Romance of Flight

Romance of Flight –

Double Unveiling in DC

 

Torrential downpours could not keep the crowds away.

 

Wet umbrellas were replaced with glasses of wine and tasty hors d’oeuvres as art aficionados strolled from one end of the gallery to the other, with one inevitable question….. “What’s under the big black curtains?”  Opposing walls of the gallery were draped in black silk, building anticipation until the magical moment.

            

Hudson & Amy Schapiro, David Silverman & Kelly James arrive early despite thunderstorms and DC traffic

 

Washington DC gallery owner Dale Johnson welcomed every guest to the Watergate Gallery, nestled in the courtyard of the historic Watergate Complex on the banks of the Potomac.  For 26 years, no thunderstorm has stopped her from celebrating an opening in style. Even new mother Amy Shapiro braved the weather with 10 month old Hudson to see the opening of the show.

Guests discuss the backstories behind the paintings

The “Romance of Flight” show, created by four women who share a love of art and aeronautics, celebrates the mystery of space, the velocity toward one’s destination and the emotional power of aviation.

Moments before the first Unveiling

 

Finally! The anticipated moment arrived with Unveiling Number One: After introductions and welcoming remarks, Dale Johnson, Kristin Hill, Crissie Murphy and Michelle Rouch unveil a wall of artwork by the three artists.

Artists Kristin Hill, Crissie Murphy and Michelle Rouch answer the audience questions about their work

 

Former ASAA president Kristin Hill’s luminous cloudscapes bring an ethereal lightness to the gallery with “Ocean Transit” and “Some Dance with Aurora.” Her skillful depiction of the U2 is painted from a remarkable perspective, from firsthand experience of flying in the high altitude craft itself, after extensive astronaut training. The Pennsylvania artist has been active in the Air Force Art Program since 1980.

Kristin Hill with “Ocean Transit” and “Some Dance with Aurora”

Crissie Murphy’s lustrous reds of her “Pierce Arrow” impact the viewer with vibrance and movement. The Boston-based painter is one of a handful of artists who can lay claim to having had an art show in space. Astronaut Richard Garriott launched to the International Space Station with Crissie’s “Wingman Blue,” later featured at Manhattan’s Charles Bank Gallery reception with Buzz Aldrin. 

 

Crissie Murphy and Buzz Aldrin with “Wingman” in Manhattan

Tucsonian artist Michelle Rouch reflects upon the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with “Together We Serve” in a tribute to heroes, Lt. Mike McCormick, USN (Pilot) and Ltjg. R. Alan Clark, USN (Weapons Officer), the last flight crew to give their lives during the Vietnam War. “Pioneer Combat Pilot” honors Martha McSally (USAF retired Colonel), the first female pilot in US history to pilot to fly a fighter aircraft in combat after the prohibition was repealed in 1991.  Rouch’s engineering background offers the foundation for her artistic ability to draw aviation and astronomical subjects.

 

 Michelle Rouch describes the story behind Vietnam’s last flight crew 

Unveiling Two: Dale Johnson and artists Hill, Murphy and Rouch pulled down the last wall of black silk to unveil Mimi Stuart’s EOS-style expressionist art. “Failure Is Not an Option,” a collection of 7-foot tall paintings made with 23k gold, silver and copper leaf, was created for the red carpet procession at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills to honor Jim Lovell, John Travolta and Chesley Sullenberger as they walked down the red carpet, and the spirit of the Wright Brothers.

 

Upon unveiling, the five women struck up a Hawaiian hang-ten pose in tribute to legendary aviation artist Luther Y. Gore, who had recently flown west.

In honor of artist Luther Gore, artists and gallery owner strike his signature hang-ten pose after the Unveiling of Stuart’s “Failure is Not an Option”

(photo courtesy of Mark Usciak)

 

Photographer Mark Usciak, looking dashing in his tuxedo, commented “This was well worth the two hour drive from Lancaster, PA. I enjoy seeing the magnificent artwork by very talented and accomplished artists in their field. I wasn’t going to miss it for the world.”

Mark Usciak with “Roar of the Raptor”

After the show, Steven Krensky, owner of Baltimore’s Light Street Gallery wrote ” What a night! To have so much talent located under one roof for your viewing convenience was such a kick.”

Steven Krensky admires the art of Michelle Rouch

Eventually, the guests filed out into the cold again, this time warm with the glow of an evening filled with color and surprises, with conversation about the finer things in life… romance and flight…inexorably entwined.

