CARSPA met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 9, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. at the Osceola Senior Center following social time at 9:00. Hostesses Effie Crawford, Marjorie Faulkner, and Leota Broyles provided doughnuts, rolls, coffee, and water. There were 9 members present and 1 guest plus 2 presenters. Linda Foland presided.
Guest presenter was Gary Robins.
Gary displayed a number of his artistic pieces. Some were paintings, drawings, clay sculptures, balsa wood carvings, hand-made Christmas cards, and more. He had painted the background of the bapistry in the Murray Church of Christ. He has been using acrylics in recent paintings, as the paint dries more quickly than oils.
His wife, Delores Robins, accompanied him. She told how he used to draw on napkins, scratch paper, or anything available until she convinced him that his drawings should go in a sketch book.
Gary answered many questions about developing his hobby. He never had any school art classes and believes God gave him this talent to see something in his head and then paint it while he listens to music.
As an adult, he has taken a few workshops and had a mentor from whom he learned much. He has been to France twice and The Louvre has influenced some of his work. Through the years, he has sold some of his works, but now his family gets his creations.
President Linda Foland opened the meeting with the members reciting the pledge and singing “Grace”.
Minutes from September 11, 2017, were read by Venita Escher. Minutes were approved. The Treasurer’s report was given by Venita Escher from Sharon Cameron’s information. The expenditures and ending balance were approved.
Updates on some member’s health issues and surgeries were shared.
Linda Foland and Venita Escher shared highlights from the IRSPA convention and tours.
The District 4 Spring meeting in Council Bluffs may be changed to Tuesday, May 15, instead of May 16.
Members were reminded that the next CARSPA meeting will be the third Monday on November 20 as the senior center will be closed on November 13 following the Saturday, November 11, Veteran’s Day.
An article “From the Mouths of Little Iowans” from the “Our Iowa” magazine was read by Linda Foland.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50.