Artisans Road Trip

Call For Artists!

2012-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Are you an artist that would like to take part in the 2012 Artisans Road Trip open studio tour?! Do you know a quality artist that you think would like to be a part of this nearly decade long tradition?

If you answer yes to either question then now is the time to act!!! The 2012 Artisans Road Trip event is now in the jurying process for the 2012 event. All that is needed is to fill out an application and send in a CD with 3 sample images for jurying, and an application fee for the 2012 event - which actually encompasses a year-long benefit of publicity, full color brochures, a comprehensive website of all participating individual artists, museum and gallery exhibits throughout the year, and a lot, lot more!!!

The Artisans Road Trip is organized and run by artists for artists!

To get a prospectus to fill out and apply for participation, go to this link -

http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/2012%20ART%20Prospectus.pdf

and download/print out the PDF application form, supply the CD with your artwork image files, insert your application fee and you're on your way to another exciting year of the Artisans Road Trip!!!

Don't miss out on this great opportunity and event! Get your applications in today!

Happy Holidays from A.R.T.!!

2011-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

The Artists from the 2011 Artisans Road Trip would like to take a moment to thank you for your support in 2011!

There is still the 2011 A.R.T. exhibition showing at the Clear Lake Art Center in Clear Lake, IA; this show runs through January 10th, 2012.

We are now gearing up for another outstanding year for 2012, and we'll be bringing you news and information on all our 2012 artists and exhibitions throughout the new year!

Looking forward to seeing you in 2012!

A.R.T. at Clear Lake and More!

2011-11-30T08:58:00.001-08:00

The 2011 Artisans Road trip artists are exhibiting at the Clear Lake Art Center in Clear Lake, IA now though January 10th, 2012. Not ones to let moss grow under their feet, the Artisans Road Trip participants keep their work out there for the public to see and enjoy all year around! If your heading east or have friends and family in the Clear Lake area, let them know you have an area treasure there for them to enjoy too!

The Clear Lakes Art Center is a fairly new facility, one to not miss if you have the opportunity. It is located at 17 South 4th Street, Clear Lake, IA 50428 | 641-357-1998 | and its hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10AM - 5PM.

Another great opportunity to see work by A.R.T. artists is at the Holiday Open House being held this Saturday - December 3rd! A.R.T. artists Beth Cathcart, Linda Fries, Diane and Wendell King, Barb McGee and Bruce Morrison will be showing at this Peterson area event along with other artists!

Not doing anything Saturday?! Come on down to Peterson and enjoy the chance to see what's new and even pick up something actually made in the good old USA! (And right here in our own backyard to boot!) There will be goodies and a good time to be had by all!

Artists will be at the Linda Fries Studio, Barb McGee's Gallery and at the Rocking M Pottery studio.

To find these simply click on this link -

http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/Ridge%20and%20Tallgrass.htm

On the A.R.T. map there click on the #19, 20 and 21 spots and you'll be taken to each locale for address, phone number and driving instructions!

The Holiday Open House runs from 9:00 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Saturday December 3rd! We hope to see you there!!!

Close to Home!

2011-11-21T15:26:00.001-08:00

"All" A.R.T. Artists encourage you to stay close to home for Shopping Small on Small Business Saturday! The above are just a small sampling of Artisan Road Trip artists you can find great gift ideas from! Artwork - upper left clockwise - Mel Myers, Diane King, Perry Polson and Danielle Clouse

You've all heard of supporting local businesses, and maybe you've even been hearing about Small Business Saturday(?)!! The two go hand in hand! Forget Black Friday, or if that's a big event for you - wind down the next day (November 26th)with shopping small at an Artisans Road Trip Artist near you!

One good example would be Mel Myers - Mel has been working on new glazes and forms in his Clay County Clay studio at 717 11th Ave East, located in the building behind the Council on Aging in Spencer. Stop by to see his newest creations of hand thrown, hand carved functional and decorative pieces that are safe for food, dishwasher, and oven use. These one-of-a-kind gifts make nice Christmas, birthday, or wedding presents. Give him a call at 7125802529 or 7122623383, or just stop by the studio.

There are many other example too, but to make things simpler just go to the Artisans Road Trip web site - the gallery link - http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/gallery.... and choose an artist for more information.

Don't know many of the A.R.T. artists? Try a look at the A.R.T. map - http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/Overall-... and click on any number at any location for more information - where they are, what they do and their contact information!

Enjoy an outing on Small Business Saturday! Keep your money in your local area and buy local while supporting the arts!

Second Stories

2011-11-16T07:33:00.001-08:00

(From Judy Hemphill's "Second Story" slide show)

images © Judy Hemphill

Artisans Road Trip member Judy Hemphill of Spencer, Iowa, is an aerial, commercial, and fine art photographer. As changes occur in her surroundings her commercial and contract images often become historical documents. Since last spring Judy has been part of a project focusing on historical documentation. Through the Spencer Renaissance Initiative Grant Program, Spencer Historic Preservation Commission hired Judy to photograph interior spaces of second floor properties in downtown Spencer. "Second Stories," an open house and presentation featuring these images, will be Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 5:30 - 7 pm in Spencer City Hall Council Chambers.

Due to a variety of circumstances many of the former office and residential spaces on the second floors of buildings in the Grand Avenue Historic Commercial District are vacant. Many are time capsules which have not been disturbed since last occupied 20 to 40 years ago. Judy captured overall views of hallways, kitchens, other living areas, offices, a dance studio, and an assembly hall. Also pictured are vintage wallpapers, light fixtures, and views from some of the windows overlooking Grand Avenue.

During the "Second Stories" open house, images of most of the Historic Commercial District exteriors and seven of the District interior spaces will be shared in an ongoing slide show. At 6:00 photographs of the seven interiors will be featured with comments. “Second Stories” property interiors included are the Medlar, Moore, McAllister Block, Floete-Cornwall (Glass Block), Union Block, Citizens National Bank, and I.O.O.F. Buildings.

Spencer Historic Preservation Commission invites everyone to “Second Stories,” an open house and photographic presentation by Judy Hemphill, on Tuesday, November 22, from 5:30-7 pm in the Spencer City Hall Council Chambers, 420 Second Avenue West, 712/580-7200.

A Farewell Note

2011-11-11T07:39:00.001-08:00

Its not just a loss for A.R.T., but one for everyone whose life and art she touched. Anita Coon taught art at the High School level for 32 years. She also did adjunct work for Buena Vista University. She received the outstanding secondary art educator award from the state Art Educators of Iowa in 1993. And she presented art workshops locally and nationally.

Anita was an active member of the Artisans Road Trip since 2005 and operated a working art studio, "Studio Upstairs," in Storm Lake.

A person of incredible optimism, Anita passed away on November 8, 2011, at BVRMC Hospice in Storm Lake after a 4 year illness with Pancreatic Cancer. She will be missed by all.

Off Season?

2011-11-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

(Clock-wise from the left - Mari Stewart's mobile "Luminous Tear Drops",

"Out-of-the-box" drawing class with Hank Hall and "Art on a Card" exhibit

at Arts on Grand in Spencer.

If there were an "off season" for the Artisans Road Trip you'd be hard pressed finding it!

A.R.T. artist Mari Stewart of the Side Street Gallery and Frame Shoppe in Arnolds Park, recently exhibited in the Rock Rapids Annual Art Show. The annual show is put together by the Rock Rapids Business Women and is in its 46th year. Mari's mobile "Luminous Tear Drops" was awarded 1st place in the three dimensional division.

On the teaching side of art - Hank Hall is holding his "Out-of-the-box Drawing Class", an adult drawing class that started November 2nd, Wednesday afternoons at Art on 16th in Olde Town Spirit Lake. Classes run for four weeks.

