From novice artist to seasoned veteran, Associated Creative Artists helps everyone find a niche.
ACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, practice and promotion of conservative art. Conservative refers more to style than subject matter; the group focuses its energies on representational depictions using traditional mediums.
That approach is one that still allows plenty of creative room, says Cindy Medanich, who handles publicity for ACA.
“Some is on the broader edge of abstract, some is fantasy,” she says. “I have a work with flying turtles that certainly isn’t realistic, but you can tell what it is.”
Traditional subjects – be they tasteful nudes or nature scenes – done in traditional mediums “seem to have a more lasting power” than techniques that are more about “making a statement.” Medanich says.
“Some artists are using materials that won’t hold up,” Medanich says. “It’s not meant to last. All artists make a statement, but our approach is intended to be more lasting, more archival.”
With a roster of 350 members, ACA holds monthly meetings that feature artistic demonstrations by national and local artists. Participation in the demonstrations is free for all members and $3 for non-members. All meetings are held at the Dallas Visual Arts Center, 2917 Swiss, usually at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. The next demonstration will feature Pam Nelson with acrylic painting Jan. 6.
“We encourage people to participate because it is a great way to become familiar with the different styles and works of various artists,” Medanich says. Audience members may ask questions and in some cases can purchase the demo work or other work by the artist.
“The program is very interesting,” said neighborhood resident Frankie Cathey. “I enjoy all the demonstrations, and I like being able to make friends with people who have the same interests.”
The ACA also offers four workshops a year, which include three-day master classes about various subjects.
“The workshops are some of the best I have ever attended,” says attendee Gay Banowsky. “You learn so much, and it really doesn’t cost much to participate.”
For information about ACA activities, call Beverly Boren at 214-521-5995.
