Artists of New York's Capital District and Beyond
Now Celebrating 50 Years!
Est. 1974
CAL Winter Show and Small Works Sale
It’s hard to believe that it is October already! Time to get those paintings ready for the 2026 Winter Show at the William K. Sanford (Colonie) Library. Each CAL member may submit one piece of artwork for the show ($10.00 entry fee) and up to two pieces for the Small Works Show and Sale (no fee to enter).
Our judge for the Winter Show is George Van Hook. More information on George is available on his website https://www.georgevanhookfineartist.com and was included in CAL’s September/October newsletter here.
New Judging Categories
This year, because of member feedback, we are trying something new. Instead of grouping paintings by medium, pieces will be grouped and judged by subject matter. First, second, and third place cash awards and one honorable mention award will be given for each of the following five categories. These categories are listed on the entry form for the artist to choose.
● Animal/Wildlife
● Abstract/Experimental
● Landscape/Waterscape/Cityscape
● Portrait/Figure
● Still Life/Botanical/Interior/Exterior
We will continue to have a Best in Show award and the Emerging Artist awards as well. (An Emerging Artist is a member who has never received any award from CAL or any other art organization.) Award winners will be announced at the reception on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
For those interested, we’ve included the number of paintings in each category from last year’s show. Keep in mind that this is based on our interpretation. The artist, of course, could have chosen a different category for their painting. For example, a painting of a person on horseback could be placed in either the Animal/Wildlife category or the Portrait/Figure category.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc., for this and/or future shows, please feel free to reach out to Cathy Laccetti or Lynn Huntington. Their contact information is listed at the end of this newsletter AND if you'd like to join the Show Committee to help out, let them know that as well!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
As always, volunteers will be needed for intake, hanging, and setting up before and cleaning up after the reception. Pam Agan-Smith will be sending an email to those that indicated an interest in volunteering for shows on the membership form. If you do not hear from us and would like to volunteer to help at this show, please contact her directly at pandg85@gmail.com or (518) 813-3583.
Entry Information
● Current CAL members may enter one (1) original piece of art that has not been shown in a previous CAL exhibition.
● Entry Fee is $10.00
● Size Limit is 36”x36” including the outside dimensions of the frame.
● Painting must be dry, sturdily framed, wired, and ready to hang.
● Glass and frames must be clean and without smudges.
● Gallery wrapped paintings on canvas must have all edges painted.
● Watercolor, pastels, drawings, etc. must be under glass or acrylic (if not protected with a finish).
● No prints or art based on greeting cards, calendar art, magazine photos, etc.
Small Works Show and Sale
The Small Work Show and Sale is hung on the wall outside of the Stedman Room where the main show is located. You may enter two small works. These painting(s) are in addition to your one entry for the main show and will not be judged. There is no fee to enter your work.
● Size Limit: 12x12 including the frame’s outside dimensions. Please measure your piece(s) before submitting them at intake.
● Maximum Price: $75.00
● Giclee and prints are accepted but must be marked as such.
Buyers will contact you directly. You may replace any painting you sell. The replacement piece must be the same price and size as the piece sold. The new piece will use the same letter(s) that was assigned to the sold piece.
Entry Form/Waiver
Complete 2 copies of this form. Please write legibly. Attach one copy to the back upper left-hand corner of your artwork. Bring the other to intake along with your non-refundable entry fee of $10.00 (check or cash only).
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE ENTRY FORM
Colonie Art League Summer Show
What a talented group of people!
Run, don't walk, to the Guilderland Public Library to see the marvelous works of art in a wide variety of media in the 2026 CAL Summer Art Show.
The exhibit will be hanging for your personal enjoyment until August 28.
Congratulations to the 1st Place Award Winner, Timothy Lederach for his watercolor. "Once More Unto The Breach."
And special thanks to Beverly Saunders, for applying her artistic experience to judging the competition.
If you can't make it to the Library in person, you can peruse the work in the Online Gallery, below. Click on the large picture to go to a full size detail gallery.
Special thanks to Show Co-Chairs Cathy Laccetti and Lynn Huntington for their leadership!
The Spring Show was a wonderful success at a beautiful new venue!
Special thanks to Show Co-Chairs Cathy Laccetti and Lynn Huntington for their leadership!
Too Cool for School?
Workshop
Tracy Loring will be completing an R&F Paints encaustics course for educators and will begin teaching encaustics in November. Her first workshop will be at Arlene’s on November 7th where we’ll combine encaustics with mixed media and collage to great depth and transparent layers. Hot plates and heat guns will be provided. If you ever wanted to try encaustics this could be a great opportunity to play without having to invest in all of the gear.
Art Classes with Kris Woodward
Watercolor, Gouache, Pastel, Acrylic, Oil and Drawing
Kris has two classes a week: Wednesday from 6 to 9 and Thursday, 9:30-12:30 at St. Matthews. She teaches all mediums and works with you and your particular medium. For more information contact kristin.woodward10@gmail.com.
Member Classes, Workshops and Services
Join us for Wednesday Open Studio
Just a reminder that Wednesday Open Studio continues to meet at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church every Wednesday from 10:00am-2:00 pm and is open to all members! What camaraderie! What a CAL perk! Cost continues to be $5.00/session.
Whether you are a new member or a member who used to visit, please feel welcome!
Members can sign out library books and DVDs, bring a snack or lunch, and encourage each other sharing artistic endeavors, milestones, and challenges. Whatever medium you choose to work in is fine… but, please remember to bring a table cover. There is plenty of table working space along with outlets for lamps and charging cords.
Wellness fact: Being together with others while sharing and learning makes for healthy mindfulness. And, as Pablo Picasso said, “The purpose of ART is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” Hope to see you soon!
The contact for Wednesday Open Studio is Carolyn O’Donnell.
518-435-5527
