September Artist of the Month

For the month of September the Westchase Artists Society's Artist of the Month is Judy Freeman. Here's Judy's interview:

Question: Judy, tell us a little bit about yourself, affiliations, personal stuff.

Judy: I feel like my life began 8 years ago when we moved to Tampa. I had the opportunity to switch gears from a stressful corporate job as Vice President of Policy Administration with a large life insurance company. The change was life-saving. I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree but immediately took the practical approach and started working 9-5 jobs. Art was just a hobby for me back then. With the move to Tampa, I was able to leave my job and made the decision to try to live my dream and be a full-time artist. My concentration is clay, but I've always loved photography. I have a pottery studio set up in our garage, that I fondly call the garagio. I throw on the potter's wheel and handbuild, all from moist clay. Most of my work is whimsical and all of my work is full of color. I'm a member of Florida Craftsmen and am a full-time gallery artist at the Florida Craftsmen gallery in St. Pete. This is a major accomplishment for me and something that I worked towards for several years. I have work at an artists co-op called A Little Room for Art as well as Clay and Paper in Dunedin, as well as a few galleries around the country.

Question: Apart from creating art what do you do?

Judy: I spend an awful lot of time on the computer. I have three online shops, two on Etsy, http://www.judybfreeman.etsy.com/ and http://www.jbfphoto.etsy.com/ and one on Artfire at http://www.judybfreeman.artfire.com/ These online venues have made selling my own work so much fun. I ship all around the world, as a matter of fact, just this week I shipped a necklace to Norway and I'm working on a custom ceramic mug for a fellow in Australia. I've met a lot of fellow-potters on Etsy and the supportive environment has been wonderful. I have a blog that I update from time to time at http://www.butterflyfarmpottery.blogspot.com/ Besides banging away at the keyboard, on the weekends my husband and I are out on the motorcycle. We belong to the Tampa Harley Owners Group, Cigar City HOG. I'm the chapter Photographer and have a blast snapping away from the back of the bike.

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

Judy: It was always something that I loved doing even as a kid. I'd figure out art projects to do on summer vacations, put my dad to work scrounging up materials for me. I guess it's always been my passion.

Question: Describe your creative process.

Judy: A lot of what I do now is driven by special orders. The list drives my creative process especially at this time of the year. Gearing up for Christmas is so much fun when it's still in the 90's outside. Usually what happens to me is an idea will come to mind when I'm driving in the car or when my mind is just wandering. Often the ideas will be funny ones and I'll crack myself up. I always have a small pad with me and I try to jot the ideas down so that I can add them to my to do list.

Question: Top five books, movies, songs, groups, websites

Judy: I've turned into a lousy reader since I spend so much time on the computer. My favorite author of late is Clive Cussler, I love his mysteries, I also like Michael Crichton. Movies - My Blue Heaven with Steve Martin - favorite line - "You're so hot, you could melt all this stuff" cracks me up. Groups - I could see Eric Clapton over and over in concert, I love Al Jarreau, and Steeley Dan is the bomb and they're great in concert. Websites - Etsy of course - it's an amazing place to find just about anything that you're looking for that's unique and handmade.

Question: In ten years I'd like to be...

Judy: First answer, still having a blast with my art. Hopefully I'll still have the stamina for working in clay. It's a very physical art, lugging 50 pound boxes of clay, throwing, pushing, pulling, it's a day at an expensive spa without the high price! I'd like to still have our wonderful friends and enjoying life. You can't ask for much more than that.

July Artist of the Month

Drum roll please.......... the Westchase Artists Society is proud to announce the Artist of the Month for July is Bob Richardson. And now to share some interesting tidbits about Bob is the interview.

Question: Tell us a little bit about yourself, affiliations, personal stuff.

Bob: I was born and raised in the Midwest, outside of Detroit in Dearborn Heights, MI. I have been married to Judy, my wife of 32 years and we have 2 grown children. I have been visiting Florida my entire life and actually lived in Sarasota for a few years when I was 6 years old. We decided to move to Florida in 2009 to be closer to our relatives. I have been very active my entire life, both personally and professionally. I am a strong believer that if you work hard, you play hard to keep balance. As a hobby, I collect neck ties and baseball cards. I received my first guitar when I was 9 years old and continue to play.

