Random Arts offers Art Journaling Workshop Series

A 3 week series of art journaling workshops starts on Thurs, Feb. 9th.  Participants may join in on a Thursday or a Saturday from 1:00 till 3:00. Bring a blank page journal, some markers, pens, pencils, and your favorite paints and whatever else you like to use.

First, instructor and Random Arts owner Jane will show you to "quit looking at those white pages". Color first, words later. Your mind will be so filled with the simplicity of creating these colorful backgrounds, that you won't even think about writing.

The entire 3 week session is $45.  Register by email and pay with check, cc, or paypal. We have to limit the class to 12 students, so in order to avoid disappointment, register early.

Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Ave in Saluda NC

Scholarships for Appalachian Studies offered by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc. a Jackson County Heritage nonprofit organization is offering three opportunities for a scholarship in the amount of $500 for “Appalachian Studies,” to be presented to three deserving seniors within four western NC counties: Jackson, Swain, Haywood and Macon.

The Appalachian Studies program provides an opportunity to study the Appalachian region through the social and biological sciences, humanities, culture and applied arts. Students become well equipped in better understanding and promoting regional development. Scholarships support the study of art, writing, music, craftsmanship, literature, history, vocational, education, social work, human services all with intentions of producing an understanding that is supportive of regional pride and identity of the Appalachian people.

Applicants must submit an application and all supporting documents to the Guidance Counselor of the applicant’s school by April 20, 2012 in order to be considered for 2012. Home schooler applicants should complete the application and send it to CSA, 29 Regal Avenue, Sylva, NC 28779 by April 20, 2012. The application packet may be downloaded by going to website: www.spiritofappalachia.org. For more information, call 828-631-4587.

Penland Exhibit - Generosity of Spirit: The Gifts of Penland Artists

February 10 - March 15, 2012 - An exhibition of contemporary ceramics, jewelry, and metalwork by 68 artists affiliated with Penland School of Crafts. Work in this exhibition has been donated, and proceeds will support a new scholarship fund for Penland clay and metals students.

February 10, 6-8 PM -  Opening reception
February 11, 2-4 PM  - Artist Gallery Talks with artists Nicholas Joerling and Angela Bubash

February 18, 2-4 PM -  Artist Gallery Talks with artists Julia Woodman and Gay Smith
During the exhibition, work will also be available for viewing and purchase online at thesignatureshop.com

Works in clay by Becky Gray, Barking Spider Pottery, and Gay Smith

Participating artists:William Baker, Boris Bally, Barking Spider Pottery, Kenneth Baskin, Jana Brevick, Cynthia Bringle, Angela Bubash, Raissa Bump, David Butler, Melisa Cadell, Caroline Cercone, John Edward Cogswell, Josh Copus, Nancy Megan Corwin, Jim Cotter, Susan Dewsnap, Daniel DiCaprio, Judith Duff, Bob Ebendorf, veva edelson, Julie Elkins, Marty Fielding, JoAnna Fireman, Becca Floyd, Steven Forbes-deSoule, debra fritts, Aran Galligan, Adrienne M. Grafton, Becky Gray, Andrew Hayes, Judith Hoyt, Rob Jackson, Nicholas Joerling, Diane Solomon Kempler, Sun Kyoung Kim, Kathy King, Michael Kline, Leah Leitson, Suze Lindsay, Sarah Loertscher, Courtney Martin, Tom McCarthy, Linda McFarling, Ryan McKerley, Kent McLaughlin, Matthew Metz, C. James Meyer, Ron Meyers, Lisa Naples, Kelly O'Briant, Neil Patterson, Mary Pearse, Ronan Kyle Peterson, Ron Philbeck, Rob Pulleyn, Sang Parkinson Roberson, Justin Rothshank, akira satake, JoAnn Schnabel, Gertrude Graham Smith, David Stuempfle, Joy Tanner, Holly Walker, Lana Wilson, Julia Woodman, Janis Mars Wunderlich, Hiroko Yamada, and gwendolyn yoppolo

February 12th-18th Arts & Crafts Heritage Week in Asheville

Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy recently proclaimed the week of February 12-18 Arts & Crafts Heritage Week, citing the role the American Arts & Crafts movement has played in the "artistic, architectural,aesthetic and economic development of the City of Asheville".  The week will include discussions, presentations, and exhibits:

Daily Pack Library Exhibit: “Arts & Crafts of Western North Carolina”

February 13. 5:30-7:00 PM:   Slide Presentation: “From Mountain Crafts to  Arts & Crafts” by Bruce E. Johnson; Renaissance Hotel. Free.

