Art Dispatch

Alla Prima Art Parties

2013-07-08T14:29:00.003-04:00

Carolinas to the Abacos

2013-06-15T13:59:00.000-04:00

Carolinas to the Abacos

June 7 – July 27, 2013

Local artist, Karen Cowan Edwards, will be our Gallery feature for the 2013 summer show to open on June 7^th. As a graduate of the Leo Jenkins School of Art at East Carolina University, she has continued to study across the State in university seminars and workshops with nationally recognized artists.

This show includes work across multiple mediums including acrylics and oils, with landscapes, seascapes portraits, still-lifes, and abstracts presented. Karen has used her boating experiences to explore the coastline and is presenting this summer showing as a culmination of plein air and studio work.

Karen shares the magnificent artistry of nature through her personal experience of traveling through the coastal waters of North Carolina to the isles of the Abacos. She fills each piece of art with her love for the water and natural beauty found along the way, in hopes that the work will be a legacy for those who view it. Her passion for the natural coastline has become a strong part of her continuous gift of art to others. She and her husband of 35 years traveled the coastal shores as an inspiration for sharing the beauty of coastal living.

The Opening Reception will be on Friday, June 7 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an opportunity to meet Karen. The Council for the Arts is located at 826 Bridge Street in Jacksonville across from City Hall. Regular hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 910/455-9840.

May 2013 Gallery Show - Freedom Fountain.

2013-04-26T15:58:00.000-04:00

Freedom Fountain

May 5 - 27

Reception: Sunday, May 5 from 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Jacksonville’s newest landmark is right outside our building: The Freedom Fountain! This month our artists and photographers take center stage by showing off their favorite view of the Freedom Fountain. For this exhibition we opened our show to include students from Onslow County Schools. What better way to show off our newest landmark!

The Freedom Fountain honors all individuals who have served and are serving the United States of America and especially those who have passed through Onslow County in the service of their Country. The fountain is located at the intersection of New Bridge Street and Johnson Boulevard, in the same block as the City Hall and will serve as a gateway to the downtown area at Lejeune Memorial Park where the Beirut Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and 9/11 Memorial.

The Opening Reception will be on Sunday, May 5 afrom 2:30pm – 4:00pm. This is an opportunity to meet the artists. The Council for the Arts is located at 826 Bridge Street in Jacksonville across from City Hall. Regular hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 910/455-9840.

35th Annual Middle & High Student Art Competition

2013-03-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Grades 6 through 12. Each Middle & High School art teacher submits 8 pieces of work to the competition. This show is always colorful, intriguing and imaginative. Over 100 paintings will be on display March 3rd through the 22nd

Celebrating the Montford Point Marines & the 100 Year Anniversary of Georgetown High School

2013-02-07T17:01:00.001-05:00

The Council pays tribute to Georgetown High School’s 100th anniversary. Its beginnings grew out of hope and purpose for black youth when Evening View Baptist Church deacon Henry Phillips purchased two acres of land in 1905 to build the school. With no support from the state, the next seven years were spent building the school through the Trent River Oakey Grove Association and private contributions from families. The association opened the Oakey Grove Collegiate and Industrial Training School in 1908 with William Washington Parker serving as principal. The school originally had three buildings with an auditorium, recitation rooms and accommodations for approximately 20 male students in the central building. This building later became the high school with four large classrooms and an elementary school was built on the campus along with a girls dormitory, classrooms, a kitchen and utility rooms.

In June 2012 the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Montford Point Marines in Washington DC. This metal is the highest civilian honor awarded as the utmost expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. The Councils honors their achievements.

In 1942, President Roosevelt established a presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited into the Marine Corps. These young men from all states, were not sent to the traditional boot camps of Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, California. Instead, African American Marines were segregated - experiencing basic training at Montford Point - a facility at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Approximately twenty thousand (20,000) African American Marines received basic training at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949.

