Womens Caucus for Arts Georgia Hosts an Outdoor Installation at The Blue Heron Nature Preserve

This spring, Womens Caucus for Arts Georgia (WCAGA) is hosting an outdoor installation, “The Art of Nature,” in North Buckhead at The Blue Heron Nature Preserve(BHNP).

Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Inspired by art displayed on the Atlanta Beltline in 2014, Sally Eppstein, WCAGA Vice President investigated creating and installing art in the natural environment of her city of Brookhaven. Her quest took her to The Blue Heron Nature Preserve and before she knew it, she had not only exhibited her art—a totem pole—there but had also been asked to become the preserve’s Art Director and its first Artist in Residence.

Sally Eppstein at BHNP with her totem pole

Now, as an expression of her combined WCAGA and BHNP roles, she has created an opportunity for any current WCAGA member to make art installations made with nature or inspired by nature of the preserve’s urban greenspace and exhibit it there.

“I would love to see old and newly joined WCAGA members coming together at the preserve offering performances, painting really beautiful murals on walls, or interacting collaboratively with nature,” Sally says in the kind of enthusiastic voice when the imaginative ideas abound.

Proposals for “The Art of Nature” are due by midnight, Sunday, March 22, 2015. Ten WCAGA members or teams will be selected and have from Tuesday, April 21^st to Saturday, April 25^th to install their work. The installations will stay up until Saturday, June 27^th.

Selected artists receive a stipend of $300! Go here for exhibit application details.

Visit the Blue Heron Nature Preserve and see what site engages you to create. Until then, here are a few photos of the preserve by Sally Eppstein to get your creative juices flowing:

BHNP is a flood, one of the reasons it was not developed.

Any thoughts for what might go here?

Walls in need of expression.

Older wall art.

February Drawing Marathon

WCAGA FEBRUARY DRAWING MARATHON. (photos by Ruth Schowalter)

On Wednesday, Febraury 4th, eleven members of the WCAGA gathered at Callahan Pope McDonough's loft in midtown Atlanta for a five-hour "drawing marathon." 

Callahan Pope McDonough

Now in its fourth year, the drawing marathon was initiated by WCAGA board member Barbara Rehg and has become a much loved event.

Barbara Rehg in action!

Artists bring their supplies and work independently of one another. Yet there is a steady stream of warm conversation flowing around the studio, wafting here and there as concentration waxes and wanes.

Ginger Birdsey

The drawing marathoners take breaks and wander around glancing at each others work, asking questions and discussing ideas.

Karen Phillips

At some point during this February drawing marathon, Callahan invited everyone downstairs to her large dining room table for a meal of brown rice, a soup rich with vegetables, and a lovely garden salad.

Post lunch photo with Barbara Rehg, Ruth Schowalter, Ann Rowles, and Kathy Abernathy Meliopoulos (photo by Ashley Schick)

By three o'clock drawing marathon participants started departing but not before a group photo was taken! Whoops new WCAGA member Ashley Schick had already left!

Febraury WCAGA DRAWING MARATHONERS (minus 2)

WCAGA events like this drawing marathon are a wonderful way for artists to come out of isolation of their own studios and connect with others in meaningful and fun ways.

Maggie Bethel

Stay tuned for the next drawing marathon!

Interview with Don Dougan

VERDIGRIS DREAM: TWO NATURES (detail view) showing canvas, plaster, copper leaf, verdigris patina, crab claw, glass,     paint,     30"x 12½"x 4" overall,     2014

1. Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?

I am a sculptor and I make things that I can touch.

Ever since I was young I have made things -- whether it was modeling dinosaurs in clay or taking scraps of wood from my father's workshop and assembling them to make toy boats to float in the creek. I collected rocks and fossils, sea shells, bits of broken glass and pebbles, always looking at the forms and materials and imagining how they came to be.

