July News with MCS

 Hi MCS Members,

Hope you are all well and enjoying our summer weather.  In June Gai Moodie shared her process for mini collages.  A fun way of working in multiples for cards or other art projects.  Thanks Gai. 

Sad to report the Alliance of Fine Arts is being dissolved.  The website will remain up for a year for everyone to review past activities.  Take the time to look at the website while you can.   The AFA treasury will be divided among the 11 remaining organizations.  Our bank account will appreciate that since it has been dwindling due to lower participation at meetings to collect the studio fee used to cover speaker expenses.  

Remember we will not be having a meeting in July.  MCS is out for the summer!  This is a great time to be working on art pieces for the 2nd Annual Silent Auction benefiting Loaves and Fishes.  Also this time can be used to create art for the judged show at the Crete Creative Gallery.  Details for both venues below.

See you at our work day meeting 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

July - No Meeting

August 7 9am-2:30pm  Work on your own project while enjoying the company of other members.

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

This exhibit will be judged. Don't let the distance to this gallery stop you. We will arrange for art to be delivered and picked up. Due to limited space you will be able to submit only one large or two smaller works, but there is ample room for 3D. The attached prospectus is due to Chris Jacobson August 15.

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 to the August meeting. Or contact Chris Jacobsen achristy0901@gmail.com or Adrienne Austin Rbrbtrfly@aol.com to make other arrangements. The space is larger so everyone can contribute. Let’s make this service project a winner for Loaves and Fishes.

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)  
Please save the dates of October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack.
This year's retreat expands by offering registrations to our members plus artists including painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, and musicians. Couples are also invited to register, but will have private housing at the camp. Bring a friend!
This 5 day retreat allows for time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow artists as you create your art and learn from other artists in a beautiful setting and relaxed "no pressure" atmosphere. Workshops and demonstrations will be available, however all activities are optional and meant to enhance your retreat experience. Masks will not be required at the camp this year, due to changes in COVID rules.
Anyone with questions about the “Retreat” and registrants interested in offering a demonstration, workshop, or special entertainment during the retreat please email Margi Hafer at: margihafer@yahoo.com
The Retreat Registration form is attached to this newsletter. Retreat registration forms will also be available at the August meeting, but will cost $25 more. 
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 July 31,2022) is $270 and includes 11 meals, four nights accommodations. 

The cost of Retreat Registration (submitted after July 31,2022) is $295.

   

MEMBERS 

Laura Lein Svencner Will offer a 14-week course July 7th till Oct 6th, The Artist's Way,1st book by Julia Cameron.

Indian Prairie Public Library,  Thursday Mornings starting July 7th - Oct 6th
Let us unblock the path to Creativity. This class is a dedication to us, our creativity, and our spiritual nature. Using the first book, Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron we will explore weekly the path to unblock our creativity. Independent morning journal writing is suggested outside of our weekly gatherings. Small creative projects may pop up throughout the course to expand on our playful human nature. This book will be provided for the duration of this course. IPPL cardholder exclusive. Registration is required  HERE 

June's Newsletter

 Hi MCS Members,

Members of MCS and the Illinois Poets Society spent a delightful evening with poems about our art being read, some of them by the author.  The poems were as diverse as the artwork.  Thanks to Nancy Swingle for organizing the beautiful sweets tables and our members for the delicious goodies presented and devoured.  Also a big thank you to all members who created absolutely beautiful, amazing art for this event at the Downers Grove Library 

Julie Mars presented a challenging workshop on Bead Mosaics at the May meeting.  We all had the opportunity to begin a project.  It will be interesting to see some version of her work with beads in future works by our membership.

On June 5th Gai Moodie will take us through her process of making mini collages for cards.  I've been making a number of books lately and think this will also help with journal pages, tags, and pockets.  See you on June 5th.

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 June 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

June 5  noon-2:30pm  Artist Gai Moodie will take us through her process of making mini collages for greeting cards.The collages will be a 2”/3” square and you will have at least 9 of these little pretties to work on.

Gai uses these little mixed media/collage squares to make cards but they can be used in other ways too, which she can show you.

