[07/03/08]6″ x 6″ and 24″ x 24″ Original Acrylic Paintings now available for purchase at Pony Express Photos and Frames located at 202 W. Exchange St, Owosso, MI 48867. A selection of mix and match matting and framing choices have been created exclusively for this line of paintings. Keep the same frames on the wall and easily swap paintings and/or mattings to create a new look for the season, month, occasion, mood etc. Must see to appreciate this new concept. Get excited! I am. Decorating is now easy and fun! Start your collection of Mix and Match Art by Jennifer JANSON today.
Alison Vernon is a Palette Knife Painter from New Hampshire. She is amazingly talented. This 4 minute videos give instruction as well as entertainment. Give it a try. Press play. You know you want to.
 Today is my 39th Birthday. Not a mile stone birthday but one to give celebration to none-the-less. I started my day off a bit differently today. Instead of waking and sipping my coffee and going straight to the computer I went for a walk with my Dogs. The morning air is chilled, the birds are singing joys for new day and my Dogs are floppy eared bounce running down the path. This may become my new routine. It was great. After my walk I did go to the computer to check my e-mail to find my letter from Robert Genn which I subscribe to. His words always seem to provide food for my creative soul, today especially. Perhaps it was the walk, maybe the birthday. In this letter was an extra gift, videos of him plein-air painting. Plein air simply means in open air or outside. I did enjoy the videos and think you may too. I am such a visual person, as most artists are, watching a process is so much more rewarding and informative than reading about it. I hope you enjoy my Birthday Gifts as I pass them along to you.
Kiln update: The electrician is installing the 220 outlet for my kiln as I type this. My partner found a book for me at Barnes and Noble . The Complete Potter by Steve Mattison. The complete reference to tools, materials, and techniques for all potters and ceramicists.
 I’m so excited. I have a kiln now. It was delivered to the lower level of my studio Yesterday. I bought it used from a co-workers mother. I know nothing about using a kiln but will have fun learning. I envision experimenting with glass and firing some pottery. I can create sculptures, wall ornaments, cookie jars, cool mugs and plates. Oh my.. okay but first thing first - I need a 220 outlet installed. The electrician will be here in the morning to assess the situation. I probably should get a book on the subject- kilns and pottery that is. I’ll have to talk to Deidre Hunt with the Artisan’s Circle in Lansing as well. She holds classes as do a couple others through the Shiawassee Art Center in Owosso. Oh I could make jewelry. Do hear hear the wheels in my head spinning?
The woman I bought it from warned me on the phone numerous times, “It’s ugly!” I had to laugh. As long as it works that’s all that matters to me. I bought it sight unseen. She was right it is ugly but I’m so excited it awesome to me. It stands about hip height. She said it’s big enough to do a good amount but not so big you feel like yo can’t fire it up because you don’t have enough to fill it. Click here to see more about my new kiln.
Art in the Park is the Shiawassee Art Center’s annual event that takes place during the Owosso Curwood Festival the first full weekend in June.
Art in the Park is comprised of activities for children, face painting, funny photos, sales of popcorn, pop, candy, book signings by Michigan authors, and other events.
Saturday 10am-6pm ,
Sunday 11am-4pm
Volunteers Needed! Call (989) 723.8354
Become one of the many thousands of people each year who look forward to the second weekend in June for one of the premier events the community has to offer.
Listen to local music by some of our areas best musicians. Stop by our concessions tent to enjoy a soda or bratwurst. For those 21 or older quench your thirst with an “adult” beverage at the Sidewalk Cafe.
 It Happens RAIN OR SHINE
6/13/2008 - 6 PM - 10 PM
6/14/2008 - 10 AM - 6 PM
6/15/2008 - 11 AM - 5 PM
Friday Night 6/13/2008
Go Friday evening from 6-10pm
for a FREE evening of Pre-Fair music.
The Flint Art Fair is located on the grounds of the Institute of Arts.
It’s on the corner of Kearsley St. and Crapo St.
The official address would be 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint 48503.
Phone: 810.234.1695
Artists can register online
Click here for information
on fees & services.
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2008 Fair was March 10, 2008.
For more information visit http://www.flintartfair.org/
We are constantly erasing the Dogs never ending abstract creations from this front window. I haven’t had the heart to erase their newest creation, an impressionistic masterpiece. Ale looks quite proud of it don’t you think?
Make a Junky Birdhouse or better yet an entire White Trash Park for the Birds!
THE HOME: Think of all those holiday tins collecting dust. Put them to good use. Any thin metal container will work for your birds home.
MAKING YOUR HOLE: You can start the hole for your birdhouse with an ice pick or large nail and a hammer or a drill with a metal drill bit. The trick here is to get a some support on the inside so your house doesn’t collapse while your starting the hole. Use a piece of wood that’s close in size to the interior diameter of your house. Make small starter holes larger by inserting a large screwdriver and or chisel. Manipulate it against the sides and strike it with a hammer until you get the shape and size you want for your entry. Keep the sides as smooth as you can so little tweeters don’t get cut.
PERCHES: Bird perches are easy to make using eating utensils. They are easily bent to shape and inserted directly into the hole. A not so easy perch was had by using the business end of a coke bottle. I had to carefully brake off pieces of glass to fit the shape of the wood at the base of this Coca Cola house. It was tapped into the wood somewhat then secured with hot glue.