Both of my grandfathers were architects and painters, and encouraged my artistic efforts, as did my parents. Everyone in the family was a reader and I was surrounded by books of many types, and I found many treasures in them. I learned to use woodworking tools with purpose from my father (an engineer) and to experiment in different approaches from my mother (always sewing, making mosaics, or painting).

High school was a trial; the only saving grace was my art teacher who gave me a chunk of soapstone to carve. It was my first step to become a carver. In college (Atlanta School of Art) I learned to teach myself the basics of stonecarving (none of the school’s faculty at the time knew how to work stone), and I first met my life's companion and love, Mary Anne Channell (a printmaker with a piercing intellect and giant heart). 

I became conversant with many techniques of making art in school, and though I majored in sculpture it was the carving process and stone as the material which drew me the most.

The immediacy of seeing the form take shape as the flakes fly was -- and still is -- a never-ending sense of marvel and discovery.

2. What's integral to your art and or art career?

The ability to use tools: the feel of the tools in my hands, the feel of the surfaces and

VERDIGRIS DREAM: TWO NATURES

     stretched primed canvas, plaster, ceramic, copper leaf, verdigris patina,

     crab claw, hardware-cloth, glass, paint

     30"x 12½"x 4"

     2014

textures of the materials, and the interplay of all the materials' characteristics with each other to provide a sense of narrative and history. Also integral is the process of discovery of how to evoke meaning through those juxtapositions, and tell a story without words.

3. What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use?

I pursue the exploration of meaning and perception, what it means to be human. I seek social and cultural universals through the filter of an inward-looking individual. This means following wherever my nose leads me. I use my intuition to both put things together and to take things away until what material forms remain serve to reveal some aspect of truth which I had not realized before.

I consider my medium to be sculpture (and material in general). Though I am a carver by nature I will use whatever material process seems to be called-for in a particular work. For me stone is both plentiful and the essence of matter, so it usually figures in my work. However, I find that by mixing other media with stone it allows me a greater clarity of expression through the contrasts of the materials’ respective natures and their forms. Found objects and ‘mixed media’ are almost as pervasive as stone in my work.

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy?

What makes me angry are people who deny the joy of life out of petty greed or intolerance. What makes me happy is to be enjoying life with meaning.

5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general?

I am inspired by the sublime introspective essence of Constantin Brancusi and Joseph Cornell, by the sophistication of Isamu Noguchi and Fred Astaire, by the image-play of René Magritte and the Fleischer Brothers, by the down-to-earth stories of Kurt Vonnegut and Loren Eiseley, by the mythic poses of Igor Mitoraj, by the tragedy of Bix Beiderbecke and Orson Welles, by the voices of Billie Holiday and Imelda May, by the scope of Larry Niven and Freeman Dyson, by the gritty future of William Gibson and the gritty past of Giovanni Piranesi, by the madness of Richard Dadd and Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, by the dancing music of Erik Satie and the sideways humor of Gary Larsen, by the ingenuity of toolmakers past and present, by the spit on the sidewalk picked-up by Harpo Marx, by the Miss Marple of Joan Hickson and the sad dexterity of Buster Keaton, by the wild transformations of Richard Penniman, by the telling lyrics of Chuck Berry, Hank Williams, and Johnny Mercer, by the opening of the mouth and twinkling of an eye, by the mysterious glory of ancient Egypt and the mischievous humor of the Etruscans, by the haiku of netsuke, by the chipmunks in my rock-pile and the hawk which sometimes catches them, by all the fresh eyes (and fresh ideas) of my students . . . perhaps the question would be easier to answer if it were what I was not inspired by.    

