March Member Spotlight:  Rachael Rice

Lives: Bethesda

Website: www.rachaelallisondesigns.com

Instagram: #rachael_allison_designs

Media and Subject: Glass Mosaics and Fluid Art

Why did you join MAA: For opportunities to show my art, to learn from other artists, to be part of an active artistic community.

Have you participated in MAA shows?

Tis the Season, Artist and Makers, November 2023 Rockville, Md

Seeing the Beauty of All things Goldman Gallery, JCC Nov 2023 Rockville Md

Oasis Art Gallery, Westfield Mall @024

Chasing the Winter lights, Windridge Winery, January 2024  Darnstown Md 

Women’s Art, Goldman Gallery, JCC February 2024, Rockville Md

Something fun about yourself:

I have organized bike and barge trips through Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Austria and Croatia over the last ten years.

Artist Biography:

The Beginning

I started my creative journey when I was 5 years old.  My mother taught me how to knit at an early age, and I spent many years in childhood creating knitted projects and sewing clothes; I even enrolled in a woodworking class in high school.  My childhood was filled with creative pursuits.

Formative Years  

In graduate school, I sought out metal and jewelry art education at a local community college. Then I was gifted a Nikon camera. I became drawn to the dramatic effects of black and white film and its manipulation in the darkroom.  I was inspired by photographers like Diane Arbus and Dorthea Lange. Photojournalism resonated with me but I decided that it might be too difficult to pursue as a career.

Artist, Reinvented

In the 90's a vast variety of colorful fabrics became available. I studied traditional quilting but found abstract designs far more satisfying. For the next two decades, I created abstract quilts, fiber wearables, and wall baskets.  I took a detour to try ceramics and hand-building with clay. I loved the sculptural aspect of working with clay and produced organic shapes and unusual functional pottery, and on occasion turned my home into a pottery store.  While clay offered me the chance to explore sculptural forms, I missed working with a colorful medium.

In 2005, a friend introduced me to dichroic glass fusion and beading.  The vibrant colors of glass stimulated my creativity and led to the next decade of beaded jewelry making.  I returned to create jewelry with various metals.  Then a visit to a Alexander Caldor’s exhibit of mobiles drew me into fabricating my own mobiles out of hand-forged metals, and I began creating with copper, silver, and wood.

Mosaics and Me

About five years ago, I was visiting a local high school and I fell in love with a huge mosaic mural done by the students.  At that time, mosaics were evolving from more classical perspectives to ones allowing more artistic freedom.  Drawn to the tremendous range of colors available in stained glass, I immersed myself in creating large mosaics of portraits, landscapes, and abstract designs.  I love the painterly approach learned from my mentor Yulia Hanansen and from recreating the works of great impressionist painters such as Van Gough and Renoir. 

Today

When I was vacationing at the beach, I took a workshop on fluid art and fell in love with this medium and process. Pouring acrylic paint on canvas and manipulating it to create abstract art was exhilarating. The endless possibilities of this art form have provided me with the perfect outlet for my exploration of color and movement.

February's Member Spotlight: Linda Botts Butler

Lives in: Upper Marlboro, MD

Email address: lbb_creativeartworks@aol.com

Media and subjects:

Media: Oils; Gauche. Subjects: Nature - landscapes; seascapes; plants and flowers. Still Life arrangements – florals, fruits and vegetables, objects.

Why you joined the MAA: I joined the MAA to become engaged in an organization that could help me become a more well-rounded and skilled artist. I look forward to participating in the various MAA learning, networking, and exhibit opportunities.

Something fun about you: In addition to creating art, I enjoy gardening, community volunteer activities, and yoga and fitness classes.

Artist Biography:  Linda Botts Butler is a self-taught artist, and her artwork is inspired by nature, the intrinsic beauty of diverse cultures, and by interactions with fellow artists. Linda most enjoys plein-air and still-life painting using oils and stretched canvas.

Linda was born and grew up in Washington, D.C., and currently lives in Prince Georges County, MD. Linda first recognized her artistic interest and talent during art classes in elementary and junior high school. As a young adult, during her spare time, Linda enrolled in drawing and oil painting classes at the local junior college and the Glen Echo Yellow Barn.

As a member of the Laurel Art Guild (LAG), Linda regularly participates in plein-air outings, and she serves as the LAG exhibits co-chair. Last summer, Linda exhibited three paintings in the LAG Brookside Gardens Exhibit. Currently, two of her recent paintings are on display in the LAG exhibit at the Laurel/Beltsville Senior Center.

Linda joined the Montgomery Art Association (MAA) in September 2023, and she participated in the MAA 2023 Paint the Town Labor Day Weekend Show, on September 2.

January's Member Spotlight: Angelic Young

Lives in:  I live in the Wheaton area in Maryland. 

Social Media: When I post pictures of my paintings, I usually post them on Instagram - my Instagram is angelicvyoung. 