And, as mentioned in the last A.R.T. blog - "Art on a Card" continues at Arts on Grand in Spencer. This exhibit features several A.R.T. artists and their select artwork is available as Christmas/Holiday Cards for purchase at Arts on Grand. This fund raising event supports the arts in Spencer. The exhibit (sponsored by Woolverton) runs through December 10th.

Watch for more from artists of the Artisans Road Trip!

A.R.T. artists participate in "Art on a Card"

2011-10-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Frosty Morning Bales" oil painting © Bruce A. Morrison

- example of the winter themed works exhibited

during "Art on a Card" at Arts on Grand in Spencer.

Artisan Road Trip artists are keeping busy all year around, not just during the road trip itself! We each have our own exhibition and workshop schedules and even participate together and with other non-road trip artists.

One such exhibit is coming up fast - the "Art on a Card" exhibit at Spencer's Arts on Grand. Of the 12 exhibiting artists, 8 are from the 2011 Artisans Road trip.

Each exhibiting artist has given Arts on Grand permission to print one of their artworks or photographs on a note card. The cards will feature winter themes, making them a great choice for use as Christmas cards this season! The cards will be sold individually or in boxes of 12 cards, one by each of the exhibiting artists. What a great fund raiser for Arts on Grand!

"Art on a Card" opens at Arts on Grand on November 1st and runs through December 10th. There will be an opening reception (sponsored by Woolverton) on Thursday November 3rd from 5 - 7 p.m. The public is invited!

Send out Christmas cards by area artists - what a great idea!

The Real Fun of It!

2011-10-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

"Summer Evening on Waterman"

Thank you to everyone who took in the 2011 Artisans Road Trip weekend on 9/30/11 through 10/2/11! It was a win-win for everyone out there! The "road trippers" had a very nice weekend of things to do and see, and the artists received some support for their efforts, got to meet new people and had fun showing off their wares and works!

And I'm no exception - I really enjoy showing off the studio here along the Waterman Creek valley south of B40. It's a beautiful scenic location and so many new visitors are very surprised its here and they never knew about it! That's the real fun of A.R.T.!

That's the case with all facets and artists of A.R.T. - there's a pleasant surprise around every corner! Unique studios and galleries, one of a kind works and memorable travels around our beautiful corner of the state!

Thank you for supporting the Arts in NW Iowa!

2011 Artisans Road Trip at Arts on Grand!

2011-09-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Arts on Grand (Spencer, Iowa) and the Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy (SPACE) will be co-hosting Business After Hours tonight (Tuesday, September 27) from 5-7:00 p.m. at Arts on Grand. This event is also serving as the opening reception for the 2011 Artisans Road Trip "Northwest Iowa Treasures" exhibit there! This A.R.T. exhibit will be up and showing through October 29th at Arts on Grand.

Passing through Spencer? Drop in at Arts on Grand and see a sampling of the artists of NW Iowa's 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

For even more fun - travel the autumn roads and drop in on the studios of the A.R.T. artists in person!
A.R.T. runs from this Friday (September 30) at 4-8:00 p.m. through Saturday and Sunday (October 1 and 2) from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. each day.

The 2011 Artisans Road Trip! It just doesn't get any better than this!!!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist Hank Hall

2011-09-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hank Hall working on a teapot in his studio

This 2011 Artisans Road Trip spot light is on Hank Hall! Hank Hall,Spirit Lake native, invites you to stop duringArtisans Road Trip at Art on 16th, his creative laboratoryin the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes.

"Irrigating Nebraska"

(drawing © Hank Hall)

Hall’s eclectic gallery plus studiois located on 16th Streetacross from the post office in Olde Town Spirit Lake!

"Saturated Fat Friday"

(art work © Hank Hall)

Hall’s goal atArt on 16^th is to present remarkable art for sale by area artistsand to offer quality art classes for students of all ages and levels.

It's just around the corner! Be sure and take in the artists of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip Friday - September 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday - October 1st and 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day!

See you there!

2011-09-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Prairie Poem Wetland Chorus"

art work © Dennis Dykema

2011 Artisans Road Trip artist Dennis Dykema has been working on panoramic landscape paintings of Iowa settings recently. The artist describes them as being based on older Loess Hills scenes and also some very local ones as well. For those out there who are less familiar with Dennis and his work, here is a little more background on the Spirit Lake painter.

Dennis L. Dykema was born in Worthington, Minnesota in 1940. He studied art at Morningside College, and the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a Master's Degree in painting in 1970. He was appointed to the art faculty at Buena Vista University in 1970 and has served there until his retirement in 2001. In 2006 he and his wife moved to Spirit Lake. Dykema’s second-floor studio is located at 1720 Hill Ave. in downtown Spirit Lake, IA.

"Spring's Promise"

art work © Dennis Dykema

Dykema's paintings have been exhibited extensively, including shows at the Des Moines Art Center, Sioux City Art Center, Olson-Larsen Galleries in West Des Moines, The Brunnier Gallery in Ames, the MacNeider Museum in Mason City, and the Anderson/Obrien Gallery in Omaha. In 1989 a group of his paintings toured Poland at the invitation of the Central Bureau of Artists Exhibitions. In 1993 his work was represented in the Fragile Giants, a touring show that focused attention on Iowa’s Loess Hills. Dykema’s work from that show was eventually shown in such far reaching places as Washington, DC, and the US embassy residence in Swaziland, Africa.

"So Much to Remember II"

art work © Dennis Dykema

Dykema's works are included in many public, corporate, and private collections; among them, the Sioux City Art Center, MacNeider Museum of Mason City, 3M Company of Minneapolis, Norwest Banks of Sioux City and Des Moines, Principal Financial Group, Pioneer Company of Des Moines, Pella Rollscreen, and the University of Iowa Hospitals. His paintings may be seen locally at his studio and at Art on 16th in Spirit Lake.

Meet and greet artists just like Dennis all along the 2011 Artisans Road Trip in just a couple weeks!!! Friday - September 30 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday - October 1 and 2 from (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.!

For more information, visit the A.R.T. web site at - http://www.artisansroadtrip.com

Hope to see you on the Artisans Road Trip this fall!

2011-09-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Artists of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip are busy making the last minute preparations for the big weekend coming up soon!

If you haven't been on one of the road trips of years past, you'll be surprised as to the diversity of artists and their works, as well as the regions they represent!

There are 4 regions represented by the 2011 A.R.T. line-up!
-Iowa Great Lakes
-Prairie Wetlands
-Ridge and Tallgrass Prairie
-Beautiful View

Some regional titles may seem less obvious than others but perfectly describe their locations. For a quick look at the regions of the 2011 A.R.T., take a look at the Artisans Road Trip web site...
the "Maps" link will take you to the regions of A.R.T. and on the maps themselves you'll see the locations of each artisan; clicking on them will bring the individual artist up and tell you more about them and their location.

Want to see a particular artist right away? Click on the "Gallery" link on the homepage and you'll get the list of artisans exhibiting this year. Click on your choice and learn more about each artist individually!

The 2011 Artisans Road Trip weekend is Friday September 30 (4-8 p.m.), Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)!

In the meantime, visit the A.R.T. website for more information. And if you're heading to the Clay County Fair - visit the Art Barn for some of the 2011 A.R.T. artists and pickup an A.R.T. brochure!

A lot to look forward to!

"From the Tallgrass"

2011-08-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

"Prairie Cantabile" Painted Violin

(casein on applied canvas - © Bruce A. Morrison)

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist Bruce Morrison has opened his "From the Tallgrass" exhibit at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa! "From the Tallgrass" is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and photography celebrating our natural "and" cultural heritage of the tallgrass prairie.