Opening reception will be Sunday, February 3 at 2:30pm – 4:00pm. The Council for the Arts is located at 826 Bridge Street in Jacksonville across from City Hall. Regular hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 910/455-9840.

Seasons Greetings from the Council For the Arts.

2012-10-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

Santa says. "Support the Arts!"

Did you know that the Council for the Arts has a Sales Gallery with tons of unique "one-of-a-kind" gifts to choose from?

Drop by the Gallery and admire the Holiday decorations exhibit...Christmas at the Council... November 7 -December 22, 2012

The Sales Gallery has plenty of GREAT Holiday presents available for purchase.

Everything from books, pottery...

to original paintings and artwork!

ART... the unique gift that keeps giving... You get the satisfaction of giving a gift that is not only great for the recipient... it gives to the artist that created it and the Council who made it available. How often can one gift give so much?

Remember... Santa says, "Support the Arts!". You may even want to make a donation to the Council for the Arts in the name of that someone special.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Council!

Stop by our location at:

Council for the Arts
826 New Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
910-455-9840

Our New Email Address is
jaxarts@jaxarts.com

Gallery Show in the News.

2012-09-02T14:48:00.002-04:00

The Jacksonville Daily News published an article on our current Gallery Show.

Exhibit opens on works of local artist

Flowers, Faces & Places

2012-08-26T12:54:00.002-04:00

Stephen Greer of Jacksonville will be the featured artist at the Council for the Arts during the month of September. The show will consist of acrylic paintings depicting his theme of flowers, faces and places, and will hang in the Bradford Baysden Gallery September 2nd through 28th.

Stephen stated: “I express myself through my art; much of which depicts the North Carolina coast where I live. I enjoy doing candid sketches of people in public places and I use these quick sketches as visual references for creating abstract and realistic work. Patterns, colors, rhythms and their astounding abundance in the world fascinate me. Carrying a sketch book enables me to take advantage of these fleeting elements. Life and art engage me fully in the evolution of learning and growing.”

He has been well known and admired in our area for several years and his work is in many collections. However, his most popular exhibition to date has been "Still," which features American Indians in their full regalia. This exhibition has been seen in many towns and cities and received acclaim in each place.

The opening reception for “Flowers, Faces & Places” will be held Sunday, September 2nd from 2:30 to 4:00pm. This will be your opportunity to meet and speak with this very talented artist.

Purely Pastels

2012-07-26T13:54:00.001-04:00

Purely Pastels

Rebirth by Jean Wenner

One of the most interesting aspects in pastel painting is seeing the various methods and techniques from different artists. The participating artists here will demonstrate with their works what makes each of them unique.

Our featured artists are: Linda Anderson, Connie Burke, Susan Cheatham, Norma Haden, Barbara LaValley, Eleanor McArver, BF Reed, Cindy Ridlon, Rose Valente, Ann Ward, and Jean Wenner.

At one time, Jean Wenner was one of the very few pastelists locally. Several of the local artists “discovered” pastels through Jean's classes, which were always well attended. One or more of the artists above mentioned in this show attended one or more of her workshops.

Pastel is colored chalk, made up of powdered pigment plus a binder. The colors used in pastel are the very same pigments used in other paints. A pigment mixed with gum tragacanth makes a pastel, mixed with gum Arabic, makes watercolor and mixed with linseed oil and becomes oil paint.

Pastel comes in three different forms: hard chalks, soft chalks and pastel pencils. There are many surfaces to work on. The most popular are Canson Mi-Tientes; Mi'Tientes which means "many tints" and is a fibrous paper that comes in over 30 colors, of which, comes Sanded Pastel Paper that is available in smooth or rough surfaces, then Granular Pastel Boards, and Velour Papers.

One of the pastelist's biggest problems is dealing with the dust, but on the plus side are the rich, vibrant colors that are sometimes hard to attain with other mediums. Pastel painting has become very popular in the last few years, at least, that has been true here in our area.

The opening reception is Sunday, August 5 at 2:30 -4:00pm.

