Vol. 2015 No. 2 Spring 2015 A Publication of the Springfield Art Association

The First Floor of Edwards Place is Restored! After completing a ten-month, $500,000 interior restoration project to return the first floor to its 1850s appearance, historic Edwards Place is ready to welcome visitors once again. The house officially opened to the public at an open house reception on April 18; regularly scheduled tours resumed on April 21.

The restoration to Edwards Place included upgrading electrical systems, repairing plasterwork, refinishing walnut woodwork, faux painting pine woodwork, and the installation of historically-appropriate carpeting, wallpaper, and draperies. Two fragments of 1850s wallpaper came to light during the restoration process; these were reproduced and installed in the east parlors. Restoration was made possible through private contributions matched by a grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation of Janesville, Wisconsin. JFF has awarded a second matching grant to restore the second story restoration, contact Mary Beth Burke to donate today.

Tours are offered Tuesday-Friday at 1, 2, & 3 pm and Saturdays at 12, 1, & 2 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, kids 10 and under are free.

To celebrate the restoration of Edwards Places first floor, the Springfield Art Association is proud to announce the publication of Edwards Place: A Springfield Treasure by Curator of Collections Erika Holst. This richly-illustrated, 150-page, full-color hardcover volume chronicles the story of Edwards Place, the people who lived within its walls, and the labor of love that restored it to its original grandeur.

Thanks to the generosity of the books sponsors, 100% of the $35 purchase price goes to fund the restoration of the second floor of Edwards Place. Call the SAA office or visit www.edwardsplace.org to order your copy today!

The SAA is deeply grateful to Ash Street Upholstery, Evans Construction, Exciting Windows by Susan Day, Fritsch Custom Finishes, Gfroerer Rug Compnay, Gonet Designs Corporation, the Jeffris Family Foundation and Mansfield Electric Company for making this book possible.

Order Your Copy of Edwards Place: A Springfield Treasure!

Founded 1913

700 N. Fourth Street . Springfield, IL 62702

217-523-2631 | office@springifeldart.org

www.springfieldart.org

Board of Directors 2014-2015 Sarah Albracht, President

Allison Lacher, 1st Vice-President

David Rolf, 2nd Vice-President

Jennifer Bettis, Secretary

Kate Ward, Treasurer

David Reid, Past President

SAA Staff Betsy Dollar, Executive Director

Erin Svendsen, Education Coordinator

Erika Holst, Curator of Collections

Charlotte Kane, Office Manager

Jan Arnold, Library Director

Mary Beth Burke, Development Coordinator

The Palette Volume 2015 No. 2

Is published by the Springfield Art Association;

subscriptions are obtained through SAA

membership and are distributed by mail.

MISSION The Springfield Art Association (SAA) a

community based, nonprofit organization*,

promotes and supports the visual arts, provides

art education opportunities for the greater

Springfield area, and preserves and interprets

historic Edwards Place and the

collections of the SAA.

* SAA is a nonprofit tax exempt organization

organized pursuant to IRS code 501(c)(3).

Kathy Badger Kate Baima

Heather Barnhart Judith Barringer

Chris Becker Tricia Becker Mark Birtch

Frank Butterfield Clay Crocker

Christy Freeman

Shane Harris Jackie Kelly

Kirsten Kienzler Phil Locascio Elly Mackus

Diane McEvoy Cassandra Ostermeier

Rich Owens Anthony Rubano Marsha Shomidie

REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR

I have observed that Springfield is a community of gardeners and growers. As soon as the weather improves, everyones focus moves to the yard. It must be the deeply rooted Midwestern agrarian heritage. I seem to have lost my passion for cultivating vegetables and flowers, my focus is on the cultivation of the visual arts and growing the SAA into a true community

visual arts center. The seeds of change for the SAA have been planted and have been germinating for several years now; we are just beginning to see the sprouts of greater community recognition, new events are taking hold, and new members joining the fun. I hope that as a member you are enjoying all that we are offering to you and that you are sharing our classes, events, and opportunities with your friends. We need the message to be loud and clear, The Springfield Art Association is for everyone who wants to engage in visual art: to see it, to learn about it, to make it, and to share it. We are a growing community resource for all. As you read through this issue of the Palette you will discover numerous opportunities to celebrate the revitalization of the first floor of Edwards Place, learn more history through lectures and events, create something new in our studios, see some art in our gallery, and many other ways to engage with the visual arts. Grab a friend and join the fun at the SAA.

REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT

With spring comes all things new, fresh, vibrant and alive. Here at the SAA, the freshness of spring is everywhere. The newly renovated Edwards Place promises to delight every eye with historic detail, stunning dcor and 1800s grandeur. Please consider sharing Edwards Place with our community by scheduling a group tour, bringing friends or having tea in the parlor. Our Capital Campaign marches on with vigor as we continue to raise funds to expand the spaces of our community visual arts center. Your continued support and

advocacy for this project is vital. We appreciate your partnership. Ive recently challenged the board of directors to increase membership at the SAA, and Id like to offer the same challenge to our dedicated members. In growing our membership we promote involvement, increase revenue and visibility, and improve programming. If you love something, why wouldnt you share it with others? Below is the challenge and you can participate too!

All those signing up 5 new members will receive $25 Fine Art Fair money. For each 5 member increment over the initial 5 another $25 Fine Art Fair money will be awarded.

The member inviting and actually signing up the most new members by June 24 will be awarded $100 in Fine Art Fair money and a Gallery purchase gift card for $100.

Beginning March 25 and ending June 24, 2015!

All members must keep their own records of this and verify with Charlotte that memberships are legit. We will report progress in May and June. A new member is defined as a person or family that has a membership lapse of 2 years.

Celebration and award will be at the June Board meeting! May the odds be ever in your favor! Thanks for all you are doing to make Springfield great. We look forward to seeing you at one of our many events, exhibitions or classes this spring. We are thankful for you.

-Betsy Dollar, Executive Director

-Sarah Albracht, Board President

Roasted was a huge success this year! Over 350 people attended, 321 pots were fired, 21 Piggy Banks found new homes, and 400 plates of delicious pork were cleaned. We can not do this event without the care, support and passion

from the following people that were there from setup to clean-up, from making the pots to firing the pots, from

baking to serving:

Kathy + Sonny Adams

Jeremy Josserand

Mary Fran Gorman

Joyce Surbeck-Harris

Shane Harris

Zach Landes

Stephanie Mahoney

Rich Zimmerman

Shane and Cathy Denney

Pleasure Chest Blues Band

Caren and Ed Trudeau

Rolling Meadows Brewery

Hickory River Smokehouse

Bob Ritz

Cookie + Ray Kienzler

Adam Perschbacher

Ann Logue

Cassandra Ostermeier

Betsy Dollar

Dick Levi

Dennis Polk + Monique

Borders

Richard + Stephanie Kohlrus

Christy Freeman

Felicia Olin

Ingrid Alexander

Mike + Kathy Badger

Kate + Joe Baima

Tricia + John Becker

Bob Dixon

Paula Diaz-Sylvester

Cinda, Dan, + Danielle

Sausaman

Samantha Brown

Roger Bricker

Cindy + John Jordan

Keith Murray

Robert Lennek Stuffings

Rob French

Adam Pish

Joe Deveraux

Christy Louise

Linda Fulgenzi

Karen Conn

Susan Day

Erin Svendsen

Chris Klaus

Tom George

Rhiannon Gurley

Charlotte Kane

Patti Pace-Halpin

Romana Boston

Frank Butterfield

Rich Owens

Diane McEvoy

Dave + Alice Rolf

Danny Brikshavana

Sarah + Bryan Albracht

Enos Park Neighborhood Kids

SHG High School Kids

10th IL Volunteer Cavalry

Regiment Reactivated

Erika Holst & Chris Schnell

Laura Reyman

Gail Noll

Mary + Katie Trask

Shawn Andrews

Mary Beth Burke

Thom Gebhart

Jessica Reeck

Tamika Lester

Darrin Simmons

Robert Elemens

Carmen Rivera

EDUCATION

Meet Sr. Mary Fran Gorman FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Mary Fran Gorman was born in Aurora and raised in Plano, Illinois. She moved to Springfield in 1967, when she entered the Scared Heart Convent as a Franciscan nun. She became interested in ceramics when she attended a workshop with her fellow sisters. Since that first day of hand building, pinch a simple pot and experimenting on the wheel, she was hooked. Mary Fran came to SAA first as a student. Upon her return to Springfield from an assignment in Jacksonville, Mississippi, she decided to continue her ceramic exploration and build her skills. However, initially she couldnt find a class. Eventually she was told about SAA. I needed a place to be around others who were creating and after a few years I began teaching. With over 30 years of experience with clay, she appreciates working with the students and teachers. It is a joy to help introduce people to the clay, and it is a joy to see them enjoying it.

