FEBRUARY 2024

 

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GALLERY HOURS

We are open Tues - Thur 11:00 - 4:00

Docent Shifts are 11:00 - 1:30 and 1:30 - 4:00

Sip N' Shopwill occur the first Friday of the month.

DATES WORTH NOTING

Upcoming art submission dates:

February 16: Take-in for Chinese lanterns to gallery

February 24: Take-in for Chinese New Year art

March 2:  Take-out for February art, 11:00-4:00

March 2: last day to deliver CAL International entries

WORKSHOPS WORTH NOTING

BIDDING HAS ENDED

Bidders competed for ninety original creations by CAL artists.  All were purchased, and the final auction amount totaled $10,321 .

More than a few buyers made donations above the purchase amount, and some generously paid payment processing fees thereby reducing CAL's auction expenses.  Also, to the money raised by the auction will be added money raised by the monthly raffles and Christmas Is For Giving.

Here are bits of trivia about the auction:  The average final bid was $111.10;  there were 21 buy-now purchases;  the 12x12 with the most bidding action had 5 bidders placing 11 bids;  seven buyers purchased the shipping option.

The Student Awards Show is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, from 6PM to 8PM at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery in historic downtown Conroe.

We again thank Dr. Mohammad Bhatti for determining the      Select 12.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Join us for an unforgettable Lunar New Year Festival in downtown Conroe on February 24th from 6 PM to 9 PM! Embrace the Year of the Dragon with a night market, live music by DJ Dan, and an incredible lion dance performance by Lee’s Golden Dragon. This marks our second festival, promising an even more fantastic experience. Best of all, it's a FREE event!
Don't miss out on the Conroe Art League giveaways and participate in the Chinese lantern contest for a chance to win amazing prizes. Save the date—February 24th, 6 PM to 9 PM— and let's celebrate together! Hosted by Dragon Bowl.

To all volunteers for the Chinese New Year:  Thank you for your commitment to making this year’s Chinese New Year celebration extra special! We’re thrilled to collaborate with Dragon Bowl for this exciting event, which promises to be a highlight for the gallery.  Thank you in advance for your amazing support in making this event a success!

  • Feb 14th @ 10am we will be having a pre-planning meeting at the Gallery to go over layout and flow of the event for Chinese New Year. This will help everyone know placement of set-up, location of supplies, everyone's role, etc.

GALLERY FAVORITES FOR JANUARY

Be sure to stop by the gallery and vote on your favorite art piece.

The Juan Cantavella Award of Excellence was won by Juan Cantavella for “Humble Light”

The Juan Cantavella  Award of Distinction was given to Judi Lanza for “At The Piano”

The Juan Cantavella Award of Merit was given to Kristine Schneider for “Light and Worth”

DONATE TO THE JC AWARD

If you would like to see this program continue, please consider donating to the JC Award fund.

 This link can be used for making donations:  https://www.conroeartleague.com/Donations

 

Pick up a pencil case, tote bag, insulated cup, or sketch book next time you're in the gallery. Remember, all proceeds go to fund the Juan Cantavella Award to help keep the prizes alive.

EVENTS

Participate, Share, and Celebrate the Arts

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 24: Chinese New Year Celebration

March 1: Artist in Action

March 5: CAL International on view

March 7: Moors & McCumber Concert at CAL

March 23: CAL International Awards Reception

FINALISTS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN

CAL received 643 applications from all across the U. S. as well as from Canada, Italy, and Mexico.  Juror Patrick Saunders has selected from all entries the works to exhibit in The Madeley Fine Art Gallery in March, 2024.   Applicants/Finalists have been notified.  $5500 will be awarded to the winners.  

Winners will be announced at the reception on March 23, 2024, and the public is invited. 

COURTYARD SCULPTURE PROGRAM

You can read about the program here and the registration information is included on the Take-in/Out page. Please be sure to register with Bob Heintzelman at showsandexhibits@conroeartleague.com.

The sculptures on display are  Metal Ace by Claire Lewoczko, Running Man Tribute by Randall Cade, and Watchtower Series #3 by Mark Frary.

 
 

ARTIST IN ACTION - IN GALLERY

To participate, artists must be a CAL member and provide all their own supplies/equipment and clean up when finished.  

Artists are expected to be working on their art in the gallery from 5:00 to 7:00 and may bring samples of their art for sale.  All sales go through the CAL system with 20% going to CAL. 

To sign up, find the date on the calendar and click that link. Click here for March 1st. Please sign up for only one month to allow for more members to participate.   For questions please email Diane at calvicepresident@conroeartleague.com

 
 

ARTIST IN ACTION - IN PLEIN AIR

En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist's subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their works.

Beginning in 2023, members of the Conroe Art League organized the Artists in Action Plein Air group and the February Feature Wall exhibit represents a selection of the member’s “en plein air” work.

The pieces were created at various locations in the Conroe area, and are primarily out door sketches.  Artists may choose to embellish the work in the studio or use the work as a color or design reference for a larger piece.

On location painting sessions add a special, fresh quality to these paintings and the time spent painting outdoors is cherished by the AIA members who participate. There is always room anyone who would like to join us. 

