Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas All from CROA

Here's hoping everyone survives the winter storms and the frigid economy of '08-09. The most recent entry to B. Martin's portfolio is a portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Brooks of Long Beach, WA, as the Santa Clauses. What fun. My Christmas card to ALL. Enjoy world!

Make Wearable Art of Recycle-able Materials

Got nothing to do because funds are bust?? Try recycling materials to make almost anything, jewelry & candleholders of tin, clothes of plastic bags, etc.

Kristin Shauck at Dots & Doodles, Sat., Nov. 22, 2008

Painting instructor at Clatsop Community College, Kristin Shauck, is holding a life drawing workshop at art supply house, Dots and Doodles, 10th and Astor in Astoria, Oregon, on Saturday, November 22. Fee is $55. Call D & D for more information and to sign on.

Life drawing session at CCC

Those of you who enjoy a couple of hours spent sketching a live model may be interested to know there is an open Life Drawing session at Clatsop Community College in Astoria, OR, on Friday afternoons from 1-3 PM. It is a wonderful opportunity to sharpen skills. A variety of models transit from warmups to half hour or more poses. Whether you employ charcoal, pen & ink, watercolor, or pastels there is an abundance of traditional easels to use. Kristin Shauck is the instructor present.

CROA 2009 Calendars Out

Here comes Halloween and the Astoria Visual Arts "Treasures of the Surreal Madre" annual masquerade ball and Surreal Art show in Oregon. This newest contribution from CROA entitled " The Corner" will be entered.
Among other paintings born this month is "Indian Corn" as it appears here.
We want to welcome the Moby Dick Hotel and Oyster Farm in Nahcotta, WA and the Azure beauty salon in Ilwaco to the CROA-Gram newsletter! Thank you for your patronage.
The 2009 CROA Calendar will be sent to members with November's newsletter. They are also available at the Chinook Observer Newspaper offices in Long Beach, WA.

The Site of CROA's monthly meetings: The Ilwaco Community Center

Well, there it is, well under way for proposed completion in 2009(when we have a new President of the U.S.A., too... and Vice-President). We, the Columbia River Org. of Artists, had a wonderful time getting established here in 2005. So looking forward to the new community center in the little fishing village of Ilwaco at the juncture of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean! Thanks to a grant from the state of Washington, the little library has been preserved and grand additions are being added. We welcome one and all.

September watercolor, Teapot series

Last week end, the first week end in September, was Rod Run on the Long Beach Peninsula, Washington state.
New water color by our fearless editor: "Randy's Red" glaze on hand-coiled tetera fired in 2002 in the kiln of Claire Schaubel by Barbara Martin, Long Beach. Watercolor celebrates the good old days when we were hot for ceramics at Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon, across the river. But we still have our watercolor hat on.

Raven's Haven in Nahcotta, WA

RAVEN’S HAVEN by Judy Leonard
Hi! Well, an eventful week-&-a-half of travel! We went to the trade show in Las Vegas. It
is SO big that you can’t see it all in a couple of days… but we tried. It was so hot there: 107°
to 118° and a LOT of walking. The Sands Convention Center is a ten mile walk inside just
looking at booths! Lots of “Bling” (jewelry) rhinestones and glitter, watches, statues, wind
chimes, knives, swords, plants, furnitures, motor cycles, clothes and what ever else you can think of. I like the rustic look the best, and there was lots of that. We spent 2 ½ days there and didn’t see it all.
Las Vegas was built up so much that it’s not fun to find your way around the place. But my husband got one of those electric scooters to keep up with me. They now rent them to use whether you are disabled or not at the Convention Center. From Las Vegas we went to Phoenix Arizona. Stayed with my daughter and we went ‘junking’.…loads of fun poking our noses into old buildings full of junk to buy. Came back tired and with lots of treasures.
So, I have lots of new stock coming in and have lots more we brought with us. Including cactus for the Beach House. Look forward to seeing you at my Labor Day “Blow-Out” Friday through Monday, 9-4, August 29 thru Sept. 1 at Raven’s Haven, 28305 Sandridge Road in Nahcotta, WA. Judy

August, Kite Flying Beach

Friends of CROA: When in doubt leave a note. Doesnt matter what it says. Say anything. Make it stink. I Love You, is always interesting. Keep the juices flowing. Media in media. Gotta dance, gotta paint. Heal Thyself, physician. That's a good one. This week may be a wet one on the Peninsula in WA state. Here comes the VP candy. BM

Watercolor "Two Eggs"

Here's to encourage those living in the northwest corner of Oregon and the southwest corner of Washington to visit the juried exhibit of miniatures from the Trail's End Art Association (Gearhardt, OR) at Dots N' Doodles, 10th and Astor St. in Astoria, Oregon. It is a wonderful exhibit for a small space, great variety and adeptness. It opened Saturday, August 9, 2008.

