July, August 2024 Newsletter

 Dear MCS Members,

Hope you are all enjoying our lovely summer weather.  It has been so nice to once again hear birdsong instead of the cicada racket. 

Thanks to Carol Kazwick, we had a delightful meeting in June making Sumi Marbling papers.  It was quite magical the way the colors came together to form such interesting designs and patterns.  I've already used one of my papers as a background for a project.  Thanks Carol.

Remember, we don't meet in July and August 4th will be a workday for us from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.  You can bring the project of your choice and have the opportunity of chatting with fellow members as you create your work for the Smithsonian.  It is also an opportunity to create a piece for the MCS exhibit in September at the Crete Creative Gallery.

For those planning to attend the Creative Artists Retreat, it's a good time to start thinking about what projects you plan to work on and begin gathering the materials. 

See you in August.  Take care,

Nancy Castner

MCS President

MEETINGS 

July - NO MEETING

August - workday from 9:30a to 2:30p

EXHIBITS

Please remember our upcoming show at the Crete Creative Gallery in September. 

 A prospectus is attached.  This is a judged show with prizes so I hope everyone will have at least one entry. 

The prospectus is due to Chris Jacobson via email, text or snail mail by August 25th.

Our artist reception will be on Saturday, September 7th. Time to be announced.

FALL 2024 CREATIVE ARTISTS RETREAT

Save the date September 25-29 for our special retreat at Camp Alexander Mack.
Margi Hafer will be sending an informational email to all Creative Retreat registrants later this month. People who paid a $200 deposit should send their final payment of $120 to Margi on or before August 6th.  There are still 3 places available for this Fall's retreat. The "early bird" special price is over ($320), but the cost of the retreat is still a really good bargain at a cost of $350.
Call or email Margi and she will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the upcoming September retreat.
We already have 22 registrants signed-up! We will have room for a total of 25 registrants this year. ROOM FOR 3 MORE PEOPLE!
You may download and print the attached information and Registration form from this email. Be sure to make your checks payable to the Midwest Collage Society.

      mc

MEMBERS

Laura Lein-Svencner Laura Lein-Svencner will be presenting a 3-Day Art Journaling Workshop at Naperville Art League, July 11th, 12th, and 13th from 9:30am to 3:30 each day.  Head over to NAP website for more details and to register - Here

The following week Laura will be presenting a 1 Day Retreat at Mayslake Peabody Estate through the DuPage Forest Preserve. July 19th-Plants will be our focus and we will center around getting to know each other and allow the day to unfold inviting our creative spirits in with fun artistic projects while getting up close to our insect family here on planet earth. Head over to the MPE website to find out more details and to register - Here

Rain or shine this will still go on. 

Workshops available with Jonathan Talbot

 

Hi All,  I am pleased to share with you that I have scheduled four  Creative Exploration Workshops during the next few months. Collage Techniques & Creative Exploration -  June 22nd & 23rd Exploring Image Transfer - July 14th Review & Refresh - July 20th & 21st 5-Day Creative Exploration Intensive - August 5 thru 9th Find detailed workshop descriptions, on-line registration forms,  reviews of past workshops, & more at  www.talbot1.com/workshop or, if you prefer, you can call  me at 845-726-6333 (East Coast hours please). I hope one of these workshops fits your schedule. Cordially,

Website: www.talbot1.com Workshop Website: www.talbot1.com/workshop Studio Phone: 845-726-6333 (Anytime - If no answer leave a message) E-mails: jonathan.talbot@gmail.com and jonathan@talbot1.com

June's Meeting

 Hi MCS Members,

Hope you are well and have been staying out of the way of the clumsy flying cicadas.  They certainly are leaving messes everywhere and the serenading makes me long for peace and quiet with just some birdsong in the background.

We had a full house at our meeting in May with Sandie Bacon from Golden sharing with us some of the newest products we can use to enhance our collages.  Thanks Sandie.

Our June 2nd meeting will have Carol Kazwick showing us how to do Sumi Marbling.

