Minutes March 2022

[Jacqueline Satterlee]

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Elmira Regional Art Society                                             March 24, 2022 

Attending:

Diane and Mark Woodhouse, Sue Perkins, Cheryl Alderman, Delores Morgan, Jennifer Fais, Rita Lang DeFalussy, Doris Vaughn, Betsy and Dave Drake, Lee O’Connell, Lisa Gillis, Mary Adamus, Diane Janowski, Denny Smith, Betsy Kent

 Betsy Drake introduced Denny Smith 

The meeting was held at Denny’s Studio, Plant #2 3rd floor of Hilliard. A large, well-lit area with plenty of work space, windows with many of Denny's works on display. It was certainly a treat to see such a generous space to create. 

Denny gave us a history of his connection and the interesting family history that led to his studio location. The 120 year old plant, first the American Sales Book Company, then Moore Business Forms. The rich history was apparent as we climbed the marble stairs to the third floor! It is currently an industrial plant, Hilliard, that produces; Motion Control devices, Fluid Purification equipment, and industrial brakes employing 500+ … “A great place to work for engineers and factory workers!” Denny, said as a Hilliard company director. 

Denny, a Pratt graduate, shared his career in the arts has been in many capacities in the Elmira area. 

Owning the Art Shop, Curator of Collections at the Arnot Art Museum, Naglee Fine Arts Storage and Transport, and currently artist, just retired from family farming. 

Denny’s art mediums progressed from Crayola Crayons, Graphite, India ink, Watercolor, Acrylic, and currently oils. He shared examples of his works along this progression. Why or why not they worked for him. Then as he demonstrated he took us along his creative process of meditation to completed framed art. His works are ‘stored” and on display throughout the Hilliard plants. 

Many thanks for opening up his studio and sharing his arts journey with ERAS. 

Mary Adamus distributed the new 2022 directory to members present. Thank you Mary for your hard work, Laura Matson for the printing and to Mary Mann’s for her cover painting. 

April meeting will be Jerry Lindsay on framing at Chapel Park. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Betsy Kent. ERAS secretary