“Secrets” © Pat Walters Cairns, AAUW Atascadero (CA) Branch
I secretly love to know something that no one else knows — to be the first. In my job at AAUW, much of what I do is behind the scenes. I don’t work directly with members that often. But once a year, that changes. As the website designer, I manage the AAUW Art Contest. After members submit their artwork, I am the first one at AAUW who gets to see it. The first thing I do when I arrive in the morning is check the database for new entries. I get to know the members through their artwork. I read stories of their inspirations and get to see their lives expressed in their art.
A few artists have submitted entries in multiple years, and I have gotten to know their artwork. Pat Walters Cairns of the AAUW Atascadero (CA) Branch has had two winning entries. A retired art teacher, Cairns is inspired by images of children. Both of her winning paintings use brilliant colors. She is an accomplished artist, and many of her paintings hang in local California galleries. A book of her artwork, entitled A Body of Work, can be viewed at www.patcairnsfineart.com.
I look forward to seeing the artwork for this year’s contest. And don’t worry — you can view the submissions shortly after I do. Be sure to vote or share what inspires you.
The 2012 AAUW Art Contest will be accepting submissions until January 31. Members may vote for their favorite artwork once per week from February 6 to March 4.
