Jurors for the show were award-winning soft pastel artist Karen Budan, who also works in traditional oil, and Liz Kenyon, a nationally published illustrator and pastel artist. Of the 53 member entries, 34 were selected for the event. The MAL show will host an Artists' Reception from 6:00pm to 8:00pm May 19th at the AAA Gallery. During the evening, the league's top entries from among those juried in will be awarded ribbons, with the winning artists receiving cash prizes.
Proceeds from sales of the art on display go directly to the artists and to support the gallery and the many community outreach projects of AAA and MAL. Gallery visitors to the MAL show will also be able to enjoy the AAA exhibition and sale titled "Touch It, Feel It, Lovin' Art," focusing on the sensory experiences that art can induce.
The Mesa Art League has continuously supported the arts, Arizona children, and the needy through generous donations since its inception in 1936. "We offer scholarships to graduating seniors in Mesa's public and private schools," says Kathy McClure, treasurer of the organization. "We also display member artwork at the Mesa Senior Center, Fellowship Square retirement community, and the Center Against Family Violence, rotating the pieces every few weeks so there's always something new to see."
The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 5:00pm — 8:00pm at the Velda Rose United Methodist Church at 56th Street and E. Main in Mesa. Meetings begin with a social hour and critiques of member works in progress, followed by the business meeting and demonstrations by professionals in the art community.
