August Newsletter - 2021

Your source for what what is happening with CAS and its members.

NOTE: If it says "Message clipped" at the end of the newsletter, click on the "View entire message" link for the full version.

NextNewsletter Deadline is October 17. Send your submissions to newsletter@creativeartssociety.org. Late submissions will be considered based on Newsletter Editor's time constraints.

To Ensure Receipt

1. Add the newsletter address to your email address book to avoid the newsletter going into your Junk/Spam folder.
2. If you use gmail and can't find your newsletter, check your Promotions tab. If it's there, click on the arrow to "teach gmail that this is important" and needs to go to the Primary tab of your Inbox.
3. If you manage more than one mailbox, this will go to the address used to register your membership.

President's Message 

We hope that everyone is safe and taking care. It's been great seeing folks at our recent exhibits at Riverbend and the Inspired Minds Gallery.  Additional special event exhibits are being planned.  Watch for an upcoming call for a November exhibit at the Link & Pin Gallery on E. 6th St.  Our rotating exhibits and many of our curated venues are open. If you wish to participate in a curated venue exhibit, please apply for our Curated Program via this link: Artists Portfolio Application - Creative Arts Society.  

We are excited and encouraged that we are seeing sales activity pick up from last year.  Our treasurer, RJ Armstrong, has put together an informative analysis. Thank you all for your continued flexibility with the contactless pick up and drop off protocols and our zoom meetings.
Sincerely, 
Joyce LaBaw  
2021 CAS President
____________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Opportunities

Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering to become a board member next year or to assist a current board member.  Board members pay no membership dues the year that they serve, help to steer the direction of CAS and are the first to hear about new opportunities.  

Board Position Openings:
o  2022 Vice President - assist the President; the expectation is that the VP is next in line for the Presidency
o  2022 Community Events- Manage pop up events, plein aire gatherings, etc. (dependent on Covid restrictions lifting)
o  2023 Treasurer position (begin training in 2022)

We are also looking for Venue Coordinators at the following Curated Venues.
o  Reveal Dental, Cedar Park
o  South Oaks Family Medicine, south Austin

Venue Coordinators pay no CAS commissions on their sales and are exempt from one entry fee per year (ex. Link & Pin usually requires an entry fee). Curated Venue coordinators do not need to make labels or hang the art as the artists in the Curated Exhibit Program are required to handle these tasks.  Please email president@creativeartssociety.org. if you are interested or have questions. Click this link for additional information Volunteer Opportunities - Creative Arts Society

____________________________________________________________________

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be held online on September 1, 2021, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm via video conference call. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to you a day or so in advance. A networking session (6:30 -7pm) will be hosted and facilitated by Kat Zinna, our Programs Chair. You are invited to informally socialize with fellow artists, to catch up with friends and make new ones.

Our main program will begin at 7 pm and will feature a CAS Members Art Presentation by Veronica Ortegon-Primeaux. General Membership Meetings are held four times each year. Our remaining meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3rd.  Please add these dates to your calendars (7:00 - 8:30 pm).
____________________________________________________________________

A Scam to Avoid by Robb McKenzie

Artists are often targeted by Internet scammers and if we aren't careful we could lose hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Recently I came close to being a scam victim, but with some healthy paranoia and a bit of research I prevented my bank account from taking a hit. The following is the story of my encounter and how I discovered it was a scam. CAS members with questions or who think they might be getting scammed can email me at rmckenzieART@gmail.com  

I received an email from the ‘Contact Me’ page of my web site, I was a bit surprised. Most of us have a contact form on our web site, but no one ever uses them at least not on my web site. This is a variation of the “anniversary” scam. The email was a hotmail.com address from, let’s call him Nate (blue text) and read: “Hi, I'm interested in your works. Please kindly get back to me so I can make the right selection for purchase. Thank you.”

The awkward phrasing “Please kindly…” immediately raised some suspicions, but who wants to ignore a possible commission. I responded — thanking him for his interest in my ceramic works and asking what pieces interested him. I also referred him to my Etsy page.

Nate responded: “Hello, Thanks for your quick response. Before I proceed with my choice of selections purchase, I would like to know if you will accept a check payment as means of payment payable to you in advance? At this moment, that is the only option I have right now to pay for the items. Once you receive it and cleared, then, we can proceed to process the order. If this arrangement is okay by you, get back to me. Thanks.”

