Join us every Wednesday evening for self directed Life Drawing session. $10 fee, $8 for students. Bring your own supplies, easels available. Parking in front of building. If arriving after 630 pm, please enter in the rear of the building.

Model 9/10 — Dan

Model 9/17 — Seandor

model 9/24 — Vicki

I found altoid tin robots on Pinterest a long time ago and had to try one. I’ve made several over the years. My findings lead me to what personality my robot will take. In this demo I will show the steps I take to flush out a “Happi-mess™” Robot.

About the Artist

Originally from Baltimore, MD, Beth Smedley has lived in Florida since 1974. She was deeply inspired by her Chinese mother who was very creative. Beth has worked professionally as a graphic designer for over 40 years, but has always found time to try a new art or craft. Some of these experiments are: stained glass, basketry, painting of all mediums, including cold wax and oil, jewelry making, paper mache, scultpure, needle felting and drawing. Favorite art type is mixed media, where all of the previous can come into play.

Beth has been involved with the Brandon League of Fine Arts since 2016 and served as president in 2024. She won the strawberry themed art award at the FL Strawberry Festival for 2 years in a row and a Best in Show award in 2020.

The Demonstration will be in person and also on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7409862189?omn=85948236432

Meeting ID: 740 986 2189

Join us every Wednesday evening for self directed Life Drawing session. $10 fee, $8 for students. Bring your own supplies, easels available. Parking in front of building. If arriving after 630 pm, please enter in the rear of the building.

model 7/23 — Carmen (new model)

Model 7/30 — Rob B ( new model)

TRA Annual Meeting

Join the TRA Board for an overview of the past year and a look at the rest of 2025.

On Zoom Only.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82604080726

Demo Description

Joyce Curvin creates quirky playful animals from paper-mâché and recycled materials. Her Art-Official Pets©  start with an armature of upcycled items that might include plastic bottles, old cardboard, paper and wire. The frame is then covered in paper-mâché which is typically painted in bright colors. The piece is completed with other found items – feathers, button eyes, fabrics, and paper - that tell the creatures’ charming stories.

Artist Statement:

Recycling is at the heart of my work. Through a playful fusion of colors, textures, and materials I work to create humorous, engaging characters that evoke a sense of fun and wonder.  My goal is to capture an expression, an attitude or moment of joy in every piece.

Each of my Art-Official Pets© starts with an armature of mostly recycled materials that may include plastic bottles, old cardboard, paper and wire. I apply several coats of paper-mâché and texture to the structure followed by a bright palette of color in paint, paper, fabric, and such.

Bio:

Joyce Curvin was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, to a family who believed in reusing, repurposing, and recycling.  She studied art and business at Stetson University in DeLand, FL, graduating with a BBA in marketing. 

Joyce enjoyed a successful career in visual merchandising and store design for area malls and finer shops…all the while creating her art both on the side and as a part of her visual merchandising projects.  She has worked in a variety of mediums including clay, metal, paper, and wood all culminating in her current work in paper-mâché and mixed media.   

The Demonstration will be in person and also on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7409862189?omn=82307669456

Meeting ID: 740 986 2189

Join us every Wednesday evening for self directed Life Drawing session. $10 fee, $8 for students. Bring your own supplies, easels available. Parking in front of building. If arriving after 630 pm, please enter in the rear of the building.

Model 6/11 —Dan