8 Squared Event a FUNdraising Success!

The first annual 8 Squared Fundraising Event at the LAC Saturday evening was not only a fun time for all, but a successful fundraiser for the Arts Council.  Thirty-eight pieces of art sold raising over $2000!  Thanks to all who put in their time and effort to make this happen.

Over 50 artists donated 8x8 inch artworks making up the 150 pieces that hung in the gallery for the month of September.  For $100 a piece could be spoken-for prior to the event, with the rest going for $50 each during the sale.

A large crowd turned out for the event. The evening commenced with a preview hour from 6-7pm.  While sipping champagne or punch, and sampling the fancy dessert selection, visitors could view all the pieces and make their first, second and third choices.

 At the appointed hour, the floor was cleared and at precisely 7 pm, shoppers descended into the gallery to make a mad dash toward their chosen piece. Conversations then consisted of discussing who got which piece and what talent these artists have!  Cashier stations were set up in the main gallery space to ease congestion and make purchases quickly.

Barb Benik then gave away door prizes to contributing artists as well as LAC commemorative mugs and other favors.  Desserts and crowds started to disappear, and talk of next year's 8Squared Event brought up new ideas.  Everyone went home happy with their purchases and enjoyed a fun social evening at the LAC. 

Ronnie Seagren: Meet the Author series

Author, artist, singer, Ronnie Seagren visited the Lakewood Arts Council on Friday, September 19th, to talk about the genre of science fiction, and read a selection from one of her published short stories, "Listening".  An interested group gathered to listen to Ronnie as she recounted the story of a lone "listener" living in the mountains tending to the incoming data from MABEL, an instrument in the search for extraterrestrial life.

We also discussed the difference between "hard science fiction, soft science fiction" and other genres.  Ronnie's published novel "Seventh Daughter" was also available for sale, a portion of the profits promised to the Lakewood Arts Council.

Stay tuned for more upcoming literary events from the LAC!

6 Gals and a Guy

The third annual artist-themed exhibit is on display in the loft gallery at the Lakewood Community Art Center and Gallery, 85 S. Union Blvd in Lakewood.  This fun show, titled “6 Gals and a Guy” for 2014, requires the seven participating artists to each submit two subjects at the start of the year, so 14 pieces of artwork can be created during the year to hang in the September show. 

The token male, Charlie Casper, responsible for the show’s title, submitted the theme, “In the Jungle”, which elicited tropical flowers, birds, and animals, and for his second theme of “Taking Flight”, I chose to draw a botanical illustration with colored pencils of maple leaves and their winged seeds, called Samaras. 

  Barb Tobiska, founder of the Lakewood Arts Council and past participant in this exclusive show, painted a soft oil painting seascape full of “Shells”, her submitted theme. 

 Her second theme of “Interior” inspired artistically rendered rooms, including Katy Haas’ miniature graphite piece.  Barb Benik, president of LAC suggested topics of “Sons and Daughters” and “The Land”, which resulted in some beautiful landscapes. 

Cats, Toys, Birds, Winter, Flowers, Water, Food and Skies were the other subjects artists had to interpret for their creations. 

 Artists included in this exhibit are Lynnette Kupferer, Barb Tobiska, Katy Haas, Barb Benik, Ann Quinn, Charlie Casper and Gail Firmin.  Stop by the gallery to see the show, on through the end of September.  For more information visit www.lakewoodartscouncil.org or call 303 980-0625.