Upcoming Valley Art Association Events

Joining the Valley Art Association (VAA) will provide connections, monthly programs, exhibiting opportunities, networking with Chippewa Valley artists, fine art faires, and informative and fun art workshops.

Monthly General Meetings

April 3, 2025 | 1:30 - 3 PM

"Make your own small sketchbook" by Des Silowdki-Nelson is the program for the April meeting.

PAST MEETINGS:
March 6, 2025, 1:30-3:00pm at the Heyde Center.

After a brief business meeting and announcments by President Kathy Stockton-Behnke several members shared their most current work and activities.

Helen Buck brought a whole bunch of items she noted as Found Art Objects/Assemblage and along with the tools for those in attendance to create art. It was fun to watch the gathering of items and creative minds at work. :)

February 6, 2025, Heyde Center, 1:30-3pm
Kathy Stockton-Behnke, President, reminded members to pay dues if not done so for they were due January 31st.
Steve Cole, VAA Web Manager, made notice of the upcoming GALLERY updates and addition. See details in the EVENTS web page.
Vicki Cole, Dunn County Humane Society, looking for "art" donations for upcoming fund raiser at Mabel Tainter in Menmonie. Click here for information & donation form.
If questions contact Vicki at vcole@dunncountyhumanesociety.org

Several members participated in the "show & tell" of their current projects and accomplishments.

Ellen Nelson "got" on Volume One cover page. :)

Mindy Huntress presented and distributed information about using social media to promote one's art.
She demonstrated the steps creating a Facebook page strictly to promote one's art. Lots of discussion on some of the positives and pitfalls of social media.

NO JANUARY 2025 GENERAL MEETING

December 5, 2024 VAA Holiday Party 5:00-8:00pm at the Brewing Projekt
Food provided by Silly Serrano was YUM YUM

Center pieces designed and provided by Val Naber

The funds from the Silent Auction paid for the members' food :)

Socialization was every where

November 7th, 2024 - General Meeting in conjunction with The Artists Reception at the Heyde -5:00-8:00pm
The BOD Awards (first time ever) for the art show were announced and distributed to the winners at the beginning of the meeting.
Board Award- Jean Young for Cheers to the Latter Years
Honorable Mention- Christina Chalk for Celebrating the Sun

The Art Doctor, Jeff Nelson, offered his critique for Sarah Williams, Helen Buck, June Haigh-Boley, and Val Naber plus input was offered by the other members in attendance.
A very positive learning event!

Socialization of members in attendance before and after meetings are important aspects of attending. :)

October 3, 2024 at Heyde Center for the Arts
June Haigh-Boley did a demo on the various mediums to use with paint.

September 5, 2024 at Heyde Center for the Arts
After a short business meeting conducted by Vice President, Cari Raynae Jacobson, and a few members sharing recent creations, Noriko Slowinski provided a "fun" program.

Noriko Slowinski
Showed the slides of how collagraph is made. Those in attendance attempted to make their own collagraph plates.
Photos provided by Cari Raynae Jacobson

August 1,2024, 5:30-7:30pm
After the "business" meeting conducted by Kathy,
Cari Rayne Jacobson took the stage to demonstrate her approach and method to doing a "charcoal pour" . A Fun Time. :)

Concluding the meeting with a few Show & Tell by members;

July 11, 2024, 4-8pm
4:00pm Art Swap
5:30pm- Program "The Art Doctor is in" Jeff Nelson and program on Perspective

June 6, 2024, 5-8pm
Annual Picnic Time
Gathering at the Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire
No Rain plus the food truck was there and folks enjoyed the Mexican fare.

Before/After the short business meeting and announcements by the President, KathyStockton-Behnke, lots of yak-yak among the members plus a few brews too.

May 02, 2024, 1:30-3:00pm, Heyde Center for the Arts

Kathy conducted the business portion noting locations of members exhibits and classes.

Several members did a show & tell about their recent endeavors.

