DECEMBER 2015 MEETING REPORT:

NorthStar Watermedia Society

40th Anniversary Celebration

Forty years and going strong! NorthStar Watermedia celebrated it’s anniversary December 17, 2015. Eight of the founding/pioneer members shared their memories of the early years.

Judy Blain told of calling a meeting in July, 1975 to organize a watercolor society. She remembered deferring to another group which had chosen Midwest Watercolor Society as its name. Blain was president of NorthStar five times.

Nels Femrite and Frank Zeller shared memories of the first NorthStar workshop under the leadership of Milford Zornes.

Marian Wolters recalled hours spent after work cutting and pasting the newsletter when her boss wasn’t looking.

Gail Speckman thought she was joining an old established organization, not knowing it was only one year old.

Joyce Ells shared an early painting of hers as well as a recent one.

Barb Lundell remembered her involvement beginning in 1977.

The daughter of NorthStar pioneer, Jon Arfstrom, attended in her father’s place. Jon had passed away only weeks before and was planning on attending the event. He painted until the day he died,” daughter Tory Arfstrom remarked.

Each of the eight honorees was presented with an anniversary tile featuring the art of Ann Sisel and inscribed with the words, “NorthStar Watermedia Society 40th Anniversary 1975-2015.”

Also honored were new Signature Members of NorthStar who were present at the meeting: Calvin deRuyter, Nels Femrite, Patty Healy, Susan Fryer Voigt, and Frank Zeller.

After hearing the shared early memories, members socialized, enjoyed delicious holiday foods, and viewed each others’ winter paintings. A beautiful evening shared by art friends old and new.