September News
Window Painting Techniques Workshop
Happy September!
September is rolling in with fresh energy, and the late‑summer colors are giving us one last vibrant burst across our yards and parks. I hope you’re soaking up these bright, warm days. Here’s a look at what’s coming up for BAG in September.
August Meeting Recap
Abstract artist Ken Herren gave a wonderful presentation at our August meeting, sharing several of his acrylic works and talking about his artistic journey, inspirations, and techniques. Members had thoughtful questions for him, and Ken answered each one with generosity and insight.
Thank you, Ken, for the inspiration, and we’re so happy to have you and your wife Melissa join the Guild.
BAG Workshop Series Update
August’s Window Painting Techniques workshop, led by artist Emily Victory, was a lively success. Eight downtown Buffalo businesses participated, and the attendee list was full — including artists who traveled from as far as Hutchinson and Fergus Falls.
I stopped in briefly and loved seeing everyone add their personal touches to their windows. A special thank‑you to member Becky Ihlow for assisting a young participant with her three‑window masterpiece and for collecting the post‑workshop surveys. Be sure to scroll through the gallery at the start of the newsletter for a glimpse of all the creativity in action.
September Workshop: Mural Painting
Next up: Mural Painting with muralist LeAnna Wurzer. Registration is already more than half full. If you’d like to learn mural techniques and help create one of two portable murals — all at a free workshop — visit our event page at buffaloartguild.org for more details and a link to the registration site.
Planning Our September Meeting
There are two items I’d like us to cover together:
Each year, BAG selects a well‑known artist whose work inspires member creations for our October meeting. I missed gathering suggestions in August, but member Dan Rieder has already proposed Western artist Charlie Russell.
If you have other ideas, please send them my way. I’ll compile suggestions and send an all‑member email before our September meeting so we can choose together. If no additional suggestions come in, Dan will give a short presentation on Charlie Russell at the meeting.
Brainstorming Ideas for the Buffalo Food Shelf Mural
BAG has an opportunity to develop a visual concept and proposal for a mural on the exterior of the Buffalo Food Shelf. Let’s spend some time brainstorming themes, imagery, and approaches so our mural committee has a strong starting point for the final design.
Member News
BAG member Janey Neal shared some fantastic news from the MN State Fair — she took first place in her category and earned the sweepstakes/best of show ribbon this year. It’s an incredible achievement, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her success.
From Janey:
“I initially did this piece for a couple that was renovating their home in Minneapolis. They asked me to do the Minneapolis skyline and I agreed to do it as long as I could use it as my state fair entry. I’ve been doing Stained Glass for about a decade now — just do it as a hobby. I won second place in 2021 and 2022, but finally got the big blue. I guess you can say I love breaking things that are perfect and putting them together again to make something even more perfect.”
She also said she hopes she made Buffalo, Minnesota proud, and we think she absolutely did.
Member Ken Herren’s , “Lodi”, a 30" x 30" acrylic and pumice on canvas piece was sold to a collector at the 2026 MN State Fair!
“Lodi” by Ken Herren
BAG member Shari Zimmermann has two pieces on display at The Coven Northeast. Her work, “Joyful Daisies” and “Joyful Muget” will be on display with eleven other artists through October. Opening reception is Monday, September 14, from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Grant Opportunities
BAG’s application for the CMAB 2027 Round One Project Grant has been submitted, and funding notifications will be sent out after October 8. If awarded, we’ll be able to keep our free workshop series going through August 2027 — open to both the Buffalo area community and BAG members — powered by a terrific lineup of artists, all highly talented and bringing extensive instructor experience to the proposed grant‑funded workshops.
The Grant Committee is also exploring CMAB’s Arts Organization Development Grant, which supports sustainability, growth, and improvement for nonprofit arts organizations. The maximum award is $10,000. I have a few ideas for how BAG could use these funds, but I’d love to hear yours as well — please feel free to share them. The deadline for this application is October 26, and the application process is beginning right away, so your ideas in the coming days would be especially helpful.
I appreciate each of you and the steady dedication you bring to BAG. Whether you join us for workshops, meetings, or simply stay connected from afar, your presence matters. Wishing you a peaceful, creative month ahead.
Warmly,
Shari