Fall, 2007

A Day of Watercolor Fun!

By Rose Fischer

How Many paintings can an artist create in one day? Saturday June 16th, ten artists from as far away as Seneca, found out the surprising answer to that question creating not one but two paintings. Terri Axness, Betty Clarke, Ann Eriksmoen, Sue Findlay, Rose Fischer, Carol Koble, Sue Orlaske, and Mary Lou Wampler participated in this fruitful workshop.

Under the guidance of Nampa, Idaho artist Bill McCusker; a quiet and unassuming man with considerable talent, we found ourselves madly adding quick, colorful strokes to sheets of watercolor paper. We watched in awe as he quickly created a painting, and then instructed us “Go have fun with this.” And fun it was, as each of us, following his instructions made our own version of his painting. Breaking for lunch in the middle of the day we were treated to a lunch provided by our host Terri Axness, along with Jeanne Schroeder and Betty Clarke.

It was a great way to spend the day. We all benefited from Bill’s kind, sometimes humorous, critiques of our masterpieces.

Thank you Terri for hosting us at your studio for this fun filled day. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested.

Bill McCusker will again travel to Baker City to hold a workshop on Saturday September 29th.

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Congratulation to Paul and Patsy Hoelscher on the birth of their son, Jack Leonard on June 19th 2007, 7lbs, 14oz

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Featured Artists - Fall 2007

Artist Biography Whit Deschner Stopping for a 10¢ cup of coffee at the Blue-and-White Café in 1982, Whit Deschner landed in Baker and never left. He has two published books: Burning the Iceberg, a novel on Alaskan fishing, and Travels with a Kayak, which won the Benjamin Franklin Award for Humor. His photos and articles have appeared in various adventure anthologies with other writers including: Buzz Aldrin, Dave Barry, William Dalrymple, Devla Murphy, Eric Newby, Jeffrey Moorhouse, Joe Simpson, and Paul Theroux. Whit’s narrated slideshows have been presented throughout the U.S., Canada, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, and France. His latest project, Sparta, a Gated Community, was sponsored by the Baker County Cultural Coalition. The show is a tribute to his deceased neighbor, a passing way of life, and the Un-crowded Eastern Oregon he came to live in. This most recent show is a blend of images, music, words, and, of course, humor. When asked what it’s all about Whit’s response is “About an hour in length, 10 minutes wide, and no depth whatsoever.”

Artist Biography Larry Davidson Larry makes pots that he uses in his daily living. His goal is to make pots that are enjoyable to use and visually engaging. After wood firing for several years and enjoying the surfaces created from firing with wood, he is now engaged in creating pots that speak of the process and materials they are made from. While these new pieces are not created for wood firing they do have something of the same feel aesthetically as is created with that process. Larry is using local rocks and wood ashes for his glazes and has found they add to the texture and enliven glaze surfaces, thus giving the pots a life not easily possible using more traditional materials. Larry Davidson 4234N 1425E Buhl, Idaho 83316 (208) 543-6486

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Crossroads Marches for Leo

July 23rd was Leo Adler Day in Baker County. One of the ways to honor Leo was to participate in the Leo Adler Day parade that began at City Hall and ended at Leo’s house on Main Street. Crossroads members and their families proudly marched carrying “Thanks Leo” signs to express the gratitude that Crossroads feels for Leo’s significant contributions to our organization and our community. Picured are Board Member Kristy Sandefur with daughters Katie and Emily.

Leo Adler's funding has enabled Crossroads to become stronger and has allowed us to offer more and better programs to enrich Baker County. The Adler Community Fund has also contributed $150,000 to renovate the Carnegie Library building to become Crossroads' permanent home. We are all deeply grateful for Leo’s continued generosity and support. To learn more about the man and his legacy, please read the book The Leo Adler Story: The Spark and the Light. The book can be found at the Baker County Library or Betty's Books in Baker City. You may also visit www.leoadler.com.

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Carnegie Project Update

By Kathleen Chaves

The renovation of the Carnegie Library building to become Crossroads permanent home is moving forward once again! On July 13th, Governor Kulongoski signed House Bill 2140 which contained an amendment that exempted the Carnegie from being considered a “public works” project. The Crossroads Board is grateful to City Attorney David Fine for writing the amendment, and to Senator Ferrioli for supporting it and ensuring it remained in the Bill throughout the process. Kathleen Chaves and Crossroads Board Members traveled several times to Salem to testify about the amendment. We also want to express much gratitude to Linda Triplett for her support and council over the past several months. This was a team effort!

The outcome of the legislation opened the doors to receive funding from several sources that had been placed “on hold” pending the outcome. The sources include Oregon Housing and Community Services, The Ford Family Foundation, the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and The State Historic Preservation Office.

