Dear Friends,

This has been an incredible two years since I took over from Rachel Volpone as President. I remember my first visit to the Guild many years ago. It was a depressing place with awful wall-to-wall carpeting and peg-board walls in the galleries. You had to open a door to get into the galleries, and there was no one around in the foyer. It was creepy and dank. I couldn't wait to get out of there! After Chris Curnan came in and created the gallery space we have today, and the carpets were removed to reveal those beautiful old floors, the place was truly transformed. Rachel created a board of directors that was full of committed, creative individuals with some great ideas about making the Guild a place for the community, a place that really served the artists, a place with that creative vibe that resonated for everyone. During my tenure as President, I tried to keep all of that together and increase our visibility among artists and visitors. I think the Guild has come a long, long way!

Now, the Guild is at a jumping off place. People know about our exhibits, children come to our camps and after-school programs, and adults are finding their way to classes with great teachers. What is next? How will the future unfold for the Guild? I don't have the answers to those questions, but I do know that the future will be in very capable hands on March 1, 2014. That is the day that Pam Stoddart becomes our Executive Director, and Mary Pat Devine and Mary Harold take over as co-Presidents. Each of these women brings a different skill set to the job, and I know the Guild will profit from their expertise. They are excited about their new roles, and I am so happy for them!

The most important bond that your new leaders will form is with you, members. Your input and help are crucial to the future of the Guild. They need your ideas, your hands and your dedication to keep moving forward. Please see this change of leadership as your opportunity to do more with the Guild, and let Pam, Mary Pat and Mary know you are ready and able to take on a job, large or small. There are so many ways you can make your mark at the Guild.

Before I get out of here, I owe a huge thanks to Joan Isaac, our fearless gallery manager. Joan has the institutional knowledge about the Guild that is priceless. She has greeted people, handled emergencies, kept the books, and generally provided the glue that holds the Guild's walls together. Thanks to her hard work, the Guild thrives! Thanks, Joan!

So, as I leap out into the new world (well, that's what they called Florida, once upon a time), I wish you well, many great creative experiences, and lots of inspiration!

Cheers,

Mary Louise

Last Weekend to see this great exhibit!  

Artists, please pick up your unsold artwork on Sunday, March 2 at 4pm or Tuesday, March 4, 12-4pm. We cannot store artwork after a show closes, so please be prompt.

Goddess of the Hunt: Interpretations of the Sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Diana

On Sunday, March 2 at 2pm, please join us at the Guild for an ARTalk presentation by Richard Ventre who is currently exhibiting his photomontages in the upstairs gallery at the Guild. In collaboration with the Ridgefield Library, the Guild presents Richard's interactive talk about the history, inspiration and re-imagining of the Diana sculpture of August Saint-Gaudens.  

A multi-faceted ARTalk event, this presentation will include a broadly scoped visual presentation, and a demonstration of the methods and techniques employed by both the artist and his models. In addition, several models who created their Dianas will offer unique contemporary perspectives on interpreting Saint-Gaudens' Goddess of the Hunt.

Come early to meet Richard and his models, and to view the artwork. This is sure to entertain and inform! You won't want to miss it. Refreshments will be served.

Curated by RGA's Creative Director, Kim Hanna, the RE-Imagined Exhibition explores the idea of re-conceptualizing, re-purposing and re-imagining as a visual art form. This invitational show will feature artists who use their materials in unique and unexpected ways to express their personal vision.

The inspiration for this show comes from several artists whom Kim has admired throughout the years: the quiet sculptures of Cyrilla Mozenter's "More Saints Seen" series in which she uses industrial wool, toothpicks, and wooden ice cream spoons found in the street; the enchanting light installations by conceptual artist Rune Guneriussen, who transforms the most ordinary of objects into magical landscape creations; and of course the awe-inspiring assemblages of El Anatsui. These artists and others have influenced Kim's own work and provided the motivation to gather together other artists who share this same sensibility.

In RE-Imagined some artists use recycled materials. Some push their chosen medium until it evolves into something altogether different. Others remake, deconstruct, expand, and transform. Some pieces have a very personal history. Some artists surprise and delight the viewer with their installations; but be assured that all share their vision with resourcefulness, wit, and wisdom.

The Annual Juried Member Show begins receiving in early May. This year we are pleased to have Laura Einstein as our juror. Check the website for details in the coming weeks.

Art Walk 2014 is coming! The Guild and town come together August 22-September 14. Prospectus and complete details will be available on our website in April.