Pamm Spooner's program was titled:
"Weaver of cloth creating one-of-a-kind items for your body and home".
Pamm brought samples of needles and felted pieces along with samples of her art and the process she used to create.
She demonstrated techniques and safe procedures for working with the needles.
After which those in attendance (room was at capacity) selected the various samples provided by Pamm to use their individual creative minds to create.
In September Pamm will be on Washington Island at Sievers School of Fiber Arts to celebrate her 30th year of attending classes there with a five day immersion in double-weave.
There are so many things she wants to create and she is running out of time. :)

The sharing of the art created was the conclusion of the meeting.
Fun was had with no "ouch" being heard. :)

April 4, 2024, meeting was held at the 1106 (formerly Artisan Forge).

Kathy conducted the business portion of the meeting along with reminders on the upcoming WRAP Pop Up and VAA Fall Annual Show.

Sarah Williams provided updates and vacancies for the "new" opportunity at the 1106 for members to exhibit their art over a two month period.
If interested contact Sarah at sarahj724@gmail.com

Members Show and Tell Current Projects

Drew Williams , a member of the Chippewa Valley urban sketchers group, presented a program on Urban Sketching.

March 7, 2024, meeting at the Heyde
Kathy, President, Conducted the meeting

Members Show and Tell Current Projects

Mary Hermanson talked about what she does and how she makes kaleidoscopes.
In that she discussed some of the design elements she uses in conjunction to make a kaleidoscope.
Then each person attending had the opportunity to make a simple kaleidoscope design using the paper and pencils provided.

Be sure to check out her VAA GALLERY - Click Here

NO meetings January & February 2024

December 7th, 5-8pm, Annual Holiday Party, The Brewing Projekt
A very nice evening with great food, classical music , fellowship, lovely decorations, art auction, and bubbly to boot. ;)

October 26th, 5-8pm, General meeting and the Artists & Greet at the Member Show-Heyde
Photos provided by Terry J. Ford, President

October 5th, 1:30-3:00pm, Heyde Center
Vice President, Kathy Stockton-Behnke, called the meeting to order and conducted the business session including reminders to the upcoming VAA Members Show at the Heyde and the upcoming Holiday Party on December 7th at the Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire. KP catering will provide the food. There is no cost for VAA members. Guests will be $15. The committee is looking for silent auction items.
Show-and-Tell:
June Boley: Shared a painting in which she incorporated modeling paste.
Randy Palmer: Shared his Best River award from the Chippewa Valley Go Paint show.
Ken Krautbauer: Shared a piece he had in the Eau Claire Library's Summer art show.
Ellen Nelson: Shared a Halloween crazy quilt pillow and a kimono-style jacket she recently made
Lillian: Shared an acrylic poured piece and several fiber art pieces made on her Inca loom.
Pam Spooner: Showed her weaving cards used for Inca weaving.

Mosaic Creation demonstration by Dwan Briski

September 7th, 1:30-3:00pm, Heyde Center
Tammy Ford, President, conducted business session along with notations concerning upcoming Annual Heyde Exhibit and various members' exhibits.

Members shared their current creations:

Gelli Plate Printing: Cari Raynae Jacobson and Tammy Ford demonstrated and many participated in getting their hands dirty … Fun Time!. :)

August 3rd, 5:30-7:30pm, Mill Ridge Condo Community Room
Tammy Ford, President, Conducted Business Session along with notations concerning upcoming Annual Heyde Exhibit and various members' exhibits.

Members "Art Share" Current Works

Mosaic Glass - Erin Hill
Discussed and Demonstrated Process along with showing current works.

July 6, 2023 at Mill Ridge Condo Community Building

4-5:30pm
Used or unwanted art supplies to share or sell plus lots of conversations among the attendees.

5:30-7:00pm
Tammy conducted the business session.

Members Shared Art

Jeff Nelson presented his techniques and distributed materials for Charcoal Art

Members participated in creating their Charcoal masterpieces.
A fun but dirty hands experience for those not using the provided gloves. :)

June 1, 2023, 5:30-7:00pm Annual Picnic Meeting
The June Member Picnic was held at The Brewing Projekt 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI.

