Hello everyone,

I can only speak for myself, but I feel that I am not alone in this sentiment:

I woke up one morning recently filled with the excitement of knowing I have an uninterrupted day of writing ahead of me. Housework - check. Cats fed - check. Suspiciously loaded my husband's golf clubs in his car and shooed him out of the house - check. I imagined fresh, blank paper awaiting my words. Today is the day I will create, I thought.

I sat down at the computer, my fingers ready to strike the keys. Nothing happened. So I stared out the window for inspiration. Nada. Flipped through my mental Rolodex - has anything interesting happened to me lately that I can write about? Nope, nothing. I was uninspired. After about half an hour, I claimed defeat.

Years ago, my college professor told me: "Don't wait for the muse - you could be waiting forever."

So, on that note, I have a challenge for you. Let's not wait for the muse - let's grab art by the horns and just do it. I am excited to tell you that the WiVLA newsletter is now offering a monthly art prompt to serve as a stand-in muse and to help get the creative juices flowing. This is designed to be a fun, low-pressure way to get ourselves back in the saddle and to have a non-competitive avenue to showcase our art.

You will find more information about the art prompts later in the newsletter. What fun it will be to see what we can create!

Here's to a creative and productive month!    

Andrea Waguespack

By Connie Buchanan

Shelley Roth knows social media - there's no question about that!  Her knowledge is mind boggling!  In order to help her with her presentation she decided to do an "interview" and asked J-Coby Wayne to help her.  She covered all aspects of social media (web site, Facebook, Twitter) in enough detail to give a feeling for it.  She emphasized the question of ownership: on your website you own the material and control; on Facebook, etc., they own it and you have no control. She discussed the various settings you can use to have more control over who sees what.

She was asked about the new Google Plus.  She is a participant in the beta testing of this (no surprise there), and is impressed with it.  She feels that it will challenge Facebook in the marketplace, which won't be bad for consumers.

Shelly said that her company will be offering free workshops to explain how to navigate the mysterious byways of the different social media available to us.  As I am fond of saying, I like to do my social networking face-to-face, but after Rita Mills last month, and Shelley Roth, even I am beginning to think there might be something there I should learn.

ACCOLADES_____________________________________________________ 

Piyali Sen Dasgupta participated with the PrintMatters group in Houston for the Rockin Rolling Print event. Piyali created a 3-panel, wood-carved print titled Fall.

Lauran Perry English exhibited photography/digitally enhanced art, some with poetry, and a selection from Seashell Seascrolls at the Zen Art Space with StartArt from July 15-24. The opening reception for the Island Art Gallery on NASA Parkway is August 6.

Mary Carlisle's poem, Unfinished Ode, was published in the Texas Poetry Calendar 2012. Her poem also was awarded Honorable Mention by judge Barbara Ras, director of Trinity University Press. 

Donna E. Perkins' paintings are on display at the Daily Review Cafe through August 21. The paintings are in the dining area and in the banquet room, so please ask to see the banquet room, too. The Daily Review Café is located at 3412 West Lamar Street, just off Dunlavy. Phone: 713-520-9217.

Michelle O'Michael received the Texas Executive Women's award Woman of Excellence for the Federation of Houston Professional Women. Michelle will be recognized at the Federation's Awards Gala on September 17, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. A reception and silent auction start at 5:30 PM and dinner at 7:00 PM.

Eileen McClellan received second prize from juror Bert Long at the 3rd Annual Juried Show at Archway Gallery.

Sandy Stromberg's poem "Mixed Messages," about Istanbul, was accepted for publication in the 2011 issue of Colere, Coe College's journal of multi-cultural creative writing; and the Texas Poetry Calendar has accepted "Giving Up the Herd" for its 2012 calendar.  

Have news you'd like to share? Send an email by the 20th of the month to newsletter@wivla.org. 

WORDSMYTH THEATRE NEWS__________________________________ 

By Elizabeth Earle  

The first reading of Mildred's Umbrella Theatre Company's Fresh Ink Reading Series will be in collaboration with Wordsmyth Theatre, another company that strives to present bold, original work.  

Wordsmyth found the play, and Mildred's thought you'd love to hear it and tell them what you think. Galaxy Blink, by Francesca Sanders from Portland Oregon, and directed by Trish Rigdon, will be performed on August 15 at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at Spacetaker, located at 2101 Winter Street, Suite B11, 77007.

WRITING GROUP REPORT_____________________________________ 

By Diana Meade

Hello WiVLA Writers,

I would like to remind you that the WiVLA writing group is fulfilling its intention of writing at the SOSA Community Center in Spring Branch at 1414 Wirt Road, Houston, TX 77080. The hours are from 9 a.m. - noon Tuesday mornings until August 30.

Overheard:     

• "I actually got a story written."
• "This is weird; I went home and cleaned off my desk."
• "This is not like me. I'm writing."
• "I found out that I may have more than one book in here."
• "I'm so glad to be here."

