Grand Island Art Society

Grand Island Art Society News Webpage

Art Society To Celebrate 34th Anniversary - 2004
The Grand Island Art Society will celebrate its 34th anniversary on Friday, January 14, 2005. Dinner will be held at the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. Cocktails will be at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. All members past and present, as well as friends are invited. Reservations are required. Please return with check payable to the Grand Island Art Society at P.O. Box 24 by January 9, 2005. According to Art Society spokesman, Bettye Tabron, "This will be our last official meeting! We would like to thank the community for its continued help and support over the years. Happy New Year to all!"

Art Society Reception - 2004
The Grand Island Art Society will hold a reception at the Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Road from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2004. The Society will be donating art videos to the Library in memory of Society founder Kay Long and several other recently deceased members. Society members and friends are invited to attend as well as relatives who will be notified. Refreshments will be served.

Art Society Potluck Supper - 2004
The Grand Island Art Society will celebrate its last meeting for this year with a Potluck Supper in the Community Center at Nike Base Park 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004. All members past and present are invited as well as family and friends. Those attending are reminded to bring a dish to share and a place setting. The Society will provide drinks. Artists' Haven in Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday during the summer.

Art Society Member Featured at Partners In Art Gallery - 2004
Jean McDonald, an Island Artist, will be combining her work with Pat Sciandra and Joan Shaw, in a show at Partners In Art Gallery, 83 Webster Street, North Tonawanda. The show is titled "Insideout." The public is invited to the opening reception scheduled from 4-7 p.m. May 8, 2004

Art Society Meeting Features Floral Designer - 2004
Grand Island Art Society members will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2004 in the Community Center at Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road. The program will feature Patti Hickman, a Floral Designer. Society members and visiting artists are encouraged to bring along their sketch books (or whatever medium you wish) to record the demonstration and the final results. Refreshments will be available. Working artists and anyone interested in and supporting art are urged to come and join the group for an interesting evening.

Art Society Celebrates 33 Years - 2004

(left) Legislator Chuck Swanick and Charter member Dick Brzyski; (right) Dick Brzyski and Bettye Tabron
Barbi Lare Photo
The Grand Island Art Society celebrated its 33 years of service to the community with an anniversary dinner Friday evening, January 23, 2004 at the Buffalo Launch Club.
Erie County Legislator Chuck Swanick was on hand to present a proclamation for the event. Charter member Dick Brzyski received the proclamation and then in turn, honored Betty Tabron, who has been so instrumental in the success of the Society in the past several years. The dinner was well attended and all had a good time reliving the past years and looking forward to the future.

Art Society To Celebrate Anniversary In BLC - Jan. 2004
The Grand Island Art Society will celebrate another year with an Anniversary Dinner, Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at the Buffalo Launch Club. All present and past members of the Society are encouraged to attend as well as any interested artists and art supporters. For more information and to make reservations, call Dick Brzyski, 773-4925. There is no meeting scheduled for February but a full schedule is in order for the remainder of the year.

Artists Haven Meeting - Feb. 2004
The Artists Haven will re-open on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2004. All are welcome! There is plenty of space and there is no charge. The Artists Haven group is in the process of planning special help for beginning artists. "Come and join us or just come for a visit and a free cup of coffee!" Email to betptab@adelphia.net for more information.

Artists Haven Meeting - 2003
The Artists Haven will meet on December 3, 2003 which will be the last meeting until February 2004. Have a Happy Holiday! We'll see you in the new year. For information about the group, email betptab@adelphia.net.

Art Society To Hear Website Benefits - 2003
Grand Island Art Society members will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2003 in the Community Center at Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Guest speaker Reg Schopp of Isledegrande.com sponsored by GIECOM.net, will answer questions and offer information on creating a website and use of the computer.

Art Society To Feature Rita Argen Auerbach

Click the photos for a larger view.
Featured artist Rita Argen Auerbach will be doing a watercolor demonstration for the Grand Island Art Society at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2003 in the Community Center at Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road. For more information on the famed artist, click her website, http://www.ritaauerbachpaintings.com/.

Art Society Membership Tea - 2003
   Grand Island Art Society members will hold a membership tea from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2003 at River Lea in Beaver Island Park. All working or hobby artists in any medium and anyone interested in and support art are welcome. Members will be on hand to answer questions, and event schedules will be handed out. A highlight of the afternoon will be a Chinese Auction! "We are looking forward to seeing present members and their guests and anyone interested in becoming a member," a spokesman for the group said this week.
   The Grand Island Art Society currently meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Nike Base Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road and usually hosts a featured demonstration.
   The Society has several demonstrations and a field trip planned, and also holds an Artist's Haven every Wednesday morning with open work space for members and their friends to use for their creative endeavors.
   The Art Society, through several fundraisers, awards scholarships for graduating Grand Island High School seniors who will be furthering their studies inart.

