January 2010 Scribnote

Comments from our Chairperson:

One of our favorite workshop instructor’s to bring to South Bend is Rosie Kelly.  Rosie is always so complimentary when walking around the room seeing if anyone needs any help in designing their “stash” books.  On November 7, thirteen ladies met at Christ the King Church from 9 until 5 pm to make another stash book like we did last year.  Rosie teaches us so much about design and color.  She puts together an envelope of “stash ingredients” like pieces of paste papers and papers she has lettered on.  When you open yours and see Rosie’s lettering and her beautiful paste paper colors, you almost don’t want to use it.! But, to get your book up and running, you cut the pieces apart and place them in your book in your own design.  Most times our books are proto types, but, they certainly are a treasure to keep to reference to several times a year.  Thanks to Rosie, we can always learn something new in her workshops and enjoy every minute of it.  Thanks to Sharon for getting the church open early for set up and to Anna for housing our instructor. 

Our Christmas MCG/Study Group get together at Barbara Rogan’s home in South Bend was spectacular.  As nine of us sat around the table in the dining room, we passed out our handmade artful Christmas cards to each other and as we opened up our individual cards, we ooh’ed and aah’ed everyone else’s work.  The cards were beautiful, lunch was fabulous and the friendship we shared was priceless.  Thanks to Barbara for opening her beautiful new home for our meeting.  Thanks also to Joya Helmuth of Spark Design in South Bend for donating 3 gift certificates which were won by Jo McPherson, Maureen Trubac and Anna Schlemma. 

We also decided to make two end of the year Christmas donations; one to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and the other to Christ the King Lutheran Church.  The food bank and the church where we hold our meetings were the recipients of a $100 check from the MCG.  ‘Tis the season of giving and we are pleased to give to others. 

FUTURE WORKSHOPS

Victoria Pittman – Victoria Pittman will be coming to South Bend for a two-day workshop on April 25 & 26, 2010.  Victoria will be teaching a Tortured Metals workshop.  Cost for the workshop will be $110.  The supply list will be available soon.  Please contact gvanderhey@hotmail.com if you are interested in this workshop.  My name is first on the list since my 3 ½ year old granddaughter was born the day before Victoria came to South Bend in 2006 and I was not able to attend.  Please note that only the first 15 people who register will be able to come to the workshop and MCG members will be given first preference. Please send your check for $60 to MCG, PO Box 11513, South Bend, Indiana 46601 ASAP.  We are anticipating having our workshop at Fernwood in Berrien Spring, MI. 

Peter Thornton  - We are also very excited about Peter coming to South Bend to do a “Pushing the Pencil” workshop September 11 & 12, 2010.   If you would like to see Peter’s work that he will be demonstrating, please email gvanderhey@hotmail.com.  Cost of the workshop to be announced. 

Rosie Kelly – We love having Rosie do a workshop for us as so we are having her come again in November, 2010.  Topic to be announced. 

Workshops in Kalamazoo – Pendragons

May 1 and 2, 2010 (Saturday/Sunday): Diane von Arx will teach a two-day workshop for the Pendragons. Topic still under negotiation, but they are tending towards some element of design. Cost TBA

GOING GREEN

We are keeping green by sending out our newsletter by internet.  This saves lots of time  getting our information printed and buying stamps to send them out.  If you have anything you would like to put into the newsletter, which is published 4 times a year, please send the information to gvanderhey@aol.com or merciwest@aol.com.  We appreciate any information you can share with us.  Check out www.Societyforcalligraphy.org for the Los Angeles area guild newsletter where Carrie Imai is the President. Also check out the Memphis Calligraphy Guild http://www.memphiscalligraphy.org/home.html. 

STUDIO ARTS CLASSES

There are many classes available at Studio Arts in South Bend including Drawing, Creative Writing, Portrait Drawing, Digital Imaging, and calligraphy, of course, by Anne Binder.  If you are interested in any classes at Studio Arts, please go to www.studioartscenter.org.  Also check out their artists market on the first Saturday of each month where local artists sell their works.  Anne’s studio has moved to Mishawaka on Grape Road so check out her new art studio near The Outback.

