Newsletter – February 2026

So just like that, our first exhibition of the year has come and gone – it’s always a great way to begin the year by featuring artwork by RAC Instructors and students in the gallery. Next up is Abstraction, an Exhibiting Members show opening on Sunday, February 8 at 4 pm. For a look at the entire 2026 schedule, visit the link on the RAC website here!

RAC Happenings

From the RAC Studio 2026 Opening

This annual all media exhibition featured 130 pieces of artwork by RAC Instructors and students created in the past year. Opening day Sunday, January 11, 2026. More info at the link here.

Photo of some of the RAC Instructors at the event (left to right): Nancy McTague-Stock, Dana Goodfellow, Lenny Moskowitz, Susan Fehlinger, John Grieco and Christy Gallagher.

Suzy Aubrey welcoming the crowd and discussing the quality of work by RAC students

Family time – RAC Instructor Frank Bruckmann (center) with daughter/student Jorgie (left) and wife Muffy

Michael Aubrey a.k.a. Suzy’s husband serves as bartender for the event – RAC Instructor Mari Gyorgyey (right)

Photo op with student Beth Reifers (right)

RAC Student/Open Sketch Coordinator Tracey Dinkin with her charcoal drawing “Karloff” (left)

Date night! RAC Student/Exhibiting Member Rosa Sclafini with her husband

RAC Classes and Workshops

The March/April Weekly Class Session is open for Registration!

Image above by Instructor, Susan Fehlinger, who will be teaching “Learning to Make it Your Own” on Thursday afternoons. This class helps experienced painters – using oils or acrylics – make choices that lead to successful paintings. 

Adult Weekly Classes

Adult Short Term Workshops

Youth and Teen Classes

Upcoming Workshops:

From Drawing into Painting: Fundamentals of Portraiture with John Grieco

Sundays, February 7 & 14 (11am-2pm)

This 2-day workshop is geared toward teaching students the relationship between drawing and painting and how they can be used to eventually create a full color portrait. John will demonstrate how to work from the model using the “massing” method. He will also demonstrate how to mix a foundational color palette to use in portrait painting and will explore additional palettes that artists have used throughout the centuries to create portraiture.

Fee: $175 (including model fees)

How to Paint Abstract Florals with Dana Goodfellow

Wednesday, March 4 (6:30-8:30pm))

Dana will lead students through the creation of an abstract floral painting.  Technique, color, values and composition will be discussed and demonstrated to give participants the confidence and knowledge they need to create a successful floral abstract painting of their own.

Fee: $70 (includes all supplies)

Floral Drawing in Pen & Ink with Nancy McTague-Stock

Saturday, March 7 (10:30am-12:30pm)

 Learn how to use pen and ink as you work with fresh flowers! There are so many ways to approach florals with this medium, and it is all fun! Think Spring!

Fee: $85 (includes all supplies)

Drawing with Fresh Eyes with Timothy Cronin

Wednesday, March 11 (6:30pm-8:30pm)

In this class, students will learn to draw more intuitively by slowing down and truly observing what’s in front of them. We’ll focus on seeing shapes, proportions, relationships, and negative space as they actually appear. 

Fee: $60 (includes all supplies)

Upcoming Exhibitions

February 8 through March 7, 2026

All Media Exhibiting Member Show

How Many Works: One work per artist

The Hu Lindsay Memorial Award: $250 for the highest prize in Mixed Media.

Cash Award: $100 for First Place (New this Year!)

Receiving: Monday, February 2 (5-7pm) and Tuesday, February 3 (12-2pm)

Opening Reception: Sunday, February 8 (4-6pm) – more info here.

March 15 through April 4, 2026

Exhibiting Member Show

How Many Works: One work per artist, no photography or digital art

Deadline for online submissions is Friday, March 6 at Midnight (link to form will be live approximately three weeks ahead!)

Cash Award: $100 for First Place (New this Year!)

Receiving: Monday, March 9 (5-7pm) and Tuesday, March 10 (12-2pm)

Opening Reception: Sunday, March 15 (4-6pm) – more info here.

April 12 – May 9, 2026

Open Juried Show – All Media

Online submissions will be live on February 16 (Deadline March 6)

Drop off dates: Monday, April 6 (5-7pm) and Tuesday, April 7 (12-2pm)

Opening Reception:  Sunday, April 12 (4-6pm) – more info here.

Other News

RAC will review artwork by local artists interested in becoming exhibiting members on Friday, February 20, 2026. Artists should bring items for consideration to the gallery on Thursday, February 19 from 12 to 5 pm. The artist selection will take place on the morning of Friday, February 20 with notifications sent to accepted artists the following week. Artists should plan on picking up their artwork on Friday, February 20 from 12 to 5 pm or Saturday, February 21 from 10 am to 1 pm.

There is a form online to complete before bringing in artwork to RAC at this link and see the full Exhibiting Member Prospectus here for more information.

Keep warm out there!