As we approach the new year, it’s common to reflect on the past year. I don’t know about you, but I’m current on my pneumonia, COVID, and flu vaccinations, and because of that, I’ve transitioned from wearing a mask to walking around full-faced. The first noticeable benefit was that my phone recognized me again!
WiVLA also transitioned somewhat. While keeping our mission statement in mind, the entire board worked together to craft and hone our offerings this year. Although our meetings are still virtual, we’ve offered several in-person events and workshops this year.
We’ve provided an inspiring forum for women to explore and advance our creative development with in-person workshops that helped us to find our best self, write better bios, and learn the art of contour drawing. We’ve also provided virtual workshops to learn about haiku and ekphrastic writing.
We’re promoting members’ work in the marketplace with our in-person Reflection Collaboration and we’ve secured a gallery location for the 2023 juried exhibition. Next year we’ll co-sponsor our first literary competition with the Houston Writers Guild.
We’ve Infused the community with our spirit of cooperation and invention through our donation for art supplies to Neighbors In Action, our exhibition of HOPE at Field Elementary School, our poetry readings at LaPorte Library, and our mosaic at Smither Park.
And we had fun meeting for in-person for studio visits, a tea party, and a tour of the archive collection at the Menil Collection. I’m looking forward to in-person holiday party at Silver Street Studios. I can’t wait to see you there!
I have been blessed with two years of amazing boards that have embraced the limitations imposed upon us by the pandemic, enabling us to provide great in-person and virtual programs and events. Presidents like to take credit for success but nothing is possible without the combined efforts of the board. I cannot believe how blessed and honored I’ve been to work with such creative women. They and you have warmed my heart with cooperation and kindness.
Be safe during the holidays and I look forward to seeing you at our reception and holiday party.
- Melody -
P.S. on behalf of the WiVLA board and our amazing members:
As our outgoing board President, we thank you, Melody, for the great job over the past two years. For all of your contributions, seen or behind-the-scenes, we have benefitted.
WiVLA Potluck Holiday Gathering
Sunday, December 11, 2022 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
at Silver Street Studios
See old friends and make new ones at the WiVLA Holiday Potluck Happy Hour(s) at the Silver Street Studios. Let’s gather and chat about our joys from the past and our creative hopes for the future. Come prepared to eat, drink and have a relaxed, good time. Remember to sign up to bring a finger-food or beverage item.
Click the button to sign up to bring your signature party snack.
Earlier this past summer, the WiVLA board selected Sally Worthington’s design for our portion of the Memory Wall at Smither Park. Following some minor modifications by the Orange Show reviewers, we’re pleased to unveil our design.
According to Sally, "The design is a celebration of women in the arts - literary and visual. The central figure is a personification of the Muse in art and literature, an amalgamation of the Ancient Greek concept and the Pre-Raphaelite ideal.”
Sally envisions that tile will comprise the majority of the material. Because we’re a group of novices when it comes to tilework, you’re encouraged to bring a friend who knows the craft. We’ll also look to the talented group of artists who are also working on the Wall.
The time is right to begin working on our portion of the wall. If working and laughing with a group of talented women is your cup of tea (or a chipped piece of tile), contact Sally Worthington at worthington75@gmail.com. She’s compiling a list of enthused volunteers.
In addition, there will be a breakfast for the artists at Smither Park on Saturday, December 17th. If you’re interested in attending, contact Sally for details.
Friday, January 6, 2023, 1:00 PM
at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Let's visit the Cistern Illuminated exhibit at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6th. Click the button below to buy tickets and find out about parking options. Maybe we will meet for brunch or an early lunch.
Calling all WiVLA members! If you are interested in participating in a virtual exhibition during the 2023 season, you may apply on the WiVLA website. This is an excellent opportunity to add to your CV and is a great marketing tool for your artistic endeavors. This is a free benefit to all WiVLA members. If you are interested in learning more, contact our Visual Co-Chair, Aliza Bejarano at visual@wivla.org. If you would like to reserve a spot for the 2023 season you may do so by clicking the button below.
A special thanks goes out to the excellent WiVLA literary artists who shared their work with the membership (& some visitors) at the November WiVLA Member Meeting. It was like watching a PBS special on TV.
At the end of the meeting several members took the opportunity to give a special thank you to outgoing President Melody Locke for the fine job has done for the past two years.
If you missed the meeting or would like to see it again, you can find the meeting recording or just the literary readings on our YouTube channel.
Activities outside of WiVLA
Pixels + Silver Photographic Collective: Light Around the World
Donna E Perkins and Melody Locke are participating in an outdoor photo exhibition by the Pixels + Silver Photographic Collective titled "Light Around the World". This exhibition is part of FotoFest. The outdoor show will be available for viewing anytime through December 10. Over 40 large photographs printed at 3' x 5' on metal will be on display. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd.
We'd love to celebrate your good news. If you are interested in sharing, please send your items to newsletter@wivla.org. The deadline for inclusion in the next month's newsletter is the 20th. Thank you.