6. What superpower would you want?

What superpower don't I already have -- an artist has 'em all, don't they?  It is just about deciding which power to use when . . . <grin>

MARCH: RESUMPTIONS ANNOUNCED AGAIN

     green slate, glass, Georgia foliated talc, North Carolina jade, jade,

     Vermont radio black marble, bloodstone, copper, aluminum, brass, silver leaf

     36¼"x 11¾"x 2½"

     2013

PURE LUCK (SOMEWHERE)

     Alaskan rock, Italian travertine & serpentine, Rosso Levanto, Giallo di

     Siena, Rosso Orobico Arabescato, Colorado Yule, Tennessee Imperial

     black marbles, steel found object, deerhide, burnt wood

     40"x 40"x 17"

     2014

7. What is your favorite artist and/or other person?

It changes every day depending upon who I happen to meet or what I happen to see. Today I would have to say Seana Reilly, Françoise Pompon, Dan Henderson, and Glenn Dasher.

8. What advice would you give to other artists?

Three (or four) things:

"Process saves us from the poverty of our ideas."

                   ~ Anonymous quote, shared by Glenn Dasher in 2010

"It’s our process that saves us from the poverty of our intent."       

                   ~ Elizabeth King

"Art is a lie that makes us realize truth -- at least the truth that is given us to understand."       

                   ~ Picasso

"To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."

                   ~ Kurt Vonnegut

MÉNAGE À TROIS

     Brazilian rosewood, Indiana limestone, acrylic

     20"x 23"x 3½"

     2014

9. Contact details:

www.dondougan.com

www.fromthedust.tumblr.com

Upcoming Member's Events

January 9

Friday

• MSA Selects, AVA Gallery , Chattanooga, opening Jan 9th

  January 9, 2015 at 5pm to February 27, 2015 at 7pm – AVA Gallery

  A  juried sculpture show with Ann Rowles and myself and 10 other Mid South Sculptors.

  Organized by Association of Visual arts of Chattanooga | Type: art, competition

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January 15

Thursday

• Metal Works and More

  January 15, 2015 at 5pm to March 26, 2015 at 5pm – Glynn Visual Arts gallery, near airport

  Solo exhibition  of nature-inspired metalpoint drawings and watercolours.

  Organized by Glynn Visual Arts | Type: grand opening, of, new, gallery

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Today

• Introduction to Encaustic Painting

  January 19, 2015 from 6pm to 9pm – Helen DeRamus Studio, 585 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. L-1, Marietta, GA 30060

  A three hour intensive introduction to painting with encaustic. All supplies provided. Registration at http://www.helenderamus.com

  Organized by Helen DeRamus | Type: workshop

  0 Comments 1 Like

January 23

Friday

• Georgia Watercolor Society

  January 23, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm – Oglethorpe University Museum of Art

  GWS Signature Members' Exhibition at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, Atlanta

  Organized by Georgia Watercolor Society | Type: opening, reception

  0 Comments 1 Like

Ongoing call for art...

Thank so very much for your prompt response with such short notice in regards to 'call for art'  the one day event at the Perimeter Church.  We regret to say that the logistics and proper viewing arrangements could not be agreed upon between the church committee presenting this event, and then ultimately it became evident to us as WCAGA committee as well.  

We are  a bit disappointed but feel we have accomplished something very important out of this effort which is to begin to have a pre-organized group of Women artists/WCAGA that is available and on point for future art events. We think of it as our WCAGA Art Posse dedicated to raising awareness about Human Trafficking.

 We do in fact  have a couple of potential projects we are working on that would be a longer showing and also more focused on the art itself. We hope you will each allow us to keep your images and information digitally available. Then as the opportunities arise  we can include your art in proposals we write. 

Further, our committee has a standing 'call for art' for any other members who might want to send art works created on the theme of human trafficking/ sex trafficking.  Additional works can be sent to: Flora Rosefsky email: callahan.mcdonough@gmail.com

Thank you again for your participation and contributing such dynamic art works.

Callahan

Maxine 

Flora

RuthCallahan

Interview with Artist Barbara Rehg

Woven, 72x54, Charcoal, ink, oil stick, chalk

1. Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?

I am someone interested in understanding my world. Drawing, painting, photography,        reading and looking are the methods I use to bring clarity to my curiosity.  

