2008 Scholarship Winners

The Alaska Watercolor Society and The Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs, Anchorage and Nome Chapters are pleased to announce the winners of their 2008 Scholarship Awards. Rachel Lim and Shelly Giraldo, students at the University of Alaska, Anchorage each received $1000.

Ms. Giraldo received the AKWS award. She hails from Kenny Lake, AK and is a junior pursuing a double degree in Fine Arts and Spanish. She feels drawn to an educational career which would allow her to combine her love of Spanish and art.

Ms. Lim is originally from China and has lived in Gambell, AK. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at UAA and hopes to continue on for her MFA. She looks forward to an active career as an artist in our community.

The Scholarship Committee was impressed by both artists' skill, creativity and passion for the visual arts. The scholarship recipients will be recognized and the slides of their work shown at our September meeting as they will be traveling in May and thus unavailable at the time of our May meeting. Thank you to AKWS Scholarship Committee Chair John Beebee, LaRae Groves, and Jan Sherwood and to Anchorage Woman's Club members Karen Mattson and Barbara Wilkins for their work on this endeavor. Thanks also to the members of AKWS and the Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs, without whose financial generosity these scholarships would not be possible.

2008 Signature Member Show

We are fortunate to be able to display our work for the Signature Member Show at the Artic Rose Gallery at 420 L Street. Summer crowds saunter through the gallery on their way in to dine at the popular Simon and Seafort's Restaurant, so it is a great location at the height of the tourist season. The gallery has adequate space for approximately 30 paintings. AKWS Exhibition Coordinator, Dot Tideman, will be compiling the list of those Signature Members who wish to participate in this show.

The Signature show will be the first Friday in August - August 1st. Bring one painting in no later than Wed July 30th and July 31st between 2 and 6PM.

Who is a Signature member? According to the AKWS bylaws, Signature membership is open to any artist who has had a painting exhibited in two AKWS juried shows and one other juried water media exhibition.

Signature Member Show Chair: Dot Tideman 344-3974 C: 440-2556 dtideman@gci.net

2008 AKWS Juried Exhibition
Prospectus available here

The 34th Annual AKWS Juried Exhibition is scheduled to show at the Stephan Fine Arts Gallery from September 5 through September 21, 2008. The juror is Carla O'Connor.

2008 AKWS Carla O'Connor Workshop
Registration form available here

Carla O'Connor will lead a five day workshop, August 11-15, 2008 in Anchorage that stresses bold composition and strong design using the human figure for inspiration. A different aspect of design is the focus of each day’s lesson: shape, light, linkage, texture, space, etc. Early Registration before June 1 is $475.00; after June 1 is $495.00. (Includes model fee). Class size is limited. More information is found on the registration form.

New Studio Painting Opportunity

Rene Haag, owner of Blaine’s Art and Graphic Supply has generously opened her store’s classroom space, free of charge, to artists who would like a place to meet and work together. Artist Joyce Coolidge has offered to act as the facilitator for this group. She will be in the Blaine's classroom from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Joyce plans to be there each week unless there is a holiday (Christmas, etc.) Table and easels are available for artists to spread out their supplies and get right to work in a supportive environment. The store is open until 7 p.m. should artists want to purchase supplies. The classroom is accessible by entering the store. After the studio session, participants will exit from a separate entry at the back of the store, so that would be the best place to park.

This is a non-instructional group, all levels and media are welcome. Participants must be supportive, and any critiques given must be requested from the artist. Joyce will need a reliable e-mail address or telephone number from those planning to attend so she will be able to notify you if a session is going to be canceled. It is important that participants maintain active communication with Joyce so that she is not placed in the position of opening the classroom on an evening when no artists will be attending. If you are interested, please e-mail Joyce Coolidge at jwattscool@gmail.com or contact her at 345-1991.