D JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER
In This Newsletter:
—AAC Member-at-large Annual Meeting
—Book Discussion Group: Coaching the Artist Within
—Small Art Show Thank You
—Young Artists, Call for Work
— Arden Artisans Collective Presents: Life Lessons
—Update on the A&C Gild
—Focus on the Steering Committee
ARDEN ARTISAN COLLECTIVE ANNUAL MEETING: BE PART OF THE VISION.
Attention artists and makers! Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an enthusiastic hobbyist, or just beginning your journey, the Arden Artisan Collective (AAC) invites you to our annual Members-at-Large Meeting. The theme for this year is “Your Vision, Your Voice, Your Collective”
When: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 7–9 PM
Where: Buzz Ware Community Center
Cost: Free (suggested $3–$5 donation toward room rental) Optional: Bring a snack to share.
This is your moment to make your voice heard. Together, we’ll brainstorm ideas, address our collective goals, and chart a creative course for 2025 and beyond. Your participation will help shape the future of our artistic community and ensure we continue to make a meaningful impact.
AGENDA:
2024 Year in Review
Proposed 2025 Year…what we have on the calendar so far
Breakout group: What can the AAC do for you?
Regroup to discuss, add suggestions to our calendar
Breakdown—what it takes to put on an AAC event. Where do you fit in?
Breakout groups: How can you do to contribute in big and small ways to the AAC?
Regroup: Recognition of Steering Committee and Volunteers. Formation of 2025 the new Steering Committee.
Social time
Let’s gather, dream, and create together. Your ideas and energy are what make this collective thrive!
Calling All Creatives: Join Us for a Night of Inspiration!
Are you a writer, musician, dancer, actor, visual artist, or photographer? The Arden Artisan Collective invites you to a vibrant community event centered around the timeless insights from Coaching the Artist Within by Dr. Eric Maisel.
This acclaimed book offers 12 powerful self-coaching lessons to help creators confront and conquer the internal roadblocks that often stifle their potential. With practical exercises, thought-provoking examples, and reflective prompts, Maisel equips artists with tools for growth and success.
Jill Althouse-Wood, a student of Dr. Maisel’s teachings, will lead a dynamic discussion about how our creative community can foster resilience, nurture talent, and overcome challenges together. Whether or not you’ve read the book or tried the exercises, you’re welcome to join this engaging conversation.
When: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 7–9 PM
Where: Buzz Ware Community Center
Cost: Free (suggested $3–$5 donation for Buzz Ware operating expenses)
This is your chance to connect with fellow creatives and gain fresh inspiration for your artistic journey. Don’t miss it!
A BIG THANK YOU—to all who came out in support of the Arden Artisan Collective “Small Art” craft show in December. We held two receptions and felt the community love at both of them. Thanks to our 20 displaying artists, our gallery techs (Sadie Somerville and Rodney Jester) and attendants (Jeanne Orr, Alida Fish, Annette Hearing, Linda Toman) as well as our cookie mavens (Betty O’Regan, Rachel Kantner, Mark Wood, and Linda Toman) . A big shout out to the BWVC for giving us a second chance event to show our wares. And a huge thank you to Ray Dobby for volunteering his time to give us a magnificent singing bowl session. If you feel good vibes when you enter the Buzz in January—you will know why.
CALL FOR ARTWORK BY OUR YOUTH
Calling all young artists for an Ardens youth art show, opening at the Buzz Ware Village Center on 2/7! All grandchildren and children of the Ardens, ages 5-18 are eligible to participate. All mediums are welcome, but work must be hangable. Submissions deadline is January 26th. Email Emily Ferrell for more info (this event is not an AAC event, but we are cheering it on!)
AAC PRESENTS: LIFE LESSONS
Discover the beauty of connection through Life Lessons, an invitational art exhibit inspired by the Delaware Theatre Company's production of Tuesdays with Morrie. Sadie Somerville and Alida Fish are curating this show featuring works by four of our talented collective artists: Steve Tanis, Linda Celestian, Lon Sullivan and Megan Murphy King. This exhibition explores themes of mentorship, growth, and the human spirit. Mark your calendars to be there in support of our artists and this exciting collaboration with local theater.
When: Exhibit Dates: February 19 – March 9, 2025
🎨 Artists' Reception: March 7, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM
Where: Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St, Wilmington, DE
UPDATE ON ARTS & CRAFTS GILD
The Arden Club Board is meeting this month to vote on our proposal to form the Arts & Crafts Gild. More information will be forthcoming in the February AAC newsletter.
FOCUS ON STEERING COMMITTEE
At our January 2024 Arden Artisan Collective meeting and retreat, seven dedicated members stepped up to guide us through an exciting year. Linda Toman, Cookie Ohlson, Shay Seaborne, Rachel Kantner, Jill Althouse-Wood, Steve Nolan, and Megan King took on the challenge. Over the year, this group met seven times—hosting gatherings in their homes—to plan and coordinate the diverse activities that filled the AAC calendar.
While the primary role of the steering committee is to support a member-driven agenda, these leaders went above and beyond. They tackled major responsibilities like organizing the Arden Fair Booth, Artisan Socials, book discussions, field trips, and an impressive four group shows in 2024!
When these members volunteered, they committed to serving for one year—and that time is now coming to an end. We’ll soon say goodbye to some of these incredible contributors, and we’re looking for others to step up and bring their unique skills to the table.
Ready to get involved? Serving on the steering committee is a great way to support our vibrant community, and it’s only a one-year commitment. Want to know more? Visit the meeting minutes section on the AAC website for details.
Jill Althouse-Wood
AAC Steering Committee
"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been." -- Rainer Maria Rilke