January 2022 Newsletter

EVENTS

WORKSHOPS

CLASSES

EVENTS

Participate, Share, and Celebrate the Arts

GALLERY HOURS

We are open Tuesday through Saturday

from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.

New docent shift times are 11:00 - 1:30 and 1:30 - 4:00.

The gallery will be open for Thirsty Thursday on January 27^th with gallery staying open until 7:00 pm.

COME ON OVER!

2021 IN REVIEW

2021 has proven to be another unprecedented year, and we have all experienced challenging times. CAL would like to shine a light on the good happening within our doors and through our members.

Our education programs were comprised of 520 class sessions, 68 free group sessions, 12 workshops offered, and 10 free art demonstrations.

Our artists have been sharing their works in varied exhibitions. We have held 10 Member Shows, 6 Art In The City exhibits, 6 Woodforest solo exhibits, and 12 special exhibits (Trunk Show, CAL National, 12x12, collaborative mural, etc).

CAL has had a great in-person and on-line presence in the community. We have completed 41 CAL Live Interviews, awarded 4 Banner Winners and 7 People’s Choice/ 2 Juan Cantavella Awards, with 423 Facebook and Instagram Posts. CAL increased social media presence on Facebook by 74%, increased our Instagram reach by 185%.

CAL's juried shows have also gained in popularity. The Spring Show (LSAG Qualifier) had 253 entries, while CAL National had 243 artists from 33 states submit 616 images.

You may feel discouraged that the sales market has taken a hit, but we have sold 370 items through the gallery for $21,015. In addition, we have raised $6275 for the student awards from the 12x12 show and profited $5800 from the CAL National.

We cannot say enough about our volunteers. 520 docent shifts were worked for 1300 hours of service, 12 artist receptions hosted for 96 volunteer hours, 12 shows hung for 288 volunteer hours, Spring Show 60 volunteer hours, CAL National 100 volunteer hours, other special exhibits for 300 volunteer hours, and many more uncounted volunteer hours. Thank you all for taking the time to do your part.

We are happy to announce we have 350 active members to date.

In summary, we are a growing community of creators and have a spirit of learning and an ability to enlighten those we share our talents with. We grow stronger everyday because we are willing to put ourselves out there. We are happy that whatever goes around comes around... as long as its not COVID. Thank you for your commitment to CAL in 2021, we look forward to many more years of growing with you.

MAY THE BIDDING CONTINUE

The on-line auction has opened and will continue until 4:00pm CST on February 25th. Every February we hold the 12X12 show which takes the place of the Open Member Show. The 12"x 12" artwork will be on display on the CAL gallery throughout the month of February. Our members were given a panel to create and donate an original work to the auction. The proceeds go to our Student Awards Show for Montgomery County High School Seniors. Use QR below

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN

The December recipient of the Juan Cantavella Award is Bob Shepherd for his painting “Fatal Allure”. Pictured are Bob Shepherd (L) and Juan Cantavella (R).

FEBRUARY TAKE-IN/OUT

There will be no February take-in, as the 12X12's have already been received.

The take-out for January's show will be Tuesday, February 1st, from 10:30am - 4:00pm. Be sure to pick up your artwork then.

MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING

The next general meeting will be held on

Saturday, February 5th, at 4:00pm.

Student Raffle

Be sure to get your tickets for this month's raffle item. Kerry Conkling has donated a wonderful tea gift basket.

Support Montgomery County high school seniors and the student art awards by making a donation to participate in the drawing.

Purchase your tickets here.

ARTIST RECEPTION

The February reception will be Saturday the 5th,

from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

FEBRUARY MINI-SHOWS

CAL will host two mini-shows during the 12X12 show next month.

The Houston Area Oil Painters show is being held on February 11th, 12th and 13th with a reception on Friday, the 11th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The artists participating are Gary Hernandez, Kristine Schneider, Beau Crump, and Debra Riley.

Jennifer Claussen will exhibit sculptures on February 18th, 19th and 20th with a reception on Friday, the 18th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

GET TO KNOW YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS

We have conducted over 40 interviews with more in the line-up. Check out our growing library of in-depth talks with our CAL artists on MCPLive.tv studios in downtown Conroe.

You can see the entire playlist just click here.

If you are interested in being interviewed please contact gallerymanager@conroeartleague.com.

Ms. Eulice Vial called the gallery to say she was one of the charter members and at age 91 was probably the only one still living. She wanted to give to CAL a donation, which made me want to visit and find out more about her history with our organization. Ms. Vial proudly took me through her home showing me her oil paintings as well as those done by her grandmother, Theat B. Madeley, also a charter member of CAL.

Ms. Vial told me that they formed the league because art at that time had become “unrecognizable” and they wanted art to be “recognizable”. She commented that the original charter for CAL stated this. She recalled how Fred Chaney made panels for them to show their art on when they had shows at the downtown Conroe funeral home. The panels were made of chicken wire and burlap and were stored in Mr. Chaney’s garage between shows.

