Febuary 2008

Now Appearing at the Springer Theatre:

The Amanda Feagle Collection of original black and white photographs in wide format camera technique. These scenes of the unoccupied Springer are sure to catch the eye of all. They are located in the Hall of Legends. The Springer is open for tours on Monday & Wednesday, or call for a special viewing: 706–256–0953 or P.J. Kennedy at pjkennedy@springeroperahouse.org. If you’ve never seen the Springer, now is the time!

Empty Bowl Brunch

Britt David Studios, Sunday, March 9th from 11 am – 3 pm. If you’ve never been, now is the time! Select a hand made bowl, empty, of course,, and fill it with homemade soup, bread and dessert. Proceeds go to the Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed the hungry in our area. Call 706–653–4196 for more information.

Keith Mcpheeters...

...sends a reminder about perseverance. His Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal in Auburn, held an auction to raise funds for their community ministries. The list of items contributed both by individuals and local businesses was extensive, and the auction raised $16,000, nearly double the goals set. Keith contributed an unsold print he usually prices at $70, and sold it at silent auction for $90. Even more interestingly, he also contributed an original called “Southern Manse”, unframed (and unsold) at $85. The auctioneer sold it for $285. As Keith says, “Go figure”. At the right time and in the right place there is a buyer for nearly everything. We just need to learn how to get the two together. That sounds easy enough, but with a little effort and perseverance, you can make it happen.

Vote For A Sculpture!!

If you haven’t seen the Sculpture Walk on Broadway in Columbus, here’s a vicarious look. Sandra Okamoto wrote a terrific article, and a copy is on line on the Ledger–Enquirer web site. We are all given an opportunity to vote on our favorite – the People’s Choice, if you will. The winner will be purchased by Uptown Columbus and will remain here on display. All the sculptures are for sale, and we hope private parties or companies will also buy some of them. Meanwhile – vote for your favorite at the following link, and you can say you had a part in the choice!

www.ledger-enquirer.com/392/story/236320.html

CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY!

Check Out This Great Site:

If you like murals, and are fascinated by mosaics, this is a must see. It’s in Canada (that’s that cold place to the far north) not too far from Calgary. Each tile is a picture in itself, and you can view each one if you are so inclined and have the time. Go to www.muralmosaic.com/Cochrane.html.

Fading Fast!

Have you ever noticed that old print that’s been hanging in your grandmother’s parlor since before You were born? It’s a fixture, and it’s just “there”. If you took it down the wallpaper underneath would probably not match the rest of the wall. (If you’re laughing now, you’re probably thinking of going over there and looking underneath that picture, Aren’t you?) Did that picture always have that bluish cast? Was it ever sharp, clear, and much darker than it is today? The answer is a resounding YES!

Light, unfortunately, is the nemesis of prints, photographs, and paintings. But if they’re not out in the light, how can you see them?

There are some relatively easy ways to minimize damage to displayed art, the best being “avoid sunlight”! Don’t hang your art where it will get direct sun. Fluorescent lighting is not particularly good either (think of those faded prints in the doctor’s office).

And what about those neat little art lights that attach to the frame? Uh–uh. Many of those, as nice as they look, will dry out a canvas over time, making it vulnerable to tears and cracks. If a painting is varnished, it may cause the varnish to turn yellow. Cigarette smoke deposit’s a load of soot.

So what do I do!?? First, select the location for the art carefully. Avoid sunlight, cooking “grease”, smoke (from fireplaces too) and excess heat or cold. Watercolors can be covered with a UV resistant glass, and photos and prints can be sprayed with a UV blocking spray (still, no sun!). Don’t use a constant spotlight, but it’s OK to bring one out for that big party.

With the advent of photo–editing computer programs, many old photos and prints can be re–created, but if you care for your art properly, it will have a long and happy life. As for that fabulous oil that you just found out is worth a small fortune, consider the museum up on the hill.

Mention these hints to your clients if you feel comfortable doing so, and they will thank you for it!

Joseph House Gallery

The featured exhibit at the Joseph House Gallery for the month of February is a group exhibit of all co–op members, with a winter theme (how timely!). Available too is the book “Postcards from the Palette”, made up of paintings and photographs from Joseph House artists. Admission is free. The Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday from 11 – 5, and Saturdays from 1 – 5. It is located at 828 Broadway in Columbus.

But What Have You Done Lately?

If you’ve been meaning to get started on a new project, maybe now is the time. You’ll be just as busy tomorrow and next week or maybe even next month.

