NPS General Meeting
Dakota Arts-Mount Vernon May 9, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 12:10 pm by President Trish Harding. The minutes of the former meetings are on the Web Site.

Treasurer Gary Gumble reported a total of $17,500.00 in the checking account plus two CD’s totaling $5000.00. Members Show—Trish told the membership about the Member Show now hanging at the Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham. She encouraged them to take post cards and send them to friends.

Paint-out—Karen Schroeder announced that this year’s paint-out will be from September 16 to the 21 at Hood River, Oregon. Chairman for this event is Barbara Szkutnik. Email her if you are interested. There will be lots of painting help available. The board has voted to subsidize the cost for members attending--$1500.00 to be divided equally among paint-out participants.

Workshop—This summer’s workshop with Greg Biolchini will be 4 days from July 17 to the 20 at Donna Trent’s home in Gig Harbor. The show will run from July 17 to August 15 in Tacoma.

The Signature Show will be at the Scott Milo Gallery in August. IAPS—Trish gave reasons why our group should join IAPS—mainly so members can enter their sponsored shows. The dues are only $100 annually. Penny moved that we join. It was seconded, discussion and passed. Signature Eligibility—The by-laws left some question as to who is a signature member. Shirley moved that a Signature member be one whose work has been accepted into three International shows. It was seconded, discussion and passed.

Workshops—At present, the NPS has been organizing workshops in conjunction the International Shows. Dakota Arts is in the business of organizing workshops. Helen moved that in the future, instead of doing our own workshops, we help Robyn at Dakota Arts fill her workshops. We could then bring in a local juror or use the Dakota Arts instructor as the juror. It was seconded, discussion and passed.

Announcements—Steve Hill is doing a workshop in Croatia. There are a few spaces left. Take a brochure.

Trish Harding has a new book out – Letters Alive.

Susan Glendenny is doing a workshop on Anderson Island beginning on June 27.

Openings for president, 1st vice president and 2nd vice president will be posted on the Web Site. You can also be an intern for one of these jobs.

New members—see Gary to put your name on the volunteer list. PAPO-paint out in Bellingham on August 22 and 23—hoping to have 100 artists painting.

Contact Sue Dawson for more information about Arts of Snohomish plein air paint out.

Penny Chadwell is the new Webmaster and is planning to streamline the Web Site.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:55 pm.

Shirley Fjoslien

NPS Board Meeting Dakota Arts
Mount Vernon May 9, 2009

President Trish Harding called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. Those in attendance were as follows: Trish Harding, Susan Scott, Gary Gumble, Penny Chadwell, Helen Dorn, Karen Schroeder, Claire Ridlon, Sue Dawson, and Shirley Fjoslien.

Report on the Members Show—The 2009 Members Show is hanging at the Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham from April 24 to May 29. Trish and Penny reported that it has been a huge success—triple the amount of paintings as last year and very good quality stuff. Helen Dorn moved that we have it there again next year. It was seconded, discussion and passed.

Thank yous—It was decided that we will send a card and a monetary gift to Jennifer Evenhus and Beth Brooks for all their hard work. Treasurer Gary Gumble will do this. Job Descriptions—Gary will finish the job description chart that has already been started and will distribute it to the board members.

Officers for 2010—Penny will ask for interest in becoming a president, vice president or other board positions in an article on the Web site. Intern positions will also be available. Duties of the officers will also be listed.

Workshops—The 2010 International Show will be in Everett in December 2010. Bill McEnroe will be the instructor and juror. This will probably be a two-day workshop. We discussed the possibility of working together with Robyn Williamson at Dakota Arts. We will help to fill her workshops rather than trying to be in competition and run our own. There are plenty of people locally who can jury shows. He or she doesn’t have to be an artist. They could be a curator or a gallery owner.

Signature Show—The Signature Show is booked for August at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes. This will run at the same time as the Anacortes Arts Festival. Watch for more information on the Web Site. There was some question as to Signature eligibility. Shirley moved that a signature member be one whose work has been accepted into three juried International Shows. It was seconded, discussion and passed. Claire Ridlon is the show chair.

Paint-Out—This year’s paint out is scheduled for September 16-21 in Hood River, Oregon. Eleven painters are already registered. Barbara Szkutnik is in charge. Gary suggested that we subsidize the cost for members. He moved that we put a subsidy of $1500 for the workshop to be divided evenly between the people who are registered. It was seconded, discussion and passed.

