Tess Mosko Scherer Zentangling

Tess Mosko Scherer Zentangling

The Fine Arts Fiesta on October 21 was a huge success.  It was great to spend time with members and their spouses that I had not met before or rarely get to visit with.  This was a great opportunity for them to participate in a guild event.  It was so much fun to spend time making art, learning new techniques and learning more about one another through the process.

I always say ‘it takes a village’ and it was so great to see our village in action.  Linda Thiel, Darlene Ritter and Alice Pelchat set the jovial tone at the admissions desk.  From there David Bradley, assisted by Doug Hebert, led the raku firing event.  David outdid himself this year.  He made piggy banks, pig critters, birds and vessels that were glazed and fired.  Usually ceramic firings take from 12 to 24 hours, however with raku, it takes about 20 minutes.  But behind the scenes, the pieces had to be made and bisque fired in preparation for the event.  A huge thank you to David for the generous donation of his time and resources.  Additionally, David donated ceramic vessels and bowls that were sold with the proceeds going to the guild.

Inside was abuzz with activities including Zentangling with the Phoenix Tanglers led by Suzanne O’Malley.  Suzanne has been studying this art form and is in the process of gaining her certification.  Art Smith and I enjoyed visiting with Suzanne and her co-host Diana learning the art of the tangle.

Anne Osgood, Amy DeCaussin, Gerard Guarino and Wendy Raisanen - banner painters extraordinaire!!

Anne Osgood, Amy DeCaussin, Gerard Guarino and Wendy Raisanen – banner painters extraordinaire!!

Laughter reverberated through the room as the night wore on and people were experimenting with alcohol ink, stamping and watercolor, with Linda Schooley, Lynda Burruss and Sue Hunter respectively.  Amy DeCaussin, wife of scholarship recipient, Cam DeCaussin, led banner painting on banners generously donated by the Shemer Art Center and Museum.  Designed by Laura Cohen Hogan and Ann Osgood, the banners will hang on the north side of the building.  I can’t wait to see them hung! They are fabulous!

Thank goodness for Ivan Halvorson who photographed the evening. He even managed to get a good shot of me, which is no easy feat!

No AAG event would be complete without a smorgasbord of delights.  There was so much food there, I can’t even remember it all.  Highlights include pulled pork, curried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, kale salad, amazing brownies and more.  Thank you to Alicia Plogman, Joan McGue and Alice Pelchat for manning the kitchen.  You do so much more.  The kitchen is the heart of the home, and your efforts make it the heart and hearth for AAG.  Thank you for infusing your warmth and generous spirits to our table.

The proceeds from the night will benefit AAG programs including scholarship and outreach programs which positively impacts the lives of those we serve. Click here to see images from the night.  

Tess Mosko Scherer,
President, Arizona Artists Guild