Submitted by Princy Simonsen

 

Hello Everyone! Here we are, hoping for Spring. My plants and trees are convinced that Spring is here. They are probably confused. At our recent meeting, one of our fellow artists and new member, Carol Ritter, said that she really appreciated what we as a group, were doing for the artists and aspiring artists in our community. She said that just a few years ago there were no groups, workshops, classes offered and events like there are now. It is this kind of feedback that really re-energizes us as a group.

Sometimes we struggle with the logistics of things such as an “Art and Sol” or starting the Art Gallery, but as we hang in there and learn, we get better and gain more confidence. There are so many good artists and photographers here in Pahrump, and we are happy with the response that we are getting so far, and are always grateful for positive feedback so a big thank you, Carol.

Speaking of workshops, I have included some pictures (thank you, Lenora) from the Pastel workshop given last month by a wonderful local artist, Maggie Brown Shoosmith. She specializes in horses, and from what I have seen of her work it’s fab! She took first place overall in the “Wild West Extravaganza” Juried show.

Lenora Danielson had to say about the class….”I must say that Maggie’s class was very informative. She made the task of drawing a horse’s head so easy! I never would have imagined that I could draw one, but she had me drawing in no time.”

Ty Cook said, “I loved that class! She came into a room full of artists eager to learn. I try to keep an open mind with art. It’s like a parachute, only works when it’s open! I really didn’t mind her hands on approach, it’s mileage that we all lack, not instruction. I learned a ton about pastel……squint your eyes to look at your work, building all the muscles on the horse as we draw it in really makes it look lifelike. I am looking forward to another class.”

Melvina Robichaux showed some of her beautiful and unique art work. She was unanimously voted in as a member. Welcome, Melvina, and we look forward to seeing more of your stuff, hopefully in one of our show galleries.

On February 22nd, SMART member George Wilson held a workshop on “Human Body Gestures in Charcoal,” Lloyd Martin gives painting classes in the Art Gallery using watercolors and acrylics, we have recently had jewelry making classes, and at our last meeting member Wilhelmina Moses gave us an informative talk on pressing and displaying dried flowers. Previous to that, Charlise Butler taught us all how to make greeting cards with our artwork and how to display and sell what we make. We have lots of things lined up for the coming months. You wont find classes like these, at these prices anywhere. (Minimal or free!)

We have been asked by the Pahrump Auto Plaza to paint a mural on the water tower adjacent to their lot. Our committee chairman, George, is now in talks with them about how best the Plaza can prepare the surface so our artistic efforts won’ t fly off in the desert wind!

Speaking of wall murals, I will soon be starting a new one in the museum. I’m really excited about it. They are installing a new mining display and I will be painting the background mural. It will go to their budget committee on the 7th to get approval on my fee.

One of our wonderful local art teachers and artist, Doris Smith, managed to get interviewed, one on one, at our local TV station, and also got us some publicity for our Pahrump Art Gallery. I have included some pictures. The show is called “Dinnertime” and the MC is Linda Kass. It will air on channel 46 in early March. It will appear after that on You Tube. I’ll post the address for that as soon as it airs.

We are now planning an outdoor Art Show to be held behind the Gallery in the enclosed area, and an indoor juried show inside the Gallery, possibly at the same time. We are going to be steeped in art this year. There’s no stopping us now!

We will be changing the gallery in the Treasurer’s Office on March 21st. The theme is “Western.” Then we will be changing the gallery in the American First National Bank on March 28th and the theme is “Spring.”

Have a wonderful March, and I’ll talk with you next month. Please contact me if you have anything you would like included in next month’s Art Beat.

 

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints

his own nature into his pictures.”

- Henry Ward Beecher