The Artery: Support for the Artists Resource Center, local artists and the community

In 2011 the Artist Resource Center was formed, a place where artists can take basic businesses knowledge classes, such as book-keeping or web marketing, to help market themselves and their art.

The Asheville Area Art Council's new executive Director Kitty Love hopes that the Artery (the multi-purpose exhibition and event facility and headquarters to the Asheville Area Arts Council on Depot Street) will help the Artists Resource Center vision stay vital, for local artists and the community. The Artery is also open to the public as an event space, a gathering spot for artists to have classes and for the community connect and learn.

Love's idea for the AAAC is twofold: to be a cultural Rolodex for the arts industry and visitors, and, to connect them to the resources and experiences they need. The Artery has three computers for available for use and sufficient space to host events, classes and discussions. Kitty Love's forte is  building bridges between the arts community and the business community by advocating the arts in Asheville and showing the potential of economic development within the arts.

HandMade Calls for Artists' Donations

As the year is reaching an end, Handmade in America is beginning their annual fundraising campaign which will allow the continuation of services to craft artists in Western North Carolina. As a part of the fundraiser, HandMade would like to include small HandMade gifts or items from local merchants to include in gift bags for funders at a certain level. We are also taking donations of HandMade Christmas Ornaments to sell on a Christmas Tree in our office.

If you would like to donate an item(s), please email Jamie (jamiecarpenter@handmadeinamerica.org) information about the piece and include what you retail that item by the end of this week, and get the item to our offices by December 1. The online fundraiser will be launching this week. Please keep an eye out for different ways you can help HandMade in America.

Hurricane Irene Impacts East Coast Artists

A Message from CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund)   

  

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As you know, the east coast from North Carolina through New England is just taking count of the devastation resulting from Hurricane Irene. The flooding and resulting destruction in Vermont, where CERF+ is located, has been particularly intense and has fragmented roads that once connected Vermont, isolating entire communities.

  

Fortunately, our staff and office were not severely affected and we are in a good position to help. Right now, we are in the process of connecting with artists, organizations, businesses and others in the craft and arts community to offer assistance and recovery resources. While it is still too early to know how many artists have been impacted, we do know that overall the damage is severe and widespread. We also know that there is a particularly high population of artists in this region.

CERF+ is committed to helping and to keeping you informed about the ways in which you can help. To this end, we have set up a quick reference guide to resources on the CERF+ and Studio Protector websites, and other more regional and local resources. Please share this information with your friends and utilize our Facebook page to receive updates, post information about yourself, other artists, resources, and offers of assistance.   

Just as we're seeing neighbors helping neighbors in communities across Vermont, you are our community and we're counting on you for support during this time. Please help us spread the word about CERF+'s assistance and resources and consider making a contribution.

Sincerely yours,

 

Cornelia Carey 

Executive Director 

P.S. Please help us spread the word by passing this along to your family members, friends, and colleagues.

Address:

CERF+ PO Box 838

Montpelier, VT05601

Phone: (802) 229-2306 

CraftEmergency.org 

StudioProtector.org

HandMade in America Program benefits Bryson City

The streets of Bryson City NC will soon be getting  a "facelift"  thanks to Handmade in America's small town revitalization program. The organization has completed the first two phases of the program, which involved town commitment and a series of meetings with community members to understand the vision for the town. The third step is a written plan for renewal, which is scheduled for public unveiling at 7 PM Thursday, August. 25 at the senior center.

"We've got a lot of great, doable ideas, and it's a real reflection of the public information sessions," said Karen Wilmot, executive director of the Swain County Chamber of Commerce. "It's completely driven by those who attended those meetings."

Currently, HandMade in America works with 13 small towns in 10 counties to connect them with funders and resources that support their community projects. Find out more about HandMade in America  Small Towns!

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Update

Upcoming BRAHM Events:

June 5 at 5 PM The annual Members' Appreciation Day will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. All Museum members are invited to the meeting, which will include an update on the final phase of the construction project, an introduction of new board members and a discussion of Grand Opening Events. Members will also have the opportunity to reserve benches and pavers that will be placed throughout the interior and exterior of the building, as well as participate in BRAHM's "Christmas in June" activity, which will highlight items the Museum needs to open in October. The event is always promises to be informational and fun! Refreshments will be provided.

