The Rockwall Art League strives to further the education and interests of Rockwall area fine artists through programs and exhibits by providing local, statewide, and national opportunities for artists to expand their skills, reputation, and marketability. Learn all about our monthly meetings, demos, workshops, and exhibits at our CALENDAR OF EVENTS and EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES pages.
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A brief message from our NEW President Betty Hoaglund

A quick reminder that the dues are $35 if paid before the 31st and $40 after that for individual members.We also would like to ask our members to send their newsletter contributions to my email by the 20th of the month in order for it to be included in the following month's newsletter. Wendy Dean has as usual graciously volunteered her time to handle the newsletter even from Portland. I will be calling each individual member before the February meeting to get your feedback and ideas for the coming year. Darlene Dittoe and the board members worked diligently to grow our organization and we want to continue the momentum. Our organization is determined to bring the visual arts to all members of our community especially those unable to experience it on their own. Not only will we benefit through demonstrations from respected artists lined up by our Vice President Betty Foster,we will share our artistic ability through art therapy methods. The Rockwall Art League has an eclectic and talented mix of artists and we will have exciting shows as well as a civic minded purpose. Share your ideas so that we continue to grow and make a positive statement in our community

Betty Hoaglund
President
gullgrp@swbell.net
Phone: 972-772-0582
Cell: 214-226-9942

JOIN US! 

RAL Membership is open to all area fine artists, working in a variety of creative disciplines and media such as oil, acrylic and watercolor painting; photography; sculpture; jewelry; and other media.

Membership dues are $35 annually for members that pay before January 31st. $40 after January 31st. Those joining in the last quarter of any given year will receive benefits through the next calendar year. Download a member application form [HERE].

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

 Geraldine (Geri) Arze  
 Donna Nelson

Immediate Past President's Year End Message

Let me begin by saying that I could not have done my job for the past two years without the enthusiastic, competent and hardworking board members who have supported me. They all knew what they had to do and did it. I thank each and every one of you for your cooperation and commitment because you made my job a lot easier.

Also, it is not just the board but our wonderful members who always answered yes when I approached someone and asked them for help. That speaks volumes about our organization and what makes it so unique.

Last summer when we began discussing vacancies for 2012, I asked Betty Hoaglund if she would consider being president. Once again, and without any hesitation, her reply was yes. I am delighted to say that I will be passing the gavel to a wonderful and extremely capable person who is dedicated to RAL and everything that our organization stands for both in the arts and the community. Please welcome Betty as your incoming President.

I close this letter with mixed emotions, but predominantly with a great deal gratification. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with and getting to know the outstanding people who make up the Rockwall Art League and I am proud of all of us as I reflect on the progress that we have made together in the last two years.

We still have a lot of growth and hard work ahead of us and we need everyone to help us achieve our future goals. I look forward to serving as Immediate Past President and my first official duty in this role was installing the new board members at our Holiday Party at Betty and Rick Hoaglund's house.

Wishing you the joy of family, the blessing of friends and a holiday that will fill your heart with wonder and magic

Darlene Dittoe
Immediate Past President
dittoe2@sbcglobal.net

WHAT ABOUT THAT MYSTERIOUS COLD WAX STUFF

Learn more about it with Rebeccal Crowell at the Abstract Paintings Created in Oil Mixed with Cold Wax Medium Workshop. AUGUST 2012 - Learn more [HERE].

 

JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA Reflections for the Arts

  

Aimee Jacobs of the Dorris Jones PTA contacted Darlene to see if RAL could provide three artists to judge the Jones Elementary School Art Reflections contest.  Joetta Currie, Betty Foster and Darlene Dittoe had the privilege of judging some very creative and talented artwork on November 18.  The judges selected eight winners representing written arts, performing arts and the visual arts.  The winners will go on to compete in a district wide art competition.  We wish them all the best of luck.