The next outing is March 5th at 9:00am at Alden Bridge Park in The Woodlands.  Address is 7725 Alden Bridge Park.

To join group and be notified about painting dates and location, text name, email address and cell number to Pam Markham at 936-661-0800.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Keep Calm and Art On!

Jeff Lung will be teaching Neurographic Art. This class if free to first responders, military personnel, veterans, and any adult that has experienced trauma.  Each Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm beginning February 15th.  All supplies are provided. Although the class is full you can get more information here.

 

CAL has been selected to receive a Microgrant from The Woodlands Art Council to conduct a free Introduction to Oil Painting workshop to high school seniors. This workshop is being given to Willis and Cold Springs High School seniors.  All supplies are provided and each student will go home with their own oil painting kit.

Kathy Martin has done an outstanding job recruiting CAL members to donate a drawing for a children's coloring book to distribute at upcoming events. The theme chosen was "Animals of Texas" and over 20 artist donated their time to the book. Great Job by All!

MARCH TAKE-IN/OUT

There will be no take-in in March because of the CAL International.  All art from the February show needs to be picked up on Saturday, March 2nd, between 11AM and 4PM. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

See our website for more details, or contact our the gallery at  gallerymanager@conroeartleague.com to share your talents.

NEED A DOCENT REFRESHER?

The next docent training session, led by Bev Hall, will be held on February 14th at 11:30am in the gallery.

 Please go to Calendar to register.

MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING

The next general meeting will be held on

 Saturday, March 9th, at 4:00 pm. 

STUDENT RAFFLE

Be sure to get your tickets for this month's raffle item

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

Purchase your tickets in person at the general meeting.

 
 

The next raffle item will be donated by Marilyn Lowry. It is a signed edition of her memoir "A Stroke of Magic".

Marilyn shares how to turn life's challenges into stepping stones for a more authentic, joy-filled existence! In this book stroke survivors and their loved ones will find a roadmap to healing in the eight gifts that come from a more magical and meaningful perspective: Self-love • Anger • Gratitude • Patient Resilience • Endings • Choosing Surrender • Restored Confidence • Hope

ARTIST BOOK SIGNING

Instead of an art demo after the general meeting on March 9th, CAL will be hosting a book signing event for Marilyn Lowery.

The name of her book is "A Stroke of Magic:  How Trauma Transformed My Truth" and it is a teaching memoir about how her life and thoughts regarding all life experiences were changed after a life-threatening stroke in 2016.

ARTIST RECEPTION

The March reception will be at 6:00 pm Saturday the 23rd

due to of the CAL International, and ending at 8:00 pm.

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT

Carrie Allbritton has been teaching watercolor painting for over 20 years in the Texas Hill Country, City of Conroe, and The Woodlands areas.  Her students will tell you she is a kind and thorough teacher, never holding anything back.  Carrie will work with you until you “get it”.  She has studied with many national artists, both in workshops and books, finding her way of teaching.  First and foremost, the student must understand basic color relationships and how the paint reacts with water and the paper.  Her methods and the way she conducts the classes have brought her many satisfied and accomplished students.  Many have heard that watercolor is the hardest medium.  Carrie believes, instead, that using her methods you will find watercolor painting fun and rewarding and you will never produce the dreaded MUD.

Carrie’s classes are every Monday afternoon at 1:00 pm at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery in downtown Conroe.   Carrie also teaches lessons in acrylic abstract.  Contact her to join her class and receive your supply list.  Carrieallbritton127@hotmail.com



Debra Riley is “Artist of the Month” for March at The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts and will have two paintings on display so check it out.  http://Www.pearlmfa.org


Jennifer Claussen has been commissioned to create a sculpture inspired by her Un-Coopering sculpture series for a new winery nestled in the Texas Hill Country. This artwork will be in the main gathering room, standing at around 7 feet tall and spanning 20 feet in width.

Elena Martino entered two paintings “Freewheeling “ and “Shining Through “
To the Galveston Art League 2024 Winter Juried Show. Both paintings got juried in and “Freewheeling “ got an award of Honorable Mention.

Veteran artist George Bramlett and photographer Ed Gorman visited Houston Fire Department Station 46 to express their gratitude for dedication and service.

Ed took the original photograph of a helmet worn by Steve Sparks in 2014. George took that image and made an oil painting of it. When George expressed interest in donating a giclee print of the piece to a fire station, Artist In Arms could think of no better choice than the very station where Sparks served. 

 

2024 WWAF SPONSORSHIP

The Madeley Fine Art Gallery is a sponsor of the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival held on April 12, 13 and 14, 2024. 

Having a presence at the festival will allow us to showcase details about what we have to offer the surrounding communities. We will be looking for volunteers to cover shifts working in the tent giving out information about CAL and the gallery. Those interested should contact the Gallery Manager. 

The Madeley Fine Art Gallery section of our website has been updated to focus on the original member art for sale.  Check out the new look here.

NEED EXTRA CASH?

