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Letter from our President:
“Love in Every Brushstroke":
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Live from Paris with Alex Hillkurtz on February 11th
One of the many wonderful things about painting with the Annapolis Watercolor Club is the many people that you meet, get to know, and form lasting friendships with. We learn from each other, encourage each other in our workshops, demos and plein air activities -- and have fun!
As an AWC past president, I was fortunate to host Alex Hillkurtz during COVID in 2021. Alex was born in England, and grew up in California. He and his wife, Tiffany, who does the "beep beep" sounds for the Minon movies, live in Paris, France. Alex and I were both learning how to teach on Zoom at that time.
I hosted him as a demonstrator for our February 17, 2021 Zoom Members' Meeting. There were 180 on that Zoom! Alex is quite charming, a very good teacher and communicator. He was to teach for 1 ½ hours, which he did. However, the time was extended by another half hour for him to answer many questions from our members. |
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Alex and I have kept in touch and actually were able to have coffee last summer at a café near his home in Paris to catch up and “talk shop.” He is now hosting workshops all over the world, has a new book, and is more charming in person than working with him on Zoom.
Please check out some of his YouTube videos before our celebration of
Valentine’s Day demo live from Paris, France with Alex Hillkurtz!
Happy painting,
Linda Luke, President
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Wednesday, February 11, 6:30-8:30 pm
Zoom Members' Meeting
6:30 pm Art Salon With Shannon Kelly
7:00 pm General Meeting with President, Linda Luke
7:15 pm Painting Demonstration with Alex Hillkurtz |
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Zoom Art Salon
With Shannon Kelly
6:30 pm, February 11
Please email your painting jpgs for the Zoom Art Salon to Shannon Kelly at skelly823@gmail.com, no later than Sunday, February 8.
Be sure to include your name, title of work, dimensions, and description of the work. Include your inspiration or purpose for the painting, process, or anything else you would like to share.
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Announcement:
Shannon Kelly, who has been preparing the PowerPoint slide shows for Andrea Naft, and sometimes hosting the
Zoom on-line Art Salon
has now agreed to be our permanent
Art Salon On-Line Host.
Thank you Shannon! Visit her web site:
DaisyLions Studio - Salon |
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AWC Welcomes Alex Hillkurtz for a Special Zoom Painting Demonstration from
Paris
7:15 pm, February 11 |
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The Annapolis Watercolor Club is thrilled to welcome acclaimed artist and storyboard illustrator Alex Hillkurtz for a live Zoom demonstration on February 11 broadcast straight from Paris, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Born in England and raised in California, Alex brings a truly international perspective to his work. He is widely known for his career as a storyboard artist in the film industry, with credits that include Argo, Almost Famous, It’s Complicated, and many other major motion pictures. His cinematic background deeply informs his approach to painting, giving his watercolor scenes a strong sense of composition, mood, and storytelling.
Now living in Paris with his wife, film editor Tiffany, Alex spends his days exploring the city’s quieter corners, alleyways, cafés, riverbanks, and overlooked streets, often with a sketchbook in hand. These intimate discoveries become the foundation for his plein air paintings, where light, atmosphere, and narrative take center stage. His work captures fleeting moments with confidence and economy, using watercolor to suggest rather than explain.
Held during Valentine’s week, this Paris based demo embraces the romance of the season. From soft winter light along the Seine to the quiet poetry of everyday city life, Alex’s work reflects the charm and intimacy that have made Paris an enduring symbol of love and inspiration for artists.
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This demo promises to be both inspiring and informative, offering AWC members a rare opportunity to experience an evening of art, atmosphere, and a touch of Parisian romance.
We are delighted to have Alex join us and look forward to an evening filled with artistry, insight, and Parisian Valentine magic.
Visit his web site and see his gallery of art: https://www.alexhillkurtzart.com/
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Thank You, Luc Boivin, For Your Enjoyable Painting Demonstration on January 14 |
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EXHIBITS
AWC will be sponsoring an April exhibit at One Petticoat Lane, an upscale consignment shop in West Annapolis, entitled "Moments & Impressions." Picture size will be limited to 18 X 24". The exhibit dates are April 9 through April 30th with a reception scheduled for April 9th from 6 - 7 PM. Look for registration information on the AWC website beginning in March.
