HVAA members Lynn Throckmorton (r) and Jenny Gagnon (c) welcome new member Kim Neubauer to the gallery. While Kim lives in Phoenix, AZ, her parents and brother reside here in Hemet. She plans to visit them often and, because of that, expects to be an active member of the art center. She’s already rented a panel, so come in and look at her wonderful artwork. It will give you something to talk about when you meet her.
Many of you know I ponder. Which means I wonder what the future of our little gallery will look like in the years to come. Do we “do what we’ve always done?” or “do we look for a better way to build a mousetrap?” I ponder how fortunate HVAA is today, thanks to the endless volunteer hours of many of our dedicated long-time members,
like Shirley Jouglard, Lee Moler, Susan Baker, Betty Pilley, Sherri Domenigoni, Julie Jernegan, Virginia Melton, Teddie Oatey, Luz Obmina, Kathy Schmitt and Laura Ryan. These folks joined before 2010 and are still volunteering and supporting gallery activities to keep the doors open today. Many of these folks served on the board, some during the most difficult years of COVID.
Here we are 2025 with a diverse membership, and many are new to the gallery. Technology today requires board members to have skills on the computer and being savvy to traveling on the electronic highway. Our Treasurer, Anna Ives, has electronic banking records now. Sheryl Cooley creates a monthly newsletter fit for a Fortune 500 business, and she writes competitive grant applications. She uses software to create her magic. Art Majerus, Gallery Director and Webmaster, has knowledge of all the electronic gadgets we now have at the gallery. He’s the
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first person to call if there’s a question about the credit card machine. Yup, he’s our tech fellow!
Steve Wilkinson manages an extensive Excel spreadsheet for tracking membership. He and Tracy Anderson have a huge job welcoming new members and making sure each member’s information is correct on the database. Moving over to Jose Pacheco and Julie Jernegan, they put the face of HVAA out on social media. Yup, social media is a huge highway today for information. It’s on that platform local residents and distant artists hear about and see our gallery. Julie and Jose are the eyes and ears of what needs to be on social media. In addition, Julie is our official photographer, and Jose creates many of the flyers for our classes, workshops and special events.
These are just a few of the folks I want to praise this month. If you are a newbie at the gallery, you’ll see a pattern here. Folks join, they find their happy place within the organization/gallery, and volunteer. My role as your President will be to highlight our members, because without all of you, the doors would close. I invite all of you to find a seat at the HVAA table. Help point us in the right direction so I’ll know if I’m coming or going.
Lynn
Jill Roberts, a local artist from Temecula, specializes in murals and pet portraits. Having attended Columbus College of Art & Design and majoring in Advertising Design, she is also a graphic designer, working with both print and digital clients.
Roberts has been invited to speak at our February general meeting about the art of building murals. She has extensive experience in creating hand-painted wall murals in spaces in her clients’ homes, including children’s nurseries and play areas, as well as dining and living rooms. Commercial clients include hospitals, animal clinics, restaurants and wineries. She also creates wall décor on canvas and commissioned paintings in acrylic on canvas.
When Roberts is not painting walls (and ceilings and floors, no doubt), she can be found creating hand-painted pet portraits for clients, especially as memorial keepsake paintings.
The mission of the HVAA is to encourage and develop the appreciation, study and practice of the fine arts and to further educate, inspire, and enrich the lives of others through our programs, exhibits and activities.
President/ Communications V. President/Marketing Relations
Secretary
Treasurer
Parliamentarian/ Marketing Comms. Gallery Director
Lynn Throckmorton throckhemet@earthlink.net
Alison Wieman alison_wieman@yahoo.com
Kathy Schmitt kds5@verizon.net
Anna Ives annaives898@hotmail.com
Sheryl Cooley cooleybates@sbcglobal.net
Art Majerus sawdustman@mac.com
BOARD MEMBERS
Jenny Gagnon
Patti Greco
Diane Klewenhagen
jennymonique@verizon.net paintedlady207@gmail.com dianescritters@icloud.com
APPOINTED POSITIONS
Membership/Orientation
General Mtg.