Who doesn’t have a credit card? That was another clue I was being scammed. I told him a check is fine as long as it was from a U.S. bank. He replied asking for the price of four of my works. His email included the photos from my web site. I responded with a price and telling him I would need his ZIP code so I could calculate shipping.  

Nate responded: Shipping address, 1234 Greenhall way, Antioch CA. 94509. “Get to me with your contact address and name to make out the check to you with the final total. Thanks”

By this time I had already checked for Nate in Facebook and found nothing that could lead to identifying who this person was. So I also Googled his name and found even less, but interestingly enough a page titled “How To Recognize An Art Scam - Agora Gallery - Advice Blog” did pop up, but only because it contained the name “Nathan” and “Rachel” in its text, but no Nathan Araquel. Maybe Saint Catherine (the patron saint of artists) was trying to tell me something. By now I am pretty confident it’s a scam but wanted to see how this all could play out, so I gave him my address. It’s amazing that even when we know something is amiss how long we might hold out hope for a real sale.

A series of email exchanges followed that made it clear that I was dealing with a scam (you can download the entire PDF article on the CAS blog). https://www.creativeartssociety.org/knowledge-sharing/my-encounter-with-an-art-scam

One mistake I made was giving Nate my real address. I probably could have arranged for one of the businesses I work with to accept a letter for me.I also nearly gave him my real phone number. Always use Google Voice or similar voice service when someone you don’t personally know ask for your phone number. 

The following resources provide valuable information:

U.S. Justice Department Public Advisory: https://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/docs/08public-advisorycounterfeit.pdf

FDIC Consumer News: Beware of Fake Checks: (Consumers who accept and deposit counterfeit checks or money orders into their bank accounts soon learn that their financial institution will hold them liable for the full face value of the checks or money orders.) https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/august2019.html

Don't be Fooled by Email Art Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Fraud https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/don-t-be-fooled-by-email-art-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraud
____________________________________________________________________

New Members
CAS Membership roster by Jenn James. Current membership is 131 including two new Business Sponsors. Welcome, we look forward to viewing your art work!

Michael Clark
Lauryl Eddlemon 
Mary-Ellen Thomas
Jigna and Rakesh Thakur
Leta Moser
Lori Diggins
Patricia Hanszen
————————————————————————————
My name is Michael Clark; I joined CAS in May 2021. I have lived in Austin for 25 years, went to college at UT and just never left. Most of my work is in oils but occasionally I will use charcoal or pencil; and enjoy dabbling in many subjects. My main inspiration comes from sea life and the ocean. I grew up fishing and hanging out on the Texas beaches. I am also a certified scuba diver and I am fascinated with the alien-like creatures in the ocean. My goal is to send the viewer to a part of the world that most never see in real life.

____________________________________________________________________
Social Media Reminders

Send an email with newsworthy art information that you're involved in to publicity@creativeartssociety.org. It will be posted on the CAS Facebook and Instagram accounts. Then, help each other out by FOLLOWING, LIKING, and COMMENTING on each other's posts as much as possible. More engagement with each other means your posts will show up in feeds more often, leading to more likes, follows, etc. Use this large group of artists to your benefit!

CAS - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/480706486113259
CAS - Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativeAustin
CAS - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn4iFJORn9UtlUFL2xq9UQ

____________________________________________________________________

CAS Member News

Texas Art Spark "Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award"

CAS is thrilled to announce that Joan Lawson has been named the 2021 winner of the Texas Art Spark "Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award"!  This award honors an established individual who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming that the power of an artistic spirit, combined with determination and will, can influence and shape our society. Throughout the 22-year history of the Creative Arts Society, founding member Joan Lawson has helped to guide and nurture the organization through her service on the board. Her experience, wisdom, beautiful art and strength in overcoming personal challenges continue to inspire us.

____________________________________________________________________

Charlotte Clark has two paintings, Sunset At Sea and Carnival, in the Juried Exhibition at the Hive Gallery. The show features art of the Members of the Bees Cave Art Foundation. The show runs from August 6 to October 1. Hours are 1-5 pm Wednesday thru Saturday. The Gallery is located in the Hill Country Galleria and the address is 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Suite T125.



____________________________________________________________________

Denise Schneyer has artwork in three exhibits. “Disaster at Sea” is at Round Rock’s Downtown Gallery, “Look for the Small Things” is at Inspired Minds Gallery in Buda and “Summer Blooms” and “Tension” at Bee Caves Hive Gallery! 

