Putting the Passion in Pastel!  Art Workshop on the Lake.

This workshop will be a work out in composition, design, technique, and experimentation.  You will work on a number of pieces and try several genres all within a relaxed, fun, non-threatening atmosphere.  We will try a smorgasbord of ideas to stimulate your creativity.  Daily friendly critiques will help you learn from your current artwork what to take to the next piece.  Informal time can be spent on personal needs from selling and marketing to social networking.  While we will be working with pastels, you may use other mediums if you wish.   Colette will bring some of the latest art supplies to show and share and some for you to be able to purchase.

Instructor: Colette Pitcher (www.ColettePitcher.com)

Date: October 12-14, Fri./Sat. 9-5 and Sun., 9-12

Cost: $325.00 if registered by Sept. 15, 2012, after cost is $350.00. (Price includes workshop, cabin and meals. Special
arrangments may be made to come in on Thurs. eve.)

Location: Eagle Canyon Hideaway, Lake McConaughy, 1086 Lakeview West Rd., Brule, NE;

www.eagle-canyon.com

To make a reservation or for more information, call toll free 866-866-LAKE or Patti Bohall, 970-332-4387 or email

bohall5@hotmail.com

July fourth was great at Bandimere this year.  No fireworks due to the restrictions imposed by the State due to all the fires; however, there was plenty of excitement with the jet cars and other racers.

Gary raced all day, made it to the quarter final and got to race in the “show”.

The highlight of the night for us was getting to drive the ’52 fire truck pulling the Bronze fire fighter “Every Day a Hero” down the track.  John Bandimere said an inspiring prayer for the fire fighters working the Colorado fires.  Gary is on the back of the truck with David Hill dressed in his fire fighter equipment while Casey drives the truck.

“Every Day a Hero” drag races!

Every Day a Hero bronze dedicated on Memorial Day 2012 at Williston Pa

Williston Park is located in Nassau County on central Long Island.  It is a community with deep roots and genuine people.  The fire department is operated by volunteers as are most fire departments on Long Island.  We heard a number of stories of families that had four generations of fire fighters.  We also heard stories of loss and of course many stories of 9-11.  Everyone here has a story.  Memorial Day is a tradition in Williston Park and it was an honor to be a part of it this year.  A parade wound around the sstreets with Veterans, VFW members, Service Clubs, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Little league teams, marching bands, and every emergency vehicle imaginable.  They all came to the fire department to dedicate the sculpture, bless it and the first responders.  The ceremony began by remembering those who fought for our freedoms, those who has passed away this year and ended with a moving blessinng for the future.  Mayor Paul Ehrbar was eloquent in speech.  Deacon Joseph Connolly led prayers that lifted the spirits.  Nassau county ligislator Richard Nicolello and County Clerk Maureen O’Connell were also there.  Williston Park Rotary President and former Mayor Nancy Zolezzi outlined the project and the two years that wwe have planned for this day.   Eagle Scout candidate Dylan Perro was thanked for designing and implimenting the landscape entrance to serve as a base for the sculpture.  He did a beautiful job which included lighting, flowers, and brick pavers.  And of course we were given hugs,  thanks, and very special proclamations and citations suitable for framing (they will be!).  All the fire fighters were in their dress uniforms looking spectacular but hot in the 85 degree 93 % humidity and at the end of the service every one was grateful to the crew that cooked BBQ and had coolers filled with liquids.  A fabulous ceremony that united people.

Sculptors from around the world will visit Loveland to tour studios, foundries, and businesses.   Our District 5440 project “Every Day a Hero” fire fighter bronze will be featured at Sculpture Depot in Loveland over the weekend. 

The sculpture continues to travel and represent Rotary throughout many communities: 

• The sculpture will be at Syntax Vodka Distillery, 625 3^rd Street, Greeley for First Friday, an evening of the arts, May 4, 4-11 PM.  Live music, art and fabulous vodka.
•  There will be a Mayoral proclamation given by Scott Moser, Mayor of Eaton, at 1:30 PM May 4 to proclaiming a City Fire fighter Day to be held May 12 on Main Street with a fire fighter pancake supper from 2-8 PM. 
•  Sunday, May 20 the sculpture will be at First Congregational Church, Greeley, for a final blessing and rides in the 1955 fire truck for a ticket price of a jar of peanut butter for the food bank.

The final unveiling will be at Williston Park, NY Memorial Day May 28.  After being transported by Ian Leavy of Fort Collins Foothills Rotary and owner of Exodus Trucking, the sculpture will have a new home as a visual reminder that we remember and care.  After travelling over 3600 miles being an ambassador for Rotary, he will enjoy his new resting place.  Gary and Colette Pitcher, the makers of the sculpture, invite you to visit www.RotaryMemorial .com to see details.  Well wishes and appreciation have been high, but funding has been low.  Your donations and purchases of merchandise would be helpful.  The maquette sales to fund the project have been reduced to $600 for a 12” bronze table top sculpture on a wood base engraved with the Rotary wheel.  Limited edition caps are still available at $20.  You may still purchase both at the Rotary District Conference June 5-8 in Estes.

Artists for centuries have brought notoriety to their
communities. Tourists were lured to the west with paintings by Bierstadt and

Painting by Bierstadt

Moran.  Georgia O’Keefe made New Mexico
accessible to others by painting the landscapes.

Painting by O'Keefe

Monet made Giverny live forever with
paintings of his gardens and lily ponds.

Painting by Monet

Arles is placed in museums because of the paintings that Van Gogh did of
the area.

Panting by Van Gogh

Artists give places
recognition by their observations and works of art.  While I cannot compare me to these masters, I
am inspired by what they left us.  I love
using art for good deeds, filled with beauty, moral messages, and symbols of
strength and hope, perhaps to be discovered by generations to follow and
perceptive people who are aware now.  I
feel inadequate to be given this honor, but am inspired to become worthy.  I promise I will continue to find people and
places to elevate through art, especially our own community.

Painting of Downtwon Greeley by Colette Pitcher

Fall meets Frost

The leaves have been spectacular this fall season.

They usually are here.

Marvel.

It won’t be long before they disappear.

Take time to look.

Revel.

The same advice goes for people.

Take time.

Listen.

Enjoy.

Before they are gone.

Pastor Nate Miller on a Pumpkin

Here’s a fun portrait idea for Halloween:  pumpkin portraits!  Our church recently had a celebration in honor of calling a new pastor.  Since it was fall, we needed a pumpkin and it was only natural to put his portrait on it.  HA!  He has a great sense of humor so it was fitting.  Here is an easy way for you to do your own pumpkin portrait.  I got a photograph of my subject, imported it to Photoshop elements.  Click filter, adjustments, posterize and choose only 2 layers.  Print out your pattern.  I touched the pattern up with a sharpie until it looked like an artist did it instead of a computer.  Tape it to the pumpkin and place transfer paper underneath and transfer the drawing onto the pumpkin by tracing over the lines.  Remove the pattern.  Use a small knife and carve through the pumpkin skin and peel away the light areas of the picture.  It takes a little time and a bunch of patience, but the result is well worth the effort.  Surprise one of your friends with this project.    Happy Halloween!