10% Off at Stecoah Art Center Gallery

January and February at The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center Gallery have been spent doing inventory, rearranging items, meeting with artisans and preparing to reopen on March 1st. The Gallery offers over 1,500 unique, handcrafted items representing 145 local and regional artisans.

Gallery operating hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, March through December and Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM April through October. The Gallery and the Stecoah Artisans Guild continues to support local artisan entrepreneurs through marketing, sales, networking and business education opportunities.

 

Mention this eNews and receive 10% off your gallery purchase through March 15, 2013.

The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road in Robbinsville NC

ArtMart this Weekend in Old Fort NC

March 2    ArtMart   Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one of a kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. Something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. Sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League.

Artist Opportunity for WNC Designers

Three local creatives have come together to provide an exciting opportunity for craft artists and designers of all kinds. Fashion designer Angela Kim and Knitwear designer Ryan-Ashley Anderson are working as stylists in collaboration with Art Director Chris Sams for a photo shoot that combines rustic rural scenery with contemporary handmade furniture, apparel, jewelry and accessories to showcase the talents and skills of WNC designers.

 

Why be a part of this?

Collaboration is an important part of networking and a great way to expand your market. This project is meant to help you, and the coordinating designers, diversify  portfolios. The photos produced from this project will be used on various blogs where all designers will get credited for their specific work and participation in the project. Additionally, as a designer you will receive files of any photos your work is featured in! Use them for your blog, your website, or advertising.

 

The Details:

 

Submissions  will be accepted until March 5, 2013. Since this is a fashion shoot, some of the things you might not think of submitting could be exactly what is being looked for. On the other hand, some of your most popular items may not be right for this. Have fun and be creative when submitting.

 

Deadlines:

 

*Submissions due                                         Tuesday, March 5, 5 pm                            

Acceptance e-mails go out                           Wednesday, March 6

Accepted work drop-off                                Friday, March 8, 4 pm.

Work will be accepted after 4 PM because HIA will be setting up for the Breaking Ground: Innovative Craft reception that evening.

 

*For this call,  only e-mail submissions will be accepted. 

Please e-mail photos (JPEGS only) and entry form to: randerson@handmadeinamerica.org with subject line: ‘ATTN: Rustic Urban’. 

PLEASE NOTE: ALL ENTRIES MUST BE DIGITAL. No photographs or slides will be accepted.

PREPARING DIGITAL ENTRIES:

Artists may submit up to three pieces in JPEG format on a standard sized CD or by email to exhibitions@handmadeinamerica.org. Makers may submit up to two JPEGS (one full shot and one detail) per piece. If more than one image is submitted they MUST all be on one CD. All JPEGs must be named with the artist’s last name followed by 01, 02, 02b, etc. All CDs/images must be readable by PC and MAC platforms. Images must be 300 dpi and no more than 5 MB.  Images should be oriented correctly. DO NOT submit PowerPoint presentations, automated slide presentations or work on DVD. All CDs must be labeled with the artist’s name and the exhibition entry form must be filled in and submitted with your CD or email. An entry form must also accompany all entries.

 

Entry form can be found HERE (Click on the 'entry form' link)

 

If you have any questions,  e-mail Ryan-Ashley Anderson at randerson@handmadeinamerica.org

Penland School of Crafts Holds 2013 Open House this weekend

March 2 from 1 Pm - 5 PM Penland School of Crafts near Spruce Pine NC holds its annual Community Open House. Each year, Penland's community open house welcomes hundreds of visitors into the studios for demonstrations and hands-on activities. The event is free and all ages are welcome.

Hundreds of adults and children from the local Mitchell County as well as  mountain visitors will engage in free, quality hands-on studio experiences with over 100 artist volunteers.

Activities may include making glass beads, rollerprinting copper bracelets, creating clay sculptures, screenprinting on bandanas, papermaking, forging garden stakes, painting colorful pastepaper, blowing glass cups or paperweights, making photographic “sun prints”, assembling wooden birdhouses, making souvenir books, and more.

Learn more about Penland's Community Open House HERE.

Heartwood Gallery takes a break for Spring Cleaning

February 24 - 28  Heartwood Gallery will be closed to do Spring cleaning and renovations. The Gallery will return to regular open hours on March 1, 2013 at 10 AM.