In July, we received $30,000 to purchase classroom equipment for the Carnegie from The Oregon Community Foundation Funds, which included $27,500 from J.G. Edwards Fund, $1,500 from Northeast Oregon Heritage Fund and $1,000 from Ward Family Fund. We are very grateful for their generosity.

We are in the process of reviewing what needs to be completed and setting priorities. Once that’s done, we should have an estimated move-in date.

We are planning to have a FABULOUS fundraiser for Crossroads in the Carnegie sometime in the next few months. We hope to see you there to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and where we’re headed in the future! Thanks to all of you for your support and your patience. Crossroads is a community-based organization that exists because of our community-based teamwork.

Thank you.

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Artist's Tip

Look for this new addition to your Crossroads newsletter!

Watercolor artist Ann Eriksmoen shares:

Wash your brushes with warm water and soap, then form the bristles with fingers and drag your brush across a bar of soap. It keeps the bristles nicely formed and the soap is rinsed out when first used the next time.

Great Tip! Thanks Ann.

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The Sport of Fencing

By R.G. Rienks, Director, Baker City Blades Fencing Society

The history of the sword goes back approximately 4000 years, but it was only in recent history that we find “Gentlemen” settling their personal differences in the duel, using their side sword. These were mostly low-level royals and the wealthy class. Various teachers, promising the ultimate parry against all attacks, traveled from town to castle offering their services to hopeful duelists. Some instructors were more successful than others. A teacher gained more status if his students survived a duel.

Dueling became more formalized, as did the concept of swordplay and defense. By the 1400’s, the first fencing school was opened in Spain. The schools became very popular, and by the 1500’s there were fencing schools in France, Italy and Germany as well. By the 1700’s, the use of blunt weapons and masks for training had spread to most schools. Dueling was outlawed in the same period after thousands of deaths resulted in a shortage of midlevel managers in various kingdoms. As time passed the sport of fencing became a popular alternative to the bloody duel. The first “Salle d’Armes”, or fencing school, opened in New York City in 1850. From 1850 to modern times, fencing developed two forms, the refined Olympic sport needing electrical equipment to score the lightning fast attacks, and a slower, classical, non-electric sport.

The essence of all martial arts (including fencing) is gaining mastery of self through physical and mental training. Fencing as practiced by the Baker City Blades Fencing Society is a recreational martial art that develops grace, balance, and speed with the ability to maintain flexible strategy in the course of a bout. It is as much a mental exercise as physical. Since each fencer develops at their own pace athleticism alone is no guarantee of success. A practiced, thoughtful approach makes all fencers equal on the strip - the area used for bouting. Age and physical condition are no deterrent since physical condition improves through directed practice, and age . . . well, as we age we learn to be more clever. Older fencers can compete equally with younger fencers as each plans their game around their own strengths and weaknesses. Honesty with one’s self is part of competing successfully.

Baker City Blades Fencing Society practices “Classical” fence. Classical fencing is scored on visually observable touches; the placing of the foil point on the target. Bouting is adjudicated by the students and the director, giving each fencer a deeper insight into the game. Accurate scoring requires clear action and clean “hits” or touches. Honor, a traditional value, requires each match be correctly and fairly judged.

Crossroads Arts Center is pleased to have Baker City Blades Fencing Society providing classes. Check out the Fall Class Schedule for current class information.

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Thank you and Best Wishes

The Crossroads Board of Directors accepted Jan Kirby’s resignation in June, 2007. Jan served as the Director of Crossroads for five years, during which time she worked to further the Crossroads’ mission of providing Art for Everyone. Jan expressed an interest in traveling, and enjoying time with her family. The Board is very grateful to Jan for her devotion to Crossroads and wishes her the very best in all her endeavors.

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Students in this Summer's Hip-Hop Class

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A message from the Board Chairman
Fall, 2007

Greetings from the board of directors. Crossroads has had a busy and exciting summer. The gallery has made record sales and enjoyed greeting visitors from all over the world. Summer is such a busy time and we want to thank the many volunteers who are the heart and soul of Crossroads and have kept it open.

First Friday with Marlis Rufener, Marci Cook, Mary Sue Rightmire, Julee Hicks, Gail Macnab, and Lavonne Kasper have been wonderful shows and well attended. Julee, Gail and Lavonne are showing currently. Stop in and enjoy the whimsical yard art and pottery. Great fun!

Construction on the Carnegie is on track and we hope to be in our new home by the first of the year. We are beginning to sort and pack for the move and would appreciate any help offered.

Volunteers met with members of the board to brainstorm ways to improve our operation. Thank you to Kathleen Chaves for facilitating the meeting. We came away with many ideas and a volunteer newsletter to improve communication.

