Reality Check!
Somehow, I think I blinked and summer slipped right past me. Between family gatherings, gallery events, prepping for shows, framing pieces, and digitizing artwork, the season flew by in a blur. Now, here I am, standing at autumn’s doorstep with a summer to-do list still waiting for attention.
To top it off, our August newsletter went out late — not because it wasn’t ready (it was polished and sitting pretty on the first), but because I got distracted and never hit the “send” button. That’s when I knew it was time to refocus, clear out the clutter that doesn’t really add joy, and start shifting gears toward the holidays.
Wait… the holidays? Already?
At this point, I might as well leave the snow shovel on the deck. No sense putting it away now.
First, Second and Third Place finishes
The Lakes Region Art Association’s 85th Annual Members Exhibit is once again in the rearview mirror. Between Stephanie and Mike, five fine artworks were entered and three won ribbons.
Petals & PossibilityWalking in the Winter WoodsPetals & Possibility by Stephanie McQuade:
A 16x12 watercolor that captures the joyful arrival of spring through blooming purple crocus. Set in an antique wood gold colored frame with a Swamp Holly green matte and non-glare glass, the piece is now adorned with a green third place ribbon.
Walking in the Winter Woods by Stephanie McQuade:
A serene woodland path illuminated by a low winter sun. This large pastel (15.5x10.75) is enclosed in a 24”x 18” white wood frame under non-glare glass and is now augmented with a red second place ribbon.
Bloom’n Time by Mike McQuade:
This 24x12 studio photograph celebrates the fleeting beauty of tulip blooms nearing their peak. The subtle curl of withering leaves adds depth to the scene. When Mike later discovered a group of classic frames from a local estate, one stood out—and this image found its perfect home. Today, it has a blue first place ribbon draped over the frame’s upper edge.
What didn’t rank in the ribbons?
Mike’s Dahlia #6 - Elegance in Monochrome and Stephanie’s Twilight Blaze are still on exhibit in the Lakes Region Art Gallery’s exhibit panels but did not win out in their divisions.
This is the second year the Association has included a “People’s Choice Award” campaign. This event encourages visitors to pick their own favorites in each of the seven divisions as well as their choice for Best in Show. It is always interesting to compare the public’s winners to the independent judges decisions. In general, the judges look at more critical elements of the art while the public view is frequently on emotional attachment to the artwork.
Bloom'n TimeDahlia #6 - Elegance in MonochromeTwilight BlazeVoting in the People’s Choice Awards ended September 1st. Stop by the Lakes Region Art Gallery and let your voice be heard. The gallery is open at 10AM, Thursday through Sunday and is located just off exit 20 on NH Rt 93, in the Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Road, Ste #300, Tilton, NH 03276.
September in Windham, NH
Searles Arts & Crafts Fair - September 13 from 10-3
3 Chapel Rd, Windham, NH 03087.
This is a small, quaint show with a lot of quality exhibitors in art, wood working and more. The fair typically runs from 10 to 3 and benefits a local charity. This will be our third year at this show. In 2024 we were on the road side of the stone chapel and hope to repeat this location again in 2025.
In the Works . . . .
Due to our busy schedule in August, not much has progressed within the “art-in-progress” category. We’ll give an update in the October newsletter. Hopefully, progress will have been made by then. In the mean time, let us know which of the following you are anxious to see completed.
Lion's Pride
Lilies & LaceQuick snap shots using my phone
Blue Surf
Unnamed
Standing Alone
Koala MomNew Art, Hidden Treasures & A Tribute in the Making
I’ll admit it—I’ve been a bit neglectful when it comes to updating the McQuade Fine Arts website. And in the digital world, stale content is a surefire way to slide down the search rankings. So, this past week, I began rotating in new artwork and retiring a few longtime residents that had overstayed their welcome.
Each main gallery now features six to eight highlighted pieces available as original works, matted prints, or greeting cards. But let’s be honest—every artist and photographer has far more than a handful of favorites. That’s why we’re introducing Backstage Galleries—a behind-the-scenes look at additional artwork that’s not on public display but still available for purchase by email request.
Also beginning to take shape is a heartfelt addition: the long-anticipated Robert A. McQuade Memorial Gallery. My late brother Bob was not only a talented wildlife and landscape photographer but also a gifted painter. After retiring, he took to the open road in a 32-foot Class A motorhome, chasing 70-degree days and migrating birds across the American West. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, he continued his journey, drawing inspiration from every mile traveled.
While many of Bob’s photographs were captured for use as painting references and presentations—some too small for large-format printing—they’re still a joy to behold. In the coming months, we’ll be opening dedicated pages to celebrate his legacy, with select images available as matted prints or greeting cards.
Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.
Art Classes Starting August 12th!
This is a five week course designed for absolute beginners and budding artists, this in-person class offers step-by-step guidance in a welcoming, fun, supportive environment.
Watercolor for Beginners Class
Take your watercolor skills to the next level with juried artist Stephanie C. McQuade in this five-week in-person course designed for students with basic watercolor experience,
Intermediate Watercolor Class
Are you interested in Pastels?
Let Stephanie know you are interested and she will get you on the list for the next opening in her class.
Introduction to Pastels
This is a five-week In-Person class in a supportive and fun learning environment