August, The Olympics, the Election and Getting Old

Greetings, Fellow Art makers!
Have you gotten the idea that as the boomer generation we are being left in the dust? Well, think about childhood for a minute. The world belonged to the grownups. Similarly, as aging seniors, the world still belongs to the movers and shakers with fertility, those that are grown up but not over the hill. It is somewhat natural to begin to feel on the periphery of existence as children and as the aging. So, calm your jets, and polish up skills, because there is plenty of time to meditate.
Also, it is a good time to get OUT of your head and move arms and legs. Keep your range of motion. Sort paintings. Don't worry about the magnum opus any longer. Clean your studio and ready it for the stunning inspiration, flight of purpose that we as teachers and the legacy of the 20th century retain! Think of your head as if it is a gallon jug of milk, half empty. Balance it carefully, but forget about it. Put your focus on your body, inside and out, extremities and core torso. Draw cartoons of yourself going about your tranquil way. Barbara

Fourth of July, no gas/GAS!

CROA had a great day painting watercolor & charcoal portraits under the beach umbrella in front of Dots N Doodles in Astoria, Oregon on Friday the Fourth! After a brief shower, the sky cleared and, after lunch, people milled in and around the art supply shop, quilt shop, art gallery and vintner supply on 10th at Astor and the Columbia River. We met Noel Thomas, the much sought after Astoria artist, who bought a piece of our pottery and showed us a watercolor he is about to place at RiverSea Gallery. Scott and Tim of D n' D kept us fabulous company. Looking forward to doing it again any sunny Saturday. B. Martin

Art Trading Cards

Try your hand at original art on 2.5 x 3.5 inch watercolor or card stock. Intended for trading, they function as business cards and advertising. We imagine it is a hot grapevine between art students on campus. It is hard to stop once you get started with an edition, series or single originals. We tried wax relief, stencil, & watercolor. Made a box to store them in. Sort of looks like a pacifier for a pack of cigarettes. Easy to fill so make several. There are clear sleeves and paper envelopes being mfg'erd for the purpose. Dots N' Doodles in Astoria, Oregon, will supply you. But... Just as easy to make your own. Good Luck!

Summer Watercolor Classes

Once again, CROA will have "A Notion of Watercolors" throughout the summer given the demand. $25 donation per month. Class is being held on Tuesdays, 6 PM to 8:30 PM. They will take place at the River City School of Arts & Crafts in Ilwaco, WA, across from the post office. Bring materials: brushes, paper, paint, palette, and absorbent medium on which to wipe paint such as paper towels, sponge, etc. All levels are welcome.

Friday, July Fourth at Dots N' Doodles, Astoria, OR

Please join our table on the Colmbia River water front at the street fair sponsored by art supply house, Dots N' Doodles, 10th and Astor Place, in Astoria, Oregon. We plan to have a display of pottery, paintings by Judy Leonard and a quick-portrait artist. Perhaps Marcia Peterson of Surfside, WA, will bring her swarovski crystal watches and adornments!

We are proud to say that Maggie Wall's "Thumbelina" by the children's Astoria School of Ballet was a smash! Our part in it, the design of the poster and program cover, was well rewarded. Chairperson, Barbara Martin, thoroughly enjoyed the production. She was blown away!! Here's hoping we can participate again.

May Yard Sale, Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 24, from 9 AM to 4 PM, CROA will conduct its annual yard sale at 11th north and Pacific Hwy. at Beach Center Apts. Please donate saleable goods. Thank You!

RCSAC DANCE RECITAL STAGE BACKDROP COMPLETE

CROA has completed the backdrop for the RiverCity School of Arts & Crafts June '08 dance recital!

SALAD-WEATHER SPROUTS

Whether or not vegetarian, every artist enjoys salads. An important component to the texture and value of salad greens is bean sprouts. We recommend mung beans, alfalfa, fenugreek seeds, wheat berries and lentils for sprouting.
Sprouting is no biggie! You need a mason jar or a roomy pickle jar, & a piece of nylon voile or cheese cloth large enough to cover the mouth under a rubber band.
Soak the seeds over night. In the morning drain them and insert a folded papertowel for bedding. Cover with the cheese cloth mesh and rubber band.
Now, every morning and night run cold water thru the cloth into the jar. Swish and drain. That's all there is to it. Oh, and keep them in a dark cupboard. We place 2 or 3 jars on bags of beans. Within 3 days to a week, empty the sprouts into a plastic bowl, rinse, cover and refrigerate. Add to all manner of salads (with croutons) and egg dishes (foo yung), sandwiches, bread dough and vege burgers. Extremely healthy and appetite quenching!

