Details
Start Date
Fri, May 11, 2018 @ 4:30 PM
End Date
Fri, May 11, 2018 @ 7:30 PM
Location
Gallery
The 36th Whiskey Painters of America Exhibition Reception
May 11, 2018
4:30 – 7:30 PM
This exhibition is open to the public on Tuesday, April 24th and runs through May 24th. People’s Choice Selections will be announced as the winners are celebrated during the 36th Whiskey Painters of America Exhibition reception on May 11th from 4:30-7:30 PM. Patrons will have the opportunity to mingle with the artists, watch live art demonstrations, enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres and purchase art during this free reception.
WHAT IS A WHISKEY PAINTING?
A WHISKEY PAINTING is a miniature watercolor (4”x 5” max. image) painted by a bona-fide member of the WHISKEY PAINTERS OF AMERICA (WPA).
HISTORY OF THE WPA
A BACKWARD GLANCE
As told by Jack Mulhollen, past W.P.A. President
“The origin of our unique club is quite a story in itself”
The WPA was started in the late 50’s and chartered in 1962 with the club electing a President and forming a Constitution and By- Laws, with rules for Membership requirements. It started in Akron, Ohio with a small group of professional artists belonging to the Akron Society of Artists, and one individual in particular; Joe Ferriot, artist and owner of a local Plastics Mfg. firm, who was instrumental in the formation of the Whiskey Painters of America.
Joe, traveling extensively for his firm (and longing to paint on these trips) devised a small palette out of an aspirin box, divided with plastic strips to hold his paint and devised a screw-together brush [like a pool cue] that would fit inside this small box along with strips of watercolor paper cut to about 4″ X 5″ so that all would fit neatly into his shirt pocket.
After business hours were completed, Joe would retire to the nearest “Watering Hole” for relaxation and friendly imbibing. He would then remove his small painting kit, and to the delight of the bartenders and patrons, produce one of his miniature masterpieces by dipping his brush into his glass of booze, which then he would give away. Needless to say, he was an instant celebrity, making many new friends and rarely having to buy a drink! His mini paintings, which he dubbed “Whiskey Paintings”, became a sought-after commodity!
Back among his cohorts from the Akron Society of Artists, he encouraged each to do likewise when they got together for a lavation after their regular meetings. After they finished their paintings, they would put them all into a hat and then retrieve one thus, having a great time and going home with a fellow artist’s painting. To encourage this, Joe had his factory design and produce mini palettes which he then distributed to his friends. Many of the artists still have those original palettes and use them today!
One foggy night in 1962 at the Tangier Night Club in Akron, Ohio, approximately 14 members met, formed a charter with by-laws, governing rules, elected a president [Joe Ferriot], trustees, and named it “The Whiskey Painters of America”. Joe served as the President for about 10 years until his business requirements forced him to step down, turning the duties over to A.H. Don Settle, who served for the next eight years. Settle then relinquished the duties to Louie Mong, who then served as President for the following eight years. Citing health problems, he turned the job over to L.J. [Tony] Cross, who served as the fourth President for the next fourteen years. Tony decided to step down in Aug. 2003 and asked Jack Mulhollen to take over as the fifth President. After Jack Mulhollen stepped down as president, he passed the torch on to Ron Beahn, who remains in that position to this day.