what we’ve been up to

We’re Searching for a Drawing and Painting Professional Instructor

Start date March 2024. The Verdes Art League is offering space for an artist who wants to teach a weekly class for our members - beginners through advanced (even some fellow professional). The preferred time/day is Monday 9 AM - 12.

The VAL professional instructor will develop a curriculum that that focuses on the fundamentals of drawing and painting across various mediums and advises experienced artists.

The instructor will basically act as an independent contractor. The following decisions will be made by the instructor: Fees per class and collection method, class size and curriculum.

Verdes Art League endorses this class and will promote it on VAL website. The instructor does not need to be a VAL member or resident of the Verdes.

If interested, please contact Marz Doerflinger (360-481-2005) or Marcy Roth (785-452-1063) by December 20.

The Verde Art League Joins in as the Rio Verde Celebrates 50 Years

From Mary Kuhr

It was such a joy to see all of you so happily painting, sewing, cupcake decorating, wood working, gourd designing, mural history, video making, paper arts, ...(did I miss any?)... in the art room (that we are so thankful for), at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Wow. Each shift was full of happy artists. What pleasure to witness. Everyone was so considerate, helpful and flexible - key….flexible…lol. There were some reports of artists helping the walk in traffic become more acquainted with the Art League and encouraging them to join.

In Appreciation of Eddie Lopez

An interview with this verdes art league long time friend and mentor

Hidden In Rio Art Tour and Reception

On Sunday, April 16, 2023

Art was on full display. Residents of both Tonto and Rio Verde celebrated art and our communities in a self-guided art tour of seven Rio Verde homes where VAL artists showed their work and demonstrated technique. Several patios featured interactive art opportunities (e.g., painting, clay, and jewelry making) for children and adults. A a wine reception followed from 4-5:30 in the beautiful desert gardens of George and Jan Gruel. Here guests discovered more artists and Jim O’Farrell will provide live music. Here are just a few photos.

So many thanks for all VAL members who worked so hard to make this event a success. Click here for a list of those who made this first patio tour so great.

Verdes Art League Visits Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA)

on March 8, 2023

The contemporary juried art show was exceptional, and enjoyed by everyone Unique pieces including fiberart, basketry, quilts, jewelry and ceramics. Current exhibits “Shared Places, and Un Familiar Faces, Urban portraits, Looking at Nature, and Contemporary Crafts were all engaging and popular. After touring these exhibits, Susan Murphy led us on a 2 block walk to her favorite Mexican Restaurant “Republica Empanada” followed by a tour of the Museum shop.

About MCA: In five stunning galleries, MCA Museum showcases curated and juried exhibitions of contemporary art by emerging and internationally recognized artists. MCA Museum also offers lectures by significant artists and arts professionals, art workshops and a volunteer Docent program.

To find out more about the Mesa Art Center, click here.

Sip and Paint: VAL Social Event

Monday evening March 3rd, Jennie Becker graciously brought to the Verdes Art League table easels, paints, and canvas pre-drawn with wondrous images (taken by Jennie herself) of beasts, and birds, and butterflies. She provided guidance as a group of VAL artists and friends worked to color in and outside the line. The event was truly Art for All in that those attending ranged from experienced painters to those that hardly–if at all–picked up a brush loaded with paint. Here a few photos from this evening.

Have You Heard? We have.

Linda Hefter leads VAL Members in the “Substance of Stars”

On Thursday, February 9th, nineteen VAL artists visited the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix, Arizona guided by Rio Verde resident and Heard docent Linda Hefter. They attended two exhibits the Substance of Stars and He‘e Nalu | The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing.

Click here to read testimonies and to see more photos of this VAL Excursion. If you’d like to see or see again these exhibits, He‘e Nalu will run through July 26, 2023 and the Substance of Stars is a new permanent exhibit. The Heard Museum is open Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM. Admission is $18 in advance (online) and $20 walk up for those 65+.

Fountain Hill Art League Show Winners

A message from Marz from Marz Doerflinger, Fountain Hills Art League show juror

I was honored to be asked to judge the Fountain Hills Art League show this year. The Verdes Art League had a strong presence and really showcased our talent. Fellow judge Suzie Black and I spent the better part of a day debating the merits of each entry, comparing them to our criteria list and coming to an agreement on awards. In the end, three VAL members came home with honors.

Marcy Roth was awarded first place in the Oil Painting category with “Face Time Joy”. The small painting of a woman using an iPad carried big impact with its unique peek into modern life. Her contemporary style, composition, and emotional connection with the viewer made this painting a winner.

Also in the Oil Painting Category was Kari Hogden. “The Deceivers” received and honorable mention in this highly competitive category. Her large desert landscape absolutely glowed. The color groups were compelling and she gave the viewer a master class in the use of values.

The Mixed Media category was our most hotly debated group. We spent a lot of time discussing the merits of one painting over another, arranging our choices along the floor, turning them this way, then that way. At the end of the day, our very own Kathy Brancheau was chosen the winner with “In the City”. Kathy captured the energy and attitude of a cityscape without painting a single building or street. The viewer knew exactly what she was striving to convey through her expressive use of acrylic and collage.

Congratulations to our award winners and I hope everyone had a chance to see the show!

Sweet! VAL Social Event

It was frosting madness on Monday, Feb. 5th. 12 VAL members gathered on Feb. 5 to learn a bit about the art of cupcake decorating from Diane Kizewski. Some of the frosting actually made it onto the cupcakes. LOL. Many thanks to Diane and Kurt Inman who helped to organize this fun event. Stay tuned for information on our next VAL Social. These are free, fun events.

Spring Flowers in February. Grace Haverty Watercolor Workshop.

Bright blooms were everyone on Friday, Feb. 3rd as accomplished watercolor artist Grace Harverty taught her first of three workshops. Grace’s next workshop is on March 3. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Fall 2022 Art Show

The Fall Verdes Art Show welcomed 388 visitors. The Rio Verde Country Club agreed hosted the event . Event organizer Katherine Hrnicek Otte (Kathy) extended her gratitude, “I am extremely grateful to the Country Club for allowing us this one time opportunity.” Kathy also extended her appreciation to the “seasoned” members of the art league, “namely Margaret Sullivan, Chris Demma, and Ed Botkin, without whose advice and counsel I would not have been able to put it all together.”

Stay tuned for info on the Verdes 2023 Spring Show.

A Very VAL Christmas

It might have been Charlie Brown themed, yet no frowns to be found at the VAL Charlie Brown’s Christmas Art Experience: Good Grief!. A big thank you to Kurt and Marcy who put together this festive event. Each participant worked to create a Christmas inspired painting rendered in acrylics. For 5 minutes. The timer went off and each person passed their artwork clockwise to another painter. 8 artists later, what the original artist received back was a surprise and great fun to see.

If you’d be interested in participating in a similar event. Please indicate this on our upcoming VAL Social Survey.