Again, thank you to everyone who participated in the Ginger Cove exhibit. It was very successful with 5 paintings sold. We look forward to an exhibit there later in the year. |
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Thursday, February 19: Artist’s home in Columbia, MD
For this wintery plein air, an artist will open her home to AWC members for painting, sketching, and sharing tips with fellow artists. A selection of still life pieces will be provided or bring your own small pieces. We will paint at tables, counter tops, or wherever strikes your fancy. (sample still-life options below) There is a deck with trees in the yard and if you feel like a winter stroll, there is a running creek and pond by the path at the end of the cul-de-sac. Drinks and Snacks will be provided. See the website to register online. As always, hope to see you there! https://annapoliswatercolorclub.org/
Place: An exact address will be sent to those who register by February 13.
Date: Thursday, February 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sign-up: Sign up is mandatory and requested by February 16. This event is limited to 12 people. Cancellations requested one day prior to event. No rain date will be planned.
Parking/Meeting Point: The artist shares a driveway with neighbors so please park on the road and not on the driveway. |
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Featured Artist
Dina Weavers
My painting career started after I retired about fifteen years ago now. My education has been in the hands of all the lovely teachers at the Anne Arundel Senior Centers around town, the occasional Zoom, and any workshops I could manage. I joined the Annapolis Watercolor Club early in my endeavors and that has been invaluable as far as inspiration and motivation goes. I am now involved with a group that meets weekly with some of Annapolis' finest artists -- a day I find both intimidating and encouraging. Sometimes it seems that my overriding interest is the search and acquisition of paints, brushes, frames and all sundry supplies. I am a supply-and-exhibition junkie and spend hours perusing the Daniel Smith catalogue or visiting shows and galleries to admire the local talent. I am not so interested in selling work, but find the journey with the calming and meditative nature of the painting itself to be enough. (A few of her paintings are below.) |
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Dina Weavers is also our "Sunshine Lady" who sends out Jacquie Lawson ecards to AWC members. See her article below. |
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What Are Our AWC Members Up To? |
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Maria Sola-Simon Exhibiting With
The North American Watercolor Society
Maria has two paintings in an on-line exhibit with the North American Watercolor Society. You can view her paintings (shown below) and many more from the members. See the paintings on Facebook: (5) Facebook
Go to their home page and learn more about the Society and also vote for your favorite painting iu the 2026 on-line exhibit. North American Watercolor Society - Home |
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"Mi
rinconcito en D.C." "(My Little Corner in D.C.")
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"Sacred
Lotus in the Fall"
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Artist Quote For The Month |
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Creative Happenings Around Town
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The Willow Gallery at the Galleries of Quiet Waters Park will present "Midwinter Melange", an exhibition of Art Committee artists' work in various media, from January 28 to March 29, 2026. The show will include works in pastel, oil, ceramics, stitchery, weaving, dyed silk scarves, archival digital art and watercolor. Many of the artists are retired art teachers who have found this event a wonderful extension of their artistic careers.
The opening reception will be held February 15, 2026 from 1:30 to 3:30 in the Visitor Center. The Galleries are open from 9 - 4 on weekdays and 10 - 4 on weekends. Entrance to the park is $6, which will be waived for the reception only.
NOTE: This will be the last exhibit for a few years, as they close the building for renovation |
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Jennifer Gruver, “The Lonely House,” pastel
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American Watercolor Society
The 2026 American Watercolor Society Evening demonstrator will be Stephen Quiller, AWS, D.F!