So, background is a process of building…a timeline of one thing leading to the next, choices being made along the way. 

Watching Jon Gnagy ‘Learn to Draw’ on Saturday morning TV when I was a preschool child was the first inkling I had an obsession with mark making. What I find interesting at this point in my life, is that the show wasn’t dummied down for children…it was fascinating. I learned about perspective, contrast, shading, seeing. It was magic. 

Once in school, any chance I had to draw legitimately on my assignments made the work worthwhile learning. Later, of course, I drew while listening to lectures and when I should have been taking notes. 

My art classes, at first, were simply joyous breaks in the day but as I grew older, they started to take on a competitive atmosphere. By the time I was finished with college, my BA seemed inadequate to the task of being an artist. 

For a long time, all I had were small, stolen moments of sketching. Gradually, over the years, I allowed myself to become obsessed once again with the visual language of drawing and painting. I let other concerns of being judged become less and less important. 

So, here I am today…learning who I am, how I view the world…all through the process of drawing and painting. 

Blackboard, 32x84, Chalk on Blackboard paint

2. What's integral to your art and or art career?

Of primary importance, my connection with other artists. It is through those connections that I have grown most. Growth, change, learning…these are what are important to my art. 

3. What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use?

I’d like to address media first. I have definite preferences. Charcoal being the first, followed by oil sticks, ink, watercolor, colored pencils and graphite. Media, however, isn’t a deciding factor when I begin a piece. I’m happy working with any of the above. Although I delve into color occasionally, it is secondary to mark making. 

For a  number of years, the focus of my work was about the mind and how it learns and what it learns. Of late, it has morphed into my understanding of how I am intrinsically connected to this world and how that is woven into my past. 

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy?

What makes me happy? For the most part, it is loving the moment I am in. Whether it is walking alone in the woods, listening to music while doing yoga, being with my family: talking, laughing, playing cards, or skiing, being in my studio faced with a problem of a painting that isn’t working and trying to solve it, walking through an art museum, reading a book by a fire, pulling weeds alongside my husband …the moment of realizing… I am aware, I see, I feel, I think, I live. 

Anger is very hard to hold on to. Disgust is a more accurate word. I get disgusted with people who do violent acts and place the blame on someone else. Anger feeds anger. It’s malignant and the stronger it is, the more virulent it becomes. 

      

Detail from Graffiti Wall,108x54, Charcoal, Ink, Oil Stick on paper

5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general?

Inspiration, for my work and life, comes from so many sources. My family, my artist friends, books I read, images I see, travels I experience. 

6. What superpower would you want?

I would want a sharp mind with a golden tongue. 

         

7. Who are your favorite artists and or other persons?

When I first saw the drawing of Leonardo DeVinci, I was entranced. Later, I found Diebenkorn, DeKooning and Joan Mitchell and a part of my brain woke with a jolt. But that’s my visual world…I live with an amazing man who never stops challenging himself and that inspires me to embrace my own set of challenges. 

8. What advice would you give to other artists?

Making work that fascinates you and has meaning to you…enriches your whole life. 

       

Dig Down, 54x72, Charcoal, oil stick on canvas  

Barbara Rehg

brehgstudios@bellsouth.net

Exhibit and Drawing Marathon Chair for the WCAGA (www.wcaga.org)

Artist with Murer Gallery in Atlanta

Innocence Lost, Lives Shattered----Do Something ... Do Justice

Although very short notice, a good opportunity has come up where your work that was in the WCA-GA Dolls in the City show, organized by Loretta Paraguassu and the 2 Rules Fine Art Galley, can be shown again for a one day exhibition on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Perimeter Church located at 9500 Medlock Bridge Road – Johns Creek, GA 30097.

THIS CALL FOR ART  IS ALSO OPEN TO BOTH  WCA-GA ARTISTS and DOLLS IN THE CITY ARTISTS.

