Greater Geneva Art Guild Meet and Greet Is April 14

Calling all artists and art lovers: the newly formed Greater Geneva Art Guild wants you.

Learn more about the art guild at its second public event, a meet-and-greet from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at , 28 N. Fourth St., Geneva.

The guild aims to provide a forum for artists and art lovers.

In addition to supporting, encouraging and creating opportunities for the arts in Geneva, the Guild will act as a cultural forum where artists can participate in arts education, critiques and networking.

The GGAG was formed in response to an artist’s quest to find like-minded people interested in the arts. Lorraine Ochsner, an artist and longtime Geneva resident, was looking for a way to connect artists in Geneva.

“There is so much talent in Geneva and the surrounding communities,” she said. “The art guild will give artists a way to share their ideas and input, as well as showcase their work.”

Ochsner floated the idea of a Geneva Art Guild at a public meeting of the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission last year and found support from fellow artists Jan Schmuckal, Theresa Jaeger and Mary Ann Diggory. Ochsner and Jaeger are painters, Schmuckal owns Gallery 28 and Diggory owns Down to Earth Pottery, both in Geneva.

The art guild, which is under the umbrella of the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, held its first public event May 20 at Gibby’s Wine Den in Geneva and about 30 people attended, Ochsner said. These public “meet-and-greets” will give artist and art lovers an opportunity to interact and learn more about the art guild.

The art guild’s motto is “expanding the creative attitude.” Membership dues are $35 per year; member benefits include monthly meetings and programs, art education and appreciation, interaction with fellow artists, networking, exhibition opportunities and raising community awareness of fine art. Members also will receive a discount on art supplies purchased at the Art Box in Geneva.

Members also will have a say in the guild’s future events and activities.

“We would like input from the art community on what sorts of events or activities they would like the art guild to accomplish or incorporate,” Schmuckal said.

Another membership event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the , 514 W. State St., Geneva.

For more information about the art guild, visit ggaguild.com or find the Greater Geneva Art Guild on Facebook.