IAPS Membership—There was a discussion about whether it would be good to for the society to join IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies). Claire moved that we join. It was seconded, discussion and passed. Advertising—There was a discussion of whether we should have advertising on the web site. If you have an opinion, questions or information, contact Penny Chadwell.

Announcements—Penny Chadwell has taken over as the new Webmaster. The new membership chairman is Miki Willa.

For the international show, there are at present 103 entries. We discussed miniature shows. It was decided we will try a miniature show as part of next year’s member show. Sue Dawson will be in charge of that section. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00.

Shirley Fjoslien, Secretary

Northwest Pastel Society General Meeting
Studio UFO in Bellingham, Washington   
November 16, 2008
 

Trish Harding called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm. Minutes from the last meeting

were approved as published on the NPS website.

Committee Reports

Gary Gumble reported that we currently have approximately $16,500 plus a $2,600

balance in the Bill McEnroe Award CD. Gary reported that he purchased a $5,000

7-month CD which will yield 2% interest.

International Show: Helen Dorn, Chair, reported that this year’s International Show will

be held on July 16 - August 15 at the American Art Company in Tacoma, WA, as will the

2010 show. This is an upscale gallery which expects top quality work which is framed in

a professional manner. On July 16 there will be a show opening and reception from 5:30

to 7:30 pm.

Greg Biolchini is this year’s instructor for the NPS workshop held in conjunction with the

International Show. Workshop dates are July 17 - 20 and will be held at Donna Trent’s

Studio in Gig Harbor.

Signature Show: The Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes will once again host the NPS

Signature Show, which will run from August 7 - September 1, 2008.

Paint-Outs: Karen Schroeder said that the 2008 Paint Out on Lopez was successful.

Barbara Szkutnik of Hood River will organize this year’s Paint-Out, which will take

place in September, 2009 at Hood River, Oregon.

Historian: Judy Hill requested photos with accompanying details for entry into the NPS

scrapbook.

Members’ Show: Trish Harding, Show Chair for the 2009 Members’ Show reported that

the prospectus will be online soon. Dates for the show are April 24 - May 28 at the Blue

Horse Gallery in Bellingham. The show will be up for the May’s Gallery Walk in

Bellingham, a well-attended local event which usually brings 700-800 people through

local galleries. Publicity for the event is underway.

The juror, Wade Marlow of Blue Horse Gallery, will be looking for eclectic, adventurous

work, so painters are encouraged to think outside the box for this show. Large paintings

are encouraged.

Membership:Claire Ridlon reported that we currently have 223 members. Claire will

ask Jennifer to post a reminder about renewal on the web splash page.

New Business:

Helen Dornhas been voted in as interim vice president of the NPS.

Susan Dawsonasked if we will ever include miniatures in an NPS show. Karen said it

might be appropriate to have a separate show. this issue will be put on the agenda for next

meeting. Trish said maybe miniatures would be good subjects for a virtual show.

Next meeting will be in Bellevue in January, date to be announced.

Announcements:

Steve Hillwill give a workshop on October 5 - 14, 2009 in Korkula, Croatia - one of the

stops on a 3-month trip he and Judy took to Europe last spring. Workshop and registration

details can be found at www.slikamilina.com.

Janice Graves, is showing at the Cole Gallery in Edmonds Artwalk Nov 18 - Dec 14

November 20 is opening night.

Susan Dawsonis showing at the Kaewynn Gallery miniature show Dec 5 - Jan 17, in

Bothell.

Sara ???, Trish and Helen Dorn now showing at the PAPO show in the Blue Horse

Gallery.

Steve Hill is now showing at LaConner Seaside Gallery.

Trish Hardingjust returned from San Miguel D’Allende, News of her show ensuing

from that trip will be on her website

The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 pm

Meeting attendees then exchanged original pastel paintings and enjoyed an incredible potluck feast.

Respectfully submitted, Penny Chadwell, taking minutes for absent secretary, Shirley Fjoslien

Northwest Pastel Society Board Meeting
Studio UFO in Bellingham, Washington

November 16, 2008
 

Trish Harding called the meeting to order at 10:10 am. Those in attendance were Trish

Harding, Claire Ridlon, Karen Schroeder, Gary Gumble, Judy Hill, Steve Hill, Helen

Dorn and Penny Chadwell.

