President’s Message, February 2025

President’s Message – February 2025

Never Underestimate the Joy of an Adventure 

February Meeting

Our February 10th meeting, traditionally known as “Easel Night,” features The President’s Challenge – Out my Window/Out my Door

Bring a painting, in response to the theme—or any other work—to share with the group. What adventure lies out your window/out your door? And what do you see on the far horizon? Bring anything you’d like to share with the group – or bring nothing but still enjoy the evening with fellow artists.

1. In addition, we will have a Guided Tour of our newly launched CMW Website (Phase1). Several CMW members have been participating in its development and will showcase the work done so far. Bring your devices! 
2. You do not need to bring paints or brushes to the Feb 10 meeting. The art activity previously planned for this meeting is rescheduled for the Sept. Annual Meeting.

Spring Painting Retreat

Spring Painting Retreat – May 5-8, 2025, at Riverside Conference Center in Cold Spring

The retreat is a wonderful adventure and getaway just as spring is springing.

Sign-up sheets will be at the Feb. 10 meeting. Or sign up now by emailing Pat Spence at [email protected]  The cost for 4 days and 3 nights is $320 for a single room or $250 per person for a shared room. Pay Treasurer Ralph a deposit at the Feb. meeting. Full details are in the flyer Arlette has sent and on our website:  https://www.centralmnwatercolorists.org 

Coming soon – Opportunities to show your work

Artists of Minnesota – April 25 -27 in St. Cloud. Kerry K. will have full information about this event. See also the website:  https://artistsofminnesota.org

CentraCare Plaza – May 

Whitney show dates are June-July. Sign up at our Feb. meeting. By April 1 you should provide full information about your paintings.

Great River Arts in Little Falls is hosting a juried show this summer. Submission deadline is May 24. Information is at https://greatart.org/pages/opportunities-at-gra 

Good Shepherd show will be Sept. 30 – Dec. 30.

Membership Dues

Reminder: Dues for 2025 are due. $30. Contact our Treasurer, Ralph Carpenter, to let him know you want to keep your membership current. ([email protected]) You can bring your payment to the February meeting.

Thank you to CMW Artists Anita H. and Shelly C., who painted at the Jan. 24 Art Crawl in downtown St. Cloud. Shelly sold some cards and Anita sold a painting. Pix from the event are on Facebook. Future Art Crawl dates are Apr. 18, June 20, Aug. 15, and Oct. 17. Contact Show Coordinator, Becca if you would like to paint at an Art Crawl.

March 10th Member Demo

Looking forward: Is it too soon to note that our Mar. 10 meeting features a member demo by Dan Mondloch? Check out the 10 minute video on our website of Dan at Quarry Park talking about the adventures of plein air painting.  https://www.centralmnwatercolorists.org/ 

Plan now to bring a guest to this meeting! Bring a new painter. Bring a friend. Bring a young painter to enjoy watching a master artist and teacher show what a beautiful adventure watercolor is. Let’s welcome a roomful at our meeting, Mon., Mar. 10, at the Paramount.

As always,

Keep your paints wet and – Keep Painting!

Susan