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Milne
Alumni July Newsletter Dear Milne Alumni and Supporters, In this issue: * I Found Myself Through Art! By Nancy Clausen, '59 * Sad News I FOUND MYSELF THROUGH ART! BY NANCY CLAUSEN, '59 Appalachian Pastel Society Artist of the Month – Nancy Clausen, July 2020 Thinking back, I realize that I have always enjoyed art. As a little girl, I loved to paint and draw. As I became older, I enjoyed going to the art museum in Albany, N.Y. where I grew up, and in high school, I enjoyed going to the Met in New York. Even after I married and had children, I would take them to the museums in the cities we lived in. We especially enjoyed the Smithsonian Art Museum when we lived in Northern Virginia. I never thought that I would one day become an artist. It was by accident. My daughter and I went to a wildflower symposium in Virginia. After freezing on the mountain, I signed up with the artist the next day and went out to draw wildflowers in a nice sunny place. After coming home, I showed my drawings to a friend who directed me to one of the Raleigh Parks and Recreation facilities that taught drawing and painting. I signed up for a class and I have never looked back. In my mid-fifties, I began an exciting journey. My first pastel teacher was Luana Laconi-Winner. I learned from her the importance of using the best materials to do the best job. I also had my first understanding of values from her. Sometimes they still elude me. I’ve had many other teachers such as Alan Flattmann, Carole Katchen, and Bob Rohm while taking workshops at Willow Wisp Farm in Fairview, N.C. And later from Richard McKinley, Elizabeth Mowry, and last year with Lyn Asselta as well as many others. Along the way, I have met many friends with the same interest. My first was the Sertoma Park Artists. They were an incredibly positive and encouraging group of artists. A friend from there invited me to a PSNC meeting. I joined the group which at the time were meeting at one of the member’s home. They did a few shows and were gracious enough to allow a beginner such as me to enter my work. I would have to say it was a little daunting, but also made me want to become a better painter. It was exciting when for the first time I was juried into a show. Since that time I have been juried into many shows and on occasion, won awards. Last year I had the honor of two paintings being chosen for Mission Hospital’s new wing. They were made into giclées and each one is hanging in a consulting room. Being a founding member of the Appalachian Pastel Society has given me the opportunity to participate in being part of an organization that has been growing from its inception. I have enjoyed being a part of its growth. But most importantly I have enjoyed the journey of learning to paint and the people I have met along the way. A quote from Thomas Merton says – “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” I wholeheartedly agree. Click here for images of Nancy's work. SAD NEWS Carol B. Goodman, '71, passed away on June 12, 2020. She was the sister of Gail GOODMAN Snitkoff, '70. Maria Elena PERDARIS Lanides, '59, passed away on June 19, 2020. Natalie Mann Rosenstock, '43, passed away on June 23, 2020. Dr. Robert R. Faust, Jr., '55, passed away on June 23, 2020. Edwin Sperber, father of Reid Sperber, '75, passed away on July 5, 2020. Dr. Peter A. Myers, '53, passed away on July 5, 2020. He was the brother of Willard Myers, '54, and Carol Myers Wade, '55. Thanks to all of you for your interest in Milne Alumni activities. Judy (Koblintz) Madnick, '61 For contact information, see the Milne Alumni homepage: |