Mary Frans work is influenced by nature and a result of experimentation. She translates what she knows and likes what others see in her work. She has a love affair with shape, a shape has some grace itself, put some glaze on it and it is perfect. As a little girl, she played in the woods. Using shapes and impressions of leaves and flowers, she experiments with what happens with simple additions. Her studio is located at Jubilee Farms. It is open for both tours and sales. She has been known to cultivate her own clay from the creek bed that runs through the farm. She is currently working on a commission of 30 small pots with creature topped lids. The above photo is of Mary Fran receiving flowers from the COOL 93.9 Special Delivery contest, where she was nominated

by her Winter Session class. Contestants nominate someone well-deserving of a smile and beautiful flowers. SAA is proud to have such a wonderfully talented instructor as part of our faculty! She brightens every studio she

enters.

CERAMICS LAB UPDATE We are still fundraising for the building of a new ceramics lab; but we

just couldnt wait any longer, it was time to give the current space a

facelift. Jeremy Josserand, our newest SAA Ceramic instructor, applied

his talents and skills to make the lab a user friendly facility. First he

switched out the use of the rooms. The wheel throwing room has

become the hand building room and the hand building room is now

the wheel throwing room. This switch increased the capacity of wheel

throwing to twelve from ten and everyone has more work space. He

built shelves, cleaned and painted every surface, organized the tools,

expanded the glazing room and much, much, more. The lab hasnt

looked this good in years, if ever. We are thankful and indebted to his

extensive contribution to this facility. He committed to achieve the

remodel between the Winter and Spring sessions, allowing only one

month to complete the project. He achieved his goal and produced an

amazing transformation of the space. If you see him, give him a pat on

the back and thank him for a job well done.

With your help and support, whether it be a $10 donation or attending events like Roasted, you make these changes

possible! Every little bit helps to make a better home for you and your children. THANK YOU!

EDUCATION

Meet Jane Morris STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Jane Morris was born in Eldorado, IL and moved to Springfield in 1988. She is a

veterinarian for Laketown Animal Clinic. Jane first discovered the SAA through

the Edwards Place Fine Art Fair, but it was only two years ago that she started

taking a Kumihimo class. Kumihimo is the traditional Japanese technique of braiding

strands of silk to create intricately colored cords that can be used for jewelry, belts, and

other accessories. After a discussion with Erin Svendsen, she decided to try Meghan

Tippy-Reeses Intro to Jewelry and Metals and she hasnt looked back!

Janes original interest was making Mala and Buddhist rosaries of mostly beadwork, but

grew to enjoy working with the base metals (copper, brass, and bronze) and silver.

When asked her artistic inspirations, she noted abstract expressionism, Asian aesthetic

and her favorite artist R.C. Gorman. But her major influences are nature, any organic

shape and trying to emulate the texture found in the natural world. Jane uses fold

forming techniques, rolling mill impressions, hammering, etching and patinas to

develop textures like bark in her piece. She experiments by letting happy accidents

develop, and allows the metal to speak to her on what it will become. She doesnt

always look at a mistake as a mistake. It could become something else. She doesnt

push, but just has fun! With this philosophy, she has made a large, beautiful body of

work in a short time.

Recently, Jane has become an Artist member. She now uses endless open studio time

at her will. You might see her the next time you are in the Metals lab, listening to music

and hammering away. She always makes the space a happy place to be. She has stated

she feels comfortable at SAA and welcomes more to come play in the lab with her.

Jane is a wonderful artist that we are delighted to have as part of the SAA family.

To me, creating is spiritual. - Jane Morris

High School Summer Art Camp

For the first time, SAA has offered a full schedule to High

School students to attend media based camps. The metals

lab is opened for a metals camp, there will be fashion,

alternative jewelry, digital comics and ceramic camps. This

summers Art Camp has filled up extremely fast, however

there are still some spots available across the camps. If you

have any questions about openings, check our website at

springfieldart.org or call for more information. We hope to

see you in the studio soon! NOTE THE CONDELL STUDIO REMODEL, THE NEW LIGHTS, CEILING, + PAINT JOB!

THE REMODEL WAS FINISHED IN JANUARY 2015.