2012-07-12T23:13:00.003-04:00

Summer Art Camp

The Council for the Arts will have a Summer Art Camp July 23-27, 2012 at the Council for the Arts Building, 826 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville.

Children ages 5 – 16

In this camp the children will paint, create and have an artful time!

Enrollment has begun! $80.00 for the week, supplies are included.

Please call (910) 455-9840 to reserve a spot for your child

Penny Craven Collection of Artwork

2012-05-23T14:11:00.001-04:00

For Members Only

Join Our First Members Only

Sneak Peek Preview Reception

Exhibition of Penny Craven Collection of Artwork

Saturday, June 2, 2012, 4:00-5:30 Only

“Pluperfect Palette”

The CFTA Sale Event promises to be an exciting time! All pieces displayed are original works and priced to go. The artist is clearing out to make room for her new creations, making all items priced to find new homes. Get a “Members Only” opportunity before the public reception on Sunday from 2:30-4:00 pm. After the public reception, the remaining items will remain on display at the Council until July 27, 2012. Pieces sold during the special preview must remain on display until July 27th, so others may enjoy viewing Penny’s artistry.

Members are invited to this one time sneak preview, while enjoying wine and cheese.

51st Annual Onslow Art Society's Spring Show

2012-04-07T15:19:00.000-04:00

Come see a collection of the county's artists in this year's Art Society Spring Show. Now until the 27th

Student Art Competition

2012-03-04T17:02:00.001-05:00

Student Art Competition at the Council for the Arts March 4th through the 23rd.

February Gallery Show-Liquid Dreams by Clara K. Johnson

2012-02-01T19:45:00.003-05:00

In honor of Black History Month the Council for the Arts will feature the artwork of Clara Johnson.

The ethereal paintings of self-trained artist, Clara K. Johnson, mirror her view of the world and her personality. Ms. Johnson is the grand-daughter of the late Benjamin R. Harrison (creator of "The Golden Bull", mascot for Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.) Ms. Johnson's art reflects the interconnectedness of the color, form and movement found all around us.

"My style of painting is best described as Biomorphic Abstract. My creative goal is to express how life moves in, out, through, between, around us."
Ms Johnson resides in Raleigh, N.C. In addition to her art she enjoys traveling, reading and helping worthy causes.

"Liquid Dreams" will be shown in our Bradford Baysden Gallery from February 5^th through the 24^th. Meet this fascinating artist at the reception on February 5th from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jacksonville (NC) Alumnae Chapter will host the event.

The Human Race

2012-01-02T18:04:00.002-05:00

A new invitational show at the Council, showing January 2nd to the 27th. The Human Race at The Council for the Arts. Local and Regional artists were invited to show their best work, opening a window into the daily lives of people.

Santa says "Support the Arts!" in 2011

2011-10-18T14:44:00.000-04:00

The Sales Gallery has plenty of GREAT Holiday presents available for purchase.

Everything from books, pottery...

to original paintings and artwork!

Remember... Santa says, "Support the Arts!". You may even want to make a donation to the Council for the Arts in the name of that someone special.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Council!

Stop by our location at:

Council for the Arts
826 New Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
910-455-9840

Our New Email Address is
jaxarts@jaxarts.com

Wilmington arts Council

2011-09-07T15:52:00.002-04:00

Encore Pub-Jax vs. ILM

Wilmington considers starting an arts council and looks towards Onslow for advice.

Council For The Arts granted Grassroots Grant

2011-08-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

As seen on the Daily News Website (http://www.jdnews.com/news/onslow-94115-arts-county.html) The Council just recieved a $37,000 grant to be be distributed to artists and arts programs in the community.

The Creative Eye, August 7th-26th

2011-08-02T11:57:00.002-04:00

The Council will exhibit over 30 paintings by Emerald Isle artist Georgia Mason. She is a member of the Watercolor Society of NC and the Southwestern Watercolor Society. Her non-representational paintings are created in watercolors, mixed media and, often, “found objects.”