On November 30 the last regular RAL monthly meeting for 2011 was held.  We had a great turnout of over forty people who watched and listened to Valery Guignon describe her career in the art world and share her knowledge and experiences with all of us.  Valery is a multitalented lady who paints, sculpts, sews and uses everything in her visual world to inspire her. If you missed the presentation then you really missed a wonderful evening. Thanks to our vice-president Betty Foster for introducing all of us to another side of art besides watercolor, acrylic and oils.

Excerpts from a letter from Helping Hands to the Main Street Project Friends of Downtown Rockwall

Rockwall County Helping Hands is busy preparing for the 2011 Helping Hands Toy Drive, and we need you to be a part!  Last year Helping Hands provided toys for 1,265 children (479 families) in Rockwall County.  We are preparing to serve more than 1,400 children this year!

None of this would be possible without the generosity of the citizens of Rockwall County!  We will be getting “angel tags” to area businesses in late November.  Each tag will provide information about a Rockwall County child for whom parents can’t provide a gift this year.  Shoppers will select “angel tags,” purchase gifts and drop off the gifts at one of the sites designated on the tag.  Then families that have pre-registered at Helping Hands will select gifts for their children on toy distribution day which is December 17 this year.  Our goal is to be able to provide 3 gifts per child!

Here is where we need your help!  Helping Hands provides Christmas gifts for children between birth and 16 years of age.  It is sometimes difficult to select gifts for teenagers, and many donors prefer to purchase for younger children.  Teenagers love to receive gift cards and shop for themselves so we try to have enough gift cards that parents of teenagers can select a $20-$25 gift card as one of the gifts for their teenager. 

RAL Responds
In response to the needs of our community, at our monthly meeting on November 30 a collection was taken to assist Helping Hands of Rockwall with Angel Tags for the 1400 children in Rockwall County who might not have a Christmas without community support. The members who attended the meeting contributed $300.00.  Darlene went to Groovy’s in downtown Rockwall and selected 12 Angel Tags from their Angel Tree. The money was used to purchase twelve $25.00 gift cards at Walmart.  Six boys ages 9-14 and six girls ages 8-13 were selected.  The gift cards and Angel Tags were returned to Groovy’s on December 7.   Christi Foster, who owns Groovy’s in Rockwall, Forney and Arlington is going to match all donations, so our $300.00 contribution became $600.00 with Christi’s generosity. Now this is the spirit of giving and what the holidays are all about.  Thank you to Christi and everyone who opened their hearts and wallets for the children of Rockwall this holiday season. >


            Groovy's                                 Life House Bakery and Coffee Cafe

On December 9th, RAL memebner Andrea Friedell, a abstract acrylic artist, created an on location painting at the Life House Coffee Shop on North Goliad from 5:00-7:30 PM.  The owners of the café had the Strings and Pipes trio playing live Celtic music while Andrea worked on an abstract painting of the musicians.


RAL Historian Mentors Students

Lina Linsey is the Historian for RAL. She is very diligent and creative in maintaining the history of RAL in our yearbooks.   Lina also teaches and mentors students in her home.  Two of our student members, Morgan Cooper and Joseph Arze, are shown taking art instruction from Lina.  Morgan paints in acrylics and Joseph enjoys watercolors.  Both students work on independent paintings with guidance and advice from Lina.

2012 ROCKWALL COUNTY GRADUATING SENIORS - Click on Scholarship for Complete Details

MEMBER BADGES

A few reminders to all members. Anyone who needs a name tag please e-mail Betty Hoaglund at gullgrp@swbell.net
and in the subject line enter “New Badge” and then remember to return your name tag to the membership box at the end of the meetings.

 

ASEL ART SUPPLY
Located in Plano, Richardson, Dallas, and other locations in the surrounding Metroplex offers a 20% discount to all RAL members. Denver Tatman is the new manager at the Plano location. Antonio Faienza is now running the Dallas store. Both will be happy to help you locate the art supplies you need. Just ask.

http://fineart.aselart.com OR www.aselart.com