MICHAEL VICTOR II ART LIBRARY

The 24th Annual Molly Schlich International/Independent Films Series was another grand success. We opened strong with the two overall favorites, the Indian film The Lunch Box and the documentary Finding Vivian Maier. Everyone had their likes and dislikes, but all eight films were well attended and well received. All the thanks go to the committee who had to work especially hard this year to choose and secure the films, Molly Schlich, Jim Houston, Paul Povse, Steve Meyer and Betsy Dollar. Also, thanks to all the volunteers who helped each week at the theater: Jan Arnold, Jen Bettis, Kate Baima, Judith Barringer, Sonia Lang, Jane and Phil Locascio, Teena Myers, Maureen Pearson, Cassandra Pence Ostermeier, Patty Staab and Neta Tagge. We are all keeping lists for next winters series and we are always on the lookout for interesting films that havent made it to Springfield. If you have suggestions, please let us know.

NEW BOOKS AT SAA The Michael Victor II Art Library has new books

about two powerful women artists, Glenna

Goodacre and Niki de Saint Phalle. The first,

Glena Goodacre Sculpture, is primarily a

compilation of beautiful photos of Glendas

bronzes. She is a working bronze sculptor who

currently lives in New Mexico. She is well

known for her portraits of famous people,

including presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and

Ronald Reagan and the image of Sacagawea

that is on the U.S. one dollar coin. Yet, it is her

emotive pieces of mothers and children,

children playing, figures dancing, and figures

mourning that are evocative and poetic.

The other book, Niki de Saint Phalle, documents the life and work of this French sculptor and multi-media artist. Niki was born in

France in 1930 and died in LaJolla, California in 2002. In between, she explored as many influences and ideas as she could hold. Her

giant whimsical sculptures of plump women in bright colors are her most famous works. She was known to press the scale of her

works to enormous and to create complex gardens settings for their display. These women are as different as any two women can

be, yet they each portray brilliant creativity and artistic success. The next time you are at the SAA, take a moment to stop in the

library and introduce yourself to these artists through their new books.

May 14 The Art and Mystery of Faux

Painting

Ed Gonet, Master painter

June 11 Fashion, 1800-1920: An

Illustrated History

Erika Holst, Curator of Collections

July 9 Lincolns Springfield In-Laws

Erika Holst, Curator of Collections

August 13 Servants in 19th Century Illinois

Erika Holst, Curator of Collections

September 10 Antebellum shopping

Erika Holst, Curator of Collections

October 8 Courtship and weddings

Erika Holst, Curator of Collections

Introducing.... Learn about the Past Lectures

Second Thursdays of the Month, 7 pm

The SAA kicked off a monthly Learn about the Past lecture series on Thursday, April 9. Join us for the next one on Thursday, May 14 at 7 pm. Master Painter Ed Gonet will discuss The Art and Mystery of Faux Graining and will conduct a live demonstration of his technique.

Subsequent lectures will be offered monthly on the second Thursday of the month. All are free and open to the public.

Upcoming Lectures

We Need You...to Spread the Word!

We Need You...to Volunteer! Edwards Place is looking for volunteers to lead tours on Saturdays. Shifts start at 12 pm and end at 3 pm and include a maximum of three tours. Volunteer guides will be fully trained and given detailed interpretive manuals. A great way to learn more about Edwards Place and meet a variety of interesting people! Call the office at 217-523-2631 or email Erika at collections@springfieldart.org for more information.

Edwards Place has always been a hidden gem in Springfield, but now its time to make it a cant-miss destination! Please help us get the word out by mentioning Edwards Place to your friends and family, bringing out-of-town visitors for a tour, talking us up on social media, and reviewing us on TripAdvisor!

EDWARDS PLACE

Edwards Place and the Lincoln Funeral According to Helen Edwards, on the day of Abraham Lincolns funeral in 1865, our house, being on the road to the cemetery, was thrown open, our rooms were all occupied, cots being put in the library and back room even, ...and on the day of the funeral we kept a collation spread the whole day for any who wished to come for refreshment.

One hundred and fifty years later, Edwards Place will participate in the commemoration of Lincolns funeral. Mourning teas will take place in the parlors from April 30 May 2 (space is still available in the April 30 tea; tickets are $30). An open house featuring costumed interpreters and period refreshments will be held on May 3 from 10 am to 1 pm; admission is $10.

Be sure to check out Sacred to the Memory: 19th Century Mourning Artifacts, which opens May 2 from 4-7 and runs through May 30.

Weekly Parlor Games Program for Kids to Begin in June

Parents and kids are invited to Edwards Place every Wednesday, June through August, from 11 to 12 pm for "Parlor Games," part of Springfield's popular History Comes Alive series of events. Helen Edwards will be on hand to introduce children to the stories and games that the Edwards children enjoyed in the years before the Civil War. No advance registration is requiredjust drop in!

