April 2024
This is a first for me! I am sitting in front of my new iPad DICTATING this message for April. My mind is completely blank as to what I should discuss this time. HHHMMMMM! Why is this such a problem for me now? I think it’s because OAG is PERFECT? Let me analyze WHY I think this.
First-Our EXECUTIVE Board is such a phenomenal group of workers that when presented with a simple job for their office, not only do they do their job very efficiently, but they do MORE because they want to do MORE? In all my years of serving as the officer and president of groups, I have never encountered a board like this. They enjoy doing their job so much that they do extra work without being asked! And on top of that, we have become good friends!
Second-Our new MEETING PLACE (the Chelsea Arts Center) is so very welcoming, light, and lively that members come early for the meeting so they can socialize a bit. Some members even BRING delicious cookies to nibble on while socializing!
Third-OAG’s MEETINGS have been streamlined to cover all important business, by encouraging members to consult the website for specific details. This then is followed by a delightful and informative DEMONSTRATION that varies from month to month WITH DIFFERENT Media Subjects. We only have 7 meetings a year, so there are only two more: April and May, till our delightful June Luncheon at MILANO’s (which offers FREE GALLERY SPACE TO OUR GROUP’S ART). WE are so lucky to have such a wonderful venue to display our art and even sell it!
Fourth-We have wonderful and varied VENUES for SHOWING and SELLING our art. First is our Judged show which is coming up at the LEESBURG ART CENTER in April with the reception and award ceremony. Another wonderful venue approaching in May is at the OCALA CIVIC THEATRE where members are displaying work inspired by Jimmy Buffett songs. As in the past shows there, we will certainly have some sales! And last but not least, our wonderful CIRCUIT SHOWS where we display our art and offer it for sale at local cooperating businesses, such as Mesa De Notte Italian restaurant. More details are on our website.
Fifth- Some wonderful extra activities that develop over time specifically are two members’ LUNCHEONS, one coming up in June and another coming up next December. Also adding to this socialization aspect of our group are 2 to 3 TRIPS a year. These trips prove to be not only educational, but great ways to form new friendships. Another great way we socialize is we started a THEATRE GROUP that purchases season tickets to the Ocala Civic Theatre, and then we go to dinner at one of our sponsors!
Sixth – November 2022 we started OUR ARTISTS’ BOOK CLUB where we (those who like to read) read a book every two months with art as part of the story. It could be a mystery, romance, historical novel -whatever we choose. We meet every two months to discuss the book so that we have time in between to CREATE ART inspired by the story. We recently had a wonderful ZOOM WITH AN AUTHOR who loved our art, and we had a wonderful afternoon of discussing, lunch and socializing This is one great reason to appreciate the intimate size of our group, which enables us to develop a strong core of friends, who happen to be mainly Artists or lovers of ART!!!
In retrospect, I now see how much I am enjoying not only being a member of OAG, but also being its President! Check our delightful website to see all the details about the above events and don’t miss our upcoming RECEPTION AT LEESBURG ART CENTER TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO ARE PARTICIPATING! THE SHOW WILL BE HANGING FOR 2 MONTHS!!! Check what members live in your area and be sure to carpool if you don’t drive at night; or plan to leave early after the awards while it is still light!
See you at our next meeting on Monday, April 8th at 11:00 Chelsea Art Center- and bring your cookies —-if you want to!
Your President, Lee Asta