More Classes Begin in January

P. J. Lane, certified art teacher since 1985 with a master's degree in elementary education, is offering classes at the Gallery for kids and adults. The "So You Want to Learn How..." classes give you a chance to try out a medium before committing to use it. The following courses will continue as shown:

• "So You Want to Learn How to Draw with Graphite and Paint with Watercolors," fee $35 for four sessions, supplies included. For 18 years and older, choose four sessions to be held from 11 AM to Noon on Wednesdays through Feb. 13. Kid-friendly classes (6 years and up) will be held on Fridays through Feb. 15 from 5 to 6 PM.


• "I Want to Learn More About Drawing and Painting," $25 for four sessions, supplies not provided. Adults 18 and over choose four Wednesdays through Feb. 20, 10 AM to Noon. Kid-friendly (6 years and up) sessions on Fridays through Feb. 15 from 4 to 5 PM.


• "Getting Crafty," $10 per class, held every first and third Saturday beginning Jan. 19. Adults 18 and older 10 to 11 AM, kid-friendly classes ages 6 and up, 11 AM to Noon.

Sunday through Tuesday call P. J. Lane at 830.379.8703 and let the phone ring awhile to sign up, or call the Gallery Wednesday-Saturday 10 AM-6 PM starting Jan. 2.

5th Annual Call to Artists Grades 1-8

Artists in grades 1 through 8 are invited to bring up to two pieces of their work to the Gallery on Wednesday, Jan. 16, between 4 and 6 PM for display in the 5th Annual Elementary and Middle School Art Show to be held through February.

Hanging art must be matted or framed, and frames must have a wire across the back plus the full name, grade, school, and home phone number of the artist. Suggested media for the show includes acrylics, watercolor, oil, pastels, colored pencil, charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, colored markers, collages, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, and mosaics. Imagination is the key, so don't be afraid to do something we haven't thought of yet. If you have any questions or problems, please call 830.372.4997.

All your hard work will be rewarded with about six-weeks of display in the Gallery, and you can put a sale price on your piece if you want to. The Gallery takes no commission on sale of student work.

When first hung, the exhibit will be viewed by a panel of judges, and cash prizes will be awarded to winners present at the Opening Reception from 3 to 5 PM Sunday, Jan. 20. Cash prizes will be awarded in each grade group.

Click here for detailed information and to print an entry form to bring with the artwork. Please tell every child you know who might be interested. This show is one of the most fun we have all year.

Animal Clay Sculpture Class for Holidays

Students 10 years and older can use their holiday freedom to make their own animal sculpture. Noted ceramist and teacher Roger Betschler will lead two classes of 10 students each in creating their favorite animal in clay.

Classes will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Jan. 2, 3, and 4, in the Gallery at 109 N. River St. One class will meet from 10 AM to Noon, and the other class from 1 to 3 PM. The cost of the three sessions is $30 plus $10 for supplies.

Betschler has taught Art for 22 years in the public schools. In this class he will teach how to draw animals with a focus on form and texture, demonstrate how to model clay to create form, and help students add texture. The finished products will be fired in his studio kilns (rogersartstudio.com) and brought back to the SOAL Gallery for pick-up.

Because the Gallery will be closed for the holidays until Jan. 2, be sure to register by Saturday, Dec. 22. To sign up or get more information, call the Gallery at 830.372.4479 or 830.379.7625.

New Officers Plan Regular Events Plus Big Changes

Robin Roberts Walker, left, new SOAL President for 2013-2014, with outgoing 2011-2012 President Debbie Zengerle at the Holiday Party held at Jeanne Palmer's home. New officers have planned the 2013 schedule to contain all our regular shows and ask members for ideas about a new location when necessary.

Looking back, SOAL membership has grown from 52 in early 2011 to nearly 150 now, our Gallery and gift shop have enhanced downtown Seguin for more than a year, and we had a full house for YuleFest, which was a huge success. It's true that the building housing the Gallery has been sold, but looking ahead, both presidents foresee a bright future.

The 5th Annual Elementary and Middle School Art Show will be held through February with the Opening Reception from 3 to 5 PM Sunday, Jan. 20. Prizes will be awarded in each grade group. (See the posting above.)

Also, classes will continue in January for adults and young artists as well. Please keep an eye on this blog and our website for new developments.