Social Media
Newsletter
Photographer/Historian
Activities
Social/Hospitality
School Liaison/Scholarships
Web Master
Sitting Calendar/ Orientation
Evening of Art
Grants & Fundraising
Facilities
Database
Tracy Anderson tandyart@yahoo.com
Patti Greco paintedlady207@gmail.com
Beverly Johnson beverlyaj1@gmail.com
Jose Pacheco eye.eatclayart@gmail.com
Sheryl Cooley cooleybates@sbcglobal.net
Julie Jernegan jcustomphotos@gmail.com
Alison Wieman alison_wieman@yahoo.com
Beverly Squire beverlysquire@icloud.com
Alison Wieman (Liaison) alison_wieman@yahoo.com
Jenny Gagnon (Scholarships) jennymonique@verizon.net
Art Majerus sawdustman@mac.com
Diane Klewenhagen dianescritters@icloud.com
Alison Wieman alison_wieman@yahoo.com
Alison Wieman (Grants) alison_wieman@yahoo.com
Linda Baranek (Fundraising) linvivb1@gmail.com
Bob Straubinger
bobstraubinger@msn.com
Steve Wilkinson slwilkinson.fineart@gmail.com
Jan 20
Janice Cipriani-Willis Workshop, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Workshop 3: “Portraits: Capturing Likeness in Watercolor”
At the gallery/art center
Jan 28
Jan 29
Feb 1
Feb 3
Evening of Art Meeting, 1:00-2:00 pm
At the gallery/art center
Board Meeting, 1:00-3:00 pm
At the art center
General Meeting 1:00-3:00 pm
Speaker: Jill Roberts, Muralist Masonic Lodge, 150 Laursen St., Hemet
Open to the Public, Free Park in Wells Fargo Parking Lot After 12:30 pm
Change of Painting (CoP) (contest art drop off) 9:00 am-Noon
Theme: Landscapes
At the gallery/art center
Feb 10
Open House, 2:00-6:00 pm
“Celebrating the Best of...”
At the art center
Open to the Public, Free Members are encouraged to bring guests
Feb 10, week of
Feb 25, week of Feb 26
Evening of Art Meeting, 1:00-2:00 pm
At the gallery/art center (Exact date TBD)
Evening of Art Meeting, 1:00-2:00 pm
At the gallery/art center
Board Meeting 1:00-3:00 pm
At the gallery/art center
Note: 2025 will see HVAA referring to the gallery and studio as the art center
The delightful Monica Ray of Monica Ray Designs spoke at HVAA’s January general meeting, demonstrating the art of yarn making. From sourcing the wool (including llama, goat, alpaca and sheep) to carding and dying the fibers, to spinning the threads to constructing the garmet, she explained how she brings her creations to life. She brought with her a spinning wheel, skeins of yarn and a knitted sweater she had hand-crafted, helping us all understand the beauty of wearable art that is made with talent, patience and love.
A former architect, Emily Gascon began serious persuit of her art after retirement. She is a member of both the Hemet Valley Art Association (HVAA) and the Redlands Art Association (RAA). She accepted an invitation to exhibit in the Redlands gallery last February and chose their mid-December to mid-January timeframe to display both her fine art and photographs.
In her artist’s statement, Emily says, “In photography, I strive to capture fleeting moments or the unique spirit of each subject, revealing layers that might otherwise go unnoticed. In my paintings, I translate my observations into my own interpretation.”
Way to go, Emily!
The Hemet Valley Art Center is a hidden gem nestled in the Hemet Historic District on Harvard Street between Florida and Devonshire. Like the pearl in an oyster, it is tucked away. It is located on a one-way street near, of all things, a discount store. It has the old-timey facade of a dress shop from a bygone era, and the people most likely to notice it are those headed to the bakery next door.
