Thursday, May 1, 2025

2025 May Newsletter

From the Office of the President

April marked National Stress Awareness Month, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how each of us manages stress in our lives. Stress is a highly individual experience—what may be stressful for one person may not affect another in the same way, or it may even be overwhelming for some. Interestingly, stress can stem from both negative and positive events, such as the birth of a child or moving to a new home. While stress is a universal experience, our responses to it can differ significantly.

In an ideal world, we would all maintain a daily wellness routine. However, when faced with numerous demands, it’s often our self-care practices that take a backseat.

As part of my own wellness routine, I prioritize activities that bring me joy and peace. At times, painting serves as a therapeutic outlet, though I occasionally find myself losing the motivation to engage with it. This fluctuation may be influenced by the nature of the stress or my energy

levels at the time. The reality is that coping strategies are not one-size-fits-all, and it’s essential to have multiple ways to manage stress and cultivate joy.

During my time living in California, I would often take a day off to sit by the ocean, allowing the natural surroundings to help me reset. Unfortunately, Utah lacks the coastal retreat I once enjoyed, so I’ve had to discover new ways to decompress. Given my passion for learning, I often find solace in taking courses or attending events, even if the subject matter is not something I plan to pursue long-term.

Working in the military has granted me the opportunity to travel to various states, including California, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Ohio, Hawaii, Georgia, Washington D.C., Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada. These experiences have fostered a deep love for travel, as it offers a refreshing break from daily responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and the constant demands of life. I find travel to be deeply restorative.

Recently, after a period of intense work, my husband surprised me with an airline ticket, and we’ve decided to take an extended two-week trip. Our journey will begin in Arizona, where we will visit my father-in-law and GSPD member, Lori Jennings. From there, we will travel around New England to honor my mother-in-law’s memory and explore significant historical sites in

Boston, Salem, and Plymouth, while also visiting several neighboring states. This trip will also allow me to cross off states I have yet to visit, and I am truly excited about the upcoming adventures.

I will be returning just in time for our Spring seminar with Lois Mueller, and I am looking and I

look forward to seeing many of you there.

Looking forward to painting with everyone,


LeeAnn Washatka, President



2025 Seminars and Paint-ins

May 15th-17th (Thu-Sat)             – Lois Mueller Seminar - Rosemaling Violin
June 21st (Saturday)                   – Tirzah Probasco – Peacock Clock (Part 1)
July 19th (Saturday)                    – Tirzah Probasco – Peacock Clock (Part 2)
August 16th (Saturday)               Tirzah Probasco - Rosemaling Pumpkin
September 19th-20th (Fri- Sat)   – Rynna Polson Seminar - Ukrainian Art Eggs
October 18th (Saturday)             – TBA
November 15th (Saturday)         – Terry Pulver - Bee Gourd
December                                   – Christmas Party

If you have suggestions for projects for 2025, please let the Board know.



Chapter Dues

It's time to pay 2025 GSDP dues ($15). Checks can be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to the GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.


Christmas Raffles

This year at our Christmas Party we will again be having a special raffle. Scottie Foster has donated a lovely Bavarian Folk art painted tray to GSDP. Scottie's painted pieces are sought after by collectors and she has several pieces in the Smithsonian's collection of painted Christmas ornaments. In 2000 Scottie was voted one of the "10 Top Talents in 2000" by the readers of Decorative Artist's Workbook Magazine! This list of 10 all-time favorite artists "celebrates 10 of the many influential, inspiring and accomplished decorative painters in the field today." 

Tickets will be on sale from now until the drawing at the party. The cost is $1.00 per ticket. You do NOT have to be present to win.






May Lois Mueller Seminar

Teacher:       Lois Mueller

Cost:             $250
Surface:       The pictures, patterns, instructions and paints are
included in the seminar price.

 GSDP will not be provide the surface for this seminar.

You do not have to paint on an actural violin. You may paint on any surface you wish. If you wish to paint on a violin, you will have to provide your own violin. (Tirzah has a couple of violins for sale for $25.) You can contact Tirzah at 801-336-7900 for more information.

Date:             May 15th thru 17th (Thursday thru Saturday)

                        Doors open 10 am
                        Seminar 10:30 am – 5:50 pm
                        Doors locked 6 pm

Seminar: There is a $50 non-refundable deposit The check should be made out to GoldenSpike Decorative Painters and mailed to GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405 by April 21st.

See Instruction sheets for paint colors and prep instructions. Will be provided when a deposit is received by GSDP.

Any remaning seminar balance must be paid when you pickup your pictures, patterns and instructions. You will be notified of the date and location of pickup.

Lunches are included in the seminar price. Bottled water will also be provided.

Contact Tirzah (801-336-7900) or Leeann (801 391-3556 ) if you have any questions about the seminar.

The Seminar will be held in the classroom of Wimmers' Sewing and Vaccum (1077 E, Gentile Street, Layton, UT). Exit I-15 at Layton Parkway, exit #330. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto 425 S Fort Lane. Then turn right onto E Gentile Street and continue east 75' then turn right again. In 121' turn left and Wimmer's will be on the right. There is parking around the building.


June

Peacock Clock (Part 1)

Teacher:         Tizah Probasco

Cost:              $7.50 (class fee)
Surface:         Clock (from Bobby Takashima Seminar --- Note Tirzah has a few clocks for sale for $45) or provide your own large metal tray. 
Date:              June 21st 10:30 am

Palette: Jo Sonja

Amethyst               Moss Green
Aqua                     Pine Green
Brown Earth          Pthalon Green
Burnt Sienna         Raw Sienna
Carbon Black        Turners Yellow
Dioxazine Purple  Storm Blue
Warm White          Ultramarine Blue

Jo Sonja Metallic

Rich Gold

Prep:

Basecost with Carbon Black + Sealer. Let day and basecost again with Carbon Black. Let dry and apply pattern.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.


 GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.