Question: Apart from creating art what do you do?

Bob: I graduated from college in aeronautical engineering and worked 2 years for Boeing. I discovered that I did not want to be trapped behind a desk my entire life and totally changed fields, ending up in the insurance business for the past 25 years. I am considered a turnaround expert because I help insurance companies expand their business when they can't. I have just recently completed a major expansion of a Tampa based insurance company and I am now looking to secure my next assignment. I have helped over 25 insurance companies in the past 20 years and generated over $4 billion in business.

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

Bob: I have a very creative mind and wanted to express that in art. I began drawing when I was young and found out that I was pretty good at it. One thing led to another and I started to explore painting and photography. Painting is a great way to relieve stress.

Question: Describe your creative process.

Bob: I wish I had one, but I don't. Like anything, if I get inspried, I paint, however, my items have more of a 3D look. I use a lot of paint when I make a creation.

Question: Top 5 books, movies, songs, groups, websites

Bob: Book - How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci; Movie - Brubaker; Song - any James Taylor or Keb Mo song; Groups - The Beatles (I actually went to their concert); Broadway Play - Phanton of the Opera

Question: In ten years I'd like to be...

Bob: Enjoying time at our house in Key West with my own art gallery on Duval Stret and having a beverage at my favorite watering hole with my wife.

Bob, thanks for sharing and letting us get to know you a little better. Stay tuned for upcoming Artist interviews.

June Artist of the Month

For June our Artist of the Month that was randomly selected at the Westchase Artists Society's May meeting is none other than our fabulous President, Dean Mackey. Let's get right to Dean's interview.

Question: Dean, tell us a little bit about yourself, affiliations, personal stuff.

Dean: I started making paper airplanes professionally in 2000 at a kids event, Space Day, in Tewksbury, MA. Ever since then, I saw more and more creativity from people on the web, and decided to organize it all. Adding my own creativity to the mix, it eventually became The Online Paper Airplane Museum.

I decided to write my own paper airplane book, and after submitting it to various publishers, had to self-publish it. I did the same with my second book. Then last year I was approached by an Australian publisher, Hinkler, who asked me to write a book for them. Seems they were wanting to do a paper airplane book, but couldn't find an author. They kept running across my name on the internet, and after looking at my work that I had self-published, went with me. It came out last year and can still be found at Borders.

I have noticed lately that people will stand and watch my hands make paper airplanes. I will be making the planes, talking to folks, and then notice someone staring zombie-like at my hands. It appears that over the years of making planes, my hands can move quite independently of my brain, and the result is quite hypnotic. It is an unusual super-power, and I don't take the responsibility lightly.

Question: Apart from creating art, what do you do?

Dean: I like to garden, travel, read, taekwondo and riding roller coasters

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

Dean: the smell of easy money, lack of hard labor, and the flexible hours.

Question: Describe your creative process.

Dean: For designing a paper airplane, I usually have in mind the end result that I want to achieve. Then I sit down with paper and bend it to my will, folding it until it submits to my superior intellect. I usually don't take no for an answer from a piece of paper, or even two pieces of paper!

Question: Top 5 books, movies, songs groups, websites.

Dean:

Books - I enjoy series, like Doc Savage, Casca, The Destroyer, or most anything by Clive Cussler or Edgar Rice Burroughs

Movies - Megaforce, Rocketeer, Nightmare Before Christmas, or anything with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood in it

Songs - I like all kinds of music, but gotta love the '80's

Groups - Only one group really matters, the Westchase Artists Society, of course.

Websites - I found this really neat paper airplane website that encompasses what a website should be - http://www.theonlinepaperairplanemuseum.com/

Question: In ten years I'd like to be...

Dean: ...Holding the Guiness Book of World Record titles for Time Aloft and Distance in paper airplanes, and working on the largest paper airplane in the world, preferably one that can carry a full-sized person.

