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Letter from the Vice President:
As we prepare to close out our 50th Anniversary year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an extraordinary milestone this has been for the Annapolis Watercolor Club. Serving as your Vice President during such a meaningful chapter has been a true honor.
Throughout 2025, our community demonstrated exactly what has sustained this club for half a century, your enthusiasm for learning, your generosity in sharing your art and experience, and your willingness to support one another. From inspiring demos and workshops to exhibitions, plein airs, and special anniversary celebrations, every event showcased the strength and creativity of our membership.
I am deeply grateful to all of you who volunteered, participated, attended, and contributed in ways big and small. Your involvement is what breathes life into this club and ensures its continued growth. While our anniversary year may be coming to a close, the energy you’ve created will carry us forward into an exciting future.
As we enter the holiday season, I hope you take time to celebrate your accomplishments, both artistic and personal, and enjoy the warmth of this community we’ve built together. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Holiday Party and to all we will create in the year ahead.
Thank you for an unforgettable 50th year. Here’s to the next one.
Wishing you joy and creativity,
Eileen Hempel, Vice President |
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Wednesday, December 10 ~ 1-4 pm
Seelos Hall, St. John Neumann Church
1:00 pm Art Salon Setup
1:30 pm General Meeting with Vice President, Eileen Hempel
2:00 pm Holiday Festivities |
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In-Person Art Salon
Bring your in-process or completed paintings to Seelos Hall and display them on our table easels. Our members will enjoy seeing your work and leaving comments! If possible, pick a painting with a winter or holiday theme. NOTE: Please leave your paintings on display until the end of the event so more people can enjoy viewing them.
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JOIN US FOR THE AWC
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY |
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The Annapolis Watercolor Club warmly invites all members to our Annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 10th, from 1-4 PM, at Seelos Hall behind St. John Neumann Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd, Annapolis 21401.
This festive gathering is one of our favorite traditions. It is a chance to come together, celebrate another creative year, and enjoy good company. Lunch and sides will be provided, and as always, we ask each of you to bring a dessert to share. Your homemade and store-bought treats always make the event extra special. |
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Cheryl, Linda and Marti
from a previous Holiday Party |
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Mini Painting Exchange
We are adding a creative twist to this year’s Annual Holiday Party. Instead of our traditional gift exchange, we will be hosting a Mini Painting Exchange! A fun, meaningful way to share our art with one another.
Here’s how it works:
- 1. Bring an original painting, 5x7 inches or smaller — unframed and unmatted. (Signed or unsigned, your choice.)
- 2. Theme: Anything you like, as long as it’s PG-rated.
- 3. Seal your painting inside a blank envelope -- no peeking! We will have extras on hand if needed.
- 4. Each envelope will be given a number when you arrive, and everyone who brings a painting will draw a random number from a hat.
- 5. The number you draw gives you the mini painting you take home!
No shopping stress, no gift stealing, no awkward moments -- just a joyful exchange of creativity. Plus, you will get to see original mini paintings revealed for the first time, all created by our talented members!
Bring a mini painting and go home with a gift made from the heart.
By Eileen Hempel and Connie Robinson |
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Each year during the Annapolis Watercolor Club’s Holiday Party, members come together not only to celebrate the season but also to give back to our community by collecting art supplies for a local charity. This year’s celebration, to be held on December 10th at Seelos Hall, continues that cherished tradition. We are delighted to announce that we will be teaming up with the Annapolis Arts Alliance (AAA) to support their wonderful Art Buddies program.
Through the AAA’s Community Outreach initiative, members of the AAA board and artists from Gallery 57 West fill backpacks with art supplies and spend the day helping local children from the Annapolis area explore their creativity in new and joyful ways. It is a program that brings art, mentorship, and imagination directly into the hands of young, aspiring artists.
We invite members to join in by donating art supplies for this cause.
NO NEED TO LABEL OR CHRISTMAS WRAP.
