West Volusia Artists Inc. is focusing on artist Sandra Bertram for the month of October. Her painting Early Bird, along with 20 pieces by 10 other members of West Volusia Artists, will be exhibited at DeLand City Hall, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Oct. 4-Dec. 30. City Hall is at 120 S. Florida Ave.
Bertram’s memories of growing up on a small farm in Clermont County, Ohio, east of Cincinnati, bring back thoughts of her childhood: playing in the barn, riding through the fields, and the animals — horses, sheep, cows, rabbits, dogs, cats and some chickens — all of whom were treated like pets. What a great place to be a kid!
Bertram also recalls sketching in her high-school biology notebook.
In junior high, Bertram collected pictures of horses for a scrapbook and spent hours trying to draw them. She was fascinated by the colors in the fabrics chosen for sewing projects. All of this added to her desire to learn about art.
“Slow down, and enjoy the beauty all around you,” said Bertram.
Upon her retirement from teaching, Bertram began pursuing things she’d never had time for. Sharon Obermeyer, a Cincinnati artist who drew for Gibson Greeting Cards, had a little shop where she taught art classes. Obermeyer’s encouragement was the first step in Bertram’s process of learning art.
Photography is another hobby that has helped her develop a good eye for composition.
West Volusia Artists meet 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center, 815 S. Alabama Ave. in DeLand. The club’s activities include art demonstrations, plein-air events, visiting museums, and sharing art. West Volusia Artists’ next meeting is Friday, Oct. 1, followed by the club’s art show on Friday, Oct. 15.
For more information about the club, call President Judy Rowlett at 386-738-5515.