SECURITY: Give your home weight to withstand winds and secure utensil perches in place by pouring one inch of Quick Crete inside your container.
ROOFS: I found used 4″ x 4″ fence post caps at a garage sale for a dollar piece. They already had that weathered patina I was looking for. You can buy them new if you need to for a few dollars each. Paint with a light coat of Latex then sand off the high spots for an aged look. Protect with Polyurethane Sealer for longevity. The Saltine Tin was the perfect fit for my roof. The Roof slides on and off like a lid. For the Coke Tin I used hinges.
CHIMNEYS: A Reeses Peanut Butter Spreader slides into a slender hole I made by drilling multiple holes side by side. The Pop Bottle Chimney was made the same way the Perch was (described above).
ACCESSORIES: Dots of melted solder were glued to the front of the tins for decoration. I recommend using Super Glue.
Okay this was your starting point. The rest is up to you. Have fun and let me know how it turns out.
The 44th Annual MSU Spring Arts and Crafts Show will take place
May 17th, 9 am - 6 pm, and May 18th, 10 am - 5 pm!
 329 booths of unique, hand-made items from artists and crafters around the country will be displayed on the grounds of the MSU Union.
You won’t want to miss this final UAB event of the semester!
Please contact UAB at 517-355-3354 for more information about the show.
The University Activities Board annually sponsors two major regional arts and crafts shows at the MSU Union. The Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is held the first weekend in December. The Spring Arts and Crafts Show is held the third weekend in May in conjunction with the East Lansing Art Festival. Please call the UAB Office at (517) 355-3354 for more information. Both shows are free for the public to attend.
The Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is one of the state’s largest indoor holiday shows with over 200 exhibitors. This Saturday/Sunday show is held throughout the four floors of the MSU Union building with attendance figures regularly exceeding 30,000. Please call the UAB Office for current booth fees.
The Spring Arts and Crafts Show is held outside on the grounds of the MSU Union. This show is held on Saturday and Sunday with over 300 exhibitors displaying items in a park-like setting on the MSU campus.
Most exhibitors utilize portable structures for their displays. The UAB Office can provide current booth fee prices. The East Lansing Art Festival is staged one block north of campus with over 225 exhibitors. More than 60,000 people annually attend these two outdoor shows.
To participate as an exhibitor, interested parties must first apply online to be placed on the mailing list. Please click on the link below and select “New Patron Request” from the Arts and Crafts Show Main Menu. Complete the new patron request form, and select mailing list(s) you would like to participate in (the annual holiday show, the annual spring show, or both). Once placed on the mailing list, exhibitors will receive a Patron ID Number (required to apply for the shows), and application date reminders (postcards) for upcoming shows. Once the new patron request is completed, patrons may edit their information at any time by selecting “Edit Patron Information,” also on the Arts and Crafts Show Main Menu.
The University Activities Board requires that the exhibitor produce the majority of the item that is displayed. Commercial/Buy-Sell products and food items are not permitted and will be removed from the exhibit if found to be displayed.
Hundreds of artists from Michigan and beyond come to Downtown East Lansing to exhibit art of all kinds. Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Blown Glass, Wood, Metal, Photography and more fill the booths that line our downtown streets.
The Festival features a variety of activities, performances, and demonstrations as well as food from dozens of vendors with tastes from around the world!
Go to their website to learn more.
More About the East Lansing Art Festival
 Established in 1964, the East Lansing Art Festival is held every spring during the weekend prior to the Memorial Holiday weekend. Known for featuring the highest caliber fine art and fine craft, this highly anticipated Festival attracts 70,000-80,000 attendees from across the region. Through the jury process approximately 230 artists from across the United States and Canada are invited to exhibit each year. Jurors also invite emerging artists to participate through a competitive selection process. Emerging artists must be affiliated with an institution of higher education within the last 2-3 years.
* 230 artist exhibitors from all over the U.S. and Canada
* 8 emerging artists affiliated with Michigan universities, colleges or art schools.
* Free performances on two stages highlighting a wide variety of music.
* Free arts activities for children and families.
* An international-style food court offering flavors from around the world.
 East Lansing is a charming University town with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, galleries and the beautiful Michigan State University campus across the street. The East Lansing Art Festival is produced by the Art Festival Board of Directors under the auspices of the East Lansing Arts Commission/City of East Lansing.
The East Lansing Art Festival is held the weekend preceding Memorial Day weekend. The festival operates 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
This is also the same weekend on the MSU Campus is the Spring Arts and Crafts Show. This fair is separately organized and run by the University Activities Board Office.
May 22-June
Lansing Art Gallery Downtown
June 6 - June 28
1208 & 1210 Turner Street Old Town Lansing
Overview statement
Do we need art to survive? Given concerns with the bottom line and the globalization of businesses and business practices, art seems to have become trivial and insignificant. It is simply something to match our new furniture. It no longer matters if that piece over the new leather couch is an original piece of art or a print, and no one seems to be worried about the difference between Manet and Monet.