Gai will provide the following:

• Taped off little squares on the watercolor paper so you can get right to work on your collages!.
• Extra watercolor paper and low tack tape
• Cold press. 9X12” or smaller for another idea to try.
• Supply and share many surfaces. Papers, gold leaf that can be collaged

Bring to class the following:

• Pigma  pen, white gel pen or a set of gel pens, gold pen…what ever you have
• Waterolors…small set whatever you have
• Rubber stamps and stamp pad (permanent ink) ,ruler, pencil, paint brush, water container, scissors , paper towels ,scissors    
• GLUE- I use Elmer’s glue stick that dries clear and matte medium-(a Golden product)-to adhere very thin paper like tissue/table napkins

July  No Meeting

August 7 9am-2:30pm  Work day

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

This exhibit will be judged. A prospectus will be available early July.

Don't let the distance to this gallery stop you. We will arrange for art to be delivered and picked up.

 

Lucky Penny Diner  MCS second annual silent auction

September 1-30

Please bring your donated art to the June or August meeting. Or contact Chris Jacobsen achristy0901@gmail.com or Adrienne Austin Rbrbtrfly@aol.com to make other arrangements. The space is larger so everyone can contribute. Let’s make this service project a winner for Loaves and Fishes.

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)  
Please save the dates of October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack.
This year's retreat expands by offering registrations to our members plus artists including painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, and musicians. Couples are also invited to register, but will have private housing at the camp.
This 5 day retreat allows for time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow artists as you create your art and learn from other artists in a beautiful setting and relaxed "no pressure" atmosphere. Workshops and demonstrations will be available, however all activities are optional and meant to enhance your retreat experience. Masks will not be required at the camp this year, due to changes in COVID rules.
Anyone with questions about the “Retreat” and registrants interested in offering a demonstration, workshop, or special entertainment during the retreat please email Margi Hafer at: margihafer@yahoo.com
The Retreat Registration form is attached to this newsletter. Retreat registration forms will also be available at the June 5th meeting.
Retreat Registrations may be given to Margi Hafer at the June 6th MCS meeting, or mail your camp registration to: Margi Hafer, 20711 Hunt Club. Drive, Frankfort, IL 60423
The cost of "Early Bird" Retreat Registration (submitted or mailed on or before July 31,2022) is $270 and includes 11 meals, four nights accommodations. 

The cost of Retreat Registration (submitted after July 31,2022) is $295.

   

MEMBERS 

Laura Lein Svencner Will offer a 14-week course July 7th till Oct 6th, The Artist's Way,1st book by Julia Cameron. Free to Indian Prairie Public Library Card Holders, Thursday Mornings, 9:30-Noon. Registration will be up soon in the Adult program Calendar section on the Website. Small creative projects will pop up throughout the course to inspire your creativity. Watch for it on this Link

Laura will also present a Solo Exhibition at the Anderson Art Center, 6603 3rd Avenue, Kenosha WI. Opening Reception June 26th, 1-4pm, "Authenticity of Paper, a Collage Artists Journey. Exhibit closing August 14th 2022.

Andrea Fox has a mixed media collage, “Belle Nature” accepted  into the “Viewpoints” show in the Bloomingdale Park District Museum. The reception is on June 5 from 2-4pm.  Hope to see MCS friends attend! The show opens on Saturday, May 28 from 12-4pm and closes June 25.

May's Newsletter

 Hi MCS Members,

Saturday was a beautiful Spring Day with all the daffodils blooming and so many other plants peeking out to catch the sunshine.  Gardens will be in full bloom before long.  Hurray!  

Bonnie Jaswith wowed us with the 'Box within a box within a box within a box' at our April meeting.  Thank you Bonnie for showing us the many possibilities of this project.  

We also held election of Officers with the following results:

President - Nancy Castner

Vice President -Tania Blanco

Treasurer - Andrea Fox

Communications - Joan Lucht

Membership - Cherie Denton

Exhibits until 12/31/22 Adrienne Austin and Joan Lucht   Beginning 1/1/23  Chris Jacobsen

Creativity Retreat - Margi Hafer

Education -  Mary Warner 

Thank you to the MCS members for serving on the board for the 2022-2023 Season.  You are appreciated.

