Each year, the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society awards a graduating high school student a scholarship check for $500 to help with future art education costs. Sharon Roeder, our Scholarship Chair, introduced us to our current recipient, Ossain Mendoza, a senior at Mason High School.
Marilyn Bishop (founder), and Jean Sollar (early member whose vision gave impetus to this award) were present at the ceremony. Jean presented the check to Ossain in front of his very proud and supportive mother and father, Maria and Alvaro, and his Mason High painting art teacher, Audry Gorman. 
Ossain gave us a rare glimpse into his paintings, and the content behind those paintings. He showed us his “very first watercolor” painting, which reminded us older artists that there are some extremely talented young people in our high school art classes. It was a beautifully rendered traditional landscape, painted when Ossain was in 10th grade – also his first landscape painting. Ossain said it wasn’t that hard for him to take up watercolors after learning oils and acrylics, but that watercolor takes a lot of patience when you layer your colors. He also shared a couple of portraits of friends in acrylics, and a self-portrait rendered in pastels.
Ossain won a Gold Key award for a watercolor his sophomore year - a rare accomplishment he repeated his senior year. Ms. Gorman said Ossain’s commitment to work and expression are strong, and will serve him well as he goes on to attend the Pratt Institute (a private art college in New York City) after graduation. There is no doubt that we will be hearing the name Ossain Mendoza in the future and hope our small amount helps him in his future art career.
Ossain won a Gold Key award for a watercolor his sophomore year - a rare accomplishment he repeated his senior year. Ms. Gorman said Ossain’s commitment to work and expression are strong, and will serve him well as he goes on to attend the Pratt Institute (a private art college in New York City) after graduation. There is no doubt that we will be hearing the name Ossain Mendoza in the future and hope our small amount helps him in his future art career.
After the presentation of the check, Ossain and his parents and teacher were invited to share in the cake decorated in Ossain’s honor.
Administration/Business Reports
Eileen Hulsman opened the meeting.
Alice Fossett announced we now have 95 paid members. Since last year we have lost 13 and gained 3 new members.
Eileen and Marilyn presented Shirley Knollman with a plaque thanking her for her presidency in 2008 and 2009 as well as had a special cake for her.
GCWS Scholarship Presentation
The Scholarship committee, consisting of Sharon Roeder, Jean Soller and Marilyn Bishop presented the winner of this year’s GCWS Scholarship of $500. Ossian Mendoza, a senior at Mason High School was awarded the prize. He plans to attend Pratt Institute in New York in the fall. His teacher, Audrey Gorman and his parents were present at the meeting. Ossian brought some of his portfolio to share with the group.
There was a special cake in his honor as well.
Evergreen Show
It was announced that our Oct. 6 regular meeting will be held at the same place as our fall show, at Evergreen. There will be first, second and third prizes awarded that day. Evergreen has offered to provide free snacks for the morning and a lunch for those in attendance. Our October presenter, Barb Smucker, has agreed to present the program there, and she will also do a workshop after the lunch. The show itself will be from Sept. 19 through Oct. 31.
Future Programs
Nancy Wisely, Program Chair announced that for our June meeting, Greg Albert from the Art Academy will present “ Perspective made easy finally”.
Art Shows and News
Sam Hollingsworth announced the Collector’s Art Group from May 28 – June 27.
Peggy Lisnek will have two workshops (June 4 and June 5) on papermaking from 10 – 2:30. The cost will be $25 per person
Program
Peggy Lisnek presented the program talking about how she makes handmade paper, and then demonstrated how to paint on it.
