Needham Art Association hosts demonstrations and educational programs on the first Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted.) These programs are free and open to the public, though registration may sometimes be required for non-members. This year all events will be hosted at the Needham Free Public Library except for the virtual tour in January and our joint program with Wellesley Society of Artists in April.
November Program
Andrew Kusmin – Creating Impactful Art
Thursday, November 14, 6:45pm*
Needham Free Public Library
Following the reception for NAA’s Fall Members Judged Exhibit, our awards judge Andrew Kusmin AWS will talk about the process for creating impactful artwork, starting from when you first select a subject. Using original examples of his own art and those of other artists, he’ll help you find a “path to the best way to communicate YOUR statement using YOUR technical talent” with the classic principles and elements of art. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reference or question arising from a current inspiration.
Andrew Kusmin is an award-winning painter and a highly respected teacher who has the rare gift to communicate techniques behind the painting. He is the recipient of numerous local and national awards, and is proud to be past president of New England Watercolor Society and the signature member of American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society among many others. You can learn more about Andrew, his classes, and his work on his website: www.andrewkusminarts.com.
*This program will follow the reception and awards presentation for NAA’s Fall Members Judged Exhibit at 6:00pm.
December Program
Alterations: Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone through Collage with Nancy Gruskin
Tuesday, December 7, 6:30pm
Needham Free Public Library
For our December community activity, artist Nancy Gruskin will guide attendees through a drawing and collage exercise that is sure to offer exciting results! Participants will start by making a drawing based on direct observation of an arrangement of still life objects. We will then cut, rearrange, and collage into our drawings, transforming them into something more improvisational and potentially more abstract. A short slide presentation before this activity will introduce participants to the work of other artists who have used scissors, glue, and paper to change how we see the world.
Nancy Gruskin lives and works in Concord, MA. Her work has appeared in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States, and she is currently represented by the Nancy Margolis Gallery. Nancy teaches painting, collage, and sculpture at the Concord Center for the Visual Arts and Black Pond Studio. You can learn more about Nancy and her work at www.nancygruskin.com.
Materials list
If possible, attendees should bring the following materials. We will also provide some supplies for participants who need them.
- A piece of drawing, watercolor, or mixed media paper (any size from 11” x 14” to 18” x 24” is suggested)
- A pencil or other drawing tool
- Scissors
- A glue stick
- Masking tape
- Collage paper
- A ruler (as long as the longest dimensions of your paper)
2024-25 Schedule
Tuesday, October 1, 6:30-8:30pm
Needham Free Public Library
Demonstration: Carlos Santiago
Thursday, November 14, 6:30-8:30pm
Needham Free Public Library
Artist Talk: Andrew Kusmin
Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8:30pm
Needham Free Public Library
Activity Night: Nancy Gruskin
Tuesday, January 7, 7:00-9:00pm
on Zoom
Virtual Tour: The Huntington Museum
Tuesday, February 4, 6:30-8:30pm
Needham Free Public Library
Critique night: Janet Schwartz
Tuesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30pm
Needham Free Public Library
Demonstration: James Varnum
April, Date TBD
Joint program with Wellesley Society of Artists
Demonstration: To Be Announced