The Fiber Art of Sharon Malec, March 3, 2011

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Although we’ve all seen and admired her beautiful creations, soon we’ll also have the opportunity to see just how she does it!  We’re talking about, of course, Sharon Malec, one of the Nature Artists’ Guild’s own talented fiber artists.  At our formal meeting on Thursday, March 3, 2011, from 7 to 9 pm, Sharon will give us some background on various types of fiber art, including quilting and wool needle felting, bring some of her work, and even conduct a demonstration of some of her techniques! 

Sharon’s interest in nature helped to develop her distinctive style of art, and she is now most recognized for her unique and realistic depictions of nature and wildlife in fiber.   Her talents have led Sharon to serve on the faculty at national quilt shows, be published in Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine, and have quilts in the permanent collections of the Museum of the American Quilt’s Society in KY, the Lincoln Memorial library in CA, and the Norris Gallery in IL. 

An excellent instructor, Sharon also shares her knowledge and experience in three books, 64 patterns, and an instructional video.   Sharon’s website is www.malec-designs.com.

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We’re Glad You’re Here

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The month isn’t even over yet and we’ve already received the most monthly “hits” (looks) ever on the Nature Artists’ Guild blog (the  service provider records the number of times the blog is accessed, but not by whom).  We’re so glad you’re visiting!  

Of course, we all love our publication, The Nature Artists’ Quarterly – you really can’t beat it for relaxing along with a nice hot cup of tea.   The stories and artwork contributed by your fellow Nature Artist Guild members are so nice to peruse when you have the time to really get comfortable, sit back and enjoy them (and don’t forget that you are always encouraged to send in your own news and artwork!)  You will just love the heartwarming article and artwork contributed by Nancy Hart in the upcoming edition (which you should be receiving in your mail next week).   

But when you’re running late, can’t find your Quarterly, and just need to look up a paint-out date, or want to follow a link to see more of one of a program artist’s work, the blog (or website) is the place to go! Come back any time!

Looking Forward to Your Latest!

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This is just a reminder of a few deadlines coming up –what a busy month for Nature Artists’ Guild members!

This Friday, February 18, the prospectus for the Canterbury Shoppe Spring Exhibit is due, and Saturday, March 5, the prospectus for The Morton Arboretum Spring Exhibit is due.  Saturday, February 26 is the day to drop off and pick up your artwork at the Canterbury Shoppe.  (You should have received instructions for both exhibits either through e-mail or mail.  If you haven’t received them, please leave a comment below, and we’ll make sure to get them to you.)

These are both great exhibit opportunities for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild – the arboretum exhibit alone attracts up to 1000 visitors over the weekend.   Do you have a few drawings or paintings newly completed or almost completed?   Maybe some that have been sitting around for a while waiting for a new wave of inspiration or just waiting to be framed?   Now is a great time to finish them up and get them hung!  We look forward to seeing your latest work!

Botanical Art Acquisition

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If you’ve attended Botanical Art classes at the The Morton Arboretum, you’ve probably had the chance to see some of the rare prints and original artwork from the impressive collection held by The Sterling Morton Library. 

The Nature Artists’ Guild  recently made a donation to the arboretum to show our gratitude and to help contribute to their mission.  Our donation late last year was used by the library to purchase some contemporary artwork to add to their collection.  As Arlene Widrevitz, of the Rare Print Collection writes,

“The newest acquisitions in the Print Collection of The Sterling Morton Library were purchased with funds donated by The Nature Artists’ Guild.

Winter Portrait:  Asclepias syriaca by Karen Johnson is an example of scratchboard art. The scratchboard technique is normally associated with the use of ink, but here, Karen has created a black and white image with graphite. This original piece features dried milkweed pods with the seeds escaping against a prairie background.

Winter Portrait: Asclepias syriaca, © Karen Johnson

Sacred Union by Kimberly Mullarkey is an example of her delicate colored pencil work on a black background. The image is an imaginative combination of an insect with one wing outspread superimposed over the human skeleton.

Sacred Union, © Kimberly Mullarkey

Amanita muscaria  and Russula Bouquet II by Alexander “Sasha” Viazmensky represent his work in watercolor. Sasha specializes in portraying the mushrooms that he finds in the woods near his home in St. Petersburg, Russia. Sasha recently taught a class in mushroom painting here at the Arboretum, which was very popular with his students and everyone who was able to see his work and that of his class. Amanita muscaria is an original in watercolor and Russula Bouquet II is a print of his watercolor work.

Amanita muscaria, © Alexander Viazmensky

 

Russula Bouquet II, © Alexander Viazmensky

These works will be available for viewing in classes that feature these techniques. Also, anyone can make an appointment to view these artworks or any others here in the library. We do enjoy showing off our collections!”

Stencils from your own Artwork – Think of the Possibilities!

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Tomorrow, from 10 am to 2 pm, the Nature Artists’ Guild will be hosting one of our two scheduled spring workshops.  Tomorrow’s workshop will focus on creating stencils from your own artwork, which can then be used on almost anything – fabrics, furniture,  walls, you name it!  You should have received an e-mail earlier this week with the supply list.  At first glance, it may look like quite a few items, but if you read it carefully, you probably already have most or all of the supplies.  If you are just interested in making the stencils, and want to do your painting at a different time, you don’t even need to bring the last few items. 

 The workshop will be held in Room A at Thornhill, so please stop in!

Winnie Wowed Us!

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Last evening at our formal program, Winnie Godfrey captivated us with her artwork, her warmth and her humor.  Seeing slides of her artwork, hearing stories of her art adventures, asking her questions, and getting the chance to see many of her original paintings (including a favorite of hers and most of the audience – Peony, seen in the post below, as well as one part of the triptych also posted below), made it absolutely worthwhile to have braved the cold! 

Thank you, Winnie, for going the extra mile and bringing your gorgeous paintings.  What a wonderful treat!

“Bring a Book, Take a Book” returns this Thursday

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 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.

The Stunning Floral Art of Winnie Godfrey, February 10th

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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.

Peony, ©Winnie Godfrey

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!)   

Garden Flowers Triptych, 72 x 112, ©Winnie Godfrey

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!

An Early Sign of Spring

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It used to be the seed and bulb catalogs that got you through those long winter months, but now you also have the option of the online catalog of classes offered at The Morton Arboretum!  Believe it or not, our earliest sign of spring, the arboretum’s education schedule, has arrived.  Whether it’s Botanical Art, Photography, Natural History, Gardening and Horticulture, or Ornithology, there is a class or workshop for everyone.    Click here to begin.  Enjoy!

Hausermann’s Paint-Out is Still On

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The Hausermann’s paint-out is still scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, February 4.    It’s even fine with them if you show up early – they open at 8 am.  Yes, it will be cold outside, but  Hausermann’s showroom is a great place to warm up and forget about the weather.   Don’t forget, one lucky participant will receive a free orchid to take home!  Contact Ku-mie Kim to RSVP if you haven’t already.