"Summer Along Angler's Bay"

(color pencil - © Bruce A. Morrison)

This heritage is a constant focus in the art work of Bruce Morrison. Whether it depicts the landscape of the tallgrass prairie region, or its flora and fauna; “From the Tallgrass” is the road traveled the past couple decades for the artist. And if you were to spend any time with him, it would appear this will continue indefinitely as a chosen path. “I couldn’t think of a more suitable focus and recurrent theme for my work.”, says Morrison.

"Negus's Bales"

(oil on canvas - © Bruce A. Morrison)

The artist follows his interest and focus in his daily life as well; living on a small piece of prairie remnant; he and his wife, Georgeann, have worked to bring back the native habitat through careful stewardship of their prairie home. You can follow Bruce through his prairie journey each week on his blog - "Prairie Hill Farm Studio", or learn more about the tallgrass prairie on his "A Tallgrass Journal" blog (which had previously run as a web subscription journal since 2002) or subscribe to his e-mail Studio Newsletter for more information as well.

"American Goldfinch - male"

(photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison)

"From the Tallgrass" will run from August 16 through September 25. There will be an Artist's Reception on Thursday, August 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - the public is welcome!

Thank you for visiting the 2011 Artisans Road Trip Blog! Be sure and check back again soon for more from the upcoming Artisans Road Trip and its artists!!!

2011 A.R.T. at the Sanford!

2011-08-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Various 2011 A.R.T. artists are exhibiting a

sampling of their works at the Sanford Museum!

As mentioned in past blogs the Artisans Road Trip often has exhibits through the year that give a great cross section of their works. the 2011 Artisan Road Trip Artists are currently exhibiting at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee, Iowa, from August 1 through August 31st.

"East West Bridge - Okoboji" art work ©Anita (Katie) Plucker

"Cactus" art work ©Beth Cathcart

"Hitching to Colorado"-CNC plasma cut steel-powder coated white

art work © William Lieb

"Cobalt Splash Teapot" art work © Hank Hall

The hours at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, you can contact the Sanford Museum at 712/225-3922 or via e-mail at sanfordmuseum@iowatelecom.net

Thank you for stopping by - be sure to visit again for more of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Joleen Dentlinger

2011-08-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Iowa State's Building - 1"

art work ©Joleen Dentlinger

On July 6, a one woman show, entitled "Lines of Time", opened at the Clear Lake Art Center, Clear Lake. The exhibit will close on August 18 and features both old and new pieces by A.R.T. artist Joleen Dentlinger. Joleen states, "It was an honor to be asked to exhibit in such a fine gallery."

Joleen continues - "Having an opportunity such as this gives me the inspiration to do more art and be prepared to exhibit all new pieces for the next time. With working 4 days a week, my 90 year old Mother who needs assistance at times, extra curricular activities, and not to mention the every day things that take time and effort - I just find it hard to find the time to create. All of my life, I put things off until the last minute, but have found that I generally put out a better product if I do that. If I have all sorts of time, I just dabble and generally am unhappy with the results. Knowing that I only have days or hours puts the pressure on, but the end results are wonderful. BUT, along with the pressure comes anxiety, tension and stress - all of which aren't the best, but the job is done and I'm happy with it!"

"The Sign"

art work ©Joleen Dentlinger

"For those of you unfamiliar with my art, it is very detail oriented and takes hours to create. The larger the piece, the more hours it takes. A judge suggested to me once that I draw larger pieces. At the time the largest drawing was approximately 14" x 16" and the thought of going larger was rather frightening. Since then I have numerous pieces that are 22" x 28" and the end results are quite rewarding, but with the changing economy I am reverting back to somewhat smaller pieces."

"The Sign - 3"

art work ©Joleen Dentlinger

Artist's Statement: "History and it's preservation rate very high in my heart, right behind home and family. With my drawings I can document places and things that touched me, whether it's an old farm house, an old Chicago hotel or an intriguing landscape. By working in pen and ink, I strive and accomplish depth, intensity, detail, "color" and texture - in just a subtle way - as simple as black and white."

Visit the Clear Lake Art Center, located at 17 South 4th Street in Clear Lake. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Thank you for visiting the 2011 Artisans Road Trip Blog! Stop back for more activities andd artists of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Lynn Swan

2011-07-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Hang up Your Wrap" Crazy Patch 2009

Lynn Hunter Swan was born in Lowell, Indiana, but came to Iowa to attend Drake University where she met and married an Iowa State senior who swept her off her feet and carried her off to a farm in Dickens (northwest), Iowa. She eventually earned her B.A. from Buena Vista University in Music Education with a minor in Art, where she first discovered a fascination with weaving and design. Her formal art training added new dimensions to her life-long love of textiles, fibers, needlework and sewing.

red/rust knitted wrap 2010

After semi-retiring from a 28 year career as an interior designer, for many years owner of Lynn Hunter Swan Interiors in Spencer, she is returning to playing with strands of what ever catches her fancy… primarily weavings of miscellaneous fibers and yarns, collages of paper, etc. and also Crazy Patch quilting.

tan/copper weaving with "bovine ivory" 2009

Her work is currently shown at Arts on Grand, Spencer, From our Hands, Des Moines, the Octagon, Ames, IA and in Oct., N.W. Iowa’s Artisan’s Road Trip.

Check back again for more news and artists of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Barb McGee

2011-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

This Artisans Road Trip spot light is on artist Barb McGee! Barb works from her studio and gallery in Peterson, Iowa. Barb is going to give us a little insight into her selective process in working with a painting.

"For me starting a new painting means finding the perfect photograph or in some cases many photo's. For my current painting it was a matter of reduction. At my opening reception at A Piece Of Work in Spirit Lake I stated that I wanted to paint a white shirt. Now I am not at all sure why a cowboy would want to wear a white shirt but some of them really do.

Last year my husband Don and I went to a ranch in South Dakota for a branding. I took over a thousand pictures. I knew I had at least one guy in a white shirt so I started looking to figure out which photo had the most potential.

These are the best ones I had to pick from. They are very involved photos that are going to make very involved paintings. My idea of an ideal painting is simple and in your face. I like to crop and simplify so it was an easy choice for me. The next step is to examine my choice and see if I can make it better. I went through several croppings until I found the one I liked best.

Good

Better

Better, but still too much noise under the horses head

Ah Ha, now that is what I wanted :-) I have my white shirt & ropes and saddle and even a hat, what more could I want???? It doesn't seem to bother me that my cowboy has no head, what do you think of the headless horseman? Maybe it has something to do with living on Sleepy Hollow Road :-)"

Watercolor Painting ©Barb McGee

And here is Barb's finished painting!

Stop by again for more interesting artists from the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 A.R.T. Artist Perry Polson

2011-06-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

"Filled with Emerald Green"

art work © Perry Polson

This 2011 Artisans Road Trip spotlight is on Perry Polson, wood turning artist extraordinaire! Here Perry brings us into his thought process and musings on recent work. -

"Turning many pieces over the course of the year - every one is a bit different. However my latest project landed me in a pile of maple burls that came from Okoboji and the Emerald Hills Golf course. As I shaved away layer after layer of time from the first large pieces, as they spun on the lathe in front of me, I couldn’t help but ponder whether this tree stood and shared the area with the natives who once lived in the lakes area many many years ago (or may have seen arrows whizzing by it - now to have golf balls flying by)! The mind goes where it will as you remove layer after layer of wood as its spinning inches in front you. With every pass of the tool, new patterns and figuring is exposed in the wood and sometimes surprises like wire, nails, rocks, one just never knows. An arrow head stuck in a crotch that had been engulfed by the tree would have been cool!