Ms. Mason states: “My painting has evolved over the years from my early beginnings in watercolor to the experimental mixed media work that I am now doing. I was fortunate to have had a disciplined education in representational art with drawing lessons, still life, landscapes and plein air painting. Then my eyes opened to the beauty of non-representational work as I began working with mixed media. My current work involves a process of creating an underpainting using inks, watercolor and acrylics. Then I build the painting with papers and paint, altering surfaces with transparent passages and opaque over-painting. I use whatever evolves in the creative process.”

Meet this fascinating artist at the Gallery Reception on Sunday August 7^th from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. The Arts Council is located on New Bridge Street across from Jacksonville City Hall. Regular hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday or by appointment. For more information, please call 910/455-9840 or our website at: www.jaxarts.com.

One of the paintings by Bernie Rosage

2011-07-14T18:50:00.000-04:00

This painting titled "Morning Has Broken" (oil) is an impressionistic view of the road leading to our house. Last day, July 29^th.

July Gallery Show

2011-07-14T18:48:00.000-04:00

Two weeks left to see Bernie Rosage’s exhibit if you haven't yet!

Board members interviewed by Independent Weekly concerning recent trip to Raleigh and ARTS DAY 2011.

2011-04-22T12:36:00.000-04:00

Letters from Mrs Hobbs Art Society
students at Carolina Forest Elementary
Click on image to enlarge

Connie Wenner, Stephen Greer, and Bernie Rosage were interviewed by Byron Woods of the Independent Weekly concerning Arts Day 2011, the cutbacks, and visit with our (rather rude) Onslow County Representative George Cleveland. The two images are letters to Mr. Cleveland from Onslow County 5th grade art students in Mrs Hobbs art class at Carolina Forest Elementary.

Click HERE to read the article...

Letter from Mrs Hobbs Art Society
students at Carolina Forest Elementary,
Jacksonville, NC

Click on image to enlarge

Council Board members attend ART DAY 2011 in Raleigh.

2011-04-22T12:34:00.000-04:00

Council for the Arts representatives:
Brenda Johnson, Stephen Greer,
Connie Wenner, Bernie Rosage Jr.,
and Doug Parker.

Several Board Members attended Arts Day 2011 last Tuesday in Raleigh, NC as representatives from Onslow County. The event is organized and lead by ARTS North Carolina, a statewide advocacy organization for the arts. ARTS NC calls for equity and access for the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina's arts communities, and fosters arts leadership. The day was filled with key note speakers, arts advocacy materials and training, plus speaking with government officials to exemplify the importance of the arts on our economy, education, and well being. The event is a yearly Legislative event that organizes and facilitates Grassroots Advocacy... the main source of arts funding for Onslow (and most NC counties) County.

Karen Wells
Executive Director of ARTS NC

Most people have the misconception that government funding of arts means their hard-earned tax dollars are going straight to some hippie busker playing an acoustic guitar on the street corner, or an artist whose goal is to shock the world with crayon masterpieces, or the photographer whose wants to stretch the boundaries of censorship but the truth of the matter is that art is a investment. Like most investments, there are some risks and some returns are greater than others but investing in the arts is a sound venture with overall paybacks too consistent to ignore. When our tax dollars are used to fund the arts they provide direct economic benefits to states and communities, they create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. A robust arts industry prepares our children for the 21st century, and fills our lives with discovery and learning. Government funding is a crucial element in maintaining the arts industry even in tough economic times. After all, the arts are not part of the recession; they are part of the recovery. Pablo Picasso was on to something when he said, "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life".

Jazz singer and NC resident,
Nnenna Freelon

On a positive note: We got to spend the day with some great friends plus meet a ton of people passionate about the arts! I got to hear inspiring stories by several speakers including the golden voice of jazz singer and NC resident, Nnenna Freelon. We had the pleasure of meeting Onslow County Representative Phil Shepard. He was kind enough to meet with several members of our group without an appointment. He even invited us to lunch but we had to decline as our lunch was already provided by ARTS NC.