Art Society Presents Scholarships - August 2003

Barbi Lare Photo

The Grand Island Art Society recently awarded two scholarships to graduating seniors from the Grand Island High School. The regular Society Scholarship went to Diane Pierce, who will be attending Messah College to study Studio Art. Society Treasurer Dick Brzyski (left) made the presentation. An added scholarship this year, made available with the Sesquicentennial funds, was presented to Robert Hopkins who is headed to Fredonia State for Graphic Design. Acting President Bette Tabron (right) made the presentation.

Grand Island Art Society News - July 2003

Barbi Lare Photo

The Grand Island Art Society has established the Artists Haven at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. The Community Center provides space for working in any media for any artist on Grand Island to bring in projects and work on them. The area is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. There is no charge or membership, and all working artists are welcome to come and work weekly or whenever they can.
Artists work independently and there is an exchange of information, conversation or assistance, if you want it. All artists at all levels are most welcome.

Art Society To Take Part In Craft Show - 2003
Grand Island Art Society members will have a booth at the "Grand Crafts on the Island" craft show taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2003. All Art Society members are welcome to display work at the booth. Those who are interested in displaying work are asked to contact Barbi Lare at 773-7135 by Thursday June 26.

Art Society End of Year Picnic - 2003
The Grand Island Art Society will have its end of the year Potluck Picnic on 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at the Community Center (Nike Base). This will be the Society's last meeting until September. Dues will be payable at this time. All members, past members and friends are invited to attend. "Bring a dish to share, a place setting and if you wish a folding chair. See you there!"

Attention Artists, Art Students and Art Lovers
   The Grand Island Art Society is getting set to begin its 32nd year and it is the hope of the Society to make the coming season the best ever. If you are an artist, a student of Arts, or you just appreciate art, let it be known. Join the Grand Island Art Society.
   In 1971, a group of artists got together and formed the Grand Island Art Society. Its purpose, as an educational, non-profit organization was, and still is, to stimulate original art activities and art appreciation; to cooperate with the local school system and interested organizations. Thanks to many dedicated people, the society has done this and more. All Art Society meetings, which include demonstrations, have been open to the public, with refreshments, at no charge. The Society has also invited others to join its membership on art trips to museums and to workshops. "All of our efforts reflect on Grand Island and help to make our community a better place," a spokesman said this week. "We could use your support and appreciation. We also offer a scholarship for graduating High School seniors interested in pursuing an education in the Arts," he said. "Do what you can to support the GIAS and its many activities."
   The Grand Island Art Society also sponsors an "Artist Haven" free of charge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday in the Community Building (green building) located at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Established or beginning artists are encouraged to use this facility.
   What a better gift for a mother this Mother's day than a year's membership to the Grand Island Art Society. Membership is just $20.00 for individuals or $25.00 for couples. Students in grades 7-12 are also encouraged to join the Society for only $10.00 per year. For more information or for an application please contact Bettye Tabron at 774-8050.

Art Society To Meet May 7
Grand Island Art Society members will meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2003 in the Grand Island High School small cafeteria to view the scholarship applicants' work for consideration this year. Present and former members as well as prospective members are welcome and urged to attend. To be a member of the Society, interest in art is the only criteria. Working and retired artists are joined by interested folks to enjoy the world of art. Future plans of the Society will be discussed.

Grand Island Art Society News - Nov. 2002

Barbi Lare Photo

Grand Island Art Society members experienced a very informative and entertaining meeting at their first session of the current season. After a brief business meeting discussing the future of the Society, member Jean McDonald introduced Joan L. Horn, an artist, painter, and teacher from Partners in Art.
The demonstration that followed covered the techniques of color pallet layout for creating the mood in a work of art. After showing her pallet, and explaining the layout, she proceeded to create the same picture, in three different moods. She used a blue-orange, yellow-purple and a red-green pallet illustrating the use of color temperature to create mood. The upcoming events for the Society include a possible art gallery trip, and the annual Anniversary Dinner in January 2003.

November Art Society Meeting
The Grand Island Art Society will meet 7:30 p.m. November 6, 2002 in the Grand Island High School cafeteria. The demonstration will be Joan Horn from Partners in Art who will cover the Use of Complimentary Colors as Used in Painting. All members and potential members are urged to attend and assist in the planning of the Society's activities for the coming months.

