February 2022 Newsletter
SNOW DAYS!!!
Even in the middle of winter, RAC is still buzzing with activity. There’s a new exhibition in the works, plus classes galore online and in studio (or both!) Please remember to check your inbox or online about any weather cancellations and stay safe in the weeks ahead.
Upcoming Exhibitions
February 6 through March 5, 2022
All Media Exhibiting Member Show
Receiving: Monday, January 31 (4-7pm) and Tuesday, February 1 (11am-2pm)
Opening Reception: Sunday, February 6 (4-6pm)
Chair: Pamela Proctor    Co-chair: Dana Laird
Judge: Lee Findlay Potter
Lee Findlay Potter is the President of Lee Findlay Art, an art advisory service. She shares her network of artists, galleries and experts – cultivated from thirty years of experience directing David Findlay Jr Gallery in New York City – to help build collections, purchase art for homes and offices or sell artwork.
Ikebana Demonstration: the Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
Wednesday, February 9
5pm
Kathy Draper (RAC Exhibiting Member, Rowayton Gardener and Director of The Connecticut Sogetsu Ikebana Study Group) will introduce this art based on the enhancing the beauty of nature. It was established when Buddhism was brought to Japan in the sixth century and offerings of flowers developed into the art of Ikebana. Free and open to the public.
RAC Classes and Workshops
Spring 1 classes are Open for Registration
There are a wide variety of in studio, online and hybrid classes for adults of all levels in all mediums. (Seen here is RAC Instructor Susan Fehlinger who will be teaching “The Art of the Knife” beginning March 10!) Review the entire schedule at rowaytonarts.org/classes.
Three in studio classes are continuing for young artists, “Creations” for ages 6 to 9, “Creative Explorations for 7 to 10 year olds” and “ClayPlay@RAC.” For more info on these classes, visit rowaytonarts.org/youth-classes-and-workshops.
RAC will also arrange private art classes and parties for all ages in small groups. Whether it be a private weekly art class, a Paint and Sip party or Open Sketch session, to schedule contact RAC Education Director Suzy Aubrey at education@rowaytonarts.org or call 203-866-2744 (x-2).
Starting this week, Thom Williams will continue to offer photography classes open to all camera types: Photoshop for Photographers, Beginner 2 Photography and Smartphone Photography. To review the entire schedule and register online, visit rowaytonarts.org/photography-classes.
Online Printmaking Workshop Using Gelli Plates
Thursday, February 10
4:30-6:30pm
RAC Instructor Nancy Chapman will teach participants how to use a soft silicone plate (i.e. gelli plate), a brayer, paint and paper to create one of a kind monoprints. Open to artists of all levels.
Fee: $30 (plus an additional $35 if a Gelli plate printmaking kit is needed). More info and register online here.
Kids Valentine Workshop
Friday, February 11
4:30-6:00pm
With inspiration from the works of sculptor Jim Dine, students will create colorful clay and wire sculptures with RAC Instructor Michelle Beyman. Open to ages 7 through 12.
Fee: $45 (includes all supplies). More info and register online here.
How to Draw Flowers with Pen & Ink
Saturday, February 12
10:30am-12:30pm
Working from real flowers, students will build skills by observing reality. RAC Instructor Nancy McTague-Stock will discuss basic pen and ink skills, with the opportunity to embellish with watercolor washes if desired. Open to artists of all levels.
Fee: $50 (includes all supplies). More info and register online here.
RAC Happenings
From the RAC Studio: Instructors & Students
Sunday, January 9
This all media exhibition featured over 100 pieces of artwork by RAC Instructors and students created in the past year. Education Director Suzy Aubrey (seen here chatting with RAC Instructor Joseph Fama) gave out lovely roses to all the students and teachers who stopped by the opening on January 9.
Suzy Aubrey hands a rose to RAC Instructor Dana Goodfellow
Mary Craft with her artwork “My Clay Self Portrait” from ClayPlay @ RAC
RAC Board Member and student Eunice Roy with “Rowayton Woods” from Joseph Fama’s Painting class (top right).
Student Daphne Ambrose with her painting “In Bloom” from Frank Bruckmann’s class Painting from Photographs (bottom left)
RAC Board Member and Instructor Judy Orseck Katz with student Bill Hayden (right) and Bill’s friend Eric Head (left) in front of artwork from her class “Wonders and Spontaneity of Watercolor and Gouache”
Chantey Sing
with Sean and Deirdre Murtha
Sunday, February 13
4 to 7pm
Fee: $5 (suggested donation)
Lead, sing along and/or listen to chanteys, works songs, and other maritime songs. Bring your voices, instruments, friends and enthusiasm for sea music! For more information, email sdmurtha@sbcglobal.net.
RAC Artist Selection Drop off Day
Thursday, February 17
12 to 5pm
RAC’s artist selection committee will review artwork by local artists interested in becoming exhibiting members on February 18, 2022. Artists should bring work for consideration to the gallery on Thursday, February 17 from 12 to 5 pm. The selection process will take place on Friday, February 18 with notifications sent to accepted artists the following week. Artists should plan on picking up their artwork on Friday, February 18 from 12 to 5 pm or Saturday, February 19 from 10 am to 1 pm.
There is a form online to complete before bringing in artwork to RAC. To see the full Exhibiting Member Prospectus on the website, link here.
Fairfield County Giving Day
Thursday, February 24
Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 24th – it’s our region’s biggest philanthropic event of the year and we are proud to be on the list of so many worthy local nonprofit organizations for Giving Day 2022 powered by the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation!!!
Be a part of this 24-hour giving marathon from midnight until 11:59 pm – more info to follow.
Remember to shop RAC for something special to give on Valentine’s Day from artwork to jewelry in the gallery, to a special brick outside or class gift certificate!