Akron Society of Artists News

Links of Note:

AAAA, the Akron Area Arts Alliance:
http://akronareaarts.org

Artists of Rubber City:
http://www.artistsofrubbercity.org

Women's Art League of Akron:
http://www.womensartleague.org

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center:
http://www.cvartcenter.org

Ohio Plein Air Society:
http://www.ohiopleinairsociety.com

Ohio Watercolor Society:
http://www.ohiowatercolorsociety.com

Portrait Society of America:
http://www.portraitsociety.org

Sandro Bonaiuto was invited to speak to ASA on April the 23rd 2008. This program was made possible through the efforts of Mary Sanders. Artists of Rubber City, Women’s Art League, Hudson Art League, CVAC were invited to attend. Linda Hutchinson publicized the meeting in the Record Courier and the Beacon Journal. There were over 50 people who attended the program.

Sandro brought five samples of his sculpture and spoke for an hour on his artistic inspirations, life, and training in Italy. It was a very interesting and dynamic presentation.

Judy Gaiser has corresponded with Sandro since the program. He was very much impressed with ASA and would like to continue his association with the group. He has offered to conduct a sculpture workshop sometime in the fall of the year. This idea will be pursued in the months ahead.

On the first Saturday of every month from 5-10:00pm the city of Akron sponsors Art Walks throughout the spring, summer, and fall in Akron's Northside and Historic Districts. AAAA will have the Summit ArtSpace gallery open, and we will welcome visitors to our third floor studio.There will be a model present to draw or paint and possibly a still life set up. All members are invited to participate during the evening "Open Studio." Tell you friends to stop by and visit!

In the North Side District, the Red Light Galleries and Studios and Millworks Gallery will be open, as well as the studio of nationally know potters Zeber-Martell (perhaps with jazz quartet) along with many other studios in their building. Almost all galleries feature hors d'ors and often a glass of wine. Mocha Maiden and Musica will also be open just down Market Street from Summit Artspace. The city provides free trolley transportation to all the open galleries and studios participating. Park at Summit Art Space and take the trolley!

Erin had her "Death Piece" accepted into a juried show put on by the Elmhurst Artist Guild in Elmhurst, Illinois (Chicago area). There were 40 artists represented. The juror teaches art at the Elmhurst College. Seven awards were given: 1 Best of Show, 2 "Awards of Excellence", 2 "Awards of Merit", and 2 "Awards of Recognition". Erin received one of the "first place" Awards of Excellence! We are all very proud of her.

The results from the New York finals are not yet available. A comprehensive overview will be possible when that event is concluded. So far we know that for the Regional Scholastic Award Ceremony held January 26th 2008, there were 2006 entries from 6 counties of which 310 received awards. ASA awarded a $600 scholarship the Emma Kropp of Aurora High School and honorable mention awards to Ian Jones of Crestwood, Danielle Lewandowski of Aurora, and Hannah Orr of Crestwood. Each winner receives a silver ASA lapel pin and one year free membership to ASA.

This ongoing scholarship award program is an integral part of ASA's purpose and is mandated by its bylaws. ASA, which began 76 years ago in Akron, believes that its future is in the young and our own self interest lies in encouraging them to carry on what we have started.

Kaleidoscope, the Alliance for Visual Arts juried show for local artists held at Summit Art Space from December through the first week of January, awarded Signature member Linda Hutchinson with First Place for her painting,"Hidden Symmetry."

ASA Signature member Judy Gaiser won the "Kaleidoscope Award." Her painting, "Iris," was selected by popular vote of gallery visitors. Judy received a kaleidoscope, designed and created by glass artist Bob Pozarski.

The Alliance for Visual Arts in Akron, is a group comprised of over 500 working artists from Akron Society of Artists, Artists of Rubber City, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center and Women’s Art League.

Thanks to a grant from the
Akron Community Foundation

Every Friday morning from 9:00 - 12:00 ASA members have the excellent opportunity to draw and paint a live model. Cost is $5 per session, and models work the same pose for three sessions.

Be sure to arrive BEFORE 9:00 to take the elevator up the the third floor and set up in time. Late arrivers will have to wait until the first model break around 9:30.

Contact ASA Friday Session Coordinator Judy Gaiser ggaiser@nls.net to receive e-mail alerts about who will be posing, cancellations, etc. or model opportunities.

Many thanks Judy, for all your hard work!

Every Wednesday evening ASA members meet to expand their artistic horizons. On the first Wednesday of any month, artists draw and paint a live model for only $3. On the second and third Wednesdays, we may bring paintings or drawings that address a common challenge, or watch an artist's video. On the last Wednesday, we usually have a critique, hosted by one of our Signature or Emeritus Members.

Go to our ASA schedule page to see what's happening this quarter.

Contact Jana Volkmer janawilson@alltel.net with any program ideas you would like to share.

Many thanks, Jana, for all your hard work!