Meramec Vineyard Berets Exhibition Apr - Jul 2014

THE “BERETS” EXHIBITION AT MERAMEC VINYARDS

Judy Brown, Diane Edgar, Jane Hogg, and Sue Link met in the Spring of 2008 while taking a plein air painting class at Missouri Botanical Garden taught by Mary Dee Schmidt.  Enjoying each other's company and plein air painting, the group continued to meet and paint at various sites in St. Louis, St. Charles, Defiance, Missouri, Alton and Elsah, Illinois.   In June of 2008, while plein air painting in Defiance, Mary Ellen Maender joined the group.  At another plein air class at Missouri Botanical Garden with Mary Dee Schmidt in the Spring of 2009, Kathy Dowd joined the group.

The Berets continue to gather to paint, remain open to trying new materials, take classes and workshops together, exhibit their artwork at shows sponsored by the Saint Louis Watercolor Society and Society of Independent Artists, and always support each other with their artistic endeavors and in life.  They are delighted to be invited to exhibit at Meramec Vineyards.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Judy Brown has been an artist for over 40 years.   She is President of The Society of Independent Artists of St. Louis, founded in 1931.  She is a Signature Member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society.  Judy, an avid plein air artist, can be seen scouting new locations in Missouri and Kansas to paint.

Kathy Dowd, who grew up in Boston, enjoys painting city and seascapes.    She is most energized when painting on location.  In 2013 she was the recipient of the Daniel Smith award at the Big Splash Exhibit in St. Louis.  She is a Signature Member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society.

Diane Edgar has studied with several nationally known artists and has received several awards on her exhibited paintings.  She enjoys painting scenes from her vacations in Europe and the western United States.  Her attention to detail is outstanding.  She is a Signature Member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society. 

Jane Hogg is a Signature Member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society and holds the position of Secretary with the organization.   Her favorite subjects reflect her interest in gardening and animals.   She has received numerous awards.

Sue Link's paintings are inspired by the beauty around Missouri.   She is an expert at capturing still life and has studied with many famous artists.  She loves to paint in Charleston, SC.

Mary Ellen Maender is an award-winning artist who paints with vibrant color combinations.  There is an energetic quality to her landscapes, and she loves to paint plein air.   She is a Signature Member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society, Chair of Hospitality for the organization, and received an Award of Recognition at the 14^th Annual Juried Exhibition held at Creative Gallery.  Mary Ellen began her painting career in Philadelphia and has painted in France, Jamaica and St. Louis.