TALENT OF LYNN WELSCH FROM MIMBRES,NM

Check this out.  Lynn Welsch's SAQA 2012 Auction piece is appreciated by Del Thomas on her blogspot.  Useful information given by Del as well.  Click on the link below.  Thanks for the heads-up Betty!

http://www.delquilts.blogspot.com

SAQA OPEN SPACE VISITORS CENTER EXHIBIT

I highly recommend anyone who did not get to the Open Space Visitors Center Exhibit, to do so.  The exhibit will be closing December 30, 2012 so there is still time to see it!  Our last Regional Meeting coincided with the opening reception on November 10th.  There was a great turn out from all over the Region... Southern NM, Arizona and a wonderful entry in the exhibit from an Oklahoma City member.

Our (the membership's) thanks go out to Betty Busby for all her great organizational skills and hard work making it happen.  Also, appreciated are the efforts of Nora Beebe and Gale Oppenheim and all the other contributing helpers to make this event and the reception a success.

SEPTEMBER FEATURED ARTIST

SEPTEMBER FEATURED ARTIST

SUSAN SZAJER

Welcome to the September SAQA New Mexico Featured Artist. This month we are featuring Susan Szajer of Silver City. Susan will be part of the Red Dot Studio Tour in Silver City from October 5-8. I'm sure some of you will want to go and see her studio during the tour after reading about her and seeing her pictures! You may find out more about Red Dot Studio Tour at www. silvercitygalleries.com. The site has a map and brochure available for download. 

Here is what Susan has to say about herself.

What is your art background?

I have been a professional artist for twenty five years.  I was fortunate enough to grow up with a father who is an artist.  Early in his career, he taught at the Art Institue in Chicago and I was able to attend Saturday classes as a child.  While completing my degree in Communicative Disorders at Northwestern University, I had an interest in art, but it took a while for me to find my focus.  I was adept with a sewing machine, and in the early 70’s when quilting made a resurgence, I explored my options to create quilts as art.  I learned to dye my own fabric and developed a style of piecing a landscape background, using my machine to free motion embroider trees or grasses upon this background, and matting and framing the completed piece under glass.  I traveled for many years presenting this type of work at art shows on the east coast and experienced success.  When we moved to New Mexico, I opened a gallery in town to show my work. After four years, I closed the gallery and returned to the studio full time so I could spend more time creating.

What inspires you?

Color is my greatest inspiration. I feel very comfortable with combining colors using my own instincts.  A vivid red orange or a subtle grey can trigger an image of a completed piece or at least get me started in the right direction.  Much of my abstract work is monochromatic, although black seems to creep into most of my quilts.

What is your most significant art-related achievement?

As an artist, I believe art related achievements are significant based on the time line of a career.  Early on, my first solo show in a gallery was most significant.  While I was doing art shows, acceptance into the Designer Showcase in Manhattan was a triumph.  Mid-carrer, mastering the techniques to create art allowed me to focus on the result without obstacles impeding my progress and is of great significance now and for the future.  At this time, I feel I have achieved a commitment to daily studio time and the ability to discuss my process with visitors to my studio.  Their enthusiasm and appreciation for not only the completed piece, but also the techniques used to create it, gives me great pleasure.  I have achieved the goal of sharing and educating in a place where people feel comfortable and always leave with a smile on their face.

What do you love most about your medium?

Flexibilty!  As the traditional “rules” of quilting are fading in importance, many new surface design techniques are being explored and translated from paper or canvas to cloth.  The definition of a quilt has broadened allowing all of us to present our work in a variety of ways that were unheard of thirty years ago.

What’s on the horizon?

Since closing the gallery, I have devoted the past two years to experimentation in the studio.  I’ve worked with dyes, resists, paints, screen prints and photo transfers. My current work focuses on using a very neutral pallette to emcompass a small splash of vibrant color.  My studio will remain open to visitors and I will continue to participate in the Red Dot Studio Tour in Silver City.  This year the tour is Oct. 5-8, and I hope to reveal my new “neutral” series at this event.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Susan and seeing her work as much as I did. You may see more of her work by visiting her blog at www.www.studio18art.com.

Debbie McNeill

Feature Artist Editor

CONSTRUCTION

INTROSPECTION

LET'S TAKE A BREAK

LINES GREAT AND SMALL

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES

URBAN TOTEM

SUE'S STUDIO

FEATURED ARTIST JERI BEITEL

Welcome to the first Featured Artist article.  This is the place to get to know your fellow-artists in New Mexico. I send an artist a series of five questions which they answer and then send back to me along with pictures of their work and themselves.