ARTFUL RETREAT

The Artful Retreat for next year will be held from Oct. 17-23, 2010 in Boyne Falls, Michigan.  If interested, go to www.artfulretreat.com for more information and registration form.  Spend six beautiful days at Boyne Falls with other artists away from kids, dogs, phone, etc.  For more information please contact Joya Helmuth on the website.

ODYSSEY – The 30^th annual International Gathering of Letter Artists will be held from July 24 – July 31, 2010 at Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts.  Those wishing to have more information, please go to www.2010CalligraphyConference.com.

WEBSITES

Often times I see a website posted on cyberscribes and put them on my favorites so I thought I would share some with you:

http://beeches13.skyrock.com/1.html

http://carriedesigns.com/carriecalig.html

www.crane.com/Social/weddings/WeddingBlueBook/AddressingTheEnvelopes/

http://www.davewood.com.au/

http://www.johnstevensdesign.com/index.html

http://users.skynet.be/fa464953/worksofart.html - Yves Laterme

www.ccscribes.com/  - Capital City Scribes

 UPCOMING EVENTS

January 9 -  Watercolor monoprints - Ginny

February 6 – Paste paper (We had so much fun last time that we are doing it again!)

March 6 – Cut letters – Pat West

April –  No meeting - Easter

May 1 – Show and tell – Victoria Pittman

June 5 – Victoria Pittman Playdate

July 10 – Handmade book

August –

September – Peter Thornton – September 11/12

October 2–

November 6 – Rosie Kelly

December 4 – Christmas get together

Please note that some of the meetings are not on the first Saturday of the month due to holidays or workshops.

As you can see, we have planned our year for 2010 (say twenty-ten).  We have a few openings if there is something you would like the group to do in August and October, please let us know. 

For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them. -- Aristotle

True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist. -- Albert Einstein

October 2009 Scribnote

Comments from our Chairperson:

I can’t even remember how many years we having been having our annual picnic at my home, but it is one of my favorite times together with the members of the Michiana Calligraphy Guild.  First we sit outside in the screened porch, drink tea and coffee, and have our usual first Saturday of the month meeting.  During the course of the meeting we have sharing time, we raffle off a book (this year’s book was won by Diana Stamper), and then we exchange handmade books.  The books as always are lovely to behold.  We also had four little girls joining us for the meeting and two of them made books to exchange which were gobbled up by their respective grandmothers.  Teaching young children to do and appreciate art is a pleasant task we should all participate in.  Then comes the best part of the meeting where we have a scrumptious lunch including Sharon Esmont’s beautiful fruit salad and Anna Schlemma’s famous 2 ½ pound chocolate chip cookies, and enjoy the beautiful day.  Thanks to all who joined us on August 1 and we look forward to meeting again next August. 

I recently bought a new glass-top drafting table at Prizm in Indianapolis.  I saw it in their flyer and when I was in Indy, decided to give it a look.  I’ve had an old student drafting table about half the width and wanted something a little more modern.  Usually my husband is the one to put things together for me, but I was so excited about my new table, with drawers, that I decided to tackle it myself.  The first three parts had to be put on three times, because I put them on backwards!  When the table is turned over, left is not your left.  Learning curve here.  But with my husband as consultant, I was able to put it together by myself.  I have to say, putting tables together and having to read instructions, would not be my favorite thing to do.  Now that it is done, I can put my supplies in the drawers and start creating. 

Paste Paper - It’s what you’ve been asking for!  A day to make paste paper.  We will be getting together on October 3, 2009 at Christ the King Church, our usual meeting place, to spend a day making paste paper.  Bring your own supplies and lunch.  Please let Ginny know if you will be coming so that we can plan for tables.  Times will be 10 – 4 pm.  We need a couple of people to make the paste.  If you would like to volunteer, please let Ginny know (gvanderhey@hotmail.com)

FUTURE WORKSHOPS

Rosie Kelly – Rosie Kelly will be joining the MCG on Saturday, November 7, 2009 for a one-day workshop from 9 – 5 pm.  Last year Rosie taught us her “stash” book.  This year we are staying with the same theme and the title is Recycle Stash 2.  Cost for the workshop will be $50 payable to MCG no later than the October guild/study group meeting.  Limit will be 15 (we already have 12) in the workshop so register with your check as soon as you can.  This workshop will take place at Christ the King Church in Mishawaka. Supply list will be forthcoming.  We will have a limited amount of arches text wove for sale that day.

