Annual Meeting and Holiday Party

At our recent annual meeting and holiday party, we elected a new board for next year and paid tribute to Clayton Curtis and Debbie Gates, both long standing board members that are now retiring.

Officers for the coming year:

President - Barbara Gherzi

Vice President - Gail Gallop

Secretary - Ruth Rooks

Treasurer - Jeannette Yeaple

Membership - Judy Moynihan

Liaison to Marian Court - Liz Murphy

Members-at-large - Janet Cook, D.L. Kaulbach, Brenda Rangel, Michael Reardon, Robin Samiljan, Marjorie Snow

A few of our members spreading holiday cheer...

Pictured above (left to right) Pat Macaulay(sitting) Carmela Martin, Ruth Rooks - secretary, Jean Fisher, and Marianne Main. Below, Gail Gallop - VP, Jerilyn Morgan, Marilyn Cloran, Rick Cloran, Liz Murphy - liaison to Marian Court College, Leslie Teague, Jeannette Yeaple, and Debbie Gates.

Below, president Barbara Gherzi (pictured far right) holding our annual business meeting before dessert is served.

The party was held at the newly renovated Tedesco Country Club thanks to Joanie Johnson and her generosity. We are now looking forward to our winter show opening January 8 at the Gallery at Grosvenor Park.

Upcoming Winter Show

Our Fall Exhibition at Marian Court College

Our beautiful fall show finally opened on Thursday, October 13th. Of the 56 pieces hanging the following works were chosen for ribbons and awards:

The Marian Court Award was given to K Jean Fisher for her acrylic, "16th Century Tuscan Doorway"

Honorable mentions went to "Brown Eyes", acrylic by J. J. Cook

"Salem Harbor", an oil by Connie Donovan

"Misty Morn", an acrylic by Joanie Johnson

Karen Hoskins "A Day at the Beach" (photo)

1st place - Ruth Rooks, for her water color, "Highway Ahead"

2nd place - Robin Samiljan, for her encaustic on panel, "Waves"

3rd place - Richard Pohl, for his oil painting, "New Times Roman"

Bravo and congratulations all. The show is available to view until Nov. 1st, during regular school hours.

Flooding postpones Fall Show

The Swampscott Arts Association had to postpone the opening for the annual fall show due to town-wide flooding last week. We have been able to reschedule and the opening reception is now this Thursday evening October 13, from 6 - 8pm at Marian Court College on Little's Point. As always, the opening reception is free and open to the public.

Fall Show at Marian Court College

To all members: The take-in for the fall show at MCC will be on Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and from 6:00 to 7:30 only. We start to hang at 7:00, and the judges will evaluate the art on the following day. Opening night is Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7:00. Hope to see all members and friends at the opening!

SAA summer show at Grosvenor Park

Swampscott Arts Association will hold its annual summer show at Grosvenor Park, with an opening reception on Sunday, August 7, from 3:00 to 5:00. The Gallery at Grosvenor Park is at 7 Loring Hills Avenue, in Salem (near Vinnin Square). You can expect a variety of mediums and styles. The oil painting above is by newest member, Brenda Rangel, titled "For the Halibut".

SAA Summer Picnic

After a brief rain, Ruth Rook's garden just sparkled, and we moved outside.

First a delicious picnic meal, then a brief meeting, and finally the raffle was held.

Past presidents, Liz Murphy and Ron Harrison trade stories! (on the left)

Long time member K. Jean Fisher, and most senior member Anne Kemmelman,

smile for the camera. (from right)

SAA Summer Show

You're invited to our opening reception for SAA Member's Summer Show, at Grosvenor Park Gallery, 7 Loring Ave., Salem (978-741-5700). Date: August 7, from 3:00 to 5:00. The show runs until the 7th of September, daily from 10:00 to 6:00.

SAA 2011 Scholarship Recipients

SAA presented two scholarships this year, to developing young artists. Miss Fiona Buchanan (and mom on left) and Miss Merina Zeller (and family on right) received the awards from President Barbara Gherzi (center) at MCC on 5/19/11. Fiona attends BU College of Fine Arts, and Merina will attend Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University in the fall. Both are from Swampscott High School. Bravo, to both young women, and best wishes for a bright, colorful future in art!

