Mount Dora Art League
Mount Dora Center for the Arts is proud to lift up and partner with the Mount Dora Art League, the oldest organized group of artists in Central Florida.
The Mount Dora Art League is comprised of artists who pay an annual $25 membership fee to cover monthly art demonstrations and workshops. They meet once a month and have a member only exhibition each year in the MDCA gallery.
Today, all forms of artistic expression are encouraged. Members need not be artists, just have an interest in art and are welcome to come to learn about art through demos and discussions.
Demos and workshops are planned for each of their meetings which are held in the Mount Dora Center for the Arts gallery at 135 E. 5th Ave Mount Dora, FL on the third Saturday of the month from 10am to 12pm.
MDAL News Updates
The next membership meeting will be Saturday, September 16th at the MDCA gallery 10-12pm. Our program will feature photographer Laura Howell who will share how she creates her digital art work. Laura has won numerous awards and ribbons (including the latest Mount Dora Art League exhibition in June) for her work around the Central Florida area.
Mount Dora Craft Fair is a big project and we need your help. If you are interested in selling your art in the 10×20 space on Baker Street above Donnelly Park please contact Morna [email protected].
Everything must be for sale, only 1 painting to hang, all art objects, cards, prints and originals matted in plastic sleeves and 3D work must all be tagged, we will furnish the tags. A $20 entrance fee and a commitment to work a 3 hour shift is required. Artist will receive 100% of cash sales and a 5% handling fee for credit card sales. Thanks to Stacy Hurwitz and Patti Carroll who have donated a credit card machine.
The annual Mount Dora Art League Artist Exhibition was held May 26 – June 16, 2023 in the MDCA Gallery.
2023 MDAL Member Exhibition Awards
BEST IN SHOW
“Gator Reflections” Sandi Hanlon-Breuer
WATERCOLOR-
1st Place “Nani” Susan Grogan / 2nd Place “Tonight’s the Night” Carolyn Smith / 3rd Place “Sunflower” Cathy Caine
OIL & ACRYLIC PAINTING-
OIL: 1st Place “Portrait of Chuck” Lydia Alfrey / Awards of Honor: “Path to Lake Prevatt” Elisabeth Ferber / “Three Roses in Bloom” Aphrodite / “Grove Tractor” Dodi Truenow
ACRYLIC: 2nd Place “Mindset” Dea Davis / 3rd Place “The Wise One” Cheryl Lynn Looker / Awards of Honor: “Marsh Memories” Rebecca Owen / “Light Speed” Stephen Fritz
PHOTOGRAPHY : 1st Place “Nautilus Glow” Laura Howell / 2nd Place “Moonrise in Utah” Marie Hammerling
MIXED MEDIA : 1st Place- Mixed Collage “Redefining the Ordinary- Series 7” Patricia E. Nelson /2nd Place Color Pencil and Ink “Shaker Village” Robert Pearson / 3rd Place Mixed Media “Blue Surf” Susan Grogan
3D : 1st Place- Sculpture “Fun & Games” Sheila Hedenean / 2nd Place- “Sally Sunshine” Phyllis Levee / 3rd Place “Leaving In” Susan Jones
Join the Mount Dora Art League community
Mount Dora Art League is an artist support community. Sign up to get the MDCA monthly newsletter and you'll discover monthly workshops and demonstrations offered to MDAL members. Get involved and sign up to be a volunteer at MDCA!
MDAL Meeting Minutes
MOUNT DORA ART LEAGUE MEMBERS MEETING, JUNE 17TH 2023
The meeting commenced at 10.15am. Morna Strenghold (Acting president ) welcomed everyone and introduced herself. There were 16 members in attendance.
Everyone agreed the show was a resounding success and she thanked all those people who had helped to make it so.
Special thanks went to Esther Dirlam (Treasurer), Sheila Hedeman (Chair), Carolyn Smith (membership), Suzi Harr (Facebook, Art Under Arbor), and Louise Gardella (Hospitality)
In addition, Morna gave special thanks to Janet Gamache (MDCA Executive Director), Keri (her assistant), Dea Davis (Helper) and Paul Morris (who hung the show).
As a result of the show, the Art League welcomed 20 new members.
420 people attended the show and Susan Grogan won the People’s Choice award for her painting.
