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Exhibitions News - Maura Casorio and Kathleen McHugh
Save the Dates - 2027 Member Exhibitions
The first member show will take place from Jan 5 – Feb 5, 2027, at the Herrig Center for the Arts in
Bradenton, FL.
Some important dates:
• Registration will be open from November 1 to December 15, 2026, in JotForm.
o Photos will be required for all submissions.
o Since the size of the exhibit space is smaller than previous years, each member will be allowed only 1 entry.
• The intake will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on January 2, 2027.
• Opening Reception will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on January 7, 2027
• Pickup will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on February 6, 2027
The prospectus will be available in the October newsletter and on the website.
Registration instructions will be available in the November newsletter and on the website.
Our second show will be August 16 - 27, 2027, at the Arts Center Sarasota. More information about that show will be available in the coming months.
Upcoming Program Dates:
We are excited to announce that we have our WCA Program Dates for the upcoming year.
Please be sure to add these dates on you calendar.
Linda Driggs and Harriett Hritz, Program Chairs are working hard in getting great programs just for you. Our programs run from 2 to 4 PM and are held at the Art Center Sarasota.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - WCA Season Kickoff speaker Jen Kroeger
Wednesday, January 13, 2026
Wednesday, February 10, 2026
Wednesday, March 10, 2026
Below are the programs that were held in the 2025-2026 season:
Wednesday December 3, 2025 - Judy Robertson - Fine Art Abstract Painter
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - Creative Activity - Collaborative Works
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - Lacie Barbour, Associate Curator at Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) of Ringling College of Art and Design
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - Michelle Held - Fine Art - Plein Air, Painting, Muralist - Building and Wildlife Artist
Critiques
Lunch critiques are normally scheduled on the first or second Monday of each month at the home of a member. The group meets at 11:15 am for lunch followed by a critique of members’ work. Please let your hostess know if you will be bringing artwork.
Schedules are set up by the Chair, Jan Kravec. If you need to contact Jan or the hostess, you will find their information on the Members Only page of the website.
Upcoming Lunch Critiques
Lunch Critiques begin at 11:15, please sign in to the members only portal for specifics on each lunch critique host, or check out the newsletters. Both locations have this information available.
Are you interested in hosting? We need summer month hosts. Please - Contact Jan Kravec if you would like to host a critique at jlkravec@gmail.com
You will need to provide Jan with the following:
Date and time of Critique with RSVP date
Hostess Name
Hostess Contact Information
Directions to the location of Critique
How it works
You and the Critique chair will decide how many artists you're able to fit comfortably in your home. Artists should RSVP, as seating is limited. Those who miss the RSVP date will told the event is full. Often, guest artists who are interested in joining WCA will contact you to ask to attend, this is decided upon by the committee members.
What the Hostess Provides
A sign-in location with name tags, pens, and a sign-in sheet
Copies of the Critique guidelines
Set-up space for artwork
Centrally located standing easel and stand/table area for 3-D artwork
While artists will bring their lunch, please provide plates, napkins, utensils, drinks, and dessert
Critique Etiquette
As the hostess, you are the guide to this event. If you are uncomfortable speaking, please ask the Critique coordinator or a member of the board to speak for you.
Artists are asked to be kind. Remind artists that the purpose of the critique is to assist them in solving issues they are experiencing. Artists are asked not to bring framed/finished pieces of work unless they are bringing back work that has been critiqued at a prior event. Sharing the completed work is encouraged.
WCA Holiday Party
The annual Holiday Party Information will go out when we get closer to December. Stay Tuned!
About the WCA Holiday Party. The December monthly meeting is a celebration of the holiday season. This festive event is often held at a member's home so seating can be limited. Once you receive your emailed invitation, make sure to RSVP by the date indicated. The invite will also be published in the newsletter and on social media. Members are asked to bring a dish to share and are encouraged to bring a small art-related, unwrapped toy for children, which we then donate to a local charity.
The Membership chair introduces the new members and they are asked to share a brief overview of their background and art.
WCA Season Finale and Presentation of Student Scholarship Award
The Season Finale recaps the past year's events, introduces new Board Members and honors the year’s Scholarship recipient. A group of members coordinate this event, and our Scholarship Chair presents the award to the recipient.
This is the last meeting held before our summer hiatus. You can find all the details in our WCA Newsletter sent to all members each month; and also housed in the members section of this website.
Artist Retreat 2026
October 12-15, 2026
Stay positive and create on!
Your retreat Co-Chairs, Marsha Ouimette and Yolanda Seitz-Burman
Artist Retreat
A four-day artist Retreat is held each Fall, normally in October, at DaySpring Center in Ellenton, Florida. This is a members-only event, and members must commit and payment is due at sign-up. A waiting list will be provided once the maximum number of attendees has been filled. Fees, special activities, and general arrangements are handled by the Retreat Chairs, with additional suggestions made by the Board. Day visitors are not allowed. Information about the Retreat is mailed to all members.