Vial told me that she had been sketching since she was a child and had been to Europe 17 times to sketch because "during that time you could not take photographs of many things". She had two grand pianos and a harp in her front living room and told me she taught music for 20 years. Vial also made costumes for the Renaissance Festival for 20 years. Her parting words to me were “People that don’t know art don’t know anything”.

I will be eternally grateful to Ms. Vial and the other charter members, as well as to all the artists that have contributed over the years to make CAL what it is today.

-Debra Riley, Gallery Manager

INVEST IN THE FUTURE

CAL has added a new storage cabinet for the children’s homeschool class supplies and a new drying rack for their wet art.

These young artists may grow to be great leaders and we want to make sure their creativity is encouraged and nourished.

CAL INTERNATIONAL 2022

Registration has closed with 558 entries from 29 states across the nation as well as entries from Japan, Indonesia and South Korea. Finalists have been notified and over 60 artworks will hang in the gallery during the month of March. Congratulations to all the finalists!

For more information visit our website's CAL 2022 page.

YOU BE THE JUDGE

We have a request for judges for the Fine Arts, Photography, Handicraft, Needlecraft, Homemaking, and Horticulture portion of the Montgomery County Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The 2022 show will be split into two days, Friday, March 25th, and Saturday, March 26th. Judges for Preliminaries & Finals will be needed for both days.
If you can help with the judging, please contact MCFANonLivestock@gmail.com.

EXPERIENCE THE ARTS IN CONROE

Members include: Christian Youth Theater, Conroe Art League, Conroe Live, Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Crighton Theatre Foundation, Friends of the Flag Foundation, Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, Indie Films Foundation, Jazz Connection, Montgomery Choral Society, Montgomery County Genealogical and Historical Society, Montgomery County Historical Commission, Montgomery County Literary Arts Council, Players Theatre Company, Stage Right, The Art of Music Studio, The Woodlands Show Chorus, and the Young Texas Artists Music Competition.

Mark your calendar

CYT HOUSTON presents The Spongebob Musical, February 11-13, at the Nancy Bock Center for the Performing Arts. More information at cythouston.0rg/shows.

CONROE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents "Love Story" on February 12th at Mim's Baptist Church in Conroe. Guest Conductor is Darla McBryde. More information at conroesymphonyorchestra.org.

GCAA ARTS Festival is Saturday, March 19th, 2022 – 10:00-5:00 At Founder’s Park and Downtown Conroe Hosted by Greater Conroe Arts Alliance.

Welcome CAL Artists! We are excited to offer juried space for fine art artists to display and sell their art at the Greater Conroe Arts Festival.

Artists will need to provide a 10x10 tent ($50 booth space fee) or 10x20 tent ($100 booth space fee) (preferably white) with straight legs and weights. Sign up deadline, January 30, 2022.

Some of the Festival highlights are Vickie McMillian Hayes will be there for a collaborative mural, Juan Cantavella & Friends will be painting live models throughout the day, and Nancy Paris Pruden, Fran Ellisor & Friends will be painting Plein Air. Carol Berger & Carol Roach Pottery Demonstrations & interactive event. There will be silent auctions for pieces painted at the Festival! We have many other highlights represented for all of the Arts (music, art, theatre & more) for Adults, Teens and Children including Kid’s Village with Kid’s Mural, Music Petting Zoo, Kid’s take home project, Lego Build Along for all ages. The Rosemary Clooney Show, Tenderly, 2:00 at The Owen Theatre (Tickets on Owen Website), Marcia Ball Concert 7:30 at The Crighton Theatre (Tickets on Crighton Website), Performances on Stage at Founders Park all day, Main Street Market, Art Vendors with Fine Art for sale, Lots of Food and MORE! Joins us for an amazing day filled with the Arts and don’t forget to tell your friends and family! Please contact Judi by email and more info about a fine art booth space.
Contact: Judi Lanza president@greaterconroeartsalliance.com Cell: (936) 203-2423

Check us out on Facebook. Click icon above.

Also check out the CAL Community

This group is open to all members as well as non-members and is a great way to stay engaged in all things art.

WORKSHOPS

Learn new tips and tricks within a few days

Watch your email for more details and check the CAL website often for new workshops.

Still Life Skills

with Susan Hotard

At the end of the month join Susan for 2 days of intensive study working from still life set-ups. Susan will offer several demonstrations and will give students individual guidance.

Learn more

Quilling Paper

with Wendy Moreland

In March, learn everything from techniques, to paper types, to tools and adhesives, to framing in this information packed one day workshop.

Learn more

Vibrant Pastel Still Lifes

with Carolina Dalmas

Join Carolina Dalmas in this fun two day workshop. Learn the building blocks of line, value, color, composition and edges, which will give the participant a deep understanding of each step.

Learn more

Watercolor Portrait and Landscape Painting

with Stan Miller

Join Stan for this 3 day workshop filled with demonstrations and individual instruction.

See this video to find out more information.

Learn more

CLASSES

Grow, where ever you are, in your art journey

CLASSES FOR ADULTS

The Art of Zentangle

taught by Cindy Rae Fancher

Certified Zentangle Teacher, will be teaching the art of Tangling on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. For more information contact Cindyraefancherart@att.net.