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We published a Thank You note to the community supporters of Art Party!
in the Readers' voice section of the Courier Leader. 

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 Thanks to the Paw Paw Friends of the Library for including SMAA in their Grand Opening Poster Contest.

Anne Arthur's design will be used as a poster around town announcing the Grand Opening, Alexis Reed's design will be used as book marks and Judy Fergusens design will be used for invitations to the Grand Opening.

 

 

The following was the caption for this photo in the Courier Leader: Winners of a recent poster contest, sponsored by Friends of the Paw Paw District Library, were recently announced. Anne Arthur of Lawrence, missing from photo, captured top honors, while Alexis Reed, of Paw Paw, second from left, and Judy Ferguson of Lawton, second from right, were semi-finalists. At far left, is Matt Cooper, representing the Zoe Schuitmaker family, who donated prizes, and at far right, Whitney Hagan, the Library's children's librarian. The contest, designed to promote the Aug. 25, grand opening of the new library, was offered to members of the Southwest Michigan Artists' Association. Courier-Leader photo/Paul Garrod

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Courier Leader - May 5th, 2011 

Area artists will be on hand with work on display for downtown Paw Paw Art Hop 
 

      PAW PAW - The Southwest Michigan Art Association, formerly the Paw Paw Art Association, will host its annual Spring Art Hop on Friday evening, May 13 in and around downtown Paw Paw.
      Sixteen artists will have work on display, and be available for conversation, and/or demonstrating their talents at 14 different locations between 6 and 9 p.m.
      Begin the Art Hop at the SMAA Gallery, located at 111 S. Kalamazoo Street, where Lois and Ron Reist will offer information and directions, and Paul DeRyke will be demonstrating his painting techniques.
      Other artists-at-work will be Dan Smith, caricature demonstration at the Shampoo Hut, 231 E. Michigan Avenue; Kathy Griffith will be drawing at the State Farm Insurance office, 249 E. Michigan Avenue; Vince Marsilio will be painting at The Sugar Bear Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant, 101 W. Michigan Avenue; and Vicki Perkins will be crafting jewelry from precious metal clay at Brewster's at the Dyckman, 201 E. Michigan Avenue.
       Artists with work on display include:
      Stacey Korycki, black and white photography, at the Carnegie Center, 129 S. Kalamazoo Street; Chris Terrill, papier mache pottery, at Taylor's Florist and Gifts, 215 E. Michigan Avenue; Sandee Willis, collage, at Café 237, 237 E. Michigan Avenue; Kim Caines, lighted wine bottles, and Sue Bombardt, glass objects, at the Masonic Hall, 238 E. Michigan Avenue; Pat Fenn, acrylic paintings and prints, at Found Things, 202 E. Michigan Avenue; Sue Teague, oil paintings, at LaCantina Ristorante Italiano, 139 W. Michigan Avenue; Mike LaJoice, copper sculpture, at State Farm Insurance, 249 E. Michigan Avenue; Marie Wilkes-Dobler, photography, at Homework HQ, 105 W. Michigan Avenue; Linda Nelson, paintings and photographs, at Eleanor's Hair Designs, 200 E. Michigan Avenue; and Louise Cammire, paintings, at Illusions Salon, 106 E. Michigan Avenue.
      Parking is widely available downtown and free, and all locations are within walking distance of each other.
      The Art Hop is co-sponsored by the Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce, the Uncork Paw Paw campaign, and the Downtown Development Authority, who are providing drawings for five $100 shopping sprees. The SMAA also hold a drawing to win a free 10-week art class.
      Videographer Rob Ferrari of the Michigan Municipal League will tape the event, including interviews with the artists, and chats with local merchants and Art Hoppers.

 

 

SMAA artist Anne Arthur's EverLastingLeaves made the front page of the Allegan County News by a reporter covering the AAAC Art in the Garden Show April 16th. That's Paul DeRyke painting in his booth in the background.

 

 

 

Paul Garrod of the Courier-Leader interviewed SMAA's Program Director Paul DeRyke for this article...
Thanks to both the Pauls for taking the time to get this out there

Community art center still on the horizon for new arts association
By Paul Garrod  04/25/2011 Courier Leader
 
      PAW PAW - Recently, the Paw Paw Art Association and the Kalamazoo Artist Alliance merged to form the Southwest Michigan Artists Association, a non-profit organization. With the merger, approximately 75 members now make up the organization, and a new home is still on the group's agenda.
      Last year, members of the Paw Paw Art Association discussed details of purchasing a vacant 6,000 sq.ft. building at 200 Gremps St., in Paw Paw for a community arts center. The building was last used as a guitar factory.
 
      Paul DeRyke, the organization's art instructor/coordinator, said, "We're still planning on a building," citing the group's recent merger. However, the group is now considering other building options.
      With a community arts center, the group hopes to encompass the surrounding communities of Lawton, Mattawan, Lawrence, Decatur, Bloomingdale and Gobles.
      Painting classes, including instruction in the use of oils, acrylics, pastels and water colors would be offered to youngsters to adults.
      DeRyke said ceramics and pottery classes, and also stained glass and fused glass classes would be offered at the community arts center. Piano and guitar classes could also be taught at the site, according to DeRyke.
      DeRyke previously said the proposed community arts center could also serve as an "incubator for other companies seeking to build their business.
 
      In the meantime, the group has "a good board in place and is looking at fundraising."
      On Friday, May 13, the organization will present an Art Hop, at 16 downtown Paw Paw venues. The event, from 6 to 9 p.m., will feature approximately 20 different artists.
      A total of $500 in Paw Paw "Chamber Bucks" will be given away as door prizes, with first place, $300, and $200 for second place. The "Chamber Bucks" may be redeemed at participating Paw Paw Chamber members.
      DeRyke said the village has stepped up to support the group's upcoming event.
      The Michigan Municipal League will video tape the event for future use, according to DeRyke.
      Plans are being finalized for the organization to hold Childrens' Art Camps at Trinity Lutheran School in Paw Paw. DeRyke said individuals who enjoy working with children and have an interest in art are encouraged to help.
 
      DeRyke said background checks will be conducted for the event, scheduled for the end of June through the first part of August.
      Summer art classes and workshops are also being developed for the end of June.
      On July 16, the group will take part in Paw Paw Days with a pig roast and dance at the Paw Paw Lions Club. Also included will be a silent and live auction and a 50/50 raffle.
      The pig roast begins at 4 p.m., with the dance getting underway at 8 p.m. The Gobles Boy Scout Troop 171 will help with the pig roast, according to DeRyke.
      For more information about the SMAA, contact DeRyke at (269) 615-3143 or Dave Wilkins at (269) 628-2560, or visit: www.smaami.org. or smartistassoc@gmail.com.