AVA "Paint your Fortune (cookie)" Show

The Astoria Visual Art Center will sponsor a show derived from inspirations taken from Chinese fortune cookies. Obtain one and paint an image from it. Entry fee is $5 each for up to 3 submissions for members; $10 for non-members. Bring the fortune with the entry. CROA is still a member until July.
Ed. note: we have heard that the AVA is somewhat worried about the competition and is criticising the growth of Astoria's art community. Their anxiety has been expressed to AstoriaFog and the Pirate Dinner Theater sponsored by the Nisbett gallery on Commercial St. CROA was also fired upon for what was construed as sneaking under the circus tent when it joined AVA last summer as a group.
Relax Kids! When wartime makes prices skyrocket and the price of rice, corn and fuel causes food riots (i.e. Haiti last week), the art community traditionally grows rapidly and comes to the rescue. Be prepared for increased music, art, literature, poetry, dance, & etc., all over the world when the price of a bag of tortillas becomes $5!!

TRAILS END ART ASSOCIATION VISIT

The TEAA will conduct EN PLEIN AIRE every Thursday from 10-3 PM. An impressive roster of locations throughout the spring summer and fall is available. Included will be North Head Light House on May 29th and Oysterville on June 19th. Meet there with a sack lunch prepared to paint. If bad weather, the group will meet with a model at their gallery in Gearhart. Call Shirley: 503-338-5347 for more information.
CROA chairperson, B. Martin, was priviledge to a group critique at the Trail's End Art Assoc. gallery on Thursday, April 10th. They are a great group, dedicated, generous and so talented! Be encouraged to keep abreast of their endeavors.

AUSTIN BENEFIT PIRATE DINNER THEATER

CROA spoke to Jenna Austin Nisbett recently who is seeking 501c3 status to acquire grants to support her Pirate Dinner Theatre in Astoria, Oregon, which will play the Astoria Event Center on the corner of 9th and Commercial St. downtown. She is also seeking talent to portray pirates, zoot suit-eros and characters from the 1920's and '30's.
In May, July and August, the Pirate Dinner Theater will be improvisational and interactive. Contact Jenna Austin at Nisbett Gallery in Astoria: 503-325-4988

CROA paints set for River City School of Arts & Crafts

CROA will paint the backdrop for a June dance recital at the River City School of Arts and Crafts, Ilwaco, WA. Members will assist chairman, Barbara Martin in rendering the design in cooperation with Nadine Nordquist, dance instructor.

Martin Poster Art for Astoria School of Ballet's "Thumbelina"

Thanks to poster art donated by Barbara Martin to the Astoria School of Ballet, CROA will enjoy a 4 x 2 inch complimentary ad in the Ballet program for “Thumbelina” being performed in June at the Liberty theater in Astoria, OR.

CROA news

MINUTES OF THE CROA MEETING
February 14, 2008

There were three present at the Sunset Taco Café. Chairperson B. Martin has 4 pictures in the AVA Members Creativity Showcase in Astoria, OR. She attended a board meeting Feb. 2 before a potluck opening. There will be a “found Art” show in March.
CROA will have a yard sale on Memorial Day weekend at 11th and Pacific May 24, a Saturday.
The kite festival poster contest entries are due between 3/1/08 and 3/10/08 at Campiche studios.
CROA donated $25 to the Native American Heritage Association’s winter fuel rescue in North Dakota on the Rosebud Reservation.
Dots N’ Doodles has begun an art association to focus community awareness of art resources. It is in its formative stages and was covered by the Coast Weekend magazine. Site: www.astoriafog.org/
The PAA will have an open art show at the Edgewater Inn July 25, 26, 27. Tables are $30 for members; $50 non-members for the 3 days. Their new webpage is www.beachartist.org/ for more information. Their new meeting location is at the Ocean Park Methodist church, 262 & Park to accommodate the 20 plus member meetings. Their spring art show will be at the Kite museum April 4-5-6.
CROA will have its annual membership drive March and April.
A discussion commenced regarding the so-called economic recession hitting the US this election year. It was noted that a poor economy occasions an increase in artists that results in an “art scene”. After a change in the economy, (often after a costly war) the best art is then harvested by the establishment and the best artists rise to prominence.
Many small villages have fostered Saturday Markets such as in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Manzanita and Fairview in Oregon. They are in Longiew and Ilwaco as well. Saturday Markets institute fines to assure the public that advertised venders will be there so that disappointment does not start a loss of interest by the public. It looks more like a job each year with escalating overhead.
After the meeting Chairperson Martin met with Carol at the RiverCity School of Arts and Crafts in Ilwaco to affirm the use of the PACE dining room there for CROA meetings. We may also have a show/sale sometime in May in the auditorium.

More images at www.myartspace.com

Myartspace.com is an excellent venue to display art. With Galleries and Portfolios, one is able to upload 20 various images (at no cost) digitally and an unlimited images manually. Music and video are options that may be added to your page as well. Click on artists and enter Barbara Martin. Click on the photo and you will arrive at a slide show of imagery. Various meta tags will summon whatever subject you desire.