Minutes of the last board meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Gary Gumble reported that we currently have approximately $16,500

plus a $2,600 balance in the Bill McEnroe Award CD. Gary reported that he purchased a

$5,000 7-month cd which will yield 2% interest.

Committee Reports

International Show: Helen Dorn, Chair, is working on advertisements for placement in

art magazines and is hoping to access as many free ads and listings as possible. Donna

will be contacted for info about last year’s advertising. Steve stressed the need to place

ads early.

Trish suggested local as well as national listings and the possibility of contacting other

Pastel Societies to see if they would consider a reciprocal agreement to post calls to

artists. Karen will find a volunteer who is willing to orchestrate a letter of contact to other

societies. Trish suggested that NPS members also post information about upcoming NPS

shows on their personal websites.

The board discussed whether or not some copies of the prospectus need to be printed. The

general consensus was that each prospective entrant could access the prospectus online

and download and print copies as needed.

The board discussed adding a clause to the prospectus stating that, after a certain date,

workshop fees will not be refunded. A clause will also reiterate that a signed prospectus is

a legal and binding contract to deliver accepted work to the show. Each show venue can

decide what their policy is concerning about nudes in artwork. The prospectus will

include that policy.

This year’s International Show will be held on July 16 - August 15 at the American Art

Company in Tacoma, WA, as will the 2010 show. This is an upscale gallery which

expects top quality work which is framed in a professional manner. On July 16 there will

be a show opening and reception from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Greg Biolchini is this year’s instructor for the NPS workshop held in conjunction with the

International Show. Workshop dates are July 17 - 20 and will be held at Donna Trent’s

Studio in Gig Harbor.

Signature Show: Claire Ridlon?The Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes will once again

host the NPS Signature Show, which will run from August 7 - September 1, 2008. There

is no jurying process for this show - any signature member may enter a piece of their

choosing to be exhibited and sold. It was suggested that Jennifer send advance notice to

NPS Signature Members alerting them to the show.

Paint-Outs:Karen Schroeder said that the 2008 Paint Out on Lopez was successful,

although only 13 or 14 painters attended, about half of last year’s total. There were

afternoon painting sessions, to take advantage of long afternoon shadows and sunsets,

and critiques in the evening.

Barbara Szkutnik of Hood River will organize this year’s Paint Out, which will take place

in September, 2009 at Hood River, Oregon.

The board discussed the possibility of subsidizing room rates or camping spots for

members as a response to the lagging economy and also as an added benefit of NPS

membership.

Steve Hill made a motion to appropriate funds to reimburse expenses to members

for hotels at Paint Outs.

Karen Schroeder seconded the motion.

The vote passed.

Historian:Judy Hill requested pictures and details about pictures for entry into the NPS

scrapbook. She will send a list of event photos needed for the scrapbook to Jennifer

Evenhus for posting on the web site.

Members’ Show: Trish Harding, Show Chair for the 2009 Members’ Show reported that

the prospectus will be online soon. Dates for the show are April 24 - May 28 at the Blue

Horse Gallery in Bellingham. The show will be up for the May’s Gallery Walk in

Bellingham, a well-attended local event which usually brings 700-800 people through

local galleries. Publicity for the event is underway.

The juror, Wade Marlow of Blue Horse Gallery, will be looking for eclectic, adventurous

work, so painters are encouraged to think outside the box for this show. Large paintings

are encouraged - there is lots of room in the gallery for hanging.

MembershipClaire Ridlon reported that we currently have 223 members. Claire will

ask Jennifer to post a reminder about renewal on the web splash page.

New Business:There was a discussion about finding new ways to promote membership.

One possibility was to list perks of being a member of the NPS on the web splash page,

and to update that list of benefits of membership to include paint outs, special member

rates for workshops and paint out accommodations and a free original painting each year

at the potluck meetings.

Trish moved that, since there is no vice president, we vote in Helen Dorn as interim

vice president.

Karen Schroeder seconded the motion.

Group discussion ensued.

Vote passed.

Group discussed the possibility of having Albert Handel as our workshop instructor in 2011.
No decision was reached.

Next Board and General meeting will be Sunday Jan. 11 or 18 to elect officers.
Gary Gumble will check into a Bellevue venue and report back.