The “Atlanta Justice Conference” is being held from 8:30am-2:30pm on the 31^st  where approximately 300 or more people will be attending from across this area to learn more about Human and Sex Trafficking. WCA-GA has been invited to put together a visual arts component – an exhibition relating to this topic.  See the information below listing the program’s speakers. More information about the conference is available at this link. https://www.perimeter.org/pages/outreach-volunteer/reaching-the-city/justice-conference/pages/home-2/

There is room for about 30 art works (2-D – ready to be hung work)  on the provided 2 sided  panels. 

To make it easy for you, if you want to participate

·         Let Flora Rosefsky know by this Tues. January 6, 2015 - if you want to participate, and if so – which  of up to 3 work(s)  you want to show. Attach a lo-res or med-res jpg for each work. Provide  your name, title of the work, and its dimensions (including the frame). 

Can submit up to 3 images.  flora@FloraRosefsky.com

·         All  artists up to 30 submissions will be exhibited. Please send us up to 3 images each.  

·        Work can be dropped off at Callahan McDonough’s loft residence at  the Sager Lofts,- 455 Glen Iris Drive NE – Unit #L – Atlanta 30308

(not too far from VA Highlands) on Wednesday,, January 28^th between 10am – 1pm. 

callahan.pope.mcdonough@gmail.com  (404)593-7370

·         Note that Callahan is willing  to  take the work to the church in time to install it on Friday, January 30^th  along with the help of Maxine Hess, who lives in Woodstock. 

They need one other volunteer to help install.  

·         Callahan and Maxine plan to attend the conference on Sat. Jan. 31st. There is a nominal fee of around $15 to attend. All participants are welcome.  

·         Callahan and Maxine will take down the show Saturday evening. The work will be returned to Callahan’s loft.. 

·         Pick up of your work at Callahan’s loft  on Wed. February 4^th,  between 10am -1pm. 

Many people, who have a strong interest in this particular issue of human and sex trafficking will be attending this event, where they will not only see your work, but will engage in the conversation or dialogue which the art’s message addresses. It is a great way to show the public the depth of creativity and message oriented work from the talents of our WCA-GA members. 

Be sure you get back to us  by next Tuesday, January 6^th. flora@FloraRosefsky.com

The  WCA-GA task force committee working on this issue is developing  other educational and exhibition opportunities. The Dolls in the City exhibition was an excellent beginning for WCA-GA to get involved. Thank you Loretta!

With best regards for a good year ahead in 2015-

The WCA-GA Human/Sex Trafficking steering committee

Maxine Hess – Callahan McDonough – Flora Rosefsky – Ruth Schowalter

About the Conference Program (from Lynn Traynor, chair  (678) 462-5913)

Innocence Lost,  Lives Shattered

Join us as we gather as a city to confront the exploitation of the vulnerable in our midst.  Keynote Speaker Vernon Keenan, Director of the GBI, will open our eyes to the realities in our city followed by your choice of educational and action inspiring breakout sessions suited for all levels of interest and involvement. Come find your place in the battle. 

  Do Something ... Do Justice

Other speakers and Breakout Session Leaders Include:

Hillary DeJarnett - Haven Atlanta/Salvation Army

Jeff Shaw - Out of Darkness   

Mary Frances Bowley - Wellspring Living- Founder

Street Grace - "DMST 101"

Sgt. Torry Kennedy - SVU Dekalb Co 

Lyn Thompson - Founder, Truckers Against Trafficking 

Judge Cassandra Kirk - Fulton Co. Juvenile Court 

Promise 686 - Foster Care and DMST

Stuart Griffin: FACE - (Fathers Against Child Exploitation) 

Pastor Bruce Deel - "Caring for the Victims"

Sen. Renee Unterman- "Legislative Concerns and Involvement"

Tiffany Sawyer - GCCA - "Child Sexual Abuse and DMST"

Kelly Stewart - Johns Creek City Council - Asian Massage Parlors-"In Your Neighborhood"

Operation Liberate - The Criminal Element "In your Neighborhood"