Our May  Members Meeting will be  in person on May 21, 2026 from 7 – 9 pm at the Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Snyder, NY. ( Lots of parking behind the facility.) Snacks provided by our Hospitality Committee.

After a brief Members Meeting bringing us up to date on our  Spring 2026 Exhibition’s Reception and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 23rd, 12 – 2 pm, and, highlighting other  upcoming events for 2026, we will be treated to a demonstration by our Spring Workshop Artist, Chris Leeper. 

Chris Leeper’s Artist’s Statement

“Why do I paint?” That thought occurs to me occasionally. My answer is not particularly enlightening. I paint because I have to. It is what I do. It seems it has always been that way. Growing up in rural western Pennsylvania left an impression on my sense of how I look at the world. It seems as far back as I can remember I have had an excitement and a need to respond when confronted with a sublime landscape.

My muse is the light. Iam always looking for that moment when light, shadow, and form al come together. I enjoy representation; however I will often alter a painting as it develops. For me, the act of painting is one of discovery and possibility, thus my paintings are usually more distillations than true representations.

So, Ipaint. The wonder and blessing of it is that after 40 years or so, Iam still excited, inspired, and curious. That is a gift.