 

~Team Aero 

 Photography courtesy of Mark Usciak

 

WAA members at EAA AirVenture 2013 Oshkosh

July 29 – August 4, 2013  were the dates for this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, also known as “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration”. In attendance among the more than 500,000 attendees this year were WAA members Kristin Hill, Michelle Rouch and Pati O’Neal.  The three artists were involved in very different ways.

For Kristin Hill, it was her 36th year of exhibiting at the show.  She had a booth in Exhibit Hangar A, where she displayed examples of her work in the form of originals and reproductions as well as digital displays of some of her other works. Also at her booth this year as a guest was SR-71 pilot and author Terry Pappas.

Kristin Hill and her works on display at her booth at EAA AirVenture 2013

Michelle Rouch was hosted this year by Ford to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Henry Ford’s birth. She and her works were on display at the Lincoln Lounge area of Ford’s exhibition tent. While on-site in the exhibit area, visitors were able to watch her work on one of her oil paintings.

Michelle Rouch at her exhibit in the Ford/Lincoln Exhibition Tent. On the far right is the painting that she worked on as visitors watched.

Pati O’Neal has been attending EAA’s convention since 1994 and has volunteered in different capacities.  Part of her time this year was spent assisting the Texas Flying Legends Museum honor WWII veterans. She also had prints of her “Tuskegee Tales” for sale at the CAF’s RedTail Project exhibit.

Pati in front of the Texas Flying Legends Museum’s TBM Avenger

2013 ASAA International Aerospace Art Exhibit and Forum

American Society of Aviation Artists 27th Annual International Aerospace Art Exhibition was held in June with a Forum, Artist Reception and Awards Banquet in Baltimore, Maryland with the Exhibit at the Gallery at the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.  This year’s exhibit is in the International Terminal, Pier E, public access and will be displayed throughout the summer, ending on September 22, 2013.

Several Women Aviation Artists members had their work selected for this juried exhibit with Pati O’Neal, Crissie Murphy, Priscilla Messner-Patterson and Cher Pruys winning awards for their works. Also this year, Kristin Hill was elected as an ASAA Artist Fellow.

Here are the accepted works (alphabetically):

“Brilliant Finish” – Cher Pruys
9″ x 13″ Mixed Media
The breath taking image of this gorgeous Beech 18 with its brilliant finish, makes a worthy subject.

Cher won the “Best of the Best” award from Aviation Week and Space Technology for this work.

“Coconut Clipper” – Pati O’Neal
18” x 24” Acrylic/Mixed Media
This painting, created on actual coconut tree fiber, depicts a Martin M-130 coming in to dock beneath the fronds of tropical coconut palms. This aircraft was better known as the China Clipper, the Hawaii Clipper, and the Philippine Clipper during the Golden Age of Aviation. With the advent of their flights, the dream of exotic locales became known to the masses and a reality to a chosen few. These Clippers and their travels are still viewed as the true essence of the romance of flight.

Pati won two awards with this particular painting – First place in the Commercial Aviation category from Aviation Week and Space Technology and ForeFeathers Plaque Du Beaque Award.

“Commuters” – Priscilla Messner-Patterson
24″ x 36″ Oil
Travelers prepare to board a Bering Air Cessna Caravan in Kiana, Alaska. The village, population 361, is 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 57 miles east of Kotzebue.

Priscilla won Aviation Week and Space Technology’s Second place award in the Commercial Aviation category for this work.

“Corner Office” – Crissie Murphy
16” x 20” Acrylic
My first assignment with the USAF Art Program was to document the Air Mobility Command Rodeo in 2007. Our escort, after much maneuvering, secured a spot for us on a C-130 from Savannah flying a medevac simulation with a Pakistani medical team. It was my first experience aboard a military flight, and I was allowed on the flight deck. As I exclaimed at the spectacular view of Mt. Rainier, one of the crew quipped, “Yeah, there’s a great view from the corner office!”

“Gone West” – Pati O’Neal
18” x 24” Oil on canvas
In this painting, Red Tail P-51C “Tuskegee Airmen” sits on the ramp facing west into the setting sun in tribute to all those that have “Gone West.” The phrase “Gone West” refers to the belief in primitive times that the blessed went off to islands in the sunset when they passed their time on earth. The term gained popularity as a euphemism for death during World War I, when wounded or dead Allied soldiers were sent west on their way home, along with the thought of the sun setting at the end of a perilous day.