Tammy Ford conducted the "business" section of the meeting, honored members with recent art awards, and various announcements of upcoming events.

Many Members shared their most recent projects

Lots of time for social interactions too.

May 4, 2023, 1:30-3:00 pm

Tammy Ford, President, conducted the meeting, noting several upcoming events and recognized members who were presented with awards at the Heyde's Spring Art.

Tammy shared her latest "abstract" creation.

Other members shared their current work of arts

New Member Welcomed, Sarah Williams

VAA member Barbara Dunham conducted an interactive program on mixed media collage.
A fun and sticky time. :)

April 6, 2023, 1:30-3:00pm at the Heyde Center for the Arts

Tammy Ford, President, conducted a short business meeting.

Several members shared their "latest" creations :)

Kathy Stockton-Behnke presented "Green Arts" tips after which the attendees contributed with their indvidual efforts and suggestions.

March 02, 2023, 1:30-3:00pm at the Heyde Center for the Arts
An EXCELLENT pastel program was given by member Kay Brothel-Hostvet.

Photos by Val West Naber

December 1, 2022, 5pm-9pm, Annual Holiday Party
Fill Inn Station, Chippewa Falls
Music, Silent Auction, Dinner (Salad, Pizza, Desserts), Conversations, FUN

October 6, 2022, 1:30-3:00pm at the Heyde

Show & Tell

Dave and Lindamerry Udell presented and demonstrated "How to Properly Frame Your Art for Exhibition". A very informative session it was.

September 01, 2022, 1:30-3:00pm at the Heyde Center

Members Participated in Show & Tell of current endeavors:
Thomas Jannusch

Cari Raynae

Pam Spooner

Tammy Ford

Ruth Lundblad

Ken Krauthauer

Ruth Lundblad demonstrated Acrylic pour techniques and many of those who attended participated in doing it following the demonstration. A Fun Time for ALL.

August 4, 2022, 5-7pm at the Mill Ridge Condo Community Room

The minutes as provided by Val Naber with photo inserts by Hubert Steve Cole

President Tammy Ford called the meeting to order at 5:05, 24 people were in attendance.

Tammy Welcomed new member, Keely Hendrickson, and Guest Rhonda Bengston.

Exhibit committee, Beth Creekmore reviewed art happenings: Lucy's, AFS/VAA wall, AFS/VAA
Member exhibit (reception Sat. August 7, 12-4 with music Jam Session), and Altoona Library.
Elmaro Scheduled for July 2023.

The VAA Fall member show run concurrent with WRAP at the Heyde Center. Registrations will go
out August 20^th with 10x10x10 in maximum framed art size. Show theme: "Coming together one
small piece at a time"

Tammy brought artist trading cards and encouraged all member who have not done one to please do so. She is putting together a display for the VAA Show.

CVWC still has opening in their Tara Sweeney workshop August 17-18 at Beaver Creek Reserve. Contact Lindamerry Udell with questions.

Tammy discussed the 4 day "Urban Landscape workshop in Wausau by Jacob Dhein at the D Anthony Gallery.

WRAP was discussed and people were encouraged to participate.
The volunteer work schedule was available.

Karen Clark has a mosaic class August 22-24 at the Heyde Center in Chippewa Falls. Karen also
talked about the Yellow Art Trail in Chippewa Sept 9-10 and Falling Leaves Art Trail in Augusta Oct 8-9.

The Jazz Festival is August 27 at the Brewing Project in Eau Claire.

Heyde will be offering a free journaling Class for Senior/youth. See Heyde website.

The Christmas Party will be December 1 at the Fill-in in Chippewa Falls.
We will have elections, and the traditional silent auction accepting artwork in good taste.

Show and Tell:

Randy Palmer-Plein Air painting

Tom Jannusch- purple marker drawing

Ken Krautbauer- manipulated photography

Val Naber-porcelain

Ruth Cronje and Jane Mohler gave a great demonstration on "Mark Making" with objects found
in nature. They had supplies available for members to try hands on with making marks with sticks,
sponges, leaves, bark, string, wire and other objects found in nature. You can make marks that you
could not get any other way.