The end of the show has been extended until June 25th and artists may pick up their artworks between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
In view of our developing close working relationship, Morna encouraged all our members to join the Mount Dora Center for the Arts.
NEW BOARD
The following members were nominated to take the new Board positions and were duly elected by a unanimous vote.
President Morna Strengholt
Vice President Carolyn Smith
Treasurer Esther Dirlam
Recording Secretary Claire Fairclough
Publicity/Facebook Suzi Harr and Carolyn Smith
Shows and Rotating Displays Dea Davis
Hospitality Jane Moody and Louise Gardella
Membership Carolyn Smith
Photographer Suzi Harr and Carolyn Smith
Directory Esther Dirlam
Programs Morna Strengholt, Suzi Harr and Dea Davis
Corresponding Secretary Position Open
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Viva La Frida Festival September 30th, admission $10
Art in the Alley Every Friday. Artists can sell their art and there is no charge. They must bring their own tables and display apparatus.
Studio Art Farm Friday June 30th. Artist Reception 4.45 – 6.45
Craft Fair October 28th and 29th (set up on the 27th)
Plein Aire October 14th – 21st
Quick Draw at the Plant Show November 4th
? Holiday Show in the Congregational Church, 1st week in December?.
For further details, contact Morna.
An artist from the Artisan’s Gallery told us there is an opening for an Associate.
This is an Artists’ Co-op and any member may place their artwork for sale .
In return they are expected to work in the gallery for 4 and a half days per month.
When items are sold the artist will receive 70% and the gallery will receive 30%.
The meeting was closed at 11.15am.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON SATURDAY JULY 15TH FROM 10.00 UNTIL NOON.
WE WILL PRACTISE DRAWING OR PAINTING A MODEL
Respectfully Submitted Claire Fairclough
MDAL Dates to remember:
August 30 deadline to submit 2D and 3D artwork showcasing your cultural heritage for a $500 cash award to coincide with the Mount Dora Viva La Frida Festival and a 3 week exhibition at MDCA gallery. Go to MountDoraArt.org for info
October 8 deadline to register for the Mount Dora Plein Air Paint the Town competition for cash awards and ribbons. Paint on site October 14-21. Award ceremony Sat Oct 21. Paintings will be on display for sale until Nov 12 in the MDCA gallery. Go to MountDoraArt.org for info
November 4 Quick Draw competition at the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair in Donnelly Park at 9am. $100 cash award. Paintings will be on display for sale until Nov 12 in the MDCA gallery. Go to MountDoraArt.org for info
Oct 28 & 29 Mount Dora Craft Fair Stacey Hurwitz, Patti Carroll and Bob Pearson are lending us tents and lattice for the 10×20 space on Baker St in front of the MD Community building sponsored by MDCA ($1,500 value). We have tables, bins, and card racks. We need shelves. Artists may submit 1 painting to hang on display and unlimited craft items, matted pieces, prints, cards, etc. All art pieces must be for sale to participate. We need 4 people to help with set up Fri afternoon Oct 27 and at least 2 people to man the booth: 8:30-11:30am 11:30am-2:30pm, 2:30pm-5pm Sat Oct 28 and Sun Oct 29. All items must be priced with tags, we will provide tags. Each artist will be given an inventory number, and the artist will provide an itemized list. Artist will get 100% of cash sales and CC sales minus a 5% handling fee. A $20 artist entrance fee and commitment to work a 3 hour shift or assist with set up or take down is required. A storage area will be available for back up inventory. A credit card machine will be donated by Stacy Hurwitz and Patti Carroll
December 16 & 17 Holiday Fundraising Show for MDAL in the Congregation Church, 650 Donnelly Street. This is not judged or juried. Artist fee to participate is $10 for each hanging artwork. There is no extra fee for work not displayed on the wall. There is a $10 flat fee for crafts alone. There is a minimum of two hanging pieces allowed. Items for the browse bin, (matted pieces must be in a plastic sleeve), cards and craft items for sale in this group should be priced at under $100. All participating artists are required to work a 3 hour shift.
MDAL NEWSLETTERS
Due to the impending hurricane the August 29th board meeting will be rescheduled to Wednesday September 6th at 2:00 pm MCDCA gallery. Stay safe.