“Mission Enroute” – Sharon Rajnus
20” x 14” Watercolour
Women in Combat” are deployed in various roles, including medics, pilots, ground support, military police, and intelligence specialists. This watercolor depicts a moment in a helicopter’s journey to the scene, the calm before the storm.

Priscilla Messner-Patterson
Preflight
18″ x 12″ Watercolour
A female Army crew member inspects the forward rotor hub and blades of a CH-47D Chinook helicopter.

Mimi Stuart
Spirit in Space; John Herrington
24” x 24” Mixed Media
Commander John Herrington, USN (Ret.), made history as the first Native American in space when Space Shuttle Endeavor STS-113 launched on November 23, 2002. To honor his Native American heritage, mission specialist Herrington carried a Chickasaw Nation flag into space. The flag represents the past, from the ancient American peoples to the present day. Herrington’s portrait depicts the spirit of wise Chief Tishomingo rising from the astronaut’s hands, ready to face a limitless future.

“Warbirds” – Cher Pruys
8” x 13” Watercolour
These wonderful “Warbirds” are on display for all to see at an airshow.

Cher won Aviation Week and Space Technology’s Second place award in the Military Aviation category with this painting.

Art, Science, and Engineering Meet at Spacefest IV – Article by Michelle Rouch

(Photo Credits: Mark Usciak)

Tucson, AZ, May 31 -June 3, 2012 — Despite the vast research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), little effort is being focused on an artistic angle to approach kids with a vehicle to draw their attention to aviation and aerospace sciences. Children are creative by nature. They are born scientists and by catching them early, we can focus their energy to harvest their instinctive nature to create. Engineers are artists, illustrating the adage that if you can conceive it, we can build it.

The young artist interrupts life on the Moon with an alien holding a sign, “Hi! Dick Gordon.” Little Arianna understood the importance of astronautically drawn artwork. Fellow IAAA Artist member and Apollo Astronaut, Alan Bean scribes, “Arianna – This is beautiful artwork. Congratulations. Alan”

Novaspace Galleries, Tucson, Arizona brought Art and Science together once again at Spacefest IV. Many people believe that Art and Science are complete opposites. The space art exhibit demonstrated how the two disciplines are united, as Leonardo da Vinci illustrated in his research. Per Novaspace, “Art throughout history has reflected our hunger for the untamed frontier. Movies, TV shows, books, magazines and games devoted to space themes show our obsession with the Universe.”

Mr. Kim Poor, owner of Novaspace Galleries and internationally renowned space artist, was one of the founders and first president of International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA). IAAA was founded in 1982, whose members participate in astronomical and space art projects to educate and foster relationships internationally in the area space and space exploration.

Known science journalist, founding and Fellow IAAA artist, Michael Carroll along with Senior Research Specialist at Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona and IAAA artist, Jim Scotti speak with a student from the Swiss Boarding School, Aiglon College, Switzerland alongside his escorts Christopher Starr and John Turner. The backdrop artwork is by Dr. Dan Durda, planetary scientist, astronomer, asteroid researcher, and Fellow IAAA artist. Nestled between the two IAAA artists illustrate Dr. Dan Durda‟s concept for a U.S. postage stamp that honors the New Horizons mission to Pluto.

Michael Carroll dialog offered waxing poetry how art and science meet together, and how rich they overlap. This joining of art and science stated by Carroll, “has been likened to what biologists call the „Edge Effect,‟ where two disparate biomes meet. At the interface of these two biomes (for example the Arabian desert and the Gulf of Aqaba) the life is richer and more diverse than in either of the adjacent biomes. Astronomical art (and more generally science illustration) is like that: where science and art meet, there is a creative explosion!”

IAAA Artists: Marilynn Flynn and Pamela Lee at the Artist Table at Spacefest IV

Renowned founding IAAA artists, Marilynn Flynn next to Fellow, Pamela Lee, both are members of the NASA Fine Arts Program sit at the artist table studying Lee‟s painting of an alien seashore. The artists were discussing what would be the best placement of an alien life form in the scene for an alien sea visual and whether to use a binary star to infer a xeno planetary landscape or add a second sun.

Flynn participated in the Ars Ad Astra, theme “Space & Humanity” international competition to accompany the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter to the Mir space station during his 180 day stay on the EUROMIR 95 mission. Ars Ad Astra understood the importance of art representation to merge art and science.