Art Society Exhibit Winners

From left are the first, second and third place winners decided by popular vote.

Megan Hoy submitted this Memory Box for auction.

Click the photos for a larger view.
Barbi Lare Photo
   The fantastic art exhibit and auction of 34 Memory Boxes at the Sequicentennial Grand Ball on September 28, 2002 was very successful. All who had winning bids were delighted with their local artist designed boxes.
   Winners of the art exhibit, decided by popular vote during the evening, were Mark Tollner's "Bedell House," first prize; Frank Marinell's "Gran Ma Elhers Reading the Bible," second prize; and Cathy Sharpe's "Spring Glow," third prize.
   The Grand Island Art Society would like to thank all who were involved with exhibiting, designing, winning, bidding and sitting with the art exhibit and auction.
   Grand Island Art Society members invite anyone interested in the arts to become a member of the Society, which will meet 7:30 p.m. November 6, 2002 in the Grand Island High School small cafeteria.

Art Society Auctions "Sesquicentennial Memory Boxes"

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Barbi Lare Photo
"Sesquicentennial Memory Boxes," a Sesquicentennial Art Society project, are up for bid through a silent auction to be held during the Sesquiquicentennial Grand Ball on the evening of September 28, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. The keepsake boxes are on display in the Grand Island Memorial library showcases and at the HSBC Bank. Shown are boxes by Rosemary Hill, Gloria Diringer, JoAnn Vanderheite and Jim Lodico, local artists, who donated their creative talents for the Grand Island Art society fund-raiser, and to help celebrate the Sesquicentennial of the Island. The oval box by Alice Myers depicts an actual youthful memory. Also on display are the boxes created by Geral Mead, Alice Wadowski-Bak, Pat Presutti and other artists. Anyone interested in making a bid can pick up a bid sheet and mail it in to the Grand Island Art Society, P.O. Box 24, to be recorded. Final bidding will done at the Sesquicentennial Ball. The Grand Island Art Society will hold an art exhibit of local artists during the Grand Ball with a popular vote to be taken for awards.

Art Society Scholarship Winner
Barbi Lare Photo

Grand Island Art Society scholarship winner, Megan Szymkowski, receives the Kay Long Memorial Scholarship award. Present are Kay Long's children, Sharon Nichols and David Long, and Art Society treasurer, Richard Brzyski. Kay Long was the founder of the Art Society.
Society members wish to congratulate Megan for winning their scholarship with her creative talents and wish her success in her college career.

Fall Art Society News
The Grand Island Art Society will hold its first meeting of the season 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2002 in the small cafeteria at the high school. Please attend to discuss the events for the coming year and renew your membership.
Keep your eyes open for the boxes made for the Sesquicentennial silent auction, which are being collected for display. Artists are also registering to show their work at the Grand Island Art Society Exhibit during the Chamber of Commerce Sesquicentennial Dinner/Ball.

Art Society Sponsors Silent Auction
Bidding To Take Place Before & At Sesquicentennial Ball
   The Grand Island Art Society is sponsoring a fund-raiser silent auction for the Sesquicentennial Dinner/Ball on September 28, 2002. The items being auctioned will be boxes designed by local artists, such as Jean MacDonald, Gerald Mead, Chary Robbins, Melinda Schneider, and Rosemary Hill. At least 40 boxes are in the creative hands of the artists now and some will be on exhibit in areas on the Island before the Ball. Residents may bid on the displayed boxes anytime before the Ball by mailing their name, phone number, box number and bid to the Grand Island Art Society, P. O. Box 24, before September 24, so Art Society representatives can get them in time to be recorded.
   Also in conjunction with the Ball, the Grand Island Art Society will host an art exhibit of local artists. A popular vote taken during the evening will determine awards. Come and join all the festivities for the evening at the Chamber of Commerce Sesquicentennial Dinner, Ball, Cruise, and other activities. Contact the Chamber at 773-3651 for tickets and information.
   Look for the Art Society�s meeting in September. All are welcome to join and attend.

Art Show 2002 Photos
Chris Wozniak Photos

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Pictures of the Grand Island Art Society Art Show, held Saturday, June 29-30, 2002 in the town hall as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration, are the photography of Chris Wozniak. Link Nutting, Pat Presutti, Anne Migdal Zohur, Linda Rhodes and Chris Wozniak took part in the show.

Grand Island Art Society News
Grand Island artists are welcome to display their artwork at the Island Dispatch, M&T Bank or the Capital Cleaners. Those interested may "email" member Chris Wozniak at enchantedrealms@aol.com for details.
Artists and crafters from Grand Island are welcome to attended the Grand Island Art Society meetings, held 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, September through June at the Grand Island High School. Meetings include demonstrations, field trips, and an anniversary dinner. Potential new members are asked to contact Chris by "email".

