2013 Jul-Aug-Sep TECAC Connect

Featured Artists June: Dan Perkins

July: Edrie Bays

Aug: Shelley Koopmann

Sept: Megan Davies Read more on pages 3 & 4 Jul/Aug/Sep 2013

Vol 1, No 2

TECAC The Electric Company Artists Co-op LLC, 207 East Depot Street, Bedford Virginia 24523

The definition of an artist does not hinge upon ones medium.The definition of an artist does not hinge upon ones medium.The definition of an artist does not hinge upon ones medium.The definition of an artist does not hinge upon ones medium.

The core of studio artists who remained upstairs during most of these

years (Perri Mason, Erni Houser, Edrie Bays, Rod Adams) called them-

selves Artists on Depot; and when Siehien moved from the area and

removed all her inventory, Mason and Bays tried to fill the void. Ma-

sons experience in art and in retailing was the impetus to make the

best of the space. Artists on Depot expanded to fill the void. At some

point, Goose Creek Studio & Gallery co-owner, Patrick Ellis mentioned artists cooperative to the Wachobs and to Art-

ists on Depots Adams and Bays, but the lack of a separate entrance seemed a challenge.

However, the idea for an artists co-op was given room to grow in

September 2012 when the Paw Wash moved to a larger space on Main

Street. The entrance and space problems were solved. With four artists

of Artists on Depot, Ellis and co-owner Mitchell Bond of Goose Creek,

and the Wachobsa steering committee was born. A flurry of meet-

ings, organizational plans and construction activities took place as a

target opening date moved from

Black Friday in November to Second

Friday in December. Ellis wanted the

space to give others a glimpse of the

vision, the Wachobs needed a viable

business plan, and all knew a structure for an artists cooperative had to be designed to

offer prospective members.

Adams experience with The Market Gallery artists cooperative in Roanoke was invaluable

as was the initiative and enthusiasm of everyone to research, plan, design, and discuss.

Edrie became the detail person, working out the day-to-day details of work and organi-

zation. Negotiations included Artists on Depot giving up space and the future co-op

gaining full space of the former grooming facility in exchange for managing the gift

shop. George invested in business software; and he, Perri, and Edrie learned its basics -

a prerequisite not only to using it but to teaching others. Patrick took charge of the layout

and hanging members work. George and Patrick handled agendas. Mitchell was in

charge of branding. The Electric Company Artists Co-op was forming.

Contd on page 2

The TECAC ConnectThe TECAC ConnectThe TECAC ConnectThe TECAC Connect

By Edrie Bays

From Utility to Art

Where Do We Go from Here? Pt 2

Entrance to TECAC Gallery at the west end of

The TECAC Connect July/ Aug/Sept Page 2

Contd from page 1

By December partitions had been built, walls painted, art hung, membership

packets readied, and press releases sent out. Three guest artists from Roanoke

were featured and a lovely mix of local artists displayed. The core group was

expanding. TECAC was born.

Thats our history. Room for growth marks our present. What is our future? We

look to the formation of Bedfords Artisan Trail and how The Electric Company

Artists Co-op and the Artisan Shoppe can participate.

The Artisan Shoppe in The Electric Company

at 207 E. Depot Street in Bedford is a fun and

eclectic gift shop. The shop is currently being

managed by TECAC gallery and is continually

looking for new vendors for the shop. Preferred items include local and original handcrafted or produced items ... especially

jewelry, pottery, stained glass, soaps, lotions, honey, jellies or other handmade items.

The Artisan Shoppe' will also be listed on Bedford's Artisan Trail.

Contact info: Perri Mason [email protected]

Call for Local Artisans

Awards & Recognitions Adams, Rod Rod Adams and Anna Wentworth were

featured artists at The Market Gallery,

23 Salem Ave, Roanoke VA during June. Two of Rods watercolors. Happy Feet

and Cat in the Hat Music Box, were

accepted into Bower Centers 2013

National Juried Exhibition

Paddock, Suzanne V. Suzanne is now a member of the 2nd

Helpings Gallery, 1502 Williamson Rd,

Roanoke VA.