IAAA Artists (Left to Right): Marilynn Flynn, Pamela Lee, Michelle Rouch, Dr. Dan Durda, Lucy West, and Michael Carroll

Expressionism art takes on many forms. Writers have the ability to transcend readers‟ imagination by the use of carefully selected words. Spacefest IV was a time to share experiences between artists and engineers. Matt Angiulo shared his experience with author Andy Chaikin. When Matt Angiulo checked out a copy of “A Man on the Moon” from his high school library, he would never have expected that it would inspire him to become an aerospace engineer. As he started reading the book, he learned of the personal lives of the Apollo Astronauts and their struggles. “For the first time I grasped the significance of the accomplishment and I was fascinated by the details of the work required to make it possible,” Matt shared with author, Andy Chaikin that “A Man on the Moon” inspired him to become an Aerospace Engineer. Becoming an engineer has its challenges. The book gave Matt the strength during college to do the extra work and to stick with it. As he saw his classmates drop out around him, the stories offered in the book carried him through by reminding him that what seems to be impossible is indeed possible with a lot of hard work. For years after reading the book Matt shared how it changed his life.

America‟s well known author, speaker and space journalist, Andy Chaikin with Aeronautical Engineer and Lifetime Senior Member AIAA Matthew J. Angiulo

Many astronauts had joined American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) at some point in their career. AIAA is a professional society for aerospace engineering. The society merged two earlier societies: Institute of Aerospace Sciences (IAS) and American Rocket Society. Appropriately, its first AIAA Fellow was Orville Wright. Author Tom Crouch chronicled fascinating historical events of AIAA history in his book, titled “Rocketeers and Gentlemen Engineers.”

AIAA Members: Matthew Angiulo, Michelle Rouch, Elishka Jepson and Dr. Jeff Jepson

Spacefest IV brought people together to share stories. Dr. Jim Horkovich, AIAA Fellow, Champion, Founder and Chair of Directed Energy Program Committee tells Dr. Aldrin his experience when working as a cooperative engineering student at Grumman Aircraft during the Apollo 12 Program. Backdrop painting by artist of energy Mimi Stuart’s expressionist art added a splash of color to Dr. Aldrin’s booth. Her Energy of Subject (EOS) style uses 23k gold and silver to capture the vibrant energy of space exploration.

Last man on the moon, Gene Cernan articulated his experience on the lunar surface with Michelle Rouch‟s abstract oil and gold plate painting, titled “Apollo XVII 40th Anniversary Commemorative.”

Second man on the moon, Apollo Astronaut and MIT graduate, Dr. Buzz Aldrin offers the next generation a message scribed “Go To Mars!” on the late and great American artist, best remembered for his space art stamps, Paul Calle, reproduction giclee, titled “POWER TO GO.”

Following in his father‟s footsteps, Chris Calle, who is well known for his 25th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and the first manned moon landing postage stamps, had each of the astronauts at Spacefest IV sign his father‟s giclée The artwork, “POWER TO GO” by Paul Calle shows the launch of the Saturn V and the POWER depicts the moment of thrust of the Atlas rocket motors. Each Astronaut wrote a significant quote about the rocket, their Mission or the future for space exploration. After Dr. Aldrin wrote Go To Mars!, he signed his name and paused. He looked at Chris Calle and said “This is for your father,” adding a personal touch by dotting the „i‟ in Aldrin.

Last man on the Moon, Apollo Astronaut and Aeronautical Engineer, Gene Cernan offered, “This is where it started with the Atlas.”
Retired US Air Force Brigadier General, Apollo Astronaut and an Eagle Scout, Charlie Duke added, “What a Ride! This thing is really shaking! I‟m holding on!”

Apollo Astronaut and doctorate in Astronautical Engineering from University of Michigan, Dr. Al Worden offered, “The Ultimate Launch! Great Painting.”

Apollo Astronaut, Aeronautical Engineer, and Fellow IAAA Artist Alan Bean wrote, “Chris – You have the DNA of the great artist that created this magnificent painting. An icon of the space age.”

Apollo Astronaut and Navy Captain (retired), Dick Gordon shared, “Get ready for the lightning strike!!”