How about helping CAL as a substitute docent?  Send request to Heidi Williams and include your phone number.  Subs must be fully trained and able to process sales transactions. Please email her at 

docentcoordinator@conroeartleague.com.

 
 

We welcome models of all ages and sizes. Be sure to tell your grandchildren, children, and friends we are always in need of models for both the Wednesday drawing and the Friday portrait groups.

For more info, please contact Vickie Nash at vickienash.artist@gmail.com or Juan Cantevella at juancantavella@yahoo.com

WORKSHOPS

Learn new tips and tricks within a few days

Animal Portraits

with Patrick Saunders

coming March 2024

 
Register

The Art of Paper Weaving

with Cynthia Reid

coming April 2024

 
Register

Painting with Gouach

with E. Melinda Morrison

coming June 2024

 
Register

Creating A Painting from Plein Air to Studio

with Kim Casebeer

coming October 2024

 
Register

Watercolor Confidence in Plein Air

with Richie Vios

coming November 2024

 
Register

CLASSES

Grow where ever you are on your art journey

 

CLASSES FOR YOUTH

Homeschool Art Class

with Rebekah Billings

Wednesdays, Sept. 6th - May 29th

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
 

CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Help Is Here

with Juan Cantavella

Attack issues wherever you are in the painting process

Learn more
 
 

The Artist's Way Class

with Cynthia Reid

January 18th - April 11th

Learn more

Drawing Classes

with Gary Hernandez

Come and take in Gary's tips of the trade.

Learn more

Oil Painting Classes

with Gary Hernandez

Come visit with Gary and other classmates and brush up on your skills.

Learn more

Ceramics

with Carol Berger

Learn some helpful tips, whether beginner or advanced, Carol has a few for you. 

Learn more

Acrylic Basics

with Sarah Johnston

Learn the essential techniques for creating art with acrylic paints.

Learn more

Portrait Painting

with Juan Cantavella

A small class to focus on the details required in successful portraiture. Offered 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month.

 
Learn more
 
 

Oil Painting with

Juan Cantavella

Get lessons from a Signature member of the Oil Painters of America.  Now offered Saturday at 9:00am - 12:00 pm.

Learn more

Sculpting 101

with Donna Rodgers

Beginner sculpting class.

Learn more
 

Expanding on Watercolor Skills

with Cynthia Reid

Take your skills to the next level. 

Learn more

Watercolor Painting with

Gary Hernandez

Leave your mark; let Gary help. 

Learn more

 Watercolor and Acrylics with Carrie Allbritton

Classes will be held Monday 1 - 3 pm

Learn more

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Still life drawing

Participants can use any medium, there is no instruction, and still life is provided.

 
Join Us

Open Painting Group with Kathy Martin 

All mediums and levels welcome.

Join Us
 
 

Live figure drawing

Participants can use any medium, there is no instruction, and any experience level is welcome. The fee is $10 per to have a live model each session.

 
Join Us

Painting from life

Juan Cantavella portrait group will be held on the 1st and 3rd Friday mornings at 10:00am.  Contact Juan at juancantavella@yahoo.com.

Join Us
 

CAL IS NOW ON LINKEDIN

The Conroe Art League now has a group on LinkedIn. Please visit and link up with us here. This site will be featuring a photo of each artist's work from each month's exhibit, (a different one every day) which will include the name of the piece, the artist's name and a link back to our website with info about the current exhibit. Be sure to use the group, not the business page for CAL on LinkedIn.

RENT THE MADELEY FINE ART GALLERY FEATURE WALL

 

Adult members are able rent the Feature Wall in the gallery for a $100 fee and 2 docent shifts.  You can find the application on line here. How to show in the Gallery

CAL IS STUDIO READY

Studio 127 is temporarily closed until March 2nd so that we can receive and store the CAL International art.

A new benefit to our CAL members is the addition of Studio 127.  Located on the second floor of the gallery, it will offer members the equipment and setup for photographing, or painting from life, still life arrangements. Studio 127 can be used by 2D and 3D artists that want to photograph their pieces. Reserve the studio for yourself, or for yourself and a member friend to work together.  Reserve your spot with Debra Riley at gallerymanager@conroeartleague.com.  

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.

Check us out on Facebook. Click icon above.

THE ARTS IN DOWNTOWN CONROE

 

GREATER CONROE ARTS FESTIVAL March 16, 2024
The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance will be hosting their 3rd Annual Greater Conroe Arts Festival on Saturday, March 16th, 2024 from 10:00-4:00 at Founders Park & Main Street in Downtown Conroe. There will be fine art vendors, live music, food trucks, a Kids Art Village, plus much more that is sure to entertain ALL ages! 

CAL is a member of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance and is an important part of the Festival! If you are interested in helping at the Festival, here is what we need: volunteers to help with the Art Booths, *Plein Air painters. *Art in Action Tent paintersFace paintingPottery making, Fine Art Vendors, Kids Art Village volunteersand more! Contact Judi Lanza at 936-203-2423 for more information.  Please register at https://www.greaterconroeartsalliance.com/festivalvolunteer 

Find out more at:

The Greater Conroe Arts AllianceHistoric Downtown Conroe, and Visit Conroe