We are the Irondequoit Art Club

Although in existence since 1958, we remain visionaries, bringing artists together to create art in the media of their choice.

We are open to all, with demonstrations by noted artists, impressive art shows, opportunities to sell your work, and camaraderie with other creative people.

Next Tuesday Meeting: October 24, 2023, 6:30-9:00 pm

At our next Tuesday meeting, we will discuss plans for the 2023 October Fall Show, led with a report by Karen Chamberlin and Phyllis Rodi.

Then our guest presenters will be artists Noma and Jim Bliss, collaborators in acrylic, oil, and pen and ink.
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copyright Noma and Jim Bliss
NOMA BLISS
Noma was born and raised in upstate NY.  She considers herself a self-taught artist, being largely influenced as a young child by her ingenious father and in part, her gifted mother.  She realized from the first time she held a crayon and began to draw, that pictures were a compelling force that dictated feelings, inspiring the viewers to have a sense of who she was.  Art allowed her to express thoughts without words, which in fact stimulated her quiet whispers, not only of herself but others.
 
Noma has been a professional artist/illustrator for over thirty years. Clients include: The London Times, The San Francisco Times, John Hopkins, McGraw Hill, Essence, Upsher Smith, Business Law Today, Supply Chain Magazine, LA Times, Harvard Business Journal, Information Weekly and countless other businesses and private individuals.
Noma's response to art constitutes a body of work which redirects viewers from being overly linked with technology, to having a revitalizing connection with nature.  Through her use of color, design and subject matter, one becomes at peace with what is truly important in life, that is, our earth and all that it contains.  Noma believes in focusing her creative ability on bringing light to this place we call home, we will in turn bring harmony between mankind and all of creation.  If we do not reestablish ecological unity with the natural world, all of our artistic accomplishments will be meaningless.  Noma's work is executed in a variety of materials, it is simplistic, abstract, and conceptual.
JIM BLISS
Jim is an established artist, illustrator and graphic designer. He attended the Rochester Institute of Technology to study graphic design. Subsequently he attended the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, MA and the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY to study commercial art and illustration. Jim Bliss has a long career as an illustrator and his work has been featured in numerous books. His clients include included National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, Tennis Magazine, Golf Magazine, Disney Studios, the LPGA, Pepsi Cola, Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Bausch and Lomb, Saratoga Raceway, IBM, to mention few. He has exhibited in multiple art Galleries in Western New York. His work has enriched numerous private collections and museums. Jim Bliss is known for the numerous baseball portraits that are displayed at The Cy Young baseball museum in Canton, Ohio.
Jim Bliss creates intricated surrealistic images where animals adapt a humanoid shape. He creates unique images that generate opposite emotions: happiness and sadness, peace and horror, lightness and darkness.

Jim's work encompasses ideas generated in his brain and inspired by life influences. He also works closely with his wife and artist Norma Bliss. Both influence each other's art and often collaborate.  
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copyright Noma and Jim Bliss

Next Wednesday Meeting: November 8, 2023, 12:00-3:00 pm

Ellen has lived in the Rochester area all her life. Always interested in letters, she began formal studies in calligraphy in the mid-1990s. She has attended several international calligraphy conferences and learned from many well-known calligraphers - Annie (Gail Vick) Barnhardt, Ewan Clayton, Barbara Close, Reggie Ezell, Sherri Kiesel, Gwen Weaver to name a few. She is a member of the Genesee Valley Calligraphy Guild and the Irondequoit Art Club.
​IAC member Ellen Brannin will introduce us to "Three Styles of Calligraphy."  

Ellen will show how these letters are drawn.  Participants will have a chance to practice them at the same time.  All materials will be supplied.

This class is limited to 20 participants. Click here to register on the events calendar on the Irondequoit Library website.

2022-2023 Demonstrations

 Did you miss any of the interesting demonstrations and presentations in the 2022-2023 season? We recorded many of them so that you can catch up during the summer.  Click on any of the pictures below to learn more...

TUESDAY MEETINGS

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Amy Hutto - "About My Art" (image copyright Amy Hutto) More>>
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Nancy Anne Holowka and Jen Perena - "The Hand Colored Kallitype Print" (image copyright Nancy Anne Holowka) More>>
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Peter Monacelli - "Art of the Sketchbook" and "1,000 Journals Project" More>>
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Laura Wilder - "Block Printing" (image copyright Laura Wilder) More>>

WEDNESDAY MEETINGS

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Karen Pesch - "Bookmaking" (image copyright Karen Pesch) More>>
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Sally Steinwachs - "Use of Watercolor Ground" (image copyright Sally Steinwachs) More>>
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Linda Hanss - "Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating" More>>
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David Pell - "Drawing Faces" (image copyright David Pell) More>>

63rd Annual Irondequoit Art Club SPRING SHOW & SALE

Another successful show!

What We Do

PictureSpeaker Jim Mott
Our main meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30 PM to 9 PM (September to May) at the Irondequoit Public Library, Room # 115,  which is located at 1290 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY 14617 (next to the Irondequoit Town Hall). This location is accessible to all. Following a short business meeting is a demonstration by a professional artist. These presentations are open to the public with no admission fees, and cover a wide range of art forms - painting, sculpture, printmaking, etc. They are fun as well as educational.

We also hold meetings usually on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM, also at the Irondequoit Library.  IAC member present a wide variety of techniques.  Important - If you wish to attend, please phone the library ahead of time to register, 585-336-6060.

And every Thursday, artists meet at Bill Gray's Seabreeze location at 11:15 AM to talk about any or all aspects of art.  These informal meetings last about 1 to 1½ hr. It’s a great venue to show art, get feedback, and meet new and prospective members. No food purchase is necessary. All are welcome.

There are 2 major shows each year:
  • A Spring Show & Sale at which awards are presented to members’ works deemed noteworthy by judges who are professional artists. Awards are also given to promising high school art students selected from each of the Irondequoit High Schools.
  • A Fall Arts & Crafts Show & Sale where fine art is exhibited, as well as an array of craft items made by members.

Other activities, designed to encourage members to expand and grow, include workshops, sketch-outs, picnic, and various community exhibits, such as the Art Walk at Irondequoit Town Hall, and shows in the Imaginarium, at I-Square. 

Experience the uniqueness for yourself by attending the club’s programs. Whatever your art form, you are certain to enjoy meeting members and learning more about what this fine organization has to offer.
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Speaker David Braun