Year after year, AIAA Tucson Section, award-winning Kids Club with Michelle Rouch offering a collaborative effort to combine art and engineering into one, conducted a mini project modeled after government acquisition examples for 8-9-10 year olds. These kids compete in the development of a simulated mini-program in conjunction with an art project to paint a unique rendition of the 4 forces of flight. Rouch had no doubt that kids armed with the right motivation and attitude, as well as working in teams would be able to complete the project. Art is a vehicle to communicate. If you can conceive it, the kids can build it.

2012 ASAA Retrospective at the Art Center of Battle Creek

This year’s ASAA International Aerospace Art Exhibition and Forum also included a retrospective exhibit at the Art Center of Battle Creek. The Art Center of Battle Creek opened its doors in 1948.  Since its founding, the mission of the Art Center of Battle Creek has been to present high quality programs in the visual arts for the enrichment, education and enjoyment of the citizens of Battle Creek, Michigan and beyond. The Art Center hosted the ASAA Retrospective Art Exhibition as the community is highly enthusiastic about aviation and aviation art. The retrospective exhibit is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see such a large collection of ASAA winning paintings in one setting and will be on display throughout the summer. Included in this retrospective show were works by members of the WAA. Also selected for the exhibit was a work by Priscilla Messner-Patterson, but was previously sold.  Here are the images (alphabetically):

Peggie Foy
Foggy Morning Take-off
(12″ x 24″ Oil)
Ring-necked pheasants flushed from the grass by a Curtiss “Hornet” 18-B. In 1918, the Hornet, built with advanced aerodynamic design and powered by Curtiss K-12 engine, attained 163 mph and climbed to 34,610 feet, breaking all world records; however, the end of WWI signaled its early demise.

Kristin Hill
Vectoring from Thor
(20″ x 36″ Oil)
“Vectoring From Thor” depicts a responsibility shared by all pilots. In mythology, the Norse god of thunder Thor and man have a long history of interaction, respect and admiration. In the demanding world of flight, the aircraft’s pilot in command must weigh wisely the forces of nature, technology and man’s ambitions.

Pati O’Neal
Afternoon Delights
(18″ x 24″ Oil)
Friends out on an afternoon flight, enjoying the last golden rays of a splendid Georgia day, one in a 1946 Piper Cub and the other in a peaceful hot air balloon.

Cher Pruys
Polished
(12″ x 7.5″ Acrylic and Watercolor)
“Polished” is a portrait of an amazing Beech 18, which has been lovingly prepared for a showing at an air show, most apparent in its incredible shiny finish.

Sharon Rajnus, ASAA
Boeing PB-1. US Navy -1925
(30″ x 22″ Oil)
In 1925 the U.S. Navy was looking for a reliable design to fly over 1000’s of miles of ocean to Hawaii. The PB1 was Boeing’s contribution to the search. Powered by two 800hp Packard engines mounted in tandem, it was one of the largest flying boats of its day.

Michelle Rouch
Aspiring Pilot
(14″ x 11.5″ Watercolor)
The child’s inspiration starts early when he visits Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona and dreams of flying.

Mimi Stuart
Tuskegee Airmen, American Royalty
(24″ x 24″ Mixed Media)
During WWII, African-Americans vanquished the notion that they “could never fly airplanes.” They became such revered aviators that bomber pilots requested “Red Tails” for their most dangerous missions. Official recognition came decades late; yet those brave souls known as the Tuskegee Airmen have conquered our hearts as true American Royalty.

To start off the event for the Forum attendees,  a critique session was given by top Artist Fellows in the ASAA explaining the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of great aviation art so as to better to enhance the attendees talents.

ASAA Artist Fellows Keith Ferris and Charles Thompson discuss at Art Center of Battle Creek.

This was followed by a wonderful reception at the center with great interaction between the public and ASAA artists.

Paul Rendel, Mimi Stuart and Charles Thompson next to their paintings at the Art Center of Battle Creek.

Pati O’Neal next to her painting “Afternoon Delights” at the Art Center of Battle Creek

2012 ASAA International Aerospace Art Exhibit and Forum

American Society of Aviation Artists 26th Annual International Aerospace Art Exhibition kicked off earlier this month with a Forum, Artist Reception and Awards Banquet at the Air Zoo museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  This year’s exhibit is in a special gallery room and will be displayed throughout the summer.  WAA members in attendance at this year’s Forum were Peggie Foy, Kristin Hill, Priscilla Messner-Patterson, Crissie Murphy, Pati O’Neal, Michelle Rouch, and Mimi Stuart.