Tentative May or April meeting will be at Dakota Art in Mount Vernon. Trish will arrange

a demo for the meeting.

Meeting adjourned 11:50.

NPS Board Meeting, August 2, 2008

Anacortes Library

The meeting was called to order by President Trish Harding at 9:25am.  Those in attendance were Binky Bergsman, Trish Harding, Penny Chadwell, Shirley Fjoslien, Beth Brooks, Karen Schroeder, and Gary Gumble.

• The secretary’s report was approved as written on the Web Site.
• Treasurer Gary Gumble reported a current balance of slightly less than $17,000.00 in the checking account plus the $2500.00 Bill McEnroe CD.  The checks for the Signature Show have not yet been deposited.  It was suggested that we purchase a few 6-month CD’s at staggered intervals to gain a little bit of interest rather than having all the funds in the checking account. Gary will check into doing that.
• Committee Reports—Binky Bergsman reported on the Margot Schulzke workshop.  A lot of people dropped at the last minute but she was able to fill it.  There was no paid advertising used.  She had inadvertently left out the words “non-refundable” on the registration.  Penny Chadwell moved that next year the deposits be non-refundable after a certain date and that members get a discount on entrance fees to the show.  This was seconded, discussion and passed.
• Beth Brooks reported on the International Show.  Everything went well and everyone was easy to work with.  She handed out a “glitch list” for others to be aware of.  Sherwood Smith has volunteered to work with us again next year.
• It was reported that our Vice President Amanda Houston is undergoing some severe health problems.  Karen Schroeder moved that we ask Amanda to resign due to health issues.  It was seconded, discussion and passed.  Trish will phone her.  This would leave us free to seek another vice president who will move up to president in two years.  Helen Dorn is the new show chair.  Amanda and Beth will work with her and share the how-to packet for show chairs.

New Business-

• Karen Schroeder reported on the Lopez Island Paint-Out in September.  There are not as many people registered as there were last year.  She will send out one more notice.  The block of rooms that she had reserved are good only up through 30 days prior to the event.  She is working on a map.  There will be morning and evening painting to take advantage of shadows.  She will block in critique time.  There will be no show at a Lopez Gallery following the show.
• There is also a Friday Harbor Paint-Out about the same time as the Lopez Paint-Out.  More information is on our Web Site.
• We discussed our policy for trading our Email list for awards.  Karen Schroeder moved that we not trade our Email list for awards or any other reason.  It was seconded, discussion and passed.
• Penny Chadwell suggested that maybe on the member’s show, we should limit it to only one entry per artist.  Beth Brooks said that it would be possible to put all of one artist’s work on one screen without giving out the name of the artist.  The prospectus limits the number per artist to 3 paintings of which one or two will be accepted.  Perhaps we need also to add that they should be prepared to ship more than one. This will probably be further discussed at the next general meeting.
• This summer, the Mercer Island venue banned a painting that had been accepted into the show because of nudity.  (Our show there was in a community center open to all ages.)  Perhaps this is an issue that needs to be cleared with the venue first.
• We discussed the answer to the question, “What is pastel?”  At the moment, our definition is 85% soft pastel.  If they want to use more mixed media, there are other shows they can enter.

• Beth Brooks reported on awards amounts.  She suggested that the amounts for the International Show be $1500, $1000, $750, $500 with no awards less than $100.  We could bump the smaller awards to the Members Show.
• We’ve had an invitation to do a show at the Unitarian Church in the U District.  It’s too late for this year, but Trish will let them know that we’d be interested in the future.  It’s non-jurored so would be a good opportunity for the emerging artist.
• There was a discussion about author advertising on our Web Site.  Gary said we had a limited amount available.  Karen asked if we would have to pay taxes on this.  Penny asked if we could be choosy.  This is something that needs to be checked into.
• There was a brief discussion about the workshop chair having a free workshop.  Binky said this doesn’t work because the workshop chair doesn’t have time to also do the workshop.
• Penny Chadwell said that we need a definite system for a thank you to a volunteer when they leave a certain position.  Gary presented Beth with a monetary gift as she leaves the position of show chair.  Gift certificates were also suggested.  Perhaps the volunteers could have a retreat.  This will be brought up at the next general meeting.
• There was a discussion about virtual shows in the future.  This would be on the Internet.  Perhaps it would be good for emerging artists. In communications from both John Knapp and Clark Elster, they thought this would be a good way to eliminate shipping costs.   It may be the wave of the future. It shouldn’t replace any existing shows.  Maybe it would be a place for more abstracts.  We don’t have to consider the venue’s need to sell.  This is also an item for discussion at our next general meeting.
• The next meeting will be on November 16 at Studio UFO (Trish’s studio) in Bellingham.  The board meeting will be at 10:00.  The general meeting, pot luck and gift exchange will be at noon.
• There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am.