Suzanne had a sale in the Say It with

Art exhibit at Bower Center, and also

her Self Portrait - Energy of the

Hands was accepted in Bower

Centers 2013 National Juried

Exhibition.

Bays, Edrie Edrie received an Award of Merit for

Rising Sun in Bower Centers winter

judged exhibit, Look to the East.

Davies, Megan A sale at TECAC Megans African

Roof see it on page 4 where she is

the featured artist for September.

Houser, Erni Erni had a sale during the Artisan

Festival at Sedalia on June 1.

Photo credit: Frazier Associates, provided by the

Bedford Historical Society (circa mid 80s)

Rising Sun by Edrie Bays

Cat in the Hat Music Box by Rod Adams

Self Portrait - Energy of the Hands

by Suzanne V. Paddock

Contd on page 5

The TECAC Connect July/Aug/Sept Page 3

Featured Artist: June - Dan Perkins

I was born in Orange County and grew up surrounded by a lot of older pottery in my

grandmother's home.

In 1977 I settled in Bedford County after working in various capacities in the medical field

and was introduced to historic re-enactments. After taking a pottery course in 1995 and

becoming enthralled with the production, I combined these two interests by creating

historically accurate pottery.

I strive for functionality as well as

aesthetic appeal , and I supply museum

shops, produce wares for historic site

interpretations, and have vendors in

six states who cover some interesting

time periods, from medieval to

around 1900.

Featured Artist: July - Edrie Bays

Art from Ashes: Art inspired by Fire

Melted metal forms, twisted remains of wire, metal-

glass fusion, and more were the creative sparks for

these works. Even as I shifted through the remains of a

horrific barn fire, I found the basis of art: dramatic

transformations of recognized functional materials into

imagination-inspiring shapes and surprising juxtaposi-

tions. I saved those and mundane bolts, latches, and

buckles for an art project.

Fast-forward three years to a class offering at the Bower Center,

Nancy Starks Thinking About the Box: I knew this was the

class I needed to get me moving on my barn-fire art. This show is the result of a disaster, an artistic eye, and acquired

skills. July

Geophysics

The TECAC Connect July/Aug/Sept Page 4

Featured Artist for August:

Shelley Koopmann

I began painting in pastel, but have recently

switched to oils. It has become my passion.

I paint just about anything, but

really like to paint

little vignettes of everyday life.

I especially like to paint people going

about their daily lives. There isn't a day

that goes by that I don't see

something that I feel will make an

interesting painting. You can see

most of my work on my blog:

www.shelleykoopmann.blogspot.com.

Featured Artist: September - Megan Davies

Falling in love with Uganda was something that I

couldn't help. I knew I would like Africa, but I

wasn't expecting it to stay with me the way that it

has. I was also not expecting the photographs

from my time there to impact people the way

they have - and it happened without me noticing

right away.

I have my personal list to accomplish while I'm in

Uganda: I want to keep journaling, taking photographs, building relationships, and getting a better understanding of

their culture. I have been wanting to use my art as a bridge between Uganda and the US, but I always thought it would be

in the form of paintings. What ended up happening was artists in the US, here in

Bedford, were inspired to do their own renditions of Ugandan artwork based on the

photographs from my trip. For a while I was just simply excited that they were taking an

interest in the people and the place that I love so much, then over time I realized the

impact I was hoping for had already begun to take place.

This show is a collection of pieces from local artists displaying their perspective how

Uganda has touched their lives. I can't say enough how appreciative I am to have them

engage in these pictures the way they have and my hopes with this show is that the

Bedford community can continue being grabbed by what they see. I hope it causes a

restlessness in our community the way it has in my heart.

Yellow Kayak Chime On!

Waiting for the Right Wave Boys v. Girls

African Roof by Megan Davies

Ugandan Woman by Rod Adams

Ugandan Prayer: A Childs Prayer

by Pat Dougherty

The TECAC Connect July/Aug/Sept Page 5

Awards & Recognitions Contd from page 2 Rhodes, Martha Marthas Passage of Light appears

in the June issue of American Art Col-

lector magazine.

