An Unforgettable Day

Yesterday was the end of two very busy weeks.
 It ended with Unforgettable Art - An Affair to Benefit the Alzheimer's Association. My neighbor at the event, fellow artist, Beth Wemmer stated that she was looking forward to my blog this morning. Okay, I have to admit it, I was surprised. You read my blog Beth? I felt honored and also a bit of pressure. Better blog today. So this is for everyone who actually reads my blog.... with a warm heart felt thank you. And I say that just because blogging is a strange world.  You write your thoughts and unless you get a comment or two it kinda feels like writing in a diary, like I did as a kid. " He looked over at my side of the room during social studies. I think he likes me. I hope he likes me. Oh gosh, why did I wear that sweater today? It's so old."

So, I think it's only fitting to start this post with Beth. 

This was her first year at Unforgettable and she flew through it like a pro.These are her birds done with oil pastels. It's important for the survival of the event to have newcomers. The new blood pumps in a lot of energy into the rooms. Beth was calm throughout the event and finished with time to spare.Very unlike how I approach the event. I get there as early as possible, work to the last minute and don't allow myself breaks for fear that I'll run out of time. In fact, I went to lunch too late and there wasn't anything left. Beth was the one who brought me some pizza in the late afternoon after I felt I couldn't afford the time to leave my table. Thanks Beth.









There are several artist who have been with Unforgettable since their beginning, 14 years ago. One such person is the Rockford Art Guild's own Treasurer, Chuck Gregory. They are the rock stars of the night and keep us all going.

 
When I taught a workshop in Addison earlier this year I was privileged to meet Tania Blanco, an incredible abstract artist. I wasn't aware that that so many artists come from far way and pay for hotel rooms and meals etc. just to be a part of this day. It's thrilling to meet these new artists and watch their pieces progress as the day becomes night.

Everyone wants to do their part in the fight against Alzheimer's but there's something very special about Unforgettable Art. I think there's one main factor that draws us all to it, the feeling of camaraderie. We're all in this together, trying to create something in 8 hours which will be good enough that others are willing to dig deep in their pockets and pay for. It doesn't always work out the way you may want it to but you know people are there who have your back - or your pizza.

   I haven't said a thing about the volunteers. Honestly, I know very little about what they have to go through to put on such an affair. I assume they're already planning for next year. They're like the older siblings in a large family - working endlessly and allowing the artists to take the spotlight, never requiring much attention themselves. Thank you to them all.



And let's not forget those people with the pockets. Let's not forget those who drive a long way, pay $60 all for a beer and a chance to say hello. The night would be nothing with out them. There are people who I only get to see at this event that I look forward to seeing each year.

My biggest supporters.

(Lauri, we're wearing the same necklace.Yours is a lot shinier than mine.)

This was one of my favorite students from RAS.

I didn't say much about my piece of the night. That's because I guess I'm so over it. I completed it - it sold for a decent amount and I'm already planning for next year. I feel so inspired by everyone else's work from the night that my head is whirling with ideas. What, I'm doing it again? Next year, I want something completely different. Someone remind me, I said no flowers in 2018! I've got a whole year to figure it out. Better get nervous now.... well maybe not.





So Beth. I hope this is what you hoping for. I just want you to know that you're obligated to comment now - just saying.

But sincerely, thanks to everyone who reads my blog. You make my day. I may not see comments but I see the numbers. I just don't know who you are always, but thanks just the same. Feel free to comment anytime - or not.

Unforgettable Art and Alzheimer's, A Few Thoughts

Unforgettable Art is around the corner and I'm looking for ideas for this year's painting.

This will be my third year participating in Unforgettable. I always like to put a positive spin on things so I usually talk about how fun it is to paint alongside my fellow artist and to meet new artists etc. etc. But the truth is it's pretty stressful. I usually don't have the time to walk around and socialize during the event, I need every moment to finish my painting. Most artists don't usually produce great works in 6 hours that are living room hang-able quality. Don't get me wrong, some days we do. But, mostly not. I like to paint the painting I'm planning on doing a few times ahead of that day to make sure I have enough time to complete it. I can correct any composition problems, color choices or whatever ahead of time. My paintings usually take me several weeks to complete. And even if I do my best will someone like it enough to pay a few hundred for it? Will it be one of those days that nothing works and my piece is terrible?

I know I'm not unique. There are a lot of artists out there that loose sleep over this event. Why would we do it? Well, for most of us it's for those people we have loved and lost to Alzheimer's. The names are different but the stories are all too familiar. It's those people who we love, who so slowly slip away from us a bit each day, until one day we turn around and realize that they are already gone... and we didn't notice enough to say good bye because physically nothing changed. My list of friends who are going through this, or have, with their own parents grows longer and longer each year.