Shirley Fjoslien,  Secretary

NPS Board Meeting, March 29, 2008

Dakota Art Store, Mount Vernon, WA

 The meeting was called to order by President Trish Harding at 9:10.  Those in attendance were as follows: Gary Gumble, Trish Harding, Penny Chadwell, Shirley Fjoslien, Beth Brooks, Gordy Edberg, and Karen Schroeder.

The minutes of the February 3, 2008 meeting were approved as written on the Web Site.

Treasurer Gary Gumble reported a balance of $20,944.61 in the checking account and approximately $2700.00 in the CD.  There was a large jump in the account as a result of the member’s show entries.

The membership is now at 197.

There needs to be a new check order soon.

Gary pointed out that our checking account is a business account and therefore, draws no interest.  Shirley Fjoslien moved that the board authorize Gary to check into CD rates and buy one for no more than $10,000 at the best rate he can find.  It was seconded, discussion and passed.

Gary will send by Email the results of the volunteer sign-up list.  We need to start using these people to help as soon as possible.

Gary suggested that we raise the Award of Merit from $100 to $150 and the Honorable Mention award from $50 to $100 both for the members show and the international show.  Penny moved that he write out this as a proposal and the board will vote on line.  It was seconded, discussion and passed.

Beth moved that we have our summer board meeting at the same time as the Signature show—on August 2, 2008, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Anacortes Library.  It was seconded, discussion and passed.

Binky Bergsman sent an Email with an update of the Margot Schulzke workshop for July.  There is only one space left for the workshop to make 15 in the class.  Because of the popularity of the workshop, no advertising was needed.

 Gordy Edberg reported on the Member’s Show which will be opening on April 17 in Mercer Island.  Everything is in place.  Susan Ogilvie will be the juror.  There were 187 entries received and 66 selected.  The museum can’t hang the show until the 15^th and 16^th and won’t accept entries until the 14^th.  Cards will be available to participants at the time of the show.  Most people entered digitally; only 4 sent slides.

This year’s paint-out will be on Lopez Island from September 16-22.  Karen Schroeder said they are also working on getting a show on the island after the paint out.  Please let Karen know if you’re going to be at the paint out.  She has reserved a block of rooms at The Islander.

There is a plein air paint out in Bellingham on August 23.  The NPS has been invited to participate to join.  We have also been invited to join LaBella Strada in Bellingham on August 9-10.  This is in conjunction with the Bellingham Arts Fair.  Come and set up on the street and paint.  There is no entry fee for painting.  If you want to be included in the November show, an entry fee will be expected.  There will be a non-juried show at the Blue Horse Gallery on November 14-30.

The November board meeting and general meeting will be on November 16 at Studio UFO in Bellingham.  This will be the pot luck and painting exchange.  The board meeting will be at 9:00 am and the general meeting at noon.

Beth Brooks reported on the International Show in July.  Everything is in place. The International Show for 2010 is scheduled for the Snohomish area.  This is meant to be a training for the new vice president, Amanda Houston.  Beth will be the trainer.

There was a long discussion about future shows including more adventurous work.  We all need to check with jurors.  Perhaps our February demos can show more experimental work.

There was an Email from Clark Elster informing us that he is closing his shipping business.  He has found a replacement—Danny Zimmerman at Phoenix Art Restoration, 17621 15^th Ave. NE in Shoreline, very near Clark’s home.

The Olympics are coming up in Vancouver in 2010.  We need to think of ways to get the word out about our art to people attending.  This is an opportunity we shouldn’t pass up.  Let the board know if you have any ideas.

Trish got a phone call from the Tri Cities Visitors Bureau offering us the world if we would have a function or a show there.  This could be for August of 2009 or 2010.  She is waiting for further information and will pass it along when she gets it.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10.
Shirley Fjoslien, Secretary

NPS General Meeting, March 29, 2008

Dakota Art Store, Mount Vernon, WA

President Trish Harding called the meeting to order at 11:30 a. m.

