Today’s blog is written by volunteer Andie DeLuca. She was our intrepid reporter at our Fall Show & 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration event in October and here’s her fun and fascinating photo-record of the day. We had a wonderful time and are excited to be able to share this with you!
Saturday, October 19th was the kick-off of the Rental Sales Gallery’s 60th anniversary events: a Fall Show opening with cake, champagne, and a special gift for our director of the last 19 years, Jennifer Zika. Additional “happenings” to commemorate 60 years will include artist talks on Saturday November 9th, a one month raffle for diamond earrings from Margulis Jewelers, and a silent auction with door prizes, refreshments, and wine on Saturday December 7th.
The Fall show party started at noon with four artists available near their work to answer questions about their histories, techniques, changes to their processes, and anything else a guest or volunteer might inquire about. Every hour after, four more took their places; a total of sixteen long time artist members educated and enlightened us all.
A few of these were:
Sarkis Antikajian, who has been with the gallery since the mid-1980s. He stands in front of his painting, Portrait of a Daisy.
Eileen “Ikie” Kressel, stands before her intricate linoprint and collage piece called “Birders”. She told me that after going birding with her husband and friends, she found them more interesting than the birds! The piece has since rented out!
Bill Baily is famous for his watercolor still lifes of fruits and vegetables. Pears are a favorite subject. Here he discusses technique with his old friend, abstract painter, Gary Anderson.
Gary, a few steps away near his own new work, shows an image of an older piece of his, and we laugh at the similarity to Bill’s specialty.
Wayne Chin is delighted to show his beautiful images of women, along with a notebook filled with prints of portraits he’s done of well-known politicians and business people.
Eric Sandgren explains some of his woodblocks to volunteers Jan Kessler, Jan Atwill, and Bette Franklin.
In addition to these, ten other of our member artists shared their knowledge and expertise with us. Some, like Bill Baily, did demonstrations or showed us some of the materials they work with.
Of course, it was not only artists who attended this gala event. Dressed to celebrate this Diamond Anniversary were Jennifer, naturally, and many of the gallery’s devoted volunteers:
Long-time volunteer Betty LaRoche in a beautiful jacket her daughter sent her.
Jennifer with artist friends, Peggy Mojé and George Johanson.
Volunteers Linda Loenneker, Leah Dennison, Jan Atwill, and our terrific supervisor, Mark Tindle.
Jennifer and volunteer Diane Richards.
Jennifer and volunteer Christine Quinn in their sequined dresses which were chosen to complement the “diamond” theme of the day.
Artist Brian Kramer and his daughter, Anya. She came already dressed in costume from another event at the McLaughlin House.
Look at those cakes! The white was just as delicious as the chocolate! And almost too beautiful to slice.
The afternoon progressed with much friendship and conviviality. Wine and mimosas were served along with trays of meats, cheeses and olives. Then, shortly after five o’clock, a short ceremony began. Champagne was uncorked, and incredible trays of hors d’oeuvres prepared by volunteer Bryn Johns-Hunter enticed all with stuffed grape leaves, artichoke hearts, wonderful cheeses, and other tasty treats.
Jennifer made a short speech, mostly honoring the help she receives daily from her assistant, Mark Tindle, and her many valuable volunteers. We had a few seconds of silence to acknowledge those in our lives who had guided us forward, and Jennifer had us chuckling when she mentioned that she gave great credit to Mr. Rogers for that quiet reflection. Then Mark took the mic to, in turn, thank Jennifer for all she does. He presented her with the gift of a beautiful wood piece created by Max McBurnett. Max had engraved a personal salutation on the bottom.
Jennifer Zika is stunned to receive a gift. She was totally unprepared for this honor.
Jennifer shows the beautiful wood vase that Max McBurnett, next to her, carved.
Max is seen here among several others giving a hearty toast to Jennifer.
Artist Tom Relth was there with his lovely wife, Leslie, but that’s me, your intrepid reporter, standing with him here.
Diane Richards and Lynn Harper cut the cakes, while Denise Smitherman assists.
Waiting to toast the anniversary of the gallery, and to get a piece of those luscious cakes.
Almost the end of the evening, and who should appear but our old friend and Jennifer’s former assistant, Tianna Lewis.
Don’t forget to check our website and Facebook page for the upcoming activities to commemorate RSG’s 60th Diamond Anniversary. The November 9 talks from 12-3pm will include the following: Sandra Pearce will do a watercolor demonstration, Ralph Davis will talk about mathematics and art, Jan Rimerman and Dave Haslett will give a presentation on what inspires artists, and Paul Zegers will demonstrate his plein air oil painting techniques. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!