Raritan Valley Arts Association
Newsletter

RARITAN VALLEY ARTS ASSOCIATION est. 1939

Spring Greetings

Although it is raining as I write this, the crocuses and primroses are blooming and daffodils and forsythia are budding. Finally-spring! All RVAAers attending totally enjoyed our last demonstrator, Francesca Azzara, and learned so much about encaustic painting. Our next meeting will be April 20, 7:30 pm at the Somerset County Library. Christina DeBarry, whose pastel demonstrations we have loved before, will be here again, bringing with her all sorts of new ideas and techniques. You won't want to miss this! If you want a preview, of Christina and her work, please go to http://www.debarrystudioarts.com/ . Our thanks to President Linda Arnold for once again obtaining a great program. Thanks also to Anastasia Mancuso who will do hospitality for April.

Our BIG APPLE TRIP is on-but we've lots more room on the bus. It's only half-filled. You should come! And bring family and friends. Our chairwoman Mary Ann Vaccaro has arranged the trip for Saturday, April 18th, leaving from the Somerset County Library about 8:30 am. The cost will be $35. (children are half-price) for a comfortable bus with a restroom. We will be delivered to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and then to the American Watercolor Society Show at the Salmagundi Club (plus the Forbes Museum across the street, which is free and open until 4 pm) Or-you can stay at the Met the whole day and the bus will return for you. We're back at the Somerset County Library about 6 pm. Please mail your check to Mary Ann Vaccaro, 105 Brokaw Court, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. For further info you can call Mary Ann at 908/704-1685. Art, camaraderie, snacks on the bus on the way home, a comfy bus with bathroom, door-to-door service---what more can you ask?

Opportunities

The Watchung Educational Foundation announces Art in the Park, Saturday, April 25th from 11 am -5 pm at Mobus Field in Watchung, Watchung Circle (a very busy place). Registration fee is $75. (20% donation of sales, also). Please contact Tina Kelly 908/285-2929 or Lisa Brown 908/285-9227, or www.wefund.org for more information.

The Lamington Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Basket Day Event Tuesday night and Wednesday 10-3, May 5th and 6th. Spaces are limited ($35. and $50. plus 15% commission). Pegboard is provided. If you are interested in displaying and selling your artwork (artists are to be present), please contact Rebecca Walters at 908/287-1109 or Rwalters87@gmail.com by April 25th.

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick is a gem you might want to discover for yourself. Although parking is a bit difficult during the week, on street parking is free and available on the weekends and the museum is open noon to five those days. The museum is large, airy, with both permanent and guest exhibits. There is a cafe as well as a lovely gift shop. Your editor was there Sunday afternoon for a talk by the award-winning (mainly picture books) writer/illustrator Uri Schulevitz. There is an exhibit of the watercolor illustrations of Takayo Noda (up until July 6) for her book "Into the Garden". What a great time I had speaking with these artists (Takayo was there for Uri's talk and then sat in her exhibition room!) and having my photo taken with them! (I was there with 3 other aspiring children's book writers/illustrators). Also up now are exhibits of Contemporary Russian Art, Inspired by Literature-Art & Fine Books, and the permanent exhibits. Admission is only $3. You can learn more at www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu Concerts, workshops, and drawing sessions are among the many programs there for both adults and children.

You may be interested in painting at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM for 6 days/5 nights. Beginning the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend (5 Sept. through Thursday, 10 Sept.) Darla Bostick is leading a workshop/retreat on the Ghost Ranch grounds. Ghost Ranch is the area where Georgia O'Keeffe lived during the most recognized era of her life and art. The Georgia O'Keeffe Landscape Tour is our optional field trip during the week. We will be transported, practically following her footsteps, to the very places where she painted. We can look at the landscape while at the same time referring to a copy of her artwork. website: www.darlabostick.com

Members in the News

JOAN MCKINNEY has her work accepted into the juried Garden State Watercolor Society Show currently at Prallsville Mills in Stockton, NJ, until April 20th. On April 19th (Sunday) Joan will be demonstrating for the Essex Water Color Club at the Livingston Sr. Center, from 2-4. For more info, please see http://www.suburbanessex.com/event/essex_water_color_club.html .

LINDA ARNOLD, BILL GILBERT, and PEG TOMBRO all have work in the Juried Bernardsville Public Library's show which is up for the month of April, open during library hours. The reception was Saturday, April 4th.

Please send me your news! Or info. on your latest projects. Inquiring minds want to know about you!

Previous Newsletters

Click on the newsletter you want to view.
Mar. 2009 newsletter
Feb. 2009 newsletter
Jan. 2009 newsletter
Nov. 2008 newsletter
Oct. 2008 newsletter
Sept. 2008 newsletter
May 2008 newsletter
Apr. 2008 newsletter
Mar. 2008 newsletter
Feb. 2008 newsletter
Jan. 2008 newsletter
Oct. 2007 newsletter
Sept. 2007 newsletter
May 2007 newsletter
Apr. 2007 newsletter
Mar. 2007 newsletter