LAC Newsletter February 12, 2026

Hello Members

This Week at the London Arts Center

We’ve hit the ground running at the London Arts Center. Below are some of the events happening this week. It’s a busy week ahead, and we hope to see you at these upcoming events. There’s plenty more in store. This is just the start of a great year.

Bob’s Basic Studio in Color: February 12, 6:00–8:00 p.m. 

Sip & Sort: Friday, February 13, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Teachers’ Gallery Show: Exhibition Dates: February 12–March 15  

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 14, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

New Board of Directors Chosen.

We are pleased to introduce you to this year’s Board of Directors for your London Arts Center. Please help us welcome them.

Officers:

Liz Lassel: President

Colleen Van Steen: Vice President

Beverly Hume: Treasurer 

Jennifer Tritle: Secretary. 

Directors:

Mat Washburn

George Peyton

Dan Kennedy

We wish them a very creative and exciting time as they help shape the direction of the LAC this year.

6X6 MEMBER SHOW

We’re excited to announce our much-loved 6×6 Gallery show for members this August! Each member will receive one 6×6 canvas to bring their creative vision to life. Feel free to submit up to five canvases. The rules are simple: your project should not significantly exceed the canvas’s 6×6 surface area, and it can be anything from painting and drawing to photography, assemblage, sculpture, or even something completely unique that fits within these simple guidelines. Last time we hosted this show, it was a huge hit with our members, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what you come up with this time! More information to be announced soon.

We can’t wait to start the year surrounded by art, creativity, and community. There’s plenty more in store. This is just the start of a great year.

The LAC Board

Sip & Sort:

An Evening of Fabric and Fellowship

We have been delighted with a generous donation of fabrics in many kinds, colors, and patterns. 

To share that generosity, the London Arts Center invites members and their guests to a Sip & Sort on Friday, February 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Join us for an evening of good company, wine, snacks, and creative discovery as we sort through our new textile collection. We will provide drinks and snacks, and you are welcome to bring your own favorites to share as well. Together, we hope to pass this gift forward to our creative community and inspire one another with fresh ideas and new projects for the year ahead.

This is an open invitation to members and their guests who are looking for materials for upcoming projects. Come, choose from a variety of fabrics, and take home something that sparks your imagination.

Teachers’ Gallery Show:

February 12 – March 15

The London Arts Center will host the Teachers’ Gallery Show from February 12 through March 15, celebrating the creative energy and dedication of the Center’s instructors.

This year’s exhibition features work by several of our teaching artists, including Bob Carl (Recycled Art and Acrylics), Mirranda Ferrand (Sculpey Clay), George Peyton (Digital Photography), Judy Dillon Smith (Watercolor Sketchbooking and Collage), Mat Washburn (Cartooning), and Tessa Kalman (Watercolor), among others. These instructors, whose classes are currently in development, represent just a portion of the talent and imagination at the Arts Center.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, offering an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation.

We invite members and friends of the Arts Center to visit the gallery during the show and celebrate the creative voices who continue to inspire our community.

Bob’s Basic Studio in Color

Artist Bob Carl is pleased to continue his adult acrylic painting classes in 2026. The first sessions will be held on February 12 and February 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Tuition is $19, with an additional $6 supply fee for participants who need materials.

To reserve your seat, please call 843-635-1902.

Upcoming ZART Schedule

Zart Art Classes for Youth

Class Dates: February 17, 24

Class Times:

Ages 10 – 13 Time: 3:30 – 4:30

Ages 6 – 9 Time: 4:30 – 5:30

The signup deadline is 3 days before class begins

Fee: $40 for the 4 one-hour classes, $10 for each session

It includes all supplies; pay when you arrive.

Projects often overlap, so it is essential to attend all four 4classes.

Contact: Mrs.Colleen Van Steen 

Text: (937) 654 -6618

Email: greenestones@aol.com

Parking & entrance are located in the back of the class.

Zart is our mascot who loves to create and inspire!

Join the fun!

You do not have to stay with your child during class, but you certainly may if you like.

You may also enjoy other areas in the building, including the gallery and gift shop.

Writers and Illustrators Meeting:

EXERCISE YOUR WRITES

Join us for lively discussions on writing, poetry, and illustration. Share your work in a friendly roundtable setting and explore our monthly creative prompts—use them to craft a short story (around 1,000 words), poem, or illustration in any style or genre.

