Let's talk SMAC!
I hope everyone had a great holiday. It was quiet and reflective in my neck of the woods. But now my mind is set on the year to come. I don't do New Year's resolutions. Does anyone ever stick to them? I certainly haven't through the years, but about five years ago I heard of doing something other than resolutions. One Word. Each year in December I thoughtfully seek a word that will be my focal point for the coming year. For 2023, my word is "resurgence." I think this is a good word for SMAC, too. This past year has taken its toll on us. While we have brought 12 unique exhibits and offered many classes, it has been a lot of work. But I truly believe that 2023 will bring a resurgence of our energy, dedication and passion for the arts. If you want to be a part of this wave, now is the time to become a member and help us bring the arts to Southern Missouri. You don't have to be an artist to become an active member, just a passion for the arts. We could use all sorts of skillsets. Come join us and be part of the wave.
The board will be meeting in January for a day retreat to set out goals for the new year and become reenergized. Let us know if you would like to be considered for the board this year or if you have any ideas that you would like us to augment. Just leave your idea or interest at info@smac-art.org. We'd love to hear your input. And sadly, after serving on the board for two years, we are saying goodbye to Carla Bradley. She has been a wonderful asset to the board in her role as grant writer. She also filled in for me this past year in getting press releases and newsletters out while I was sick. Member communications would have suffered in 2022 if it weren't for her. She will be greatly missed, but I know this new season for her will be awesome. We are sending her off with much love and gratitude for the work she has done with SMAC.
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We have new members to celebrate this month. Join me in welcoming Shelly Ingram, Kathleen Purvis, Jacqueline Stephenson and Diana Wunderle. We are so glad you joined. Members renewing this month are Margaret Barnett and Julie Zetina. We appreciate you all. We also have two members who have received awards this past month or two that we want to celebrate: Gala Solari Keller and Christine Riutzel. Scroll down to read about their achievements. Please continue to send me any awards, exhibits or honors you receive for your art so we can celebrate you in the newsletter. Simply send an email telling us about it (photos would be nice) to info@smac-art.org. We also want to welcome back Vintage Paris Coffee Shop, which has agreed to be our community partner again in 2023. Thanks Matt and Jessica, we appreciate all your support and encouragement.
And lastly, thank you all for being a part of SMAC. I hope to see you soon at them Members Exhibit reception on January 6. 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...
"Members Show"
January 6-28
Opening Reception for Exhibit
January 6, 6-9 p.m.
Community Open Studio with Olivia Stephens
January 13, 5-9 p.m.
No Classes planned for January,
but this may change.
Follow Southern Missouri Arts Connection
Facebook Page for any changes or additions.
Scroll Down for Details
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Zemara Exhibit drew Area Comic Aficionados
Cartoonist Anthony Hunter put together a fascinating exhibit at the SMAC Gallery in December. I swear it was the biggest crowd we've ever had for an opening reception. There was so much to do and see. I especially loved the huge coloring pages that covered the tables in the reception area. Attendees could color and nosh at the same time, and many did just that. Meanwhile in the gallery, Anthony showed us how comics are created, from the initial drawings to the final computer graphics. I had no idea there were so many steps into making a comic book. I was very impressed. Even visitors who just happened by that night were amazed. Comics are truly a unique art form. And SMAC was thrilled to have the opportunity of bringing it to the community. If you missed out on this special event, you can still get a copy of Zemara and the Sovereign Beast at Comic Force in Branson or through inquiries at info@smac-art.org.
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SMAC kicks off New Year with Members Show
The fourth annual Members Exhibit kicks off SMAC's lineup of events for the new year. The exhibit will run from January 6-28 in the SMAC Gallery on historic Downing Street. We have 27 local artists participating this year. Some may wonder why the event was changed from the summer. So, I'll tell you. When SMAC opened in July 2020, members were first and foremost on our minds. We opened the gallery for the first time to the Members Exhibit. But now we are established, and July is just a month in the middle of the year. We still have members first and foremost on our minds. So why not honor them as we start each new year fresh. Members are always first in our book. January is also a time for locals, when we can connect and encourage each other without the tourists. What better time to focus on our local artists.