Our Featured Artist is Jeri Beitel.

Jeri lives in Santa Fe and here is what she has to say about herself and her art.

What is your art background?

I have a degree in Art and Interior Design and a Master's in Interior Design from Cal. State U. Long Beach. I also have a Master's in Art History from Cal State U. Fullerton. I taught Interior Design and other related Design subjects at Fullerton Community College for 30 years.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from modern art, architecture and people. Shapes and forms are the first thing that comes to my mind when creating my art. I like the element of strong color and that is always a consideration. Much of my art has an underlying meaning. I think this developed over time and was formed by themes that were required when entering and showing in art and quilt exhibits.

What is your most significant art-related achievement?

As a Fiber Artist and Art Quilt creator I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to show my quilts in states such as Hawaii, California and New Mexico. In New Mexico I have found the opportunities to show to be diverse and many. My latest achievement was a one-man show at the Las Chivas Coffee Shop in El Dorado which drew many positive comments. In the past I have also been able to show in such venues as the Capitol Building in Santa Fe as well as the new Community Center there. All of this great exposure is an incentive to continue to create and improve the quality of my work.

What do you love most about your medium?

What I love most about Art Quilts is that it allows me to create in a medium that is related to design, all the  while using the art elements in a diverse and different way. The creation of Art Quilts opens up so many possibilities in the use of any medium that you might ever want to explore.

What’s on the horizon?

After the next few local exhibit opportunities I would like to focus on trying my hand at some of the national exhibits. In doing that, I will have to focus more on the sewing skills that are needed to be successful in that endeavor.

Here are pictures of Jeri's studio and her art for your enjoyment. Thanks Jeri for taking the time to share yourself with us. You may see more of Jeri's work at her website www.colorway-design.com.
Debbie McNeill, Feature Artist Editor

ENTRY FORMS for the ENCHANTED THREADS, FEATURING A WALK IN THE WILD EXHIBIT

To fill out entry forms for the Exhibit 'Enchanted Threads, featuring A Walk in the Wild' please go to this link http://www.saqa.com/membership.php?ID=637 and sign in using your SAQA User Name and Password.  

Under the heading: 

SAQA Exhibition Calls for Entry and Conferences 

scroll down to Regional Exhibitions and you will see the link to the entry forms.

Please note that the forms will be emailed to you (again) individually as well.

GREAT JULY MEETING!

I was so impressed with the turnout at yesterday's meeting.  I'm sorry if you were not able to make it.   Michelle ran a great meeting.  We had great show and tell, good information, good food, a new member and visitors we hope will become new members.

Thanks to Julie for opening her home to all of us and there were a lot of us... maybe Michelle has the official number.

My hope is to disseminate most if not all the information that was shared over the next few days on this blog.  I will even post some pictures if any turned out.  It would be nice if I could have corrections and comments to my notes added on to the posts from those of you in the know.  As many of you who were at the meeting know, I was a bit preoccupied with gawking and talking and operator difficulties with my camera.

Of course, two big topics at the meeting were the 2013 SAQA Conference and nearer still, the show at the Open Space Gallery.  Pat Gould is taking a lot on with the Conference and hopes for many of us to volunteer to work (work which will be fun) at the Conference.  The most pressing issue at hand is enticing businesses from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos and all of New Mexico to become sponsors of the upcoming Conference.  If you know of any businesses that may be interested in sponsoring the Conference, please contact Pat.

The Open Space Gallery Show is coming up in November.  Remember... all entries must be in by September 15th.  Betty Busby is in charge of this and looking for many long entries for "AWalk in the Wild" of New Mexico.  The information for the requirements are on a PAGES tab above.