June 2 through August 24, 11 am to 12 pm Free Admission!

EDWARDS PLACE

Join us on May 29 For a Concert in Edwards Place Among the treasures in the Edwards Place collection are a set of music books dating to the 1830s and 1850s that belonged to Helen Edwards and her daughter Helen Maria. The songs in these books once filled the parlors of Edwards Place with music at glittering legislative parties when Abraham Lincoln was a guest. Now, the Springfield Art Association is thrilled to bring that music to life once more with a concert in the parlors of Edwards Place. The Wild Columbines will play and sing music from the Edwardss music books and explain its historical significance at a special concert in the parlors of Edwards Place.

Friday, May 29, 7 pm $10 Call 217-523-2631 or visit www.edwardsplace.org to reserve. Tickets also available at the door.

Special thanks must be extended to Mr. Tom Jeffris and the JEFFRIS FAMILY

FOUNDATION. Headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, its mission is to preserve the

cultural history and heritage of the Midwest through the preservation of regionally

and nationally important historic buildings and decorative arts projects. Without the

Foundations generous award of a planning grant and two challenge grants, this

restoration would not have been possible. Thanks also to PATRICIA AND DON

ALTORFER, whose generous contribution allowed us to reach our fundraising goal two

years ahead of schedule. We are deeply grateful to your continued support of and

belief in Edwards Place and the Springfield Art Association. The Art Association is also

grateful to the THE SHELBY CULLOM DAVIS CHARITABLE FUND for its support of this

project. Benjamin S. Edwards was the law mentor of Shelby Cullom Daviss

distinguished ancestor, Illinois Governor Shelby Cullom. Finally, the Art Association

would like to thank THE COMMUNITY FUND OF THE LAND OF LINCOLN for the award

of an historic preservation grant to support the reproduction of historic wallpaper.

Please contact Mary Beth Burke at mbburke4@gmail.com if you would like to donate to the second-story restoration of Edwards Place.

Also contact Mary Beth for any omissions, adding, or corrections needed in the donor list.

Thanks also to:

Dawn and Jim Abraham

Leslie and Angie Acakpo-Satchivi

Dr. Bryan and Sarah Albracht

Dr. Ingrid Alexander

Shawn Andrews and Clay Crocker

Anonymous Donors

Judy and Jim Antonacci

Dr. Jane and Steven Arbuthnot

Kathy and Michael Badger

Kate and Joe Baima

Bonnie A. Barber

Judith Barringer and Rich Kerhlikar

In Memory of Winifred Barringer

Jennifer Baur In Memory of Jim Baur

Sandy Bellatti

Marjorie Berchtold

Mary Lynn Perkins and Jim Bertram

Jennifer and Chad Bettis

Elaine Birtch

In Memory of Dr. Alan Birtch

Mark Birtch and Kim Elliott-Birtch

Beverly Brekke-Bailey

Pam and James Brown

Hillary Bunn

Sarah and Bob Brown

Mary Beth and Bob Burke

Larry A. Bussard

Frank Butterfield

Ryan Cadagin

Gael Carnes

Joan and Don Casper In Memory of Aletha Staab

Octavia and Peter Casper, Sr.

Kristin and Peter Cavanagh

Julie and Bill Cellini

Denise Church

Lindsey Arbuthnot Clancey

Community Foundation for the Land of

Lincoln

Anna and Timothy Daly

Carolyn Davis

EDWARDS PLACE REVEAL DINNER

EDWARDS PLACE RESTORATION DONORS

On February 28, guests stepped back in time to 1858 and joined Benjamin and Helen Edwards, Ninian and Elizabeth

Edwards, Stephen A. Douglas, Lyman and Julia Trumbull, and Abraham and Mary Lincoln at a sumptuous four-course dinner in the newly-restored parlors of Edwards. Thank you to Drs. Sandra Yeh and Greg Kane, whose generosity made

this event possible.

Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund Megan Davis Flanary Bonnie and Douglas Dee Paula and Thomas Denny Barbara Dickerman Lori and David Dodwell Betsy Dollar Jana Van Fossan Dreyzehner and John Dreyzehner In Memory of Vickie Van Fossan Carolyn and Dan Dungan Myto Duong R.W. Troxell & Company Tad Edwards Joyce and Jim Edwards In Memory of Julia Edwards Diane and Jim Edwards Jennifer and Jeff Egizii Shelly and Chris Ehrlich Susan and Bill Enlow Enos Park Neighborhood Association Bronwyn and Bill Eves Phyllis and George Fairchild Daniel Farmer Fletcher Farrar and Mary Jessup Dave, Ruth, and Nora Fickes Hazen and Roland Folse Carla Kloppenburg Foreman Eleanor and Fred Frank Roy French Kelsi Frost Ann and Farrell Gay Katherine and Randy Germeraad Jeff and Susan Gibbs Ed Gonet, Gonet Designs Corporation Patricia and Donald Graham Taryn and Sean Grant Amy and Shane Harris Barbara Hartman Lynn and Harris Hatcher In Memory of Clarice Hickox Barbara and John Hayes Margaret Suggs Herath Nancy Roberts Herndon In Memory of Florence Grigsby Roberts Mary Lou Hicks and Cathy Yeaman Joseph Hills Erika Holst and Christopher Schnell In Memory of Jim and Ingeborg Rozinek Betty and Ralph Hurwitz Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Jane and Steve Jackman Renee and Bradley Johnsen In Honor of Barbara Brunk Harris Kerianne and Kyle Johnson In Honor of Judy Johnson Cindy Jordan Julie and Scott Kaiser Sandra Yeh and Gregory Kane

Jackie and Mike Kelly Marilyn Schnirring Kennedy Kirsten and Joe Kienzler Cinda Schien-Kincade, Courtney, and Christopher Kincade In Honor of June and Lou Myers Lynn and George King Dana and Steve Kinion Margaret Kirschner Chris Klaus Ban Kloppenburg Margot Kramer Ann Kramer Julie and Tom Krehbiel In Memory of Bruce Ratterree Cyd and Rob LaBonte Allison Lacher and Nathan Steele Bill Lazarus Rosemary and Bob Leistner Meaghan Lloyd Jane, Lucy, and Phil Locascio Marissa Gibbs Lorance Elly and Boyd Mackus Tracey Maras In Memory of Betsy Carlson Sally and Russ Martin Marilyn M. Maurer Lisa and Chris McDowell Diane McEvoy Debbie and Ted Megginson Kelly and Matt Minder Janet and Leon Mizeur Linda and Kriegh Moulton Elizabeth and Sergio Murer Mrs. Phillip G. Murray Gavin Myers The Louis Shaver Myers Family Teena and Michael Myers Terri and Steve Myers Katherine C. Narmont Christine Niemann Gail Noll and John Milhiser Theresa O'Hare Lynne and Paul O'Shea Carl Ostermeier Rebecca and Richard Owens Carolyn Oxtoby Margie Paoletti Sherry and Jim Park J'Amy and Bill Payne Mary and Harold Perkins In Memory of Dr. and Mrs. Emmet Pearson and Thomas Pearson Carole and Phillip Peterson Marci and Nick Petropoulos Melinda Bunn Pfeffer Alice Prickett Sheri and Don Ramsey Miner Raymond

Sarah Elizabeth Reid Bitsy and Bill Reisch Priscilla Reyhan Rose Marie Roach Sula and Mark Roberts, Jr. Elizabeth and Henry Rohs Alice and David Rolf Jourdan Rothschild David Reid and Dr. Beth Strow Anthony Rubano Peggy and Tom Ryder Sue and Steve Scaife Maureen and Robert Schaaf Craig Schermerhorn Lori and Bill Schlosser Martha C. Schneerman Lisa Schnell In Memory of Margit Rogers Kathy and Milton Sees Carole and James Shay Larry Shiner and Catherine Walters Marsha Shomidie Jennifer Simons Dianne O'Keefe Simpson Elizabeth Small and Stanley Herrin Mary-Leigh Call Smart In Memory of Mary B. Call Michael John Smith Donna J. Solomon Polly Spengler Spoon River Group Springfield Electric Supply Company Fund of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln Mary and David Stjern Lisa and Stephen Stone E. Cori Stuart Guerry Suggs and Jo Alessandrini Nicky Stratton Neta and Stephen Tagge John Terril, Terril & Company Susan Ostermeier Tesar Evelyn Brandt Thomas Rachael and Mike Thomson Susan Thrasher In Memory of Drs. Ann and Raymond Pearson Springfield Tracy Fund of the Community Foundation for theLand of Lincoln Mary and Bob Trask Eloise and Don Van Fossan Barbara Walker Carole and Don Walton Kate and Justin Ward Karen and Bob Westbrook Diana Widicus and Michael Davis Martha Clements Wilday In Memory of Doris Kruse Clements Linda and Brett Wolters

EDWARDS PLACE RENOVATION DONORS

When I became involved with the SAA five years ago, it cracked open the community for me. I got to know Springfield through the SAA, said Allison Lacher. A native of Pittsburgh, Lacher moved to Springfield in 2006 with her husband Nathan Steele, who is an Associate Professor of Management at the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Lacher is an installation artist. She holds an MFA from Indiana University, and her work has been featured in exhibitions around the country. Most recently, she had a solo show called Nonnative at the CUAC Contemporary Art in Salt Lake City, in which she explored her cultural romance with the American West.