Art Show 2002

Barbi Lare photo
An art show was held in the town hall on Saturday, June 29-30, 2002 as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration and sponsored by the Grand Island Art Society. Link and Barb Nutting are shown facing the camera.

Art Society Meeting May 1
The Grand Island Art Society will meet on Wednesday, May 1, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. in the High School cafeteria. Election of officers will be held and student porfolios will be viewed to select the Society scholarship winner for this year. All members are urged to attend!

Chinese Painting At Art Society

Barbi Lare photo
Artist Jean Jain presented a demonstration to the members of the Grand Island Art Society Wednesday, September 26, 2001. Not only was the special brush work demonstrated, but Mrs. Jain provided the right music to comfort and sooth one when working, and related much of the history and philosophy of the Chinese art of painting and the materials used.

Art Society Show

Fred Claus photo
Grand Island Art Society members hosted a reception at the Partners In Art Studio in North Tonawanda on Sunday, September 8, 2001. Shown are Society President Michelle Driess (right) and Vice President Mark Keilich standing in front of Mark's picture "Butterfly."

Art Society Members Featured At Partners in Art
An opening reception for the members of the Grand Island Art Society will be held from 2-4 p.m. September 8th at Partners in Art Gallery, 83 Webster St., North Tonawanda where Society members have their art on display. The public is invited to attend.

Art Society Awards Scholarships

Barbi Lare photo
The Grand Island Art Society presented the 2001 Society Scholarship to John Ochtyun just prior to his leaving for Cazenovia College where he will study graphic design. His work was established as favorable by the Society board members and his attending an art school fit all the criteria necessary. The society has several money-raising projects during the year to fund the scholarships awarded annually to assist graduates of Grand Island High School in furthering their study in the art field. Shown left are Society Treasurer Dick Brzyski with John (center) and Society President Michelle Driess. The Society will host a water color artist at its next meeting 7:30 p.m. September 12 in the high school cafeteria and will have a show at Partners in Art Gallery in North Tonawanda from 2-4 p.m. September 8, 2001.

Artists Haven

Bettye Tabron creates a landscape painting at Artists Haven
William O'Connor photos
   Artists Haven, sponsored by the Grand Island Art Society, is a quiet place where artists can share their ideas and talents. Anyone who is interested in art or crafts is welcome to join the group that has been meeting every Wednesday, between 10:00a.m. and 2:00p.m. in the GI Community Center in Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Rd.
   There are no instructors and no fees. Artists must bring their own supplies and ideas and are free to attend at anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Senior citizens may sign up for lunch at the Golden Age Center nearby; others may wish to bring their lunch.
   Experience is not necessary. For more information stop in, or call Bettye Tabron 774-8050.

Art Society Treated to Porcelain Painting

Barbi Lare photo
    The Grand Island Art Society met Wednesday for a brief meeting immediately followed by a demonstration by member, Christine Ryshkus who showed her techniques for porcelain painting.
   Mrs. Ryshkus has been creating lovely pieces of art, and teaching classes since moving to Grand Island several years ago, bringing her talents with her from her former home in the mid west.
   In addition to her demonstration, Christine brought along many samples of her work to illustrated all the possibilities. She also conducts classes in her studio and markets her products at the Grand Island Garden Center.
   Working in the medium for many years, and coming from a creative family who had a jewelry business and porcelain painting activities, Christine comes to the field well prepared. Her style and productivity was well represented at the session.
   Christine's Fine Art Studio card lists, Bead Restringing, Custom Design, Hand Painted Porcelain and Porcelain Art Classes, by appointment, in her studio on Beaver Lane. The Grand Island Garden Center and Gift Shop is located at 2120 Alvin Road, during the season.

Art Society Welcomes Larry Chirico

Barbi Lare photo
   The Grand Island Art Society met Wednesday, February 7 to hear artist Larry Chirico and watch his demonstration of oil painting. He did a landscape and then quickly showed students painting of grapes.
   Mr. Chirico teaches in the Continuing Education program at the Grand Island High School.
   The Society has meetings throughout the year with a China Painting demonstration tentatively set for the March meeting, hands on craft for April and members will review the students' work who are applying for the society's scholarship during the May meeting. Elections will also be held at that time. A pot luck dinner for members and friends will be held in June.
   Plan to visit the Society at meetings held the first Wednesday of the month. The public is most welcome.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.