Galveston Art League schedules 3 March workshops

You can explore custom framing innovations, improve your oil-painting prowess, and create whimsical gourd characters during March workshops offered by the nonprofit Galveston Art League. The Art League regularly offers low-cost workshops to members and nonmembers as part of its mission to increase appreciation of visual arts; check www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”) to find out about other learning opportunities the league has scheduled.
The three workshops below will be held at the Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in downtown Galveston. You may register and pay at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com. If you have questions, please call 281-451-5814‬ or email [email protected].
Art of Framing, March 7
Kari Schmidt, whose business is Cornerstone Framing and Design in Conroe, will discuss the do’s and don’ts of custom framing and talk about her favorite techniques during this workshop, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. There is no charge for the workshop, but a $20 tax-deductible contribution to the Art League’s building fund is suggested. 
At the workshop, participants can examine samples of different glass, backing boards, mat boards, tapes, etc., and they’ll learn the uses of each material. Other topics include archival products, including backing, hinging, and mounting. Throughout the workshop, several examples of framed works will be displayed.
If participants wish, they may bring an artwork to receive recommendations for best displaying it. “There’s nothing I can’t frame,” the instructor says. “I specialize in fine art and textiles. I am mobile and come to my customers.”
Well-known regional painter Suzanne Seiler will assist in the presentation and speak about the importance of framing from the viewpoint of a successful artist. As a workshop bonus, one lucky participant will receive a door prize, a high-quality reproduction of an original artwork. 
Oil Painting with David Wheeler, March 15
Art instructor and juried show judge David Wheeler will assist oil painters who bring in artwork they want to start or finish. Or students may bring in a painting that they want to improve, and Wheeler will coach them on ways to make it better during the workshop, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Cost is $50, and attendees will bring their supplies with them.
Wheeler has been painting since childhood, and oil paint is his favorite medium. He believes art, explored in any medium, should be fun.
Wheeler currently teaches beginning and advanced oil painting at College of the Mainland’s Lifelong Learning Program and at Galveston College in the continuing education department.
He has traveled to Italy and France to paint, and has shown in several galleries in Houston. Wheeler sells his art at the Galveston Art League and Rivers Edge Gallery in Kerrville, Texas.
Gourd Painting Workshop, March 28

Under instructor Eleanore Wuthrich’s guidance, participants will paint and decorate various shapes of gourds to make characters or animals of their choosing. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (no lunch break) on Saturday, March 28. 
Cost is $35, which includes gourds, acrylic paint, and some decorating accessories. Participants should bring a small brush for detailing faces; a flat half- to three-quarter-inch brush for painting larger areas; a glue gun and sticks or a tube of glue such as E-6000; a heat gun to help drying is optional – Wuthrich says not to buy one for the workshop.
She will begin the workshop with a brief lecture explaining the process of cleaning gourds, safety considerations in working with gourds, and the tools needed. Samples and pictures of finished gourds will be available to stimulate attendees’ ideas for the projects they will create. 
More about the Galveston Art League

The Galveston Art League, founded in 1914, has never had a paid staff member. Volunteers take care of business at its downtown Galveston gallery and serve on the organization’s board of directors. 
The Art League primarily is funded by the proceeds from a fall gala, contributions, and memberships. The Art League welcomes artists and non-artists as members. To learn about membership benefits and levels, please visit www.GalvestonArtLeague.com and click on “Join.”

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