Allison is currently the Visual Arts Gallery Manager at the University of Illinois-Springfield. In addition, she is a 2014-2015 HATCH Curator in Residence for the Chicago Artists Coalition. HATCH Projects is a year-long, juried incubator for contemporary artists and curators that fosters shared experimentation, exchange and creativity to produce ground-breaking exhibitions and programs. As a Curator in Residence, Allison travels to Chicago multiple times a month to manage artists and curate exhibitions at the Chicago Artists Coalition gallery.

Allison is also a co-founder of the DEMO Project (along with several UIS affiliates, including fellow SAA Board Member Shane Harris). Housed in the SAA property formerly known as the craft house, the DEMO Project exhibits contemporary and non-traditional art exhibits, drawing artists from all over the country. DEMO openings are often held in conjunction with SAA exhibit openings, and Allison encourages everyone to come check out what is going on in DEMO.

Allison has found her experience on the SAA Board incredibly rewarding. In her words, There is a collective enthusiasm and commitment to the organization here that has helped to shape my identity as an artist with purpose in my community. As it turns out, thats an important identity to cultivate. I began to look beyond my studio and ask the questions that the SAA is often asking: Whats next, how do we evolve, how do we contribute? I am happy to acknowledge the SAA (and especially the personalities within) as an organization that has fostered my growth as a community member and also in regard to my own ambitions as an artist, and so I would recommend to anyone: become involved and invested in the SAA, in any capacity. Take a class, come to an exhibition opening, serve on a committee, attend a brown bag lecture, or volunteer. There is quite literally something here for everyone, and you might be surprised at what you discover. I went in with the perspective that I would serve the SAA, but I never expected just how much the SAA would serve me in return. Its a true community center, and this reciprocity lies open to anyone who chooses to take hold of it.

BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Meet Allison Lacher

Thank you to the team at Zaras Collision Center for

donating their billboard on West Wabash Ave. to

Paint the Street. They have been a key sponsor for

three years in a row! If your business would like to

SPONSOR PAINT THE STREET this year, please visit

springfieldart.org to select your level.

Jeff Boshart & His Odd Spaces

June 5th through 27th

Opening reception on Friday, June 12

5:30 to 7:30 pm

Bits and pieces have always fascinated me. I delight in find-

ing a small part of something and letting my imagination play,

interjecting formal academic aspects of three dimensional

design and composition that result in the object being

elevated from the ordinary. I often think of myself as a sort of

shaman who can extend the useful life of objects, taking them

from the utilitarian, work-a-day world and re-establishing

them as objects worthy of reverence, at some level. If not a shaman, then perhaps an intermediary with some limited I

insight. Jeff Boshart

Last June Jeff Boshart retired from a long career as a professor of sculpture at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston,

Illinois. He is thrilled to be working in the studio full time and this will be his first exhibition since his retirement. This

show will be part retrospective and part premiere of brand new work. He will also be installing a site specific temporary

sculpture on the Edwards Place lawn.

DEMO PROJECT

Michael Rea, Ghosting Opening reception Friday, May 8th, 6:00 to 8:30 pm

Artist Talk at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, Wednesday, May 6th

6:00 to 7:00 pm

Sponsored by the UIS Visual Arts Gallery and the Springfield Art Association

Over the past decade, Rea has explored pop culture and the American identity

through large garish sculptures, installations, and performances constructed from

wood. Rea's work often employs a wry sense of humor combined with a

meticulous and compulsive constructive process.

M.G. NELSON FAMILY GALLERY

Sacred to the Memory: 19th Century Mourning Artifacts May 1st through 30th

Opening Reception on Saturday, May 2, 4:00 to 7:00 pm

How we honor our dead in the 21st century is different from the time

of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Through this wide array of 19th

Century funeral and mourning objects we will illustrate customs and

practices of the time. The artifacts for this exhibition were graciously

provided by Timothy J. Krause of Carl Sandburg College.

