Salon Critique Night

Tonight we held the latest Salon event at the Boatworks. Participants put work into the show that filled our front room gallery, almost 50 pieces overall. The second Thursday of the month is the regular meeting night for the BAC critique group, so tonight's event also served that function. This evening over 25 artists showed up to present their work and to answer questions and hear opinions about it from the assembled group.

Things got off to a interesting start with a short excerpt of a collaboration between printmaker Molly Johnson and dancer/choreographer Kristin Dexnis of DeXdance. After that we settled in for a series of more traditional gallery artworks, including paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculpture, and jewelry.

As usual, everyone who was there enjoyed the experience. Artists always benefit from the critique process. Talking about one's work requires the artist to reconsider everything that went into it, and the assembled group brings fresh eyes to the work, with the resulting questions and comments providing useful feedback for the artist to use in current and future art.

Tonight's participants included some veterans of past critique groups, but there were many new faces as well. We're hoping that many of the first timers decide to become regular participants of the Belmar critique group, and take advantage of this great opportunity. Meanwhile, the Salon exhibition remains on display at the Boatworks during regular gallery hours through January 28, 2011. Admission is free.

Pastels in Belmar

Tonight was the first member meeting of 2011. We had a great turnout, more than 25 people in attendance- mostly our regulars, but a few new faces joined us tonight. We discussed some of the many groups, workshops, and events coming up in the next several weeks, then turned things over to our guest speaker, Sangita Phadke. She will be teaching a 5 week class in pastel painting beginning in February, but tonight everyone in attendance saw a free demonstration of her skills. She also answered many questions about materials and process.

Below is an example of a finished pastel painting. Additional examples of Sangita Phadke's work can be seen on her website.

The pastel class will meet Mondays, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, from February 7 through March 7, 2011. For further details, including how to register for the class, see the main website.

New Chairs in Belmar

Almost as exciting as the pastel demonstration tonight was the debut of our new folding chairs. Strong, and padded for extra comfort. If anything, maybe even too nice for a room that gets used as an art studio, but they are a necessary upgrade from the ugly resin chairs that we've been using up until now. Come by some time and give them a try.

Lots To Do in 2011

It's a new year, which brings many new opportunities for activities at the Belmar Arts Council

Thursday Jan 6 6:30 - 9:00 pm First member meeting of the year. Learn about what's coming up for the BAC. Featuring guest speaker Sangita Phadke, who will be offering a pastel course next month.

Saturday Jan 8 10 am to 1 pm Intake for the next exhibition at the Boatworks, a new Salon des Artistes. Bring up to 3 artworks ($5 per artwork) to hang in the show.

Thursday Jan 13 6:30 - 8: 30 pm Critique Night. Artists with work in the Salon des Artistes are invited to come present their work and to receive useful feedback from all in attendance.

If you're looking to make some new art and want to improve your skills or try something new, in the coming months the BAC is offering workshops and classes in drawing, painting, pastels, watercolor, photography, digital processes, and graphic design, plus a new writer's group is forming. Details about all of the above (and more, such as music and films) can be found on the main website.