I think one of the cruelest parts of this disease lingers long after that loved one is gone.  It's there whenever a middle aged child of an Alzheimer's patient looses their train of thought or their car keys. "Is is starting for me? Will I one day put my family through that?" Will this be a cycle that continues through the generations? I hope not. I believe we can solve this and in doing so open the doors to understanding other forms of dementia and other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.

So I have to sit back and take a deep breath and realize that I am just a small part in the wheels that drive this event. It is the people who attend Unforgettable who dig deep in their pockets to give what they can to help fund the Alzheimer's Association. It is those people who make the event a success. I am merely entertainment, and only one of 50 at that. All the same, I want to do my best.

There is a part of the night that is truly wonderful. It's after you've finished your painting and talked to the guests, and sat through the auction and seen your piece sold. It's when the event is all over and you're ready to go home, tired. There's a few moments when you breath in a deep breath and realize that you did your part and you think, "Gee that was fun. Can't wait till next year."

So what shall I paint this year? Any suggestions? Leave a comment.

For more information and tickets click here.



 

An Update on Classes and Shows

It's official! I love teaching classes in series.

I just finished up my four week class of intermediate alcohol ink classes. It was wonderful! To see people apply what they've learned into their own styles is terrific.We had a variety of paintings; dogs, owls landscape, abstract, then we started coping a favorite.

              At first the swirls of Starry Night were really difficult. We all felt maybe we had made a mistake trying this painting in alcohol inks. But then, we were mesmerized, we couldn't stop.

 Some of us went on to try other Masters.Some had projects they wanted to try.

                
                                                                                                                                                          
 

Things are getting busy as we approach the warmer weather. I'm working on a show at Sinisnawa Mounds - a Dominican retreat and conference center. The show will run April 5th through the end of May.

 The next 4 week series of Alcohol Inks on Canvas starts on Tuesday, April 18th. 1-4pm Info and registration here

Spring Art Scene is April 21 & 22nd. I will be showing with the Rockford Art Guild at the Trinity Lutheran Activity Center, 215 N 1st St. It  will be include my first Art Installation in the parking lot. I admit that it is my first one and I don't have a lot of time to pull this off. I know I'll learn a lot.






Then, the 14th annual Unforgettable Art, an Affair for Alzheimer's is April 29th. If you have any suggestions for my canvas please let me know. I plan on doing a vertical canvas this year. For more info and tickets go here

 Looking for a more adventurous painting experience?
Fascinated by the performance art that's becoming so popular?

Well, grab a friend (or not, we'll be your friends ) and come for a night of fun and exploration. Each person will start with their own 11" x 14" canvas. You'll choose your own acrylic color palette, up to 5 colors and be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire about what you like. We'll all start off on our own canvasses by painting the background and a few details.  We'll give you a few pointers along the way. You'll have to be quick because in 15 minutes the music will stop and you'll move on to another canvas. After reviewing that person's likes you will use their palette to continue painting on THEIR canvas! We're sure to come up with some very original pieces by the end of the night!

Tuesday, March 21st
6:00 to 8:30pm
New Dimensions Studio
Womaspace
3333 Maria Linden Drive
Rockford, Illinois 61114

$35/person
Everything you need will be supplied. Feel free to bring your own adult beverage if you'd like.

Register here

Unforgettable Lives Up To It's Name

Last Saturday, 48 artists showed up and painted with the hopes that their painting would spark an interest in a collector's heart, all in the name of a good cause - Alzheimer's. 

The sad thing is that we all had our own stories, our own personal reason to be there. And if things keep going as is, those numbers are going to continue to rise.

• It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease.
• The incidence of the disease is rising in line with the aging population.
• Although Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing the illness rises with advanced age. Current research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.
• As our population ages, the disease impacts a greater percentage of Americans. The number of people age 65 and older will more than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 percent of the population; likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
• It is estimated that about a half million Americans younger than age 65 have some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. (This is referred to as young onset or early onset.)
• It is estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for each individual with Alzheimer's disease.

For more information, connect with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s licensed social workers or call 866.232.8484. Real People. Real Care. 

 For us artists, it's a fun day. 
A day to see some old friends and meet new ones.

 






This group has always been so great to work with. 
 

As the afternoon wears on, there are concerns as to whether or not we will be able to finish on time.

 But we all support each other and it all turns out in the end.

Almost done....

The guests arrive at 6pm.

Cheering section arrives....
     complete with all the right things to say.

Friends enter...
Some we haven't seen in a long time.

It's time to sign it
 and get a drink.

Grab some food...

 


     And on to the auction. 

 
 And before you know it... your piece is gone.



You breath a sigh or relief... it's found a home.

 

     
And then it's all over...   

Until next year.