Participants are invited to use this month’s prompt words, Lighthouse and Velvet, to create a short story of around 1,000 words, a poem, or an illustration in any style or genre.

Meeting: Thursday February 19th, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you there!

PET COLLAGE WORKSHOP 

ByJudy Dillon Smith

Saturday, March 7, 2025 – 11-3 pm

Join Judy as she guides you through the process of creating a collage of your pet or favorite animal. We will start with sorting through recycled, painted, and textured papers and materials. Using your pet image as a guide, she will help you select a ‘palette’ of patterns and values to overlay your photo. Please come with an 8×10 photocopy image of your pet. In the session, you will transfer the image to a mat board, overlay it with paper, and embellish with pens and watercolor as needed.

Caution: This can be addicting!!

Please bring a Photocopy of your pet @ 8 x10 

All materials are provided 

Cost: $45

Please confirm by 2/27/26: 

jsmit13@columbus.mr.com or text to 614 738 5213

Seeking Teachers & Artists

for 2026 Classes and Demos

The London Arts Center is looking for passionate teachers and artists to lead classes and demonstrations in 2026. Share your skills, inspire others to learn and grow, and explore your talent in fresh, exciting ways.

Email webmaster@londonvisualartsguild.org

or visit the London Arts Center for more details. Join us in fostering creativity in our community!

LVAG Calendar of Shows: 2026 

Current Gallery Show:

Feb. 12 – Mar. 15 TEACHERS SHOW

Opening reception Sat. Feb. 14 from 2 pm to 4pm.

Upcoming Gallery Shows:

Mar.28 – April 26 NED DE CAMP Oil Paintings

Opening reception Sat. Mar.28 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

May 2 – May 31 ‘ ASSEMBLAGE” Community Show

Opening reception Sat. May 2 from 2 pm. To 4 pm.

June 4 – June 28 pending

July pop-up shows and classes

Aug. 1-30 MEMBERS SHOW

Opening reception to be announced

Sept. 3 – Sept. 27 Francis Trick Poured Paint

Opening reception to be announced

Oct. 1 – Nov. 1 pending

Nov.5 – Dec. 27 CLASS PARTICIPATION all media

Opening reception Sat. Nov. 7 from 2 pm to 4 pm. 

We love posting photos of our classes and posting on Facebook. Please let us know if this is a problem.

Regular Meetings:

Writers and Illustrators Meeting:

EXERCISE YOUR WRITES

Join us for lively discussions on writing, poetry, and illustration. Share your work in a friendly roundtable setting and explore our monthly creative prompts—use them to craft a short story (around 1,000 words), poem, or illustration in any style or genre.

Participants are invited to use this month’s prompt words, Lighthouse and Velvet, to create a short story of around 1,000 words, a poem, or an illustration in any style or genre.

Meeting: 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Coffee and Conversation:

Take a midweek break and enjoy an afternoon of friendly discussion about art, quilting, and other creative passions. Designed for older adults, this daytime gathering is the perfect chance to connect—no night driving required!

Meeting: 4th Wednesday of each month, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

LAC Board Meeting:

The London  Arts Center Board meets monthly to plan events and activities that support our creative community.

Meeting: 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.

General Information

Youth Classes

Zart: Fun, creative, hands-on classes designed to build artistic skills and appreciation. It’s perfect for youth and homeschool students alike.

Open Studio

Join us every Tuesday from 4–7 p.m. at the LVAG London Arts Center. Bring your current project or start something new while connecting with fellow artists.

Open to members and the public.

Memberships

Memberships:
Your membership helps keep our classes and workshops affordable.
For just $25/year ($50 for families)—less than a cup of coffee a month—you’ll support local art and enjoy the fun of being part of our creative community.

Memberships also make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Payment Options:

Mail a check to:
The London Arts Center
PO Box 362, London, OH 43140

Or pay in cash at any event or open day.

Regular Hours:

Thursday 11 -2 pm, Saturday 10 – 2 pm

Sunday 11 – 2 pm

www.londonartscenter.org 

London Arts Center

PO Box 362 

121 East First Street 

London, OH 43140