Things making full circle as they do - a few of the pieces of that tree have found their way back and are on display in the club house at Emerald Hills till August."

Other works of varying styles, and some newer ones can be seen at Perry's shop - Wild Wood Gallery & Turning Lab, 121 Grand Avenue, Spencer, IA 51301

Stop by and visit!

And check back here again for more artists from the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Mel Myers

2011-06-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

This 2011 A.R.T. spot light is on artist Mel Myers! Mel Myers of Clay County Clay fame has ten summer/fall art shows planned including the upcoming one in Iowa City on June 3-4. He will be showing at the Humbolt Art Show on June 18. July 10 is Reiman Gardens in Ames followed by Marshalltown's Linn Creek Art Show on July 17 and Clear Lake's Art Festival on July 23rd. Mel always enjoys Art in the Park at Okoboji on August 6th.

A new glaze experiment turned out successful — a warm, toasty light brown color shows off his carving and works in anyone's home with wood grained tables/furniture. All of Mel's work is decorative, but highly usable —- safe for food, dishwasher and daily use.

Customers are welcome at his studio on non-show dates. Clay County Clay is located at 717 11th Avenue East in Spencer, Iowa. His studio phone number is appropriately 712-580-CLAY (2529).

Check back again for more great art from the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Glenda Drennen

2011-05-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Our Artisans Road Trip artist spot light this week is on Le Mars Watercolor artist Glenda Drennen.

The allure of watercolor captivated Glenda Drennen from the moment she first tried it nearly 30 years ago. A former public school music teacher, Glenda's love affair with this medium began when she married and left teaching. She is a seasoned artist who has earned signature memberships at both the state and national level in both the Iowa Watercolor Society and the Watercolor Honor Society, Springfield, MO and is a member of Iowa Artists.

"St. Joe's" - Watercolor

©Glenda Drennen

Earlier in her life as an artist, painting hundreds of commissions - usually house or business portraits - was a mainstay in her career. While she now accepts few orders, a recent commission painting, "Old St. Joes - Midnight Mass," was particularly successful. The painting featured a historic church that will soon be razed, and sold at auction at a Pheasants Forever fund raising event for $10,000.

"Too Many House Plants" - Watercolor

©Glenda Drennen

Glenda uses the unpredictable nature of watercolor to advantage, and her energetic paintings often include surprises and reflect her sense of humor. She prefers to work from her vivid imagination, using little if any source material. Most paintings are started with little if any idea of a subject. Her work has evolved into a strong personal statement that is increasingly abstracted and subjective. While she honors and practices the time-honored tradition of transparent watercolor, she also embraces the use of other water soluble media and collage to broaden the creative possibilities. Her work is complex, rich with texture, and shows a maturity of creative expression.

"Tattered Veils of Fall" - Watercolor

©Glenda Drennen

"Tattered Veils of Fall" was one of two of Glenda's paintings recently published in an online cyberbook, "Walk Into Abstracts 2 - How did they do that?" by Sue St. John. The book features images and single page descriptions of the working process for the work of 26 artists.

Ms. Drennen will be showing her work at A Piece of Work in downtown Spirit Lake during the Artisan Road Trip. Until then, some of her work and her blog (under "news") can be seen on her website www.glendadrennen.com

Be sure and check back again for more news from the 2011 Artisans Road Trip - thank you for visiting!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Bill Lieb

2011-04-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Out Artisans Road Trip artist spot light this week is on Spirit Lake sculptor Bill Lieb. Bill discusses his latest public art project -

"I am in the process of constructing another public sculpture. This one is for installation on 4th Street in downtown Sioux City as part of the "Sculpt Siouxland" program, a juried event designed to promote sculpture and downtown Sioux City. The finished sculpture will be installed May 14 and will be on display there for one year. This is the fourth year I have had a sculpture accepted into this exciting program.

The sculpture is an eight foot tall abstract penguin balancing a spinning beach ball on it's nose. What is a penguin balancing a spinning beach ball on it's nose doing on 4^{th Street} in Sioux City? Good question! It seems there is a new cloud hanging over our lives today. Do you feel it too? It is the realization that everything on our globe is interconnected to everything else and the whole mess is in a very delicate balance. Change in any one area can force changes in other areas. What happens in the Antarctic or in the Amazon or in Greenland can impact change right here in Iowa. And what we do here can effect what happens there. What is the appropriate behavior for us? How should we relate to our environment in a responsible, sustainable way? These are questions raised by the sculpture titled “Do We Care, We Do Care”. The represents a metaphor for nature and our response to nature.

On the horizontal surface of one of the penguin's wings are the letters of three words cut through the aluminum. Because of the way the words are positioned and viewed, the message is not discernible. But as the sunlight passes through the cut-out letters and falls on the sidewalk, the words revealed there appear as a bright sunspot message in the shadow of the sculpture. The message "Do We Care" is arranged in a confusing way and can also be read as "We Do Care". The interpretation is up to the viewer.

Short video of the finished piece!

The beach ball is constructed of curved fins that allow the breeze to spin it around its vertical axis. This movement will compel the passerby to interact with the sculpture and, hopefully, walk away with a more enlightened view of the world.

The images I have included are of a model of the sculpture. Construction of the final sculpture is mostly complete now except for final welding and painting of the beach ball, and grinding a finish on the penguin's body."

That will be fum to see when it's complete Bill!

Join us again for another artist spotlight on the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

2011 Artisans Road Trip Artist - Dennis Dykema

2011-04-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

"Wind Through the Grass"

oil painting © Dennis Dykema

Out Artisans Road Trip artist spot light this week is on Spirit Lake painter Dennis Dykema. Dennis studied art at Morningside College and the University of Northern Iowa from which he earned a Master’s Degree. He taught art in the public schools and for 31 years at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, retiring in 2001 to paint full time. In 2006 he and his wife moved to Spirit Lake where he established a downtown second-floor studio at 1720 Hill Avenue.

"A Stream Runs Through It"

oil painting © Dennis Dykema

“I’ve been fascinated with the landscape for a long time and have come to recognize it as the most prevailing aspect of my environment. In recent years I have begun to explore the landscape subject as it is affected by changing conditions of light and shadow. At the time of day when these are most evident the subtle interplay of texture and surface, intersect with compositional structure of the subject to make, in my mind at least, a complete experience."

"Marshland Song vs.2"

oil painting © Dennis Dykema

"Since my move to Spirit Lake I have discovered that the abundant prairie and wetland area comprising the watershed for the Iowa Great Lakes is a rich subject resource for my recent work. While inspiration for my paintings comes from the landscape I continually explore the interpretation of the subject along a continuum from representation to abstraction. I have found that the most inconsequential scene can be a springboard to several generations of paintings, and it is my objective that the works will ultimately stand independent of the subject origin.”

"Wetland Shore"

oil painting © Dennis Dykema

Dykema's works are included in many public, corporate, and private collections; among them, the Sioux City Art Center, MacNeider Museum of Mason City, 3M Company of Minneapolis, Norwest Banks of Sioux City and Des Moines, Principal Financial Group, Pioneer Company of Des Moines, Pella Rollscreen, and the State of Iowa. His studio welcomes visitors but it would be wise to call 712-299-0957 to be sure.

Check back again for more artists and activities for the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

We're on the Map(s)!!!

2011-04-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Artisans Road Trip Artists maps are now updated and linked on the A.R.T. web site!

