MINUTES - April 2, 2014

Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society
April 2, 2014 Meeting/Program

Spring has given us some better weather, and though a bit rainy, brought in a large attendance for our April meeting/program.   Our new president, Marilyn Bishop, asked our guests to introduce themselves and asked Membership co-chair, Deb Ward, to give us a report.  As of March, we have 68 people signed up and paid.  There are a number who have yet to send their check to Sally Wester, Treasurer.  If you are one of those, get busy; you won’t want to miss any of our upcoming events!  The Treasurer’s report indicated that the GCWS is in good shape financially; we’ll be able to accomplish our goals for this year.
Carol McAfee gave a short report on the GCWS Annual Art Exhibit.  It will be held at “The Barn”, 6980 Cambridge Ave. in  Mariemont, OH  The Hanging date is Aug. 13; Take Down is Aug. 26.   Reception date is Aug. 17, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.   All members are invited to enter.   This will be a judged show, and First, Second, and Third Prizes will be given. 
Secretary Joyce Grothaus had copies of last month’s Minutes on the back table for those who do not have access to the GCWS Blog.
Rhonda Carpenter gave an update on the Carol Carter workshop for April 4-6.  There are 20 attendees, including 3 from out-of-state, and 1 other non- member.  It will be a very worthwhile learning experience.
Scholarship chair, Joan O’Leary, talked about the two $500 purses that we will be giving at the May meeting.   One is the Young Adult Award, and the other a Mary Marxen Award.   They will be given to selected students from the Art Academy, who will attend, receive their certificates, and show some of their work.
Our Program for May will be given by Marilyn Bishop – Watercolor and Pastels- particularly How to Save a Failed Watercolor, or Enliven it by Using Pastels.
In June, we will have the Carol Carter (International Artist) Program/Demo that was re-scheduled from February – Powerful, Evocative Paintings.   For those who will stay after the meeting to paint, it is suggested that you might want to try one of the styles that were presented in March or April.
Each attending member received a copy of the GCWS Program Plans for 2014-15, made up from the ideas that were generated by members at the March meeting.  Many of these ideas and suggestions have people who are willing to follow up and help with the program.  But, we still need an overall Coordinator/Scheduler.  This is an important position which will allow us to continue to have the meaningful meetings that we have had in the past.  Everyone was asked to consider giving at least a bit of time or talent to the group to achieve our goals.
Announcements were made for various Art Shows, and Exhibits that our members have entered:
Joan Abdon, Carolyn Hibbard, Deb Ward and Susan Grogan’s paintings were selected to be in the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati 121st. Annual Juried Exhibition, Reception April 6.  
The SE Indiana Art Guild is having their Spring Art Show in Aurora, IN; Reception April 26 6-8 p.m There will be a Regional Art Exhibit by the SE IN Art Guild in August.  More info later.