...Thrown out of the White House at least ONCE for bad behavior.

...Conduct the first international paper airplane contest since 1986.

...Fighting off paper airplane groupies with a stick (the ones I don't like, that is).

Dean thanks for the interview. You've put a whole new spin on paper airplanes.

May Artist of the Month

For our second Artist of the Month the name that was drawn out of the bag was Wayne Barrett. Wayne's paintings are a favorite and it's great to share some information about Wayne. So without any further delay, here's Wayne Barrett's Artist of the Month interview:

Question: First, tell us a little bit about yourself, affiliations, personal stuff.

Wayne: I was born in California, I am happily married, a father of three, and grandfather of two. I served in the Navy and the Army so I actually have two Honorable Discharges.

Question: Apart from creating art what do you do?

Wayne: Other than painting, I am also a musician. I play guitar, piano, and specialize on harmonica. I played with a blues band in California for a couple of yeas in the late 90's.

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

Wayne: I have been into art longer than I can remember. I actually got a blue ribbon as young as Kindergarten. I read a lot of comics when I was young and discovered the work of Frank Frazetta. It was his work that first inspired me to become an artist.

Question: Describe your creative process.

Wayne: I'm not sure that I really have a creative process. The majority of my work comes from my head. I'm a dreamer, a fantasizer, so it seems I always have hundreds of ideas. For me it's a matter of weeding through those ideas for something to lay down on canvas.

Question: Top five books, movies, songs, groups, websites

Wayne: Books: Lord of the Rings, Grapes of Wrath, The Dark Tower series, The Crystal Cave, Crime and Punishment; Movies: Forrest Gump, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Godfather, Dances With Wolves, As Good As It Gets

Question: In 10 years I'd like to be...

Wayne: In 10 years I would like to be much more educated in the art world so that I can better sell and exhibit my work.

Wayne thanks so much for the interview!!!

Presenting... Our Artist of the Month

We're starting a new feature on the Westchase Artists Society blog, member of the month. This will be a way for our followers to get to know a little bit about our wonderfully talented members. Each month we'll be featuring a different artist. Our very first featured artist is none other than Toni Crosby. Here's our interview with Toni. Enjoy!

Question: First, tell us a little bit about yourself, affiliations, personal stuff.

Toni: Happily Single Artists, One adult child, no grand kids YET. Staff photographer at my local church, Hospice volunteer, photographer specializing in weddings, special events and website photography.

Question: Apart from creating art what do you do?

Toni: I am a licensed insurance agent. I like to make quilts, I like to bake banana bread sometimes, ride bikes and walk for exercise. And sometimes ride motorcycles just for fun. And I like to sew.

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

Toni: Since meeting Robert Butler "The Wildlife & Landscape Artist" in 1982, he made me understand I am an artist too.

Question: Describe your creative process.

Toni: It starts with the three P's... Prayer, Preparation and Praise. My artistic talent is my gift from God... when I create it's my praise back to Him.

Question: Top 5 books, movies, songs, groups, websites

Toni: Movie - The Bridges of Madison County; TV - anything on HGTV; Songs - "It's Not Easy Being Green" by Kermit the Frog and "I Feel Good" by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

Question: In ten years I'd like to be...

Toni: The owner of my home and artist studio in Florida and working on a large White House Commission.

Thanks Toni for being our very first Artist of the Month!!! Please check out Toni's artwork at Ruth Eckerd Hall if you're there for a show in the East Gallery, through May, 2010 as part of the Westchase Artists Society group art show.

