Before the "new normal," we were all able to enjoy each other's company, shop, dine, and visit museums and art galleries. Non-profits were able to host events and fundraisers. Now we are in the virtual world', but that is not stopping the Artists Council (AC)! 

The Artists Council recently rolled out its new website, artistscouncil.com. The site is complete with the capabilities to host virtual workshops, classes, lectures, critiques, and art book discussions designed to inform and inspire creativity.  There is also a Member Gallery that promotes the sale of Artists Council members' work. AC Board President David Hatcher said, "I am thrilled about our new website. It is extremely interactive and filled with member-friendly components that make a living in the new 'virtual' world easier."

Besides, the website showcases virtual exhibitions in a 360-degree environment that feels like you are walking through a gallery and allows you to go in for close-ups of the art. Retired software developer and cartographer Steve Benzek said, "I have enjoyed working with the Artists Council Exhibitions and Systems Committees to create virtual exhibitions, which are so important in these times. Technology has allowed us to provide viewers with the experience of touring exhibitions in their actual space.  It is exciting."    

The Artists Council's juried virtual exhibition and sale "Reflections 20/20" is on view from February 22 to April 2.  221 Artists Council members from 20 states and three other countries entered the exhibition. Jurors Rodney D. Lubeznik and Robert S. Leathers selected 89 artworks to be exhibited online and the Award of Merit winners: Roberta Ahrens, Bart Baxter, Stacey Gregory, Nash Lawrence, Nettie Pena, and Linda Stokey. (see attached photos of winning artworks)

Based in Chicago and Palm Springs, Rodney D. Lubeznik (with his partner Susan D. Goodman) is a passionate collector of contemporary art and a longtime supporter of the performing and visual arts. Their globally sourced art collection spans nearly three decades of acquisitions, most recently incorporating new works by artists such as Stanley Whitney, Lauren Halsey, Jeffrey Gibson, Kennedy Yanko, Marco Pariani, Harrison Fraley, and Genevieve Gaignard. Rod commented, "While jurying "Reflections 20/20", I was happy to learn more about the dynamic work of our local artist community.  The otherworldly beauty of the desert prevails as one of the key sources of inspiration among these artists." Rod serves on the board of the Arts Club of Chicago, the Collections Committee of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, and the board and executive committee of the Michigan City, Indiana-based Lubeznik Center for the Arts. He has just joined the Palm Springs Art Museum's Buildings and Grounds Committee, where he and Susan are Leaders Circle members. Rod is the CEO of RMC Enterprises, LLC, which owns and operates McDonald's restaurants in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Juror Robert S. Leathers is an artist who explores the relationship between the built environment and nature. Using paints, dyes, colored pencils, photo transfer, and commercial and hand-dyed fabrics, he develops his artworks with extensive stitchery. He is currently president, co-founder, and architect of Space 4 Art in San Diego – a volunteer-built space for art. Other San Diego-based projects include designing and constructing the Visions Art Gallery and developing a 60-acre property in Jamul, California. Previously in Ithaca, New York, he was the owner and president of an architectural firm specializing in volunteer-built community projects. He has also taught drawing and design and has won numerous awards for his architectural design and fiber work.

Artists Council Director of Education and Professional Development Chris Cozen reports, "Our programming is constantly evolving in response to member needs and requests as well as Covid 19 updates. Virtual classes and programming keep members engaged with friends and colleagues. Creating art is a boon to maintaining a positive mental attitude during Covid isolation. Research demonstrates that when you do something you enjoy, your brain releases endorphins, which give you a sense of well-being. Our classes continue to stay open to everyone, so check out our website to see if there is something which interests you!"

"Mixed Media Collage and Pastel Workshop" will be taught via zoom by Micah Goguen, a Working Artist for Golden Artists Colors, Inc., on March 18 and 25. A resident of Georgia, Goguen has a Master's in Art Therapy.  The interactive workshop will explore the effects of using a palette knife by combining two media to abstract the image and enhance the collage elements. 

A Working Artist with Golden Artists Colors, Amy Shawley Paquette, will teach "Acrylic Texture Essentials: Molding Paste" on April 21, 28, and May 5. The zoom workshop will explore the basics of texturing using molding paste as a ground for subtractive painting, brush/knife applications for impasto effects, "wet carving," stenciling, and impression/stamping with natural elements. Students will receive a Summary PDF that includes all project steps, notes, and relevant links to outside websites.

"Wildflower Tangle – Weaving Negative and Positive with Acrylics" will explore active brushwork, one-stroke painting, and layering of transparent and opaque colors in lights and darks. The Artists Council is pleased to welcome back to the Coachella Valley, Award-winning Canadian artist Linda Kemp who will teach this 2-day intensive via zoom on May 14-15. Her paintings are in private, government, and corporate collections around the world.  Working in both acrylics and watercolors, she is notably recognized for her innovative use of negative painting and has authored two best-selling books on the subject.

For further info on viewing "Reflections 20/20", attending educational events, or joining the Artists Council, please visit artistscouncil.com.

The Artists Council, formerly part of Palm Springs Art Museum, is now in its second year as an independent organization recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit. Promoting the art and artists of the Coachella Valley and beyond through its mission:" Elevating artists through exhibitions, professional development, and community engagement." With the support of members and the community, AC endeavors to create an essential organization for artists in the Coachella Valley. To learn more about the Artists Council and to become a member or supporter, go to artistscouncil.com.