BEAUX ARTS BALL

The Springfield Art Association and the Beaux Arts Ball Committee invite all eligible children to take part in the Royal Court of the Beaux Arts Ball. If your child will be in Kindergarten, 5th grade, 8th grade, 11th grade or 12th grade

or will be a senior in college in September of 2015, and if your family is an SAA member in good standing at the Patron level or above, your child is eligible to participate in the Court. If your child is eligible and has not

received an invitation, please contact the SAA office at 523-2631 or office@springfieldart.org.

All participating families must submit their Fashion Fee and Court Fee at or before the Court Reception.

This family celebration recognizes members, donors, and volunteers who give their time, talents, and support to sustain and enrich the SAA. The children of the most supportive members through volunteer

hours become King and Queen. The Springfield Art Association is proud to announce that Christy Rolf will reign as Queen and Alexander Remington Kane will reign as King over the 84th Annual Beaux Arts Ball, which

will be held on Saturday, November 28th at the Crowne Plaza.

THE COURT RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT SAA ON JUNE 14. 2015, 46:30 PM.

Christy Rolf is the daughter of David and Alice Rolf. She is currently a junior and Honors College member at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama majoring in Interior Design and minoring in International Studies and Business. Christy is a Student Ambassador for the College of Human Sciences and was the Vice President of Communications for the Delta Sigma Chapter of Delta Gamma. She recently completed an internship with Meridy King Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia and studied abroad in Italy. Christy, along with her sisters Debbie, Kathy and Carrie, has grown up with the Springfield Art Association participating in classes and art camp, and assisting the organization whenever possible including helping at openings, participating in grounds maintenance, serving hors doeuvres and helping with the Fine Art Fair and other SAA events. Christys fondest memories from growing up with the SAA are playing with her sisters on the buffalo statue while her parents volunteered and participating in the Beaux Art Ball. The Springfield Art Association will always be a very special place for Christy and she is honored and thrilled to represent her family as Queen.

Introducing the Beaux Arts Ball King and Queen

Alexander Remington Kane is the son of Drs. Sandra Yeh and Gregory Kane. He is a senior at the University of Missouri, Saint Louis majoring in biology. He has been a proud member of Tenth Illinois Volunteer Calvary (which is a nonprofit Civil War reenactment group dedicated to education) since age 14 and is presently a First Sergeant. Alexander has presented numerous educational programs for area schools with first person impressions of both Union and Confederate soldiers including Colonel John Mosby (The Gray Ghost). He rides into battle with his noble steed Dakota, a 12 year-old Missouri Fox Trotter. Over the years, he has participated in numerous historic events at the Edwards Place, including three Civil War haunted houses, Civil War fashion shows, ice cream socials, and Lincoln Funeral fundraisers. He is part of the honor guard for the historic Lincoln Funeral in May. He is honored to serve the Edwards House with its rich history and to be this years King.

Many thanks to the Lowery-Muller Group of Wells Fargo Advisors for being the

Premiere Sponsor of the Beaux Arts Ball and continual supporter of the SAA

IN THE COMMUNITY

Lincoln Land Community College and Springfield Art Association teamed up for a trip to Crystal

Bridges Museum and Coopers Chapel. A MUST SEE! Thank you to Ann Kramer for her leadership.

ABOVE : Scholastic award winners enjoyed a full day in the SAA

studios. Honors Day led by Rosemary Buffington and Instructors

Tracey Maras, Felicia Olin, Poppy Vincent, Terry Moore, Gwen

Lewis, Shirley Clark, and Maggie Perkins

RIGHT : The SAA STUDIOS were honored to host 160 girl scouts in

January. The 4th and 5th grade ladies had five options of jewelry

processes to achieve their metals badge. The 2nd and 3rd grade

girls earned their ceramics badge with beautiful coil pots.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Springfield, IL

Permit No. 185

700 N. Fourth Street

Springfield, IL 62712

217.523.2631

www.springfieldart.org

If you love something, why wouldnt you share it with others? THE CHALLENGE

SIGN UP 5 new members receive $25 Fine Art Fair money!

For each 5 member increment over the initial 5, another $25 in Fine Art Fair money will be awarded.

The member that signs up the most new members by June 24 will be awarded $100 in Fine Art Fair money and a Gallery purchase gift card for $100.

DEADLINE IS JUNE 24, 2015

All members must keep their own records of this and verify with the office. A new member is defined as a person or family

that has a membership lapse of two years.

Celebration and awards will be at the June Board meeting!

May the odds be ever in your favor!