Huntsville Art Blog

Debra Riffe, Printmaker Gallery Talk and Reception

2012-03-09T11:31:00.002-06:00

The Art of Blogging Workshop

2012-03-09T08:25:00.000-06:00

The Art of Blogging

Wednesday, March 14 & 21 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Whether you want to blog for your business, your favorite hobby, or make it into a business, there is definitely an art to blogging! This workshop will help you get started or re-started with important information, money and time saving tips, and a plan. It’s hands-on, so bring your laptop!

What we cover: What a blog is and is not, and what it can do for your business, or for you personally. We spend time planning and you'll learn important tools to help your blog get noticed. Finally, we'll talk about how to share it with others. Cost is $75, and you can register online by clicking here.

The workshop is at my studio at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, Studio 114, HSV, AL

Monica Yother
My-Designs.net
monica@MY-Designs.net

New Studio Open House- Ann Moeller Studios

2012-03-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

New Studio Open House

You are cordially invited to the open house of my new space in Studio #202 on the second floor of Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment.

Our new studio is a shared space for Ann Moeller Studios and Queen's Closet.

Friday, March 9th

6:00pm-8:00pm

Studio 202, Lowe Mill ART & Entertainment, Huntsville, AL

Come enjoy the Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres while they last!

Call to Artists - Art 4 Paws

2012-03-06T10:37:00.003-06:00

Featured Artist: John "Jahni" Moore

2012-03-01T20:37:00.001-06:00

"A Walk" by Jahni Moore, copyright

"Cool Change" by Jahni Moore, copyright

Featured Arts Community Leader: Jessica Moon

2012-03-01T10:55:00.007-06:00

Interview by: Christina Wegman

If you have not yet heard about the NA Crafters, you may be happy to know that another fine opportunity has arisen in our area to sell and shop for high quality, handmade arts and crafts. In this month's interview, founding member, group coordinator, and local jewelry maker Jessica Moon tells us more about her work and the group in general. With a show coming up at the end of this month, it looks as if the NA Crafters have gained tremendous momentum in a short period of time, and it all began on Etsy.com!

In celebration of tomorrow's Seafare 2012 Arts Council fundraiser, the above image is of the buoy that members of the group donated for the event. Laura Hunter of rovingovine.etsy.com made the pelican, Jennifer Fouts-Detelleo of JFDesignsbyMe.etsy.com did the crochet cuffs, Paula Dickerhoff of WannaTangle.etsy.com did the pen work, Heather Rose-Click of MadShiny.etsy.com painted the illustrations, and Jessica Moon added ribbons and embellishments.

[Many Huntsville artists have decorated buoys to be auctioned, some of which can be viewed here.]

1. Tell us more about the NA Crafters group. . . how did the group form and how many members do you have now?

The group was formed in March 2011 on Etsy. I started it to network with local artists who would be going to the same shows and shopping at the same shops. Through adding leaders Ariana Pepper, Jessica Woodroof and Tarra Hamby, we became a large group that met regularly and had some serious web presence. We're now at 278 members! We use Etsy as a forum to discuss local events and online selling, but we also get together once a month to craft or just chat. Last summer we started hosting craft shows and have two planned this year: March 31st and November 10th at the Roundhouse Depot.

2. What is involved in being the coordinator for this group and what are your future goals?

As the coordinator, initially all I had to do was screen applicants to make sure they met location requirements. Once we decided to do shows, I sought out the appropriate licenses and permits to become a Merchant Sponsor. I now collect show applications/fees and report taxes after our events. I'm responsible for booking and paying for the space rental and ordering flyers and signs. I make sure our members get directed to important discussions on Etsy through Facebook and E-mail. My future goals are to expand the group size and to become known for widely attended quality craft shows.

3. How did you become interested in the arts? What inspires you to make jewelry?

I've always enjoyed doing crafty things. My mom said I could be entertained for hours with just paper and crayons as a child. In college, I truly enjoyed making the required sorority plaques using wood, paint, glue, rhinestones and the ever important shellac. I kind of put my creative side on the back-burner for a couple years and was re-inspired in 2010 while shopping on Etsy. The jewelry hobby just started with some turtles. I wanted the perfect pair of turtle earrings for my cousin-in-law that I just couldn't find on Etsy. I determined I could probably make them, but I would have supplies left over. I would just sell the remaining turtle pairs. But then I figured people would want more than just turtles. And it snowballed from there!

4. What advice can you give to aspiring artists and artisans?

Networking is key. When people realize you're a good, hard-working person-- they tend to want to help you succeed. Etsy was a great place to start our organization, and we've been blessed with opportunities to get out locally. If you can get yourself out there, you'll get more/better information on local events and opportunities.

