President's Message-January/February 2026
President's Message-January/February 2026
Greetings to everyone as the New Year is upon us. CMW continues to thrive and inspires us to take on new creative endeavors. Thanks to all that managed to attend our Holiday meeting, despite the risky winter conditions. There was plenty of good cheer and socializing and an interesting meeting as well. The highlight, as usual, was the gorgeous cards exchanged and displayed.
As the New Year gets under way, please get your brushes wet and your mind engaged for the President’s challenge; “A Touch of Light” Many possibilities with this theme. I have already brought out a big sheet of yupo to work with. Bring whatever painting you’ve been working on to the February 9thmeeting, whether related to the theme or not. Here is a chance to share your latest work.
The board will be busy in January, while you are all cozy in your warm rooms painting or reflecting. We’ll be planning more exciting opportunities for CMW.
Remember to drop off your art for the hospital show on January 5th. See other exciting opportunities below and on their primary pages on the website.
I am resurrecting one of my special endings for my messages, that is, quotes from artists: “All colors are friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites” by Marc Chagall.
See you soon,
Happy New Year!
Kerry
Central Minnesota Watercolorists February Meeting (no meeting in January)
- Monday, February 9th at the Paramount – Lower Level, Studio B or C (TBD)
- 5:30 Social time
- 6:00 Introductions
- 6:15 Announcements
- Live Demo by Kathy Peterson – 6:30-8:30
February DEMO
We will be having the President's Challenge! The theme is "A Touch of Light". Bring a painting you are working on to share with the group!
SHOWS
Our Show Coordinator, Becca, has arranged these current shows featuring our work:
- St. Cloud Hospital (group show with room for 12-16 pieces) January 5-29
- CentraCare Clinic at St. Joseph Susan Jensen-Cekalla Solo Show
Show Opportunities Coming Up:
- CentraCare Plaza Show (group show with room for 15- 20 pieces) March 30-April 27
- CentraCare Clinic at St. Joseph (Solo show with room for 9-12 pieces) TBD
- The Headache Center in YMCA next to Whitney Center (Solo Show with room for 6-9 pieces) TBD
Email Becca Hlebain-Aaker directly for more information on solo and smaller group shows. [email protected]
Spring Retreat
The CMW Annual Spring Painting Retreat is scheduled for Monday, May 4th through Thursday, May 7th at the Riverside Inn and Conference Center. All members are welcome to participate and should sign up for their intent to participate at the February CMW meeting or by contacting Treasurer Shelly Chambers.
You may have a private or a shared room with one other person. Cost for a single/private room is $355 for the three nights and four days. Cost of a shared room is $285 per person for the three nights and four days. A deposit of half down is due by the February meeting date.
The accommodation at the Riverside Inn and in uniquely decorated rooms that each contain a mini refrigerator and microwave. Complimentary continental breakfast is provided each morning with several options. We have the use of the commercial kitchen in the conference center if you wish to use it.
Painting is done at individual tables in the well-lit conference center space. You have four days to work on paintings as you wish and enjoy the camaraderie of painting friends.
This has proven to be a popular annual event for CMW. Sixteen rooms have been reserved. We hope you will be one of the 2026 participants.
Urgent Business
As the new year begins, we will have our 501(c) (3) status, meaning we are tax exempt and eligible to pursue grants and donations. This will be very valuable for our future growth. Which reminds me, I am pleased to announce that we have a new Treasurer. Thank you to Shelly Chambers for volunteering to take over the Treasurer position which is vital to our mission! Thank you also to Ralph Carpenter who has graciously held the Treasurer's position for some time.