with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2007 Newsletter
The Depot Center for the Arts The mission of the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) is to promote, encourage and economically support the arts, artists and the cultural heritage of Clinton County. Phone:
989.224.2429
Hours
of operation:
MAKING TRACKS Thanks to the efforts of the CCAC Railroad Grant Team, a proposal was submitted by CCAC to the Institute of Museum and Library Services on September 30, 2007 seeking funds to structurally stabilize the three rail cars owned by CCAC. This was done based on the recommendations of Edward McManus who assessed the CCAC art and rail collections through the Conservation Assessment Program in July. The grant request is for $86,156, which has to be matched 1:1, a portion of which needs to be in the form of a cash match. CCAC’s match ($87,684) will be made for the most part through volunteer labor performed in the stabilization of the cars; additionally, some supplies will be contributed and a cash match of $20,000. Notification will be sent at the end of April regarding whether the proposal is funded. Between now and May, a major effort is being prepared by CCAC Board Members to raise the $20,000 via a PowerPoint presentation to show to service clubs, businesses and groups of railroad enthusiasts. Individuals interested in making a pledge due in May 2008 are asked to go to www.clintoncountyarts.org and click on Railroad News for a pledge form, or pick one up at Choo Choo’s. Those who would like to make a contribution now to be held in a special account can send a check made out to CCAC with a notation that it is for the Railcar Stabilization fund. NEW LOCATION - TEMPORARILY It wasn’t the sky falling, but it felt a little that way when the plaster in the ceiling of the Depot Center for the Arts started coming down in August. The contractors who were brought in said that everything needed to be removed from the building in order to make the repairs.  The gallery is now in a temporary location at 211 N. Clinton Ave. under the name of Choo Choo’s.
Thanks to the combined efforts of many hard-working volunteers, along with help from the city in moving large objects, Choo Choo’s was open in time for the First Sunday event held on September 9 in connection with Thou Art.
Special thanks go to Elaine Twichell, Chris Cook, Arline Minsky , Jon and Elaine Rise, Paul Matheson, Charlotte Voisin, Roberta O’Connor and a host of other docents and volunteers who pitched in to help with the packing, the cleaning, the transporting and the setting up in Choo Choo’s.
Come see us soon and discover unique gifts for the holiday season! NEW AND RETURNING ARTISTS CCAC is very happy to welcome back well-known artist, Peggy Abrams, who has some new artwork available for sale at Choo Choo’s. Many people will remember Peggy’s wonderful Santa paintings which were sold at the Avenue Gallery for years, when Peggy’s reputation was starting to build. Stop in to see her beautiful paintings and her new line of tree ornaments In addition to Peggy Abrams, CCAC welcomes a host of new artists displaying their work in Choo Choo’s:
LOOKING FOR ARTISTS CCAC is always looking for more artists. Please call 224-2429 to make an appointment to have your work juried for display through CCAC, at Choo Choo’s and/or on line through the CCAC web site. Artists of special interest right now are:
PURE ARTISTRY
Sylvia loves to paint nature, working mainly in oils and acrylics. Doing this has changed the way she looks at light, negative space and shadows – now she loves to see the patterns created. She is constantly taking photos from different angles, which she uses to create her paintings, sometimes from composites. Saying that painting is the most relaxing, peaceful, centering thing she has done, Sylvia encourages everyone to do it.
White Birches, from northern New Mexico CCAC CREATIVE DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN
Several years ago when Elaine was simply a CCAC board member, there was concern that the doors of the Depot Center for the Arts might close as the result of an accident that befell Kaye Pilmore, the longtime director of CCAC. Elaine couldn’t let that happen, so she stepped in as a volunteer to run the operations, keeping the Gallery going and working to support the City of St. Johns’ plan to have several rail cars placed outside the Depot. Elaine has accomplished both those goals and has helped to develop the artistic talents of others by offering painting classes regularly. She will continue to offer her classes and will work with Chris Cook in the development of the Clinton Northern Railway Museum – and she will have time to practice her own art! The CCAC Board will launch a search for a new director in the near future.A
special thank you is extended to Elaine Twichell for doing so much
to keep the Clinton County Arts Council not only open but offering
interesting classes and exhibits as well as great special events. COMING EVENTS AT THE DEPOT Comforting ContradictionsSeptember 26 – November 4 Featured are blacksmith artist, Doug Thayer; and oil painter Carol Basso, who uses the style of the old masters. First Sunday, Nov. 4, 1:00 – 3:00 pm Oil-painting demonstration by Carol Basso November 7- December 29 An eclectic mix of paintings, pottery, sculpture, quilting and holiday gift ideas from a host of CCAC artists First Sunday, December 2, 1:00-3:00 pm Opening of an exhibit of model trains to thrill the child within all of us. These will be on display throughout December, with many of the trains available to be operated by enthusiasts of all ages. Membership Meeting, Dec.2, 3 – 4 pm All CCAC members are encouraged to attend this annual meeting in which new board members will be selected and the annual report will be presented. CLASSY CLASSES Saturday, November 3, 10:00 – 1:00Introduction to Beaded Jewelry Ages 15 and above Brick Stitch Earrings Make a pair of fantastic earrings that will be embellished with beaded fringe. For beginner and intermediate levels. Cost: $25.00, which includes supplies. To ask questions or register, call the Teacher: Deborah Laverty: 517.775.0168. Saturday, November 17, 10:00 – 1:00 Introduction to Beaded Jewelry Ages 10 and above Drawstring Drama Bracelet Make a funky beaded bracelet that will incorporate beading and macramé knotting. For beginning students. Cost: $20.00, which includes supplies. To ask questions or register, call the Teacher: Deborah Laverty: 517.775.0168. Saturdays, Nov. 10 – Dec.15, 1 – 4 pm Oil and Water Color Classes Beginner and Intermediate Levels Ages 18 and above Cost for six weeks of instruction: $65.00 To ask questions or register, call the Teacher: Elaine Twichell: 989.593.2072 EXPANDED HOURS From now through December Choo Choo’s will be open Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Choo Choo’s will be closed during
the month of January HOW CAN YOU HELP?? Become a member of CCAC if you aren’t already, and contribute your talents and/or resources to help support the arts in Clinton County in whatever large or small ways you are able.
The mission of the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) is to promote, encourage and economically support the arts, artists and the cultural heritage of Clinton County.
| |
 |
|
Sylvia
Hirshegger always wanted to be an artist, but when she was in high
school the main career options open to young women were to be a nurse, a
teacher or a secretary. So she became a nurse and didn’t start seriously
painting until just 3 years ago when she discovered Carol Basso, who
gives painting classes in Grand Ledge.
“It
is time for me to establish new goals that will bring me back to art,
friends and family, which were unfortunately neglected as my
responsibilities grew,” commented Elaine Twichell in her letter of
resignation as the Creative Director of Clinton County Arts Council,
effective Oct. 31.