Art In and Out

This morning was the intake day for the "I Love Belmar" show, as well as the distribution of circle marked canvases for the "Art in the Round" show. The summer exhibition committee and other volunteers were on hand to accept entries from the steady stream of artists dropping off work for the "Belmar" show. The juried exhibition will open on Saturday, June 7 with a reception from 4 to 6 pm. Meanwhile, more than 30 artists took advantage of the opportunity to pick up a specially prepared canvas for "Art in the Round". Those will be judged in late July, so it's not too late to pick up a prepared canvas and be part of the Table Top Challenge. Contact the Belmar Arts Council for details.

Spring Cleaning at the Boatworks

We held the Clean Up Day event at the Boatworks this morning. An army of volunteers came out with shovels, rakes and hoes and helped with the clearing of weeds and sod on both sides of the buildings, as well as planting the flower bed in front. In addition, the posts for our new roadside sign were mounted, and the shed got a coating of pink paint. Lots more work to go, but today was a great start. The photos (most of them thanks to Pat Hutchinson) show a few of our crews at work, and the results.

Summer Shows at the Boatworks

Just a reminder- Saturday, May 31 is a busy day around the Boatworks. First, volunteers are needed to help with a spring clean up around the building. Then for the next few hours artists can drop off their entries for the "I Love Belmar" juried show, as well as pick up canvases needed to participate in the Tabletop Art Challenge.

It all begins at 9 am for the Boatworks clean up, then the art show drop off/pick up is from 10 am to 1 pm.

Plein Air Group and a Sunny Day

We've had a lot of rainy Friday's in May, but the next one looks to be a nice one. If you would like to join the Plein Air group, meet in the restaurant parking lot at Belmar Marina (near 10th Ave) at 1 pm. It's a great opportunity to create a work for the upcoming "I Love Belmar" juried show (drop off on May 31st) at the Boatworks.

BAC Figure Group

For about a year now, a figure drawing group has been meeting at the Boatworks. Tonight was the latest such meeting. The photo shows a few of tonight's participants in action. The group usually meets on alternate Wednesdays, from 7 to 9 pm. The BAC provides the easels, you bring your materials of choice (charcoal, pastels, paints, etc) and $10 to cover the cost of the model. The next group meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2008. Check the calendar page on the BAC website for lists of future sessions.

May Fine Art Critique Group

Tonight we had the monthly meeting of the BAC Fine Art Critique Group. Artists each brought a piece or two and we took turns displaying our work and discussing the pieces. Those in attendance asked questions and provided comment on the pieces, and when invited to do so, offering suggestions for how the works could be improved. The educated opinions of your peers can be very valuable to an artist. A good time was had by all. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of every month and all artists and fine art media are welcome. The next one will be June 19th at 7:30 pm.

Mid May News Roundup

Lots of things going on at the Belmar Arts Council this summer. Here's a few events that may interest you. Click the links for the full press release with all the details.

Table Top Art Competition- Create circular art and enter a competition to have your piece used to decorate table tops for the Cabaret Space at the Boatworks. All entries will appear in an exhibition in early August, but interested artists need to sign up and pick up a special canvas on May 31.

Watercolor Workshop Series- Local artist Rose Reilly Leonard will be conducting a series of weekly watercolor painting workshops for teens beginning Thursday, May 22, and continuing through June 12. All meetings will take place from 4 to 6 pm at the Boatworks. Supplies included for registered students.

Summer Music Performance Series- Summer music performances kick off this weekend with Pipe on the Hob on Saturday, May 17th at 8pm. Traditional Irish music, refreshments, and all for a suggested donation of $5.

Critique Group- Bring an artwork (finished or in progress) and present it to other artists for critique. Meets at the Boatworks the third Thursday of every month, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Work is critiqued in order of arrival, so come early. The next one is May 15th.

Plein Air Group Meets Again (Updated)

The BAC Plein Air Group will have its second meeting, weather permitting, on Friday, May 16, 2008. Once again it will be near Belmar Marina at 1:00 pm, but this time go to the 10th Avenue entrance, and meet near the boats, restaurant, and restrooms. Then meet back at the same location at 3:00 for a group critique. That's a whole lot of outdoor fun and it's free!

May Members Meeting

Tonight is the May Members Meeting of the Belmar Arts Council. It should run from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Tonight's agenda includes reports on some spring activities, news about upcoming exhibitions and performances, information about some arts groups that will be meeting in and around the Boatworks, plus a talk by children's author Carol McNamara. As always, the meeting is free and open to anyone.

The meeting will be at the Boatworks, 608 River Road in Belmar. For directions and other information, see the BAC website.

Plein Air Group Begins

The new Belmar Arts Council organized Plein Air Group will have its first meeting, weather permitting, on Friday, May 2, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Anyone interested in participating should meet by the tennis courts in McCleary Park, by the Belmar marina. Bring your own materials for painting and/or sketching. Participation is free. Further dates and information will be posted when it's available.