The next membership meeting will be Saturday September16th at the MDCA gallery 10-12pm. Our program will feature photographer Laura Howell who will share how she creates her digital art work. Laura has won numerous awards and ribbons (including the latest Mount Dora Art League exhibition in June) for her work around the Central Florida area.
The Mount Dora Art League is seeking a Corresponding Secretary board position. We need someone with computer skills and knowledge of Word and Excel program in order to send out e-mails special event cards through snail mail.
The Eustis Library Exhibit will run from September 7th through October. Members participating in this event need to drop off their piece at the library on Tuesday September 5th between 3-5pm.. The opening is Thursday September 7th from 5-7pm. E-mail any questions to [email protected]
Art in the Alley is scheduled for every 2nd Friday of each month. The event is free to artists. Set up is 5pm and only tables and your work are allowed. No tents. Contact [email protected]
Wednesday August 30th 5:00 pm is the final day for artwork to be accepted into the Viva La Frida Festival art show. This is a juried and judged event. The theme is diversity of cultures, the essence of ethnic uniqueness. Express yourself like Frida Kahlo in a modern world.
Plein Air painters need to sign up for the annual “Paint the Town” competition. There will be ribbon and cash prize awards. The deadline to enter is October 8th and paint week is October 14-21. There is a quick draw in Donnelly Park at 9am at the Plant and Garden Fair. Paintings will be exhibited October 21-Nove 12. For further info contact MDCA.
Mount Dora Craft Fair is a big project and we need help organizing. If you would like to be on the committee to assist please attend the next MDAL board meeting September 6, Wednesday at 2pm at MDCA gallery. Everyone interested in selling your art in the 10×20 space on Baker Street above Donnelly Park please contact Morna [email protected]. Everything must be for sale, only 1 painting to hang, all art objects, cards, prints and originals matted in plastic sleeves and 3D work must all be tagged, we will furnish the tags. A $20 entrance fee and a commitment to work a 3 hour shift is required. Artist will receive 100% of cash sales and a 5% handling fee for credit card sales. Thanks to Stacy Hurwitz and Patti Carroll who have donated a credit card machine.
A Holiday Gala is scheduled for December 16 & 17 at Congregational Church, 650 Donnelly Street. Members may enter 2 paintings or photography to hang. Holiday crafts, art work, originals, prints and cards in protective sleeves must be priced under $100. A $10 entrance fee per each hanging piece and a 3 hour shift is required to enter.
MDAL NEWS July 2023
Congratulations to the winners of the MDAL Spring May/June Exhibit held in the Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery
Best of Show, “Gator Reflections” watercolor by Sandi Hanlon-Breuer.
1st Place Oil, “Portrait of Chuck” by Lydia Alfred
1st Place Watercolor, “Nani” by Susan Grogan
1st Place Photography, “Nautilus Glow” by Laura Howell
1st Place Mixed Media, “Redefining the Ordinary Series#7 by Patricia Errion Nelson
1st Place 3-D, Fun and Games” by Shelia Hedeman
2nd Place Acrylic, “Mindset” by Dea Davis
2nd Place Watercolor, “Tonight’s the Night” by Carolyn Smith
2nd Place Photography, “Moonrise in Utah” by Marie Hammerling
2nd Place Mixed Media, “Shaker Village” by Robert Pearson
2nd Place 3-D, Sally Sunshine” by Phyllis Levee
3rd Place Acrylic, “The Wise One” by Cheryl Lynn Looker
3rd Place Watercolor, “Sunflower #3” by Cathy Caine
3rd Place 3-D, “Leaning In” by Susan Jones
3rd Place Mixed Media, “Blue Surf” by Susan Grogan
Honorable mention,
“Three Roses” Oil by Aphrodite
“Grove Tractor” Oil by Dodi Truenow
“Light Speed” Acrylic by Stephen Fritz
“Path to Lake Prevatt” by Elizabeth Ferber
New MDAL Board positions:
Morna Strengholt (President)
Carolyn Smith (Vice President)
Esther Dirlam (Treasurer)
Claire Fairclough (Recording Secretary)
Dea Davis (Programs and Displays)
Suzi Harr (Facebook and Rotating Shows)
Hospitality (Louise Gardella and Jane Moody)
Photography (Suzi Harr, Carolyn Smith and Marie Hammerling)
Directory (Esther Dirlam)
We are in need of a Corresponding Secretary, this person would be responsible for email, text and snail mail for special announcements, welcoming new members, thank you, etc.