From left to right: Pati O’Neal, Kristin Hill, Crissie Murphy, Priscilla Messner-Patterson, Michelle Rouch, Mimi Stuart, Peggie Foy

Several Women Aviation Artists members had their work selected for this juried exhibit with Kristin Hill, Crissie Murphy and Cher Pruys winning awards for their works. Priscilla Messner-Patterson won the prestigious “Luther Y. Gore Service Award” for her dedication and service to the ASAA including her work with the youth mentoring program that she conducts on-site at the museums during the forums. Peggie Foy received special recognition for her continued role as the “unofficial” ASAA photographer.  Here are the accepted works (alphabetically):

Kristin Hill
Alone with The Forms
(13” X 18” Oil)
A U-2 pilot in the PSD transport van pre-breathes oxygen and awaits the walk to his jet for the imminent sortie. Around him a flurry of professional support at every level of flight preparation tightens into a finely straightened line of settled purpose. Now alone, he reviews the final forms for his solitary ten-hour mission flight at the edge of the stratosphere.

Kristin won an ASAA Award of Merit for this painting.

Crissie Murphy
Red Gearing Up
(24” X 24” Acrylic)
A USAF paratrooper getting ready for the jump, Pope AFB, North Carolina.

Crissie won an ASAA Award of Merit for this painting.

Crissie Murphy
The Task at Hand
(12” X 36” Acrylic)
During the Haitian Earthquake relief efforts, I had the opportunity to sketch the crews maintaining and repairing the aircraft in Guantanamo. Here, one of the crew deals with a somewhat daunting repair.

Pati O’Neal
Swat Valley Aid
(18” X 24” Oil)
Below the magnificent snowy peaks of the Hindu Kush lie the green meadows and clear lakes of the beautiful Swat Valley in the Khyber-Paktunkhwa Province of Pakistan. In the summer of 2010, this lush and picturesque valley was devastated by massive floods, killing over 1500 and leaving over 4 million homeless. The United States military brought in relief supplies and helped with evacuation. This painting shows a Marine Corps Sea Knight (CH-46E) helicopter from HMM-165 (REIN) unloading its cargo. It is based on a snapshot taken by my nephew, Marine Capt. Matt Wesenberg, a pilot with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, HMM-165 (REIN) while flying this mission.

Cher Pruys
Autumn Relections
(6.5” X 10” Watercolour)
This beautiful Beech 17 is nestled against a fall background with the autumn colors providing dancing reflections.

Cher won the  ASAA Award of Distinction for this painting.

Cher Pruys
Yankee Lady
(9.25” X 14” Watercolour)
This is a portrait of the magnificent B-17. The bright patriotic colors of the Yankee Lady dance across the airplane’s metal finish.

Cher also won Aviation Week ans Space Technology’s Best of the Best Award for this work.

Michelle Rouch
Tuscon Control Tower
(18” X 14.5” Watercolour)
Tucson International Airport’s 55-year-old control tower is an iconic symbol of Tucson, Arizona. The FAA has approved a new tower scheduled to break ground this year. The current Tucson control tower opened in 1958 and stands 119 feet high. It is the third-tallest building in town. (Tucson isn’t known for its tall buildings.) The proposed new tower will be 225 feet tall, becoming the second tallest building in Tucson.

Michelle Rouch in the news again…..

The latest copy of Art World News has a nice little write up about Michelle Rouch’s aviation art. Here is an image of page 34:

Art World News - page 34

2011 ASAA International Aerospace Art Exhibition

American Society of Aviation Artists 25th Annual International Aerospace Art Exhibition kicked off last month with a Forum and Awards Banquet in Pensacola, Florida at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.  It followed the museum’s Centennial Celebration of Naval Aviation.  This year’s exhibit has been given top viewing priority just inside the entrance and will be displayed through August 31, 2011. Out of 77 accepted works,  9 of them were done by Women Aviation Artists. Cher Pruys and Pati O’Neal both won awards in the General Aviation Category. Here are the accepted works:

Merana Cadorette - Off Duty at the I Bar

Crissie Murphy - For Those Who Keep 'em Flying

Pati O'Neal - Afternoon Delights - Second place award winner in the general aviation category given by Aviation Week and Space Technology

Pati O'Neal - Taylorcraft Heading Home

Cher Pruys - Polished - Third place award winner in the general aviation category given by Aviation Week and Space Technology.