THE PLANTERS MARKET

The Planters Market will be offering new acrylic painting classes in Feb. Instructor is Debbie Harris. The classes to be offered are Weds. Mornings 10–12 noon (up to 10 students), Thurs. 10–12 noon (home school class), and Fri. classes for individual art lessons. There will also be a special needs class for autistic children. Group lessons are $25, and individual lessens are $40. Contact Debbie Harris at 229–928–2755 or 229–942–3116 or call the Planters Market in Ellaville.

Stephen Hawks

Stephen Hawks has a new web site! Please check out www.webspawner.com/users/stephenhawks. He also has had 6 “events” in the past 6 months.

Artists in Southern Watercolor Society Exhibit

Geri Davis and Dick Millman were juried into the Southern Watercolor society’s 31st Members’ Exhibition in Quincy, FL.

Jean Weiner Classes and Workshops

Jean Weiner of Albany has been teaching watercolor classes at both the Albany Museum of Art and Darton College. She also conducted a one day workshop in Perry at the Ga. National Fair, where she was an Artist in Residence, and walked away with 4 ribbons. Add to this, awards at the Pelham Wildlife Festival, the Tallahassee Watercolor Society’s Brush Strokes, the Artist Colony International Online competition, and an agenda of future exhibits that will surely add more!

Bucky Bowles

For the fourth year, Bucky Bowles will be an exhibiting artist at the (Twenty–Sixth) Annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, SC on February 15 – 17. It is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation with over 120 national and international artists exhibiting. More information at www.sewe.com.

Anneliese Fritts

Anneliese Fritts has submitted “LSU Roar of the Champion” for the fine Original Art Contest in Austria.

Art Works class schedule for Feb. 2008:

• A Day of Drawing Workshop:
  Donna Bailey
  Teens & Adults, Sat. Feb. 16, 10 am – 5 pm
  $60

  Donna says this is an intense workout sure to please everyone interested in learning more about drawing and composition, especially those interested in improving likenesses in their paintings. Shapes, shading, perspective, and more will be covered, and there is a special treat in store for the afternoon session. Remember the model you heard about last month who offered to pose for us? Well, she will model during the final portion of the workshop. Her incredible Victorian attire, long black curls worn up with a large flower behind her ear and porcelain skin guarantee a delightful drawing experience. Join us as we render this beautiful model in graphite.

• Let’s Paint a Portrait!
  Donna Bailey
  Teens & Adults, Sun. Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2 – 5 pm
  $120

  Beginning & Intermediate Oils

• A Valentine for your Valentine
  Faith Birkhead
  Sat. Feb. 9, 11–2
  $40

  Kids, bring Dad and make a Valentine for Mom!

• Hand Building with Clay:
  Faith Birkhead
  Tues., Feb. 5, 12, 19, 10 – 2 pm (bring a lunch)
  $65

  Let a veteran potter show you how to turn a lump of clay into a functional piece of pottery for your home. Design considerations, tools & techniques will be discussed in the first session as the student creates their piece. Clay pieces will dry and be bisque fired in time for the second class when the student will finish their piece with the application of glazes. The piece will be fired once again in time for the third class which will feature an unveiling of the masterpieces along with a student critique.

• Jewelry Re–Design:
  Faith Birkhead
  Thurs., Feb. 21, 10 am – 4 pm
  $55

  Go through your old jewelry box and find pieces of nice jewelry (sterling silver preferably) that can be combined to create a unique, new piece of jewelry. Example: a lonely earring, a broken string of beads, old chain, etc. Supplies needed for reconstruction will be provided. Bring a friend or your teenager to share in this fun class. Wear your new creations and impress your friends when you say, "Thanks, I made it myself!"

• Metal Clay? Introduction to the Magic (PMC & Art Clay)
  Debra Jackson Quillen
  Thurs. Feb. 21, 10 am – 3 pm (1 hr. lunch)
  $70

  Let Debra introduce you to this malleable metal clay made from reclaimed, micron sized particles of pure silver held together by a non–toxic, cellulose based organic binder. Students can stamp it, mold it, carve into it & more. Add silver paste & silver in a syringe as you create a one of a kind pendant. Fire away the binder with a simple, inexpensive butane torch & you'll have a 99.9% fine silver pendant! Fun, easy, unique & SILVER!

• Glass, Fusing & Lampworking Workshop
  Jan Hochreiter
  Sun. Feb, 17, 2 – 6, & Feb. 24, 2 – 5
  $100

  The first day of the workshop you will learn to cut & layer Dichroic glass to create a unique pendant with matching earrings. Dichroic glass is glass with a beautiful, shimmering metallic finish on its surface. As the piece moves, the light hits it from different angles causing the color to shift back and forth between hues. While these go into the kiln for fusing after lunch, you will learn to make lampworked beads (glass beads made over a small torch) to complement your fused pendant. Matching specks of Dichroic glass will be added to the beads. The second day of the workshop you will finish your earrings and create a necklace with your pendant and matching beads. Come by the gallery and look at Jan's gorgeous work; you'll definitely want to try your hand at this!

