‘Red Hot’ Alpine Art League offers new opportunities

By Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
A “Red Hot & Moving to the Top” open house on June 29 celebrated art, artists and the Alpine Art League!
As part of its mission to support businesses, organizations and communities, the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors presented the promotional event at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 2165 Arnold Way.

By Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
A “Red Hot & Moving to the Top” open house on June 29 celebrated art, artists and the Alpine Art League!
As part of its mission to support businesses, organizations and communities, the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors presented the promotional event at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 2165 Arnold Way.
The Alpine Art League is a new Chamber member with about 30 East San Diego County artists in its group. The year-old organization knows the importance of art as a way to help local economies thrive.
“We recognize the power of creativity to move businesses and the community forward,” artist and Art League President Dave Henderson told the crowd.  “One of the keys to broadening the impact of art is to have it where people can see it.”
The League is seeking a local gallery location, more members and more supporters.
Through Alpine Library art classes the artists are also educating area children about the significance and importance of art.
“I retired 15 years ago and now I do art full time,” said lifelong artist and former school teacher Peggy Bradshaw-Palm, who displayed portraits of exotic wild animals. “It’s lovely to be able to sit down and paint, and make some money.”
Bradshaw-Palm is one of the League artists who have exhibited nationally, according to league Secretary-Treasurer Kathryn Williams.
Williams said she enjoyed the enthusiasm and involvement at the “Red Hot” party, which the Art League won at a monthly Chamber “Hot Topics” Business Breakfast.
State Senator Joel Anderson sent two interns to the “Red Hot” party instead of other district events, Williams said,  “because even the Senator thinks it’s important to have an art community in Alpine.”
In addition to a Certificate of Recognition from Anderson, the League received certificates from State Assemblyman Randy Voepel’s office; Chamber Ambassadors’ Chairwoman Sallie Brown of Mary  Kay Cosmetics and Chamber Board Chairman Joseph Perricone of  The Canvas Makers.
“It’s so wonderful to have art in Alpine,” Perricone said, thanking the artists for their contribution to the region. “We’re all richer for it.”
Chamber President/CEO Mary Rynearson presented the League with a Chamber gift basket and thanks for supporting the community.
Chamber Ambassadors Carol Morrison of the Alpine Historical Society; Roger Garay of On Line Bookkeeping & Tax Service, and Susan Barker of the Alpine Woman’s Club were also there to help the Alpine Art League celebrate.
Artists chatted with Chamber members and guests, getting acquainted while working out new ways to promote each other.
“I can see so many opportunities to work with the Alpine Art League,” said Shannon Master of the Children’s Nature Retreat, another Chamber member.