February 14, 6:00-7:00 PM:   Panel Discussion: “Problems and Solutions in Restoring Older Homes” by the Asheville Preservation Society; Masonic Temple. Historic building  will be conducted from 5:00-6:00 PM. Free.

February 15, Noon-1:15 PM:  Luncheon Presentation: “Green and Greener: The New Arts & Crafts Bungalow” by the Asheville chapter of the American Institute of Architects; Princess  Anne Hotel,  Free, Optional lunch is available for $10 - reservations are required, 404-376-7452.

February 16, 6:00-9:00 PM :  Benefit Dinner and Presentation: “The Pottery Tradition of  Western North Carolina” by author Rodney Leftwich; sponsored by the Stickley Museum and  hosted by Biltmore Industries. Limited seating and reservations required.

February 17, 1:00-6:00 PM:  The 25th National Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference  Antiques & Craftsfirms Shows. Three-day admission $10.

February 18, 1:00-4:00 PM:   Preservation Society House Tours. $35 - reservations 828-254-2343
Noon-6:00 PM: Grove Park Inn Conference Shows. Three-day admission $10
5:00-7:00 PM: Asheville Art Museum Reception, “Artistic Expression of Galle and Tiffany.”  $25 -reservations 828-253-3227.

February 19, 12:30-3:30 PM:  Preservation Society House Tours. $35 - 828-254-2343.
11:00-4:00 PM:  Grove Park Inn Conference Shows.  Admission $10.

One Week Pottery Sale at Market on Oak

January 27 - February 4 Market on Oak (formerly Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree) is having a Pottery Sale. All pottery plates, platter, mugs, trays, cookie jars, mixing bowls, banks, vases, spoon jar, ornaments and more. Featured potters include David Ross, Linda Sharpless, Lynda Banner, Joy Bennet, Estella Shakelford and all the Market potters.

Market on Oak is located at 262 Oak Street
in historic downtown Spruce Pine NC.

Chase Away the Winter Blues at TFAC this weekend

January 28 - Chase Away the Blues - TFAC (Tryon Fine Art Center)  brings together players living in the area to play a nonstop night of music from 4:00 in the lobby and on the Main Stage. Proceeds will benefit the TFAC Arts in Education programs.

The evening's performers include Daryl Ryce, Shane Pruitt Band, Rudy Blue Shoes Wyatt, Asheville’s Dr. Blues, and more. Food and drink will also be available. Music will start in the lobby when the doors open at 4:00pm. Concerts on the Main Stage begin at 4:30 PM and will end about 10:30 PM.  Ticket prices are $35 for General Admission and $65 for the VIP Lounge. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase.  For more information, call Tryon Fine Arts Center at 828-859-8322 ext. 213.

The Tryon Fine Art Center is located at 34 Melrose Ave in Tryon  N. Get a link for the Art Center and other Tryon NC attractions HERE.

February Classes at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center

Saturdays, February 4th & 11th, 2012, 10:00am – 1:00pm  Knitting for Beginners. Tuition: $40.00  - Come & knit with Sissel Varum. This class is perfect for beginners or those who would like a refresher course in the basics. Students can choose one of 2 easy projects: a hot pad or baby socks. 

Saturday February 11, 2012 - 1:00-3:00  FaceMug Pottery Class. Tuition: $25  - Instructor Rob Withrow will bring mugs pre-prepared for you to add your own face design – a self portrait; a caricature; your favorite animal; something whimsical – the choice is yours to create. After class, Rob will take your creation back to his studio, add a handle, glaze and fire it. He will then bring the finished mugs back to Stecoah for you to pick up (usually takes a week). Participants will need to wear clothes they don’t mind getting messy and/or bring an apron.