Requested items include:
• Paints – watercolors and acrylics (craft size)
• Brushes
• Small sketch pads
• Canvases
• Colored pencils
• Markers and pastels
• Printmaking supplies – such as Styrofoam trays and brayer rollers
• Canvas bags – to be painted on
Together, let us share the holiday spirit by helping to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of artists right here in our community. Eileen Hempel, AWC Vice President |
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Homestead Gardens Post Event
Review by Jan Morris (held November 13)
The nursery was decked out in its holiday best including the most beautiful greenery and poinsettias. It was a bit too windy to paint outside so we walked inside and then found our spots to capture inspiration. Welcome to Patty Cunningham, a new member and first-time plein air painter. This garden is well worth a visit. Thanks to Carol, Sue, Nancy, Lon, Patty, and any I missed for attending. Special thanks to Carol and Sue who greeted folks and snapped pictures. It helps so much!
Note: There will be no Plein Air event the month of December. Please feel free to email pleinair@annapoliswatercolorclub.org to share your plein air thoughts. |
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EXHIBITS
Our AWC members are currently exhibiting at the Ginger Cove retirement community. Over 20 people submitted their paintings for the exhibit. and they will continue to be shown through January 2, 2026. We are pursuing several places for our next exhibit, so stay tuned.
Address: 4000 River Crescent Dr. Annapolis 21401
Kris Angelis, Exhibits Chair
ka28lax@aol.com |
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Featured Artist
Glenda Keyes
Glenda is an artist born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains of Upper New York State. The natural beauty of the area set the stage for her appreciation of art through nature. She was influenced by the watercolors of the Adirondacks by Winslow Homer and the late Robert Plumb, a local artist and her first instructor.
She now teaches watercolor two days a week in her home studio and does various Paint Nights in acrylic. Glenda was juried into the Mid Atlantic Regional Watercolor exhibit in Gaithersburg, Maryland, that continues through January 11, 2026.
Glenda continues to paint in the mediums of watercolor, acrylic and oils as she pursues her passion for painting. www.glendakeyesartist.com
The painting below (tomatoes) titled: Endless Summer, received an Honorable Mention Award from Juror, Stacy Lund Levy, at the Annapolis Arts Alliance exhibit. which ran through Nov 16 at Quiet Waters Park Gallery. |
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"Painting is cheaper than therapy"
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September Painting Demonstration Video With
Emma Lian Now Available |
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We are pleased to share that the recording of our September demonstration with watercolor artist Emma Lian is now available for all members to enjoy. If you missed the live session—or would simply like to revisit Emma’s techniques and insights—you can view the full demo through the link provided below. The recording is hosted on Emma’s YouTube channel, “Art by Emma Lian.” We hope you find it as inspiring and educational as the many members who attended live.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETLnARCmIbE |
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Thank You For Your Patience: We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our membership for your patience over the past several weeks as we have been updating our contracts. These updates will ensure clearer guidelines, allowing us to continue offering high-quality programs while also protecting both our artists and the Club. At the same time, we are actively working to consolidate all of our social media accounts under the Annapolis Watercolor Club name to improve continuity, strengthen our public presence, and enhance digital security across platforms. These behind-the-scenes improvements take time, and your understanding has been greatly appreciated.
We look forward to bringing you even more engaging demonstrations, workshops, and outreach as these updates take effect. Eileen Hempel, AWC Vice President |
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What Are Our AWC Members Up To? |
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Kathy Strouss is Exhibiting with the
2025 BWS Mid-Atlantic Show
Kathy's recent watercolor work entitled, “My Perfume Collection” was selected for the Baltimore Watercolor Society 2025 Mid Atlantic Regional Show at Kentland’s Mansion.
SHOW DATES: Through January 11, 2026 at the Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion Galleries, 311 and 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Paintings for the show will be displayed in BOTH buildings. In order to see BOTH buildings while open, it’s best to attend on Tuesday-Friday from 1-4. This is when both buildings are open at the same time. |
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Last year’s entry, “Lady Palm” exhibited with the BWS 2024 juried show. Kathy is also excited to share that she was accepted through the jurying process as a Signature Member of the BWS this fall.
