Happy Holidays from Wiegardt Studio Gallery

As I write this, I am reminded how blessed we have been this year. As it turns out, it looks as though we are going to have an average year in business. Like many of you, this time last year we were staring at a recession that was just winding up and wondering what it will all mean. I share with many of you, it was quite disconcerting. Earlier this year national workshop organizations were telling me the enrollment was way down and many classes had to be canceled. I thank the Lord that, all in all, business here at the gallery and the workshops have done well.

We look forward to 2010 as we begin to implement new opportunities for students and collectors. For Students, we will introduce the beginning of a booklet series that will be very practical to beginning and experienced artists alike. I have not seen anything like it on the market. We see this growing into a library of practical painting concepts. For Collectors, we have a new series of paintings that will be introduced over the next two years pertaining to the Life and Times of the Long Beach Peninsula. We will provide more information as this series develops.

As we mentioned before, watch for a membership program for Students coming in the first quarter of 2010. There will be personal painting tips from Eric, a personal video critique program by Eric, materials discount, a blog for students to discuss painting techniques along with tips by Eric, expansion of the School of Painting program and many other services over time. Your suggestions are welcome. Stay tuned as we apprise you of these exciting developments.

We are planning more enhancements inside the gallery by adding color to some of the walls to create an ambiance of the home.

We have had such a great response to the Tuscany workshop this June that it is a confirmed go.

Other noteworthy events:

Eric's paintings have been chosen by:
National Watercolor Society National Exhibition '09 "Grain Elevator"
Northwest Watercolor Society Waterworks Show "Calla Lilies" (Award)

I judged and selected the awards for the Kansas Watercolor Society National Show '09

Thank you for all your interest and support over the last year. What a blessing!

Merry Christmas!

Eric Wiegardt, AWS, NWS

P.S. We are updating our email list and would appreciate letting us know what state you reside in so we may send you updates pertinent to your area of the country. For those of you who have already done this... Thank you!