But don’t let looks deceive you. The art center houses not only work from some amazing fine artists and photographers, it is a potpourri of hand-crafted items. And it has the distinction of exhibiting 2- and 3-D art from some of the most talented students in the valley.
In addition to the gallery itself, there is a studio area. Award-winning artists hold watercolor, mixed media and charcoal/ drawing classes for adults. There’s a program of clay classes for kids that not only expands and contracts as the need arises, but whose instructors take their classes outside the building, providing instruction in our neighborhoods. Or there’s the painting class, also for youth, run by our vice president and artist and her talented 13-year-old granddaughter. Our Hemet Sketchers group eschews the center altogether; the entire valley is theirs to explore.
To say nothing of the myriad workshops held on an ad hoc basis nearly every month, often run by general meeting demonstrators whose work we so love that we talk them into giving us more.
The open house is an excuse to invite those who are artists, who want to be artists, who are now in a position to practice their art or who just love art to come and visit us. Our current Artist of the Year and Photographer of the Year, as well as others, will be on hand to tell their stories and show you around. There will be a little wine and a little food, a little talk and a little laughter. Come and explore our little gem. We’re the pearl in the oyster you won’t want to miss.
This year I’d like to introduce you to one of my Urban Sketchers each month. I was pressed for time with the holidays and all this month so I will just introduce myself.
I’ve always been interested in art and have drawn since I was a little kid. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of California. I first joined HVAA in 2011, but had to step away for a while in 2018 due to work responsibilities. I rejoined this past May, which is also when I began the Hemet Sketchers Urban Sketching group. I began keeping sketchbooks and started Urban Sketching in 2013 after taking a class from SketchbookSkool.com. I was a member of Urban Sketchers San Diego up until I started our local group.
My favorite thing to draw is buildings and my least favorite thing to draw is people (and cars). I also spent 17 years in the US Navy (8 active duty and 9 reserve). I also worked as a hairdresser, paralegal, graphic designer and a caregiver. I retired at the end of September (very early retirement as I was only 53 at the time). Not only do I volunteer my time to HVAA, but I am also actively involved with the American Legion Post 53 in Hemet.
This past month the Hemet Sketchers visited Harvard Street twice and ended the year with coming to my house and drawing my Christmas tree ornaments while we shared cookies, coffee and conversation.
It’s not too late to join us; come check us out at any time. We meet on Tuesdays from 10:00-noon. Our locations vary, so be sure to contact me to find out where we will be next.
Tracy Anderson (619) 890-8126
tandyart@yahoo.com
Please mark your calendar now for our Annual Evening of Art. This year’s event will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025. This year we will be increasing our student competition categories, dividing the 2-D art into two categories in addition to maintaining the 3-D and Ceramics categories. This is because we had such a large number of entries into this 2-D his category last year and are able to do this, financially, because of your generous support.
The participation in this event not only funds the prize money but also the event itself. We love the opportunity to share our artwork with the community of Hemet, friends and family.
We will be displaying art for sale, baskets for raffle, a silent auction, student work exhibits and awards, as well as the work of our member artists and demonstrators. There will be children’s art activities, of course, wonderful hor d’oeuvres and wine!