Denise is also showing her work at Cafe Lago in Lakeway for the month of August. She is also part of the annual Lakeway Painters Art Show on August 21 at the Lakeway Activity Center.

____________________________________________________________________

Maggi Miller is showing 16 art work on paper at the Hyde Park Bar & Grill at 4206 Duval Street from August 8th through October 17th. Six art pieces sold from the restaurant’s website before the show was hung! Most of my work have my handmade paper in them, but this one is mostly "found" paper. Some of it was purchased but some came from friends.



____________________________________________________________________
Monica Puryear is displaying her paintings in the ‘Visions of Nature’ exhibit at the Tiemann Gallery in Round Rock.


____________________________________________________________________
Larry Akers had his piece, "Double Rainbow" selected for the 2021 Biennial: Origins In Geometry exhibition at the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art in Dallas. The show runs July 31 - October 24 and features 32 works from an international roster of artists.   https://mailchi.mp/60d1be939d56/savethedatesgeometricmadi-10325892?e=%5BUNIQID 

Larry also had three pieces selected for the "Upcycled: Art From Recycled Materials" exhibit at the Downtowner Gallery in Round Rock, September 1 - November 5.

____________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Landis is exhibiting artwork in the Second Annual ‘Members Only Exhibition’. The Bee Cave Arts Foundation welcomes you to visit our Community Art Center – The Hive, located in the Hill Country Galleria. The exhibit will run through October 1st, 2021. L A Hollins will also show her work in this exhibit.



____________________________________________________________________

Terri St. Arnauld and Frank Yezer have collaborated works on display at the Twin Oaks Library Meeting Rooms from August through October. The display includes five Polaroid Emulsion Transfer images: a digital print of a young boy in Vietnam and an abstract image taken during the latest solar eclipse. Location: 1800 S. Fifth St. Because the libraries are operated by the City of Austin, the meeting rooms will not be open to the public until the COVID level allows.

____________________________________________________________________

Some CAS members have shared their artwork in a juried exhibit at the Inspired Minds Art Center Gallery during July and August. Works include pastels, oil, watercolor, acrylics, sculpture, photography, and more. Location: 121 Main Street, Buda TX

Exhibiting Artists include: Robb McKenzie, Meena Matai, Matthew Tardy, Sofia Payne, Martha Kull, Sky Khan, Lisa O’Connell, John Michaelson, Kat Zinna, Lyle Adair, Shruti Mehta, Helen Buck, Joyce LaBaw, Linda Montignani, Katherine K. Brupbacher, Denise Schneyer, Joan Lawson, Stacy Najim, LeRoy Lawson, Lisa Zinna, Lesley Bradstreet, Pamela McWilliams, Jane Fier, Betsy Denny, Gena Destri Keffer, Leslie Kell

____________________________________________________________________
CAS members, Leslie Kell and Shruti Mehta, are featured in the Issue 20, "Combo", published by Almost Real Things. This publication is a free not-for-profit magazine that promotes community events,  passion projects and creatives in all mediums. The Issue 20 release celebration is on Saturday, August 28th from 6-10pm, at Something Cool Studios, 1717 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702.

____________________________________________________________________

Featured Artists

Kat Zinna
"After retiring I thought I would renew my creative interests. I love color and motion and try to express it in my art. I use acrylic paint, acrylic pour painting, water color, cold wax with oil paint and alcohol ink to get the affect I want in my paintings. The process can be arduous, but is always rewarding."    katzinnaart@Instagram.com
 
____________________________________________________________________

Business Sponsorships

CAS welcomes two new sponsors:

Bonilla Law Firm

Villarreal and Begum Law Firm

___________________________________________________________________
CAS Curated & Recurring Exhibits

Duo Works Exhibit
CAS member artists currently hanging at Duo Works a professional co-working office and meeting space in North West Austin:
Martha Kull, Joyce LaBaw, Lisa Zinna, Anca Thomas, Kathy Kelsheimer, Joan Lawson, LeRoy Lawson, Steven Preuss, Chris Powell, Kat Zinna, Charlotte Clark