Sharon Rajnus - Boeing PB-1 U.S. NAVY 1925

Michelle Rouch - Pioneer Aviator Eugene Ely

Mimi Stuart - Angel Dance

Mimi Stuart - Aviation Pioneer Eugene Ely

In addition, in the Unjuried show at the Forum, Kristin Hill won the “Matt” Jeffferies Popular Choice Award and Merana Cadorette won the ASAA Founder’s Silver Ribbon Award.

Merana Cadorette - Impressions of a Seahawk Crew

Kristin Hill - Operation Fish Hawk: Classified

All award winners can be viewed here: http://asaa-avart.org/exhibits_forums/awards2011.php

It was a great week full of education and camaraderie. WAA members attending were: Crissie Murphy, Kristin Hill, Merana Cadorette, Michelle Rouch, Mimi Stuart, Pati O’Neal, Peggie Foy, Priscilla Messner-Patterson and Sharon Rajnus.

Women Aviation Artists at 2011 ASAA International Aerospace Art Exhibition at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.

Two new paintings from Merana Cadorette

Here are two new paintings from Merana Cadorette. The first is called “Trebuchets to Tornadoes” a 16″h x 40″ w acrylic work.

The other is titled “Givaudan”. It is a 16″h x 20″w acrylic work and is accompanied by a poem:

For a faded photo he is famed:

M’sieur Givaudan, mustache untamed!

Bought a Vermorel engine for his design

Art Nouveau, Nineteen oh nine!

To be a French aviator was a feat;

So he built his craft, toute de suite.

What could give the strange idea

To put celled doughnuts, front and rear?

The front end had a universal joint for wiggle,

But the fixed back end did not even jiggle.

For Gallic uniqueness we may tout it…

Did it get off the ground?  We sure doubt it!

Wonderful Article from Michelle Rouch

WAA member, Michelle Rouch has been making news…

OSHKOSH, WI – Aviation Artist, Michelle Rouch donated a painting to the Young Eagles Program.  The organization, established in 1992 and currently co-chaired by Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III and Jeffrey Skiles, offers our youth between the ages of 8 through 17 an opportunity to learn general aviation and how to fly.  The original painting, titled, “We’re Going Into the Hudson,” was signed by both co-chairmen and unveiled on 29 July 2010 at the EAA Gathering of Eagles gala.  The artwork is a heroic rendition of US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles, who made a miraculous landing into the Hudson River and saved the lives of all the 155 passengers and crew members on January 15, 2009.

This year’s Young Eagle event rose over $2.1 million.  EAA youth educational program offers an opportunity to fly for free of charge and all made possible because of generous EAA members and their donations.  The painting was auctioned off during the Gathering of the Eagles fund raising event.  Rouch’s mission is to encourage kids to aim high and actively donates her time annually to AIAA Kids Club program, facilitating an Engineering/Art exercise for 8 – 10 year olds.  Jeannie Rose, introduced Rouch to Tom Poberezny at the 2010 Living Legends of Aviation, a Kiddie Hawk Air Academy fundraiser in Beverly Hills.  EAA Chairman, Tom Poberezny has over 160,000 members and 1,000 local chapters, all sharing the same passion of aviation.  He holds annually the world’s top class celebration of aviation at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.  The air show offers year after year spectacular aerobatic events and forums.

Docent guide, John DeLong introduced Ms. Jessica Cox, Tucson-based, inspirational speaker at an EAA forum.  The 27 year old offered to never let your fears get in the way of opportunity.  Jessica, born without arms and who uses her feet as her “hands”, earned her LSA (Light Sport Aviation license) in an Ercoupe aircraft whose design requires no rudders. She is the first woman licensed to fly without arms and is currently working on her instructor’s license.  On Monday, 26 July 2010 she met President Obama for celebration of the anniversary of the American Disabilities Act.  Sean Tucker, an extreme stunt aerobatic pilot, offered to work with Ms. Jessica to figure out how to fly a loop.  She describes that there is more than one way to accomplish anything.  Desire is 80% of success.

Rouch believes that her aviation artwork can be used as a communication tool to encourage kids in the field of math, science, and engineering.  She believes that her educational program can be integrated into the Young Eagles.

"Sully" Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles holding painting titled, “We’re Going Into the Hudson”

For more information on Michelle and her work, go to www.rouch.com