The opening reception will be January 6, 6-9 p.m. So come out and meet fellow members and other local artists. This is a time to celebrate all the wonderful local art. The Vintage Paris coffee kiosk will be there as usual to quench your thirst, along with appetizers provided by SMAC to fill your tummy. If you weren't a member at the time of the submission deadline, but you want to participate next year click the link MEMBERSHIP to join or renew, and you'll be good to go for next year. As always, our exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public.
We are highlighting a local non-profit organization at each exhibit. In January, we will have information about Elevate Branson, one of the only local organizations that is addressing the root causes of generational poverty in order to create lasting change. They provide resources, relationships and a network of support that provides hope, dignity and purposeful work.
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Open Studio Day with Olivia Stephens
If you've ever wanted to try to create art but didn't want to buy everything needed to get started, or maybe you don't even know where to start, then this open studio is for you. Our SMAC Resident Artist Olivia Stephens will host an open studio once a month for the community. In January this will be on Friday, the 13th, from 5-9 p.m. Don't worry about the date. Did you know that creating art changes bad luck? In any case, this is a great opportunity to spread your wings and try something new. If you are an artist, bring whatever you are working on. If not, just come as you are. You can use SMAC art supplies and Olivia will help you get started. This is a free event and open to members and the community alike. So, mark your calendars. You won't want to miss this fun opportunity.
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SMAC Member receives Award from the MAI
As a volunteer and naturalist at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery and Conservation Center, Gala Solari Keller received the "Outstanding Interpretive Volunteer Award for 2022." The Missouri Association of Interpreters (MAI) gave her this award for a series of three virtual programs facilitated at Shepherd of the Hills. In the series Gala instructed participants in painting Missouri symbols. In the first program she taught painting a bluebird. In the second, she led the participants in painting a flowering dogwood and in the last, a bullfrog. During the breaks a naturalist shared information about the subjects they were painting. Shephard of the Hills also won the MAI award for "Outstanding Interpretive Effort for 2022." Our hats go off to you, Gala, for not only this award but also for your unique way of bringing art to the community. I hope you continue this wonderful program. Let us know if you are going to do it again. We would love to help/participate.
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SMAC Member named MAC's Featured Artist
Congratulations to SMAC board member Christine Riutzel for becoming a featured artist of the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) for December. Each month MAC features four different artists from around the state on their website, Facebook posts and emails. To be chosen is quite an honor because you are competing against artists from every branch of the arts throughout the state—not only artists, but dancers, musicians, sculptors, novelists, poets, photographers, performers and more. Through MACs featured artists program, Christines art will be better known in the statewide arts community. And it doesn't hurt for the big cities to find out that wonderful artists can be found in the Ozarks. This is a boon for not only Christine's art business but to SMAC also. Way to go, Christine. We are so proud of you.
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December Memories...
In the foreground Tenille Blair-Neff takes a turn on the coloring pages while Mary Evelyn Tucker tries out the cereal bar at the December exhibit.
Kids take over the coloring pages, and I catch up with Mary Arneson while brisk sales are happening in the background.
Member Bruce Emeric looks pretty pleased with his comic book purchase.
Comic Force set up a table during the December exhibit that drew a lot of interest.
One comic enthusiast couldn't wait until he got home to read his comic book.
Man of the hour, Anthony Hunter takes a needed break from signing autographs. I just happen to be with him.
Both the Vintage Paris coffee kiosk and the cereal bar were huge hits during the reception.
The comic pages covering the tables were a greatest surprise of the exhibit. Just about everyone took a turn.
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Do You Know Your SMAC Board?
All the board members can be reached by leaving an emailing a message to our general mailbox, info@smac-art.org.
Tenille Blair-Neff, President & Programming Chair
Christine Riutzel, Art Center Coordinator, Vice President & Public Art Chair
Lynnette Horn, Secretary & Communications Chair
Anthony Hunter, Treasurer, Cosplay Facilitator
Mary Evelyn Tucker, Gallery Coordinator
Carla Bradley, Board Member At-Large, Grant Chair
Lacey Finchum, Board Member At-Large, Instructor
Jennifer Smythe, Board Member At-Large, Instructor
Julie Zetina, Board Member At-Large, Instructor
Andrea Rosser-Pate, Board Advisor, Policy Chair
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