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. 

October Member's Spotlight: Jeff Weiss

photo credit: Jeff MacMillan

Lives in: Takoma Park

Website: mrjeffweiss.com

Social Media:

Facebook: Jeff Weiss and Mrjeffweiss

Instagram: @mrjeffweiss2u

Media: Digital Images are mounted Giclee prints, acrylics and oils are on wood or canvas, and pencil / pen / pastel are on rag paper.

Subjects: Landscapes

Why you joined MAA: I have been drawing and painting since 1973, and doing Computer Graphics since 1980. I have never participated in any shows of any kind. After 50 years, I would like to show what I have been working on all this time.

Something fun about you: I am a certified dog trainer and have worked with many types of dogs. I am currently owned and trained by a Jack Russell Terrier quite appropriately named Bedlam.

Biography: I started drawing and painting at the age of 19. At Temple University, I was encouraged to go to the Tyler School of Art, but decided to move to Colorado. I studied Art at the University of Colorado and graduated in 1979. Moving to San Francesco, I worked as a graphic artist for a technical book publisher. One day the owner of the firm, came to me with a large stack of papers and a prototyping breadboard. He said “The technical editor just quit, here’s the manuscript. Do all the illustrations, all the typesetting, all the layout, and test everything to make sure it is correct”. Having only 1 course in Fortran as my computer experience, I learned a lot in this baptism by fire.

That led to a career in computer graphics, in both Philadelphia and Washington, DC. This included working at Computer Aided Design Service bureaus and as the IT manager at several Architecture firms. I have also taught an Introduction to Design with Computer Graphics at a small private school.

All the while, I never stopped painting and drawing. Over the years, I have been influenced by many artists: Agam, Escher, Dali, Hopper and Calder. My current work involves the creation of 3 dimensional fractals inside photo-spheres. These are virtual environments that do not and cannot exist. I try to bridge the gap between virtual and representational imagery.

In this blog post, we'll share Paint the Town winning artworks across categories. Congratulations, all artists, for a beautiful show!

First, a note from our Judge, Sumita Kim:

Judging the Paint the Town Labor Day show and selecting prize winners for each category from among hundreds of excellent art pieces was one of the most exciting and challenging experiences that I’ve had.

I was truly impressed by the level of skill and aesthetic achievement demonstrated in each and every work submitted to the show. It was like entering a magical place where gorgeous island scenes - sometimes with ominous clouds - rush toward you, and the most delicate and soft rose petals are shimmering set against a porcelain cup. I was especially touched by how the portrait artists explored a variety of themes that included transmigration, identity, and Memento Mori. I feel honored to have been part of this amazing festival of talents and artistic devotion.

Kensington 2nd Prize: Robert LeMar, Kensington House in the Snow

Kensington 3rd Prize: Rona Siskind, Snowy Morning at the Station

Kensington Honorable Mention: Jing-Jy Chen, Winter Light

Abstract 2nd Prize: Holly Ceasar-Fox, Shooting Star

Abstract 3rd Prize: Jeanne Sullivan, Imagination Blooms

Abstract Honorable Mention: Terry Pellmar, The Orbs

Abstract Honorable Mention: Jennifer Dreyfus, Moments in Fall

Abstract Honorable Mention: Michelle Zugrav, Chromatic Poetry

Abstract Honorable Mention: Myra Ryan, Freedom

Still Life 2nd Prize: Cecile Kirkpatrick, Yellow Summer in the Caribbean

Still Life 3rd Prize: Maria Quezada, Life is Fragile

Still Life Honorable Mention: Maria Elena Lazarte, Pink Peonies

Still Life Honorable Mention: Patrick Sieg, Spring in a Bottle

Portrait 2nd Prize: Sameer Sharma, The Illusion of Both Selves

Portrait 3rd Prize: Isabella Martire, Lucy

Portrait Honorable Mention: Matthew Baker, Could It Be True?

Portrait Honorable Mention: Tamara Lewis, Pretty in Pink

Portrait Honorable Mention: Sandhya Sharma, The Street Dweller

Portrait Honorable Mention: Ally Morgan, I Feel I've Seen You, I Feel I Known You

Sculpture / 3D 2nd Prize: Tess Perez, Volumes in Silence II

Sculpture / 3D 3rd Prize: Anastasia Walsh, What I Saw in My Garden

Photography 2nd Prize: Alan Kolnik, Fading Summer

Photography 3rd Prize: Ting Wang, Blue Serenity

Landscape 2nd Prize: Jen Eidson, Chincoteague Island III

Landscape 3rd Prize: Mary Scuka, Golden Field

Landscape Honorable Mention: Matthew Baker, Sunrise After the Storm

Landscape Honorable Mention: Elisabeth Fletcher, Nicholson A Girl in Front of Her City

Landscape Honorable Mention: John Weber, Dry Dock Noturne

Landscape Honorable Mention: Cecile Kirkpatrick, Tricycles

Landscape Honorable Mention: Mark Adler, Tangier Island

Landscape Honorable Mention: Jim Klumpner, #68

Landscape Honorable Mention: Holly Buehler, Blossom Breeze

Plein Air Adult 2nd Prize: Steve Mabley, Babycat

Plein Air Adult 3rd Prize: Garine Magary, Flower's Johnson's Nursery

Plein Air Honorable Mention: An Xiao, Market Kensington

Plein Air Model Honorable Mention: Holly Beuhler, Let's Have a Beer!

Student Invitational 2nd Prize: Nicolle Corvacho, Waterfall

Student Invitational 3rd Prize: Madeline Hogentogler, Fear