5. What sorts of arts and crafts are available at a typical NA Crafters show?

We have quite the variety of handmade items! We'll have soaps, candles, jewelry, paintings, knit items... I received an application for painted furniture the other day which I'm really excited about! We require that all items be handmade, so it'll be a great place to find the perfect gift for a loved one's birthday or Mother's Day! We will be accepting applications through March 17th, so I encourage interested artists to apply: http://www.nacrafters.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Spring-Holiday_application.pdf

6. Is the NA Crafters group open to new members? If so, how can they join?

We most certainly are open to new members! Our requirements are that you are an artisan from the North Alabama area and have an Etsy account. Interested parties can apply here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/8400/na-crafters

7. What do you think of the Huntsville art scene? What would you change?

I'm really just now getting a taste of Huntsville's art scene and it has been exciting! At this point I do not know what I would change.

Featured Artist: Brittany Howery

2012-03-01T06:01:00.002-06:00

"Monarch" by Brittany Howery, copyright

"Peacock" by Brittany Howery, copyright

Artwork featured on the cover of Valley Planet

"He's Such a Hoot!" by Brittany Howery, copyright

"Green Buddha" by Brittany Howery, copyright

Featured Artist: Brittany Howery

Brittany Howery is a self-made artist, born and raised in Alabama. Brittany found her love of art in high school where she won several awards and was featured in the Huntsville Museum of Art's Youth Art Month and Panoply several times. She continued her work throughout college at Judson College and Calhoun Community College. While her first love is acrylics on canvas, two years ago she became a tattoo artist in Huntsville. Brittany also teaches acrylic painting classes part time at Spirited Art Huntsville. She does various crafting in her free time and periodically sells her wares at local art shows, such as Lowe Mill Artist Market. Brittany's work was featured in February 2012 on the cover of local news paper Valley Planet. She is married to local chef, Andy Howery, and they just had their first child in January.

Brittany Howery

www.brittanyjohnsonhowery.com

Featured Artist: Shawn Doughty

2012-03-01T06:00:00.004-06:00

Featured Artist: Shawn Doughty

I am a self taught artist orginally from Muncie, Indiana who currently resides in Athens, Alabama. I work as a chemist for TVA's Brown's Ferry Nuclear Plant and in my spare time I create my artwork. My work comprises of collages representing the people, places and things that make up the different states of the union as well as cities and towns within the immediate region. Each piece is created using ink and Prisma colored pencil and takes nearly four to six months to complete. I will be one of 35 artists painting a butterly for the Huntsville Botanical Garden's featured display this year called "Green Things and Butterfly Things". I have just completed a Huntsville collage piece which I will be transposing on this butterfly piece that will be completed sometime in May. I personally love history and traveling which I believe has really influenced my passion for doing this type of artwork theme and I also praise God for the talent that He has given me and my desire is to use it to honor Him and to give people something fun and uplifting to enjoy.

WHO, WHAT, AND WHERE STATE ART @ whowhatwhereart.com by SHAWN DOUGHTY

Shawn Doughty

website:whowhatwhereart.com

E-mail: whowhatwhereart@yahoo.com

Wanted: Designers and Artisans for Consignment Store

2012-02-27T06:52:00.000-06:00

Finicky Fashion Boutique
295 Miller Lane
Owens Cross Roads, AL

Finicky Fashion Boutique is a new consignment store and owner, Renee Brooks invites designers and artisans to show their creations in her store.

For more information please call Renee at 256-694-0499 or e-mail her at redfellow5@yahoo.com

Huntsville Museum of Art- Art with a Twist Class

2012-02-27T06:40:00.000-06:00

Join us for Art with a Twist, an exciting “paint and sip” class offered by the Huntsville Museum of Art. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage and your closest friends and enjoy painting your very own masterpiece. Don’t worry if you have never painted before, you will enjoy step-by-step instructions from a fabulous teacher - AND you get to take your painting home at the end of the class!

You must be 21+ to participate. All classes take place from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Museum. The cost of each class is $35 for Museum members and $45 for nonmembers, and all materials are included. Light refreshments will be served. Reserve your spot TODAY by registering online at www.hsvmuseum.org or contacting Lisa Roth, Museum Academy Assistant, lroth@hsvmuseum.org or 256-535-4350, ext. 215.

Thursday, March 15
5:30-8 p.m.
Instructor: S. Renee Prasil
Inspired by Joan Miró – Rooster

-------------------------------------------
Laura E. Smith
Museum Academy Director
Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church Street South
Huntsville, AL 35801 USA
256.535.4350 x222
lsmith@hsvmuseum.org
www.hsvmuseum.org

Art On the Square Call for Artists

2012-02-24T06:11:00.000-06:00

Art on the Square

Art On The Square is scheduled for September 8, 2012. This is a juried fine arts show and festival.~48 artists accepted. AOTS awards substantial prize money to our winners. Contact artonthesquare@hotmail.com. More info coming soon.