The question becomes, what would happen if all of the world’s artists, art galleries, and art museums to decided to close shop? If you had one last chance to see original art, would you want it to say something? The Lansing Art Gallery near the Capital Building, and the Banyan Gallery and Studio 1210 in Lansing’s Old Town, are providing just that opportunity. A World Without Art will offer some of Michigan’s finest artists taking on some of the most pressing and important social issues facing Michigan, the US, and the world. This show will include photography, paintings, sculpture, poetry, and essays from all around Michigan. This is a great opportunity to see how the Michigan art community sees Michigan’s past, present, and future. Do not let this be the last time you will see art in Michigan.
visit http://www.worldwithoutart.com/
  Paula as done an excellent job displaying my paintings and tiles. Thank you Paula. Take a look for yourself and say hello while you’re at it. I will be at the Artisan’s Circle from 9 to 6 today. I’d love to see ya.The Artisan’s Circle - 1236-B Turner Street, Lansing, MI 48906
View Larger Map
Once again perfect weather for a day of art in Mid-Michigan. Travels included stops in Downtown Lansing, Okemos and Williamston Michigan. Russ and I started our day two blocks from the Capital during the lunch rush. That was a new experience for me. I enjoyed the hustle on the streets and businesses. Our first stop was one we happened upon after parking, Grand Art Supply 107 N. Washington Sq.; Lansing, MI 48933. TOYS! Brushes, paints, inks, clay, shine, bulk, texture, colors, panels, canvases . . . TOYS! Can you tell I was excited. I was able to control my purchase down to a just a couple things knowing I had a whole day of shopping ahead. The gentleman working was knowledgeable and helpful in assisting us with our selections.
Just down the street was our first scheduled stop. The Lansing Art Gallery located at 113 S. Washington Sq.; Lansing MI 48933 ph: 517-374-6400. The open layout was inviting. Good lighting and art presentation. Talent burst from every piece. I was truly impressed with the standards kept throughout the Gallery regarding quality. The prices were fair. The selection of wall art was excellent. Upstairs is the Exhibit Area where High School Art was on display. Award ribbons next to many pieces. This is where The Social Discourse Exhibit will be held in July. I did find out that the pieces I submitted were not selected. Bummer. That’s okay . . . On to the next stop.
Because we were so close we thought it would be fun to re-visit Impression Five Science Center located at 200 Museum Drive; Lansing, MI 48864. We hadn’t been there since we were kids. I remember it to be magical and was excited to experience a little of that again. However cool it was the magic no longer there. Replaced with wisdom I suppose. Harrumph!
A quick stop at Art Unlimited 4692 Okemos Rd.; Okemos, MI 48864 ph: 517- 349-8278, just long enough to realize it was indeed a place create your ceramic and fused glass masterpieces. This is a stop for other day. So off we went to The Framer’s Edge & Gallery located 1856 W. Grand River Ave; Okemos, MI 48864 ph: 517-347-7400 First off the bat you notice an spectacular display of frame styles. They are a work of art themselves but were not as spectacular as the selection of art already framed and for sale. The owner has excellent taste. She has many prints available, ready to be framed as well. The sales woman was genuine and friendly and was able to help Russ find a print he had been looking everywhere for. She took his information and call him back the very next day. Take a look. Hearts found naturally in nature.
Williamston was charming and fun. For such a small town we certainly had enough choices for shopping. We started at Kathy’s Kreme of the Kropp - 110 E. Grand River; Williamston, MI 48895 ph: 517-655-3732. A boutique of everything cute. Tons of small cute items for gifts. Upstairs was stuffed with 50% off bargains. Whoohoo. I bought garden accents, Russ bought a cement head! 
Around the corner was a Glass studio. Sadly it closes at 2pm and we were too late. We also missed a couple Antique shops due to weekend only hours. The coffee shop however was open as well as a nice book store.
My favorite in Williamston was our last stop of the day. The building located at 118 W. Grand River Ave. Williamston, MI 48895 is home to two businesses. Bloom by owner Aly Wendt 517-655-6800 and C A Concepts Studio by designer/artist Christine Freeman 517-803-4332. These two have go it goin’ on when it comes to home and garden accents and design. The store was filled with old and new items. Mixing the old with the new with creative re-assigning was carried out eloquently also. Old Windows hung sideways from the ceiling. Engine parts were welded together to create 3 foot tall metal flowers. Two planters stood as tall as I did. Their smoothly finished exterior disguised the fact that they were palm tree trunks! Holy Moly how cool is that!
Two antique “million drawer” dressers stole my heart. Christine took my name and will call me if she finds any more on her travels. We looked at two presentation books filled with her interior design work. WOW! She really should have her own show on HGTV. I was amazed to find this kind of talent tucked away into a small store in a small town in Williamston. She is AMAZING! If you are interested in a designer I highly recommend her.
4 Weekends Only
Starting Friday, April 25 and ending on Saturday, May 17, 2008
Store Hours:
Friday 12 Noon – 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wrought Iron, Aluminum Wicker
Casual and Patio Furniture
Craftmade Fans and Lighting
• Custom Orders Available
• Factory Over-Runs
• One-of-a-Kinds
• Discontinued Items
Woodard
210 South Delaney Road
Owosso, Michigan 48867
Directions: M-52 to M-21 West, South quarter mile on Delaney Road
Cash, Check and Visa/MasterCard – All sales are final.
 The rhythm in the studio this past week has been reminiscent of the musical Stomp, “Scribe, Saw, Sand, Sweep, Scribe, Saw, Sand, Sweep,” just picture it a lot slower and dustier and with only one noisemaker person.  Okay a far cry from the musical I know. Not all Artists work is entertaining that’s for certain. I’ve been cutting boards for all the frames and windows I’ve collected in preparation for my upcoming painting spree. Pictured to the right are frames I’ve already cut boards for.