Plan to attend the Festive Reception and Poetry Reading at the Downers Grove Library on April 29th from 7:00-8:30pm. Refreshment donations should arrive at 6:30. 

On May 1st, Julie Mars will show us an exciting twist for our collage masterpieces using beads and other ephemera.

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 May meeting. Membership is required to participate in MCS exhibits.

Cherie Denton, 

WORLD COLLAGE DAY  Make collage on May 14 to celebrate our passion!

MEETINGS

 May 1  noon-2:30pm  Presentation and workshop by Julie Mars 

Julie Mars will present a workshop for the MCS May meeting.  Her passion is creating bead mosaics on canvas, panels, salvaged glassware, and other objects.  Her work evolved out of an interest in environmentalism and upcycling.  In the 90's she began embellishing single-serving juice bottles to make a series of colorful bottle tree fruits.  She scours thrift stores, flea markets and Ebay for large scale items to make into extraordinary bead mosaic artworks.  
Julie will provide beads, some votive jars, and adhesives.  Please bring table coverings and your enthusiasm  to the meeting.

 

June 5  noon-2:30pm Artist Gai Moodie will take us through her process of making mini collages for cards.

July No Meeting

August 7 9am-2:30pm  Work day

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

Stay connected with the meetings by also checking the Calendar in the Side Bar. 

EXHIBITS 2022  

Awakening closes May 1, 2022

Reception and Poetry Reading  April 29, 7:00 to 8:30

Nancy Swingle is organizing the refreshments for our reception at the Downers Grove Library. We are now able to bring goodies, either homemade or store bought. Please email Nancy at nancyswingle@yahoo.com with your contribution and plan to bring it at 6:30. 

Only 5 people have responded and we could have up to 60 guests.

Thanks so much, in advance, for your help. It will be a great evening! 

Pickup  Saturday, May 7 from 10am until 12pm 

Imagination Run Wild at Crete Creative Gallery 

September 8, 2022 through October 15, 2022

The gallery requires a theme so let your "Imagination Run Wild" for this exhibit.

Don't let the distance to this gallery stop you. We will arrange for art to be delivered. 

Batavia Library

November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022

Lucky Penny Diner has a new owner. The Naperville Art League is now in charge of exhibits and will be contacted for a possible date for our fundraiser.

Fall 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  
Please save the dates of October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack.
This year's retreat expands by offering registrations to our members plus artists including painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, and musicians. Couples are also invited to register, but will have private housing at the camp.

This 5 day retreat allows for time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow artists as you create your art and learn from other artists in a beautiful setting and relaxed "no pressure" atmosphere. Workshops and demonstrations will be available, however all activities are optional and meant to enhance your retreat experience. Masks will not be required at the camp this year, due to changes in COVID rules.

Anyone with questions about the “Retreat” and registrants interested in offering a demonstration, workshop, or special entertainment during the retreat please email Margi Hafer at:  margihafer@yahoo.com

The Retreat Registration form is attached to this newsletter.
Retreat Registrations may be given to Andrea Fox at the May 1st MCS meeting or Margi Hafer at the June 6th
MCS meeting, or mail your camp registration to: Margi Hafer, 20711 Hunt Club. Drive, Frankfort, IL 60423
The cost of "Early Bird" Retreat Registration (submitted or mailed on or before July 31,2022) is $270 includes 11 meals and four nights accommodations. The cost of Retreat Registration (submitted after July 31,2022) is $295.  

Please share Retreat information with your friends and fellow artists.

     

     

  

EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES

Constructed Visions IV

St. Louis Artists Guild, July 1 - August 6

Entry deadline May 28

See attachment for details.