Westchase Artists Society at JCC

Yesterday, March 14, 2010, the Westchase Artists Society officially took up residence at the Tampa Jewish Community Center. Well not us physically, but some representations of our artwork now are residing at the JCC. Another venue that our group is really excited about because this, hopefully, will turn into a long relationship with the JCC for exhibition and sale of our members' artwork. Thanks go out to Mara Gessele and Dean Mackey for taking on the task of hanging the first show! We'll be having a reception soon to celebrate this new show. Take a look at Dean's video to get a preview of the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbpyUIHW3ng

To visit the JCC in person:

Tampa JCC & Federation Campus
13013 Community Campus Drive
Tampa, FL 33625
813.962.2863

A Perfect Day

It's a great feeling when a group project comes together and the end result is one that your proud of. The current group show for the Westchase Artists Society is a great example of many different parts coming together for a smooth fit and a beautiful outcome. On March 2nd everything worked in our favor, the rains came early in the morning, all of the participating artists delivered their artwork on time, and the hanging crew, Teresa Trubilla, Judy Freeman, Dean Mackey, Wayne Barrett and Craig Royal, worked incredibly well together. Special thanks also go out to the staff at Ruth Eckerd Hall, especially Lisa Taylor and the wonderfully talented artists that participated in this group show.

A Busy Time

The Westchase Artists Society is buzzing with activity. Our current show that's running for the month of February at the Carrollwood Cultural Center is coming to a close at the end of the month. And, we're gearing up for our next show at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Our group has 17 artists represented in the Ruth Eckerd Show and it's going to be another fabulous showing for our group. We're all excited about the new venue and with the thousands of people that stream through the Hall for various events, shows and gatherings, it's guaranteed to be an opportunity to share our artwork with a broad spectrum of people. This show runs through the month of May so if you have tickets for a show at Ruth Eckerd Hall, be sure to wander up to the East Gallery.

For the Love of Art II

You are cordially invited to a "meet the artists" reception at the Carrollwood Cultural Center on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 6:00 pm. The show of collective artworks from the members of the Westchase Artists Society will run through the month of February. Refreshments will be served with accompaniment by Jim Burge and the Jazz Directions. Admission is free.

Participating member-artists include, Dean Mackey, Olga Fridella, Wayne Barrett, Teresa Trubilla, Craig Royal, Jennifer Lukas Joyner, Toni Crosby, Bob Richardson, Judy Freeman, Sonya Lorraine Whipple, Vanessa Montenegro, Kathy Caruthmel, Bert Caruthmel, and Joose Hadley.

Our group is very excited about this show and the fabulous representation of our members' artworks. The Carrollwood Cultural Center provides an abundance of wall space for hanging and a large venue for a big blowout party. We hope that you can join us on the 19th!

Carrollowod Cultural Center

4537 Lowell Road

Tampa, FL 33618

(813) 269-1310

Westchase Artists Fall Art Show:

October Members Show

The Westchase Artists Society Fall 2008 Members Show was featured at Great Art & Frame Gallery in West Park Village during the month of October. Friends, family, and art lovers shared in the opening reception held the evening of Friday, October 3, 2008 where participating artists were available to discuss their work. For more information visit our wesbsite www.westchaseartists.com

Art At The Speed of Life

During June and July, Jacey Gallery is proud to be hosting “Art at the Speed of Life” — an exhibit featuring the artwork of members of the Westchase Artists Society. The group is made up of artists from the Upper Tampa Bay area whose artistic passion leads them to create art even while working, running businesses, caring for families, and volunteering in the community. You are invited to come visit the exhibit and share in their passion.

The show’s opening reception will be held on Friday, June 6 from 7:00 until 10:00 PM and will provide an opportunity to meet the artists whose works include painting, pottery, and photography. If you miss out on the fun and excitement of opening night, “Art at the Speed of Life” will continue to be on display through July 28 during normal gallery hours.

The Jacey Gallery is located at 4802 Gunn Highway, Suite 112, next to the Land and Sea Market. For more information about the group or this upcoming show, please visit www.westchaseartists.com or contact the gallery at 813-960-5400.

Expressions of Westchase Art Show

During March and April, the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library is proud to be hosting the "Expressions of Westchase" — a exhibit featuring artwork by members of the Westchase Artists Society. This show will focus on various interpretations of the picturesque Westchase neighborhood located in Northwest Tampa whose architecture, people, nature, fun, and charm captivate residents and visitors alike.