Art enthusiasts will have a grand opportunity to add to their collection with BRAHM's  “Picture Yourself Here!” Benefit Art Exhibition and Live Auction, which will be held at Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery June 13-25. Approximately 30 pieces will go on display on Monday, June 13 and can be viewed during the Gallery's regular business hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday). The auction will be held on Saturday, June 25 with a pre-auction reception beginning at 6 p.m. Guests will receive a special auction program that will include a photograph and details about each piece, as well as a profile on the item’s donor. Wine and hors d’oeurves will be served.

Just a reminder that the "Season of Opportunity" Challenge Grant will draw to a close on June 30. The total goal of Challenge was to raise $800,000 for the Museum’s $6.5 million Capital Campaign and as of May 15, more than $724,000 has been contributed. Donors can still contribute to this endeavor, with all gifts made through the end of the month being matched in full. The total amount of the pledge -- both the original donation and the match -- can be used toward naming opportunities, a number of which remain. Gifts may be made by cash, securities, donor-advised funds or other means and pledges should ideally be completed in two years. For more information about how to contribute to the Challenge Grant please call the BRAHM offices at (828) 295-9099.

A Local Couple will Highlight History of the Dulcimer - BRAHM's second annual Third Thursday Speakers' Series has proven to be as educational and entertaining as its first, June's event promises to continue that trend. On Thursday, June 16, Bill and Jewel Magee, owners of The Dulcimer Shop in the Martin House, will present "The History of the Mountain Dulcimer." The Magee's shop was established by Bill's father, Rogers Magee, in 1971 when the retired music teacher moved to the High Country. Initially, the shop carried both crafts and musical instruments, but eventually it became devoted to the mountain dulcimer, for which Rogers Magee had developed a particular love . Today, Bill and Jewel carry on Rogers' tradition, educating visitors about the instrument and the "mountain music" tradition.

As always, Third Thursdays are held at 4 p.m. in the BRAHM office on the second floor of the Martin House. It is free and open to the public, but space is limited. A reception will follow the presentation; light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Museum office at (828) 295-9099.

BRAHM Rockers to Be Made by Carolina Craftsman and sixth generation chairmaker Max Woody. The chairs on the Museum's front porch will be his special creations, which are much-loved and collected throughout the state and region. Woody learned how to make chairs from his father when he was a small child and he has been working in the craft for more than 60 years.

Asheville Art Museum Announces Summer Skies Raffle

The Asheville Art Museum has announced the Summer Skies Raffle to benefit the Museum's vibrant exhibitions and educational programming. The Summer Skies Raffle offers seven exciting for a variety of summer getaway experiences.

Longing for white sands, blue skies and tropical beauty? The Summer Skies Raffle offers not one, but two packages for week-long Caribbean getaways: St. Maarten Skies or St. Thomas Skie.

Insprired by the region's thriving arts scene and want to get hands-on? Craft Horizons includes classes and workshops at John C. Campbell Folk School, Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts, Cloth Fiber Workshop, Asheville Bookwooks and DIY Woodworking Shop.

Building a collection of fine art? Add a stunning work of art by renowned Studio Glass artist Richard Ritter to your collection with Studio Skies.

Dreaming of a long weekend on the coast? Coastal Skies offers two separate three-night stays in Murrell's Inlet, SC and Historic Downtown Savannah, GA. Enjoy a private flight for two to one of these lovely coastal destinations.

Fascinated by the night skies? Explore the wonders of the cosmos, both here in Western North Carolina and with a week vacation in the dark-sky country of Ft. Davis, TX with Starry Skies.

Looking to show off the Ashevill area to visiting friends and family, or simply to enjoy all that the Land of the Sky offers for yourself? Mountain Skies provides outdoor adventures, arts and culture, shopping, dining, spa relaxation and more!

Tickets available: Online at www.ashevilleart.org, by calling the Museum at 828.253.3227 or in person at the Museum Front Desk. $100 per Ticket and only 100 Tickets Available Per Package. The Drawing will be held June 30, 2011

Proceeds from the Summer Skies Raffle will support the Asheville Art Museum's mission to engage, enlighten and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American Art. The Asheville Art Museum is Western North Carolina's premier visual arts institution and its collections a unique resource in the city and the region. The Museum's programs engage diverse audiences of all ages in active exploration of themselves - their past and future - and their communities, through interpretation of American art since the beginning of the 20th century. Committed to being a vital force in the community and individual development, the Museum's focus is on lifelong learning through the visual arts for all audiences from pre-school children to senior citizens. The Asheville Art Museum is located at 2 South Pack Square in Asheville North Carolina.

HandMade in America Resource Team Visits Bryson City

A Resource Team from Handmade in America meets with Representatives from Bryson City NC  March 16 - 18. The Community is engouraged to attend any and all public events:

Schedule: Wednesday, March 16:
10:30am    Arrive/check in at Calhoun House, 135 Everett St., Bryson City
11am          Bryson City Town Hall, intro meeting w/Planning Board, Town Board of Alderman and Town Manager
Noon         Lunch, Everett Street Diner – team members and Steering Committee members
1:30-3pm  Walking Tour – meet at Chamber (Tim & Dennis, plan with Judi)
3 - 5pm      Driving Tour – meet at Chamber (Frieda & Diane plan with Judi)
5pm           Team meeting – Nantahala Brewery
7pm           Dinner for team members at Tuckasegee Tavern

Schedule: Thursday, March 17
7am           Team member breakfast at Calhoun House
Individual and Group Interviews: Swain County Chamber of Commerce
8am – 11am     Local Businesses, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Environmental Organizations
11am – 12pm   Real Estate, Lodging, Chamber members, Tourism Development Authority
Noon – 1pm     Lunch at Rotary Club. Location: Calhoun House
1 – 5:30pm
Individual and Group Interviews continue: Swain County Chamber of Commerce
1pm – 3pm       Artists and Crafters, Musicians
4:30 – 5:30pm Churches
3-4pm               off-site Interviews with Youth:  Media Center at Swain County High School, JAM program at Mountain Discovery School
6-7:30pm            Location: Iron Skillet Restaurant, 165 Everett Street
6pm –7:30pm   Community Gathering and Dinner Free and open to the public
8-9 pm                Team meeting – review and begin prep for the close-out event

Schedule: Friday, March 18
8-9:30am    Breakfast, Calhoun House–Resource Team and Swain Co Economic Development
9:30 – 11am  Final interviews, missed interviews, location: Swain County Chamber of Commerce
Prep Time – Team members time to write and put presentation together
Noon – 1:30pm  Close out event, Pasqualino’s on Everett St. with preliminary recommendations by Resource Team members, comments by Steering Committee and others

Handmade in America facing another of decifits

This year will be a challenging year for HandMade in America.  We are projecting another deficit year for the third year in a row.  This along with current economic trends have had its toll on HandMade's finances.  Please help HandMade where you can so we can continue to offer the programs and projects that have shaped Western North Carolina into what it is today.  It's time to give back to HandMade. Click here donate today!

HandMade offers free grass roots activities for WNC Craft Artists, begining with Craft Labs:  Craft Labs will be held the second Tuesday of every month beginning March 8, from 6 - 8 pm. These Craft Labs will address emerging and mid-career craft artists' needs. The first three lectures will be taught by HandMade's new Executive Director, Gwynne Rukenbrod.
March 8 - How to Get Your Work Seen/ Portfolio Development
April 12 - The Artist Statement
May 10 - Critiques

5 Ways to support The Center for Craft Creativity and Design (CCCD)

Collaboration is central to the mission and culture of CCCD,  a catalyst for new opportunities and projects that support and advance the field of craft.

FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO:

PARTICIPATE - Share information about our grants or attend our events.
INVEST - Sponsor an exhibit, support a program, or mentor an artist.
COLLABORATE - Have a big idea? Contact us.
SHARE - Share your research, exhibits, conferences and other interesting happenings in the field.
BUY HANDMADE - Support local artist and your local economy.

The Center for Craft Creativity and Design is located at 1181 Broyles Road in Hendersonville  NC

The Asheville Area Arts Council Opens The Artery

On Friday Evening The Asheville Area Arts Council held a grand opening for its new community art space, The Artery.  Located at 346 Depot Street in the River Arts District the 1400 sq foot facility will will have multiple functions from providing visitor information for the River Arts District to hosting after-school programs, workshops, performances, and gallery-style shows.

The mission of the Asheville Area Arts Council is to unify established creative professionals and organizations into a collaborative and thriving sector, to cultivate emerging grassroots entrepreneurs through direct financial support and access to opportunities, and to enhance the profile and visibility of our unique culture.

HandMade in America Names New Executive Director

HandMade in America (HandMade), a leader in creative economic development in Western North Carolina, announced that it has named Gwynne Rukenbrod as the organization's new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2011. HandMade's Board made its selection after a rigorous search process that generated more than 120 applicants from across the United States.

Since 2008, Rukenbrod has served as Curator of Fine Craft at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, a nonprofit organization founded to advance education about the process, product, and history of craft. An accomplished glass artist herself, she was previously Executive Director of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, Art Curator of The Works (the Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology), and Director of Columbus' Days of Creation Arts for Kids.