___________________________________________________________________
Riverbend Church Inspiration Gallery
CAS presented a juried exhibit at the Riverbend Inspiration Gallery featuring works from our members including pastels, oil, watercolor, acrylics, fiber art, photography, and more. Exhibit ended July 4, 2021. Location: 4214 N. Capital of Texas Highway (360), Austin, Texas 
Exhibiting Artists included: Kat Zinna,  Jayshree Vakil,  Anca Thomas,  Shruti Mehta, Joan Lawson,  John Michaelson,  Leroy Lawson,  Martha Kull, Lesley Bradstreet,  Lisa Zinna,  Joyce LaBaw,  Leslie Kell, Debbie Upton,  Marilyn Rodriquez , Autumn Mae Crocker,  Sue Gilliam,  Denise Schneyer,  Dan Izard, Linda Montignani,  Betsy Denny,  Sky Khan,  Carol Hayman, Jane Fier,  Eva Glock,  Theresa Bond,  April Atlas

____________________________________________________________________
Cypress Grill Exhibit
CAS installed an exhibit on July 14 at Cypress Grill. The yellow walls provide a cheery backdrop for all the artwork. Helen Mary and Lisa installed the art this time around. We love new helpers! This installation will be exhibited until September 8th. Location: 4404 W William Cannon Dr, 78749  Exhibition Dates & Time: July 14 - September, during regular business hours. Artists: Tim Graves, Joyce LaBaw, Charlotte Clark, Kat Zinna, Amanda Zappler, Anca Thomas, Larry Akers, Jigna Thakkar, Meena Matai, Helen Mary Vanston Marek, Linda Montignani, and Lisa Zinna.

___________________________________________________________________
Reveal Dental Exhibit
CAS artists Amanda Zappler and Shruti Mehta have an art installation at Reveal Dental office.


____________________________________________________________________
Zaviya Grill Exhibit

CAS has installed a new exhibit at Topaz Salon in Austin. Stop by to view new works by artists, Martha Kull and Eileen McKeon Butt! The show is on exhibit now through October 11th. The space is located at 1509 S. Lamar Blvd. #400, Austin TX.   

Announcing a new exhibit of Joyce Stephen’s paintings at South Oaks Family Medicine. The exhibit looks fantastic and will be displayed until October 6th.
Location: South Oaks Family Medicine 8517 FM 1826 Bldg 2 Austin, Texas

___________________________________________________________________

As part of CAS’ effort to actively promote development of the “Artist in Everyone”, we donate to various organizations that help in that effort. The CAS Board has agreed to donate to the following organizations:

• ACC Art Scholarship Fund
• Art from the Streets
• Art Spark (formerly VSA)
• Imagine Art
• Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at UT Austin - Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
• Totally Cool Totally Art

____________________________________________________________________
CAS Members' Resources Page

Go here https://www.creativeartssociety.org/members-resources.html to find 
information about our organization, volunteering, member artists, knowledge sharing, other information.
____________________________________________________________________

Non-CAS Events & News

Allison Elementary School

CAS donated art supplies to Allison Elementary School students. The following are photos of some of the artwork created by the children. We are delighted to have been involved in the inspiration of these young artists.


__________________________________________________________________

Austin Studio Tour   

Several CAS members will be exhibiting artwork at the Community Center in Circle C in South West Austin during the Austin Studio Tour in November.  
Artists include: Amanda Zappler, Katie Conley, Meena Matai, Helen Rose, Teodora Pogonat, Gena Destri Keffer, Helen Mary Marek, Lyle Adair. Cristina White Jones, Neelu Amar, Joyce LaBaw, Eva Glock, Leslie Kell

____________________________________________________________________
Wrapped in Wonder Show

____________________________________________________________________

Community First! Village   

Do you want to help tackle Austin's homeless problem and are looking for ways to help?  We are currently forming a team of CAS volunteers to develop a proposal to partner with the Community First! Village, a neighborhood for the formerly chronic homeless in east Austin.  We are grateful to CAS member, Dan Izard, for highlighting possible synergies between our organizations.  Potential ideas include:  Community Works art house studio attendants and mentors, workshops on how to frame/hang/prepare art for exhibit, plein-aire events, art therapy, fundraisers, etc.  Check out this video to learn more about this amazing village Community First! Village - 2020 Video Tour - YouTube  Email president@creativeartssociety.org if you would like to participate on this team.


____________________________________________________________________

CAS Sponsors and Business Members

Members are invited to contribute articles about any art-related issue.  Submit copy to Newsletter Editor at newsletter@creativeartssociety.org.

Board Members