Call to Artists - Madison Derby Days Festival

2012-02-23T23:20:00.000-06:00

For more information on Derby Days 2012, go to

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Madison-Derby-Days/321840901188259

Assistant Mold Maker Wanted

2012-02-23T16:55:00.001-06:00

Assistant Mold Maker Wanted

Starting date will be February 28, 2012 and will be a month long commitment.

Experience is preferred, but not required. You must be able to work at a fast pace. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a world class mold maker.

Project: The Madison County Veterans Park commissioned two bronze sculptures from artist Dan Burch. "Sacrifice" is completed and on display. Mr. Burch’s second piece entitled "Courage" is currently in process. The project is a tribute to our military heroes.

For more information please contact:

Dan Burch

Meridian Arts

370 Little Cove Rd.

Gurley, AL 35748

(256) 776-4300

dan@meridianarts.net

Huntsville Museum of Art’s Museum Academy- Spring into Art Classes

2012-02-22T20:32:00.001-06:00

Spring into Art!

Join us by taking an art class today at the Huntsville Museum of Art.

The Huntsville Museum of Art’s Museum Academy will offer art classes for children age 3 through eighth grade in ceramics, drawing, and painting. Other classes include Splish, Splash into Spring, Alphabets & Animals, Create a Ceramic Easter Bunny for Parent and Child, Studio Art Adventures: Shamrock Mobile a la’ Matisse, Awesome Assemblages, ArtRAGEOUS Masterpieces and Art for Homeschooled Students Program.

High school and adult students can enjoy classes in ceramics, acrylic and oil painting, jewelry making, drawing, stained glass, acrylic and oil painting, Old Masters Painting Techniques, watercolor, fiber art, and Pastels: Paint a Pet Portrait.

Spring classes begin the week of March 19 through May.

Register Online at http://www.hsvmuseum.org/museum-academy/ or call 256-535-4350 x222. All classes and workshops will held at the Huntsville Museum of Art in the Museum Academy classrooms.
--------------------------------------

Laura E. Smith
Museum Academy Director
Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church Street South
Huntsville, AL 35801 USA
256.535.4350 x222
lsmith@hsvmuseum.org
www.hsvmuseum.org

New Artist Link Added: Starr Weems

2012-02-21T21:31:00.000-06:00

"My Chicken and I" by Starr Weems, copyright

We are delighted to add Artist, Starr Weems' website to the Artist Links on the Art Blog. Please check out her site at: www.StarrWeems.com

Also, we are excited to announce Starr will be our Featured Artist in April. So please keep checking back!

Starr also teaches art and she has a few upcoming classes. To find out more see our post at:
http://www.huntsvilleartblog.org/2012/02/pouring-and-layering-watercolor-and.html

Pouring and Layering Watercolor and Drawing for Beginners Classes Available

2012-02-21T13:54:00.003-06:00

"Solstice" by Starr Weems, copyright

"My Chicken and I" by Starr Weems, copyright

"Magnolia Scepters" by Starr Weems, copyright

Pouring and Layering Watercolor

In this four week series, participants will learn the technique of pouring multiple layers of transparent watercolor over masking to create dramatic light and color.

Four Tuesday evenings at UpDog Yoga Center in Athens from 6:45-8:00. April 3, 10, 17, and 24. $80.

Supply list provided upon registration.

Drawing for Beginners
Think you can't draw? Try this class. Four Tuesday evenings at UpDog Yoga Center in Athens. April 3, 10, 17 and 24. 5:30-6:30. $60.

Starr Weems Fine Art
www.StarrWeems.com.
(256) 998-0174
starrwd@gmail.com
111#A N. Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611

VOTE: Home Depot- Retool Your School- A&M Art Department

2012-02-15T06:06:00.001-06:00

Home Depot is sponsoring a grant called Retool Your School, in which if AAMU wins they will revamp our art building! If everyone could help us out and vote so we could win this, it would help our art department quite a bit!

Here's the link to the contest: http://www.retoolyourschool.com/

Cara Fuller

Adjunct Professor of Photography

www.carafuller.com

www.aamuphoto.com

www.aamu.edu

Community Drawing Night- UAH

2012-02-14T07:36:00.000-06:00

On Wed. Feb 15th from 6-8 pm at Wilson Hall room 236, UAH Campus The UAH Student Art Organization is sponsoring another community Drawing Night. $5 donation pays the model, and supports the student art club. Any drawing/painting mediums, but no photography!

Join us for a nice evening of community drawing!

Other dates: Wed Feb 29th, Wed march 14th & 28th & wed April 11.

For more info please contact Jill Johnson at: johnsok1@uah.edu

Now Showing at The Little Green Store

2012-02-10T22:36:00.006-06:00

Between now and April, The Little Green Store on Monte Sano will be featuring "Organic Compositions", a series of seven works by Christina Wegman [above, Organic Composition 1]. These pieces are meant to represent the underlying structures in the natural world and have been created using water-based oils.