Rukenbrod brings extensive experience in the management of nonprofit cultural organizations; including program development, fund-raising and donor relationships, volunteer coordination, and event production. She has worked with both rural and urban communities and built strong stakeholder coalitions in both. "HandMade in America has such a wealth of creative energy, which is no doubt inspired by the beauty of the region and the talents of its artisans. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and surrounding communities to revitalize, fulfill, and expand on the mission and vision of the organization".

"Gwynne Rukenbrod's dynamic combination of management experience and expertise as an exhibiting craft artist and curator are a perfect fit for HandMade," said Bill Lehnert, Chair of HandMade's Board. We look forward to her enthusiasm and leadership with great anticipation. Stephanie Twitty, who chaired the Search Committee for the new Executive Director, added: "It was a privilege to lead this important effort. Gwynne's skills, enthusiasm, and deep regard for craft and community speak well for the future of HandMade."

Valleytown Cultural Arts Center Monster Mash

October 30 from 8 PM - 11 PM at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center Goblins and Ghoulies can get Happy Feet. Come boogie the night away to all style of music from DJ Ed Cloud. Food, drinks and prizes are included and costumes are optional. All Proceeds benefit the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society. Tickets available at the door for $25 per couple, $15 individual. The Valleytown Cultural Arts Center is located at the corner of Chestnut and 3rd in downtown Andrews NC.

Cherokee County Arts Council Calls for Artists and Crafters

The Cherokee County Arts Council, a newly formed non-profit organization, has  announced plans for promoting all forms of art. One of the first major goals of the Arts Council is to create more arts programming in the local public school system. The Council is compiling a database of local artists and craftspeople who would like to be involved with arts programming in schools and other Arts Council activities. Artists will benefit from recognition and exposure for their work, while the Arts Council will have a strong core of artists to work with.

If you are an artist who would like to participate in, and be informed of the Cherokee County Arts Council's activities, please contact Kathleen Nolte at 828-361-9584. Visit the website at www.cherokeeartscouncil.org.

Donate to the Asheville Art Museum's Annual Fund

With Only 7 Days left to reach the Annual Fund Goal the Asheville Art Museum is calling for donations by June 30, the end of the fiscal year. Donations are used to support the Museum's array of high-quality exhibitions and programming, enjoyedresidents, the school children of Western North Carolina and the many visitors to Western North Carolina. Your contribution fully tax deductible.

You can make a gift quickly and easily by either calling 828.253.3227, ext. 114 with a credit card number, or by giving online by clicking here. You may also deliver your contribution (and enjoy the Museum!) in person, or by mail to Asheville Art Museum, Attn: Annual Fund, PO Box 1717, Asheville, NC 28802. Checks payable to Asheville Art Museum.

Pre-Registration Ticket Discount: HandMade: The Western North Carolina Craft, Architecture & Design Expo

June 25 - 26, The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville North Carolina. Register now for HandMade: The Western North Carolina Craft, Architecture & Design Expo and save money. Tickets are only $15 for a single day Friday or Saturday, and $25 for both days. All tickets purchased by June 21st include admission and parking at the Arboretum. After June 21st tickets may only be purchased on site at the Arboretum and require an additional $8 parking fee.

HandMade: The Western North Carolina Craft, Architecture & Design Expo is a two-day event inviting the public to join artists, architects, builders and designers to share and learn about successful collaborations between craft artists, homeowners and industry professionals. Drawing from the tremendous craft resources that are a unique and vital part of Western North Carolina, the event will emphasize craftsmanship in architectural elements and design for both high-end and mid-range home markets. READ MORE...

Andrews Hosts HandMade in America Class

May 17   ANDREWS North Carolina.   Free Class from HandMade in America: Online Marketing, Technology, Sales, & Arts Business Growth. The classes will start at 6:00pm every third Monday of the month. Andrews Valley Initiative 985 Main St Andrews NC

Craft Registry Update
Check out our new and improved listing of WNC's craft artists and galleries. Update your information or sign up for a FREE listing in our Craft Registry today!

HandMade Creative Lab & Social Mixer

March 8, 5:15PM, HandMade in America Design Lab, 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 102 (corner of S. Lexington & Hilliard Ave.) Asheville North Carolina. Product Development Ideas:
- Discover emerging trends through discussions with other artists
- Test your dream product concepts and gain valuable feedback
- Share information on cutting-edge techniques and approaches
**We will welcome special guests specializing in product development to talk to the group and answer questions. Social Mixer afterwards at Asheville Brewing Company at 77 Coxe Ave.