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News & Events


The Arts in Action . . . 


NOVEMBER 19:  Art Night Out 2011:  An Evening of Art and Entertainment to Benefit Great Falls School of Art.   7pm to 10 pm --  Riverbend Country Club.  Silent art auction.  Painting demonstrations.  Raffle.  Music and more.  Event proceeds will be used to secure workshop space, establish scholarships.market the school's programs and expand its curriculum. 
     
      To donate art for the auction, contact auction coordinator Mollie Vardell at molliev@verizon.net
     
      To purchase a ticket, download the reply card from the Art Night Out page,
      or contact event chair Chris Fraley at cfraley3@aol.com.





Help Us Build a More Artful Community!


NOVEMBER 4:  Richard Kelly, Acclaimed Art Collector and GFFFTA Board Member, to Share Tips on Building and Caring for an Art Collection -- 7pm to 9pm -- Great Falls Library.   Twice named one of the "Top 100 Collectors in America" by Art and Antiques Magazine, Kelly is the founder of the highly regarded Kelly Collection of American Illustration, which includes original works by Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth, and is recognized as one of the most extensive collections of paintings and drawings from the "Golden Age" of American Illustration in the country.  This program is sponsored jointly by GFFFTA and Great Falls Studios as part of ongoing efforts to help make Great Falls a more artful community.


In the News . . .


October 2010:

The Artists' Atelier a Popular Stop on the 7th Annual Great Falls Studios Tour.  More than 400 visitors stopped at the Artists' Atelier the weekend of October 16 to meet the artsists, enjoy painting demonstrations and admire art.  Each of the 16 Atelier artists had multiple works on display and many were on hand to discuss their technique and visit with guests.  GFFFTA and the School of Art were pleased to again be sponsors of the Tour.

September 2010: 
Great Falls School of Art Launches "FREE-for-FALL" Series.  This schedule of 7 free workshops, demonstrations, open studio times and networking opportunities was planned to help promote art as a shared epxerience in the Great Falls community.  Visit the School of Art page or contact Terri Parent at parent.terri@gmail.com to learn more.

August 2010: 
Atelier Artist and Great Falls School of Art Teacher Jill Banks was Awarded "Best in Show" Honors at the Art League of Alexandria's August Landscape Show for her Work "Rainy Day in NYC."   This top honor is among several awarded Jill in recent months.  Learn more at www.jillbanks.com and blog:jillbanks.blogspot.com.


June 2010: 
The Kelly Collection of American Illustration provided an artful setting for the Great Falls School of Art's spring fundraiser.  More than 140 guests enjoyed guided tours of one of the most extensive collections of paintings and drawings from the "Golden Age" of American Illustration in the country.   Being able to pair support for the school with the opportunity to view this extraordinary collection created a unique and very special evening," commented GFFFTA Chairman Diane Falconer. 



                                                     Hosts Richard and Mary Kelly visit with
                                                                   Supervisor John Foust
                                                            and his wife Dr. Marilyn Jerome
March 2010:
Atelier Artists Lead Free Art Demonstrations for Children and Adults
It was standing room only March 13 for the Saturday morning and afternoon drawing programs led by Great Falls School of Art teachers Adrienne Kralick and Michela Mansuino.  Children, teens and adults were treated to demonstrations and enjoyed the opportunity to try their hand at what they had learned. Participants also had an opportunity to check out the school space, visit the GFFFTA Gallery, and visit with artists at work in the Artists' Atelier.

February 2010:
Atelier Artist Recognized by American Portrait Society
Sculptor and artist Michela Mansuino was awarded Honorable Mention in the sculpture category of the American Portrait Society's 2009 Members Only Competition for her entry "Miss Ellen Sedgewick."  In a departure from past competition formats, members were permitted to submit entires in the medium of their choice.  In addition to being an accomplished sculptor, Mansuino teaches drawing and painting at the Great Falls School of Art, and is a member of the Artists' Atelier and Great Falls Studios.

                                                          
Michela Mansuino with "Miss Ellen Sedgwick"

January 2010:
Art School’s Winter Session in Full Swing
The winter schedule at the Great Falls School of Art includes more than 20 classes and workshops for children, teens and adults – all planned to fit busy schedules and fuel a variety of interests and ability levels.  Go to the School of Art page for a complete course bulletin and teacher profiles.


November 2009:  
Success of Art Night Out Fundraiser and Silent Auction Made School Expansion Possible
Thanks to the generosity of event sponsors, patrons and guests, a special donation from Great Falls Studios, and the contribution for auction of more than 50 original works by local artists, proceeds from the second annual fund-raising gala, held in November 2009, provided the resources needed for the Great Falls School of Art to expand its program and purchase needed supplies and equipment. 

                                                         

 
                          GFFFTA Chairman Mollie Vardell and Great Falls Studios President Laura Nichols

November 2009:
Internationally Acclaimed Artist and Teacher Rob Van der Zee Led Weekend Workshop
In 9 Elements of Masterful Painting, Van der Zee shared his philosophy of painting through lecture, demonstration and hands-on instruction.  Van der Zee's works have been exhibited internationally and are included in private and corporate collections throughout the United States.

October 2009:
GFFFTA Collaborated Again with Great Falls Studios to Help Sponsor the Great Falls Studios Tour  During the Tour, original works were on display in the GFFFTA Gallery and the Great Falls School of Art.
  
January 2008:
Robert Liberace Workshop an Immediate Sell-Out
Internationally acclaimed artist Robert Liberace's three-day oil painting workshop The Classic Figure: A Modern Approach - All Prima Figure Painting was an immediate sell-out, drawing students from across the country.  Future Liberace workshops are in the planning stages.


Ongoing Opportunities . . . 

First Friday Open House and Receptions at the Artists' Atelier
Held from 7-9 pm at the Artists’ Atelier on the first Friday evening of each month, these receptions provide an ongoing opportunity for the community to meet the Atelier artists, learn about their work, and network with other art enthusiasts.

Friday, April 2, 7-9 pm: To celebrate the opening of "Landscape Escapes" (Artists of the Atelier)

Friday, May 6, 7-9 pm: To celebrate the opening of "School Spirit" 
(Students and Teachers from the Great Falls School of Art)

Friday, June 4, 7-9 pm: To celebrate the opening of the Joyce McCarten Solo Show:  
A Celebration of the Non-Linear.

Artists’ Atelier and GFFFTA Gallery Open Hours
Saturdays from 12-4 pm, the first Friday evening of every month from 7-9 pm, and by appointment.