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Becky Lindberg Is Exhibiting With
the BWS Mid-Atlantic Show I am pleased and excited that my painting “Toretto” has been selected for the Baltimore Watercolor Society 2025 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition. The exhibition is scheduled through January 11, 2026, in Gaithersburg, MD.
LOCATION:
Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion Galleries
311 and 320 Kent Square Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Paintings for the show will be displayed in BOTH buildings. In order to see BOTH buildings while open, it is best to attend on Tuesday-Friday from 1-4. This is when both buildings are open at the same time. |
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Linda Luke continues her weekly "Let's Paint Together" classes held at:
St Margaret's Church
1601 Pleasant Plains Road
Annapolis 21403
Here is the link to sign up for December 2-16, Tuesdays 3-5 pm. https://lindaluke.com/workshops |
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Do you have an article to submit?
Any friends having an art exhibit?
Did you read something art related to share?
Send the article or link to Connie Robinson, Newsletter Editor,
constancejr@comcast.net |
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You Are Invited to Mildred Bottner Anderson’s
Open Art Studio and Reception
December 20, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
At
Middle Plantation
2621 Davidsonville Road
Gambrills, MD 21054
Phone: 410.721.0498
Come & Bring a Friend to Pre-Christmas Sale
Paintings in Acrylic, Watercolor and Oil
Of
Landmarks, Barns, Churches, Flowers, Landscapes,
And Seascapes
Prints & Giclées are also Available
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WEBSITE AND MEMBERSHIP
It is that time of year! Dues are due by January 1st and are good for the next calendar year. They are still $35 for 2026. If you are a current member, you will receive a series of dues reminders, with the first one going out in early December. If you do not get a reminder, that may be because you have already paid them. You can check by logging in at annapoliswatercolorclub.org and checking your profile. If you have not logged in recently, you may be required to reset your password. To find your profile, click on the avatar in the upper right corner of the page. You will see a "RENEW TO..." button part-way down the profile page. Just above the button, you will see "Renewal due on" date, so you can check to make sure you have not already paid. If it says "Renewal due on Thursday,January 01, 2026," then you can use the blue button to pay by credit card. If it says"January 01, 2027," then thank you for renewing! Liz Grimes, Website administrator
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SUNSHINE CLUB
As our year draws to a close, just another reminder that the Sunshine Club is here to support our members with congratulations on a job well done or to send an uplifting thought or show of support to any member that may be experiencing and rough patch of one kind or another. We use the services and beautiful e-cards from Jacquie Lawson to keep in touch. If you can think of a reason to send a card, please let me know at sunshine.AWC.dw@gmail.com. Thank you and Happy Holidays,
Dina Weavers |
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Don't forget that you can always find art supplies at the Art Things store in Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St, Room #108, lower level.
The new owners are: Meg Brennan and Katie Grasso. Let's give them our support.
410-878-7786. Hours: M-W-F 10-3, Sat 11-2 |
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AWC CALENDAR 2025
(click here to print copy with more details)
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MEETINGS:
Dec 4 - 7:00 pm Board Meeting Dec 10 - In-Person HOLIDAY PARTY 1-4 pm Seelos Hall, St. John Neumann Church |
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EXHIBITS:
Nov 8, 2025 to Jan 2,
2026 - Ginger Cove
EVENTS:
PLEIN AIR SKETCH & PAINT (none for December) |
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PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING! (SEE ARTICLE BELOW) OPEN POSITIONS FOR
BOARD MEMBERS AND CHAIRS
As noted below, we have the following volunteer positions open.
Please consider serving a two-year term for one of these fun jobs!
PRESIDENT (Dec 2025)
ART SALON HOST
TREASURER
WORKSHOP CHAIR
Email President, Juanita Green, for more information about any of these positions.
President@annapoliswatercolorclub.org
Or, email the person in the job at the present time. |
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AWC Needs Volunteers to Fill Key Leadership Roles The Annapolis Watercolor Club depends on the commitment and support of its volunteers. Many of our current leaders have served for years, keeping our programs, website, and newsletter running smoothly. We are sincerely grateful for their dedication and all they have done.