The demonstration will be held April 30th, 2026 from 6-8 pm EST, both live and on Zoom. Signups for the demo will begin in February. Homepage - americanwatercolorsociety.org
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Author Talk At Annapolis Library
Here is an event you might want to attend at the Annapolis Library on Tuesday, February 3, 2-3:30 pm. Author Talk with Elizabeth Reed | Anne Arundel County Public Library
Ms. Elizabeth Reed wrote "Mrs. Musterman - Milliner of Main Street: A Biography". In this book she introduces Mrs. Musterman, Milliner, 20th century Annapolitan, Mother, Widow, and Astute Business Woman who created a thriving Millinery business in Annapolis, Maryland. She was considered a very artistic, creative woman!
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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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WEBSITE AND MEMBERSHIP
Thank you to all of you who have renewed your membership for 2026! We already have 176 active members this year, including eleven new members this month. Anyone who was a member last year but has not yet renewed is now considered ‘lapsed’, and will no longer be receiving emails from AWC. If someone you know mentions that they did not receive this newsletter, please remind them that they should check whether they are paid up for the year. If they think they have sent a check or made a payment, they can contact me or our treasurer, Juanita Green, and we will be able to check on it for them. Thank you so much. I hope you are staying in, staying safe and warm! Liz Grimes, Website Administrator Website@annapoliswatercolorclub.org
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SUNSHINE CLUB
Well, I'm sorry to say the Annapolis Watercolor Club is unable to send a heart shape box of chocolates or a dozen long stem red roses to your honeybunch, but we are able to send off a delightful Jacquie Lawson ecard with beautiful designs and lilting music to any of our members dealing with unfortunate circumstances or with joyful news that needs celebrating. Do advise if you know of someone in one of these situations to sunshine.AWC.dw@gmail.com, and an appropriate e-card will be sent as needed. A heartfelt thanks from 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 2026
(click here to print copy with more details)
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MEETINGS:
Feb 5 - 7:00 pm Board Meeting Feb 11 - Zoom Meeting
6:30 Art Salon
7:00 pm Meeting
7:15 pm Painting Demonstration
March 11 - Zoom (in person?) Meeting April 8 - In-Person Spring Fling Critique May 13 - Zoom Meeting June 10 - In-Person Meeting |
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EXHIBITS:
April 9-30 - One Petticoat Lane Shop
Annapolis 21401, Reception April 9
Meetings (Continued:
July & August - No Meetings
September 9 - In-Person Meeting
October 7 - In-Person Meeting
November 11 - Zoom Meeting
December 9 - In-Person Holiday Party |
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PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING! 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 (beginning January 2027)
ASSISTANT NEWSLETTER EDITOR
ASSISTANT WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
WORKSHOP CHAIR
For more information or to express interest, send an email to Eileen Hempel at:
vicepresident@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
(SEE UPDATES IN RED BELOW)
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, Assistant Website Administrator, Assistant Newsletter Editor, 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. You can print out the descriptions here: Volunteer Positions |
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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. (Linda Luke has volunteered to be our President for 12 months, beginning January 2026. Why not consider volunteering in this position starting January 2027?)
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.
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Art Salon On-Line Host: This position has been filled by Shannon Kelly, who has been preparing the PowerPoint slide shows for Andrea Naft, and sometimes hosting the Zoom on-line Art Salon. She has now agreed to be our permanent Art Salon On-Line Host. Thank you Shannon!
Workshop Chair: Do you enjoy learning from artists and helping create meaningful art experiences? The Annapolis Watercolor Club is looking for a Workshop Chair to help bring inspiring workshops to our members!
The Workshop Chair coordinates 2–3 workshops per year, held either in person or online via Zoom. You will work with our demonstration artists to schedule dates and times, discuss fees, and—when in person—help secure a venue suitable for 16–24 artists.
Don’t worry if this sounds like a lot—AWC has clear, easy-to-follow procedures, and current Board members will provide training and ongoing support every step of the way. While we prefer one main Chair, this role can be supported by one or two helpers to share responsibilities such as setting up and breaking down the workshop space.
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Work closely with talented artists
- Help shape engaging educational experiences for our members
- Get involved in a supportive, collaborative Board environment
If you are interested or would like to learn more, we would love to hear from you! Contact Eileen Hempel at:vicepresident@annapoliswatercolorclub.org
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 © 2026 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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