30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge
I joined the “30 Paintings in 30 Days” challenge sponsored by Leslie Saeta even though I had projects coming up that might prevent me from finishing the challenge. Why take on the challenge? I thought it was worth the start and good practice. Even if I don’t post, its worth the discipline to paint daily.
What I would like to talk about are the projects I will be doing instead. Camping and painting, naturally. Plus, I’m volunteering my time to the Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) and the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS).
Watercolor Society of Oregon
The Watercolor Society of Oregon has their fall convention early in October. This year it is being held in nearby Medford, OR. I am one of the volunteer workers. I’m assisting the convention chair (Ms. Deanna St. Martin) with some of the sessions. Currently, I’m preparing for the Juror’s Critique Sessions. There are two sessions each with 20 images. What is enlightening is seeing the good quality of art being submitted.
Which brings me to a lesson learned that is re-inforced in my brain. In most any juried show, there are many fine paintings that are not accepted. It is the nature of the beast due to the limits of juried shows.
Another lesson learned: there is a LOT of work that must be done ahead of time to prepare for and put on an exhibition and convention.
My volunteer work with the Watercolor Society of Oregon is short term and will be done by conventions end early in October.
Northwest Watercolor Society
My work with the Northwest Watercolor Society is more long term. I am one of the “Co-Chair” for the society’s Facebook Page. These days, non-profit organizations, such as the NWWS, must learn and be active in Social Media. By necessity, the society depends on volunteers.
I started volunteering with the NWWS in 2011. I was their “Awards Chair”. It was an interesting job. My responsibility was securing award donations for their two annual exhibitions. It was almost like a full time job. It was also a job I wanted to do well as people were depending on me.
During my tenure as Awards Chair, I started posting on the society’s Facebook page. I’ve been doing it off and on ever since.
Why Volunteer?
I have gained knowledge about art societies and participating in art exhibitions and conventions. This is knowledge one does not gain merely by submitting an image. Things like image preparation, paperwork, shipping and receiving artwork.
The art societies rely on volunteers to function. Volunteering from time to time contributes to the success of organizations I am a member of, even if it is in a small way.
So, if I don’t post much until mid October, know that I’m busy working on the Watercolor Society of Oregon’s fall convention. I probably won’t have time for new “Drawing Talent” work either.
Plus, if you have insight on growing a great non-profit organization Facebook page, PLEASE let me know!
Tea & Espresso
Now, I think it’s tea and coffee time! About the two paintings shown, they are the latest two I completed for the “30 Paintings in 30 Days” . Thanks!
Thanks Margaret – Volunteering is so important. I am coming to the end of two years as President of our local Artists in Action as well as other local art activities. I am ready for a break and to focus on my own art. I did a year of publicity for NWWS too. And chaired our December Holiday show for two years. And I am a member of an artists cooperative here in Salem. And I worked on the art for the state fair for two years. Yes, volunteering is important but what I have learned from the last two years is that I can’t do it all! Took on too much. Not only does that make me tired but it deprives others of the opportunity! We need to encourage others to join in the fun! Thanks for sharing!
becki
Hi Becki, Thank you for the comment and compliment! I thought I recognized your name from the Northwest Watercolor Society! It sounds like you have been actively engaged in your community. I do hope you take some time for your work. I like the way you stated it, allowing others to have the opportunity to volunteer.
Margaret and Becki—speaking as a fellow NWWS and WSO member, I have to say: great minds think alike! Volunteering is a wonderful thing (and I certainly put in my time this past spring) but one has to guard against burnout and the danger of neglecting one’s art-making. I continue to be engaged in my art community, volunteering for short term tasks rather than huge ongoing ones, but I like the idea of stepping aside and allowing others to contribute. Many hands make light work! Thanks for all that you are doing.
Hi Liz, Thank you for your thoughtful comments. You are so correct about burn-out. I find its easy to over-commit and like your idea of volunteering for short term tasks with an end in sight!