June 23 & 24, 2007 – Open Studio in my home. Hope to see you!
July 16, 17 & 18 – Colored Pencil Workshop at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Okoboji.
Forget the colored pencils you remember using as a child or in school – the hard lead and flat, dull colors. Today’s colored pencils have evolved into an appreciated and accepted fine art medium Their smooth, buttery leads full of deep, rich color along with their versatility make them an exciting choice as a means of expression for an increasing number of artists.
I will focus on the traditional materials, methods and techniques in creating colored pencil drawings (tools and papers. mixing and changing colors, decreasing and increasing color intensity, burnishing, impressed line, establishing values, varied linear techniques, sgraffito, and care for finished drawings) as well as the use of solvents to create painting-like colored pencil work.
Each day’s format will include a lecture/demonstration, hands-on practice by the class participants, free time to explore the possibilities followed with a class critique. Call 712-332-7013 to register.
July 19 – Artist Lecture – Pearson Lakes Art Center Okoboji, 6-7 p.m.
August 18 – Lakes Art Center Art in the Park, Arnolds Park.
Yes, it has been a very long time since my last newsletter. In fact, my last rough draft
read ‘the outdoor light is changing, the days are getting shorter, the hummingbirds have come and gone (a joy for me to sit and watch). The Monarchs are gliding effortlessly through the air, the acorns are dropping and the corn and beans are being harvested. All signs of summer’s end and prelude to winter.’ So it has been a while. Those other chapters in my book of life have required almost all of my time - our son’s wedding, moving into a new middle school, a completely new teaching schedule, the addition of pottery to my curriculum, and caring for family members. I have found myself walking into my studio and looking around, longing to spend time there......creating.
However, I need to remind myself, there is a “season” for the chapters in my life – caring and nurturing the children, employment to financially support the family, caring for an ill/disabled spouse, parent or child, etc. Often these chapters will require almost all of my time and commitment. And that is the way it is supposed to be. The season for my art will come. Knowing that and accepting that will lessen the frustration and deliver a certain amount of peace as I turn the pages of those chapters. Fragments of time to create are so precious and nourishing to the artist in me.
The town of Rolfe is using one of my abstract bike pieces for the back of their Ragbrai
t-shirts. Exciting and fun for me!!
July 14 - Backyard Bach and Blues, the Spencer Area Art's Council's annual summer fundraiser and themed "The Great Gatsby Party at the Mansion" in 2007 will be hosted by Neal and Kitty Conover of Spencer at their home located at 1215 N. Grand Ave. What a ‘grand’ evening!!Call Arts on Grand for ticket information, 712-262-4307.
Remember, www.artslive.com is the best resource for finding an arts-related event in and around northwest Iowa. All in one place. There is a lot happening!
I encourage you, if you have not already, to visit Hank Hall’s new studio Art on 16th
in Spirit Lake. Hank’s unique art studio & gallery has moved from the Carnegie Building to a new location in a historic wood-working shop at 709 16th Street. The gallery will feature one-of-a-kind Hank Hall artwork and the work of other guest artists. Also check out his offering of classes.
The Shops of Hill and Lake in uptown Spirit Lake are gearing up for a great summer. Many shops and restaurants will offer extended hours on Fridays. Hank Hall of
Art of 16th will offer wine from 5-7 on the First Friday of each month (June 1, July 6, August 3).
I was not a participant in the 2006 Artisans Road Trip, but I and a few other artists did map out our tour and thoroughly enjoyed the day. This free, self-guided tour of several professional artists’ studios from NW Iowa Counties offers a wonderful opportunity to see where and how the participating artists work and to purchase unique original fine arts and crafts. For more information regarding the 2007 A.R.T. events as they develop, go to www.artisansroadtrip.com
I have mentioned in prior newsletters how much I enjoy reading Jack White’s articles in The Art Calendar magazine. I recently read his blog about ‘Love’. I know, sounds a bit corny. Again, a great read. http://www.jackwhiteartist.com/pages/art-blog.htm
I continue to be amazed as to the world-wide web......the opportunities the internet
offers (sometimes scary). I have people from all over the world visit my website. I recently was invited by an Arts organization in the UK to add my website to theirs.
After a bit of investigation, my website is offered among other artists and writers from Moscow, Berlin, London, Romania...AMAZING!!!!!
This is an exciting time for Northwest Iowa!!!! The ARTS are alive and doing very well.
katie
