Founded in a coffee shop in Covent Garden in 1754, the RSA has a wealth of notable achievements and Fellows in its 250-year history. These include RSA Medals, awarded annually to international thought-leaders and innovators. The RSA Fellowship a powerful national and international network of accomplished individuals. Fellows are encouraged actively to engage with all aspects of the RSA's work and to develop their own local and issue based initiatives. (links to http://www.thersa.org/)

"In my work with students I always seek to encourage an inquisitive mindset and a creative and analytical thought process. I consider one of my strengths as a teacher to be my emphasis on the intellectual component of painting, drawing and illustrating whilst still maintaining a high regard for the technical aspects of the work. I try to ensure that my students understand that they are part of a continuum of developing culture, that they need to engage in contemporary issues and that they can become a driving force for change. I am delighted that my election to become a fellow of the RSA is a reflection of those dual aspects of my own career as an artist and educator and compliments my membership of the RI in recognition for my work." Mat Barber Kennedy

From The Pescheria, Venice by Mat Barber Kennedy

The work of Minneapolis artist Barbara Roche joined the Butler Institute of American Art impressive array of American masterpieces in the juried national exhibition. 'Damnation', which at an impressive 75 x 86 inches adds nothing less than a distinct extravagance to the collection. The skillfully crafted work counters the rampant cynicism and laissez-faire attitude evident in much contemporary art, thus affirming paintings role in the 21st century. 'Damnation' employs strong forms, traditional post minimal devices like seriality, the grid, and evidence of the hand; combined with a process orientation that infuses the work with profound spiritual qualities.

The exhibition runs June 27th, 2010 through August 22, 2010 at the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown Ohio.

Artist Sarah Atkinson recently visited the Grand Image Corporate Office in Seattle, WA to collaborate with the creative team on new works for the fall. She also met the newest members of the sales team, Vanessa and Inna. She is photographed discussing the finer points of her work as well as the works of her husband artist Patrick Atkinson.

"Entourage" star, Adrian Grenier, is opening a pop-up gallery called SHFT in downtown Los Angeles this Thursday, May 13, with an exhibition centered around the theme of a modern, inspirational and eco-conscious lifestyle. Grand Image artist, Campbell Laird has been asked to participate.

The show features more than 50 pieces by well-known Los Angeles artists centered around the theme of sustainable choices and has been curated by Edie Kahula Pereira. In keeping with the theme of the show, Laird printed two new pieces on Recycled Sugar Cane paper - a mixture of "bagasse" pulp (a by-product of raw sugar production) and recycled paper waste. The show will run through May 26. The gallery is located at The Continental, 408 South Spring St at 4th Street, in downtown Los Angeles' gallery district.

The Grace exhibition opened at Kai Lin Contemporary Art Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia featuring three contemporary female artists, including Grand Image artist Mary Farmer.

Farmer's portfolio of floral encaustic paintings is imbued with color and visual resonance. The multiple layers and complexity of encaustic painting allows her to express depth, sensation and lush colors in her work.  She is inspired by the continuum of emotional and physical moments in her life. Farmer’s artworks have been featured in such publications as American Art Collector, Embracing Encaustic, Novato Advance, The Peoria Star Journal, WNC Woman, Laurel of Asheville, and the Marin Independent Journal.  Farmer constantly strives to grow as an artist, seeing new images in her mind that she deems transferable to her canvas. 

Originals and POD prints from Grand Image artists Mary Margaret Briggs, Mary Calkins, Andree Carter, Kinga Czerska, David Dauncey, Nancy Stentz, and Adele Sypesteyn were recently selected by the premier fashion retailer Neiman Marcus to be featured in their new store located in Bellevue, Washington

Sheryl Westergreen, a Grand Image artist, was recently commissioned by the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington, along with three other local artists, to create pieces inspired by George Seurat's famous painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte' in conjunction with their spring production of 'Sunday in the Park with George.'

The artists' images will be used for advertising and the pieces will be available for purchase at the theatre's annual fundraising auction, A Night at the 5th on April 18, 2009.

Grand Image artist Terry Sauve's series of oil paintings, "Radiant Space", will be on display February 28 through April 25, 2009 in the lobby at First and Markets Streets at 525 Market Street in San Francisco, California.