Saturdays, February 11, 18, 25, 1:00-4:00pm   Quilting for Beginners. Tuition: $45.00  - Have you wanted to learn how to piece a quilt but didn’t have someone to teach you? In this class Patti Simpson will teach the basics of piecing a quilt top using a sewing machine, including how to properly use a rotary cutter to cut your fabric. You will make the top for a small quilt (34” x 40”) using the Rail Fence Block, suitable for a baby gift, lap quilt, or wall hanging, depending on your choice of fabric. Students should be comfortable using a sewing machine. Don’t have a portable sewing machine to bring to class? Don’t let that stop you. Stecoah Textile Studio has two machines available for students. To complete the quilt you may take additional classes in basic machine quilting and binding, or pay a professional quilter to quilt your masterpiece.

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

Last week for Heartwood Gallery's 27th Anniversary Sale

Now through January 31 the 27th Anniversary sale continues at Heartwood Gallery. Get $27 off your purchase of $100 or more. Heartwood Gallery is located at 21 East Main Street in Saluda NC.

Heartwood Gallery offers handmade 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 item 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.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Calls for Artists

With a quest to flush out the "Hidden Artists," ColorFest is moving ahead with plans for a unique fine arts festival in Dillsboro, Jackson County, NC in 2012. One goal is to find those artists  hidden back in the coves of the Appalachian Mountains and provide a venue for  their work at ColorFest on October 6, 2012.
ColorFest, Art & Taste of Appalachia (Formerly, ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge) plans to change the unique historical town of Dillsboro into a Paris-like setting with fine artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas along the main streets. Fest visitors will  watch as images come alive with splashes of color on each artist’s canvas.

Happening this year on October 6 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, ColorFest is a feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds. Along with artwork in the medias of painting, sculpture, glass art, clay, fiber art, canning, fine art jewelry, wearable art, outdoor art, fine pottery, ceramics and wood working there will be live demonstrations. Music by local musicians will compliment the picturesque scene. North Carolina produced foods will be available for tasting and NC authors signing their books.  Restaurants and small shops will be open to serve the festival crowd throughout the day.

Prior to the Fest, selected artists will have the opportunity to display works in the windows of shops in Dillsboro from September 6 to October 6. The Window Display is designed to enhance interest in ColorFest as well as individual artists.  A  kick-off reception will be held at the Jarret House.

Other ColorFest events will include the "Young Artists of ColorFest" creative and mural painting workshops and other artists demonstrations throughout the month. The Young Artists of ColorFest workshops will encourage youth ages 6- 18 years to participate.

ColorFest is open to both professional and emerging artists, so if you’re a fine artist and would like to join in the fun of ColorFest, go to spiritofappalachia.org and return the application promptly. The number of artists accepted is limited to 40.

Quilter's Quarters New Fabrics

Quilters Quarters, 1510 Dellwood Road in Waynesville NC - NEW fabrics just in:

'William Morris' fabric, jelly rolls & charms
'Berry Patch' fabric + great bird panel
'Beautiful Blessings' fabric & panels in earth & jewel tones.
'Tuxedo' collection by Riley Blake...black, white & grey.

There are over 350 bolts of $6.50/yd fabric abd there is also a wall of 20% off fabric & pre-cuts of Origins, Happy, Prayer Flag & Matisse.

New Beginning Quilting Class Offered: The class is full that starts this Saturday, so an additional class has been added on Wed, Feb 1st from 1-4:00. Call  828-926-0803 to sign up..

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.

Ready for Prime Time, a preview party by The Asheville Art Museum

January 26, 7 PM - CityMac and Village Antiques at Biltmore, 755 Biltmore Ave, Biltmore Village in Asheville NC - The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to present Ready for Prime Time, a preview party celebrating Prime Time: New Media Juried Exhibition, the inaugural exhibition of the New Media Gallery scheduled to open in the Museum's newly-expanded East Wing in March 2012.

In the fall of 2011, the Museum invited submissions from North Carolina artists working with screen-based, new media art work, such as video art, experimental animation and time-based media, to be featured in the inaugural exhibition of the New Media Gallery. One work by each submitting artist will be screened during Ready for Prime Time.

The New Media Gallery will be the first of its kind in WNC, offering innovative artists including those featured in Prime Time: New Media Juried Exhibition the opportunity to share their work with the community while developing new audiences and gaining recognition for their contribution to the modern art scene. The Museum eagerly anticipates the artistic developments made possible through the use of this exciting new gallery space.