• Mosaic Madness
  Beverly Roberts
  Sat. Feb. 23, 11 – 4 pm
  $70, supplies furnished

  Students receive step–by–step, hands–on instruction while creating a mosaic piece of art. Cut & shape colored glass pieces, glue to make your design and grout. Upon completion of this class, participants should be able to apply these same techniques to create mosaic pieces using a variety of materials and surfaces. As time is limited, please bring your lunch. Call Bev if you have questions about the class: 706–322–2942

WATCH FOR FUTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CLASSES. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER TOPICS YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTING, CALL THEM!

ART WORKS has gift certificates available for classes, artwork and jewelry. Phone 706–663–7778.

15^th Annual Pilgrimage Art Show

The Eufaula Heritage Association announces the 15th Annual Pilgrimage Art Show, scheduled for April 4, 5, 6, 2008. Call Dot Singer at (334) 687–2662 or e–mail LSINGER@Eufaula.rr.com Deadline is March 25, 2008.

Entry Deadline for Cotton Pickin’ Fair

The Cotton Pickin’ Fair in Gay, GA will be May 3–4. Deadline for entry is March 1. 706–538–6814 or http://www.cpfair.org or mailto:info@cpfair.org.

Shady Days In Gay

A new addition to the events in Gay, Shady Days In Gay, will be on the grounds of the Old Cannery, & admission is free. Kris Price, 706–977–8548, mailto:info@shadydaysingay.com or go to http://www.shadydaysingay.com.

Classes At Britt David Studios

Call for information: 706–653–4196

Classes At The Rankin

(706) 641–4000
www.rankinarts.colstate.edu
CSU Continuing Education: www.conted.colstate.edu

• Watercolor Crash Course!
  Brenda Stevens, Jan. 18, Fri., 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, RAC
  $59
  Class for adult beginners that gets you started in a hurry. No drawing skills needed.
• Expression for Adults
  Gloria V. Beall Diaczenko
  Jan. 26 – Feb. 23 (5 weeks) Sat. 10 am – noon, RAC
  $95
• Open Painting/Painting for the Non–Painter
  Judy Barr Dodds
  Jan. 28 – Mar. 10 (7 weeks) Monday, 6 – 8 pm, RAC
  $119
• Basic drawing for adults:
  Suzanne Reed Fine
  Feb. 27 – April 2 (6 weeks), Wed. 6 pm – 8 pm, RAC
  $119
  Learn how to make 2 dimensional shapes look 3 dimensional with shadowing & shading. You will draw a still life and experience daily demonstrations.
• Stained Glass Basics:
  Penny Wise
  Feb. 2 – 9 (2 weeks), Sat. 9 am – 1 pm
  Tuition: $59, Fees (supplies): $80.
  Learn the basics ala Tiffany. Covers design, cutting, grinding, copper foiling, soldering, patinating, and finishing.

Classes for children are also available, as are sewing and many other selections. Call or check the web site.

Georgia Artists Of Albany Workshop schedule 2008 – 2009

(229) 432–5417
klgum@mchsi.com

2008:

• Ken Austin – Watercolor Workshop, Feb. 2 – 27, $300 www.kenaustinartist.com
• Judi Betts – Watercolor Workshop, June 9 – 13, $300 www.XtraordinaryArt.com
• Fealing Lin – Watercolor Workshop, Sep. 5 – 19, $300 www.fealingwatercolor.com

2009:

• Joseph Fettingis – Watercolor Workshop, March 17 – 20 (4 day) $280 (Approx.) www.jfettingis.com
• Lian Zhen – Watercolor Workshop, June 15 – 20, 2009 $325, www.lianspainting.com
• Don Andrews – Watercolor Workshop, Sep. 21 – 25, $300, www.donandrews.net

Please feel free to contact the Albany Guild if you have any questions. If you must travel, consider a carpool!

About those Starving Artist Art Sales...

Most “real” artists look with disdain at those sales of “original oil paintings under $39”. They tend to be mass produced, yet visually attractive to the untrained eye, and do a good business for the discount crowd. What many artists don’t know is that at these sales, they sell frames for the paintings in the “show”, and the frames can be purchased separately, and at a fairly reasonable price. They are usually wood frames, in the popular sizes, and might just fit your framing needs. So the next time a Starving Artist sale comes to town, go there and look at the frames. You don’t have to buy a painting to get the frames at a decent price!