Media and subjects: I work with acrylic on canvas, very occasionally with watercolors. When I first started painting, I focused on landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up. I’m a sucker for a gorgeous sunset or sunrise over the ocean or a Cascades peak. As of late, I’ve been painting mostly nudes, focusing on capturing movement and emotion. That being said, I’m a newish painter, so I’m still in my “I’ll try just about anything” phase, and you can see that reflected in the selection of photos I’m sharing.  

Why you joined MAA: I love painting - I started as an adult a few years ago at one of those “paint and sip” classes. But I’ve never taken a “real” class, and I’d like to explore opportunities to connect with other painters, grow my skills, and share my work with others & get feedback so I can get better! 

Something fun about you: I love learning new skills - right now, I’m learning blacksmithing. I'm just about finished making my very first hand-forged Bowie knife. I’m really excited about how it's turning out! 

Artist Biography: Hello, my name is Angelic Young, and I’m a painter (acrylic on canvas) based in the Wheaton area in Maryland. I’ve been painting for about five years now. I started painting after taking a “paint and sip” class with work colleagues - and fell in love. Painting is my self-care time when I can breathe, relax, and focus on only the canvas before me. I enjoy painting landscapes and urbanscapes that remind me of places I’ve lived and loved. Recently, however, I’ve shifted to people & figures, particularly nudes, that allow me to focus on depicting emotion and movement.

2024 Event Calendar

January 2024	Start Date	End Date
MAA at the Oasis Gallery	1/8	4/19
Winter Windridge Tasting Room Show	1/17	3/10
Benjamin Gaither Center Gallery Art Show	1/10	4/1
Member Conversation: Online with ACO, Plein Air Forum with Christine Lashley, Jill Basham, Nancy Tankersley, and Stewart White	1/27	1/27
Artist Inspiration Book Deadline	1/31	1/31
Figure Model Session (1/7, 1/14, 1/21)*
February 2024
Figure Model Session (2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25)*
Member Conversation: Online with ACO	TBD	TBD
Meet the Artist Event - at the Oasis Gallery	2/4	2/4
Windridge: Meet the Winter Artists	2/8	2/8
Fluid Art Workshop	2/25	2/25
March 2024
Figure Model Session (3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31)*
Windridge Spring Art Show	3/13	6/9
March Member Conversation (in person): Carol Moore, Printmaker	3/13	3/13
April 2024
Figure Model Session (4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28)*
April Member Conversation (in person): Violeta Barcenas, Violet Red Studio	4/10	4/10
Windridge Art Festival	4/25	4/28
May 2024
Figure Model Session (5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26)*
Windridge: Meet the Spring Artists	5/9	5/9
Member Critique (in person) with Gavin Glakas	5/16	5/16
Field Trip to Glenstone	5/25	5/25
June 2024
Figure Model Sessions(6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23)*
Windridge Summer Show	6/12	9/22
July 2024
Friendship Heights Plein Air Event*	TBD	TBD
Brookside Garden Art Show	7/15	8/12
August 2024
Paint the Town Preview Night	8/30	8/30
Windridge: Meet the Summer Artists	8/8	8/8
Paint The Town Art Show	8/31	9/2
Paint The Town Plein Air Event	8/31	8/31
September 2024
Estimate Artist Inspiration Book Launch	9/1	9/1
Windridge Fall Show	9/25	12/29
Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival	TBD	TBD
October 2024
Member Conversation	10/16	10/16
Kensington Park Library*	TBD	TBD
Glenview Mansion*	TBD	TBD
November 2024
Goldman Gallery Show	11/4	12/15
Member Conversation	11/12	11/12
Windridge: Meet the Fall Artists	11/7	11/7
December 2024
Member Conversation or Holiday Party	TBD	TBD

	MAA Exhibitions
	MAA Member Conversations & Critiques
	MAA Multi Day Art Festival
	Meet the Artists Events
	Plein Air Events
	Figure Model Sessions
	Special Events or Workshops
*	Not Finalized

We're excited to announce the 2024 themes for our online gallery, "One Theme, Many Interpretations." Keep your submissions coming! We can't wait to see what you create!

A Sneak Peek at our 2024 Shows

Here are the shows we have lined up for you in the new year! So, get started on your artwork submissions for each of the shows…it’s going to be fantastic! We can't want to see what you create.

MAA at Oasis Art Gallery: January 8 – April 19 

Registration: Open until December 13, 2023

Meet the Artists Reception: February 4

Chasing the Winter Light Art Show at Windridge Vineyard: January 17 – March 10

Part of the quarterly gallery shows with up to 23 works.

Registration: November 30 – December 14, 2023

Meet the Artists – February 8

 Paint the Joy of Life Art Show at the Benjamin Gaither Center: January 12 – April 1

Registration: December 1 - 20

Heart of the Vineyard at Windridge Vineyard: April 25 – 28

Large non-juried show of 200 artworks including 2D and 3D artworks.

Registration: March 25 – April 8

Windridge Vineyard Spring Art Show (Theme TBD): March 13 – June 9

Part of the quarterly tasting room gallery shows with up to 23 artworks.