Final Demo of the Season

At our final demo of this season, well known local artist Clayton Curtis, with thoughtful instruction, created a mini-masterpiece in pastels. Wonderful! Thank you, Clayton.

Another Opening! Another Show!

The SAA Spring Art Exhibit, opening on Sunday, April 15th, featured beautiful art by many regional favorites, including the following winners of prizes and ribbons.

First Place: Noreen Nelson "Just Clowning Around", mixed media

Second Place: Clayton Curtis "Still Life with Bread and Tomatoes", pastel

Third Place: Robin Samiljan "Spring Pathway", encaustic

Honorable Mentions: Amy Roberts "Landing Reflections" (photo); Ruth Rooks "Intermission Cafe" (oil); Bob Oliver "Mail Call" (watercolor); and Barbara Gherzi "When Rachel Sings" (water color). The Marian Court Award was given to Deborah Gates "Caitlin" (watercolor).

Scholarship Announcement

Scholarships will be awarded to Swampscott High School Art Students through direct application this year. They must submit a portfolio of work, or be known to SAA members, and be going on to study art at the college level. And we may go back to someone overlooked last year! Watch this space for the announcement of names!

Spring Show at Marian Court College

Members are invited to bring their art to the college on Wednesday, April 13th, from 2:30 to 4:00, or 6:00 to 7:30, for inclusion in our next show. The show will open on Sunday, April 17th, with a reception from 2:00 to 4:00. Awards and ribbons will be presented at the reception. As always, we are grateful to our host, Marian Court College, for the use of Mercy Center Gallery for the display of our art. The show will run from April 17th to May 19th, and can be viewed at school hours during the week.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant

Thanks and appreciation to Lisa Delaney, who wrote the MA Cultural Council grant application. SAA has been awarded a generous grant to support demonstrations for local artists, such as the up-coming one listed below!

George Martin Demo

"Figs 1", oil on linen, 6" x 8"

by George Martin

Venturing out from under the mounds of snow, we offer a demo by an outstanding local artist, George Martin. His medium is oil painting, and he will demonstrate how to reduce pieces using grids (for small show submissions or clients who want it just a little bit smaller), as part of our on-going series of practical knowledge for the serious artist. It's free, and will be at Marian Court College, 35 Little's Point Road, in Swampscott. Date is March 15th, Tuesday, at 7:00.

A Day of Art, Music, Food and History

A Special Event has been planned by Laura Erlich, formerly of Erlich Gallery in Marblehead. A Guide to the Boston Art World will take you to Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Hill Stead Estates, for a full day of art, music, historical homes and food adventures. The date is May 6th, and transportation is included. Contact Laura Erlich at erlichgallery@yahoo.com.

Winter Classes

Local Classes: Marty Riskin, at Marblehead Council on Aging Building, on Mon. or Fri. at 9:30. It's an oil class, but you can also work in watercolor. Several SAA members are in the class, and they say it's great!

Paula Beaulieu is offering six classes in watercolor for $50, on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30. Call 781-631-6225 for more information.

Bravo, Robin Samiljan, who offered instruction in watercolor painting at Montserrat College on Sat. Feb. 19th, and Sat. Feb. 26th. The class was excellent! We're looking forward to you next Sat. offering in the fall!

Curator Nancy Ferguson welcomes member Mary Anne Main to the opening of the

SAA exhibit at Grosvenor Park Gallery.

Members Ruth Rooks and Herb Goldberg enjoy the scene!

Ginger Zeller and canine friend chat with artist friends.

Photographer Peggy Farrell celebrates her Best of Show ribbon

with President Barbara Gherzi and fellow artist Irene Hettinger.

Our blogmaster, Robin Samiljan, stands near her two encaustic paintings.

SAA celebrated the opening of our winter show at the Grosvenor Park Gallery in Salem.

Congratulations to Peggy Farrell, (BOS) and Michael Reardon (the Lucy Winant Award winner).

Over 50 beautiful works of art will hang though Feb. 3rd.