A.R.T 2011 has 4 regional areas; view each of the regional areas linked to each of the map illustrations below. Each artist is represented by a number. These numbers will be on the keys of the A.R.T. brochures with these maps. The artists and their corresponding number are also under each map on the A.R.T. web site!

Click on each Map below and take a trip via the web site!

The Beautiful View A.R.T. 2011 Map!

(Click on the map for the active web site map!)

The Iowa Great Lakes A.R.T. 2011 Map!

(Click on the map for the active web site map!)

The Prairie Wetlands A.R.T. 2011 Map!

(Click on the map for the active web site map!)

The Ridge and Tallgrass A.R.T. 2011 Map!

(Click on the map for the active web site map!)

There you have it! Take a trip along the 2011 Artisans Road Trip via the web site maps and get a taste for where these artists are and their work!

Plan for a fun trip this fall on the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!!!

Artisans Road Trip Artist Spotlight - Bruce Morrison - Artist

2011-03-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

"Sunrise on Negus's Bales"

12x20" - oil painting on mounted canvas

(click on image for a larger view)

This spring we're kicking off with some Artisan's Road Trip artist spotlights! What is a typical artist of the A.R.T. like? Is there even what could be called a "typical artist"??? Of course not! So be sure and check back to learn about those participating in the 2011 Artisans Road Trip in the weeks/months ahead.

This spot light is on Painter/Photographer/Print Maker - Bruce Morrison from rural NW Iowa. Bruce is an artist of the Tallgrass Prairie. He and his wife Georgeann live on a small Tallgrass Prairie remnant where he works as a full-time artist throughout the year.

Morrison's Studio and Gallery at Prairie Hill Farm

Bruce and his wife built a permanent studio from the frame and foundation of a 1920's/30's brooding house (big chicken coup), doing the majority of the work themselves. You can actually follow Bruce and Georgeann through this whole process by going to his Prairie Hill Farm Studio blog - start at -

http://prairiepainter.blogspot.com/2007/10/studiogallery-work-begins-again.html - back in the fall of 2007 when the major construction started! This building's purpose was changed to raise sheep in the mid 1950's and had over 100 head of sheep at it's peak use in the early 1990's! He and Georgie like to say it took a few years to clean it out before they could even start re-building!

Liatris punctata - "Dotted Liatris"

from the prairie remnant at

Prairie Hill Farm

Photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison

(click on image for a larger view)

Bruce takes his inspiration from the Tallgrass itself and the natural and cultural heritage of the tallgrass prairie region. The natural heritage ranges from the tallgrass to the prairie pothole wetlands of the region...and painting or photographing (or both) the flora and fauna there. The cultural heritage of the "neighborhood" in which he and Georgeann live is rich in history and agriculture. The oldest known "remaining" agricultural plot in the state of Iowa lies just 3 miles from Morrison's studio. It dates back to around 900-1000 A.D.! The "Millcreek" culture flourished in the Waterman Creek valley on which Morrison's studio perches. There are more than 80 known archeological sites in Bruce's corner of O'Brien county - "This lends a special meaning to the landscape here, and feeds an emotional response to what I paint, draw or photograph.", says Morrison.

"Waterman's Mouth - Summer"

5X7" - color pencil rendering

(click on image for a larger view)

Bruce's color pencil rendering of "Waterman's Mouth - Summer" is an example of how he records and respects the heritage of the "neighborhood" in which he lives and loves. This drawing presents the place where the Waterman flows into the Little Sioux River, downstream from the Prairie Hill Farm Studio...presenting a metaphorical doorway to the ancient lives and livelihood of the "first" Americans who walked and lived in the valley there. Now Waterman Creek flows through the pastures and cropland of agricultural farms as well as remnants of the once great Tallgrass Prairie.

Bruce has been working on a body of work the past couple years - on a theme of "From the Tallgrass", a title taken from his book published in April of 2009. These works will be presented in a one man show at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa this coming August. The works will include studio and plein air oil paintings, drawings, and photographs from the tallgrass prairie.

Remember - artists of the Artisans Road Trip are open to visitors all year long! You need not wait till the A.R.T event this fall to see these hard working folks. Bruce's studio is no exception and is open all year long, but on a staggered basis - "I'm often out chasing clouds and the landscape or knee deep in the prairie, so it's always a good idea to call before making a trip out solely to see the studio and gallery!", says Bruce. "But the countryside is so pretty to drive through here, that you won't waste the trip if I'm not home!", assures Morrison. (Bruce's phone - 712 728-2199)

"July in the Valley" - the actual valley view from the artist's studio

6X8"" - plein air oil painting

(click on image for a larger view)

Morrison's Studio at Prairie Hill farm is a lovely spot to visit any time of year but especially wonderful when the prairie remnant on he and Georgeann's place is in bloom, or even fall color! Bruce loves to take visitors for a free prairie walk and tour on their prairie's mowed paths (and off). Morrison has been involved in prairie education and restoration for well over a decade now, having started or consulted for prairie restoration/reconstruction for colleges and private individuals in the region.

You can learn more about Bruce and his work - as well as all other artists from A.R.T 2011 by visiting their links on this A.R.T. Blog's side bar. Bruce's blog is in it's 4th year, and his Tallgrass Journal just switched to a blog format after running as a web based journal since 2002! Want to learn even more and have a bi-weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox?!! Subscribe to Bruce's Morrison's Studio Newsletter!!! Be sure and visit Bruce's web site at http://www.morrisons-studio.com for a sampling of his work or even to make secure purchases online!

Check back again to learn more about the artists of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

News and Happenings at A.R.T.

2011-02-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

"Don't Hate Me Marguerite #1"

©Hank Hall

Artisans Road Trip Artist Hank Hall has recently had one of his Teapots accepted into the 22nd Annual International Teapot Show "On the Road Again" at the Chiaroscuro Gallery in Chicago! Hank's piece "Don't Hate Me Marguerite #1" was his accepted work and is the second year in a row for Hall to be in the prestigious show.

Other happenings for A.R.T. artists include the Algona exhibit at the "Gallery @ the Library", as mentioned in the previous blog. We're including some photos of this exhibit for you to view here!

As mentioned before - the Algona Public Library hours are 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays (Closed Sundays). Take it in if you're in the neighborhood!

A.R.T. Late Winter Exhibit

2011-02-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

"Leaving Ranney Knob"

oil on mounted canvas

The Artisans Road Trip is starting the new year with it's first road exhibit in Algona, Iowa! The Exhibit has already begun and runs from February 11 through March 30th 2011. It is being sponsored jointly through the Stinson Prairie Arts Council and the Haggard-Twogood Charitable Trust. This showing can be viewed in Algona at the "Gallery @ the Library", at the Algona Public Library. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays (Closed Sundays).

This is the first of several exhibits in 2011, with some pretty great things to see from this year's participating artists! To check out other scheduled 2011 exhibits, go to our website exhibit page at -

http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/exhibit-page.htm

Follow us through the year by taking advantage of an A.R.T. traveling exhibit in your area and checking in on your favorite artist/artists via their websites and representative galleries!

It's going to be a great event this year!

2011 Artists!

2011-02-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

"Window on the Prairie"

oil on panel

The artists of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip are here! And what a nice mix we have - why even the 2011 juror of the applicants had high praise for the selection of participants this year!

Hand carved Green Porcelain

We have painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, jewelry makers, print makers, and more!

"Desert Sorcerer"

lino cut

Check back over the next several months while we learn more about this year's artists, exhibit and the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

Artist Call!

