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February 2012

President’s Message

Dear Members and Friends of the Art Center,

In this first newsletter of the year, let me wish you all a most happy 2012 and offer a great big welcome back to our seasonal members. I hope your New Year’s resolutions included one to fire up your artistic creativity once again.

We’re kicking off our 2012 agenda with a very sweet event. Mark your calendars now for 7pm, February 13, the date of our first Valentine Social/Membership meeting. Our theme is “Be an Art Center Sweetheart—Bring a ‘Honey’ to the Meeting.” Members who bring a significant other, friend, or neighbor who is not currently a member will receive an extra chance to win one of several great prizes we’ll be offering in our Valentine raffle during the evening.

But wait, there’s more! Our workshop teachers will present their latest offerings, hopefully to inspire you to try your hand at something new artistically. And if you like what you see, then be sure to bring a few extra dollar bills with you for raffle tickets to win one of their one-day workshops of your choice, along with other Valentine-inspired gifts. To mark the occasion, wear your most outrageous red or pink outfit, bring a friend or partner, and definitely save room after dinner for dessert--we’re planning a wonderful “coffee-and” to keep the sweet theme going through the evening! Make plans now for a night of fun, food, and artsy ideas to stoke your creative juices.

We’re planning other special events for our membership meetings this year. Lots of fun, lots of art, lots of ways for you to get involved and stay connected with like-minded artists and artists-in-training (and I’m one of the latter, believe me). Details will follow in future newsletters and emails, so keep an eye on your in-box.

And now to the business end of this note: Yes, it’s time to renew your art center membership. As the days fly by, it’s easy to forget, with everything else we all have on our busy plates. But your membership has never been more important to our little art center. We’ve managed to keep the annual fee at a low $35 for an individual membership, and if you comparison-shop at other centers, you’ll see that that’s a true bargain! Our classes, too, are among the most reasonably priced in the area. So, do me and yourself a favor: Get on down to the art center to renew your membership now, or do so by phone. Your membership is one of the most important ways that we keep our art center thriving. If you’ve been putting it off, then make a note, tie a string around your finger, or just pick up the phone now and give the Center a call to renew. We can’t do any of this without you!

With the New Year also comes some changes here at the art center. Former NPAC President Louise Hall has stepped down from her post, but will remain active on the Board of Directors. You’ll still see Louise often at the Center as she pours her energy into her role as Chairman of our Grants Committee. Thank you for your dedication and service as president, Louise. We’re happy that you’re still a most visible and valuable part of our landscape.

And we welcome to the Board of Directors Doris Benton, Sue Shatzer, and Bonnie Rodgers. Doris has been one of our most dedicated volunteers here at the Center and is a marvelous artist, who recently exhibited here in her own show. Sue, an Englewood resident and snowbird, is a dedicated watercolorist in Instructor Nancy Colby’s classes, and has exhibited her work many times in our gallery. Bonnie will be a familiar face to many of you as one of our watercolor and mixed media instructors.

There’s lots more going on here, but I leave that to our Director Carol Neagles to fill you in. I look forward to meeting you all at our Valentine Social on February 13.

Mary Alspaugh, President

Gloria Conway has always dabbled in crafting, beginning with trash-to-treasures while raising three children. After the last child left for college she took a class painting on fabric. Next she tried pyrography but that didn’t develop because she went to work for an optometrist until retiring in 1999. Gloria and her husband moved to North Port in 2000 and began trying a variety of mediums. First she tried decorative painting, preferring to paint on glass and wood surfaces. While smaller wooden surfaces are made for her by her brother (wine glass caddies and boxes for trivets) she has also painted tables, chest of drawers and even walls.
A desire to try different things has lead to classes in ceramics, drawing, water colors, scrap-booking, crocheting, knitting, and Swedish weaving. This list won’t stop here. There are other things she wants to try as time permits.

Executive Director’s Message

I want to thank Louise Hall for her dedicated service and accomplishments here at NPAC. Louise has gone over and beyond all expectations as the 2010-2011 NPAC President.

Also, thank you Vice President Carol Dawkins for serving a 2-year term. You added much to the Center, working on many projects on behalf of NPAC.

Both of these ladies have worked endless hours on site and behind the scene to help fulfill the mission of NPAC. They will continue to serve on the Board of Directors to help govern the future of the Center.

Welcome new President Mary Alspaugh. Mary is very qualified to lead the Center to its new horizons. Welcome new Vice President Sandi Hilliard. Both have served on the Board previously.

Mark your calendars. March 24 NPAC will present “Cabaret” with Kitt Moran. The ambiance and fun-filled night will be a night to remember. Tickets are on sale at the Center, $50.00 a seat. This is a great way to help raise money for NPAC and to have an evening of first class entertainment. Seating will be limited. If you snooze you lose! Call or come by to secure your ticket.

The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society has its members’ artwork on display. Opening Reception, with the musical performance of Winging It, was held on Friday, January 20, 6pm-9pm. Come and enjoy the beauty of their artwork. Exhibit will run to February 17. They exhibited here last year, and certainly wowed us. We look forward to the wonderful professionalism that adds to the visual arts here in North Port.

Volunteers are needed here at the center on a regular basis. NPAC has increased in membership numbers, new programs and events that help in the mission of NPAC. Help is needed to answer the phone, take visitors on tour, print materials, help on the computers, organize the kitchen and art supplies for the children’s classes. This is fun and rewarding place to give of your time. We need you! We are a members-driven organization. Last year 10,000 volunteer hours were recorded. NPAC has only 2 part-time paid staff members. Last year 45 volunteers helped run the ship. If you are willing to give of your time, the Center will find a place that makes you feel comfortable.

“Bowls of Hope on the Green” is fast approaching. This event will be held on March 4, 2012, 12 noon-3pm in front of City Hall, 2970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL 34286. Entry fee of $25.00 includes 3 soup tastings, hand-made bowl and coffee ticket. All proceeds will go ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK. The first fruits of our Pottery Studio was making 300 bowls that went to the Bowls of Hope Event in Sarasota in November 2011.

New sessions were set up to create bowls for the North Port Event. Sessions were January 7 and 21; the next one will be February 11, 2012 2-4 pm. Call the Center so we know you are coming. No experience is needed. NPAC Potters will be on hand to help you.

Please check our website northportartcenter.com for updated class schedules, workshops and future events.

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and thank you all for being such amazing, creative and talented people. I get to work with the best on a daily basis. So for you, the artists, it is my hope that NPAC continues to give you new and exciting classes and platforms for you to exhibit and show case your work, in a friendly and encouraging environment. I love when a visitors walks through the door for the first time, stands back and comments, "Wow, everyone seems to be having so much fun!" (Happens all the time)

Thank you Patrons of the Arts that help our mission and support the North Port local artists.

Carol Neagles, Executive Director

NorthPortArtCenter.com

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North Port Art Center’s mission is to provide the community with artist support, art classes and educational, cultural events and programs. We are asking community members like you to help support our mission. Memberships and donations make it possible to operate the North Port Art Center. Our organization helps elevate the quality of life in our community by offering positive and creative activities and opportunities for all ages. The Art Center has been called “a jewel in the crown that is North Port.” For further information, please visit our website.

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