There is much more information and pictures (hopefully) to come.  Stay tuned!  ~Donna

A MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE ABOUT THE JULY MEETING IN SANTAFE

I hope you are having a wonderful summer! Isn’t it hot out there? Thankfully, for the most part, art quilting is an indoor “sport”! You know - the three second sprints we do from the sewing machine to the iron. Doesn’t that qualify as a sport? The next SAQA meeting will be a potluck at 11:00 am on Saturday July 14th in Santa Fe at the home of Julie Filatoff. If you are planning to attend the meeting, send me an email so that I can let Julie know how many to expect. Thank you Julie for hosting the meeting.  Bring your latest works for show and tell and be ready to tell us about your favorite website/blog, but not each other’s. Why do you like this site/blog so much? Is it your favorite site to buy all your supplies with the best prices or is it a blog or site you are trying to aspire to and why?  I will have the list of the current 66 New Mexico SAQA members and their contacts to hand out at the meeting. We will also discuss the upcoming show at the open space. The deadline for entry is September 15th, which will be very close to the time of our next meeting in Albuquerque. I hope you are considering entering something. It promises to be a wonderful and unique show with “A Walk On the Wild Side” and hands on learning for children.  You can always go to www.saqanm.blogspot.com to down load the show information and entry form. It’s A Quilt” SAQA’s touring trunk show has arrived in New Mexico. The pieces are beautiful and waiting for venues. We have the show thru November 8th. So far we have two venues scheduled and we are looking for more. Maybe I’ll bring some of the show for you see. Start thinking about possible venues near you. It would be nice to have these pieces seen instead of them being hidden in a box!  All of that and much more to talk about. I'm looking forward to seeing you all on the 14th. Happy Art Quilting, Michelle Jackson SAQA NM Representative

CONFUSION ABOUT NAVIGATING THIS BLOG

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the May meeting at Michelle's.  Fortunately, Debbie McNeil filled me in on a lot of the business I missed.  The difficult part for me is not being able to be awed and inspired by the remarkable show and tell that the group produces.  Next time!!

I heard that perhaps some in the group would like to see a direct link to shows in New Mexico that are requesting entries and the requirements for entry.  I did put a page marker at the top of this blog for that very thing.  At the top, below the title and statement of purpose, you will see a "Home" tab and next to that is the "Local Call for Entries" tab.  If you click on the "Local Call for Entries" tab you will be taken to the SAQA NM shows that I have been provided information for.  So far, that is only the show at the Open Space Visitors Center Gallery.  Any other information I get I will share in an entry and then put it under that page or tab marker.

If any one has questions or comments please feel free to add them!

~Your SAQANM Blogger

MAY MEETING IN ALBUQUERQUE

The next SAQA meeting will be a potluck at 11:00 am on Saturday May 19th in Albuquerque at The Ambassadors for Christ Community Church, 1540 Juan Tabo NE, Suite A. The Church is located on the east side of Juan Tabo between Indian School and Constitution. Bring your latest projects for show and tell and be ready to tell us about your favorite gadget, tool, element, whatever you just love using in the art quilt process that you think someone else might benefit from. Wasn't it fun sharing your favorite artist using another medium at the last meeting? There is just sooo much to learn! If you were considering donating a piece to the SAQA Auction you can fill out the needed info on the SAQA site and bring your donation to the meeting. Gale will be here to collect them. Please make sure you have made it the right size (12" by 12") and added a label and some kind of sleeve or device for hanging. For those interested, the New Mexico Quilters Association is hosting a Spring Fling quilt show and mercado at the Albuquerque Convention Center May 18th and 19th. It would be a perfect opportunity to go just after the SAQA meeting.

PLEASE BE ON THE LOOK OUT!!

You may have heard about Karen Combs having her quilts stolen while teaching in Texas.  Please be on the look out for anyone attempting to sell her quilts.  She has a signature style that you can check out on her website  www.karencombs.com.  

This was published on her website.  

STOLEN QUILTS ALERT!

On March 16th, while teaching in New Braunfels, my rental car was broken into.  My teaching suitcase was taken and I lost all my quilts, samples for the class Patchwork Illusions, as well as all my teaching gear.  I've posted details on my blog.  Please pass along to all.

http://karencombs.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/quilts-stolen/

JERI BEITEL SHOWS HER QUILTS IN APRIL!

The Las Chivas Coffee House is where the exhibit is located. 
This is in El Dorado off of Hwy 285. Assuming coming from Santa Fe on the highway, turn right on Avenida Vista Grande. 
1st right into the Agoura Shopping Center.
Coffee House is off of the courtyard. 
http://laschivascoffees.com/coffeegallery.html 

BETTY BUSBY IN QUILTING ARTS "IN STITCHES" VOL. 6

Check it out!  Betty has a video presentation of her fantastic techniques and talent in the latest Quilting Arts in Stitches emag Vol. 6.  Here is the link to download it and enjoy.

http://www.interweavestore.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=in%20stitches

Michelle to teach a class on the Quilt Show!