Heartwood Gallery offers handmade in America and Western North Carolina wearables, jewelry, paper, paintings, fine porcelain, stoneware, glass, metal and wood. The Gallery is a destination well worth considering when you're looking for a special indulgence for yourself, your home or a friend. One of a kind describes not only the items found at Heartwood, but also the unique quality of the Gallery itself. Heartwood is located at 21 East Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser at John C Campbell Folk School

	Empty Bowls Features Food for Body and Soul
	Purchase your tickets now for Empty Bowls, a wildly popular annual food bank fundraiser. Empty Bowls 2013 will be held on Saturday March 23 from 5-7 PM. in the Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall at John C Campbell Folk School. Select a colorful handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by generous area potters. Next, satisfy your appetite with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread, and dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home to remind you of the hunger that exists in our local and global communities. All Empty Bowls proceeds benefit the Clay and Cherokee County food banks. Empty Bowls tickets are $25, and include your bowl and hearty meal. Purchase extra bowls at the event for $20 each. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Folk School Craft Shop, United Community Bank of Hayesville, or the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in Murphy. This event sells out every year, so get your tickets soon! All proceeds benefit the Clay and Cherokee County food banks. Extra bowls may be purchased at the event for $20.

The Carolina Mountains: Photography of Margaret Morley Exhibit at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in Blowing Rock

February 21 at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM)  Come see the newly painted gallery and "The Carolina Mountains: Photography of Margaret Morley"  exhibit of more than 50 photographs from the North Carolina Museum of History's collection.

These hauntingly beautiful images depict everyday life and the natural beauty of western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit, made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will be displayed at BRAHM through April 25, 2013.

Random Arts New Women's Wear and Scarves

The latest acquisition of vintage style clothing at Random Arts is funky, flowing and affordable. Pictured here is the pocketed, cotton skirt. Great with a t-shirt and shawl. Shown in Taupe. Recently arrived is the funky and artsy Spring clothing  from the ever popular Pretty Angel line.

Random Arts, has recently added a unique line of women's wear to their eclectic mix of  assorted goods for creative mindfulness. Being creative starts with you, so why not show it off with a fashion statement as well. Call it Boho, if you will. It's trendy, artsy, young at heart and affordably priced.It's been noted that our customers have been seen all over town wearing the latest styles and getting great compliments. Along with this new clothing line comes a huge selection of colorful and textured scarves for every season, as well as designer jewelry and accessories. Stop by and see what's new and experience all that is "new" at Random Arts. 

Asheville Calls for Artists to Design Bele Chere Festival Poster

The City of Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department seeks artists and illustrators to design the official Bele Chere 2013 Festival Poster. Artists are invited to submit examples of previous poster designs. The selected artist will create the official festival artwork to be used for the festival’s image and merchandise sales of posters and t-shirts.

The winning artist will receive $1,000 upon completion of the project. Selected local WNC nonprofits receive a percentage of sales proceeds in exchange for facilitating merchandise sales during the festival.

Click here or more information.

Turtle Island Pottery Show and Valentine Sale

February 16 - Turtle Island Pottery offers a full house of individually handcrafted functional wares, art pottery and sculptures. As always, yoou can call to see the showroom on any other day ( 828-669-2713 ). Turtle Island Pottery House is located off Bat Cave Road in Old Fort NC. 

Center for Craft, Creativity & Design Windgate Museum Internship Program Application Deadline Tomorrow

**Applications due Friday, February 15, 2013** 
  The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design administers the Windgate Museum Internship program which provides $5,000 stipends for four undergraduate or graduate students to work under the direction of curators or directors in decorative arts or contemporary crafts collections, exhibitions and programs in museums or organizations nationally. The goal of the program is to expand the number of future curators with education and interest in contemporary studio craft. Since 2006, the Center has awarded internships to 29 graduate and undergraduate students from 18 museums.

This is the first year the Center is launching applications to select four 2013 Windgate Museum Internship host institutions. Selected host institutions will receive $5,000 to fund an intern who will work closely with a curator on a studio craft collection, exhibition, or research project designed specifically for the internship.

2013 WINDGATE MUSEUM INTERNSHIP HOST GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION

Friday Deadline for Innovative Craft Exhibition Entry

The call for Breaking Ground: Innovative Craft closes this Friday, February 15, so if you haven’t yet submitted your application, do it now.

 

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to put your work in front of juror Kathryn Gremley, director of the Penland Gallery and Visitors Center. Since 1996, Kathryn has curated and installed over 70 invitational exhibitions and 144 instructor exhibits at the Penland Gallery.

• Off-sight projects include Penland: Mind, Hand, Materials at SOFA Chicago, 2004
• Iron: A New Vocabulary, an exhibition of contemporary iron, 2004-05
• Identity: Narrative Explorations by Four Penland Artists, at the Milton Rhodes Center in Winston-Salem, 2010
• 0-60: The Experience of Time Through Contemporary Craft at the North Carolina Museum of Art and Penland School, 2013 (curatorial assistance).

