ART SOCIETIES and organizations have picked up momentum over the past few years. Artists are finding that membership in art groups not only gives them a feeling of belonging but provides them with opportunities to learn and exhibit.
Members of the Associated Utah Artists recently exhibited at the Kimball Art Center. Currently, the Ching Hai Oriental Painting Society is being featured at the Tivoli Gallery through Oct. 6; and works by the Miniature Artists of America are being shown at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts through September. The Utah Watercolor Society's fall membership show opens Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the Loge Gallery at Pioneer Memorial Theatre. And the Intermountain Society of Artists is sponsoring a show opening Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Kimball Art Center.Let's take a closer look at some of these art societies and organizations.
Miniature Artists of America (MAA)
This national organization is headquartered in Clearwater, Fla. It is not an organization for diminutive artists, but for artists who paint miniature pictures. A mini-exhibition of their work can be seen in the hallway just inside the main entrance of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah. Of the 26 pieces on display, nine are as small as postage stamps.
Founded in 1985, there are presently 35 members. Co-presidents are Barbara Jackson and Doris Liverman, both of Florida.
Two members are Utahns Colleen Parker and Merril Hamilton. Parker is currently serving as treasurer of this organization.
To become a member, an artist must be elected. Some of the requirements preceding election are participation in major shows as well as winning awards. Each year, only 10 members are elected to this prestigious group. In fact, Hamilton just was elected the first of this year.
The organization's purpose is to encourage a national awareness and understanding of fine miniature art among artists, collectors, exhibitors and the general public.
This year's annual MMA show will be held in New Jersey in November.
For more information about MMA, call Merril Hamilton, 969-6880, or write to Marion Simonds, Secretary, 6960 20th Avenue North, 103-B, St. Petersburg, FL 33710.
Ching Hai Oriental Painting Society (CHOPS)
CHOPS holds one show a year. Currently, "Patterns," its fourth annual open juried exhibition, is on display at Tivoli Gallery. The theme was inspired by designs found in the Japanese kimono. This show was juried by Martha Klein Haley, who has augmented the show with five of her own fabric pieces.
The society was organized by Mary Lou Romney four years ago. There are now about 62 members. Current president is Peggy Wilkinson of Orem.
Activities during the year include a bimonthly meeting, bimonthly newsletters, workshops, etc.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can call secretary/treasurer Rae Lynne Johnson (964-6447) or Wilkinson (225-6166). Annual dues are $20.
Utah Designer Crafts Gallery Cooperative
Although a Utah Designer Craftsmen organization was organized 27 years ago, the Utah Designer Crafts Gallery Cooperative is a separate entity. It was formed five years ago when its downtown gallery opened.
The purpose of the cooperative is to promote the best of local crafts as well as develop fellowship among the artists.
The gallery handles creative crafts by 11 core members and 30 consignment artists. Currently being featured at the gallery and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 29, is handmade, contemporary furniture by Andy Glantz. Works by other gallery regulars are also on exhibit.
To become a core member, an artist must have his work juried into the gallery. Interested artists should call 359-2770.
Utah Watercolor Society (UWS)
The society has been organized since 1974. Currently, there are 250 members throughout the state, with chapters in Logan and St. George. This year's president is Emerette (Emmy) Atzet.
The purpose of the society is to elevate the stature of watercolor as an art medium as well as educate the public as to the significance of watercolor as an important creative, permanent painting medium.
UWS holds three exhibitions a year - two membership shows and an annual open juried show. It also sponsors three workshops yearly; one or two of them involve nationally known teachers.
The society also holds meetings the first Wednesday of each month at the City-County Building, where local artists demonstrate their painting techniques. The public is invited at no charge.
For details or to become a member, contact membership secretary Val Moffit, 943-0699. Dues are $25 a year.
Associated Utah Artists (AUA)
This association recently exhibited at the Kimball Art Center and the Murray Art Centre. It tries to have at least two exhibitions during the year in addition to its continuous show at the Salt Palace, where new works are hung quarterly.
It was organized in February 1940 with Florence Ware as its first president. Present membership is about 30. Membership is on the professional level and by invitation only. Dues are only $10 a year.
Among the purposes of the organization: to foster a high level of artistic standards, to arrange exhibition opportunities for its members and to encourage a widespread interest in art.
Paul C. Lyon, president for a second year, said the group meets on the last Thursday of each month from September through May. He said any artist wishing to be considered for membership must submit samples of his or her work. If interested, contact him at 277-4022.
Intermountain Society of Artists (ISA)
ISA was organized in 1969. Currently there are about 208 members, 20 of whom are active charter members and 24 life members. Linda Curley is current president.
The society was organized to foster the technical skills of amateur and professional members and to provide exposure for their art. Monthly education meetings (the second Wednesday of each month) feature talks and demonstrations by well-known local artists. Members participate in monthly workshops, exhibits in local libraries and shows across the state.
Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact Darrell Warnick, 582-6394. Initial fee to become a member is $30 for ages 18-62, $25 for senior citizens, and $5 for youth (up to 18 years of age). After that the yearly fee is $20 for the first group, $15 for senior citizens and $5 for young artists.