Our own Michelle Jackson on the Quilt Show.  Check out her new class coming on March 27th!

www.thequiltshow.com

Color 101 - A New Class Coming Soon!
Beginning Tuesday, March 27, a new teacher and classroom are coming to TQS!

You've seen her in Episode 1002: The Value of ... Value, where she demonstrated the relationship - and difference - between color and value. Now, Michelle Jackson, the 2010 Niche Award-winning fiber artist, will debut a new class: Color 101!

Each week, for the next eight weeks, a new episode will feature a video and lesson in which you can practice what you learn about color, value, pattern, texture, and so much more.

Lessons will include:

* What is Color?
* Value and Dominance
* The Temperature of Color: Is it active or passive?
* Fabulous Color Combinations
* The Personality of Color
* Pattern, Texture, and Scale
* The Color Shift
* Adding Unique Color is as Easy as 1, 2, 3

ANOTHER CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR SAQA NM - THANK YOU BETTY BUSBY!

Your New Mexico Exhibition Committee is proud to announce that we will have a show next spring at the Capitol Rotunda Gallery in Santa Fe.

Exhibition details are in the call for entry, the actual entry form will be sent later.

For those of you unable to open attachments, it is copied below.

Hope everyone will be able to participate!

New Mexico: Unfolding  

Call for Entry  

   

An exhibition of contemporary fiber art at the  Capitol Rotunda Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico.  

April 12-August 16, 2013

ELIGIBILITY

All work must meet the definition of an Art Quilt: “The art quilt is a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered construction.”

Applicants must be current members of SAQA with New Mexico as one of the regions on their membership.

In addition, only original artwork, conceived and created by the entrant(s) will be considered; no patterns, kits, copies, or works that are the result of a class.

All artists involved collaborating on an artwork must be listed as entrants and sign the loan

agreement. 

Non-refundable entry fee is $30 for up to TWO entries. Please make checks payable to SAQA, and mail them to:

 Betty Busby

14306 Oakwood Pl.

Albuquerque NM 87123.

SELECTION

Selection of the work to be shown will be made by Cynthia Sanchez, PhD., Director and Curator of the Capitol Collection, based on the digital images submitted.

Director Sanchez reserves the right to refuse work that differs from images submitted, is not in good repair or is not appropriate for the exhibition.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS-

Please submit one full and one detail digital image of each submitted work by email to Betty Busby at fbusby3@comcast.net.

Save your images as JPEGs, 2100 pixels on the longest side.  Be sure to label your images with your last name, and the title; for example, gould-moonrise-full.

Images must be in sharp focus. The quilt should be photographed on a plain white background with no hanging devices, pins, tacks or other extraneous items visible and the quilt should be as straight as possible. Poor quality images will affect the jurors' decisions. If an entrant disregards the requirements, their quilt(s) may be disqualified. The committee reserves the right to refuse works that differ significantly from images submitted, are not in good condition, or are not appropriate for the exhibition/venue, or have not been delivered to the gallery by the time stated. 

 AGREEMENT:

I agree to loan my artwork to the New Mexico: Unfolding exhibit at the Capitol Rotunda Gallery from April 8, 2013- August 29, 2013.

I agree to permit images of my accepted work to be used in any publicity, in any media format, associated with the promotion of the exhibition.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ø  Work should relate to a Southwest theme, can be representational or abstract.

Ø  Dimensions of work must be:

1.  A minimum of 24" and a maximum of 52" in width.

2.  A minimum of 24" and a maximum of 65” in height.

Ø  A maximum of TWO works per artist will be considered.

All entries must have a 4" sleeve sewn to the top of the quilt in the back.  There should be 1 ½" to 2" allowance on each side of the sleeve to allow hanging slats to remain hidden. 

Entries must not have been shown in the Capitol Rotunda Gallery previously.

All entries must also have a label sewn to the back with the artist's name, address, phone #, and email address.

SHIPPING, INSURANCE AND SALES

Artists will be responsible for the cost of shipping

Work to the venue and return shipping after the show.

Artists must provide insurance on artwork while in transit and for the duration of the show.

Artwork may be for sale.  Director Sanchez will provide potential buyers’ contact information to the artist.

Work that is sold must remain with the show until it closes on August 16, 2013.