Registration: February 2 – 16

Meet the Artists: May 9

Brookside Gardens: July 15 – August 12

Registration: June 1 – 15

Windridge Summer Art Show (Theme TBD): June 12 – September 22

Part of the quarterly tasting room gallery shows with up to 23 artworks.

Registration: May 3 – 17

Meet the Artists: August 8

Paint the Town Kensington Labor Day Weekend Show: August 31– September 2

Largest MAA judged show of up to 500 artworks including 2D and 3D works and plein air competition.

Registration: Mid-July

Windridge Fall Art Show (theme TBD): September 25 – December 29

Part of the quarterly tasting room gallery shows with up to 23 artworks.

Registration: August 17 -30

Meet the Artists: November 7

Fall Kensington Park Library: (specific dates coming soon)

MAA at the Goldman Art Gallery: November 3 – December 15

Registration: September 23 – October 7

Reception: November 10

MAA Late Fall Art Show at Glenview Mansion: (specific dates coming soon)

Member Spotlight - December - Jillian Randall

Lives in: Gaithersburg, MD

Website: www.jillianrrandall.com

Social Media: Instagram @jillianrrandall

Media and subjects: Acrylic Painting - Abstract and Photography - Landscape/Non Figurative.

Why you joined MAA: I joined MAA to join a community of artists for accountability and inspiration. I was formerly an elementary school teacher, then taught high school art.  During that time, I let my personal artmaking practices become less of a priority. I thought that joining a local artist collective would bring me some of the studio feeling I miss from my college days.

Something fun about you: I LOVE dogs! I have had two dogs named after painters, the first was Pablo (Picasso) and my current dog is Bosch after the early Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch.

Artist Biography

Jillian R. Randall is a creative professional born, raised, and living in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.A true Jillian of All Trades, her work experience encompasses a broad range of techniques and media. She has a bachelor's in Studio Art and a master's in art education from the University of Maryland.  After several years as a community and public school arts educator, she uses the principles of photographic composition and her knowledge of digital editing software to apply her unique aesthetic perspective to her pieces. Her artwork primarily focuses on combining mundane imagery in bold color and complex layers. 

 

How to Promote Your Art Activities Through Montgomery Art Association

By Martina Sestakova

As a paid member of Montgomery Art Association (MAA), you are invited to promote your art-related efforts and achievements via MAA’s channels.

Activities we encourage you to share with us include: solo or group shows you are participating in outside of your MAA membership, winning an award, teaching a workshop, being published, joining a gallery, or participating in an event.

There are three ways you may update us so that we can support spread the word about your activities.

1. Submit to the Member Happenings newsletter

By the end of each month, go to https://montgomeryart.org/member-happenings and submit an easy form about an activity. Your write-up and photo will be included in the Member Happenings newsletter that goes out to MAA members and supporters on the 15th day of the following month. Plan your submissions ahead so that you have an ongoing coverage of your art journey.

Furthermore, all contents of the Member Happenings newsletter are turned into posts for MAA official (*public-facing) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryArtAssociation) and Instagram accounts (https://www.instagram.com/maaartists/). Thus, your submission is shared with the public three times.

2. Post on Member Facebook page

All members in good standing may join https://www.facebook.com/groups/MAAartists. This is a private group and you can freely post to it with questions to other artists and updates about your activities. In this group, you may also coordinate drop off or pick up of your art in case you are unable to meet show deadlines.

3. Tag @maaartists on Instagram

When you share a story or a post on Instagram, tag @maaartists (must be tagged in the photo on Instagram) so that we can easily share your update with the followers of MAA’s official Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/maaartists/. We reserve the right not to share your update but are happy to do so if it matches the types of activities listed above.

We are looking forward to hearing from you and supporting you in promoting your art activities. If you have any questions, reach out to Martina Sestakova, MAA’s marketing committee chair, at connect@radostbymartinasestakova.com.

*Members are not able to post directly to public-facing Facebook and Instagram accounts. The MAA board reserves the right to manage these channels.

November's Member Spotlight: Melissa Eisen

Lives in: Gaithersburg Maryland with my husband and dog, Penelope

Website: www.meleisen.com

Social Media: instagram.com/rosetwinkletoes

Media and subjects: Marker, watercolor, acrylic paint, landscapes and abstract work, occasional figures

Why you joined MAA: I have been out of the art scene for a while, but have always followed MAA and loved the work that MAA and participating artists do. Decided it was time to start being active again.

Something fun about you: I just got married in May at VisArts, an awesome Montgomery County arts nonprofit!

Artist Biography: I received my Bachelor of Arts in fine art and art education from the University of Maryland, College Park. I then taught art in Maryland public schools for several years. I try to use accessible materials to show that fine art can be made from anything. In addition to creating from the recesses of my own mind, I like to bring other people's visions to reality through commissioned pieces, collaborative works, and education.  I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 4 to 90 on a variety of creative and professional endeavors.