 

If you would like to learn more about the exhibition,  click HERE   For general questions or information, contact  828.252.0121 x 321 or at randerson@handmadeinamerica.org

HandMade in America Craft Labs and Classes

12 Feb 2013, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Henderson County Arts Council - 401 North Main St., 3rd Floor (door on 4th Ave and Main), Hendersonville, NC
Topic: How to Use HandMade in America's Craft Registry and Calendar
To create a gallery on the Craft Registry, you need to be a member at the $25 Basic Level. You can sign up for membership at the Craft Lab.
Instructor: Yoko Morris $10 for non-members  - Participants must register in advance to Yoko Morris at 828.252.0121 x303 or ymorris@handmadeinamerica.org
FREE Classes

Burnsville  - 12 Feb 2013, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Energy Xchange - 66 Energy Xchange Dr., Burnsville, NC 28741
Topic: Wholesale 101 for Craft and Art
Instructor: Gwynne Rukenbrod
FREE, but must register in advance to Robert Branch at 828.766.1295 or rbranch@mayland.edu

Burnsville - 26 Feb 2013, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Energy Xchange - 66 Energy Xchange Dr., Burnsville, NC 28741
Topic: Creating Your Artist Statement
Instructor: Gwynne Rukenbrod
FREE, but must register in advance to Robert Branch at 828.766.1295 or rbranch@mayland.edu

For additional information about HandMade in America CLICK HERE.

Asheville Art Museum Exhibit Ennead Architects: Design Process

Ongoing Exhibition:   Ennead Architects: Design Process.  Led by renowned design firm Ennead Architects, LLP, the design for the expansion and renovation of the Asheville Art Museum will create an engaging center for the arts, transforming the museum with the addition of new permanent and changing exhibit galleries, collection and conservation space, a lecture hall, rooftop café and sculpture terrace and a dramatic new entry and museum shop.

The design process for the future expansion of the Asheville Art Museum is detailed through a special exhibition organized by the architects, which is currently on view in the Biltmore Gallery (gallery adjacent to Biltmore Avenue on the main level of the Museum).

The Asheville Art Museum is located at 2 Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

Valentine Ideas from John C Campbell Folk School

It's true that flowers and chocolates are classic tokens of affection. But to really woo your sweetie this year, make him or her a handmade gift from your heart. Give a gift that keeps on giving,  a John C Campbell Folk School class you know they'll love. If you deserve a valentine but are single, why not reward yourself with a special class. Browse the romantic class suggestions on the Folk School Blog

Streampunk Carnival Art Opening and Reception at ZaPow Gallery

February    Streampunk Carnival Art Opening and Reception   at ZaPow Gallery The artists of ZaPow have created original works of art inspired by Steam Punk and Carnival. The reception will celebrate the latest creations of the artists of ZaPow and help to kick off the Asheville Mardi Gras.

ZaPow Gallery is located at 21 Battery Park, Suite 101 in downtown  Asheville NC

John C Campbell Folk School Salutes the Arts and Crafts Movement

February 17-22 at John C Campbell Folk School a salute to the Arts and Crafts Movement celebrates this simple, elegant craftsmanship style.  A sampling of the Salute to the Arts &; Crafts Movement classes:

Instructor Susan Bach tiles

Arts and Crafts Tiles with a Modern Twist * Susan Bach
Morris-style Chair * Steven Tengelsen
Arts and Crafts Ironwork * Paul Garrett
Hammered Copper in the Arts and Crafts Tradition * Bob Trout and Michael Houser
Get a link for upcoming classes at John C Campbell Folk School HERE.

Penland School of Crafts Summer Classes Deadline

Summer Deadlines Approaching at Penland School of Crafts:

The Lottery: February 11th - To give a greater number of people a chance to enroll in the most popular classes, applications received by 5pm on February 11th will be placed in a lottery and treated equally. (For example, if a class has 12 spaces and we receive 15 applications by February 11, we will take all 15 names and randomly select 12 of them.) After February 11, applications will be processed on a first-com/first-served basis. This only applies to classes that receive more applications than there are available spaces. Most classes never go to lottery. But if you think you're signing up for a really popular class, you may want to get your application in now in case it fills.

Scholarships: February 15th Scholarship applications must be in paper form, received by Penland no later than 5pm on February 15, and must include your letters of reference and the $50 processing fee. After this deadline, scholarship applications will only be considered in the event of cancellations. Applicants will be notified by April 1,

Get complete Penland Class information HERE

9th Annual Miniature Show in Asheville

February 7 - 25  American Folk Art hosts the annual Miniature Show.  When American Folk Art premiered it first Miniatures Show in 2004, it was so universally embraced by artists and the public alike, it was decided then and there to become an annual event. The Opening of the event always falls just before Valentine's Day, in the heart of winter when a little spot of pleasure is so welcome. American Folk has restricted the size of paintings to 8 x 10" and encouraged artists to go much smaller.

