The Muleshoe Art Association met in the Santa Fe Depot at the Muleshoe Heritage Center on Tuesday, January 8, for their first monthly meeting of the new year. Tom Boutell, retired Muleshoe ISD teacher, entertained and educated members about abstract art. Boutell, who considers himself an abstract colorist, said the simple definition of abstract art is to depict reality without realistic shapes and forms to make a statement. And because it’s not making that statement in realistic forms, people many times don’t understand it and therefore don’t like it. He then gave us a short history of art leading to the development of abstract art, why most people don’t like it or understand it, and why we need

it. He shared examples of his abstract paintings to illustrate how the elements of art and principles of design work together and influence the artistic outcome.
After Mr. Boutell’s program, he and members enjoyed refreshments provided by Dianne Brown and Neal Kleman. Outgoing president Martha Hunnicutt recognized and congratulated member Neal Kleman on her painting titled “June” being accepted into the 44th Annual Western Federation of the Water Societies and qualifying her for Signature Status. Neal’s painting was selected out of 954 entries where only 112 were chosen by jury. The exhibition will be May 1-31 in San Diego, California.
New president Ann Johnson called the business meeting to order. The door prize was drawn for and won by Judy Gambill. Roll was called with sixteen members and visitors Tom Boutell and Alba Jones present. Minutes were read and approved. Martha Hunnicutt gave a treasurer’s report. The only old business discussed was the successful Christmas party last month. New business involved discussions on working with AimBank for the spring art show, the February meeting, future programs, art on display at the hospital and public library. President Johnson asked for members to be thinking about serving on the art show committee and if they would be interested in future workshops in Muleshoe taught by Jon Birdsong. Members were encouraged to invite visitors and prospective members to our monthly meetings. Cost of printing art show brochures and fliers was discussed.
Sandi Chitwood moved that the meeting be adjourned, Martha seconded, and the motion passed.
The next meeting will be 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Santa Fe Depot. Visitors are invited to come and help make valentines to be given to Park View residents.