Crossroads is a nonprofit organization that relies on the community for membership, as well as donations and grants to fund its many programs. Our annual membership drive has begun. Letters have gone out to all existing members for renewal. A drawing will be held in December for original artwork as a token of our appreciation to our new and renewing members. Thank you for your continued support of Crossroads and its programs through your membership and donations!

Crossroads has received several grants for which we are very grateful. The Oregon Community Foundation has awarded Crossroads $30,000 for classroom equipment for the new facility. The Small community Incentive Fund Project has given the Carnegie Project $80,000 for the final phase of construction. The D.E. and Jane Clark Community Fund has supported Crossroads for many years and continues this year with a grant for $7,000 to develop, enhance, expand and manage programs. Trust Management Services provided a grant for $10,000 and U. S. Bank for $2,000 to support Artspeak. This valuable program developed and managed by Debbie Friedman provides free classes in the creative and performing arts for underserved and at-risk families. Debbie does a fantastic job for our community and we can’t thank her enough.

Jan Kirby resigned as director of Crossroads in June. Jan worked diligently for Crossroads during her tenure as director, and the board wants to recognize her achievement and say thank you for her dedication and commitment to Crossroads. Thank you and best wishes, Jan.

We have conducted a two month search for a director and are pleased to welcome Alyssa Peterson as our new director.

Crossroads has many irons in the fire and things to anticipate. The September show, chaired by Kathy Blank, with edible art and a wonderful array of regional art will be the first Friday in September. Tom Novak and Sarah LeCompte have chaired an open studio tour to be held Sept. 8. Kathleen Chaves and her team our putting together a fundraiser for this falls. Nanci Sheppard has put together a wonderful schedule for fall classes including a number of special workshops. Check out the Crossroads website, created and managed by Marshall McComb, for all the great events and fall classes offered at Crossroads.

It is impossible to thank everyone who contributes so much to Crossroads, but we do so appreciate you all. Thank you.

Art is for everyone. As we make plans for the arts in Baker County, is there something you would like to see happen at Crossroads? Crossroads is whatever its members design. We would love to hear from you.

Sincerely, Terri Axness, Board Chair

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Members Making a Difference

Special thanks to ~Kathy Blank for volunteering to organize the September show. ~The Crossroads Board especially Linda Haynes, Joan Jacobs, Terri Axness, Tammi Stone, and consultant Kathleen Chaves for working this summer to update systems, train volunteers, clean and organize the gallery and classrooms, conduct our annual membership drive, and filling in as needed to prepare Crossroads for a new director. ~Ann Eriksmoen for taking on the responsibility of posting in the Gallery. ~Turn the Page Used Bookstore and Kelly's Glamour Nails for generously placing donation jars in their shops for Crossroads. ~ Mary Nichols, LaVelle Gorte and Elkhorn Title Company for helping with mailings for our annual Membership drive. ~Ivy Nelson for hosting First Fridays in July and August. Crossroads Art Center hosted a Volunteer Appreciation and Training session on August 3, 2007. Thirteen volunteers and six board members met to become better acquainted and share ideas to improve the day-to-day business at Crossroads. The qualities we all love about Crossroads’ include: a friendly, informal environment which is open to all ages; a community minded art center offering a wide variety of art classes and cultural events. We are working to improve communication, provide better information about procedures and simplify scheduling. All volunteers are receiving a detailed summary of the findings of the August session. The Board would like the community to know that it is volunteers who make it possible for Crossroads to hold classes and provide artwork to the public. Some of our volunteers drive several hours to be shopkeepers in the gallery – please join with them and become a volunteer!

Volunteer Profile: Deanna Davis By Linda Haynes During a recent brunch held at Crossroads for training and communication between volunteers Deanna was honored for her service as a Crossroads volunteer. Deanna has given so unselfishly of her time for Crossroads she is certainly worthy of the honor. Deanna has served as the Volunteer Coordinator which often included working hours in the gallery that were unfilled by our dedicated volunteers. I wondered why she volunteered in the first place. When asked about her time as a volunteer she told me that she had started to volunteer at Crossroads then things began to get in the way. What things? Life. Including: working as a volunteer at the Oregon Trail Regional Museum for 8 years with six years as their book keeper, working for the Saint Elizabeth Auxiliary, and the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at the front desk and as a book keeper, as well as being a Soroptimist for 18 years. Even with her busy schedule she came to Crossroads and volunteered; we are so glad she did. Her Biography states that she wanted to assist the public because she enjoys all art forms. When she came she was excited about the future of Crossroads. But what makes her stay? She says she feels this is a worthwhile volunteer opportunity which is backed by the community and the members. She has a passion for Crossroads success, and she likes to meet great people. We think “you” are great people, thanks Deanna for all you have done and continue to do to keep the doors of Crossroads open. Deanna continues to volunteer at Crossroads and has kept Crossroads open Saturdays! Volunteers enjoy bruch and a training session.

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