 I scribe a line on the panel, tracing the interior dimensions using each frame as a template. I find it easier and faster than using ruler measurements because I have so many different sizes. For the most part I prefer using a battery powered hand circular saw to cut the panel.  I’ll clean up the edges and take the sheen off the surface with 80 or 120 grit sandpaper. A finish sander works well for this also and is faster when finishing off many pieces like I am now. Cutting and sanding panel board produces a whole lot of superfine sawdust. Make sure to wear a dust mask and goggles if you do this yourself.
I’m taking a break tomorrow for a Day of Art in Lansing, Okemos and Williamston topped off with a visit to my sister who is in the process of home renovations which should prove interesting all by itself. lol.
You may end up with leftover paint after a given task. Find a paint recycling program using Earth 911’s recycling locator. They take your leftover paint and give it new life.
Reuse Options
If you have leftover, unwanted paint in good condition, consider donating the paint for reuse to:
 A local charity- A high school drama department
- Your church
- A Habitat for Humanity chapter
- Keep America Beautiful affiliates
Some communities even offer “Swap Shops” (product exchanges) as part of a local household hazardous waste program, facility or local charity.
Recycling Options
Recycling paint can create a whole new product (recycled-content paint) through reprocessing and reblending.
- Reprocessed paint is mixed with virgin materials, tested and then packaged for distribution or sale.
- Reblended paint is remixed, screened and packaged for distribution or sale.
Typically reblended paint comes in only a handful of basic neutral colors. It has a much higher percentage of recycled content paint then reprocessed paint, which may influence its overall quality. Reblended paint can be used for interior/exterior painting, graffiti abatement, and local improvement projects.
Steel Paint Can Recycling
Empty steel paint cans are recyclable; however, not every community accepts paint cans as part of the local recycling program. Check with your local recycling or HHW coordinator for more information. To recycle, steel paint cans must be empty and all paint contents dried prior to recycling (so take off the lid and let them dry out).
Artwork represents a diversity of styles and a range of media including watercolor, oil, acrylic, pen & ink, collage, handmade paper, printmaking, clay, photography, pastel, metal work, jewelry, fiber, glass, metal, wood and more.
For more information call 989.723.8354
Shiawassee Arts Center
206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso
Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5pm,
Sunday 1-5pm,
(989) 723.8354, sac@shiawasseearts.org
Public Welcome, No Admission
En plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air”, and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.
 Artists have long painted outdoors, but in the mid-1800s working in natural light became particularly important to the Barbizon school and Impressionism. The popularity of painting en plein air increased in the 1870s with the introduction of paints in tubes (resembling modern toothpaste tubes). Previously, each painter made their own paints by grinding and mixing dry pigment powders with linseed oil. The Newlyn School in England is considered another major proponent of the technique in the latter 19th century.
It was during this period that the “Box Easel”, typically known as the French Box Easel, was invented. It is uncertain who developed it first, but these highly portable easels, with telescopic legs and built-in paint box and palette, made treks into the forest and up the hillsides less onerous. Still made today, they remain a popular choice even for home use since they fold up to the size of a brief case and thus are easy to store.
French Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir advocated en plein air painting, and much of their work was done outdoors, in the diffuse light provided by a large white umbrella. In the second half of the nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century in Russia, painters such as Vasily Polenov, Isaac Levitan, Valentin Serov, Konstantin Korovin and I.E. Grabar were known for painting en plein air. American Impressionists, too, such as those of the Old Lyme school, were avid painters en plein air. American Impressionist painters noted for this style during this era included, Guy Rose, Robert William Wood, Mary Denil Morgan, John Gamble, and Arthur Hill Gilbert. The Canadian Group of Seven originated by Tom Thomson and Filipino American artist Sherie Sloane [1] are examples of plein air advocates.
Excerpt from Wikipedia. Click here to read more.
The Shiawassee Arts Center invites you to the 36th Annual High School Scholarship Competition & Exhibition
$2,350.00 in Scholarships and Awards.
Baker College Welcome Center
Sunday April 20, 2008 1-3pm Reception. Awards Ceremony 3pm
For more information Contact
Shiawassee Arts Center
206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso
Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5pm,
Sunday 1-5pm,
(989) 723.8354, sac@shiawasseearts.org
Public Welcome, No Admission
Roger Alderman
Plein Air Oil Painter
Contemporary Abstracts
“My work is about expressing the spirit and energy I sense in the landscape. Painting on location provides a spontaneous and emotional response to the land and the presence we make as inhabitants.  In the studio, I abstract this responce even further into power shapes, colors, and symbols. In both cases, I leave out the details and allow you the viewer to fill those in with your own experience and imagination. If I have done my job as an artist utilizing color, light, form and composition, and you sense the spirit of things unseen, than I have succeeded. A Native American friend once said to me, “that to Native Peoples, everything has a spirit, the air we breathe, trees, animals-even rocks”, when she commented on seeing the shape of a bear in the rocks I had painted. If you can see the bear in the rocks, or in some way your spirit is moved to soar, then we are speaking the same language”.