July 7, 2022 at River Prairie Park, 5-8pm:
President Tammy Ford called the meeting to order at 5:10, 14 people were in attendance
Randy Palmer gave a wonderful presentation on Plein Air painting, then demonstrated with palette knife and oils on a linen canvas.
WRAP was discussed.
The VAA Fall Member show runs concurrent with WRAP.
The maximum size for art is 10 x 10 framed or 10 x 10 x 10 for 3-d Work, show theme: Coming together one small piece at a time.
Exhibit committee, Beth Creekmore reviewed art happenings: Lucy, AFS. Altoona Library, Falling Leaves art Tour, Pure Water Days in Chippewa, Yellowstone Art trail,
Mabel Tainter, Beaver Creek watercolor artist exhibit, and the Comic show at the EA fairgrounds

June 2,2022, 5-7pm, PicnicMeeting was at the indoor "Activity Room" at Irvine Park.
VAAPresident Tammy Ford called the meeting to order at 5:30 after a fun social time.
15 people in attendance. VAA provided cupcakes from Wildflower Bakery, coffee, tea and lemonade.Tammy introduced the board members to everyone.

Program committee, Pam Spooner announced that the
July meeting will be at River Prairie Park from 5-8. Bring your own meal. Randy Palmer will do a demonstration on Plein air painting.
August demonstration will be Tammy Ford-Gelli pad printing.
September demonstration will be mark making.
October demonstration will by Kay Brathol Hostvet-pastels.

Show and Tell
Karen Scarseth showed her 3 assemblage projects which fascinated all.
Noriko Slowinski showed her "Home Sweet Home" assemblage using tea bag packages. Colorful and sweet.
Kathy Behnke-Stockton talked about how to make Temari Balls from pearl cotton thread. She passed around several examples of intricate beautiful Temari balls.

May 5, 2022 1:30-3:00pm at The Heyde Center

Members Share Recent Works:






Kelly Speros presented her art (color pencils) methods and shared her inspiration.

Members Attending Participating:


April 7, 2022 1:30-3:00 pm

Tammy Ford, President, conducted the meeting and called for the vote for the revised bylaws. Updated bylaws were passed with 25 votes and 8 proxy votes.

Val Naber, Secretary, gave a short talk about the STAMP portion of WRAP and encouraged members to mentor a student. Anyone interested in helping please contact Val (naber1968@chibardun.net).

New Member introduced themselves.

Show and Tell
Ken Krautbauer talked about his photography method, Val Naber talked about her porcelain painting, and Cari Raynae Jacobson talked about her acrylic painting.

Program
Pamm Spooner gave a demonstration on weaving looms and techniques, explaining how numerous patterns can be created on the same warp. Each member had an opportunity to use a kit to do hands on weaving. 19 members took part.















March 3rd, 2022, 1:30-3:00pm

Hubert Steve Cole (VAA Web Master) lead a discussion along with demonstration 
on making digital photos of art for juried applications or posting on the "web".

Scott Von Holzen explained assemblage and showed a fun piece he had done with found unaltered objects. 
He encouraged all VAA members to do an assemblage piece and participate in our group display at the Heyde Center. 
Members are encouraged to bring their piece to the June picnic.

Karen Scarseth showed numerous pieces she had done combining assemblage, collage and shadow boxes. 
She did a piece a day for 28 days and created a fantastic display.  See photos below.

Assemblage Challenge Project (see the noted EVENT)

Jean Arneson is accepting applications for the Yellowstone Art Trail. Contact Jean if you are interested. jeannieartist@gmail.com

The VAA display at Artisan Forge still has one 3-d opening. Contact Beth Creekmore if you're interested. Bethcreekmoreartist@gmail.com

Pamm Spooner brought different weaving and yarn projects to share. She talked about use of color and materials.
If you'd like to share, bring your item to our next meeting to show and tell.