As we look ahead, it is time to give these long-serving volunteers a well-earned break and invite new members to step forward. To ensure the continued success of the club, we are seeking volunteers for several essential positions: President, Treasurer, Assistant Website Administrator, Assistant Newsletter Editor, Art Salon Host, and Workshop Chair.
These roles are crucial to the functioning of the AWC. If you have a little time to give each month, an interest in helping guide the future of our organization, or simply a desire to give back, please consider volunteering.
For more information or to express interest, send an email to Eileen Hempel at:
vicepresident@annapoliswatercolorclub.org
Your willingness to help can make all the difference. Everyone who volunteers will be mentored. For descriptions of the positions, please see below.
President: Provides overall leadership and direction for the organization, working closely with the Board and committee chairs to ensure smooth operations and support the club’s mission. This role includes presiding over monthly board and general membership meetings, coordinating with volunteers, guiding long-term planning, and representing the AWC to members and the broader arts community. The President also works in coordination with the Vice President to secure monthly demonstrators and maintain program continuity. Candidates should have a working knowledge of email and texting, and be willing to learn the ins and outs of the club’s Google Drive. As the central point of communication, the President helps keep the club organized, engaged, and moving confidently into the future. |
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Treasurer: Responsible for managing the club’s finances and ensuring accurate, transparent recordkeeping. This role includes tracking income and expenses, maintaining the bank accounts, preparing monthly financial reports for the Board, and assisting with the annual budget. The Treasurer processes membership payments, handles reimbursement requests, and works closely with the Board to ensure the club remains financially stable and compliant with all required filings. Candidates should be comfortable with basic financial management, spreadsheets, email, and digital recordkeeping.
Assistant Website Administrator: Works with the primary website administrator to oversee the maintenance, updates, and overall functionality of the club’s website using Wild Apricot, ensuring members and the public have access to accurate and timely information. This role includes posting announcements, updating exhibit details and event pages, managing links and online resources, and coordinating with Board members and committee chairs to keep content current. The Website Administrator should be comfortable learning the Wild Apricot platform, have basic computer and communication skills, and be willing to learn how to troubleshoot or coordinate technical issues as they arise.
Assistant Newsletter Editor: Assists with the creation, formatting, and distribution of the club’s newsletter. This role includes working closely with the primary Newsletter Editor and Board members to gather content, edit submissions, and ensure the newsletter is visually appealing and accurate. Candidates should have a working knowledge of email and Microsoft Word, digital file management, PowerPoint software, and be comfortable working with formats such as PDFs and jpgs. Knowledge of AdobePhotoshop or other photo software is helpful. You will be mentored in creating the newsletter layout with our WildApricot database which we use to email newsletters and other notices to our members.
Art Salon Host(s): The AWC is seeking a volunteer—or two—to lead our Art Salon program, which may be filled as a single position or divided into an In-Person Host and Online Host.
The in-person role is during our meetings and demos at Seelos Hall (4 x year) and includes setting up the table easels for members’ paintings on the tables, laying out ledger papers and pens (provided by AWC) next to the painting for comments by our members, and handling takedown after each session.
The online role is for our Zoom Members’ Meetings (6x year) and requires a working knowledge of email and PowerPoint to manage digital submissions and prepare slide presentations. The host will narrate the slide presentation and read comments from the participating artists. Comments from viewers are encouraged in the Zoom Chat Room. If you enjoy supporting creative community and helping facilitate artistic discussion, we invite you to consider stepping into this rewarding opportunity.
If you have questions about a particular role, you can also contact the person below that currently holds the position. Here is a link to print out this article: Volunteer Positions By Eileen Hempel and Connie Robinson |
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Copyright © 2025 Annapolis Watercolor Club, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you “opted in” via our website.
www.annapoliswatercolorclub.org Our Mailing address is:
Annapolis Watercolor Club, PO Box 6030, Annapolis, MD 21401-0030 |
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