The first meeting to organize a statewide art club in Illinois was called by Nita Markos. She had petitions of interest signed by a number of art teachers. At this first meeting teachers representing a variety of schools drafted a constitution and a set of goals.
The second meeting consisted of students and art teachers from throughout the state. At this meeting student officers were elected, the by-laws and the constitution were revised and accepted. A schedule of meetings and events were outlined.
The first executive director, Nita Markos, and artist, Nancy Steinmeyer, began the tradition of the Annual Special Project Exhibit. The project involved students with a guest artist, communication with other chapters, and art experiences outside of the classroom.
In 1981 the executive director, Carol Kessler, organized the first Annual State
Convention and the first scholarship was awarded. At this time P.O. Box 321,
Shelbyville, Il,
62565 became the official address for the ISAA-Rembrandt Scociety.
In 1982 the first Leadership Conference was held for chapter officers. Jim Hill, the 1982 executive director, developed this event from a two-day to a multi-day event. Eastern Illinois University became the first college to sponsor the ISAA-Rembrandt Society, followed by Illinois State University in 1985. The universities aided with printed materials, provided guest artists, and hosted events.
In 1983 executive director, Rosemary Layendecker Buffington, carried on and further developed the activities which became traditions.
As programs grew, new personnel were needed. During the 1984 directorship of Diane Stark Singler, several new offices were formed to create a total of fourteen directors and chairpersons. In 1994 the convention responsibilities of the director were divided into several departments because the convention had grown from 50 to 200 students.
The turn of the century resulted in many of the retired sponsors taking council positions. Nita Markos and Sue McConnell began serving the Special Project committee. Carol Kessler took on many responsibilites, especially for convention planning.
Alternating even years since 2002, the convention location has been changed to Springfield because of its central location. Alternating odd years are planned to be south or north of Springfield.
Julia Crowe, Nokomis H.S., served as convention director during 2003 and 2004.
Convention 2005 was held at beautiful Eagle Creek Resort, Findlay, and directed by Carol Kessler. A Medieval theme was carried out with a banner procession and costume parade. The designer of Shelf-Sitters clay sculptures, Diana Manning, and calligraphy artist with 35 years of teaching experience, Rosemary Buffington, were the guest artists. During 2005, workshops were changed from giving members choices of activities, to having all students doing the same workshops together. 2006 State Convention returned to Northfield Center in Springfield and was directed by Kathy Hanners.
Diana Manning returned as guest artist for 2007 with a new project called Memory Boxes. Super Flight was the theme as the convention was held near Chicago O'Hare Airport. Betty Williams was the director. The Special Project was exhibited at the convention, instead of a Springfield art gallery.
The council membership, responsible for planning and executing the ISAA-Rembrandt Society activities, is made up of directors, chairpersons, and student officers. The directors and chairpersons are sponsors who have taken on specific responsibitlies involved in the organization of the society. State council meetings are held several times a year to plan and report on activities.
The Host School Convention director is an annual appointment. Other offices are appointments for as many years as the sponsor volunteers to keep the position. The directive and chair positions are:
Student state officers are elected at the State Convention in the spring. A student representative from each chapter votes for the following offices:
A Special Project Exhibit is planned each year by the Special Projects Exhibit committee to challenge the creative talents of students and sponsors. A different theme is selected each year. Some past themes have been "Banners", "Shoes", "Hamburger Sculptures", "Kites", "Fibers", "Puzzles", "Hearts", "Suitcase Art", and "Art Room 13" which included life-size human sculptures. The exhibit is held annually in Springfield. All chapters are eligible to participate in the project.
A State Convention is held annually in the spring. It is usually scheduled during March. The location is rotated throughout Illinois, from Chicago to Mt. Vernon. It is an overnight experience with activities planned by the student and adult members of the State Council. Activities include workshops, a guest artist speaker, student art awards, a regional and state art contest/exhibit, annual scholarship, student officer election, an art materials give-away, social activities, and art tours. All chapters are eligible to attend.
The Jim Hill Scholarship is given to the top portfolio entry at the State Convention. The award is $800 towards college tuition. To be eligible, the student must be a senior, enter a portfolio of original artwork, been active in ISAA-Rembrandt Society and other art related activities, and enrolled in a college to study art.
The State Art Contest is open to all chapter members that attend the State Convention. This exhibit is displayed and judged during the afternoon of the first day of convention. Student members may enter 3 art works. All entries receive a Regional rating. All "A" ratings are entered into the State Contest. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placings are given in various categories. Best of Show, Best of Graphic, Best of Crafts, and Best of Sculpture are the top awards given to high school winners. Junior high members receive a Best of Show for the top award. High school and junior high students are judged separately. 1st in State and Best of Show winners are recognized at the state convention.
The Guest Artist speaker is one of the highlights of the State Convention. The speaker is a practicing artist from Illinois or another state. The guest artist often provides a hands-on workshop for students as part of the regular schedule of workshops.
The Rembrandt Raves newsletter is a helpful resource for art clubs. Published three times a year, it shares news and ideas from individual chapter members. Information on state activities is announced in this publication. Student art work is included throughout its pages.
More information is available by selecting the blue buttons at the top of the page.
