Gail Trautman -
Secretary & Membership Chairperson

399-3103 or gtraut5187@aol.com

My Capitoler service includes:  1st Vice president, Librarian; Secretary; Board Member-at-Large; Treasurer; NET Representative; NET Secretary; and now Vice President.     

The painting experience for me began in a beginner, acrylic class painting bunnies in a North Troy shop in 1991.  I have tried watercolor as well, and now switch between oils and acrylics.  Experience in different styles and mediums came from our very talented local teachers who shared their expertise with me and to whom I am indebted;  attending conventions; traveling the country and Canada to paint; and classes and seminars provided by Capitolers. 

Capitolers and decorative painting is an ongoing experience of friendship and creative enjoyment to treasure and, I want others to enjoy as well.

    I moved back to New York from South Carolina several years ago. Dennis and I have been married for 40+ years and have 2 children.
I discovered Decorative Painting when a friend invited me to a Capitoler's meeting over 4 years ago and I've been painting ever since. I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing and gardening, but since I started painting, I haven't had much time to do any of these things! I'm very lucky to have found Capitolers and have met many wonderful painting friends.

I started painting in 1998 at the Burnt Owl starting with beginner classes then moving to beginner intermediate, intermediate and finally just taking as many classes and seminars as I could. I joined Capitolers and served on the hospitality committee for a few years. Painting has been one of the best things I have done in my life. I have learned so much from all of the great teachers we have and I get to meet a lot of new people who share the same passion for painting as I do. Being a Board Member at Large is a way to become more involved with this great group of people.

I began Tole painting in 1991 in a continuing education class taught by Barbara Husted at the Voorheesville High School. I had always been interested in arts and crafts as my mother was a draftsman and professional artist. In high school I fell in love with photography and stopped painting in order to concentrate on taking pictures.

I immediately fell in love with tole painting just from this one class and have been painting ever since. I joined Capitolers soon after and have been involved with NET every year since it began serving on several committees. Highlights of my years of painting were a seminar with Betty Caithness in Leesburg, VA and attending the National Convention in Charlotte. I attend both NET and HOOT conventions every year and hope to do more when I retire.

I began painting in 1988 and began teaching in 1990. My love of painting and the art form has taken me to many conventions and seminars across the USA. I also have passed my certification in Mary Owens designs.

Currently I serve in several positions for Capitolers and as President of Berkshire Brushes Chapter in Lanesboro, along with membership in several other chapters. Previously I have served as 2VP for Capitolers and VP for Berkshire Brushes.

I am married and have 2 grown children.

Annemarie Caola started painting in 1997 and, shortly thereafter, fell in love with the art. She has taken classes with such famous painters as Arlene Beck, Betty Caithness, Maureen MacNaughton, Robert Warren, Rosemary West and several others. Landscapes and city scenes are Annemarie’s favorites. She has taught at Capitoler and Berkshire Brush chapter meetings.

Annemarie served as Vice President in 2002 and 2003 and President in 2004 and 2005 to Capitolers. She has served Capitolers in many other positions as well. Annemarie has attended every NET meeting since 1999 and has attended  two Society of Decorative Painters Conferences.

 In painting and Capitolers, Annemarie discovered an art and friends she will always cherish.