Visit Rogers Website at: www.rogeralderman.com
 I was in the Studio today for the first time in months. The weather was great. Sunny and 60’s. I packed up the dogs and down the drive I went. I unloaded boards into my poor abandoned studio, now stocked with a winters worth of dust, cob webs and artsy finds. Boxes and Bins on top of tables now need a functional home for an amusement park ride of creativity yet to come. Excitement mixes with sighs, “Where to begin?” An open window blows the answer to me in a breeze of dust. I reacquainted myself with creative thoughts from the fall as I vacuumed around the artsy elements I’d collected. I thought about projects I’ll be working on soon and other ideas that have lit a fire within me recently. Cleaning and sorting are not a chore when your excited about what is around you. Opening the studio today was like opening a present. . . and cleaning a present. . . well maybe it’s like opening a present with some assembly required. None-the-less I had a good day.
I plan to make more Sun’s in Refurbished Window Frames next. I have an order for one coming up. These should be a lot of fun. I’ll be playing up the colors and geometry of these next pieces so look alive. They’ll be coming soon.
Cindy from Solution’s Spa had a great idea for a fragmented, figurative and dimensional piece for a couple of her walls in the Spa. That is the fire I have today. I have the most excellent feeling about this. I can’t picture it entirely because of unknown variables so I’ll be doing some experimenting, as always. What I want to do is to take an image and adhere it to the underside of glass fragments with the image showing through the glass, then mosaic it together loosely with unfinished edges on the wall. Cindy suggested adhering it to wire or mesh from behind also. Picture this over an entire wall. Magnificent! I can picture all that. My mind runs wild with ideas. “I could paint on the glass. In reverse?” I thought “Am I that talented?” I’m thinking not. That’s like saying your alphabet backwards. haa. . . .I’ll figure it out. Experimentation and no fear = fun. That’s what’s worked for me so far so I’m sticking to it.
I’m going to make note cards for the Artisan’s Circle tonight. They are selling quickly I hear. My neighbor Shelly is helping me out by placing an order for clear protectors through her Stampin’ Up Supplier. I looked everywhere I could think of in Flint and Owosso yesterday to no avail. Thank you Shelly.
Okay. That’s all for now. Thanks for stopping in. I’ll see you soon.
 In the past couple of weeks, there have been a number of reports signaling an increasing recognition of the importance of arts education, not only to personal growth and development, but to our broader workforce and economy. Last week, The Conference Board and Americans for the Arts, in partnership with the American Association of School Administrators released Ready to Innovate: Are Educators and Executives Aligned on the Creative Readiness of the U.S. Workforce? From that report: “Overwhelmingly, both the superintendents who educate future workers and the employers who hire them agree that creativity is increasingly important in U.S. workplaces (99 percent and 97 percent, respectively), and that arts training - and, to a lesser degree, communications studies - are crucial to developing creativity. Yes, there is a gap between understanding this truth and putting it into meaningful practice. Our findings indicate that most high schools and employers provide such training and studies only on an elective or ‘as needed’ basis.”
When you think about where in your K-12 public education you were encouraged to think “out of the box” or “color outside the lines” . . . where you were encouraged to use and develop your imagination, my guess it was in some type of an arts course or experience. It seems only common sense that in a world that values creativity and innovation, we want to guarantee that every child has the opportunity to develop that imagination. Spread the word!
Yours in creativity,
Neeta Delaney
President/CEO
ArtServe Michigan
 Precious Metal Clay represents a dramatic development in the handling of precious metals. PMC consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. PMC can be worked with the fingers and simple inexpensive tools to create a vast range of forms and surfaces that would be unattainable or laborious with traditional techniques.
When heated to a high temperature, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse to form solid metal that can be sanded, soldered, colored and polished like conventional material.
To read more click the link below.
An Introduction to the Material, Tools and Techniques of Working with Precious Metal Clay
Photo Courtesy of PMC Artist Carolyn (Mimi) Martyn from Dillsboro, NC. email inquiries to: mountainartist@gmail.com
 Palette knife painting has always been my passion although it took me a few decades to realize it. I had been painting with brushes for years when, during a demonstration, I applied some paint with a knife and felt a freedom and excitement about the technique I had never before realized. Although I am starting to use brushes again in my work, I have painted mostly with knives ever since that eureka moment. The knives provide a three dimensional quality to a painting which, combined with color and light, helps to create a lively result. My favorite subject matter is the natural environment: trees, fields, mountains, animals, lakes, and oceans.
The under-painting is applied in a thin sheen with the details of a piece applied with heavier texture. I generally use ten to fifteen different knives on a canvas, each knife providing a unique texture and effect. A painting must be finished the day it is started because the palette knife must be able to slide on the canvas rather than getting hung-up on partially dried paint. This technique requires using greater quantities of paint but the end result is fresh, and exciting.
Watch Alison create a painting on Blip TV
Go to Alison’s Website
Artbreak is a community marketplace for artists and art lovers. It’s a place for artists to share and sell their stuff, tell the world about themselves, get feedback, and make connections with other artists and people who like their work. It’s a place for art lovers to find incredible work from emerging artists from all over the world.
ART COLLECTORS
The site is easy to navigate and use
New works added every few minutes and viewable from one page
View by type of art or by Artist
ART SELLERS
No cost to post works or information about yourself
7.5% Sales Fee when your item sells.
Also a social site - gain feedback on posted works.