The minutes of the February 3 meeting were approved as written on the Web Site.

Treasurer Gary Gumble reported a balance of $20,944.61 in the checking account and approximately $2700.00 in the CD.  There was a big jump in the checking balance when the member’s show entries were turned in.

Membership Chairman Claire Ridlon reported that we currently have 197 members, 8 of those new members.  She said that many old members had not renewed their memberships and needed to do it soon.

Trish informed the membership that the board had moved to give Gary authorization to purchase another CD for not more than $10,000.00 at the best rate he can find so that some of our money begins drawing interest.

The board is going to call on those people who volunteered for jobs in the near future.  If you didn’t sign up to volunteer for anything and would like to, please contact Gary Gumble.

The board will vote online soon to raise the Award of Merit from $100 to $150 and the Honorable Mention Award from $50 to $100.

A reminder from Binky Bergstrom who is the chairman for this summer’s workshop with Margot Schulzke:  There is only one space left for the workshop.

Gordy Edberg, show chair for the upcoming Member’s Show in Mercer Island reported that there was a good response.  There were 187 entries and 66 were chosen for the show.  Paintings should be delivered on April 14.  The judge for the show is Susan Ogilvie.  Notice cards are being printed by the Gallery and will be available at the show.

Our summer paint out will be on Lopez Island from September 16-22.  Karen Schroeder is in charge.  She has booked a block of rooms at The Islander.  If you’re planning to attend, please let Karen know.

The pastel society has been invited to participate in the Bellingham Downtown Paint-Out on August 23 and La Bella Strada on August 9-10.  If you would just like to paint, there is no entry fee.  If you would like your painting included in the show at the Blue Horse Gallery on November 14-30, an entry fee will be required.  This is a non-juried show.

The Winter meeting, potluck and painting exchange will be at Studio UFO in Bellingham (next to the Blue Horse Gallery) on November 16 at noon.  Bring some kind of food to share and a small painting, matted, and wrapped in brown paper.

Beth Brooks is looking for someone to train as a future show chair.  Please contact Beth if you are interested.

In an Email, Clark Elster announced his intention to retire from the art shipping business.  He has found a replacement—Danny Zimmerman, Phoenix Art Restoration, 17621 15^th Ave. N.E. Shoreline.  The form will be on the Web Site.

The 2010 Olympics is scheduled for Vancouver.  Please Email any board member if you have ideas about we can make our art available to all the visitors who will be coming from all over the world.

Trish reported that she had gotten a call from the Tri Cities Visitor Bureau wanting us to have a show or paint out in that area soon.  Look for it to happen in 2009 or 2010.

There was a discussion about ways to make it possible for us to enter more experimental or adventurous work in upcoming shows.  Perhaps we will have a show entitled “Out of the Box.”  Please Email a board member with possible jurors for such a show.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sandy Burke has paintings hanging at the Carnegie Art Gallery in Walla Walla from April 4 to the end of the month.

Trish Harding will be teaching at the Creative Arts Community Workshop at Menucha near Portland on the 1^st week of August.  Tuition (all-inclusive) is $635 a week.

Arts of Snohomish is featuring six of our members for the month of April.  They are Claire Ridlon, Diane Steele, Debby McGehee, Jane Mayer, Janis Graves and Sue Dawson.

Jude Galbraith and Mary Maue will have their studio in downtown Conway open through the month of April.

Donna Trent and Pat Meras are having a show in Gig Harbor from April 26^th through May 4^th.

Kimball Gallery in Gig Harbor is having an exhibition called “Go Figure” for the month of April.

Karen Schroeder has 12 paintings hanging at the Serendipity Gallery in La Conner.

Janet Hamilton will have paintings at the Rexville Grange all of the month of April.

There will be an invitational art show at Woodstock Farm on Chuckanut Bay on June 22 and 23.  All are welcome to attend.

Loizie Bettinger and Caroline Garland are exhibiting their work at the Tulip Valley Winery near Mount Vernon.

______________________________

Guests included Kathleen Walsh, Harmon Jones, and Joanne Sullivan.

If I forgot anyone, misspelled any names or mixed up any information, my apologies.  Things were being said very quickly.

After the meeting, at shortly after twelve we enjoyed a presentation called “Going Digital” by Penny Chadwell.