Ready for Prime Time is hosted by CityMac and Village Antiques at Biltmore, with wine generously provided by Appalachian Vintner

Penland School of Crafts Winter Rentals

Each winter, Penland School of Crafts  offers the opportunity to work independently in the teaching studios, with a small but lively community of staff members, residents, and renters. The books, clay, glass, iron, metals, photo, textiles, and wood studios are available in January and February--the letterpress and print studios are available in February. Housing is also available.

You can find complete information here

Asheville's Fringe Art Festival this Weekend

January 19-22  The  Fringe Art Festival  serves patrons of art from Asheville and beyond by facilitating the creation and production of avant garde work that may otherwise not find a venue. In past years the artistic mix has included actors, dancers, singers, videographers, painters and musicians, presenting a varied range of interesting work including cross-genre improvisation, Butoh dance, sketch theatre, modern dance, and multi-media performance art.

Remembering the Dream

9th Annual Saluda Arts Festival calls for artists

Celebrating its heritage and arts culture, the Saluda Business Association is pleased to announce its ninth annual Saluda Arts Festival scheduled for May 19, 2012 in historic downtown Main Street in Saluda.

With a reduced exhibit fee of $50 and a non-juried event, festival organizers are expecting a large number of entries. Some types of work (i.e. jewelry) will be accepted on a limited basis. Early entries will be given first choice of booth location.

Applications for participation can be downloaded from the www.saluda.com web site or click here. You may also contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or email at sswelsh@tds.net. Applications are due by March 15, 2012.

"Between the Folds" Film Screening this weekend at the Asheville Art Museum

 

January 14 - 15, 2 PM, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville NC - Film Screening: Between the Folds - Free with Membership or Museum Admission 

Often considered nothing more than folding a square sheet of paper into a Japanese crane, the numerous and unimaginable uses of origami are examined in this fascinating documentary.  

Between the Folds profiles ten individuals, ranging from a sculptor who folds caricatures, to a scientist who received a MacArthur Genius Award for his computational origami research.

Learn more and watch clips at PBS.org >>

Penland Online Sales Support Classes, Studios and Scholarships

Art for Penland is a web-based art sales program designed to support Penland School of Crafts classes, programs, studios, and scholarships through the sale of art contributed by artists and other donors.

Funds from the sale of these items go directly to Penland School of Crafts. Penland's fees for tuition, room, and board cover less than half the annual expense for classes, outreach programs, and services to artists. Your contribution directly benefits the artists and students who study and work here. Help us sustain Penland's exceptional programs and the school's leadership in the field of craft education.

Here's a look at a few of the items available now through Art for Penland:

Susie Ganch, Store them, Display them, and Eat them!

Diamond, silver, gold leaf, enameled copper, stainless steel

2-1/2 x 2-1/4 x 2-1/2 in

Amy Putansu, Shibori Shawl

Handwoven cotton, resist--dyed (shibori) in indigo

22 x 77 in.

Find more works of art online HERE

Mountain Made Ribbon-cutting Re-opening

January 18, 4:30 PM, Mountain Made at the Grove Arcade in Asheville NC. Mountain BizWorks will celebrate another woman-owned business when Mountain Made, a retail shop located in Asheville's Grove Arcade Public Market, hosts a ribbon-cutting for its re-opening.   Melinda Knies, long-time store manager at Mountain Made, purchased the retail store from Mountain BizWorks in November 2011.  The ribbon-cutting ceremony  is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

The gallery shop features handcrafted work from more than 150 Western NC artisans, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, glasswork, furniture and more - the same types of popular items featured by Mountain Made since Mountain BizWorks opened the store in 2002.

"Melinda has managed Mountain Made since the beginning, and this is a great opportunity for her to take the store to the next level and make it her own," says John Mark Stroud, Mountain BizWorks' Board Chair.  "Mountain BizWorks' Board of Directors and staff are proud that we have helped an entrepreneur transition to ownership of a local business."  Knies is thrilled to become a business owner again. "I am excited to continue building the business and the relationships that have been established with the artists and customers over the last nine years."

Mountain Made is located inside the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville at One Page Avenue, Suite 123. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday noon - 5:00 pm.

