Earlier this year, AWA began matching Signature or Master Signature member mentors with female military veterans transitioning into careers in art. The vets, from various branches of service, were selected from among the veteran artists who were juried into a national show held at the Pentagon last November. The exhibit, sponsored by the Washington D.C. based non profit, Veteran Artist’s Program, drew works from around the country.
Get the first look at our finalists by following us on Twitter.
Finalists will be exhibited at our annual member show in August at the Addison Art Gallery in beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Jurors of Selection include AWA Master Signature members Kaye Franklin and Cathryn Jenkins, AWA Signature Members Judy Crowe and Kim Kori, gallery owner Helen Addison and Curator at the Amon Carter Museum, Rebecca Lawton.
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Erin Coe, the Hyde Collection’s Chief Curator |
Erin Coe, Chief Curator for the Hyde Collection in Glen Falls, NY will be the awards Juror for the AWA 17th Annual Member Show & National Juried Competition.
Coe is a driving force behind the acclaimed show, Modern Nature: Georgia O’Keeffe and Lake George co-curated withBarbara Buhler Lynes, a former curator of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe. The O’Keefe show is currently at San Francisco’s DeYoung Museum through May 11.
With 20 years of museum experience, Erin has developed a sensibility as a curator and juror that she is looking forward to bringing to her work with AWA.
“I always think about creating something balanced for the viewer – it has variety, diversity and is dynamic in medium and expression,” Erin says. “A show can create a rhythm, the pieces look good but also make sense together.”
While studying for her B.A. in Studio Art, Erin found that she was more drawn to the history and tradition of studying art, rather than making it herself. As a juror she looks for originality and freshness within those long-revered and beloved traditions.
In speaking about her own criteria, Erin says, “I want something to carry a message and evoke a response – that expression that gets your attention at some level.”
You can find out more about Erin’s work with the Hyde Collection by visiting
www.hydecollection.org
AWA launches pilot program to mentor U.S. military veterans in art
Earlier this year, AWA began matching Signature or Master Signature member mentors with female military veterans transitioning into careers in art. The vets, from various branches of service, were selected from among the veteran artists who were juried into a national show held at the Pentagon last November. The exhibit, sponsored by the Washington D.C. based non profit, Veteran Artist’s Program, drew works from around the country.
Her son-in-law’s own military service motivated Daniel to volunteer for the program. “A family member in the military has broadened my appreciation for the sacrifices people make,” Daniel said. “It gives you a whole new view – it was something I had kind of taken for granted.”
Sculptor and AWA Signature member Julie McCraney-Brogdon has been working with her mentee, Coast Guard veteran Victoria Bryers, to expand and improve her work with sculpture, giving advice about things like execution, aspect and providing practical tips about exhibiting a finished project.
“Vikki wants to be an art teacher and is working on her Master’s in art education,” McCraney-Brogdon said. “She felt she was not a strong sculptor and wanted to improve so she could feel comfortable teaching.”
McCraney-Brogdon, a Georgia resident, volunteered for the program because she was excited to to help more women learn about sculpture – still a mostly male dominated field. “When you get artists together to talk shop it is a lot of fun,” McCraney-Brodgon says. “We enjoy talking about the work we do and I feel like we are both learning and finding out things from each other.”
If you are a Signature or Master Signature member, and interested in serving as a mentor artist to a military vet in the next phase of this pilot project, please contact Kathrine Lemke Waste atKathy.Waste@gmail.com. Please put “Mentor Artist” in the subject heading of your email.
AWA welcomes new Signature members
Join us in welcoming all our new Signature members for 2014:
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| Sara Jane Doberstein, Ontario, Canada, Signature Member |
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| Carol Alleman, Arizona, Signature Member |
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| Elaine Hahn, Florida, Signature Member |
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| Mary Dennis, Oregon, Signature Member |
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| Amy Leung, California, Signature Member |
Our newest Master Signature members will be featured in our April issue.
Diane Swanson to serve as AWA Executive Director Diane Swanson steps into a new role this month as Executive Director of American Women Artists. Swanson has been serving the organization as a part time independent contractor since June, 2013. As an artist and arts event organizer and administrator, Diane brings a unique dual perspective to AWA, understanding the needs of both the organization and its member artists. “It is with great pleasure that AWA welcomes Diane Swanson as our new Executive Director. Diane’s accomplishments with other non-profit arts organizations makes her the perfect fit! Diane was largely responsible for the outstanding success of our 16th Annual Juried Competition in Texas,” says AWA President Ann Larsen. Find out more about Diane and view her own work at: |
| AWA Board and Officers 2014 |
Ann Larsen, President, Edinburg, NY Kathrine Lemke Waste, Vice President, Sacramento, CA Ann Self, Treasurer, Hutchinson, KS Paula Holtzclaw, Secretary, Waxhaw, NC Carol Swinney, Immediate Past President, Casper, WY Bethanne Kinsella Cople, Past President, Alexandria, VA DeBob Jacob, Maypearl, TX |