2011-01-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about taking part in the biggest and most popular autumn art event in NW Iowa?! Well now is your opportunity to apply for participation in the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

This event is one where professional artists welcome the public into their studios to discover and purchase original works - the free tour includes many NW Iowa artists representing several NW Iowa counties. The artists invite the public to travel Iowa's scenic byways and back roads to discover unique studios and work spaces and one-of-a-kind artwork treasures.

All participants undergo a jurying process by a regionally known, non-participating artist. This process assures a high quality selection of participants for the event and encourages fresh work as well as inviting new artists to become a growing part of this fun event!

Become a part of this proven artistic experience! Have your work shared and marketed through the A.R.T. Web Site, this very A.R.T. Blog, media advertising and the event tour brochure - all provided to you as a participant through A.R.T.!!!

If you have not received an invitation to apply, print out your own application from the A.R.T. Web Site homepage or call any of the A.R.T. participating board members at this link!

The deadline for applications to be received or postmarked is January 15th! Don't delay - be a part of the 2011 Artisans Road Trip!

Late Fall/Winter A.R.T. Exhibit

2010-11-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

Artists © in this order - Mary Thien, Wendell King, Michael Houge

The Artisans Road Trip Artists, from the past fall's event, are now showing their work in Clear Lake, Iowa, at the Clear Lake Arts Center! This show is a "gotta see" at the new art center! View the selected works of artists from NW Iowa in all mediums!

The exhibit has already begun and runs through January 10, 2011!

Put the Clear Lake Arts Center on your winter destination list and, being the season - why not put it on your holiday shopping list as well! The arts center is located at 17 South 4th Street in Clear Lake, Iowa. For more information on the art center and the exhibit, you can give the center a call at (641) 357-1998.

Happy belated Thanksgiving from the Artisans Road Trip!

Artisans Road Trip 2011!

2010-11-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in October, our traditional date in past years, will be the date for the Artiusans Road Trip 2011! Representative artists from A.R.T. met last week to discuss this year's road trip and all the business and work involved...discussing what worked and what needs tweaking, etc. The Artisans Road Trip actually began starting on Friday afternoon the past two seasons, and we'll be retaining that Friday afternoon as the spring board into the weekend...so the 2011 A.R.T. event dates will actually be Friday September 30, Saturday October 1, and Sunday October 2.

We'll be posting information on the A.R.T. homepage (soon), reflecting this, as well as posting more information for new artists who may want to apply for the opportunity to participate in the Artisans Road Trip 2011...this "prospectus" will be updated and ready in the weeks ahead, so check back to the A.R.T. website for this information in the near future!

The A.R.T. 2011 website can be found at http://www.artisansroadtrip.com and you can forward any questions or concerns to the email addresses given on the web site or even through the comment section on this blog - be sure and post an email address we can reply to.

Put A.R.T.2011 on your calendars!

Thank You!

2010-10-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you for another great autumn adventure on the Artisans Road Trip! We hope to see you again next year!

This Is It!

2010-09-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

"Motherwell Reflection"

abstract painting by Mari Stewart

A group of hard working creative people spend all year planning and working toward a goal and then it comes to fruition...wow! It does take a good deal of work and time but the 2010 Artisan Road Trip is about to happen and it'll be worth the effort!

One more A.R.T. traveling exhibit is in the making at Arts On Grand in Spencer, Iowa - perfect for an 2010 A.R.T. preview! There will be a reception held in conjunction with the Spencer Business After Hours, free to the public at Arts On Grand Tuesday evening, the 28th of September at 5 - 7p.m.

"Free Spirit"

mobile from the "Edgy Metal Series" by Mari Stewart

Seven NW Iowa counties and 35 artists - visit their studios and galleries! See where they work, how they work...what inspires them! Artists like Mari Stewart of the Side Street Gallery in Arnolds Park! Artists like like Wendel and Diane king at Peony Farm Studio south of Dickens...Barb McGee at McGee Gallery and Framing in downtown Peterson...Perry Polson at Wild Wood Gallery & Turning Lab in downtown Spencer. Other artists not yet featured in this A.R.T. blog - like Mitch Eveleth of Reflections In Ink from Estherville, Nicole Ayers at The Hayloft in Webb, Wendy Hopkins exhibiting in Laurens...and many more of us!

Fall is upon us and what better way to enjoy the emerging colors and that cool autumn air?! 35 artists, working in more mediums than imaginable!

Enjoy the weekend - Friday - October 1st, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday - October 2nd, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday - October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.!

Hope to see you then!

We'll keep the cider and treats on for ya!

A.R.T. Artist Spotlight - Mary Ortner

2010-09-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Diptych: "Thunderclouds Over Fairview Bonanza"

©Mary Ortner

This week's 2010 Artisans Road Trip artist is Mary Ortner from Odebolt, Iowa. Mary gives us some insight into her work and background!

"Although I was born in Iowa, and raised on a square-country mile, most of my adult life was spent in DC and New York.

That trek half-way across the country was driven by the same youthful curiosity that had spurred exploring every inch of that one-square mile called home. And it would be in those nascent experiences that a buffer would be found against the maddening city-crowds whose cold indifference seemed but to rush through her canyons of concrete and steel.

I was in my late twenties before the artist within began budding. Inspiration -- rooted in those home-grown experiences -- was abundant. But I was also self taught and often heard that without "proper" artistic credentials, I couldn't be taken seriously!

Encouragement from certain of the, then prominent, Washington Color School, kept me from feeling like a snow cone in the middle of the Mojave! Within a year, I began showing my work.

In the interim since, I've come to discover that what moves my hand across the canvas is not the face of nature, but that which lies behind it.

Currently -- and between the raindrops -- I'm challenged to write a draft-text for a children's book based on a series of collage inspired by what I call -- E.T. moments! This little character popped into my head, but thereafter, took on a life of his own -- creating his own adventures.

Those adventures inspired a following whose interest, in turn, inspired thoughts of doing a book.

And his name? It was found in the bosom of the night sky along with the steps back in time to the youthful memories of being sprawled upon the grass, gazing into the star-filled sky, wondering who might be gazing back at me -- and now I know!"

Be sure and pay a visit to Mary's studio and the studio of other artists the coming weekend of October 1st through 3rd for the 2010 Artisans Road Trip!!!

Hope to see you then!

A.R.T. Spot Light - Judy Hemphill

2010-09-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

"Clean Sweep" Photography © Judy Hemphill

This Artisans Road Trip installment spot lights photographer Judy Hemphill. Here Judy introduces us to her art form and interests.

"Family, animals, nature, and travel are major interests of mine. They capture my time, and I capture them with my lens. I enjoy chronicling family, school, and community activities and celebrations. Also, beauty is all around. Each day I strive to take notice, to discover it in new forms and places. Storytelling images which engage other senses are a special goal. Photography allows me to share my observations from ground-level to aerials, close-ups to panoramas, mostly in color.

A vast array of image possibilities are on the grounds of the Clay County Fair which this year runs Sat., Sept. 11 - Sun., the 19th. Maybe I'll see you there!

I do hope you'll visit my new gallery space in downtown Spencer at 217 Grand Avenue, especially during the 2010 Artisans Road Trip!

Make it a point to drop in on Judy and many of the other artists during the 2010 Artisans Road Trip coming soon!!!

September!

2010-09-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Prairie Autumn Stream No.2"

Wow! It's September, summer is winding down, and the Artisans Road Trip is looming closer on the horizon!

What are we, as artists, doing in preparation for this?! Well, in my case panicking! Ha! Just kidding! Well, sorta anyway...there is still much to be done here at the Prairie Hill Farm Studio and I'm still out there chasing the light with both brush and camera. And we've been working in the gallery to arrange new displays with new pieces and doing last minute framing work as well.