Very sadly I am sharing that longtime member and Membership Chair of 11 years, Cherie Denton passed away unexpectedly on May 18th.  Cherie was a wonderful artist and a kind soul.  She shared her knowledge and led us in Soul Collage workshops at our Annual Creative Artist Retreat several times.  In her Artist's statement, Cherie believed that art creation is part of the universal creation going on at all times and felt honored to be a part of this eternal story.  Cherie will be missed. A Celebration of Cherie's life and art will be held at a future date.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

 

MEETINGS 

June 2 - 12:00-2:30 -   Carol Kazwick will be doing a Sumi Marbling class.  All you need to bring is a plastic covering for the table, she will bring everything else.  This technique is so much fun, you never know what you're going to get until you lift your paper up. 

July - NO MEETING

August - Workday

FALL 2024 CREATIVE ARTISTS RETREAT

Save the date September 25-29 for our special retreat at Camp Alexander Mack.
Margi Hafer will be at the June 2nd MCS meeting to answer any questions you may have regarding the upcoming September retreat. She will have information sheets and registration forms available at the meeting. (Unless we reach our maximum number that)
We already have 22 registrants signed-up! We will have room for a total of 25 registrants this year. ROOM FOR 3 MORE PEOPLE!
You may download and print the attached information and Registration form from this email. Be sure to make your checks payable to the Midwest Collage Society.
Anyone can call Margi or email a registration form to her before the June 2nd meeting. However, the last three registrations will be accepted on a 1st contact basis. After we have 25 people registered Margi will create a waiting list, in case someone has to drop out.
Margi's phone: 815-370-3345 email: margihafer@yahoo.com

        

MEMBERS

Laura Lein-Svencner has a wonderful Class starting at Darien Park District.

This class will teach collage and mixed media techniques right alongside the art of book making. The book that will be made is called a Concertina Sketchbook. The book opens like an accordion, and folds back upon itself allowing continuous creative drawings, gestures, and natural visual energy all packaged nicely in a hard cover sketchbook.  

Students must bring to class: pencil, scissors, 12” ruler, assortment of acrylic paints-craft or artist grade, package of baby wipes, 1-8oz. jar of acrylic gel medium, assortment of brushes, water container, art shirt or apron and a few magazines that you like. (Other supplies will be provided by the Instructor throughout the 6-week session.)

6-week session

Dates: July 15^th 22^nd 29^th August 5^th 12^th 19^th

Time: 9:30am-12noon

Register with Darien Park District Here 

Can't do it in person. Try on line at your convenience Here 

Margie Hafer is now a signature member of the Illinois Watercolor Society.

Heading in to May and Meeting Information

 Dear MCS Members,

The Spring flowers bring joy to my heart as I enjoy walks in the neighborhood and forest preserves.  Hope you all have had the opportunity to savor this annual Spring delight.  

Thank you to Laura Lein-Svencner for teaching us how to make transfers.  There are so many ways we can incorporate the various methods in our collages.  Lucky us!

The MCS elections of the Board was held and following is the MCS Board:

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 

Please think about taking on a position on the MCS Board for next year.  You can shadow current board members to learn the ropes for a smoother transition.

Our exhibit at the Downers Grove Library has been well received.  Remember to pick up your art on Saturday, May 4th from 10-1:00.  

April 1st began our new year at MCS.  Don't forget to send in your membership form and dues to Cherie Denton.  The form is attached.

Our May meeting requires a registration.  Be sure to follow-up with the information from Nancy Swingle below to be eligible for all the samples from Golden.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

MEMBERSHIP

2024-25 membership renewals are due April 1st. Mail them to Cherie or bring them to the May meeting.

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

MEETINGS 

May 5 - 12:00-2:30 - Sandie Bacon from Golden products will be giving a presentation using their many media. We will have a chance to try them out.  So please bring table covering and usual supplies.  Also, if you haven't pre-registered using the UR code, please do so.  Also those attending will receive samples in the mail.  If you are unsure of using the UR code on your phone please call me 708 635 1122

June 2 - 12:00-2:30 -  Carol Kazwick will be showing us how to do Sumi Marbling to use in our collage. Make sure to bring a plastic table covering.  If you have never done marbling, it is a fun and amazing art form!

July - NO MEETING

EXHIBITS

Chromatic Alchemy at the Downers Grove Library

Pick up:  Saturday,  May 4 from 10:00 to 1:00

Pieces at Crete Creative Gallery

September 5^th to October 11^th

Our next exhibit will be at Crete Creative Galley  titled, “PIECES” for the month of September.

This will be a judged show with monetary awards for the top places. Tentative dates are:

Drop off: August 31

Reception: September 7

Pick up: October 12.

WORLD COLLAGE DAY

WHEREVER YOU ARE, make a date with yourself or somebody else and create some collages. Or you can join this collage event:

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd, Chicago Heights, IL
A day of collaging led by artist Geri Biamonte.  All supplies will be provided.
Event is free and open to the public, with a recommended donation of $5.
May 11, 2024, 12-4pm

FALL 2024 CREATIVE ARTISTS RETREAT

Save the date September 25-29 for our special retreat at Camp Alexander Mack.
Margi Hafer will be at the May 5th MCS meeting to answer any questions you may have regarding the upcoming September retreat. She will have information sheets and registration forms available at the meeting. We already have 11 registrants signed-up! We will have room for a total of 25 registrants this year.
You may also download and print the attached information and Registration form from this email. Be sure to make your checks payable to the Midwest Collage Society. 

   

       

MEMBERS

Laura Lein-Svencner has Summer Classes held at Darien Park District,
 Learn how to create your own Concertina/Accordion Sketchbook. Working each week through the folded pages with Collage and Mixed Media 

Dates are 7/15-8/19 Monday Morning 9:30-12 

Registration HERE

MCS member Andrea Fox has two of her collage pieces on exhibit at the Frankfort Arts Association. 

Margi Hafer is exhibiting in the Illinois Watercolor Society National Juried Show at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Il through the end of May. She also has a couple of Watercolor/Collage pieces in the Frankfort Arts Association juried exhibit "Destination Unknown" and won a 3rd place award. 

Tania Blanco was awarded Best Of Show in the Spring Member Show of Addison Art Guild for an acrylic painting “Spring Symphony”. 

April's Meeting and more

 

Dear MCS Members,

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the longer daylight hours.  It's nice to be able to go for a walk after dinner.

A big Thank You to April Schabes for sharing her amazing journaling techniques with us.  So nice to see how we can incorporate them in our collages.

Laura Lein Svencner will be presenting at our April 7th meeting.  This should be a very informative meeting.  Details are in the Meetings section.

Be sure to check out the MCS Exhibit, Chromatic Alchemy, at the Downers Grove Library.  The Artists reception will be held on April 12 from 6pm to 8pm.  Chris Jacobson will be looking for volunteers to bring refreshments.  Please send her an email to let her know what you will be bringing.

It's time to elect a new 24/25 MCS Board however in this case, it's the same MCS Board.  Please think about volunteering for the Board in the coming year, as many of us have held these positions for years and we need new people to represent our organization to keep it viable.  The election will be held at the April 7 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 

Take care,

Nancy Castner

MEMBERSHIP

2024-25 membership renewals are due April 1st. Mail them to Cherie or bring them to the April meeting. The membership form is attached.

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

MEETINGS 

April 7 - 12:00-2:30 -  Laura Lein-Svencner will present a demonstration on Image transfers, sharing three different techniques:

Clear packing tape for art journaling ,wet to dry acrylic medium with laser copies and the tack iron method with gloss medium. Samples will be available to see how they can be used for your mixed media and collage art. A few samples will be able to be tested out by everyone who would like to try.  Please bring:

• a pair of scissors 
• medium size brush for use with acrylic mediums
• table covering like newspaper or dollar store plastic table cloth
• 1 large water container
Other supplies will be provided

May 5 - 12:00-2:30 - Sandy Bacon from Golden will present a demo of their wonderful products. She will emphasize using modifiers and mediums geared to collage, also acrylic paints and color, and modern vs. mineral colors.  All participants receive a wonderful box of Golden samples in the mail.

June 2 - 12:00-2:30 - Marge Boyd - TBA

July - NO MEETING

EXHIBITS

Chromatic Alchemy at the Downers Grove Library

March 30 - May 4  

The artist reception for our show at The Downers Grove Library is on Friday, April 12th from 6 to 8 in the Café area.  If you can supply some treats for the reception, please email Chris Jacobson at achristy0901@gmail.com or text at 303-517-8165 with what you will be bringing to make sure we get a variety for things. I hope to see everyone there.

Artist Reception:  Friday,  April 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 

Pick up:  Saturday,  May 4 from 10:00 to 1:00

WORLD COLLAGE DAY

MAY 11, 2024 

FALL 2024 CREATIVE ARTISTS RETREAT

Save the date September 25-29 for our special retreat at Camp Alexander Mack.
Margi Hafer will be at the April 7th MCS meeting to answer any questions you may have regarding the upcoming September retreat. She will have information sheets and registration forms available at the meeting.
You may also download and print the attached information and Registration form from this email.

          

MEMBERS

Cherylyn Gnadt has a "feature wall' in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Spring Members’ Show with over 50 artists represented. Cherylyn is showing some familiar favorites, new takes on recurring themes and storybook scenes about a girl.

April 15 - May 31
Reception : April 19 | 7-9pm

March and so much more

 

Dear MCS Members,

With the 60 degree weather we had last week, I was hit with a bit of Spring Fever and the awareness that Spring isn't too far away.  Of course the snow and temps in the 20s two days later was a definite realization that Winter is here for a bit longer.  A good time to stay in and let your creative juices flow.

Congratulations to Joan Lucht for your Honorable Mention Award at the Best of the Best show.  It really was an amazing exhibit of  talented artists.

Hope you all have had the opportunity to get to the Woodridge Library for our delightful exhibit. February 29th is the date for picking up your art from 10-1pm.

Remember, the Downers Grove Exhibit "Chromatic Alchemy" March 30-May 4, requires the Perspective be sent to Chris Jacobson by Mid-March.

We still have two positions to fill on the Board beginning in April.  Please help continue our organization by volunteering your services.

Take care,

Nancy Castner

MEETINGS 

March 3 - 11:30-2:30 - April Schabes will show us her wonderful art journaling with some instruction on incorporating lettering in collage.  Please bring a fine-point Sharpie or Micron pen, small scissors and glue stick.

April 7 - 11:30-2:30 -  Laura Lein-Svencner will present a demonstration on Image transfers. Sharing three different techniques:

Clear packing tape for art journaling ,wet to dry acrylic medium with laser copies and the tack iron method with gloss medium. Samples will be available to see how they can be used for your mixed media and collage art. A few samples will be able to be tested out by everyone who would like to try.  Supplies will be provided.

May 5 - 11:30-2:30 - Sandy Bacon from Golden will present a demo of their wonderful products.  She will emphasize using modifiers and mediums geared to collage, also acrylic paints and color, and modern vs. mineral colors.  All participants receive a wonderful box of Golden samples in the mail.

EXHIBITS

Connections at the Woodridge Library

Pickup! - This Thursday, February 29 from 10am to 1pm.

Chromatic Alchemy at the Downers Grove Library

March 30 - May 4 

Don’t forget about our show in April at the Downers Grove Library. 

Drop off: Saturday,  March23 from 10:00 to 1:00
Pick up:  Saturday,  May 4 from 10:00 to 1:00
Artist Reception:  Friday,  April 12 from 6:00 to 8:00

Prospectus attached.  We will also have a little space in the display case for 3D pieces. If you made a log book at camp we can display those as well.  

Prospectus is due to Chris by March 20.

 FALL 2024 CREATIVE ARTISTS RETREAT

Save the date September 25-29 for our special retreat at Camp Alexander Mack.
Camp information and registration form is attached to this March newsletter. All 2023 Creative Artists Camp participants will receive an email as well. Facilities will basically be the same as last year and the elevator is now in working order too!
Anyone who may be interested in giving a demonstration or workshop during the retreat please email Margi at: margihafer@yahoo.com or call her at 815-370-3345. Workshop presenters will receive reimbursement for their supplies.
Why go to a Creative Artist Retreat? This is a unique opportunity for visual artists, writers, musicians to be together and share their passion for the arts and enjoy the atmosphere of Camp Alexander Mack. Learn new techniques from fellow artists, share ideas and supplies, experiment, and dedicate five days to your creative endeavors. You do not have to be a MCS member, or a collage artist, to register for this retreat. All artists are welcome.
Check out the attachment and the "Early Bird" Registration date

MEMBERS

Laura Lein-Svencner has classes starting soon:  
Micro Minis Nature Collage a six week class 9:30-12 noon on Tuesday mornings at Mayslake Peabody Estate, in Oak Brook. Art space is on the ground floor and just roll right in with your supplies for this class.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

 Art Journaling class on Monday afternoons, starts March 4th, at 1:00 to 3:30, 6 weeks at Darien Park District, on Fairview Ave.  easy to get to and on the first floor too.