South Side Brushes was chartered by the Society of Decorative Painters at its Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in May of 2004. The purpose of our Chapter is, in common with that of the Society, to stimulate interest in, and appreciation for, the art of decorative painting. Our chapter is composed of local teachers of decorative painting, watercolor, acrylic, etc. and students from beginners to experienced.
We have general meetings the third Saturday of the following months: January (when we also host our annual Winter Elegance Party at a local banquet facility); March; May; September; and November at the Worth Park District, 11500 South Beloit Avenue, Worth, Illinois. Our meetings begin with hospitality and coffee at 9:00 a.m., followed by our business meeting at 10:00 a.m. Upon completion of our business meeting, we conduct our Raffle, followed by Lunch at 12:00 Noon (optional catered lunch at a nominal fee) and a Paint-In from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Paint-In projects are usually taught by one of our own members. Members are charged $10.00 to participate in the Paint-In and must bring their own supplies with which to paint. During our general meetings, we have a Show and Tell Table displaying the works of our members, as well as a Membership Table, Paint-In Information Table, Seminar Information Table and Vintage Books Table. We are also proud to welcome Banbury Fair at our general meetings, which offers patterns, books, surfaces, supplies and tools for sale, to the delight our members.
We host three full-day Seminars per year, on the third Saturday and Sunday of the following months: February (usually hosting a local teacher); April and October (usually hosting published and nationally renowned teachers). We conduct two fundraisers per year in order to defray the costs of these Seminars. Our goal is to keep these Seminars affordable to our membership.
As required by the Society of Decorative Painters, our Chapter conducts two community service projects per year. Our ongoing project is painting canvas tote bags for a local battered woman’s shelter and donating toiletries, school supplies, etc. with which to fill them. Our second philanthropic project changes from year to year.
South Side Brushes boasts a very friendly membership and we welcome all new participants. Cost of membership is $15.00 per year, plus annual membership in the Society of Decorative Painters at $40.00.
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