Let's talk SMAC!
With the winter holidays upon us, SMAC is going through a transition. In some ways the center will seem quieter, with no classes scheduled this month. But in other ways it will be alive and hoping. As many of you know I moved my studio back into the center this past month. Christine Riutzel has moved on to a bigger studio space that accommodates the large substrates she uses in her art. She is still very much a part of SMAC as vice president but is letting go of the center coordinator position. I will be stepping into that role with assistance from our artist in resident Valerie Clark. With all the changes our hours have changed ever so slightly.
We are open Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12:30-5 p.m. We are also open Saturdays from 12:30 to 4:30PM. That is one of my days, and I can't drive once it is dark. My hubby can usually drive me on my other day, Tuesday.
Of course, we have an exhibit going on through the month. Jewel Mason is an art student who is drawn to surrealism. Please mark it on your calendars to make it to the reception. There's sure to be a festive holiday mood, with treats, wine and wonderful Vintage Paris coffee. Be sure to check out my interview with her further into this newsletter.
At the very end of the month, the SMAC Board will sequester for a day, planning the new year, debriefing the old year and making future goals. We waited this year for a members meeting, so we could tell you future plans and get your input. Look for a meeting date in the January newsletter and on Facebook.
We have new members to celebrate this month. Join me in welcoming Alison Daniels, Zachary Fitz and Beth Schulz. Welcome, welcome, welcome. We are so glad you joined. Member renewing is Gala Keller. We appreciate you all.
Thank you all for being a part of SMAC. We can't do this without you! So now it's time to grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let's talk SMAC!
--Lynnette Horn
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At a Glance...
"Proceed Without Certainty "
Jewel Mason Solo Exhibit
December 1-30
Opening Reception for Exhibit
December 1, 6-9 p.m.
Open Call for Artists
"Members Exhibit" in January
Click to enter
Figure Drawing (18+)
December 15, 7-9 p.m.
No Cosplay Figure Drawing
December
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Photography brought New People and Sales
Our very first photography exhibit The Art of Photography was a huge success, bringing out fine art photographers and many new faces for the opening reception. It was exciting to see artists in a whole other medium take interest and get involved with SMAC. I hope in the future we will have other photography opportunities in the SMAC Gallery. Of course, SMAC members may submit any medium of their choosing for the Members' Exhibit coming up in January. Check details below.
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SMAC will host Proceed Without Certainty Exhibit
SMAC will be featuring the work of Jewel Mason in Proceed Without Certainty in a solo exhibit in the art center gallery running from December 1-30. A reception will be held opening night Friday, December 1, from 6-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Attendees may view the exhibit, tour the private studios and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The Vintage Paris Coffee kiosk will also be on site.
Mason describes her work as deeply personal, exploring psychological concepts through surrealism. From the small Missouri town of Crocker, she is currently studying both psychology and at both Missouri State University and Ozark Technical College in Springfield. “I became fascinated with surrealism after being diagnosed with depression,” she said. “And it became a way to conceptualize what was happening to me.”
In addition, each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local non-profit organizations that serves the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to The Child Abuse Prevention and Elimination Foundation (CAPE), which assists child abuse survivors and their families in receiving therapeutic counseling by providing financial grants.
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SMAC to host Fifth Annual Members Show
SMAC invites all our members to submit one piece by December 27, 2023, to our fifth Annual Members Show planned for January. If you want to participate but not a SMAC member yet? You can join online at MEMBER. If you have questions regarding your membership, please contact us at info@smac-art.org, and we will check your membership files.
To submit, upload a photo of your submission to SMAC Gallery Committee on this FORM by December 27, 2023. Your photo may be used for promoting the exhibit. Work must be dropped off at SMAC Art Center on January 2 from 5-8 p.m.
The opening reception is scheduled for January 5, 6-9 p.m. The show ends January 27. All unsold work must be picked up before January 31.
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Surrealism influences Jewel Mason's Art
I caught up with a very busy Jewel Mason to talk with her about her artist journey and her upcoming exhibit at SMAC. She grew up in Crocker, Missouri, a small town, equal distance between Camdenton and Rolla as the crow flies. She now is attending Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical College, studying double majors of Art and Psychology, in addition to working at Bedford Camera shop.
I wondered with her packed schedule how she was able to create enough work for a solo show. "Anytime, I'm not at school or work I'm painting," Jewel explained. "I just have to paint every chance I get." Even when friends come over, she chats with them while she paints.
Surprisingly, art really wasn't on Jewel's radar until she turned twelve. "I had been self-isolating," she explained, "so I started creating portraits, so I wouldn't feel so alone." The self-isolation led to a  diagnosis of depression. Jewel found herself turning more and more to art to help process what she was feeling. Not enough can be said about the mental health benefits of art. Jewel knows firsthand how channeling emotions through art can help you through rough patches. Her passion for art continued through high school and led to her desire to pursue it in college.
She is particularly drawn to figurative art and surrealism. " With surrealism I can express my feelings in a way I can't with realism alone," she said. "I like to use a lot of symbolism, too." There are stories to be found in her art--dynamic stories of her identity, her community and her emotions. She often uses surrealism for her backgrounds for elements of anatomy, and then adds abstract elements.
"It never feels done," Jewel said. "I never feel like a piece is finished. I usually only stop after another new painting idea hits me."
For her exhibit, Jewel has created more than thirty artworks, some allegorical, as well as surreal. They depict the transformation of self. "All humans share in the act of creation, constantly transforming," she said. She hopes people viewing her work will see a glimpse into themselves.
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November Memories...
New faces to the gallery. I love first-timers who show up for our exhibits.
I guess the crowd was so large at the reception that people felt compelled to hold up the wall. Wouldn't want our building to bust out the seams.
From left: Lacey Finchum and Cindy Kershaw share ideas.
I don't have much to say about this photo except that is one cute little girl. Who could resist taking a photo of her when she showed up for the reception.
And more new faces still, along with photographer Gail Attanasio, who stands by her photos while the crowd admires the work.
Board member Jessica Farmer watches over the kids enjoying the SMAC Christmas tree during the exhibit reception.
Cosplay Figure Drawing had 6 sketch artists for November's event.
Charise Bartenlager modeled as Wednesday during Cosplay Figure Drawing.
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Do You Know Your SMAC Board?
All the board members can be reached by leaving an email message to our general mailbox, info@smac-art.org.
Tenille Blair-Neff: President, Programing Chair
Christine Riutzel: Vice President, Art Center Coordinator, Public Art Chair
Lynnette Horn: Secretary, Communications Chair
Anthony Hunter: Treasurer, Cosplay Facilitator
Lacey Finchum: Board Member At-Large, Teacher
Jessica Farmer: Board Member At-Large
Jennifer Smythe: Board Member At-Large, Social Media Coordinator, Teacher
Mary Evelyn Tucker: Board Member At-Large, Gallery Chair
Julie Zetina: Board Member At-Large, Teacher
Andrea Rosser-Pate: Board Advisor, Policy Chair
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