I don’t know about you, but in spite of the recent snows, I’m feeling it- Spring! Up here on the mountain, the snowbanks still tower, but the water dripping everywhere and the fog rising indicates a shift in the weather. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Gallery, please be sure to make it a priority. Lynn and her crew have decorated our Art in the Garden exhibit with a real taste of springtime! With some help from Lowe’s and Osborne’s, we have a real garden right here in our midst. Hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and primroses- oh my! The scent is heavenly!

Coming up in May is our Kids’ Exhibit. Students from Kindergarten through 12th grade will have the opportunity to display their artwork and win prizes. If you know a young artist who might like to participate, please direct them to our website for details.

Members who enjoy helping with the logistics of the show are always welcome—though unfortunately none of you are eligible to enter!

All members are welcome to join in—whether you’re an exhibiting artist or simply someone who enjoys the arts. Visit our website to see what’s coming up and find something that interests you.

Sometimes when I look at our membership list, I notice many names of people I haven’t yet met—and I’d truly like to change that. I know others feel the same. Being part of the Association is about connecting with fellow artists and art lovers.

For me, belonging to this group has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life, and I’m grateful for the friendships and camaraderie that come with it.

We’d love to have you join us for our Monthly Members Meeting and Art Talk, held on the third Monday of each month. (Bring a friend! Open to the public!)

We begin at 5:00 pm with Artist of the Month. Members may bring a piece to share, and members and visitors vote for their favorites. The first-place artist is given the opportunity to display multiple pieces at Annie’s Café on Gilford Ave. Other participants exhibit at local banks and libraries. New participants are always welcome. (I have personally sold from Annie’s and other AOM locations, and I know others have as well. This is a great opportunity to get your work out in the community.)

At 5:30 pm, we hold a brief meeting to share updates on gallery news and activities. Artist of the Month winner and venues are announced.

Then at 6:00 pm, our guest speaker takes the floor. Speakers may cover practical topics—such as framing—or demonstrate techniques in their medium, sometimes with hands-on participation. Talks usually last about an hour.

We’re considering offering a Zoom option for these meetings. If this would make it easier for you to participate, we’d love to hear from you.

Please let us know by calling, texting, emailing, or using the Contact page on our website: lakesregionartgallery@lraa.org

Another opportunity for gathering together is “Balderdash”, 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am. Location varies. It’s simply an hour or so to chat, relax, and get to know fellow members a little better. Stop by if you can—we’d love to see you.

For those whom we’ve never met, I hope that I’ve piqued your interest in what LRAA has to offer- and perhaps, what you have to offer LRAA. I had absolutely no idea what would happen when I took that first tentative step 9 years ago, out of my comfort zone and into that classroom, to fulfill my lifelong dream of learning watercolor painting. If you are hesitating about taking that first step, I’d encourage you to just do it! It’s never too late, you don’t have to be “good enough”- we’re all learners here. It’s the journey that matters- what you do between now and the rest of your life. Have you a dream? A compulsion to create? Longing to share with like-minded people? Do you need a little help along the way? Can you offer instruction and encouragement? That is what we are all about…

I hope to see you at one of our gatherings soon and have the chance to meet you in person.

Gail Brunt

LRAA Vice President