Art Dispatch

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

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, 2011

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

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.

Gallery Show Reception

2011-08-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

The Reception for this month's gallery show by Georgia Mason will be on Sunday August 7th, from 2:00 to 4:00pm, Georgia Mason will be attending the reception.

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.

Sherry Thurston book signing.

2011-07-15T15:13:00.000-04:00

Sherry Thurston, Sneads Ferry artist and author, will be at Barnes and Noble in Jacksonville tonight from 5 to 7pm. for a book signing. Come join us in saying hello to Sherry & Josh.

Local artist pens book to honor history of town

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!

Get the SCOOP from the Council for the Arts!

2011-07-14T15:32:00.000-04:00

Click HERE to check out the latest news, events, exhibits, call for artists, etc... from the Council for the Arts on our Facebook page.

Tons of great info, photos, and art!

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...

Jean Wenner ~ Artist, Art Innovator and Advocate, and Friend will sorely be missed...

2010-12-15T13:34:00.004-05:00

Jean Wenner, founder and former Director of the Council for the Arts passed away December 14, 2010. She truly enriched her community and left a positive legacy in her memory. Her impact on Onslow County concerning the Arts is beyond measure as a pioneer with vision for the arts in our community. She was dedicated to her family and extended family of friends and artists. She opened doors and created many opportunities for countless local artists (myself included) who will forever be grateful for her dedication. She was an accomplished artist whose work crowns many collections throughout the country.
.
Click HERE to see some of her artwork.
.
The community has lost a great artist and art advocate... Tami, Olivia, and I have lost a great friend. I am so glad that she got see the "Jean Wenner Art Library and Studio" named in honor of her and her many, many contributions to the arts and our community. She can never be replaced but she will always be remembered! Thank goodness her legacy will live on through her family and friends!
.
Bernie Rosage Jr
Artist
Vice President - Board of Directors
Council for the Arts

Santa says "Support the Arts!"

2010-11-09T11:33:00.006-05:00

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

Get the SCOOP from the Council for the Arts!

2010-11-01T11:38:00.005-04:00

Click HERE to check out the latest news, events, exhibits, call for artists, etc... from the Council for the Arts on our Facebook page.

Tons of great info, photos, and art!

News from our Facebook site...

2010-07-27T12:09:00.006-04:00

Be sure to be friend Council For The Arts on Facebook for the latest art scoop!

Here are some recent posts...

Council For The Arts It’s Called: “North Carolina” Ed Caram, our popular local photgrapher, has published a book of photo essays illustrating North Carolina and its people. This is a wonderful nostalgic look at familier scenes and folks who could be your neighbors. We were able to obtain a limited suppy of this perfectly charming coffe...e table book. If you are interested, be sure to stop in soon.

Council For The Arts Your Guide to the Arts Community of Eastern North Carolina. Includes gallery listings and new openings, showing information and holiday events. Highlights local artists and features - including musical and performing arts. Includes a calendar of events, gallery listings, and links to important art organizations in your... community.

Council For The Arts Local Artist Mitchell Morton is featured in the July & August Arts Alive.
http://www.nccoastonline.com/sections/AA.pdf

Council For The Arts Call to Artists! Call to Artist! Call to Artist! Harry Preston is looking for an artist who can paint four portaits on wooden crates. He will supply the crates and talk in deatail to anyone who is interested. The portraits will be: Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Stewart, Kurt Douglas and Geronimo. These four portraits will be... matched to the onr he has of John Wayne. Are you interested? Call 910/ 459-6708.

Council For The Arts This weekend we re-vamped our Sales Gallery and re-arranged the items. I believe the new paint color really adds a new element to our building. Come and check out the new sales items that arrived! Find the perfect gift item.

Council For The Arts Tina Gill is looking for a photographer that teaches children. If you are interested, please contact Tina tdgill@charter.net

Gallery Reception ~ August 8, 2010 ~ Council for the Arts

2010-07-27T12:07:00.002-04:00

The Opening Reception for the August exhibit by artist, Norm Robbins, titled "Manipulated Contemporary" will be help at the Council on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 2:30 PM.

Make plans to attend...

Location:
826 New Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone:910 455-9840
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm

Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild ~ Sea Grove

2010-07-27T12:03:00.002-04:00

Subject: Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild

For immediate release:

Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild The North Carolina Pottery Center is pleased to announce the exhibition, Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild, with an opening reception that is free to the public on Friday, August 13 from 6-8 pm. The exhibit, which includes for sale pieces, will be on exhibit August 13-November 13, 2010.

The Coastal Carolina Clay Guild was founded in 2007 by a group of Wilmington potters with the purpose of sharing ideas and promoting the art and craft of pottery in our community. The Guild has grown to 100 members who reside in the eastern regions of North and South Carolina and are a diverse group consisting of full time, part time, and student potters.

