Monday, March 13, 2017

March 2017 Newsletter

Well,...hello everyone.  It's a snowy day out there, and as pretty as it looks, GO AWAY!!!!!!!  We've tasted spring, and we LIKE it, so stop messing with us.
Our February meeting was 10 women strong, and was actually very nice, as well as informative.  I'll try to pass that on to you in the following paragraphs.

Adjusted Challenge Options:

I was informed at the February meeting that I had missed a third option, which has been added below for your viewing pleasure.
A Different Point of View:

Due date: Our September meeting, to be hung at the October show
Maximum size: 96" perimeter

You have several options on this one, so pick the one that makes you happy.  Remember, the whole idea behind a challenge is to challenge yourself.  Go figure!  So don't necessarily choose the one that will make you the happiest.  Also, if there's another one that I somehow forgot to add in, please hit reply all and write it up.

Option 1:
We'll all be given the same quilt block (not yet chosen) to abstract in some way.
There will be one color (listed below) that will be the theme fabric for both options.
You may add as many other colors as you'd like.
Remember, you are abstracting this block, not just making a bunch of them in
different colors.  This is not to be a traditional quilt.

Option 2:
Recently I sent out a website that had some interesting challenge ideas.
They had taken 2 images and combined them into one.
So, for example:  a bird in one shot, a photo of seeds in another.
Now it's a bird made of seeds.
This could be very interesting, and very much a challenge!  
You get to choose whatever images you'd like and work from that.
Again, you'll need to use the one color (listed below), but can add other colors.

Website for this concept: http://imgur.com/gallery/tUQ99

Yes, this was probably done on computers, but depending on which images you choose, it's still doable in fiber. At the bottom of the first page there's a spot to hit to see more images.  One in that set shows cubism, for
example.  Very easily done in fabric.

Option 3:
The abstraction of anything (such as a photo or picture).  Remember to include a reference (such as the photo or picture you took this from).  Also you must use the color "Greenery", with the info listed below.

Color: Greenery 

Found at: www.pantone.com      (I imagine you can print it)

click on COLOR INTELLIGENCE
click on Color of the year
click on 2017 Greenery

So, there's your heads up.  Put your thinking caps on, and make this the most bestest challenge ever.  And again, I have to admit that my challenge pieces are some of my favorite pieces ultimately, and that was because I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.
Also remember that you have the option of bringing your work to our meetings for help, suggestions, and fresh ideas.  This is not a blind challenge because we're all working towards our own personal goals.

Upcoming Class Discussion:

We are still discussing a speaker/class/demo option coming up soon. We need to move quickly, so your participation would be greatly appreciated.  One of the issues is to keep the cost down.  That will mean having it somewhere other than the Naperville Art League.  And free places get filled quickly.
That said, you may already know that we have been discussing having Heidi Parkes come to teach us color and design.  These are 2 elements that can make or break your finished product.  And color, especially, scares the living bejesus out of me!  I have a lot of respect for color.
The group has asked for people to suggest any other subjects or instructors.  So far, nothing has been said.
The group has asked for people to comment on Heidi Parkes teaching us color and design.  Only one person has made a comment to the email I sent out.  (Thank you, Margaret!)
If no one votes, then you have no voice.  We can see where that got us back in November!  Obviously this is on a smaller scale, but it can still have an effect on the group.  I'd really like to see the Fiber Art Divas grow in more ways than in volume.  A class like this at cost (and that means no travel or lodging costs included with Heidi), split between "x" number of students, is an excellent deal that will never be duplicated at any of the big shows.  Take advantage of this. Take advantage of the fact that you can make other suggestions for topic and speaker/teacher.  That said, only do this if you intend to be a student of the class you suggest.  There are many silent divas out there that are divas in name only.  So, please let us know how we can help you in the realm of speaker/class/demo options, and perhaps spark your interest in coming to the meetings again.  Your vote counts!  This matter will be decided at the next meeting in a couple of weeks.  Hope to see you there!

Quilt Show Update:

The drop off and hang 'em up date is October 23, 2017.  The show opens on October 25, 2017.  More later.  Keep sewing!

Mayslake Peabody Estate Alliance of Fine Art "Best of the Best" Exhibit:

Our esteemed member, Linda K. has been accepted in the Best of the Best show at the Peabody Estate!  Yay!  Congratulations, Linda!
www.mayslakepeabody.com has all the info.  This exhibit will be from March 1 through April 30th, M - F, 9am - 3pm. Sat, 9am - 1pm.  Linda says she believes hers is the only fiber piece in the exhibit.  VERY nice, LInda!  She represents us all!  The ARTIST'S RECEPTION will be on March 16th from 6 to 8.

Stash Reduction Sale:

This sale will be on March 31st and April 1st.  Several women are cleaning up their stashes, and passing on these bargains to us, the people who have stashes of our own but are powerless to resist buying more!  I love being one of those people!  More information will be sent to you via email when it's available.

Winding this up now!

Well, it's with a sad heart that I stop babbling.  Our March meeting will be in the classroom as normal, but our April meeting will be in the gallery.  Nice place to meet, but the lighting isn't the best for show and tell.  So, we'll be seeing you with your $3's gripped tightly in your fist on Monday, March 27th at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.
xo,
Laurie