 CALENDAR

January 10, 2013: Deadline for receipt of entries

February, 2013: Notification of acceptance will be emailed

April 8, 2013: Accepted artwork delivery to the Capitol.

April 12, 2013: Exhibition opens with a reception from 4-5pm at the Capitol Rotunda Gallery: your family and friends are welcome to attend.

August 16: Exhibition closes.

August 19, 2012: pick up work at the Gallery, 10am.

MARCH SAQA NM MEETING COMING UP!

 Our next meeting will be on March 17th at 11:00 am at the home of Gale Oppenheimer-Patrick just north of Santa Fe. Thank you Gale! We will have our usual pot luck and show and tell. I hope you’ve been thinking about an artist who uses another medium that inspires you and why. Please be ready to share that to inspire all of us and help us to get to know you a little bit more. We’ll talk about upcoming exhibits and opportunities to show your work and I’ll have the results of the survey we took over the last two meetings. Bring your questions and ideas; with so many artists in one place there are sure to be answers and fun discussions. I look forward to seeing you there and for some meeting you for the first time.


Directions are in the newsletter or if you would like to come for the first time and are not a member please contact Michelle Jackson, SAQA NM Representative at michellejackson@quiltfashions.com.

MARCH MEETING OF SAQA NEW MEXICO

Can you believe it, tomorrow is March 1st?  Our March meeting is just around the corner.  Hopefully everyone will have some show and tell for the meeting and has something started for the Enchanted Threads Exhibit at the Open Space Gallery in Albuquerque.  (Please see the call for entries in pages above.)

The next meeting/potluck will be March 17th in Santa Fe/Eldorado at the home of Gale Oppenheim-Pietrzak. Directions will be availible closer to the meeting date. There is a Quilt Show opening in Eldorado that afternoon we may want to see just after the meeting. Thank you Gale for your hospitality.

 

Michelle will be sending out directions to all the membership.  If anyone who is not a member would like to attend to see if they would like to join this group, please send a note to myself or Michelle and we would happy to get the particulars of the meeting to you.

THE NEW DEFINITION OF AN ART QUILT FROM SAQA

SAQA Announces Revised Art Quilt Definition

After surveying SAQA's membership last Spring and after hours of discussion and consideration, SAQA's Board has adopted the following definition of the art quilt:

The art quilt is a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.

The Board sees the revised definition as a visionary statement. The word "references" allows for a broader understanding of the art quilt, thus creating a potential for growth in SAQA membership in terms of numbers and diversity of artists. The revised definition allows for more 3D work and work in media other than fiber/textile/fabric/cloth; it allows for techniques and materials not found in traditional quilting. The revised definition allows for framed, unframed, bound, and unbound work, thereby welcoming growth and development of individual style. 

CALL FOR ARTISTS:

International Quilt Festival - Tactile Architecture 2012 Exhibit This Exhibit will premiere at the International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston  http://www.callforentriesarchitecture.com/

Hubbard Museume's 2012 Biennale Grande in Riodoso - entry form is attached - The deadline in January 31, 2012

The Placitas Art Series is calling artist to exhibit their works for the 2012 - 2013 Concert Season at the Las Placitas Presbyterian Church. 

UPCOMING QUILT RELATED EVENTS IN NEW MEXICO

Laura Wasilowski will be the guest of the NNMQG and NMQA the weekend of March 25th. She will be speaking in Albuquerque at the NMQA meeting on Monday the 26th at 9:30 am. Non members are admitted for $5.00. Her lecture is entitled "Art Quilts: The Musical".www.nmqa.org for directions and place.

Las Cruces Quilt Show - February 10 & 11 http://lcqg.org/PAGES/quiltshow.htm 

Art Quilt Santa Fe - April 22-26. A four day workshop with our own Betty Busby http://www.artquiltsantafe.com/

JENNIFER DAY'S GRACE!

Congratulations to Jennifer Day who will be part of a televised quilting show. The taping is in February and we will hear more about it when it is available for the public. Also, Jennifer's piece "Grace" won 1st place in the Art People catagory at Road to California. It is a stunning quilt. 

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE!

Last week our own Michelle Jackson, present SAQA New Mexico representative, appeared on The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. She told us that, "Alex and Ricky are wonderful people; professional, down to earth and really interested in their guests carreers."  You can see it at https://www.thequiltshow.com/os/shows.php.