If you would like to help with making gift baskets, donating your time, finding donors or just doing what needs doing, please let me know. It takes a lot of hands on-deck to pull off this great evening. I’m the contact this year, so please get in touch with me. Alison Wieman at (951)313-6239.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Alison Wieman
Presents: The Eighteenth Annual EVENING OF ART March 22, 2025 6-9 PM
Located at the Hemet Public Library, 300 East Latham, Hemet, CA 92543
Event Highlights
Artist Demonstrations
High School Scholarship Awards
Gourmet Raffle Baskets
Hors d'oeuvres, Desserts, Wine
Live Music
Children's Workshops
Advance Tickets available at the Gallery 144 N Harvard St., Hemet, CA 92543
Also available at the door. $15 donation
For more information contact Alison Wieman (951) 313-6239
Advanced Watercolor Painting Instructor: Betty Pilley Class Full—Waiting List at Gallery
Mixed Media/Watercolor Instructor: Miyoko Whittelsey
1st & 3rd Thursdays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
$25 per class
Drawing Instructor: Miyoko Whittelsey
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
$20 per class
Hemet Sketchers
Instructor: Tracy Anderson Tuesdays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Locations vary Contact Tracy for details - tandyart@yahoo.com Free
Children’s Clay Class: Ages 8-12
Instructors: Patti Greco and Jose Pacheco Saturdays*, 1:00-3:00 pm
$10 per class (All supplies provided, including clay)
Children’s Draw and Paint Class
Instructor: Alison Wieman
3rd & 4th Saturdays of the month, 10:00 am-Noon
$10 per class (All supplies provided)
*No afternoon class the first Saturday of each month, as that’s the day of the general meeting, and the gallery is closed in the afternoon.
By the time you read this, we will know the winners of the 2024 Change of Painting points contest, and I will have taken over the last part of the contest from Earl McNeese. I appreciated the fact that he continued to do the work after he resigned as Director, and I know he will still be around to help hang.
As we look continue into 2025, I will be making some minor changes to the contest, mainly in briefing the judges to pay closer attention to what is submitted in the Special category so that entries actually reflect that month’s theme.
I have published a written set of guidelines for everybody, one for fine art and a more comprehensive one for photography which by its very design has more variables. I will be distributing copies for all.
Everyone is reminded to contact me directly if you need a rental or have problems/questions about the gallery.
Art Majerus
Fun Fact: Did you know that Susan Baker is HVAA’s current longest standing member? She came to us on November 4, 2001. As a member, she volunteered many years to HVAA as the Treasurer. She is part of Betty Pilley’s Watercolor class, and she consistently enters her artwork in our monthly competitions.
As of the end of December, we have 151 members. I’d like to welcome our five new members for the month of December.
Thank you to our Platinum Life and our Bronze Members. We appreciate your support!
Orientation is scheduled for the second Tuesday of odd months. Contact Diane Klewenhagen at 951-926-3856 for information regarding orientation.
Tracy Anderson
Featured Artists: F ine Artists Alison Wieman, Daughter Rachel Welch, & Granddaughter Opal Larkin
All Part of the HVAA Family
-Primary medium is oil, but also does pastel, collage, beginning watercolor
-HVAA past president; current VP
-Belongs to Hemet Sketchers
-Retired school teacher
-Primary medium is watercolor/ mixed media, acrylic
-Teacher and Dept. Chair at Idyllwild Arts Academy
-Designs and creates beautiful jewelry
-HVAA Artist of the Year 2023
-Works in a variety of media, including watercolor, gouache, markers, acrylic, ceramics, beginning oil
-HVAA member and competition winner on several occasions