Dates to Remember:
July 15 MDAL Membership Meeting 10-11am. From 11-12am, a model (clothed) will be available to draw, paint, sculpt or photograph. Please bring your own equipment and medium to work with.
August 1 deadline for submission to the Sept-Nov Eustis Library Rotating Display. Email Suzi Harr with up to 3 jpg of art piece and info to: [email protected] or mail photos to Esther Dirlam 2400 Kurt St. Apt. 109, Eustis FL.32726-6274. There is limited space so first received will be first hung. Opening reception Thursday, September 7th, 5-7 pm.
August 30 deadline to submit 2D and 3D artwork showcasing your cultural heritage for a $500 cash award to coincide with the Mount Dora Viva La Frida Festival and a 3 week exhibition at MDCA gallery. Go to MountDoraArt.org for info
October 8 deadline to register for the Mount Dora Plein Air Paint the Town competition for cash awards and ribbons. Paint on site October 14-21. Award ceremony Sat Oct 21. Paintings will be on display for sale until Nov 12 in the MDCA gallery. Go to MountDoraArt.org for info
November 4 Quick Draw competition at the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair in Donnelly Park at 9am. $100 cash award. Paintings will be on display for sale until Nov 12 in the MDCA gallery. Go to MountDoraArt.org for info
Oct 28 & 29 Mount Dora Craft Fair Stacey Hurwitz, Patti Carroll and Bob Pearson are lending us tents and lattice for the 10×20 space on Baker St in front of the MD Community building sponsored by MDCA ($1,500 value). We have tables, bins, and card racks. We need shelves. Artists may submit 1 painting to hang on display and unlimited craft items, matted pieces, prints, cards, etc. All art pieces must be for sale to participate. We need 4 people to help with set up Fri afternoon Oct 27 and at least 2 people to man the booth: 8:30-11:30am 11:30am-2:30pm, 2:30pm-5pm Sat Oct 28 and Sun Oct 29. All items must be priced with tags, we will provide tags. Each artist will be given an inventory number, and the artist will provide an itemized list. Artist will get 100% of cash sales and CC sales minus a 5% handling fee. A $20 artist entrance fee and commitment to work a 3 hour shift or assist with set up or take down is required. A storage area will be available for back up inventory. A credit card machine will be donated by Stacy Hurwitz and Patti Carroll
December TBA Holiday Fundraising Show for MDAL in the Congregation Church, 650 Donnelly Street. This is not judged or juried. Artist fee to participate is $10 for each hanging artwork. There is no extra fee for work not displayed on the wall. There is a $10 flat fee for crafts alone. There is a minimum of two hanging pieces allowed. Items for the browse bin, (matted pieces must be in a plastic sleeve), cards and craft items for sale in this group should be priced at under $100. All participating artists are required to work a 3 hour shift.
MDAL’s new FB page is MountDoraArtLeague. If you have anything to post on Facebook please send to [email protected]
The email for Mount Dora Center for the Arts is [email protected]
Read the MARCH 2023 newsletter
Read the APRIL 2023 newsletter
Mount Dora Art League History
The Mount Dora Art League was founded on February 26, 1926 and was active from the start. In the early days, the artists were from both Mount Dora and Eustis until Eustis began their own league, but there are still close ties between the two. Art classes in many disciplines and writing were conducted and the first art shows by the group were often held on the tennis court fence!
On the 25 th. anniversary in 1951, Hugh Mc Kean who was then President of Rollins College and is the benefactor along with his wife of the Morse Museum in Winter Park, was the honored guest at a catered dinner in the Community Building.
The League began to fade but was invigorated in February of 1962 when dues were a dollar and no meetings were held but the membership displayed their work together in several exhibits a year.
In 1963 –64, the membership was similar to today’s membership of 50; two shows a year were held and displays by four local schools were included.
Then, only painters were displaying their work, but now all forms of artistic expression are encouraged and members who have an interest in art but are not producing art , are also encouraged to come as members to learn about art through demos and discussions.
Demos are planned for each of their meetings which are held at Mount Dora Center for the Arts at 138 E5th Ave Mount Dora, FL on the third Saturday of each month. Membership for the year is $25.00 which helps to offset any demonstration fees. Come join our Mount Dora Art League and display your art with us at our two shows this coming year.