On a negative note: Our meeting with Onslow County Representative George Cleveland was cut short from the fifteen minutes scheduled to a whopping three minutes. Our appointment with him was disappointing to say the least as his mind seemed elsewhere. The main disappointment was the 23% cut in funding of the grass roots art grants that will directly effect us here in Onslow County.

NC Legislature Building
Raleigh, NC

March 2011 Exhibit ~ Onslow County Students Show

2011-03-09T17:01:00.000-05:00

Community mourns the loss of Jean Wenner...

2010-12-16T08:55:00.005-05:00

Community mourns the loss of Jean Wenner
December 16, 2010
ANIESA HOLMES, writer for the Daily News

The community is mourning the loss of a pioneer for arts and education in Onslow County.

Jean Wenner, artist and former executive director of the Onslow County Council for the Arts, died at home Wednesday after a long illness. She was 80.

Her daughter Connie Wenner, who was appointed director of the council after her mother retired in 2004, said the community has been greatly impacted by her mother’s talent and drive to bring awareness to art and culture to the area.

“We always say it’s difficult in Onslow County, because it’s so transient, to keep your name out there,” Connie Wenner said. “It was just her sheer stubbornness to continue her legacy to the arts council, her commitment and her accountability.”

The council was founded in 1976 when Jack LeSueur of the North Carolina Arts Council discussed with Jean Wenner the idea of forming a local arts council. At that time, Wenner was active in the Arts Society of Onslow County, according to the Council for the Arts website at jaxarts.com. She was named director and began the organization as a volunteer from her home.

A native of Auburn, N.Y., Wenner originally moved to Jacksonville with her husband Richard Wenner, who served for 27 years in the Marine Corps. Jean Wenner remained in Jacksonville to raise their eight children while her husband traveled throughout his career. A self-taught artist, Wenner found time to experiment with pencil, pen and inks, and later moved into oils, watercolors and pastels. She became well-known in the area and received numerous awards for her pastel still lifes. Connie Burke, family friend and long time council volunteer, said that she admired Wenner’s ability to balance home life and her love for art.

“I could ask her anything about art and she had an answer for it,” Burke said. “I think what amazed me most about her was what a great job she did with raising her children.”

It was Wenner’s love for children that inspired many of the council’s workshops and programs, according to those who knew her. Through grant writing and seeking contributions from the county and city, she was able to grow the council budget of $1,500 in its early years to more than $112,000 a year. During her 28 years as director, writing and art workshops, gallery exhibitions and receptions were birthed and the council’s current location in downtown Jacksonville was established. Some of the continued programs include the Community Artist Residency Training program, the Pre-School Theater Series and the award-winning Arts in the Schools program.

Earl Taylor, who served as supervisor of arts education for Onslow County Schools, called Wenner the cornerstone for the arts in Onslow County.

“Jean was very passionate and she knew the positive impact that arts had on children,” Taylor said. “Providing more exposure in the arts for children was one of her strong points.”

Wenner also received many honors for her service, including the State Arts Council Volunteer of the Year and Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 1990. Nov. 20, 1984, was proclaimed “Jean Wenner Day” by former Jacksonville Mayor Zander Guy. In September, the council’s board of directors voted to name the council library and studio after her.

Connie Wenner said that her mother’s various family portraits and pastel paintings that remain in the art gallery, as well as the council’s continued growth, will be a constant reminder of her faithful service to the community.

“Mom was just a phenomenal person and with her legacy and the years she contributed to community, I hope I can continue to do as good as she did,” she said.

At Wenner’s request, there will be no wake or service. In the spring, Wenner’s ashes will be taken to Pennsylvania where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Council for the Arts, P.O. Box 34, Jacksonville, NC 28541-0034.

This article is by Aniesa Holmes from the Daily News and can be accessed at this link... Community mourns the loss of Jean Wenner...