BOD Recognition Award presented to Past President, Jeff Nelson, for his excellent leadership.

New Members Attending Self-Introductions




Member, Pamm Spooner, sharing recent works of art


Member, Karen Scarseth, leading discussion on Assemblage and sharing her art

Member, Scott Von Holzen, Assemblage Art


February 3rd, 2022,1:30-3:00

Membership dues are due. Beth Creekmore, Treasurer, will be on hand to 
accept your dues. VAA membership remains a bargain! $25 
single or $35 for family. Make it easy! Checks are the preferred method for payment.

This meeting will begin with an introduction and installation of our new executive board 
members.

After the "business" meeting, we will feature Hugh (Paco) Passow owner of The Antique 
Emporium. He will discuss the current collect/art market.  g for paintings, drawings, fibers, and/or 3D art.  Any thing framed must have no glazing (glass or acrylic).

January 6th: CANCELD DUE TO WINTER WEATHER COLD & SNOW CONDITIONS.


December 2nd, 5-8pm, was the Annual Holiday Party (Fill Inn Station - Chippewa Falls) which included a Silent Auction and Ballroom Dancing with Kelly Speros.

Kelly and her husband John own Arthur Murray Dance Studio so we were taught by the BEST! 
Truly a "fun" evening ... note the following photos.

November 4th General Meeting

Watercolor techniques and demonstration  by Barbara Harling



October 14th Meeting was held in conjunction with the Opening of the VAA Annual Heyde Exhibit


General Meeting Location: September 2, 2021
Vino Cappuccino, N5734 US Hwy 12, Elk Mound, WI 54739


A couple members participated in the Plein Art availability prior to the meeting & shared during the meeting

The September membership meeting began at 1:30 PM.

A brief business summary of recent board activities was followed by a presentation of new members and their art.
Over thirty members were in attendance with many having lunch and/or beverages.





No July/August General Meetings: Summer Break

The meeting will be our first 2021 in-person and outdoor meeting at the lovely Riverfront Park in Chippewa Falls. 
It will be a greet your fellow artists and share your most current endeavors. 
Bring a lunch and a lawn chair!


April 1st, 2021 General Zoom meeting  ... a success with 18 members attending.  A great presentation by Kris Crowe on "Gratitude Journals" along Steve Cole discussing the upcoming GALLERY Spring 2021 updates.


March 4, 2021 VAA "first"virtual General Meeting was conducted via ZOOM
Each attendees were given the opportunity to share their current "artistic" endeavors. Plus othe matters concerning the VAA were presented by the officers. Check the March Newsletter for details of the happenings/announcements made at the meeting.

 No General Meetings since September 2020-March 2021 have been scheduled due to continued pandemic issues.

General Meeting September 10th in Irvine Park

The meeting was held at Irvine Park.  Masks and social distancing were strictly observed. 
Several members in attendance did a show & tell on their current endeavors.


March 5, 2020 General Meeting "Hands-On" 
Since we have had members requests for more hands-on activities,
we put together a group puzzle/collage project, using a couple
famous paintings as inspiration.


February 6, 2020 General Meeting:
Rose Dolan-Neill, Visual and Literary Artist Manager, Pablo Center at the Confluence
was the main speaker in the discussion about artists submitting to a juried exhibition.
It was an important and timely topic/discussion with the pending May 2020
VAA juried exhibit at The Artesian Forge.

January 9, 2020 MEETING CANCELED DUE to RAIN/ICE FORECAST

VAA MEMBERS Christmas Party was at the Fill Inn Station on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019.
A string quartet from the Chippewa Falls High School gave a fantastic performance followed by a

standing ovation by all. There were a silent auction and a while elephant raffle drawing to pay

for the dinner. A great pizza and salad dinner was provided along with good conversation

and many laughs plus a few giggles too.

November 7th 2019 General Meeting: 5pm-7pm Opening Reception for the VAA Sale & Show
Jeff Nelson was the emcee of the meeting with each participant discussing their art.