Crossed Connections A juried art exhibition and sale
TLD Design Center & Gallery  May 7 - June 4, 2022
26 E. Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559
Westmont Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11:00am - 6:00pm
SEEKING ARTWORK IN THE FOLLOWING MEDIUMS:
Ceramics, Collage, Fiber Art, Garments, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Needlework, Paintings, Photography, Quilts, Sculpture, Tapestries
The exhibit prospectus and digital entry process may be accessed at our secure website: https://www.tlddesigns.com/Crossed.Connections.htm

MEMBERS 

Tania Blanco and Jennifer Hereth have a close connection with Ukraine and have co-curated a benefit exhibition: Ukraine Crisis: The World is on the Move.  

A benefit reception will be held Saturday May 21, 2022,  2-5 pm at Addison Center For the Arts 233 N. Lombard Rd, Addison, IL 60101  

Exhibit dates: May 6 to June 18, 2022.   Gallery Hours  WED-SAT  1-4 pm. 

Donations independent of the reception can be made to United Ukrainian Relief Committee and mailed to Addison Center for the Arts, 233 N. Lombard Rd., Addison, IL 60101

Laura Lein Svencner  has many online classes. Check out what she has to offer.

 www.lonecrowstudio.com 

MCS at Downers Grove Library, "Awakening"

 

Be sure to check out the amazing MCS Exhibit "Awakening" at the Downers Grove Library, April 2- May 1, 2022.  Our membership has incredibly talented artists.  Kudos to all of you.  Remember too this is a collaboration with the Illinois Poets Society and they will be writing poems for selected art.  

Plan to attend this enjoyable evening at the Downers Grove Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.  The Reception and Poetry Reading will be held on April 29th 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Small Format NCS Exhibit

National Collage Society 

2022 SMALL FORMAT EXHIBIT

 

The 25th Annual Small Format Exhibit will open this Friday, April 8th from 5-7pm at Summit Artspace. Summit Artspace is located at 140 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44308. The exhibit will also be available for viewing on their website.

The exhibit runs from April 8th through June 25th.

Summit Artspace 

April Meeting Information

 Hi MCS Members,

 Spring will truly arrive for more than a day or two,  before we know it.  Adrienne Austin's pamphlet journal was a roaring success at our March MCS meeting.  Everyone was so  pleased to have sewn a delightful design on the covers.  Thank you Adrienne.

 

We will be holding the Election of Officers on April 3, 2022 MCS Meeting with the following 22/23 Slate of Officers.  Please plan to attend.

President - Nancy Castner

Vice President -Tania Blanco

Treasurer - Andrea Fox

Communications - Joan Lucht

Membership - Cherie Denton

Exhibits until 12/31/22 Adrienne Austin and Joan Lucht   Beginning 1/1/23  Chris Jacobsen

Creativity Retreat - Margi Hafer

Education -  Mary Warner

 

Be sure to check out the amazing MCS Exhibit "Awakening" at the Downers Grove Library, April 2- May 1, 2022.  Our membership has incredibly talented artists.  Kudos to all of you.  Remember too this is a collaboration with the Illinois Poets Society and they will be writing poems for selected art.  Plan to attend this enjoyable evening at the Downers Grove Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.  The Reception and Poetry Reading will be held on April 29th 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

 Our April 3rd meeting will have Bonnie Jaswith showing us a 'box within a box within a box within a box' made with collage papers.  Papers can be collaged before or after making the box.  The name alone has me excited to make this project!  See you on April 3rd.

 Take care,

Nancy Castner

President

 

MEMBERSHIP

Membership renewals for the 2022-2023 year are due April 1st. Mail your application and check to Cherie Denton or pay at the April meeting. The renewal form is attached.

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

 

MEETINGS

April 3  noon-2:30pm  Bonnie Jaswith, facilitator and election of officers

We will be making a box(es). Bonnie will show you 2 boxes. You could do the basics of both boxes but probably finish only one.
Both boxes are made with ordinary construction paper - solid color.

• Box 1:  1 12x12 pc of paper and 1 - 6x6 pc of paper.  This will make a 4x4x4 cube with a lid.
• Box 2:   1- 12x12 pc of paper, 1-10x10 pc of paper,  1-8x8 pc of paper,  these will make boxes that stack inside each other.           
• Lids:  6x6,  5x5,  4x4  

You will be collaging both sides of these boxes.  Bring stuff to do this.  A glue stick is okay for inner collaging.  I suggest PVA for the outside papers.
You could do a theme such as engagements, weddings, baby showers/births, school photos, birthdays or others.
If using photos, measure them and we'll adjust the box size accordingly.  

