Schedules, programs, news.
After a successful trial run last autumn, “Bring a Book, Take a Book” returns this Thursday at our formal meeting featuring Winnie Godfrey!
Our membership chair, Sylvia Tester notes that “many of us have a host of books about art and natural history”, and “the idea is to bring a book you have read and probably will not read again, and to take home a book that is new to you”. It is requested that the subject matter be limited to art, photography and natural history.
At the first formal meeting in 2011 of the Nature Artists’ Guild, on Thursday, February 10 from 7 to 9 pm, we will have the privilege of welcoming accomplished artist Winifred Godfrey.
While best known for her stunning grand-scale floral paintings, Winnie also has a national following for her work in other subjects. Winnie has been featured in numerous publications, is the recipient of many honors, and her artwork is included in private, corporate and museum collections and has been exhibited throughout North America.
A few of Winnie’s most recent accomplishments in the last few months have been a one-woman exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center and participation in the renowned Grand Rapids “ArtPrize” competition ( with a 72” x 112” floral triptych of gladioli!)
In Winnie’s words, “What primarily interests me in painting flowers is the delicate and temporary quality of the blossom. Although they are painted realistically, the subject is just the starting point for an abstract study of luminosity, transparency and form.”
“The trick is to catch my live subjects at precisely the right moment when the sun illuminates their fragile components.”
Please visit Winnie’s website for a better appreciation of the delight in store for our February meeting. What a way to brighten up a winter evening and turn our attention towards spring!
Our formal meeting featuring Winnie Godfrey has been rescheduled for next Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 7 pm. Stay warm and safe and we’ll see you next week!
The Nature Artists’ Guild calendar is already full of exciting exhibits, programs, workshops and paint-outs for next year. Please click on the “Important Dates” tab above to see the updated list. As there are a number of dates “to be announced” and details to be added, remember to check back often for updates!
At one of our programs last fall, Patty Koenigsaecker’s date sticks were such a hit that we were asked to post the recipe on the blog! Click here for the recipe, just in time for holiday baking (you may also need to click on the recipe when it opens to increase the size).
As busy as you may be at this time of the year, there are just a few more Nature Artists’ Guild events you may still want to work into your schedule –
It appears that everyone had a good time at the holiday party! It was a special treat to have former president and newest honorary member Mary Ingels surprise us with a visit. President Jill Adzia thanked all who have worked so hard in the last year, new officers were sworn in, raffle prizes were given out, and lots of good food and laughs were shared!
Sure, everyone is busy at this time of the year, but the Nature Artists’ Guild annual Holiday Party and Elections evening is worth adding to your calendar. After a few votes and some inspiring words by incoming or outgoing NAG officers, the party begins! Bring a dish to pass (there always seems to be an emphasis on desserts, which is certainly not a bad thing), and enjoy the chance to just chat with your fellow artists, catch up with old friends, or help new members feel welcome. You may win something in the raffle (if you would like to contribute a book, print or other item to the raffle, it would definitely be appreciated), or you can just cheer on your fellow members (somehow, there are always a lucky few who go home with a PILE of prizes). Guests are welcome to join us for this relaxing and fun way to kick-off the holiday season! The party will take place in the Founders’ Room at Thornhill, beginning at 7 pm.
We got a little muddy, we experienced a little Zen, and we had a great time at the program last night!
Nancy Hart 
led us through the history of clay, inspired us with her beautiful work, and even walked us all through the tactile experience of silently molding clay with our eyes closed. As always, Nancy was so fun, interesting and informative. Thank you Nancy, for a thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Nature Artists' Guild 