Almost half of the guild members are participating in this show including Dina Wilde Ramsing, whose imaginative figure works are published in many books; Don Johns, known for special crystalline glazes and surface decoration; Gayle Tustin, painter and clay muralist, Vicky Smith, UNCW instructor who mixes unfired clay with paint and glue; Geoff Calabrese, Cape Fear Community College instructor who makes head sculptures; Melanie Walter who combines clay with pine needles; Bill and Lacy Struve who invented bronze metal clay; and Hiroshi Sueyoshi, who uses crater glaze on altered form vessels. Mr. Sueyoshi is also president of Coastal Carolina Clay Guild, and will curate the show.

Other participants include: Renato Abbate, Barbara Allison, Marty Allran, Nicholas Basta, Bonnie Bowden, Denise Bramley, Liz Bryan, Celeste Cavanaugh, Julia Cook, Brian Evans, Sasha Federer, Tari Federer, Sue Frye, Eileen Gordon, Joyce Grazetti, Pam Greenough, Mary Holden Hall, Pat Hart, Linda Hartman, Dick Heiser, Kaete Held, Pat Holleman, Helene Icard, Joyce Ingraham, Joe Jeffcoat, Tonda Jeffcoat, Robin Jones, Michelle Kerwin, Mary Kimmel, Pat Lanzi, Roger Mansur, Janine McClellan, Joan Millette, Jerry Parnell, Pauline Purdum, Mark Shelton, Giles Singleton, Christa Sylvester, Brenda Thomas, Janelle Walker, Cindy Weaver, Sybil West, Kathy Whitley, Leslie Willett, Motsy Wynn.

The coastal region of the Carolinas does not have a traditional pottery history, but does have a thriving and supportive art community and is a growing part of the rich craft heritage of North Carolina.

The Coastal Carolina Pottery Exhibit will be on display at the North Carolina Pottery Center through November 13th, 2010. The NCPC, a non-profit entity which is supported in great part by donations from individuals, is located in Seagrove one of the state's key historical and contemporary pottery producing regions.

Exhibitions are made possible through the generosity of our membership, the North Carolina Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation and the Goodnight Educational Foundation. Thank you!

The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness of and appreciation for the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. The Center is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC. Hours of operation are Tue - Sat 10 am - 4 pm. For more information, please call 336.873.8430 or go to www.ncpotterycenter.org

Front Desk Receptionist
North Carolina Pottery Center
Seagrove, NC 27341
info@ncpotterycenter.org
336-873-8430

Call for Artists ~ ArtExposure ~ Local Produce

2010-07-27T12:00:00.002-04:00

ArtExposure presents:

Local Produce!

An Art Show Opening the 2nd Friday in August
August 13th from 6-8pm Arts,
Crafts and Produce Fair on Saturday,
August 14th10am-5pm

Artists, crafters and local growers wanted....all Spaces are 25.00

Visit www.artexposure.com and click on Events or Opportunities for Artists for more information#910-330-4077/ artexpo0@gmail.com

Call for Artists

2010-07-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

Subject: The Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council - 4th Annual Art Exhibit

The Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council has set the date for the 4th Annual Art Exhibit for August 20-22, 2010, at the Archdale Public Library. 2D and 3D artwork is accepted and there is a juried and non-juried gallery section. A special exhibition is dedicated to young artists. The past three shows have been a great success and we encourage you to join or visit! It’s free for NWRCAC members to submit 3 artworks, $5 each for non-members. A special artists reception will be held the Thursday night before the show.

For entry or membership information, call 802-1957 or visit www.nwrcac.org.
- - - -
Derrick Sides
Executive Director
Randolph Arts Guild
P.O. Box 1033
Asheboro, NC 27204
336.629.0399 phone
336.629.2892 fax
www.randolphartsguild.com

Local Artist, B.F. Reed, Exhibit in Wilmington.

2010-07-27T11:50:00.004-04:00

FastFrame Gallery in Wilmington is pleased to present its Summer Art Show:
Echoes of Color and Light - Art That Speaks Its Mind
Featuring the artwork of BF Reed and Gail Henderson, two artists whose creations resonate with multi-colored voices.

Featuring the artwork of BF Reed and Gail Henderson, two artists whose creations resonate with multi-colored voices.

We are very fortunate to be featuring the vibrant art of these two women. Gail Henderson and BF Reed use very different mediums but are united by their use of light, shadow and color. Both artists connect to their art on a personal, intuitive level. Come be refreshed and inspired by Gail Henderson's bright layered textures and intrigued and beguiled by BF Reed's rich colors and diverse subjects.

Exhibit runs July 23 through August 31

FastFrame Gallery
Landfall Shopping Center, 1319 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC, 28405
(910) 256-1105

"Clay & Ink" Exhibit by Johnnie Lee Scott and Libby Jacobi

2010-06-24T15:44:00.003-04:00

"Clay & Ink"
by Johnnie Lee Scott & Libby Jacobi

June 6 - July 30, 2010

YouTube video link HERE...