Monthly Archives: March 2013

March 2013 news

Spring Show dates

Wed. May 15 – artwork to Jacob Woll Pavilion
Thurs. May 16 – Judging and rehanging of entries
Fri. May 17 – Opening Night
Sun. May 19 – Tear down after 7pm
Mon. May 20 – Put away panels, clean up, etc.

Raffle basket for Spring Show

We will be putting together a “Breakfast Basket” to raffle off at the Spring Show.  I have purchased, at a very low price, a Presto Electric Griddle.  Included will be a large basket of breakfast items.  So we will need donations of anything non-perishable, i.e., pancake mix, syrup, tea, 1 lb. coffee, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix, canned ham, etc. to complete the basket.

As we discussed at our last meeting, the MAG will have three sketching/painting sessions during the summer months.  The dates are subject to change in case of inclement weather:

Dates for sketching/painting outdoors

Saturday, June 22 – Rose Garden, Renzie Park  12:30 to 4:00
Saturday, July 20 – Mingo Creek Covered Bridge – 10-3 (pack a lunch)
Saturday, August 17 – McKeesport Marina  12:30 to 4:00
HINT:  Bring your camera – take a snapshot of your subject for use later

Feig’s Bakery Windows

We have cleaned the windows, erected panels and hung some paintings/artwork/3D sculpture in the old bakery windows on Lincoln Way.  We’ll need more artwork.  Bring some of your work to the meeting and we’ll hang it for you.  We will have use of the windows until the owner sells or rents the property.  The doors are locked and the artwork is secure.

—Jan Catalogna

March meeting: Welcome Paul McMillan

Our demonstrator for the March meeting will be painter Paul McMillan. Everyone is welcome!

The meeting is at 7:15 p.m. Monday, March 18 at McKeesport High School.

Paul was born in Kansas, raised in Texas, lived in Taos, NM and Ithaca, NY, but now resides and works in Pittsburgh.  He is a self-taught artist best known for his landscapes and still life paintings.

Paul’s style ranges from classical to abstract and has occasionally included his original poetry and music as subject matter.

His artwork is strong in light, shadow and atmosphere, with deep, rich colors.  Most of Paul’s paintings are created with a wet color technique, using stand oil mixed with small amounts of beeswax and mastic resin as a medium. This adds to the depth and luminosity of pigments and works well for both impasto and smooth surfaces.  A very thin coat of varnish is used to protect the finished painting without altering the sheen or texture.  Many of the frames for his paintings are made from scratch and are hand carved and gilded.

Paul began pursuing art as a profession in 1978 and has received numerous awards including:

  • 1995 — Best of Show at Taos Spring Arts
  • 1999 — Second Overall, “25th Anniversary Taos Fall Arts Festival,” Taos, NM
  • 2001 — First Place, “20th Annual Art Exhibit,” Lewisburg Festival of The Arts, Lewisburg, PA
  • 2011 — Jurors Choice, “Halo Exhibit” Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Pittsburgh, PA
  • 2011 — Best of Show, “Westmoreland Art Nationals,” Latrobe, PA
  • 2011 – Peoples’ Choice, “Westmoreland Art Nationals,” Latrobe, PA
  • 2011 — Merit Award “Hoyt Mid Atlantic Juried Exhibition, New Castle, PA
  • 2012 — Joan Swanson Macey Award, 2012 Annual Exhibit, Pgh. Society of Artists, Pgh., PA