Shirley Fjoslien

Secretary

NPS General Meeting Feb. 3, 2008

Everett Artists’ Supply and Framing, Everett, WA

The meeting was called to order by President Steve Hill at 12:05 p.m.

The minutes of the November 4, 2007 were accepted as corrected.  Jan Wall’s name was misspelled. 

            Treasurer Gary Gumble reported a balance of $18,121.08 in the checking account and $2,618.64 in the McEnroe CD.  Our checking account has grown every year.  Gary  suggested that we raise some of the smaller awards at our shows.  Diane Steele will audit the treasurer’s books.

            Membership Chairman Claire Ridlon reported that of the 265 members, 113 have renewed their membership.  Notices will be going out this week both by U. S. mail and on our Web Site.  We have had 4 new members since the last meeting.

            Historian Judy Hill announced that the scrapbook is now filled.  It is being passed around the table for all to look at and then will be turned over to Trish Harding.

There was no old business.

New Business—Everyone was reminded to pay dues if they haven’t already done so.  Gary will take checks today.

            Steve reminded everyone to be a daily visitor to our Web Site.  There is an amazing amount of material there.  It is continually updated and any member can use it.  To get to the members only page, remember that the user name is “pastel” (all lower case) and the password is “Tacoma” (capital T.)

            In the absence of show chair Gordy Edberg, Steve Hill reported on the 2008 Member’s Juried Exhibit on Mercer Island in April.  So far, we have 10 entries and the deadline is Feb.12.  A show of hands showed about another 20 who are planning to enter the show.  Gordy will put an update on the Web Site upon his return.  Amanda Houston is also working on this show.

            Beth Brooks, show chair for the 2008 International Open Exhibit in Tacoma from July 17 to August 15 thanked her committee.  They are Pat Meras, Donna Trent, Jane Wallis and Judy and Sherwood Smith.  This show will be at the American Art Company in Tacoma with Margot Schulzke as judge.  Both slides and digital entries will be accepted.  In 2009, the show will be held at the same venue with Greg Biolchini as judge. In 2010 it will be held either at the Monte Cristo Hotel or the new Snohomish County Gallery.  A judge is still needed for this.  The deadline for this year’s entries is April 19.

            In conjunction with the International Show, Margot Schulzke will give a workshop from July 16 to 19 in Gig Harbor.  The total cost of the 4 day workshop will be $400 with a $200 down payment due by March 15.  It will be a combination of studio and plein air work.  If it is not filled by members by May 1, advertising will begin.  But it’s filling up fast.  Binky Bergsman is the workshop coordinator.

            The 2008 Signature Members Show will be held in August at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes.  Claire Ridlon is the show chair and she is working on contracts now.  For shipping related questions, call Clark Elster.

            The 2008 NPS Paint-Out will be held on Lopez Island from September 16-22.  Karen Schroeder is the coordinator.  She has 15 rooms reserved at the Islander.  You should reserve your room soon.  Email Karen for suggestions about roommates.  Some days, we will paint in one place all day.  Some days we will go out in the morning and again in the early evening.  Gallery 10 may again want a show, but this time only with paintings done at the paint-out. 

            This year is the 100^th anniversary of the town of Friday Harbor and maybe there will be a painting venue set up there at another time.

            Steve presented a gift to Diane Steele for her six years as hospitality chairman and introduced the new hospitality chairman, Sue Dawson who will remain in that position for the next two years.

            Donna Trent introduced Frank Espada.  His wife, pastelist PongSon passed away last year.  He is setting up a $100 ongoing memorial award in her name for the International Show.  Thank you, Frank.

            Ballots were distributed.  Unanimous votes were cast for Trish Harding for president and Amanda Houston for vice president.  Congratulations, ladies!

            Other announcements—Gary Gumble shared the results of the member’s survey.  Eighty or ninety people have responded.  If you volunteered, you’ll be hearing from someone to help in some way.  Gary moved that we give Steve a $150 monetary gift that he can spend while he’s in Europe for the next three months.  Steve announced that he will now contribute annually to the Past President’s Award.  The next meeting will be on March 29 at Dakota Art in Mount Vernon.  All members will receive a 10% discount.  Come early to take advantage of this offer.  You can also call in your order or order by Email.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m.

Shirley Fjoslien, Secretary

After the meeting, Jane Wallis and Donna Trent showed their slides from Tuscany and then did a demo.  Thank you both.