-Designed two yearbook covers for her school
-13 years old
Best In Show - Fine Art: Betty Pilley, “Winter Warmth”
FINE ART WINNERS
Miniatures
Special Theme (Winter)
1st Vicki Moran, “Gruchy Ranch”
2nd Beverly Squire, “A California Winter’s Day”
3rd Kathy Schmitt, “Afternoon Shadows”
HM Steve Wilkinson, “Snowed In”
Water Media
1st Vicki Moran, “An Apple a Day”
2nd Betty Pilley, “No Brushes Allowed”
3rd Beverly Squire, “A Winter Botanical”
HM Teddi Oatey, “Summer Time”
Acrylic/Oil
1st Guy Salts, “Red Barn”
2nd Rosemary Garrison, “Dusk”
3rd Carolyn Curran, “Lounging Girl”
HM Sheryl Cooley, “The Bombing of Beirut”
Mixed Media
1st Julie Jernegan, “Old Country Store”
2nd Steve Wilkinson, “Flower Whimsy”
3rd Jenny Gagnon, “Ribbons in Space”
HM Linda Vivian Baranek, “Garden Path”
1st Betty Pilley, “A Bit of Gold”
2nd Beverly Squire, “Morro Bay - Storm Surge”
3rd Cathy Woolery, “Burgundy Sunrise”
HM Diane Klewenhagen, “Radiant Presence” Modernism
1st Steve Wilkinson, “Flower Frenzy”
2nd Kathy Wollery, “Cathedral #2” 3rd Stephen Packard, “Aspens”
HM Lynn Throckmorton, “Desert Ocotillo”
Pastel/Drawing
1st Kathy Schmitt, “An Abundance of Flowers”
2nd Vicki Moran, “Kein’s Barn at Night”
3rd Sharon Blake, “Oldest Son”
HM Sherri Domenigoni, “One Room Harmony Schoolhouse”
Sculpture/3D
1st Linda Vivian Baranek, “Basket with Manzanita Handle”
2nd Jenny Gagnon, “Ribbons in Space”
3rd Diane Klewenhagen, “Pin-Horsehead”
HM Opal Larkin, “Angel Cat”
Best In Show - Photography: Earl McNeese, “Old Shop in Mexico”
Special Theme (Winter)
1st Earl McNeese, “Winter Is Here”
2nd Evan Stone, “Snow Day”
3rd Sheryl Cooley, “First Snow”
HM Art Majerus, “Grand Canyon” Anytime/Anyplace
1st Earl McNeese, “Strolling Down the Street”
2nd Sheryl Cooley, “ Winter Bench”
3rd Sherri Domenigoni, “Light From a Crystal”
HM Art Majerus, “Choo Choo” Living Things
1st Sheryl Cooley, “Snow Bird”
2nd Art Majerus, “Landing”
3rd Earl McNeese, “Sleepy Little Boy”
HM Sherri Domenigoni, “Snow Leopard: Mountain Ghost” Black & White
1st Sherri Domenigoni, “Soaring Over the Surf”
2nd Sheryl Cooley, “Water Nymph”
3rd Art Majerus, “Bodie”
Digitally Altered
1st Earl McNeese, “Bird Watching”
2nd Sherri Domenigoni, “Enchanted Monument Valley”
2nd Sheryl Cooley, “Winter Abstract 1”
3rd Art Majerus, “Landing Zone”
2025 Member Competition Themes
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Winter
Landscape
Wildlife
Bridges
Flowers
Nighttime
Moving Water
Transportation
Sunrise/Sunset
Old Structures
Rainy Days
Reflections
HEMET CONCERT ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 2241
HEMET, CA 92544
WWW.HEMETCONCERTS.ORG
951-927-2449
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Address: Phone:
Hours: Website: 144 N. Harvard St., Hemet, CA 92543 951-652-4592
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-4 pm www.hemetvalleyart.com
Please Note
You must be a member to display your art in the gallery, and it must be art that you personally created. The Gallery Director manages the rental of panels/ pedestals/cases. To exhibit your art, you must work through him.
Platinum life Members
Teddie Oatey
Chuck Schoenknecht
Rose Thomas
James Watters
Kathy Schmitt
Lynn & Bob Throckmorton
Sue Jordan & Keith Johnson
Guy Salts
Sheryl Cooley
Bronze Members
Jimmy DePasse
Richie Locasso
Non-Discrimination, Diversity, Inclusiveness
All people are recognized as unique individuals, and HVAA welcomes the variety of experiences they bring to the Hemet Valley Art Association (HVAA). As such, HVAA requires members and outside instructors and contractors to treat equally all members, class participants, students, visitors, and others who participate in the life of the organization without regard to race, ethnicity, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. HVAA strives toward diversity and inclusiveness within and without the organization, recognizing and supporting those who are under-represented in our community and beyond.