Cork and Canvas Program continues at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

BRAHM's popular monthly "Cork and Canvas" program will continue through the winter, with classes offered on February 16 and March 15. The program, which begins at 6 and ends at 8 p.m., walks participants through the creation of a piece of art while enjoying light refreshments and camaraderie.

Each "Cork and Canvas" has sold out early, so call now to make your reservation. Because space is limited, reservations and prepayment is required. The program costs $35 ($31.50 for BRAHM members), which covers the canvas, brushes, paint and refreshments. Click HERE for more information. To make a reservation, call (828) 295-9099 ext. 3006 or email virginia@blowingrockmuseum.org.

HandMade in America Needs your Support for Online Fundraiser

There are less than 2 weeks left of HandMade in America's  online fundraiser and they need your support! They have added two new perks for your donations in the final stretch of the fundraiser:

 

For a donation of $75 you will receive a HandMade for the Holidays sticker, poster AND an ornament from the HandMade Tree!

 

For a donation of $150 you will receive a Craft, Architecture and Design gift set that includes the Tool Kit, Architectural Element Source Book and Hand Crafted Home Furnishings & Design Elements.  Don't forget about the other fantastic perks!

 

Your support will allow HandMade in America to continue to provide services for craft artists through classes, online promotion, information and advocacy. It will allow HandMade in America to continue to build markets and opportunities to grow the craft economy in Western North Carolina and provide a model for areas in the nation that want to grow the impact of craft on their economies.

January Workshops at Random Arts

January Workshops at Random Arts, 481 Louisiana Ave in saluda NC - The following workshops will all be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm

Thurs. 19th -  "Simply Twisted" collage  $20

Sat. 21st      -  Cross Structure book with a twist  $30

Thurs. 26th -  Luscious Lumiere Paints  $20

Sat. 28th      - Carve it yourself-simple & fast  $15
Register by email and remember to bring a Basic Tool Kit to every class. BTK includes: scissors, glue, bonefolder, ruler, paper cutter, scrap paper, pencil, spritzer, paint brush assort.,palette knife, exacto knife, cutting mat and other tools that you love to use. If you forget something, there will be extras to share.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Calls for Unique Collections to Feature

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is seeking unique, private collections to be featured in its upcoming exhibit: “Curious Collections of the Carolinas,” which will open in April and run through August. American Decorative Arts expert Andrew Brunk, of Brunk Auctions in Asheville, will serve as juror and assist with selection of the collections to be featured. 

This exhibit will explore the history and psychology of collecting, as well as the personal stories of the collectors and their collections. BRAHM will focus less on the traditional visual arts, instead pursuing collections that are unusual, interesting and museum-quality.  A wide range of objects will be considered for the exhibit to be displayed securely throughout the galleries in BRAHM.  If you collect something extraordinary, please consider sharing it with the community for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity. 

For more information on how to participate in this exhibit, contact Joann Mitchell at (828) 295-9099 ext. 3008 or director@blowingrockmuseum.org. The deadline for submission is February 3,2012.

ArtMart this weekend in Old Fort

Susan Taylor Basketry

January 7   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.

Roc Day at HandMade in America

January 8 - Roc Day is THIS Sunday at HandMade in America's office, 125 S. Lexington Avenue, Suite 101 in  Asheville NC.  This annual spinning event is hosted by Spinners, Shepherds and Wannabee's, and will include a pot luck lunch, Stone Soup, Show and Sell your fiber, roving and more, Spinning games and demos. It will take place from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Asheville Art Museum Art Break

January 6, 12:00 - 1:00 PM The Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville NC. Lunchtime Art Break:   A Tisket A Tasket: Appalachian, Cherokee and Low Country Baskets    Free with Membership or Museum Admission

 
The last day for this exhibit is January 8, 2012

Free Admission to the Asheville Art Museum on Wednesday

January 4 - Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square in Asheville NC offers free admission from 3 PM - 5 PM the first Wednesday of each month. Current shows and exhibits at the Museum include "The New Materiality"; the Permanent Collection, The Elemental Arts: Air - Earth - Fire - Water; A Tisket A Tasket: Appalachian, Cherokee and Low Country Baskets ( show ends Jan 8).

Mystery Foam How To Video from Random Arts

Check out this fun YouTube video from Random Arts: