element of fire, our youth getting to know ourselves and our world around us now. Darien Park District, Register HERE  or call 630-968-6400
August-November -Walking in this World, Artist Way, Indian Prairie Public Library

Registration Here
Please Note: in person course and local library members first, Call to be put on the waitlist at 630-887-8760 401 Plainfield Road Darien IL  

May's Happening with MCS

 Hi MCS Members,

Hope you all have had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Spring flowers and flowering trees.  All this beauty makes one appreciate being alive.

A big thank you to Beth Gollan for showing us how to make our own stamps and the easy way to do it with erasers.  So many different options were created using the same eraser.  Lucky us.  

We also had the election of officers.  The presented slate was elected and are listed at the end of the newsletter.  Thank you to all of the individuals who have agreed to give their time and efforts to now serve MCS on the Board.

At our May meeting we will be celebrating World Collage Day with Gale Vance guiding us in a meditative collage.  We will also be celebrating the founding of the Midwest Collage Society.  In April of 2003, Laura Lein-Svencner and Lu Ellen Joy Giera began this wonderful organization and Tania Blanco was instrumental in locating a venue for the meetings.  Twenty years is an amazing accomplishment.  Thank you for providing the opportunity for all of us to learn, share and grow.  MCS encourages and empowers us all to develop our creative abilities.  Hip Hip Hooray!

Thank you Chris Jacobson for all of your efforts for the fantastic display at the Downers Grove Library.  Thanks Adrienne Austin for helping to check in the art.  Thank you Nancy Swingle for coordinating the Artist Reception.  It was a delight.  Thank you to all of the artists who participated by creating and sharing your art and for bringing goodies to the reception.  

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEMBERSHIP

Membership renewals were due April 1st. Form is attached which you may mail to Cherie Denton, 1789 35th Street, Apt. 6313, Oak Brook, Il 60523, or bring it to the May meeting.

MEETINGS 

SUNDAY, MAY 7:  WE WILL START OUR MEETING AT 12:15 SO THAT OUR PROGRAM CAN START PROMPTLY AT 12:30.

PLEASE, NO SWAP THIS MONTH.

May 7th 12:00 to 3:00pm

This May the Midwest Collage Society will be 20 years old!
Also National Collage Day is on the 2nd Saturday of May, this year the 13th!
So our meeting on May 7th will be a day to celebrate our creative talents.
We’ll be making collages to show a sense of self, perhaps expressing some of our thoughts and feelings, something to deepen our self-awareness, done under the direction of our own member Gale Vance.
For this meeting we’ll need to find as much time as we can to compose our collages and also have some time to discuss them with each other. So try your best to be on time. Our short meeting will start at 12:15 so that, by 12:30, Gale can get us started with a bit of reflection before working on our collages.
Supplies to bring:  

• 2 or 3 magazines to find images, words, colors,  etc.
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Table covering for your work space.
•  A couple of 8&1/2 x 11 cardstock for a substrate 

 The event was motivating for all of us present as all our MCS presenters. 

June 4th 12:00 to 3:00 - Robin Neumann will be presenting her fabulous Mandalas, with a twist, which I hope everyone will enjoy. This will be a colored pencil class.

MEMBERS

Pat Pope and Tania Blanco have been friends for 23 years after they became acquainted in a painting class at COD. They have a joint exhibit at Nature’s Best Cafe until the end of June. Please take a trip there to see the show.
1904  Brookdale Rd. Naperville, IL

Open every day except Sunday until 3 pm and Friday until 7 pm.
A great place for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Pizza oven on the premises.

MCS 20th Anniversary

Tania Blanco was instrumental in locating our first few meeting spaces.

Thank you to the Board members for their leadership and the extra volunteers who continue to show up and help in all different ways.  To see a group that has been so committed and  dedicated for 20 years is amazing. Our reputation speaks of professional quality in everything the society does. ~Laura

July - No Meeting

August 6th 9-3 - This is a workday, but Nancy Swingle will be showing anyone who is interested her beading technique for book edging.
September 11th 12:00-3:00 -  Barb Thompson will be showing her technique for her wonderful portrait collages.
October - No Meeting
November 5th 12:00-3:00 -  Margi Hafer will be showing us how to incorporate watercolor with collage.
December 3rd - Holiday Party 12:00 -3:00

EXHIBITS 

Enigma

Downers Grove Library, 1050 Curtis St., Downers Grove, IL

Pick up - Saturday, May 6  10am to 12 noon

Thank you to all who participated in the Downers Grove Library Show and especially to Nancy Swingle for taking care of the artist reception and to Adrienne Austin for help checking in all the art.  And, Nancy Swingle would like to thank all who brought goodies to the reception.

Congruent Fragments

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

Our next show will be in October at The Tall Grass Gallery. The title will be “Congruent Fragments” and drop off dates will be right before Creativity Camp at the end of September.  This is a very prestigious show and I hope to get at least one entry from each of our members. The show will be judged, with prizes being ribbons and cold hard cash for 1st thru 3rd .

FALL 2023 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. 

Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

We’re excited to announce that our housing will be in the newly renovated Ulrich Lodge this Fall with a new roof and HVAC. All floors are accessible by stairs, ramp or elevator.  There are renovated bedrooms with new innerspring mattresses, All bathrooms have also been renovated and two of the bathrooms are ADA accessible. There is expanded working space (including a patio outside the lower level that overlooks the Gazebo and the lake. There is a parking lot next to the building and a walkway to the dining hall in the Welcome Center. Wi-fi is available on the site. This building will certainly be an upgrade from the facilities at Sara Major Lodge, and is the same cost. However, due to inflation, and the camps increased expenses, our registration fee has increased, but it's still a bargain!
Early bird registration fee $310. (submitted by June 4)
After June 4, registration fee is $350. 
A $200 deposit will hold your space until the final payment which is due on or before August 6th
Registration includes 11  meals, four nights accommodations and work spaces at Ulrich Lodge. Registration form is attached. You may bring your registration to the May or June meeting or mail it to Margi Hafer. She will also have some registration forms available at the meetings.

If you have questions about the retreat contact Margi Hafer 

(phone: 815-370-3345 or email: margihafer@yahoo.com)

      

       

 

MEMBERS 

Laura Lein-Svencner has many online classes to offer all levels of Creatives - beginning collage in learning about the elements and principles of design to self expression explored in hanging and rolled scrolls.
Take a look at her online Studio here - Lonecrow Studio.

MCS Moving into April 2023

 Hi MCS Members,

As I write this, we seem to be experiencing Sprinter.  Snow predicted for tomorrow and high 50s next week.  However on my walks, I have seen little green shoots coming up so true Spring cannot be far away.

We had a fun experience creating our BoHo Beads at our meeting in March.  Once again, so much creativity as everyone followed their own path to discover the delights of making the beads.  Thank you so much Chris Jacobson for showing us a new project which I do believe can be quite addictive as well as useful in our artistic endeavors.

We are almost at the deadline for the Downers Grove Library Exhibition, Enigma.  The Drop-off is on April 1st and the Reception will be held on Friday April 14th from 6-8.  Be sure to let Nancy Swingle know what you plan to bring to the reception.   nancyswingle@yahoo.com 

At our meeting on April 2nd we will have Beth Gollan showing us how to make our own stamps as well as the Election of Officers for the MCS Board. Following is the slate of officers to be voted on at the April 2nd MCS Meeting:

President--Nancy Castner 

Vice President--Tania Blanco   

Treasurer--Andrea Fox  

Communications--Joan Lucht 

Membership--Cherie Denton  

Exhibits-- Chris Jacobson 

Creative Retreat--Margi Hafer  

Education-Nancy Swingle

Be sure to read on through the Newsletter to find the details for our Fall Creativity Retreat, September 27 thru October 1st and our judged Exhibit at the Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery in October.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEMBERSHIP

Membership renewals are due April 1st. Form is attached which you may mail to Cherie Denton, 1789 35th Street, Apt. 6313, Oak Brook, Il 60523, or bring it to the April meeting.

MEETINGS 

April 2nd 12:00 to 3:00pm  Make your own original stamps for stamping with dyes or paint with Beth Gollan 

Using stencils, paper punches or your own custom design, create stamps for mark-making, using plastic erasers as your base.
Please bring:

1. Simple designs that you’d like to transfer onto a stamping eraser
2. Your preferred knife-like cutting tool (for this project, I like a retractable box-cutter)
3. Protection for your fingers that will be holding the eraser (felting finger-cots, quilting thimble, surgical tape, etc.)
4. Ballpoint pen and/or sharpie-type marker
5. Ink pads for testing your stamp
6. In-progress work or special papers onto which you’d like to incorporate mark-making

Beth will provide:

1. Blank erasers for cutting
2. Test papers
3. Examples of cut erasers
4. A small selection of paper punches to use for designs

May 7th 12:00 to 3:00
June 4th 12:00 to 3:00
No Meeting July
August 6th 9-3 art workday
September 11th 12:00-3:00
No Meeting October
November 5th 12:00-3:00
December 3rd Holiday Party 12:00 -3:00

EXHIBITS 

Enigma

Downers Grove Library

April 4 to May 1 

Drop off - Saturday, April 1

Pick up - Saturday, May 6

Artist Reception - Friday April 14 from 6-8pm 

Volunteers are needed to bring goodies for this. Please let Nancy Swingle know, by email at nancyswingle@yahoo.com if you are able to bring a treat. Adrienne is bringing water, and Sandy is bringing a treat.  Thank you all for your support.

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

Our annual judged show. If you have any suggestions for a theme, please email Chris Achristy0901@gmail.com  or send her a text  at 303-517-8165.

FALL 2023 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. 

Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

We’re excited to announce that our housing will be in the newly renovated Ulrich Lodge this Fall with new roof and HAVAC. All floors are accessible by ramp or elevator.  There are renovated bedrooms with new innerspring mattresses, All bathrooms have also been renovated and two of the bathrooms are ADA accessible. There is expanded working space (including a patio outside the lower level that overlooks the Gazebo and the lake. There is a parking lot next to the building and a walkway to the dining hall in the Welcome Center. Wi-fi is available on the site. This building will certainly be an upgrade from the facilities at Sara Major Lodge, and is the same cost. However, due to inflation, and the camps increased expenses, our registration fee has increased, but it's still a bargain!
Early bird registration fee $310. (submitted by June 4)
After June 4, registration fee is $350.
A $200 deposit will hold your space until the final payment which is due on or before August 6th
Registration includes 11  meals, four nights accommodations and work spaces at Ulrich Lodge. Registration form is attached.
If you have questions about the retreat contact Margi Hafer (phone: 815-370-3345 or email: margihafer@yahoo.com)

   

    

   

MEMBERS 

Crete Creative Gallery and School, 1304 Main Street, Crete, Illinois is offering two One-Day "Exploring Expressive Freedom with Watercolor" Workshops, by Margi Hafer. Contact Crete Creative Gallery and School on Facebook or by phone for details and to register. 708-414-0714

Tuesday, April 25 Beginner's Workshop (9:30 am-3 pm) No prior experience needed All supplies included. $55

Tuesday, May16th Intermediate Workshop (9:30 am -4:30 pm) Watercolor experience recommended. Some supplies included $75

Laura Lein-Svencner has a Two Day workshop Friday April 28th and Saturday 29th...Working with all things paper and Mixed media, Create your art Journal, Image transfers, stamping, stenciling, stitching and splattering the four "S's" included.  We will make papers that will be inserted with a pamphlet stitch.  This Workshop explores a variety of tactile needs for people who love to work with their hands. Naperville Art League  Call and register for it at 630-355-2530, or go online at www.napervilleartleague.com Look for the supply list too. See attachment.

Andrea Fox will have her mixed media collage “Beautiful Nature” on exhibit at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in their Creation Care Art Contest.
On exhibit, April 22-23 in the church narthex.
St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills, IL  60487

WORLD COLLAGE DAY  -  MAY 13, 2023.  

Let's all try to do a collage or two.
Our Organization: MCS is 20 years old this year.  Does anyone have any ideas for how we could celebrat

Moving into March with MCS

 Hi MCS Members,

Hold on to your hats, the March winds seem to have arrived early.  Our Work Day in February allowed us to work on our individual projects, learn Iris Folding from Mary Warner and or make valentines that Tania Blanco delivered to the Elmhurst Art Museum to be provided to nursing homes.  Thank you Mary and Tania.

Our meeting on March 5th will be making Boho beads with Chris Jacobson.  These can be used in many different ways in your artwork.  A unique class indeed.

Mark your calendars:  Since our Creativity Retreat will be held September 27-October 1st, we will be holding a meeting on September 10th (Labor Day Weekend is September 3rd) and will not have a meeting in October this year.

The Nominating Committee met at the Creativity Retreat and following are the nominations to be voted on at our April 2nd meeting:

President--Nancy Castner 

Vice President--Tania Blanco   

Treasurer--Andrea Fox  

Communications--Joan Lucht 

Membership--Cherie Denton  

Exhibits-- Chris Jacobson 

Creative Retreat--Margi Hafer  

Education-

Please note that we still need to fill the Education Position to set up 6 meetings, May, June, September, November in 2023 and March and April in 2024.  For the other 6 months of the year, we do not meet in January and July nor do we have a meeting in October due to the retreat.  February and August are work meetings and December is our Holiday Party.  Chris Jacobsen also needs a Co-Chair to help with Exhibits.  Send an email or contact any of the Board Members to volunteer for either of these positions.  We really need your help in order to continue to be a viable organization that promotes opportunities for sharing, encouraging and empowering each other to develop our creative abilities. 

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President 

MEETINGS 

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.

BRING 

- jewelry tools such as wire cutters and small nose pliers.   
- scissors 
- beads you like.
- fabric glue if you have it or craft glue   
- scrap fabric you might want to make into beads
- a few beads

Chris will bring some fabrics, wire, and beads for you to use.

April 2nd Make your own original stamps for stamping with dyes or paint with Beth Gollan 

Need for a new Education Chairperson in April to set up programs for 6 meetings in May, June, October, November, and March and April of 2024.

For the other 6 months of the year our schedule has no meetings in January and July, February and August are work meetings, September is usually dropped because of the retreat and December is our Holiday Party. 

Contact Nancy Castner if you can step up to the job!

May 7th 12:00 to 3:00
June 4th 12:00 to 3:00
No Meeting July
August 6th 9-3 art workday
September 11th 12:00-3:00
No Meeting October
November 5th 12:00-3:00
December 3rd Holiday Party 12:00 -3:00

Valentine Cards The attached photo shows the cards that were made by those members who came to the all day February Meeting.

EXHIBITS 

Enigma

Downers Grove Library

April 4 to May 1 

Prospectus due Saturday, March 25

Drop off - Saturday, April 1

Pick up - Saturday, May 6

The theme is Enigma but don’t let that intimidate you. Please get your entry form to Chris Jacobson no later than March 25. 

Artist Reception Friday April 14 from 6-8 Volunteers are needed to bring goodies for this. Please let Chris know what your are bringing  Achristy0901@gmail.com 

We are hoping every member will submit at least one piece.  You can submit up to 4 pieces, understanding that we can hang only what there is space for.
Your entry form needs to be filled out and emailed to Achristy0901@gmail.com no later than March 25 the sooner the better. Prospectus is attached.

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

Our annual judged show. If you have any suggestions for a theme, please email Chris Achristy0901@gmail.com  or send her a text  at 303-517-8165.

FALL 2023 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. 

Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

Look for detailed information and new photos in the April Newsletter. Registration forms will be available in April also.

   

MEMBERS 

Several of MCS Artists are exhibiting in this show.

ACA HOSTS 3rd ANNUAL “EXPRESSIONS: ART AND VERSE”

EXHIBIT DATES: February 15 - March 18, 2023

Addison Center for the Arts

213 N. Lombard Rd.

Addison, IL 60101

630-458-4500

Gallery Hours: WED - SAT, 1 to 4 PM.

Tania Blanco  has a Reception for her solo exhibit at Marmion Academy on March 5th, the day of our meeting, from1 to 4pm.  If you are not attending the meeting, then maybe you will join her there.

Laura Lein-Svencner has a few new classes and workshops in person:

March 27th-May 5th Inner Compass - Spring Class Starts at Darien Park District
March 28th 1-Day Workshop - Create your own Journal-Darien Park District

Online class Get Ready for you Garden and Patio Areas with Creative Prayer Flags
And there is always something new Online at Lonecrow Studio

CALL FOR ART

Common Threads: Art & Fiber, McCord Gallery and Culture Center 

See attachment.

WORLD COLLAGE DAY  -  MAY 13, 2023.  

Let's all try to do a collage or two.
Our Organization: MCS is 20 years old this year.  Does anyone have any ideas for how we could celebrate?

February 2023 Meeting and agenda

 Hi MCS Members,

Some things don't change, time keeps flying by.  It's hard to believe it's almost February.  Our meeting on February 5th is a Work Day from 9:00 to 2:30pm.  So bring whatever project you want to begin, continue or complete.  The choice is yours.  Remember to bring lunch and the chance to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow artists.  Looking for inspiration? We will be exhibiting at the Downers Grove Library in the Spring and will need artwork for that event.

The Midwest Collage Society is a venue that promotes opportunities for sharing, encouraging and empowering each other to develop our creative abilities.  Thank you all for your participation in our meetings and exhibits.  A special Thank You to members of the MCS Board for the time and effort they put forth to keep us a viable organization.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEETINGS 

February 5th  Workday, 9am - 2:30

Bring whatever you want to work on and have the opportunity to visit with other members.

Mary Warner will be making Cards with Iris Folding. She has plenty of materials if you care to learn how it’s done or to make a couple of your own. Bring scotch tape and scissors.

Note, however, that she might not arrive until 10!

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.

Need for a new Education Chairperson in April to set up programs for 6 meetings in May, June, October, November, and March and April of 2024.

For the other 6 months of the year our schedule has no meetings in January and July, February and August are work meetings, September is usually dropped because of the retreat and December is our Holiday Party. 

Contact Nancy Castner if you can step up to the job!

EXHIBITS 

Enigma

Downers Grove Library

April 4 to May 1 

Prospectus due Saturday, March 25

Drop off - Saturday, April 1

Pick up - Saturday, May 6

 We are hoping every member will submit at least one piece.  You can submit up to 4 pieces, understanding that we can hang only what there is space for.
Your entry form needs to be filled out and emailed to Achristy0901@gmail.com no later than March 25 the sooner the better. 

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

October 2023

FALL 2023 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  

Save the date for the 2023 Fall Creative Retreat. 

Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

Information and registration forms will be available in April.

   

MEMBERS 

Kathy Schonauer illustrated a book for Inner Peace Press and it came out last month.  Written by her twin daughters,  Harmony Meets the World, is the first book in a series of 12 chapter books for kids. If you have time, please check it out at:   www.harmonymeetstheworld.com

Tania Blanco,  Andrea Fox,Beth Gollan and Nancy Staszak are exhibiting works at The Addison Center for the Arts.  Members of the Illinois State Poetry Society have been invited to write poetry based on works in the show. The public is invited to attend the free art reception and poetry program. See attachment.

Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 1 to 4 pm.

Addison Center for the Arts, 213 N. Lombard Rd., Addison, IL 60101   630-458-4500
Gallery Hours: WED - SAT, 1 to 4 PM.

Laura Lein-Svencner is exhibiting two of her Collages at the Naperville Heritage Society.
You are invited to a reception celebrating Inspiring Curiosity – an exhibit in collaboration with the Naperville Art League. This exhibition features the works of art by League members inspired by the theme of curiosity. 

Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Exhibit tours & refreshments: 5:00-7:00 pm. Remarks: 5:45 pm
Naper Settlement – Pre-Emption House
523 S. Webster Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Please RSVP by January 24 to: nsrsvp@naperville.il.us or 630-305-3535
Artwork will be on exhibit until April 7th.

Laura's Classes and Workshops 
 Paper Treasures at Indian Prairie Public Library   Register with the Library
Color Design Printing and Collage Register with DPD
Online Classes in Collage, Book Arts and More head on over to Lonecrow Studio  Register online.

World Collage Day 2023