Victoria Pittman – Victoria Pittman will be coming to South Bend for a two-day workshop in April 2010.  Please keep this in mind and get it onto your calendar.  More information will be forthcoming in a future newsletter. 

Peter Thornton – Looking at a possible workshop with Peter Thornton in fall, 2010.

Workshops in Kalamazoo – Pendragons

Nov. 14 (Saturday): Diane Stum Fekete will teach "Unique Tools, Unique Letters." This is her summary of the day:

In this workshop focusing both on lettering and tools, we will learn a fun, contemporary variation of Italic lettering. We will experiment with a variety of contemporary tools for making larger marks, including Automatic pens, Parallel pens, Coit pens and oversized markers. Incorporating larger lettering into our work gives us ways to introduce greater interest and contrast. Using papers with different textures allows us to discover favorite combinations of tools and materials. All levels of skill and enthusiasm are welcome. However, it will be very helpful to have some knowledge of calligraphy, particularly Italic lettering.  Cost $30. to Pendragon members only.

May 1 and 2, 2010 (Saturday/Sunday): Diane von Arx will teach a two-day workshop for us. Topic still under negotiation, but they are tending towards some element of design. Cost TBA.

GOING GREEN

 We are keeping green by sending out our newsletter by internet.  This saves lots of time   getting our information printed and buying stamps to send them out.  If you have anything you would like to put into the newsletter, which is published 4 times a year, please send the information to gvanderhey@aol.com or merciwest@aol.com.  We appreciate any information you can share with us.  Check out www.Societyforcalligraphy.org for the Los Angeles area guild newsletter where Carrie Imai is the President. Also check out the Memphis Calligraphy Guild http://www.memphiscalligraphy.org/home.html. 

OFFICERS

It’s that time of year again when we look at having new officers for the Michiana Calligraphy Guild.  If you wish to be one of the four officers, please let one of us know.  Even though we have a small (but mighty) group, we don’t want anyone to think that the present officers want to monopolize being in charge.  Even though our officers go the extra mile to bring quality workshops and meetings, other input would always be appreciated. 

MEMBERSHIP

Maureen Trubac made the motion to forego dues for the 2009-2010 membership year for all current members.  Any new members will need to pay the $15. fee.  Angie West seconded the motion. 

STUDIO ARTS CLASSES

There are many classes available at Studio Arts in South Bend including Drawing, Creative Writing, Portrait Drawing, Digital Imaging, and calligraphy, of course, by Anne Binder.  If you are interested in any classes at Studio Arts, please go to www.studioartscenter.org.  Also check out their artists market on the first Saturday of each month where local artists sell their works.  Anne’s studio has moved to Mishawaka on Grape Road so check out her new art studio near Barnes and Noble and The Outback

ARTFUL RETREAT

The Artful Retreat organized by Joya Helmuth will be held from October 18 – 23, 2009 in Boyne Falls, Michigan.  If interested, go to artfulretreat.com for more information and registration form.  Spend five beautiful days at Boyne Falls with other artists away from kids, dogs, phone, etc. 

CONGRATULATIONS

We want to announce the birth of Anne Roselynn Van Prooyen to MCG member Traci Van Prooyen and her husband Matt on September 21, 2009.  Son Caleb is almost 3 and loves his sister already.

True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.

Albert Einstein

WEBSITES

Often times I see a website posted on cyberscribes and put them on my favorites so I thought I would share some with you:

http://carriedesigns.com/carriecalig.html

http://www.davewood.com.au/

http://www.johnstevensdesign.com/index.html

http://users.skynet.be/fa464953/worksofart.html - Yves Laterme

http://www.ccscribes.com/  - Capital City Scribes

UPCOMING EVENTS

October –  Paste paper play day 10 - 4

November  7 – Rosie Kelly workshop – 9 – 5 pm

December – Christmas meeting – Exchange Christmas cards – at the home of Barbara Rogan.

                      Meeting at 10 am followed by lunch at noon.

For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them. -- Aristotle