SUSI HAVENS-BEZAIRE, Trustee  - Although Susi Havens-Bezaire, 60, has lived her entire life in the Midwest (Indiana, Michigan and Ohio), she loves traveling, and thinks of herself as a "world citizen". Her husband of 33 years, Dave, shares her passion for Habitat for Humanity and travel frequently overlaps with her enthusiasm for painting as they lead teams of volunteers to build houses and community around the world. Throughout her careers as family therapist, full-time mother, and volunteer community organizer, Susi experimented with different art forms in her spare time - including metal sculpture, pastels, and stained glass. She began formal art training at the Columbus College of Art and Design in 2002, where she discovered a passion for oil painting—particularly in the plein air format—and continued classes through 2006. Since then, Susi participated in many short, intense workshops with highly regarded plein air painters. She joined OPAS in early 2004 and found a strong support group of painters willing to share their expertise and knowledge. In the past, Susi has organized paint-outs and 2 competitions for OPAS and looks forward to her new role as Trustee and Committee Chair for the 2012 Competition. (Term ends 4th Quarter 2014)

Secretary - currently OPAS is without a secretary.
Vice President - currently OPAS is without a Vice President.

JEFFREY RISNER, President, holds two Master degrees from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio: a 2006 Master of Management of Communication Policy and Technology; and a 1982, Master of Geology and Hydrology. But he has had an interest and desire in painting most of his life. Recently he has decided to do something about it and just paint. He believes that painting has traditions that need to be mastered by all painters and looks forward to helping OPAS uphold those traditions. His interests include: plein air, still life and nudes. He is a member of the International Carnivorous Plant Society, United States Chess Federation, and Ohio Plein Air Society. (Term ends March 2012)

MIKE STEGMAN, Trustee, is an Ohio native who grew up in Elyria. His photography hobby expanded into painting. He began struggling with oils in the 1960's, and later with more time on his hands, he began working with watercolors, took lots of classes, participated in art exhibitions, and exhibited his paintings at the Elyria Library. Currently, Mike is working in acrylic and oil, and since joining OPAS, he often works en plein air and loves it. Mike also enjoys painting outdoors with his fellow members of the "Firelands Area Art League". (Term ends March 2013)

DOREEN ST. JOHN, Trustee, is a native of Saugatuck, Michigan, and has lived in Hartville, Ohio for the past 39 years.  While working as a teacher and raising a family, Doreen still found time for art, taking her first watercolor classes at the Canton Museum of Art in 1980. She has been a professional artist with a focus on watercolor and mixed media painting since 1988. After taking a few years off from painting when she became a school administrator, Doreen found her way back to art when she happened to find the Ohio Plein Air Society’s website and attended her first paintout in September, 2005. From that time forward she has been a passionate plein air painter and advocate/member of OPAS. “Ohio Plein Air Society helped me to find my way back to my art; associating with the amazing and talented artists who are among its members has helped me to grow as an artist.  I am dedicated to giving back to this organization that has given so much to me.” (Term ends 4th Quarter 2014)

BRIDGETTE TURNER, Trustee - Bridgette Turner resides in Columbus, Ohio and has been a professional artist for the last 25 years. She obtained her Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from Kent State University in 1980. Today, her work is centered in painting both in pastels and oils. A long time gallery exhibitor, she opened Turner Studio & Gallery in 2007. The Gallery show cases Turner’s work as well as other artists. She is a charter member, past board member and former officer of the Ohio Plein Air Society. She is also a member of Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionists Society.  (Term ends 1st Quarter 2014)

OPAS thanks to those who have served in the past.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS and OFFICERS: Jon Browning (President 2006 - 2009, Trustee 2005 - 2011); Richard Canfield (Executive Director & Founder 2002 -03), Carol Cosgrove (Secretary '03 - '07), John Daniels ('07 Vice-President); Kaye Michele Darling ('02 - '04 Founder & Trustee), Debra Joyce Dawson (Founder, Trustee '02 - '11, Past-President '03 - 06, Board Chair '06 - '08, Webmaster '04 - present); Edie Dean (Treasurer '06 - '09, Trustee '04 - '11); Rick Dziak ('06 Vice-President), Diane Farr (09' - '10 Treasurer); Elaine Freeman ('07 Corresponding Secretary); Mark Gingerich (Founder & Trustee '02 - '04), Tom Harbrecht (Founder, Board Chair '03 - '06), Ray Hassard ('04 - '09); John Hoberg (Founder, Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee'02 - '03), Fran Mangino (Trustee 2007 - 2011); Michelle Morris (Secretary '09); Richard Otten (Founder, '02 - '04 Trustee), Gayla Parks (Secretary '10);  Ruth Ann Sturgill (Vice President '10 - '12); Bridgette Turner ('03 - '05 Vice-President, '04 - '06 Treasurer & Trustee).

Ohio Plein Air Society

Address : 414 Hillview Dr. • Johnstown, OH 43031
Website : www.ohiopleinairsociety.com
Phone : 740.593.8504
Email : jeff.risner@gmail.com

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