Reflection, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is the thought or opinion that results from “mental concentration; careful consideration.” It is also: “something such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.” Being artists, we are all pretty good (or think that we are pretty good!) at merging real and mental images, incorporating verbal and auditory stimuli, adding some light, heat and individuality and coming up with either new artwork that “reflects” on an event, or just projecting our genuine evaluation of an event to others.

Thus, most often, my favorite part of the Annual ALMA retreat is the sincere cheeriness of the retreat participants around noon on Sunday, at lunch, in the corridors of “Atputa nams” and in the parking lot where cars are fanned out in a friendly semi-circle; their trunks and doors open, yet their occupants are still lingering to talk, to smile, to hug. A positive reflection on yet another enriching ALMA week-end.

We come year after year to actually spend several days with a diverse group of individuals who see and interpret the world differently from us. That is what we want. We look at our own work day in and day out. We struggle with it. Sometimes it satisfies us. Sometimes it torments us. What we come to the Catskills for in the fall is to experience the daily toils and torments of others! As we walk briefly in their paths, we see alternative ways of solving problems, alternative ways of artistically coping with very serious questions. We look at their “blueprints” and add “prints” of our own to take back to our studios.

This year, the two main speakers at the retreat brought “serious food for serious reflection”. Peteris Dajevskis, son of scenography legend Evalds Dajevskis, shared with us his thought process as he worked tirelessly for many years with how to best present to spectators of various ages and backgrounds hundreds of pieces of his late father’s work and the history of the last century contained within. Dajevskis, himself a professional in the museum industry, brought to the table concepts like “Universal Connection” (how you want diverse visitors to an exhibit to feel that in some way “your history is our history”) and Yi-Fu Tuan’s influential thoughts on Cultural Geography. Brooklyn, NY based veteran filmmaker Signe Baumane graciously allowed our group to be among the first to view excerpts from her nearly complete new animation film “Rocks in my Pockets. A Funny Film about Depression”. Baumane’s honest approach to her family history with depression in a lively animation peppered with bits on Latvia’s tumultuous history and infused in Baumane’s signature quirky, very original scenes left a deep impression on the viewers. It also opened up a very personal discussion on mental illness in Latvian society, as well as in individuals and their families. Baumane also commented on the pluses and minuses of launching a “crowd sourcing” Kickstarter campaign; a funding vehicle used by many successful artists.

The main points presented by Linda Treija, ALMA president, and discussed by ALMA members and guests at the Saturday morning meeting included modifications to the Board of Directors and other positions in the upcoming elections for 2014-2016 in order to better address the needs of the organization, the upcoming ALMAKSLA group show in Philadelphia and continuing ALMA archive organization and digitalization. Last year’s meeting minutes were approved and ALMA financial statements were deemed to be in order. Treija noted the passing away of three ALMA members: Aija Kusins Augis, Janis Annus (2013) and Marks (Maigonis) Barens (2012). Eleonora Sturma spoke about the contributions to Latvian culture by the late Dagmara Vallena. ALMA welcomed several new members: Andris Rutins, Inga Strause-Godejord, Rudite Godfrey-Mazure, Antra Vavere, Gunta Eglite and Ausma Briedis, a docent at the Montclair, NJ Art Museum. The group voted to create a new Public Relations/External affairs committee (Rutins, Neimanis, Mangulis) that will focus on outreach in media previously underutilized by ALMA. An updated logo design was discussed.

Friday evening and Sunday morning presentations included: a look at the “Latvian Art in Exile” 2013 show and related conference and events at the Latvian Museum of Art (various locations in Riga); the new Mark Rothko Museum in Daugavpils; updates on LaPa (Latvians Abroad Museum) collection development, “Antiques Roadshow” tour, and upcoming 2014 exhibitions; the Global Society for Latvian Art and its ongoing project to establish a Center for Latvian Diaspora Art in Cesis. Liga Ejups, the new Director of Cultural Affairs at the American Latvian Association, suggested ways that Latvian American artists can not only show their work to a larger audience, but also creative ways to engage with the Latvian school population in the USA, especially in regards to visual projects involving the new National Library of Latvia that will be opening to the public in 2014. Saturday evening was infused with poetry (Avens, Meirane, Muizniece Liepina) and highlighted three new books : Ilmars Rumpeters (drawings), Gerda Roze (memoir) and a new publication about the Latvian painter Janis Annus. The rich “Latviesu maksla trimda/ Latvian Art in Exile” catalog compiled by our last year’s speaker Dr. art. Dace Lamberga was also showcased for those members who were not able to attend the exhibit in Latvia. The traditional auction was especially lively this year due to the persuasive skills of auctioneer Kika Nigals and her nimble assistant Gints Grinbergs.

Many thanks to Janina Brigis and her delightful crew for their hospitality, for feeding us, for housing us and for providing mild, SUNNY weather this year!

by Sarma Muiznieks Liepins, ALMA secretary

View all pictures from “Saiets”…

Please plan on attending the ALMA retreat in 2014 from September 26th – 28th.
ALL Latvian artists and art enthusiasts are welcome!