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NPS Board Meeting  Feb. 3, 2008

Everett Artists’ Supply and Framing,  Everett, WA 

The meeting was called to order by President Steve Hill at 10:25 a.m.  Members in attendance were Steve Hill, Claire Ridlon, Sue Dawson, Binky Bergsman, Penny Chadwell, Judy Hill, Trish Harding, Helen Dorn, Beth Brooks, Gary Gumble, and Shirley Fjoslien.

            The minutes were approved as written on the Web Site.  Treasurer Gary Gumble reported a balance of $18,121. 08 in the checking account and $2,618.64 in the McEnroe CD.  It was suggested that we check into the possibility of applying for grant money.  Gary suggested that we raise the amount of the bottom awards, not the top.

            Membership Chairman Claire Ridlon reported that we had 265 members, 113 of whom have renewed, which is fairly typical for this time of year.  Reminder notices will go out this week.  Jennifer will also put a reminder on our Web Site soon.  We have 4 new members.

            Historian Judy Hill reported that she has filled one scrapbook.  It is here today for everyone to see and will be turned over to Trish Harding.

            Old Business—In a further discussion regarding slide vs. digital entries, Beth Brooks suggested we see what happens this year and then do a further evaluation.  She also said that Sherwood Smith is available to do a tech presentation at one of our meetings.  Last year at the members show, only 5 of the 59 entries were slides.

            In the absence of show chair Gordy Edberg, Steve Hill reported on the 2008 Members Show in April 2008 on Mercer Island.  There are 10 entries right now with the deadline being Feb. 12.  It is typical, however, that entries come in at the last minute.  Amanda Houston is helping with this show.  Penny will Email Amanda material regarding the brochure from last year.  Penny is also set up to do the awards for the show.

            Beth Brooks gave her report on the 2008 International Exhibit.  This will be at the Great American Artworks in Tacoma from July 17 to August 15.  This year’s judge is Margot Schulzke.  The 2009 show will also be in Tacoma with Greg Biolchini as judge.  A new venue will be tried in 2010—that of the new City Art Gallery in Everett.  Beth will also remind Craig Radford, the owner of the American Artworks that he was going to write an article about framing for our Web Site.  He will also give us a pricing guide for our art pieces.

            Binky Bergsman, workshop coordinator, reported on the Margot Schulzke workshop to be held in conjunction with the International Exhibit from July 16-19 in Gig Harbor.  The deadline for the down payment of $200 is March 15.  Advertising about the workshop will come out May 1 if it’s not already full.  (But it’s filling up fast.)  Total payment will be $400 for the four day workshop.

            Claire Ridlon will be the show chair for the 2008 Signature Member’s Show in August 2008 at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes.  This will be at the same time as the annual Anacortes Art Fair.  More information will be forthcoming on this event.

            Trish Harding extended an invitation for our members to participate in the 3^rd annual “Downtown Bellingham plein air Paint-Out” on August 23^rd.  This is on Trish’s web site now.  Perhaps this year’s gift exchange will be at Trish’s studio in Bellingham.  The Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham is right next to her studio.  Perhaps this could be one of our venues in the future.  Beth Brooks inquired if any verbal agreements are in place regarding upcoming exhibits in Snohomish County.

            Steve Hill announced that this year’s Paint-Out will be on Lopez Island from Sept. 16^th to 22^nd.  The Islander has a block of rooms reserved again.  Perhaps we can have another show at Gallery 10.  The island is hot for painting sales and there were several sales made as a result of our show last year.

            Jennifer Evenhus sent her contract update for the NPS web design and maintenance.  It was approved by the board.

            There was a brief discussion regarding advertising on our Web site.  This is a subject for thought by the board before the next board meeting.

            Gary Gumble reported on the member’s survey forms.  Seventy people have volunteered in various areas.  Some said they would be interested in soliciting ads for the Web Site.  Gary has a spread sheet showing the results.  People now need to be contacted by letter or phone call from those needing help on any committee.

            Announcement:  Denise Cole of the Cole Gallery in Edmonds has offered a room for meetings which seats about 40 people.

            The next board meeting and general meeting will be held March 29^th at Dakota Arts.  This date has already been set up by Steve but will be confirmed by Trish.

            There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40.

Shirley Fjoslien, Secretary