"Expression of Westchase"
March 3rd through April 25th, 2008
Opening Reception March 6, 2008 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Location: Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library (11211 Countryway Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33626)

The Westchase Artists Society is a group of Tampa visual artists interested in furthering the art community in the Westchase area and all of the Tampa Bay area as well. Their goal is to nurture both artists and art lovers through hosting art exhibits, providing art education, promoting art activities, and creating an opportunity for area artists to come together and share. For more information about the group or this upcoming show, please visit http://www.westchaseartists.com

For past events and newsletters visit: http://www.westchaseartists.com/newsletter.htm
Also for artist opportunities and call for artists visit: http://www.westchaseartists.com/newsletter.htm

Colors of Art, Westchase Artists Society

"Colors of Art” to Grace the UTB Library

The Westchase Artists Society would like to invite the entire Tampa Bay community to experience the “Colors of Art” as its members exhibit their work during September and October at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. The show’s opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 6 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM and will provide an opportunity to meet the artists whose works include painting, sculpture, mosaics, and photography. If you miss out on the fun and excitement of opening night, “Colors of Art” will continue to be on display for your enjoyment during normal library hours through the end of October. For more information please visit http://www.westchaseartists.com/

Also we have a discussion group were you can read more about the group. http://groups.google.com/group/westchase-artists

The Westchase Artist Society Continues to Flourish!!!

Westchase Artists society celebrates one year aniversary

The Westchase Artists Society has one year under its belt and what a year it’s been! In the past 12 months the society has accomplished quite a few goals. Finding a permanent home at our local library was one of the first. Creating a Web presence with a blog and an online monthly newsletter was another biggie.

We’ve been featured in a couple of local publications and have had one very successful show with another one planned for next month. We’ve been invited to participate in various Westchase projects and we’ve met many accomplished individuals and made many new friends.

More importantly, the Westchase Artists Society has been embraced by the people of our community, who’ve supported and encouraged us every step of the way. That’s the biggest hope and goal for any fledgling group!

You’re all invited to our next exhibition, Colors of Art, at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, with a reception Thursday evening, Sept. 6, from 6-8 p.m. Please drop in and enjoy beautiful works of art along with good food and fascinating company.

As an artist, how do you measure success?

Since the show at the library is coming up September 6, 2007, I
thought this will be a good questions to ask artists in general.

Today I was talking to my friends and inviting them to the library
show reception. As they were leaving, they said, "We will see
you there and we hope the show is a success." And that is when all
this questioning that I am going to share with you came about.

So how do you measure success for a show?
Do you measure success by how many people come to a show?
Do you measure success by how many people bought or sold artwork?
Do you measure success by how many people participated in the show?
Do you measure success by how the show was arranged?
Do you measure success by the food that was served at the reception?
Do you measure success by the type of people that came to the show?
Do you measure success by what someone told you about the show?
Do you measure success by having the best picture in the show?
Do you measure success by having an article written in a magazine or
newspaper?
Do you measure success by reviews?
Do you measure success by just being part of the show and enjoying the
entire event?
Do you measure success by how many people you met and how you network
on a show?

Now. Wouldn't all these questions also apply to your art by itself? How
will you measure success as an artist? Do you measure it by setting
goals and achieving them or by seeing your name somewhere? Or perhaps
making a living as an artist?

We are accustomed to measure things in this world by meter,
centimeter, failures, success, happiness, sadness and so on. And we
even have levels for them: first place, second place, etc. Not
everyone measure the same things the same way that each of us do
because we are all different and we all come from different
background. So what for one person will be a success, for another
person will be an okay and for another person will be a failure. It
is in the eyes of the beholder that the levels of measuring truly
stands. And if that is the case, wouldn't be easier to measure things
if we could understand what are we measuring with (meter, gallons,
level of success, etc) before we try to understand how others measure
our art or shows?

So may be we should be prepared because some day you might find
yourself answering the question of how was your show or how are you
doing as an artist? And you will say...

