Susie Brandes paints the lakes

By MARY HURSHGuest Writer Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will welcome local artist Susie Brandes as the guest speaker following the annual members meeting at 10 a.m. June 2. Susie and her husband David are long time residents of Lake Wawasee. The meeting will take place at the Syracuse Community Center.Susie will share pictures of her art work as she explains how her work has changed over time, what inspires her work and the experiences that have shaped her art. She will also share stories behind some of her cottage pictures.Susie was the second artist to paint for the Artist Series, a five-year project of the Wawasee Property Owners Association to raise money for the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails project. All proceeds from the sale of the original and the signed and numbered prints went to the trails project. She joined artists Douglas David, Andrea Bojrab and Larry Rudolech in raising funds for this community-oriented project. Her painting was called “Connections” and featured the land between the lakes.Susie took her first art class in 1987. She has studied with many artists as well as at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion.Although Susie works in many mediums, watercolor is her favorite. “I like the process, the challenge, and the unpredictability of the medium.” Susie’s work is on display at the Water Lilly Gallery, 901 N. Huntington St. in Syracuse.