October 29, 2015 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Terry Bregy introduced the speaker as "a house painter, like Peter Berke".
Tim is from Sheridan, Wyoming. His dad had a pizza shop and his mother was a secretary. He has two siblings, and older sister and younger brother. His house didn't have many books or artwork. He swam competitively as a child and it was on a visit to an art museum in Cody, Wyoming that sparked his interest in the arts. His 7th and 8th grade art teacher solidified his career as a future painter, instilling confidence in him. Focusing intensely on art education in high school, he ignored most other subjects, to his own admitted detriment. Since marrying into the family of David McCullough, he has learned a lot about American history.
He began painting mostly “plen aire” and other landscape in Wyoming and then on the east coast. He moved to this area in 2001. He now paints more in studio, spending much more time on his work than working outside. He loves painting structures, and has traveled to all 50 states finding subjects for his work.
They have five children including a daughter adopted from Haiti.
He described his creative process, from inspiration, sketch to translation to an actual painting. He also enjoys drawing, with simpler materials like white paper and charcoal.
He was responsible for a White House Christmas Card image. In 2008, he got a phone call from the White House during GW Bush Administration. Annual cards began with the Eisenhower administration. He met with Laura Bush, and she liked the view from the Truman balcony over the south lawn. He met the president, whose father for former president Bush was friends with Alan Simpson, the Wyoming senator, who was a friend of his father. He credits the Bush family with sparking his interest in Rotary.
He has a website (Google his name) and was represented by the Ames 10 High Street Gallery which recently closed.
Buckets on the table are for the food pantry.
Ron Hall made a presentation about the Rotary Foundation and Every Rotary Every Year. He recognized Tim Lawson and Mike Pierce for participating.
Susan Dorr is planning a holiday gathering and the thought is to do a lower cost ($20 or so) buffet at the Rockland Yacht Club and donate what we would have spent on a more expensive evening at the Samoset ($35) to charity. It will likely be the second week in December (after Winterfest). Stay tuned!
Mark Masterson is organized a project to help finish and move PAWS animal shelter at their new John Street location. Friday, November 6 and Saturday November 7. There's a sign-up sheet at the club or call Mark FMI. There will be an open house at the new PAWS on Saturday, November 14.
Peter Berke as incoming president for 2016/17 is assembling a cabinet of people to help him cover all of the planning and meetings involved while he is president. Let him know if you are interested.
President Lisa shared several thank you notes, including from the Hospitality House, Carmen Lamb who received a care package from the club, and the Unity Club is celebrating their 25th anniversary November 10.
Barbara Heard is still collecting Box Tops for Education.