Best
VM

Westchase Artists Society Website

The Westchase Artist Society website is updated every month. We are adding a gallery section for the artist, galleries in the area and a call for artist were we will be posting great opportunity for artist. Also we are posting our seminar and newsletters.

Our goal is to create a site that will become a great resource for the artists in the group and elsewhere.

Westchase Artists Society Sharing with the Westchase Community

A couple of months ago, the Westchase Artist Society was invited to
participate in the 7th Annual Art Festival at the Westchase
Elementary. Cynthia, who had participated in the event in the precious
years and a member of the Westchase Artist Society, recommended the
event. So, following Cynthia's recommendation, I went ahead and
volunteered. I saw it as a great opportunity to share what I do with
the young kids in our community and also to promote the Westchase
Artist Society.
Well, today was the 7th Annual Art Festival and it was great. When I
arrived early in the morning, my table was set. A green table cloth
covered the table; my name and the name of the westchase artist tag
were hanging on the wall. They even had a set of beautiful flowers
next to the table, which later were given to the artist.

I went ahead and set up my drawings, a couple of portraits, animal
drawings, Westchase sketches and four examples of my drawing process.
Next to all this, I placed the materials I used for drawing and my
drawing pad. As I was finishing arraigning everything, the first group
of kids surrounded me and from then on it didn't stop until 1:30pm.
One group after another and I only had 5 to 8 minutes for each group.

To all the groups, I explained the process I use to draw and show them
the materials I use. However, when it came to drawing, I decided to
become creative and interact with the kids. If the kids were in
kindergarten or first grade, I will draw numbers and then ask them
what can that number transform into. For example, "..a 1 could become
an arrow or a 2 a swan or snake", I said to the kids. They love it and
most of them wanted to participate by saying the next number and what
could transform into.

On the other hand, if the kids were in second to fifth grade, then I
will show them how to draw a still life in less than 2 minutes and
then allow one kid in the group to try to draw the same. The still
life was composed of two apples, which by the end of the event I could
draw even with my eyes close since I had draw it so many time. The
kids were all interested and all wanted to try it. They asked
questions and the once that had the opportunity to draw, got to
experience the benefit of drawing with charcoal, conte and pastel.
Plus the lucky kid in the group who got to draw, also got to take the
drawing I drew and their drawing home. How the kids said:"COOL."

The organization of the event was excellent. The organizers were
really helpful and nice. The kids interacted, asked questions and
enjoyed. I even got people asking me for my business cards so I could
teach their kids and themselves how to draw or draw a portrait for
them.

I had a blast and I definitely recommend the event. Good organization,
great exposure of your art and most important you get to share with
your community.

Best,

Vanessa M

Car and Art show

On March 24th, 2007, The Auto Legend and The Westchase Artists Society presented "CARS & ART" Art show . It combined the artistry of the exotic automobile with a vibrant exhibit of fine art by various Westchase area artists. Usual event that attracted a people interested in art as well as the beutiful exotic cars, such as Ferraris and Alfa Romeos. Twelve artists took place in this event. Mike Gaudet, Joose Hadley, Sharon Harrison, Ann Henson, Jennifer Jones, Leah Mondino, Vanessa Montenegro, Jeremy Ramos,Tara Riley, Olga, Patricia Smith and Anne Tate.

Call For Entries: The Cars and Art Show

Call For Entries Cars and Art
Deadline Febuary 15th 2007

Put your creative hats on an enter our upcoming show entitled Cars And Art to be held at The Auto Legend in Oldsmar. On March 24th. Deadline is Febuary 15th. Check out their website at www.TheAutoLegend.com and check out our website www.West ChaseArtists.com for all the details and entry forms

Westchase Artists Society Recent Events

The new date for the next Westchase Artists Society Meeting is September 22nd.

Check the Northwest Tampa newspaper. There is an article written about our efforts to promote art in the Westchase area.

We are growing! We have two new confirm members and 5 interested to become members.

One of the Westchase Artist Society members, Mike Gaudet, displayed some of his works at the “Nude Art Show” on August 19th at the Caliente Resort. Congratulations Mike!

Keep the arts growing Westchase!