Schafer, Jane Another sale at TECAC!!! Janes

Copper Tops went to Lexington VA!

TECAC Members Offer

Classes and Workshops Rod Adams teaches weekly water-

color classes at Artists on Depot.

Donna Nevers will be conducting an

Encaustic Wax workshop, Saturday

and Sunday, September 7 & 8 at

Bower Center for the Arts.

Suzanne V. Paddock is offering oil

painting at Bower Center , Saturdays

in August (19, 17, 24, 31) and in

September on Tues & Thurs evenings.

Dan Perkins is teaching beginning

and advanced pottery classes at

Bower Center.

Dotti Stone is offering birdbath and

mirror mosaics classes in August and

an Intro class and Mosaic Sculpture

class beginning mid-September at

Bower Center.

Exhibit Opportunities Poplar Forest - American Icon

Annual Fundraiser - Oct 5

Exhibit opportunity

Contact Suzanne Paddock by July 12

if interested and for information.

28th Annual LRA Showcase Jefferson Center

541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke VA

August 10 - Entry deadline

August 26, 9AM-10:30 Art delivery

Sept 8, 2PM-4 Awards reception

http://

www.leagueofroanokeartists.com

or email Dotti Stone:

[email protected]

Dont forget to like us

on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/TECAC207

Passage of Light

by Martha Rhodes

The TECAC Connect July/Aug/Sept Page 6

Committee Volunteers - thank you!! Please note this is our list of volunteers from the March 3rd meeting. If you were unable to attend, or volunteer at that time, there are still opportunities. Just let someone in the Steering Committee know what you will be

volunteering for. There is still plenty to do and we will find a good match. Any errors or additions, please notify Suzanne immediately.

Thanks again for all your help!

STEERING COMMITTEE ~ committed for one full year Edrie Bays [email protected]

Erni Houser [email protected]

Perri Mason [email protected]

Suzanne V. Paddock [email protected]

George Wachob [email protected]

Due to our need to firmly establish structure and order, we may ask at least one person per committee to volunteer for 3 months to

specifically help out with this extra need. Otherwise, one month is an acceptable volunteer term. Any and all assistance is greatly

appreciated.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Suzanne V. Paddock George Wachob

EVENTS COORDINATOR/ TECAC LIAISON COMMITTEE ~ in need of a dedicated coordinator to manage events

Erni Houser Shelley Koopmann Jane Schafer

FUND RAISING - NEED VOLUNTEERS

GALLERY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Perri Mason Edrie Bays

Erni Houser Suzanne V. Paddock

ARTISAN SHOPPE COMMITTEE

Perri Mason Bill Koopmann

George Wachob Suzanne V. Paddock

HANGING COMMITTEE

Shelley Koopmann Perri Mason Jane Schafer Kurt Kindermann

MARKETING COMMITTEE

Suzanne V. Paddock

MINUTES/ E-LETTER COMMITTEE

Suzanne V. Paddock Dotti Stone Nancy Rae Brown

MEMBERSHIP PROCESS COMMITTEE

Erni Houser Shelley Koopmann

Suzanne V. Paddock Martha Rhodes Nancy Rae Brown

RENOVATIONS COMMITTEE Open for volunteers!

540-491-2585 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/TECAC207

TECAC Connect Newsletter TECAC members, this is YOUR newsletter. It will come

out quarterly. Please send information about any awards

and recognitions you receive, classes you will be offering

anything to get the word out about what is happening

in your world and the arts community in the area. If you

know of classes, workshops and exhibit opportunities,

send that information along also. Send to Dotti Stone - Email: [email protected] Newsletter deadline: Sep 25 for Oct/Nov/Dec issue

Important Dates - 2013 Gallery TECAC Member

Rotations: Meeting - 2 PM

Jun 30 Jul 7

Aug 4/5 Aug 25

Oct 6/7 Nov 3

Dec 8/9 Jan 5 2014

HELP WANTED!

Contact Suzanne V. Paddock if you would be interested

in working on a TECAC blog. Shelley Koopmann gave an

overview of blogging at the last meeting and the consen-

sus was that this would be a valuable avenue for getting

public awareness of TECAC.