You never know what you’ll find framed in Old Town. left to right (Me, Brook, J.R., Kim, Russ)
The First Sunday Galley Walk today was so much fun. The weather was great! Sunny and 60! I arrived around 3 o’clock to find Old Town full of people. Every store including The Artisan’s Circle was filled! I was thrilled! I had friends and family stop in today to support my new endeavor which made it special. Thank you much.
Finds were had from The Walking Horse Gallery, The Artisan’s Circle and Haze Inc. including canvas paintings, ornate floral jars, jeweled pendants, handmade mugs, coffee table books and greeting cards. Kim found an elaborate ornate floral jar for her daughter’s sweet 16 along with a bag that played a ROCKIN’ Birtday tune to put it in from the Walking Horse Gallery. They also had a selection of Greeting cards by Susan Mrosek which I fell in love with. Russ was on a mission to purchase a large canvas painting by Mark Hahn we saw on our last Art Day in Old Town. We arrived to find Haze Inc. in the process of moving to their larger building next to the Creole Gallery on Turner Street. Despite the exhaustion from days of moving Hazel was more than helpful with acquiring the requested piece for Russ to purchase. Thanks Hazel.
Brook delighted us with her poems. My favorite was about the color Gray in Michigan. Kids are great. When you hear her rendition you won’t feel quite so “Gray” about our Michigan Weather. I believe you’ll feel comforted. I plan to create a painting with her poem as inspiration. I’ll share her words with the painting.
On the way back to our vehicles we snapped a picture to preserve the fun.
Social Discourse: An Arts Experience
A State-wide Juried Exhibition
May 22 - June 28th, 2008
For over a century, artists have been questioning the structures of society. This has included challenges to class, gender, race, and violence. We (The Lansing Art Gallery) are now asking Michigan artists to create art that deals with the concerns of our time at the individual, community, national and global levels. Ask questions, and seek answers with your art.
Deadline Entry: April 11, 2008
Awards:
Best of Show - $1000
Second Place - $500
Third Place - $250
Based on the Exhibit theme I will be entering these paintings. It would be great exposure to be selected for the Exhibit. I think Women of the World is my Front Runner. What do you think?
Wish me luck.
  
Interested in Exhibiting? View Prospectus PDF
I am pleased to announce my partnership with THE ARTISAN’S CIRCLE in Old Town Lansing, Michigan.
 I met with Deirdre Hunt and Paula Gibson this mornings at 9am. “Oh, you came early!” Deirdre said with that accent I could listen to all day long. She immediately called another owner from home for the jury process. Three owners of the co-op must approve the work of a new artist before they are allowed to join. Both Deirdre and Paula were eager to see my paintings. They’d been looking for another wall artist. I went to my Bravada, freshly polished yesterday for good luck, and grabbed my smallest bin of paintings holding many 8×10 seascapes. “Good. A variety of sizes.” She said enthusiastically as I walked in the door. “I’m off to a good start” I thought. They led me toward the back of the Gallery where I proceeded to lay out some of my paintings. Deirdre loved my wavy frame and how the fish swam right out of the picture onto it. She picked it up to take a closer look. Paula remarked on how nicely the backs were finished, “It makes a difference,” She said.
Things just kept getting better as I showed them my work. I was energized by their excitement. I took 6×6 Dreamy Window Ceramic Tile out of the bubble wrap and set it on my table top easel. “Do you have the originals for these?” Deirdre asked. I felt she was asking because she was in question if I was the creator. She was, and rightfully so. Everything in the THE ARTISAN’S CIRCLE must be a creation of the artist. When I explained the process and showed her the original she was satisfied. “It looks just like Yorkshire” she exclaimed.
Paula had a great idea to display the tiles alongside the originals. When she held them together in the air to demonstrate her vision I whole-heartedly agreed. It was perfect! Paula arranges items and displays in the Gallery daily to create energy and a continual new look and feel especially for the repeat customers. I agreed with the ideas and practices this veteran artist had to offer for my own work specifically as well as thoughts about the business end of art. She is very passionate about what happens to not only the gallery but with the artists and customers as well. I felt both ladies were genuine and knowledgeable which was an essential component for me to join their circle.
Many wonderful exchanges were made and I did decide to join. I am excited and a bit nervous with the unknown. It’s quite an investment of money, time, emotion and energy. I do love what I know of Old Town with it’s First Sunday of the Month Gallery Walks and all the festivals through the warmer months. I’m excited to be a part of such a talented group and look forward to getting to know them. Please visit . I’ll be working 24 hours a month in the Gallery. I’d love to see some familiar faces when I’m there. Our hours are:
Sunday noon - 5pm
closed Monday
Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
The Artisan’s Circle
1236-B Turner Street
Lansing, MI 48906
Call for Artists! contact:
info@theartisancircle.com
or 517-675-2050
Taste & Tour of Old Town - Sunday, April 6
Sample the food of Old Town as well as get a glimpse of some of the newly renovated lofts in the area, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6.
Formerly Old Town on Ice, the Taste & Tour of Old Town gives visitors a chance to taste specialties from Rendezvous on the Grand, Vernadine’s Soul Food, Grand Cafe Sir Pizza, Pablo’s Panaderia, Mama Bear’s Cafe, Poppa Leo’s Pizza, Golden Harvest, Olympic Broil and October Moon.
New this year are loft tours, which give Old Town residents a chance to show off their living space. Visit the Old Town Commercial Association office, 1232 Turner St., for a map of the tour the day of the event.
Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 the day of or $5 for just the tour portion.
For more info, visit www.iloveoldtown.org or call 485-4283. - Emily Smith
“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”—Michelangelo
 The stature and prominence, the importance and influence of Michelangelo’s David statue may surprise you!
The David statue tells a story, yes, and that story is here. But the statue has his OWN story to tell, one that not many people know.
I have attempted to tell the David’s story, both in history and all the way through to modern pop culture, as a resource for you. I hope that you not only find out how fascinating Michelangelo’s most famous statue is, but that for school and education purposes, or even pure appreciation, this will be an entertaining and enlightening page.
Excerpt from Michelangelo’s David on Squidoo
I love win-win situations. Even more, I love win-win-win situations. Three benefactors in one! The Gifts of Art Program offered through the University of Michigan Hospital is just that.
- Hospitals benefit by not having to purchasing artwork.
- Patients, families and staff get entertainment, distraction and escape from their stressful situations.
- Artists works are seen by a large number of people.
Gifts of Art brings the world of art and music to UMHS patients, their families and friends, and staff. They offer 54 different Exhibit galleries viewed by an estimated 10,000 people every single day. Donated artworks are on display for a period of 8 weeks. Items sold during or within 30 days after the exhibit will be assessed a 35% commission which helps support the Gifts of Art Program.
Make a Art Date at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan.
“University of Michigan Hospital Gifts of Art Program
Gifts of Art brings the world of art and music to UMHS patients, their families and friends, and staff. This comprehensive program, one of the first of its kind in the nation, was developed as an extension of the Hospitals’ commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education.
Gifts of Art offers artistic and aesthetic opportunities for its patients, their families and friends, and staff intended to revitalize and enrich their lives, assist and enhance the healing process, and reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with health care settings. In addition, Gifts of Art provides leadership in developing and exploring the relationship between the arts and healing.”
They offer a variety of art related services including 54 different Exhibit galleries, live music and an art cart program.
EXHIBIT GALLERIES
 Gifts of Art’s eight galleries annually feature 54 different exhibits, including two and three-dimensional spaces that are viewed by approximately 10,000 people each day. This makes our galleries some of the most widely visited indoor, non-museum exhibit spaces in Michigan.
The artwork on display is richly diverse in style, medium, form and subject, and provides an ever-changing sampling of the best art the region has to offer. View our current exhibits online. For a quick reference for exhibit information, including gallery locations and hours, please go to our printable Exhibit Schedule Card (pdf).
Gifts of Art does an annual Call for Entries to select artwork for the Exhibit Galleries. Find out more about our Call for Entries. In addition, Gifts of Art hosts an annual Employee Art Exhibition that offers Health System faculty and staff an opportunity to display their creative works. Learn more about the annual Employee Art Exhibition.
How to purchase art: To purchase a piece of art on exhibit with Gifts of Art, please call (734) 936-ARTS. Gifts of Art accepts checks, visa and U-M employee payroll deduction.” . . .
“ART CART
 The Art Cart program is a lending library of framed poster art. Volunteers take two colorful carts of framed posters to the patient floors in the adult and children’s hospitals and offer patients a selection of artwork to display in their rooms. The simple choice of artwork is one way we try to give patients a sense of control at a time when so much is decided for them. Many times these images have a profound affect on patients and become valued “companions” in their hospital experiences.”
Contact your local Hospital’s marketing Department to see if they offer a similar service. If not, suggest the idea as a win-win-win proposition. An exhibit could start out as a “one time test run trial” and progress from there as comfort levels increase. Volunteers could run a significant amount of the time involved to coordinate. Perhaps the local Arts Council could help in getting started.
 I was thrilled to receive my sample ceramic tiles in the mail yesterday. I ordered four of the 6×6 tiles to test variations in color reproduction, clarity etc. Dreamy Window 6×6 Ceramic Tile won my heart so-much-so that I am planning on making available more tiles with the picture frame remaining. I had been cropping out the frame but not anymore.
It’s a tiny, shiny piece of framed art that has a trompe l’oeil effect. I displayed it on a small table-top easel and snapped a picture to share with everyone. (The tea cup is just for perspective.) I just love it. Let me know what you think by posting your comments below.
A 6×6 tile is priced at $20.00 available through The Print Shop.
trompe l’oeil is French for “fool the eye.” A two-dimensional representation that is so naturalistic that it looks actual or real (three-dimensional.)
definition courtesy of Ackland Art Museum
The idea of an artists’ cooperative is really very simple - a group of artists get together to divide expenses and chores so that they can exhibit and sell their work. They rent communal space; they volunteer their time and contribute to shared expenses. Their hope is that they will find a reliable place to exhibit work and that they will mutually benefit from being in the business of selling work in addition to creating it.
The effort may be a cooperative one among colleagues with a common purpose. It may be based on the spirit of volunteerism and without the expectation of huge profits. That being said, it is still very much a business venture, and so it may be helpful to review some business basics.
excerpt from The Cooperative Artist - How to Organize and Run a Cooperative Gallery for the Visual Arts
I had the best day yesterday. I spent it with a friend walking around Old Town Lansing, Michigan. The weather was perfect for this time of year, mid 50’s and sunny. We visited many Art Galleries and Studios. I have to admit I was a bit surprised by how much character was in the area. There were special touches everywhere. The restaurant we ate at called Mama Bear had Paw Prints painted on the Metal structures under the awning outside the building. October Moon has multiple large planters on the sidewalk by the road to mark her spot. I can’t wait to see it in bloom this spring. Old brick buildings and murals were also a favorite of mine.Of the galleries we visited here are my favorites.