 

May 1   noon-2:30pm  Presentation and workshop by Julie Mars. Julie creates bead mosaic artworks.

" I love the media of glass and reflective acrylic beads for the diverse colors, lusters, translucencies, and other optical effects they offer. Over the past few years I have been working on installations and a series of woven bead mosaics on convex mirrors." 

Her work can be seen on Instagram.

 

June 5 noon-2:30pm

July No Meeting

August 7 9am-2:30pm

September 11 noon-2:30pm

October No Meeting  Retreat October 5-9

November 6  noon-2:30pm 

December 4  noon-2:30pm Holiday Party

 

EXHIBITS 2022  

Awakening

Downers Grove Public Library  April 2 - May 1, 2022

Reception and Poetry Reading  April 29, 6:30 to 8:30

Nancy Swingle is organizing the refreshments for our reception at the Downers Grove Library. We are now able to bring goodies, either homemade or store bought. If you wish to bring something please email Nancy at nancyswingle@yahoo.com with what you are bringing. Thanks so much, in advance, for your help. It will be a great evening! 

Pickup  Saturday, May 7 from 10am until 12pm 

 

There will no longer be a theme for exhibits. Let your imagination run wild! Here is what is coming up in the future:

 Crete Creative Gallery

September 8, 2022 through October 15, 2022

Batavia Library

November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022

Lucky Penny Diner in Naperville

Silent Auction supporting Loaves and Fishes

October, November and December

 

Fall 2022 CREATIVITY RETREAT (sponsored by Midwest Collage Society)  
Please save the dates of October 5-9, 2022 at Camp Alexander Mack.
This year's retreat expands by offering registrations to our members plus artists including painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, and musicians. Couples will also be allowed to register, but will have private housing at the camp.

Registration form is attached to this newsletter. Masks will not be required at the camp this year, due to changes in COVID rules.

Anyone with questions about the “Retreat” and registrants interested in offering a demonstration, workshop, or special entertainment during the retreat please email Margi Hafer at: margihafer@yahoo.com
Please share Retreat information with your friends and fellow artists.

 

Camp Mack sunsets are not to be missed!            

 

Public Art Competition - Call for Artists Cash prizes!
Artists from Naperville and surrounding communities are invited to participate for cash prizes in Naperville Art League’s 19th annual Public Art Competition. Artists are invited to submit one entry per person under the theme “Gear Up”. The piece must be original in design, concept, and execution. It can be any media or mixed-media, and either 2D or 3D. Size restrictions apply.
The deadline for submissions is Saturday, April 9, 2022, with no extensions. All entries will be on display April 12 through 29 at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St., Naperville 60563. An awards presentation will be on April 22, 2022 at 3 pm.
Click here for the information/registration flyer
Gallery hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday 10 am - 4 pm.

 

Crossed Connections A JURIED ART EXHIBITION & SALE
May 7 - June 4, 2022
TLD DESIGN CENTER & GALLERY
26 E. Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559
Westmont Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11:00am - 6:00pm
SEEKING ARTWORK IN THE FOLLOWING MEDIUMS:
Ceramics, Collage, Fiber Art, Garments, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Needlework, Paintings, Photography, Quilts, Sculpture, Tapestries
The exhibit prospectus and digital entry process may be accessed at our secure website: https://www.tlddesigns.com/Crossed.Connections.htm

 

MEMBERS 

Nancy Staszak will have a solo show at the Indian  Prairie Library for the month of April. The Library is located at 401 Plainfield Road —-at the corner of Plainfield and Clarendon Hills Roads in Darien. 

Come see her dinosaurs and other painted and collage works in the newly renovated library.

Tania Blanco is exhibiting her work at the Nature's Best Cafe until the end of April. 1904 Brookdale Rd., Naperville.

Laura Lein Svencner  has a New Online Teaching Platform with Teachable. Check out what she has to offer- Lonecrow Studio