INSPIRATION IN THE DESERT The 2022 Inspiration in the Desert featuring Diana Madaras was a smashing success. Over 170 guests attended at the beautiful Saddlebrooke Ranch Ballroom on Saturday, April 9th. Guests were treated to a truly inspiring presentation by Diana. Her presentation included a wonderful video as well as a large selection of photos of her beautiful art works. Each guest received a gift of cards from Diana at registration. Our committee of volunteers did an outstanding job of planning, organizing, and hosting the 3 hour event. Shown above, Barbara Barr, Linda Howard, Joe Guyton, Wendy Guyton (chairperson), Patsy Ticknor, Wanda Bailey, Kristi Halvorson. Not shown were, Diane Demeroutis, Roger Bailey (photographer), and Linda Daubers. President, Liese Razzeto served as Emcee and did a fantastic job keeping the program lively and interesting. President Elect Gordon Wainwright introduced Liese to start the program. The celebration included a Gallery Trunk Show featuring art by Diana Madaras and guest artists of the Gallery, as well as Southwest gifts, Southwest holiday cards, jewelry, and more. Artist Diana Madaras says, "Painting fills me with joy." She is equally well known for her bold, colorful Southwest art as for her generous charitable giving. Madaras owns the gallery in Tucson, Arizona that features her work, and she is president of the non-profit Art for Animals Foundation, a charity she founded in 1999 to help abused, injured, and orphaned animals. Madaras is a colorist who celebrates the subtle, natural beauty of ordinary scenes in a way that is both intense and dramatic. She paints in both watercolor and acrylic and has a diverse portfolio — from brilliant desert landscapes to expressionistic portraits. A signature member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, Madaras has been featured in a dozen one-woman shows, and her art has hung in the Tucson Museum of Art. She was named the featured artist of the Empire Ranch 100 Show in 2009. Much in demand for commissioned artwork, Madaras has completed paintings for Westin, Loews, and Miraval Resorts. She also has created 8 paintings for the estate of the former President of Mexico. Her painting, The Blues at Old Main, was commissioned for the cover of the University of Arizona Alumni Magazine and her art has appeared on the covers of 6 other magazines, including Art Book of the West and Tucson Lifestyle. Madaras is very active in community service, and her art has benefited more than 100 charities. "I believe that when you have a wonderful, fortunate life, it's important to give back and help others who need a hand up," she said. In 2008, her art show African Sojourn raised $80,000 for charity. The show followed a safari to South Africa and Botswana, a trip the artist describes as an unforgettable adventure. "If I can help animals and people through art, there's nothing better." The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke wishes to thank our sponsors for the event: Morris Trust and All Season’s Senior Living. To View more photos of the event go to our Photo Album at: https://saddlebrookerotary.com/PhotoAlbums/madaras-inspiration-in-the-desert-2022 |
