I feel I have walked into an episode of “Stranger Things”. This year is something of a nightmare. To refer to a cartoon I saw, I’m not going to count 2020 because I didn’t use it. Words like quarantine, face masks and social distancing have become too common. None of us like it. Oh, for the good old days, 2019. We can’t change what has happened, but the Art League wants to maintain some shred of normalcy. So, we are going to have our Open Autumn Show, not quite what you would expect, but still provide a venue for displaying your art and for winning awards.
I hope you are all safe, free from COVID and pray that you are well and in good spirits. And, of course, that you are continuing to create great pieces of art. Being confined, I have more pieces than usual. If you are on Face Book, you may have already seen some.
The Autumn Open Show will be held on September 19th and 20th at the Community Center with restrictions. I think you know the drill… masks, social distancing, etc., but there will be a show. Take-in will be on Saturday, September 19th. The entry form must be sent to you via email. I am hoping it will accompany this Newsletter or be sent shortly thereafter. The show will be here before you know it. You can pre-register your work on line by going to our website www.cypressartleague.com. Fees are the same, $15.00/ea. non-members vs. $9.00/ea for members. Each fifth entry is free. You can go online to our website or Cypress Art League Facebook page for a copy of the entry form if needed. Remember that paintings and photography must have wire hangers to be eligible and cannot be over 48″ horizontally or vertically. For this show we cannot offer to provide wiring service to you.
It will be VIRTUAL. That means you will bring your works to the Community Center, as in the past, for judging. However, all work will be displayed in the Banquet Room and once the judging is completed, the Awards/Ribbons will be affixed to the winners. Our judge is Jack King. There will be no displays in the Gallery. Then photos/videotaping of all pieces will be done.
On Sunday, September 20th all the art will have to be picked up. When you check in on Saturday, you will be given a “Time Ticket” for an allowed time for your pickup. We are not allowed to have more than 15 people in the building at any one time, so it is critical you adhere to the time given you. We know this may be difficult for some, but we want you to be safe. The benefit of participating is not only the prizes, but all art will be exhibited on the City’s website and linked to social media. Additionally, the entire show will be displayed on the Art League website and Face Book. The Community Center will be closed at 5:00 pm and will not be open to the public afterward until further notice.
The awards range in various Divisions including painting, other media, photography, 3-dimensional and digital art. Special prizes awarded are the Sylvia Lippe Best of Show award sponsored by the Event Newspaper, Walter Bowman Judge’s award, OC Breeze Best depiction of Orange County, Frame Maker Award for custom framing and Art Supply Warehouse first, second and third place awards. We will also have additional awards. I know we will have another wonderful exhibit. I am so proud of our members and those establishments supporting our group. This will give you the opportunity to have exposure to the public via online.
Due to the pandemic, we cannot have meetings or workshops for some time. We will advise when that changes.
Your President
Pat Edep