October 3, 2019, 1:30-3:00 pm, General Meeting
Framing considerations were demonstrated by Sharon Weeks, Lindamerry Udell and David Udell.

May 2nd 2019 1:30-3:00 pm, General Meeting

VAA Members Show & Tell their current projects and discussed plans for the remainder of 2019.

April 4th, 1:30-3:00 pm, General Meeting
Bring any 2 art-related books you are willing to part with to the meeting. We will all have a chance to pick up a new book or two. If you are new to the art world and don't have a book to part with, relax, Kris has enough to share with the entire county. We will also put into nomination those interested in serving on the board as members-at-larges as well as Treasurer and Secretary

March 7th, 1:30-3:00pm, General Meeting
Ruth Lundblad, accomplished acrylic and water color artist will be explaining and showing acrylic pours. Acrylic pouring is a fascinating way to mix several colors of paint together without becoming a brown mess. The results are always unique and abstract which can stand on their own or be used as an undercoat for a painting.

February 7th 2019 General Meeting: Weather Cancel

January 3 2019 1:30-3:00pm - General Meeting
Our very talented artist and former art teacher, Karen Scarseth, demonstrated brass rubbings. Basically, brass rubbing is reproducing onto paper relief pictures or designs from metal works. This was a hands-on activity as one can see in the following photos.

The Christmas party was at the Fill-Inn Station in Chippewa Falls on December 6, 2018.
The Chippewa Falls Wire Choir from the Chippewa Falls High School provided fantastic entertainment. Those young people really gave a WOW performance!
Thanks to Jeanette, Karen, and Kris for organizing the party and the silent auction.

Past Meetings Information and Photos

General Meeting, April 5th, 1:30-3:30pm - Jean Accola did a presentation with handouts about how to create a successful art event whether it is a simple exhibit, an art tour, or an art fair.

General Meeting - March 1st, 1:30-3:30pm - Artist Trading Card Workshop
Members did get their hands dirty, but not too much! They cut, paste, and created Artist Trading Cards (ATC). www.wikihow.com/Make-Artist-Trading-Cards
See the March Newsletter (emailed to members February 25th) for more of Kris's enthusiastic support and requirement for each VAA member to create their own trading cards which are to be traded not sold. One ATC per member are due to Kris Crowe on/before the May 3rd General Meeting.

General Meeting - February 1st, 1:30-3:30pm
Ceil Zappa demonstrated the process involved in making pressed flower pendants using various glass techniques.

General Meeting - January 4th, 1:30-3:30pm
Basic papermaking process demonstrated by Lynn Davidson and Barb Lowe

General Meeting - November 2nd, 6-8pm
Opening of the VAA Art Show and the Artists Reception

ArtShow2017

artshow2017

General Meeting - October 5th, 6:30pm
Jean Atter Chwala
Demonstrated her process in creating beautiful baskets made from Norway pine needles.

Photos provided by Jean Arneson.

Jean Atter Chwala

General Meeting - September 7th, 6:30pm
Monica Bruenjes
Demonstrated her digital illustration techniques used for comics and kid's books.

9/7/17

General Meeting - May 4th, 6:30pm
Jeff Nelson
Watercolor artist demonstrated primary color blending.

Jeff Nelson

General Meeting - March 2, 2017 at 1pm
Val Naber
Oil on Porcelain

Val Naber

General Meeting - February 2, 2017 at 1pm
Mary Hermanson
Kaleidoscope Designs--Making Magic with Fabric

Mary Hermanson

Events By
Members

Priscillamae Olson's Donation Only Art Sale

Location: Barbara Harling,6166 166th Street, Chippewa Falls, WI
May 2 - 3, 2025 | 9 AM - 4 PM

View more information. »

Contact Us!

Have questions about the VAA? Contact us today!

Valley Art Association (VAA)
P.O. Box 674
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Support the Arts!

Did you know that the VAA is independently funded with no help from umbrella organizations? Memberships, grants, and donations allow the VAA to connect with the Chippewa Valley art community. The link below is not to be used for membership or exhibit fees.

Make a donation