Drop by this Saturday, Monday, or Tuesday to see these paintings and enjoy The Green Store's annual Valentine's Day sale!

820 Monte Sano Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35801

"Green Pea Press presents an artist talk by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., Sat., Feb. 18 from 6-8pm at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

2012-02-08T19:43:00.001-06:00

Hello,

I am honored to announce this upcoming visit and artist talk by Amos Kennedy, and I greatly appreciate any publicity with which you can help us!

"Green Pea Press presents an artist talk by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., on Saturday, February 18 from 6-8pm at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment.

Kennedy is a world-renowned letterpress printer and book artist who currently resides in Gordo, AL. His distinctive posters are featured everywhere from university and museum collections to folk arts festivals to trendy online retailers. The self-described “humble Negro printmaker” is also the subject of the 2008 documentary, “Proceed & Be Bold!,” which explores his activism, artistry, and irrepressible sense of humor.

Kennedy will discuss his work in conjunction with an exhibition in the main first floor gallery of historic Lowe Mill. Refreshments will be served, and the event is open to the public. The exhibit is on view through February. For more information, please email us at info@greenpeapress.com, or visit us online at greenpeapress.com or lowemill.net."

Thank you so much!
Rachel Lackey
Manager
Green Pea Press
2211 Seminole Drive, Studio 122
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 679-7288
greenpeapress.com
Facebook: Green Pea Press
Twitter: @GreenPeaPress

Valentine's Day Sale at The Little Green Store on Monte Sano

2012-02-08T15:50:00.002-06:00

Save the dates! Annual Valentine's Day Sale starts Saturday, Feb. 11 and continues Monday, the 13th and Tuesday, the 14th from 10am to 5pm.

Come early for the best selections storewide including: jewelry, clothing, and much, much more!

The Little Green Store is an environmentally-conscious store/gallery representing local and regional artists and jewelers. From paintings to eco-friendly housewares to baby/child toys to organic wine/beer, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

820 Monte Sano Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35801

http://www.thelittlegreenstoreonmontesano.com/

Valentine's Evening Photo Shoot!

2012-02-08T06:51:00.000-06:00

Call 256-325-0161 to reserve your space for:

Valentine's Evening in the Gallery.

Wine, chocolates and a private photo shoot for $25!

What a great gift for the one you love

Feburary Classes at 16 Main Gallery

2012-02-08T06:44:00.000-06:00

Upcoming Classes at 16 Main Gallery

Sign up for a class or schedule your own private group party

Ascribing Artists Exhibit at Huntsville Art League March 2012

2012-02-05T20:57:00.002-06:00

Ascribing Artists Exhibit: Visiting Artists

Huntsville Art League, 3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2, Huntsville, AL 35801 http://www.huntvilleartleague.org/

Exhibit March 2012. Reception March 2, 6-8PM

Participating Artists:

Vicki Garner
John Stout
Rita Campbell
Gina Hurst
Leslie Brasher
Deborah Taylor
Jane Blevins
Rich Kurzweil
Jackie Segars
Amanda Brown
Teresa Batchelor
Johanna Littleton

The Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1, 2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists is an avenue to bring together artists with this same belief and offer a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

For more info visit http://www.ascribingartists.blogspot.com/ or e-mail: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Rebecca’s Cottage – Stop and Shop on Friday, February 10th, 4-7 pm

2012-02-05T20:48:00.000-06:00

Rebecca’s Cottage – Stop and Shop

Friday, February 10th, 4-7 pm

It’s almost Springtime!! Stop by on Friday, February 10th on your way home from work, school or as you go out on Friday. Check out some of the Spring items and our Valentine’s Day gifts. Why not ask for a Rebecca’s Cottage Gift Certificate for Valentine’s Day or any other special day? Then you can shop when you want for what YOU want.

Take a peek at some of our Valentine’s Day items (attached) as well as our new “Self-Personalized” ChalkTalk line (memo board picture posted). Check out our memo boards, menu boards, glasses and plates with a chalkboard area for you to add your own names, dates, and memos!!

As always, custom orders are welcome.

Where: Rebecca’s Cottage Art Studio - 114 Woods End Road, Huntsville, just off Indian Creek Road in Monrovia, AL

The Art Studio is located at 114 Woods End Road, just behind the house, down the driveway on the right.

Email Susan at rebeccascottage@knology.net for more info or directions.

Hope to see you soon! If you haven’t made it out to the studio yet, then NOW is the time to visit! Check out the website at http://www.rebeccascottageonline.com/.

*Due to the high cost of processing credit cards, we accept only checks or cash.

Hope to see you soon!!

Susan Steinhauser – Owner/Artist
Rebecca’s Cottage
http://www.rebeccascottageonline.com/