Attending the 40th MASF Show

Attending the 40th Annual MASF Show

By Rachelle Siegrist

We landed in Orlando this past Wednesday evening where my parents picked us up and we headed to their home in Okeechobee. By mid morning Thursday, the sky was blue and the world was filled with sunshine, which I found completely delightful! After picking them up from school, my niece and nephew spent the afternoon with us, which of course we spent outside. We walked the hiking trail through the woods and ended up spending an hour playing in a large sandy hole, where we buried a secret treasure, and filled it with dark chocolate, but of course . . . what else! We marked it with an “X” and then covered it with special white sand, and did a ceremonial Indian dance on top of it. By the time we were done, we were covered in dirt from waist down, but had a great time getting that way!

Haydyn and I enjoy a Subway sandwich

Friday afternoon we enjoyed a beautiful drive through the countryside as we headed to Tarpon Springs. Saturday morning we went to the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, to attend the opening of the 40th Annual MASF exhibition. The private opening was well attended, and it was such a joy to see so many familiar faces which we hadn’t seen in quite sometime! We were joined by dear artist friend Terry Smith for lunch, and as always were well entertained by his interesting stories!

Wes, me, mom and dad by our miniature paintings at the MASF opening

While Wes spent the afternoon back at the show, my parents and I went to nearby Anderson Park, located directly on Lake Tarpon. It’s a beautiful park filled with oaks whose sprawling limbs are lined with piles of Spanish Moss gracefully hanging down, almost completely to the ground in sections. We enjoyed walking along the lakeside path, while watching bass and pontoon boats coming and going, with a sailboat even passing by. Later strolling along the tropical fauna lined path which wound its way through a cypress hammock, we occasionally stopped to walk out into a little secluded spots nestled in betwixt the tall, straight cypress trees, making it feel like your own personal swamp. American Coots and various ducks swam about searching for edible treats, taking time occasionally to preen or settle small disputes. Every so often a turtle would slowly swim by or an Osprey fly overhead, calling as it went.

Feeling completely relaxed, we later joined Wes back at the museum, where we enjoyed a delightful time at the artists’ party that evening, while eating delicious food, and sharing lots and lots of laughs! At the conclusion of the party, I had tempted others, at our table, including my dad, artist friend Tim Bowers, his wife Keryn, artist friend Kay Petryszak and her husband Mike, to try my chocolate coffee idea, by adding a heaping spoonful of dark chocolate ganache to coffee and topping it with a bit of fresh whipped cream. “Mmmmmm . . . ” was heard from around the table as some tried my tempting concoction!

Mom and dad and me on the boardwalk at Anderson Park

What looks like a tropical jungle along the trail

One of the tall stately Cypress Trees

Mom and dad just relaxing

Sunday morning we attended the awards brunch, and were joined at our table by collector friends Reggie and Mac, as well as artist friend Terry Smith and his wife Vicki. After much wonderful conversation, laughter and of course eating, the certificates were awarded, with the show opening to the public at the conclusion. It was well attended with the hundreds of miniature paintings mesmerizing the adoring public. While Wes stayed at the museum once again, my parents and I went to nearby Hidden Springs Park, where we enjoyed watching lots of waterfowl, seeing the spring which was shaped like a woman’s head, and walking a narrow winding sandy path leading through cabbage palms lined by mangroves. Several beautiful old gnarly cedar trees were scattered along the walk as well, adding to the quaint trail. It was a most enjoyable and relaxing afternoon indeed!

Me, Wes Reggie, Mac, Terry, Vicki and Dad at the awards brunch

A row of ducks swimming at Wall Springs Park

A Strangler Fig grows around a Sable Palm Tree

Mom and Dad standing in front of Wall Springs

We returned to the museum in time for me to join Wes and the others for the annual MAA meeting, before saying our goodbyes to all, and making the 3 hour trip back to Okeechobee. A big heartfelt “Thank You” goes out to the hard working volunteers that make the MASF show the delightful success that it is, the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art for hosting us, and to our wonderful collectors who have made the show a success already for us!

The seagull says “Here . . .  take this side”

Bath time at the park!

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~ The latest paintings off of the Siegrists’ Easels ~

I finished my dog portrait of a Chocolate Labrador Retriever and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and am so happy to say it’s already sold and will soon be on the way to its new home!  Wes finished a miniature painting of a Raven nest which we photographed while staying with dear friends Bob and Diane in Colorado recently.

“Longtime Lab Partners” by Rachelle

 

“Raven Nest” by Wes

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Until next time . . .

~ Rachelle

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