"Chasing the Green Flash"

But I'm no different from other A.R.T. artists, we're all working full speed ahead! Sculptor Bill Lieb is preparing, not only for A.R.T. 2010, but also an exhibit at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in October. The piece shown here is titled 'Chasing the Green Flash'. It refers to the pursuit of seeing a green flash the moment the sun sets on the ocean.....a favorite pastime while he and Jane sailed and lived on their sailboat for five years.

Perry Polson at work in his lab
click on image to enlarge

Perry Polson, at his Wild Wood Gallery & Turning Lab, has just come off a good August receiving an exhibit award of $500 for the Spencer Iowa Main Street Market. He was also awarded the $100 people's exhibit award during the event as well!

All the other artists on the road trip are preparing their studios or sites for the autumn weekend too! What a great time of year to get out and enjoy that fresh crisp air...a great change from the hot sticky summer weather we've all been contending with this year!

Be sure and put October 1st, 2nd and 3rd on your calendars for the Artisans Road Trip!

A.R.T. 2010 Exhibit Onto The Sanford Museum

2010-07-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Summer Daze by Anita Coon

The Artisans Road Trip will be exhibiting a sampling of it's 2010 artist's artwork at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee, Iowa.

Of The Earth (brownstone clay)

by Beth Cathcart

The exhibit begins August 1st and runs through the month. Come see examples of works by artists of the Artisans Road Trip if you get a chance!

Photograph by Judy Hemphill

The Sanford Museum is located at 17 East Willow Street in Cherokee, Iowa. To learn more about their hours and this exhibit, call 712 225-3922.

See you on the A.R.T. exhibition tour!

Potter Mel Myers

2010-07-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

This 2010 Artisans Road Trip blog highlights Potter Mel Myers from Spencer.

Local Potter Mel Myers has been busy showing at the Iowa City Art Show and the Spencer Alumni Art Show at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa.

Mel's ceramics are hand thrown, delicately carved, with original glaze formulas - thus making truly one of a kind pieces. The result is both a decorative and functional piece of art. His high fire pottery can be used in the oven, safely used for food, and nicely cleans up in the dish washer.

Mel's studio is practically always open for visitors at 717 11th Avenue East in Spencer, Iowa. His studio, Clay County Clay, can be found by turning east at the Hy Vee/Walgreen's corner on Grand Avenue, and going east as far as one can (and still be in Spencer). Feel free to stop in and see Mel's most recent work!

Check back again and see what's new on the 2010 Artisans Road Trip!

Spotlighting Artisans Road Trip Artist Diane Noll

2010-06-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

This 2010 Artisans Road Trip highlight is of Artist Diane Noll. Diane writes an introduction of herself - meet Diane...

"I live on River View Ranch northeast of Linn Grove, Iowa. The Little Sioux River and Bluebird Creek bring water to our Texas Longhorns that graze on the hills, on both sides of Bluff Street. The best time to see the calves is late afternoon. We are still calving (at the time she wrote this note) - the boys win with 20, while the girls are at 7. What's up with that?!

I grew up 5 miles south of Estherville. I dug blue glacial clay out of the creek bank and made various things; now I make animals out of fiber, clay, and potter's brownstone clay. I also make beads out of clay that is fired twice. I texture them with things I find in nature. I like using natural stones and silver in making jewelry. Right now I am making turquoise and silver necklaces.

I just finished making a baby colt and a longhorn calf our of fiber clay. I am also finishing touching up an oil painting of the river here. I paint with oils or water colors and draw with color pencils."

Thank you Diane! Stop by again the next time you're in the neighborhood and see the artists of the 2010 Artisans Road Trip. And don't forget to check the 2010 A.R.T. web site as well!

A.R.T. Spotlight - Dan Ruf

2010-06-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

This Artisans Road Trip installment spot lights photographer Dan Ruf. Dan gives his take on "continuing education" as a fine arts photographer, and illustrates select images from a recent workshop in the South Dakota Badlands.

"For those of us that have reared children, the words continuing education have usually meant that school would be closed so that educators could take time to upgrade their knowledge or approach to the education of their charges. For artists, me in particular, continuing education takes on the same sort of meaning, but should be a more regular update of our mental file about the artistry involved in our journey in fine arts.
In my case as a fine art photographer, my daily continuing education takes many forms. This includes reading magazines concerning photography, or the digital darkroom, or making a daily effort to reconnect with websites, blogs or internet forums. I can get exposed to different sorts of photography concepts, approaches, software or equipment this way. Most days this may require an hour of time, but I am usually able to glean some tidbit of helpful or even inspirational ideas about the photographic process. One step above this daily process of continuing education is to become involved in a location workshop given by a mentor in an artists field. I recently returned from a workshop given by Tony Sweet, who I feel is an exceptional fine art photographer and, as I found out, gives an exhausting 5 day workshop which includes daily critique and class sessions as well as location shoots early in the morning and late afternoon. While the days are long the return on "investment" is huge and I find these types of events to be very productive. One thing to note, however, is that you get what you pay for and while there are many individuals that offer workshops in many fields of art, the quality of workshops are varied and in some cases disappointing. Location workshops are provided for many artistic inclinations, from pottery to glass blowing to painting and I would recommend that these types of continuing education are a must as a tool for all artists."

That's all for this spotlight on artisans from the 2010 A.R.T. Check back again for more on the artists of the Artisans Road Trip!

Artisans Wendell and Diane King

2010-05-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

"The farm studio is fairly humming with all the spring activities. Corn is up and the beans are in the ground. On rainy days you will find Wendell in the studio creating new designs for the upcoming show season. It starts in earnest in a couple weeks, with "Summer of Arts" in Iowa City - www.summerofthearts.org

His latest design is so large it may never see a show. The stone is a beautiful “Blue Stone” large enough that to move it he needs a car engine wench, not my wimpy arms. So I guess we’ll see how many shows it makes it to. You can check out the 2010 show season at our website - www.peonyfarm.com

Crops and tables are not the only thing happening on Peony Farm. A new roof on the house was put on the first of May. We had a great group of hard working guys, removing several layers of shingles and applying the new roof. They left hardly a trace that they'd been here. My hat off to them; our plantings (which are many) survived because they took such great care. Tim Hamrick from Everly was the team leader, he comes highly recommended.

We had much company the month of May. Some staying in the Gallery, which is a new choice. Yes, you can rent it for a night or two. I may even make you breakfast. So to say it's a B&B well maybe. Not sure I can get my head around all that entails. For a stay in the "Quohouse" (Quonset House) give us a call or check us out at www.airbnb.com

The creation of new pieces of jewelry are always at hand. Using lampwork, stones, pearls, crystals and tons of seed beads. One of the new ones contains Snakeskin, Jasper, Amozonite and Lava Rock with a sterling clasp. I love the muted colors.

Seed beads dominate these two pieces. Working and learning a new stitch, is something I love doing. It has a rhythm, whether it's color or stitching. Most of my pieces are inspired by color and texture. Needing to have all supplies within eye sight is very important to the process. s a result my space is a mess, at least to other people.

We invite you to stop by and visit us anytime. A visit may include a glass of wine under the pergola!"

There you have it! Stop by again for another entry in the 2010 Artisans Road Trip Blog!

A.R.T. on the Road Again!

2010-05-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

"Number One Child"
stone and steel
by Wendell King

The Artisan Road Trip exhibit will be moving along to the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake, Iowa this next week. You can still catch it through the rest of this week at the LeMars Iowa Art Center, but on June 2 through 30th, the Witter Gallery will be hosting the exhibition!