The Opening Reception is Friday, February 8 from  5 - 7 PM.   From wild to subdued, the concentration and dedication needed to create a powerful image in a small format is explored throughout this year's Miniature Show.

The show includes tiny pottery face jugs by Wayne Hewell, a sixth generation potter from Georgia. Stacey Lambert, a North Carolina potter has made thimble sized containers.  Spencer Herr, known for painting haunting philosophical imagery on large wooden canvases has created small, intimate renderings on paper.  Cornbread has contributed a few of his delightful paintings which always focus on the regions critters. Western North Carolina favorite, Liz Sullivan, has contributed signature paintings depicting contemplative moments. Lucy Hunnicutt, Michael Banks and Karl Mullen have also contributed works.

Gallery owner Betsey-Rose Weiss says: 'There is always a surprising element to this particular show. The annual nature of this show allows for fresh creative expression and is a vital vehicle to exhibit and gauge reaction'. Photos: “Lean On Me” by Karl Mullen Assortment of illustrated teeny tiny pots by Stacy Lambert

American Folk is located at 64 Biltmore Avennue in downtown Asheville NC.

February at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

This is the Last Week to see the the Watercolor Society of North Carolina exhibit Traveling show on display at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. This popular exhibit, the Watercolor Society of North Carolina's 2012 traveling preview show, will be at BRAHM through February 9. Don't miss your opportunity to see these paintings by talented artists from across the state.

The main gallery will be closed from February 11-16 for the deinstallation of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina exhibit and painting in preparation for the installation of the Margaret Morley photography exhibit.

This month's Cork & Canvas is February 21 from 5 until 7PM. It will be led by artist Jill Huffman. Call 828-295-9099 ext. 3006 or email virginia@blowingrockmuseum.org to register. $35 for members; $40 for nonmembers. Includes all supplies, even the wine!

Book Club's next meeting is February 28, 5 -7 PM, in the Community Meeting Room, discussing A Dark and Bloody Ground by Richard D. Blackmon. Come join this interesting group!

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street (corner of Chestnut and Main) in Blowing Rock, NC

Random Arts Zen Dooble for February

Zen Doodle in February
Mark your calendars for
 Tues. Feb. 5th,  19th & 26th
10 AM till noon 

Even though the Random Arts studio will be transformed into an Artists Gallery for the month of February the popular Zen Doodlesessions will continue in another one of the facilities cozy spaces at the shop.

A couple of comfy chairs, a pen and a journal is about all that are needed. Think HEARTS for the 5th and participants make a few amazingly zendoodled cards or designs. It will be fun to get back together. 

Random Arts is located at 281 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC. 

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Features Photography Exhibit

The next two months at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) are "picture perfect!" They will be unveiling two new photography exhibits as well as a photography workshop with Lonnie Webster.

On February 21, "The Carolina Mountains: Photography of Margaret Morley" will debut in Blowing Rock. Morley traveled through western North Carolina in the 1890s, photographing the people and landscapes of the High Country. The images are traveling to BRAHM from the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Museum is  also partnering with local collector Bill Spooner and the Catawba County Historical Association to augment the images with three-dimensional historic artifacts.

Continuing the photography theme upstairs in the Historic Objects Gallery, "W.R. Trivett: Imaging the Mountains" opens in early March. Trivett, a self-taught photographer and Watauga County native, photographed scenes and residents of Appalachia during the first half of the twentieth century. The exhibit will feature images from Trivett's glass plate negatives and research conducted by Ralph E. Lentz II, a professor and author of W.R. Trivett, Appalachian Pictureman. Appalachian State University's History 5650: Museum Education class, led by Dr. Andrea Burns, will design the exhibit as the focus of their semester.

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street (corner of Chestnut and Main) in  Blowing Rock, NC.

"Random Artists Gallery" Opening Reception Tonight

February 1, 6 PM - 8 PM:   "Random Artists Gallery" showcases the collective works of the many talented artists who have continued to nurture their creativity through workshops at Random Arts in the past 17 yrs. The show will continue through Sunday February 24  and is open during regular shop hours. Everyone is invited to stop by and enjoy catered refreshments and a gathering of artists and their work.

The studio has been transformed into a modern gallery that will house the art of all those who have been a part of Random Arts over the years. Art work included in the show ranges from book arts, collage, assemblage, jewelry, zentangle, quilted wall hangings, watercolors, acrylic, drawing, sketching,fiber arts more.

Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC.