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 Dear Friends,
Last week after she surveyed the artwork for the Juried Show, juror Jacquie Littlejohn remarked, "One of the strongest impressions I had while jurying this show was how incredibly good spirited, familial, and supportive the people are at the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. If I were a local artist intent on developing my practice, or simply wanting to work within a supportive environment, I would definitely look to participate in this Guild." Wow! I can't think of any higher compliment for us as a Guild.
There were 307 amazing entries in this show, and many, many fine works of art didn't make the cut this time. As hard as it is, we all learn a lot from the simple act of putting our work out there and have someone else pass judgment on it. I definitely speak from experience about that, too. Once again, member volunteers showed up to help manage this process, and our co-chairs Erin Nazzaro and Richard Ventre did a terrific job organizing and cataloging works and walking miles in the galleries to get things done. I thank all of you for pitching in, and I think you serve as great role models for every member moving forward. Speaking of moving forward, in about 9 months I will be leaving the Guild and Ridgefield for parts south. I am excited about the change of pace (and I will not miss the winters!). I have had a ball this past year. I couldn't believe my good fortune that I could take over an organization with some pretty cool people already so engaged. Thanks to Rachel Volpone for setting all this up so nicely for me. Her passionate influence will be felt for years to come at the Guild. This is a perfect opportunity for you all to consider stepping up to positions on and off the board, now and into the future. There are so many ways to help. If you want to see the Guild succeed... well, it's up to the board of directors and all Guild members to figure out how that will happen and who will lead. Please contact me, or anyone on the current board, to find out how you can make a difference at the Guild. As Jacquie noted, if you are a local artist intent on developing your practice, then the Guild is the place for you. So many activities at the Guild are on target this fall and winter! The Annual Juried Show opening reception is this Saturday, September 28, 4-6pm. Classes have already started with Carol Miller for kids and teens, and Kim Hanna has put together a great line-up of new after-school classes starting in mid-October. Festive Home planning is in high gear right now, and we will have a Preview Party on Friday evening, November 22, so save the date. The New Year brings "Animal Spirit," our themed member show (January 25), a Golden Acrylics Demo (February 1), and an ARTalk (March 2) by Richard Ventre, who will also have a show in the Upstairs Gallery. Then, there is the juried member show and our issues-based curated, invitation-only exhibition, "Re-imagined." Plenty to keep everyone in and out of the barn all fall and winter! Cheers, Mary Louise |
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 36th Annual Juried Exhibition: Opening Reception & Awards Saturday, September 28, 2013 4 - 6 PM 34 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, CT
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Redding artist Dan Sharkey opens "People, Places and Cows" on Saturday, September 28, with a reception from 4-6pm.
Be sure to stop in and see Dan's amazing paintings! His show will run through Saturday, October 26.
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Satellite Gallery Opportunities
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The Ridgefield Guild of Artists offers its members an opportunity to showcase their art through our Satellite Galleries in town. During the last four years the Guild has hung over 20 artist members in seven different locations. If you would like to have your paintings shown, please submit some printed images of your work (no more than 4 pages of 8.5 x 11") with sizes, medium, prices and contact information. If you have a short artist statement, that would be nice, too. Our town locations are a great way to show work and get your name out there. We do sell pieces and when that happens there is a 60/40 split; the artist gets 60%, the business and Guild split the 40%. If you have questions, please contact Cindi Mullins at ckmu1@aol.com. |
 This Friday, September 27, 7:30-9:30, come for a sneak preview of the Juried Show! Hosted by Mary Harold and Antonio Muņoz. Bring your own beverage and a snack to share. |
 Artists have until Friday, September 27 to submit artwork or provide their website link to the Guild for selection by decorators. Up to four images can be emailed to: festivehome2013@gmail.com, or you can email the Guild (rgoa@sbcglobal.net) with your website link and image.
Please contact Joan ( rgoa@sbcglobal.net) if you want to help in coming weeks with everything Festive. We need help with tagging merchandise, sponsors, events and parties, so don't be shy! Much of our merchandise will be arriving after October 1 and there will be a lot of work to do then. If you can help with unpacking, sorting, tagging, etc. on any Monday in October and November, please email Joan and let her know.
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explore inspire create * explore inspire create * explore inspire create
Thanks to Kim Hanna, we have a schedule full of great classes for kids of all ages starting soon. Mark your calendar for Carol Miller's Traditional Drawing and Painting classes which begin on Saturday, September 14. Then, we have Art Studio with Kim, Introduction to Art with Laura McCormick, and Sculpture with Justin Perlman, all of which begin in October. For the full class schedule, please click here. Call Joan Isaac to reserve space for your child in one of these wonderful sessions 203-438-8863 or rgoa@sbcglobal.net.
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On January 25, our themed member-only show will open. This year our theme is "Animal Spirit," and we will be publishing a prospectus for it after December. In the meantime, start thinking of your art in terms of this provocative theme. We will once again expect you to include a short description to be displayed alongside the artwork. Fun!
If you would like to co-chair this show, please email Joan. This show needs you!
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The Golden Artist Colors, Inc.'s Patti Mollica will be coming to the Guild on Saturday, February 1, 3-5pm for a demonstration and lecture about the power and wonder of acrylics. All are invited to attend this workshop, but you will have to register in advance so you receive free samples and color guides. There will be a limit of 35 attendees, so be sure to be on the list! Call or email Joan at the Guild to secure your spot.
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STAY IN THE LOOP AND DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON:
 
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 GUILD OF ARTIST MISSION Ridgefield Guild of Artists is a regional and community-based art organization that promotes the visual arts and arts education by providing: (1) high quality gallery space for exhibitions, (2) art classes for children and adults, (3) opportunities for artist-in-residency programs, (4) and art lectures on-site and in collaboration with other cultural organization.
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