Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Greetings to all from the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association
Our Association members have had an excellent year with exhibitions, new members and many activities thanks to the hard work and dedication of the MFAA Board. We are very excited that our new executive is headed up by world renowned Artist Ivan Wheale. Ivan with his busy schedule painting from 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. still has the time and energy to be actively involved with our group. Thank you Ivan for sharing your expertise, providing inspiration and unwavering dedication to the MFAA, now 51 members strong.
Jon Butler, our website coordinator has been very busy keeping our site updated with artist images and member news. We are very grateful to Jon for the many volunteer hours that he spends at this task. Over the past year 10,574 hits were recorded with a daily average doubling from 20 to 40 per day since May! MFAA news is a newly welcomed addition to our site. Hope you have a chance to visit us at www.manitoulinart.com
Some of our members have had successful exhibitions over the past year including photographic exhibitions by members John Knox and Jon Butler. Here, separate shows demonstrated how we, as artists, see and approach subjects differently with an eye to extremely high standards. Judy Martin has had two exhibitions this past summer; one in Almonte Ontario entitled Millennium Journal May – July and Protection Blankets comprising large quilt constructions, which was held at the Cambridge Art Gallery. Another exciting exhibition this past year was Moira Elsley’s “One Woman Exhibition” at the Gore Bay Museum/Art Gallery that was held from August 2007 – present. Many MFAA artists had works of art selected in the La Cloche Juried Art show with a few recognized with awards. We are also very pleased to have so many of our artists with works hanging in prestigious Art Galleries both near and far.
Artist Richard Edwards continues to teach at the La Cloche Art School. This is an excellent educational experience, if interested or for further details please contact (519)794-2275; summer, (705)859-3104. Richard shows regularly at a dozen or more galleries throughout Ontario as well as at Edwards Studio in Kagawong.
The Annual Manitoulin Art Tour has grown significantly since it’s inception over a decade ago. Thanks to a small handful of MFAA members in conjunction with Native organization representatives this event is a definite must see. If you are interested in visiting Manitoulin and taking in the Art Tour please mark the third weekend in July on your calendar.
Another rousing success this past year was the Artastic Fusion Exhibition at Manitoulin Secondary School. This exciting event is an important link between MFAA, the school, budding artists, students and perhaps clients of the future. It's a great exhibit and learning experience for both the high school students and MFAA artists.
Our year ended with a Christmas party at the home of Linda Williamson. Great fun was had by all; here is a photo of our group including of course Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Wishing all of our artist friends in the north a very creative 2008.
Linda Williamson
NOAA Representative
posted by The Manitoulin Fine Arts Association 3:50 PM
Greetings to one and all,
As you will probably notice, I am now on the internet after careful study of the book "Computer for Dummies". and so, dear members, please forgive any mistooks I might make as I progress in this wonderful world we live in. Of course a major part of this is being a member of MFAA. Through the efforts of past executives, we have come a long way in offering our talents to the people of Manitoulin and beyond. Those members certainly went beyond the call and in the same tradition your new executive hopes to follow in their footsteps. However, without your participation all our efforts may fall by the wayside. With this in mind, three major up and coming exhibitions are offered to you to show your creations and profile who we are as a collective. They are as follows:
Artastic Fusion - April 18, 2008 held at the Manitoulin Secondary School
Manitoulin Art Tour - July 18th to 20th, 2008
1st Annual MFAA Exhibition at the Sheguiandah Centennial Museum; opening September 11th to October 13th, 2008
As a reminder, since we are once again a part of the NOAA, members will be invited to submit works for the next upcoming NOAA show. Please also note that members profiles and images of artworks can be resubmitted for display on the NOAA website.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for these special dates and may your creative spirits soar!
Best wishes to all,
Ivan
posted by The Manitoulin Fine Arts Association 9:30 AM