The Artisans Circle 1236 B. Turner St., Lansing, MI 48906 517-374-9864. This is an artist co-op, which I am considering joining. They opened in October 2007 and feature locally-made artwork in a variety of media including painting, pottery, leather work, quilting, blown glass and many other unique creations. I felt the quality of work here was excellent. These are a talented group of individuals. I very much enjoyed talking with Deirdre Hunt about the possibility of partnering with these artists to sell our wares.
Haze Inc. Gallery and Ceramics 119 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 517-918-8446. Haze Inc. has been in Old Town for quite some time. Hazel Hotwagner who teaches and sells ceramics owns it. At the back of this store she has a kiln and tables set up for her classes. The front half she has other artists creations on display for sale. I saw some very nice art pieces as well as many nice craft items. This is somewhat an artist cooperative as Hazel offers space to artists at a small price and gives them a place to display works and join resources to help each artist make the most from their talent. They are moving to a different part of Old Town soon. This is another location I am considering to sell my works.
Hazel is a great resource and gave me a referral to Commercial Blueprint on Cedar Street in Lansing to have my works scanned and reproduced. The reproductions I saw in the store were excellent and the Artists were able to sell them for a very reasonable price. I was impressed and will be giving them a call.
October Moon 1209 Turner St. (soon to be 119 E. Grand River Ave.), Lansing, MI 48906 517-485-4100. I absolutely loved October Moon. After I visited her store I felt like I had been somewhere special. The owner is beautiful and greets you with a wonderful smile. She is very down to earth, just lovely herself. The store is packed with a good variety of things. Lots of small boutique items, a large assortment of marinates, dressings etc., charming house wares and gift items like leather picnic bags and unique slippers. I purchased a beautiful blue bud vase with heavy magnet attached. Sounds a bit odd I know but it’s so charming. I plan to display clippings from seasonal blooms. When they wilt I won’t feel bad to toss and replace because it’s just a few blooms and because the vase is magnetic, I won’t have to worry about it tipping over or the cat getting to it. The clincher with October Moon - she wrapped my vase in tissue paper and made it pop up over the top of the bag like a gift, then tied a beautiful freshly cut pink rose to the handle with brown twine. I felt special for my tiny purchase. She gave me an ‘I’m moving card” that also said “Thank you for being a part of my little store”. I can tell she means it.
Absolute Gallery and Custom Framing 307 E Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 517-482-8845. Absolute Gallery is a large gallery receiving the most wall art award for the day. There were lots of excellent works on display at reasonable prices. Framed art on old brick walls and tons of loose prints and originals in bins to flip through, large greeting card assortment featuring artists’ works for $3 each. She also has over 7,000 frame moldings, wow!
Walking Horse Gallery and Gifts 1212 Turner St., Lansing, MI 48606 517-484-9545. Don’t let the name fool you. This is not an equestrian art gallery. They do have some very nice original equestrian works but also an assortment of well just about everything else. I particularly liked her wreaths and a metal wall piece with excellent patina made to look like an old outdoor wall lantern.
Other places we missed for one reason or another.
ae Gallery 523 E. Grand River
A Simple Elegance 317 E. Grand River
Creole Gallery 1218 Turner St. - Weekends Only
Honora Bird Studio and Gallery 1207 Turner - Enter from the Back
Little Blue Hippo Art Studio 511 E Grand River
Studio 1210 1210 Turner St.
Old Town is Wonderful and from everything I see and hear it’s growing by leaps and bounds in beauty and culture. Forget filling the gas tank. Instead I suggest taking advantage of this local attraction.
If you are looking to sell your original art work on line check out these websites. They will offer a way to upload a photo and description of your artwork and set up a way for you to receive payment if your item is sold.
eBay
Etsy
Absolute Arts
Yessy
Artist Rising
Boundless Gallery
Art Flock
Art by Us free
GoZabo
The Fine Art Originals free
art-agent free
Some have fees and some are completely free! There is always a small processing fee to collect payment (2.5 - 5%). They all have pros and cons depending on what you are looking for. Generally speaking the more you pay, the more exposure you could receive. Those dollars and cents are used to drive traffic to the site in general and hopefully to your specific item/s. There is no guarantee that you will be seen by a certain number of people or by any at all. In fact when checking out many of these on line venues sales numbers look bleak. Most postings go unsold and many artists are not selling.
I would suggest to use these services as a tool only. Do not rely on them as your entire marketing/sales team. Your work has only begun once you post your work. Think of it this way.
- Your posting = a photo/picture/snapshot in time.
- The website (say eBay) = photo album
- Internet = bookshelf.
You can put the most beautiful picture inside the prettiest photo album but no one will ever see it sitting on the bookshelf. Show it to everyone you know and them some. Now is the time for show and tell. Show your enthusiasm as well. Your friends and family will be excited with you and even help you along the way. So think like a kid again and get excited about your “Show and Tell.”
Artists create 3D sculpture from Red Bull Cans. Click here to see their gallery.
| | |