Not overheard:  

• "The dog ate my manuscript."
• "There are too many distractions."
• "It's too hot to write."
• Snoring, leaf blowers, Oprah or children

Bring your writer self and your writing tools and write. We'll be here and we're saving you a seat!

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VISUAL ARTS___________________________ 

By Donna Durbin   

As I write this notice for the August newsletter, it's five days before the "Finding Balance" deadline. I congratulate each of you who submitted an entry. It takes courage for artists to share their creative self and risk exposure. Overcoming that fear, stepping out of our comfort zone opens a door to new possibilities. We grow. We learn new skills, step forward to claim our creative voices and risk not only rejection, but also success.  

For an artist, each juried exhibition adds credibility to your resume and visibility in the art community. "Finding Balance," our first juried show, is one of the opportunities WIVLA provides to build your confidence and experience.  

Whether your work is juried into the show or not, you succeeded in overcoming your procrastination, fear of rejection and annoying voice of self-sabotage. You've succeeded in sharing your creativity with WIVLA. I thank you. I feel honored by your courage and determination to create. That's reason to celebrate. I look forward to a fabulous exhibition. See you there.

Save the Date: Thursday, September 1, 2011- 6-8:00 p.m. will be the opening reception for "Finding Balance," our WIVLA Juried Print and Photography Show, at the Museum of Printing History, located at 1324 West Clay. Please invite your friends to join us in an evening of creative celebration to see the artwork and hear the readings of our members. The show continues through October 1, 2011. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, closed Sunday and Monday. For more information: 713-522-4652

Volunteer to bring something for the reception: A great opening always includes good food and beverages. Please volunteer to bring your favorite canapes or hors d'oeuvres to the reception. Email Anita Long or call her at 713-667-9736 to tell her your contribution.

Promote the show: Invite your friends, post it on Facebook. We will provide an email invitation to send to everyone.  

HOW TO WATERMARK YOUR PHOTO USING PICNIK_______________ 

By Diana Meade    

At Tuesday's meeting, I mentioned that you could use Picnik to watermark your photos. If you would like to (try to) prevent unscrupulous people from taking your images when you post them in social media sites and on your own web pages, watermarks might be a deterrent.

After I spouted off, I decided I better check out the site and I realized that if you have never attempted to do this before the task might be a little daunting. Because there is no explanation on Picnik and because I am very familiar with how frustrating it can be to try to intuit how "easy" something is, I decided to create a tutorial that hopefully will make sense.

This tutorial turned out to be too long for the newsletter, so I put it on my blog page. Here is the link if you want to try it out: Energize Your Creativity.

I hope this helps and good luck!

ARCHWAY GALLERY - 3RD JURIED ART EXHIBITION________________ 

By Anna Phillips    

I had the delightful experience of attending the opening of this very popular Annual Art Exhibition on Saturday, July 9, 2011. The art space in this beautiful gallery was so well installed that each piece had excellent exposure for the throngs of people who came to the opening. To add to my delight, I was soon very aware of the fact that many of the pieces on display were from WiVLA members - 9 members in total - quite an accolade to our visual artists!

Words cannot describe the air of excitement created by fans and supporters at the opening.  

This year, two WiVLA members received honors from Juror Bert Long: Eileen McClellan was awarded Second Place and Karen Smith was awarded Honorable Mention. Congratulations to Eileen and Karen! The other WiVLA members with work in this exhibition are Marguerite Baldwin, Lane Devereux, Margaret Dobbins, Margaret Howell, Rona Lesser, Marlene Llanes, and Diane Webb. Congratulations to each one of them, too.

Three years ago, the artists at Archway Gallery decided to hold an annual open juried art exhibition. The quality of art shown at these events has been notable and has only served to raise awareness of this wonderful gallery.  

This art co-operative shows only its own members' work through the rest of the year.

If you have not yet had the chance, I strongly recommend that you visit Archway Gallery's website and learn more about the artists and the gallery. Visit them at the Archway Gallery website.

SAVE THE DATE: CULTURED COCKTAILS___________________________ 

By Jennifer Watson       

Save the Date: Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 5-10 p.m. 

On September 22, WiVLA will be the featured organization of Cultured Cocktails, a fundraising and marketing event created by Spacetaker to support local arts organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the evening benefit WiVLA programs and services - so the more people you invite, the merrier! Join us as we raise a glass (or 2) to the women of WiVLA! 

The event will be held at Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar, located at 307 Fairview at Taft.  For more information, click here.  

See you there!    

Good Housekeeping is hosting a writing contest for short stories no longer than 3,500 words. First prize is awarded $3,000 and a chance to be published in the May 2012 issue. For more information, visit Good Housekeeping.    

Mildred's Umbrella is now accepting submissions for their annual Museum of Dysfunction.   They are interested in short scenes, one-person shows and monologues 15 minutes or less. Deadline is August 15. For more information, Mildred's Umbrella. 

Pandora's Theatre in Houston is seeking original theatrical pieces for its February 2012 show, Vox Feminina. Submissions can be monologues, duet scenes, one acts - anything that celebrates the feminine spirit. Email submissions to Pandora Theatre.

Mozelle Memoir Writing Contest (Writers' League of Texas) is accepting submissions. Deadline is September 15. First place will receive $500 and publication on the Writers' League website and blog. Download the guidelines and entry form.

Boundaries & Borders. The Women of Color Writers' Community seeks unpublished writing and artwork. The theme is living within, overcoming, and/or challenging the confines of culture, status, condition, and/or geography. Deadline September 1. Fee $10. Click here for guidelines.

Call for submissions: The Ship Sailed Without Me: Poems, Stories and Essays by Women Who Missed their Chance at Motherhood. Well-crafted works that address grief, anger, regret, and reconciliation. Send brief bio and submissions by September 1 here. 

Paper Nautilus is accepting short fiction, poetry, and aphorisms. All styles welcome. Submissions due August 15 for next issue, but accepted year-round. Work encouraged from emerging and established writers. See website for details. Submit work here. 

General Websites for artist exhibition Calls for Entry:

https://www.callforentry.org/

http://www.artshow.com/juriedshows/page5.html

http://artdeadlineslist.com/

http://www.spacetaker.org/field_guide/artist_opportunities

The Pearland Chamber of Commerce is looking for artists to display their work in the Chamber offices. If you're interested, call Samantha Foley at (281)485-3634.

Buchanan Gallery in Galveston is accepting entries for "Water Works," a juried competition to premier August 27 at the ArtWalk. Deadline is August 5. Call for Artists: Buchanan Gallery

The Arts Alliance at Clear Lake is accepting entries for their Body Image Invitational & Juried Exhibition. This will be an all-media, any medium, two- and three-dimensional exhibit. Deadline is Saturday, August 6. For more information, visit www.taaccl.org. 

Avenue CDC's 15th Annual Art on the Avenue is accepting entries. Entry deadline is September 1, 2011 for Art on the Avenue Silent Auction. The event will be held Saturday, November 12, 2011. To participate, complete the form.   

The 2012 Materials Hard & Soft, National Contemporary Craft Competition and Exhibition in Denton, Texas is accepting entries. The deadline is September 9, 2011. The exhibit will be held February 3-March 30, 2012. For more information, visit www.dentonarts.com. The prospectus can be found here.

Visual Arts Alliance 29th Juried Membership Exhibition at the Continental Center 1 opening November, 11. Deadline for entries is Friday, September 30. For information to join and enter, visit the Visual Arts Alliance.

18 Hands Gallery is accepting entries for "Interwoven III," a juried exhibition that will be held October 22-30 in conjunction with the International Quilt Show in Houston. All areas of fiber art are eligible. Deadline is September 15, 2011. For full details, visit their website.   

FiberPhiladelphia 2012 is accepting entries through October 31, 2011. The Outside/ Inside the Box Exhibition, held March/April 2012, will showcase fiber/textile art. The online application can be found here. For more information, click here.

Womenarts Quarterly Journal seeks essays, fiction, poetry, visual art, reviews and interviews by women. For submission guidelines and more information, visit their website.  

Inkwell seeks poetry, prose, and artwork submissions for both its Spring 2012 and Fall 2012 issues. The Fall 2012 issue's theme is "Living on the Edge." The Spring 2012 issue does not have a theme. Reading period is August 1-November 15. For more information, click here.    

ANNOUNCEMENTS___________________________________________ 

Maryann Gremillion is facilitating a workshop in collaboration with TrueYou Creativity Studio on Saturday, September 24 from 9:30 AM - 1 PM. This workshop is an exploration for women on how writing and art stimulate the creative process. For information and registration, visit TrueYou Creativity.  

Dune Tencer invites you to her Solo Art Show and 60th birthday party on September 9 from 6-9 pm. The event will be held at JoMar Visions Gallery at the Hardy Nance Studios, located at 902 Hardy St.  

Ann Bell is offering one-day workshops, with all supplies provided, to help stretch your creative limits. Classes through Labor Day are listed at her website.  

Writers in the Schools (WITS) seeks 10-12 creative writing teachers who can teach the joy of creative writing to young people. Employment is part-time, typically 2-6 hours of teaching one day a week from September - May. For more information, visit WITS.

Please contact Anne Taylor if you have studio space available in west Houston.

Would you like to post an announcement? Send your email by the 20th of the month to newsletter@wivla.org.  

September 2, 5:30 p.m.
Soiree hosted by Piyali Dasgupta 77007 

September 8, 7:00 p.m.
Soiree hosted by Lane Devereux 77429 

September 11, 6:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by Diana Weeks 77006

September 18, 4:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by Cookie Wells 77005

September 28, 7:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by June Russell 77079

October 4, 7:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by Jean Caslin & Diane Gregory 77008

October 14, 7:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by Corry Austin 77077

October 21, 7:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by Cathy Lachin 77450

October 27, 7:00 p.m. 

Soiree hosted by Jane Mulholland 77098