This is a good opportunity to catch a "glimpse" of the Artisan Road Trip before the October dates (1st - 3rd). If you're in the Storm Lake area in June, stop by the Witter and check it out!

In the next 3-4 weeks we'll also be spotlighting Wendell and Diane King, Dan Ruf and Diane Noll on this blog - check in again soon!

Artisans Road Trip Artist Hank Hall

2010-05-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hank Hall

This A.R.T. highlight introduces Hank Hall!

Hank Hall is a full-time artist in Olde Town Spirit Lake where he has renovated a 1948 wood-working shop into an art studio and gallery called Art on 16th. He taught middle school and high school art in Iowa for 34 years and continues to teach clay, painting, drawing, and sculpture classes in his studio. He is very proud of the fact that many of his students have studied art in prestigious art institutions and pursued art-related careers.

Celebrating Clay Cone 6 Stoneware

Hank’s creative skills were shaped early in his career by two summers of intensive training at Pond Farm Pottery in Guerneville, CA with Marguerite Wildenhain. A Bauhaus-trained master potter considered to be one of the ten most significant clay artists of the 20^th Century, Wildenhain demanded high quality craftsmanship and then encouraged him to develop his own signature work.

Dotted Teapot

Today Hank creates one-of-a-kind teapots with mixed media embellishments and other functional and sculptural forms. His artistic goal is satisfying his own esthetic sense of what makes for an entertaining, inventive, and personal form. “If others experience a creative kick, then I think that’s as good as it gets.”

Hank’s artwork has been exhibited nationally, and he has earned several best of shows in recent juried art exhibits.

For more information visit www.hankhallarton16th.com.

Check back again for more on events, activities and artisans of the 2010 Artisans Road Trip!

Perry Polson - Featured A.R.T. Artisan

2010-05-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Kristen's Ash by Perry Polson

Near the south end of Grand Avenue (north of the river) in Spencer Iowa, you'll find Perry Polson hard at it in his studio - Wild Wood Gallery & Turning Lab. Perry is an artist of wood...he takes wood and creates some amazing things with it in his turning lab!

Here is a short excerpt from Perry working on a project. Perry had run into a piece of elm that included some surprises and took some persistence...

barbed wire - who knew?!

2 fencing staple as well!

But finely finished - after the battle!

"After a bit of a head scratching its finely done and is a very dramatic piece and being Elm its hard as a dickens let alone the (STEEL REINFORCEMENT) Ha Ha ! And after all that the sale fell through due to some over sight of my own of course . But as they say live and learn so I'm not planning on letting that happen again any time soon. I only hope that someone else finds it to be a piece that they can't live without!

Looks pretty amazing to me, Perry!

Stop by again and meet the artists of the 2010 Artisans Road Trip!

A.R.T. at the LeMars Art Center in May

2010-04-29T15:26:00.001-07:00

"Prairie River Summer"
oil painting by Bruce Morrison
-one example of many works to be exhibited during the month of May

Artists of the Artisans Road Trip will be exhibiting their works at the Le Mars Art Center through the month of May!

Get a sneak peek at what the A.R.T. artists are up to and enjoy the best of art in NW Iowa!

The art Center is at 200 Central Avenue, for those who have not visited the center before. The exhibit will be running from May 1st through 30th, and you can call the art center at 712-546-7476 to inquire as to hours the center is open.

Anita Baedke-Plucker - "A Time to Create"

2010-04-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

"One With Nature"
(watercolor)

This week's Artisans Road Trip featured artist is Anita (Katie) Baedke-Plucker from Terril, Iowa. Katie is speaking to a subject all artists struggle for and with - "a time to create".

Katie -
I hear so often of the frustration and disappointment of people, mostly women, who want to spend more time on/at their art. However, the reality and responsibilities of everyday life get in the way. I have and will probably continue to experience those same frustrations myself. I can only speak as to my experience: first, I remember saying to myself, “if I only had a day to paint.” I have realized that I can get a lot of watercolor painting done in 30 minutes! If that is the fragment of time you have, take it! Make the most of it. Stay connected with the piece. Last year I did not plan my annual 'Arts Adventure'; no workshops or classes, no exhibits; and no 'art-in-the-parks'. My goal was to sort through, organize, and clean 60 years of 'treasures' on the family farm, hoping that time, Mom and Dad would move to an assisted living villa. Most of my time was spent out on the farm. However, 2009 was probably one of my most productive years in producing art and releasing prints. I took advantage of those fragments of time. I knew that is all I had. Plus, I could not afford a negative attitude about all of this and making excuses. I found myself repeating over and over to myself in my mind, "I have plenty of time to get everything done." The mind is very powerful.

Second: If you have to get your art supplies out of the closet in order to paint, you probably won’t. And you will use up valuable limited time in the preparation and the putting-away. Find an area or a room where you can work and leave you supplies and
materials out, if it’s only a card table in a corner somewhere. When my sons were babies and toddlers, I was a stay-at-home mom plus took care of three other children, as well. I had a space in the corner of my kitchen (I will admit it was a very large kitchen.) and “while the macaroni was cooking” I was in the corner either analyzing work or painting a few strokes of watercolor. I had and have a terrific thirst, a need to create, and found a way, if only for a few minutes. Sooooooo get that space ready. I really believe this to be true, “If you want something bad enough, you will find a way; if not, you will find an excuse.” Become aware of the roadblocks we can throw up to prevent ourselves from getting what we desire.

"Land of Plenty"
(watercolor)

And...if you are working ‘large’, having small fragments of time here and there to complete a large piece alone can be frustrating and overwhelming and make you feel defeated. You may lose that initial energy and excitement which led you to begin the work. Perhaps work in a smaller format??? a smaller size??? I know many artists who would argue that idea with me. Very simply, do the math. I recently read of an artist who paints one painting per day and posts it on her website each day for sale. One painting every day! They are small, I think they were 6”x6”, but 365 per year and she was working, painting every day. That alone, must be fulfilling.

"Lakeside Laboratory - Shimek Lab"
(watercolor)

Also, I believe there is a “season” for the chapters in your life – caring and nurturing your 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 your time and commitment. And that is the way it is supposed to be. The season for your art will come. Knowing that and accepting that will lessen the frustration and deliver a certain amount of peace as you turn the pages of those chapters.

Another battle can be the idea that people do not take artists seriously. Our need to create is seen as a hobby, a fun way to spend time or a waste of time. If you have people around you who feel that way about your art, that can be a huge difficult obstacle. My heart goes out to you. My art is a real need. “I just gotta make me something.” And I am the happiest when I have taken any opportunity to create. I am reminded it is the process that is the most enjoyable part in creating. Robert Henri wrote, "Museums of art will not make a country an art country. But where there is the art spirit there will be precious works to fill museums. Better still, there will be the happiness that is in the making."

Remember to stop back from time to time for another glimpse at the artists from the Artisans Road Trip!

Faye Wilson - From the Road Trip!

2010-04-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

With this new Artisans Road Trip blog we visit with Faye Wilson, Watercolor artist from rural Cherokee, Iowa. I don't know about you but I find it fun learning about all these artists in this year's Artisans Road Trip! Here's Faye -

"This is my studio/spare room. It's great to have a place to leave my art stuff out. In October last year my sister and I moved into an old square farmhouse with my cat Purl. Most of my days are spent working as a floral designer in Cherokee, but when I get a few spare minutes I come here to paint. My dad gave me a desk ,but I always seem to gravitate to the floor it just seems more comfortable and I can really spread out."

"Right now I'm working on a portrait of Purl. Her favorite activities include sleeping, eating flies and drinking my paint water if I'm not looking! In my job I get to use my creativity every day, but with my art work I only have to please me, not any particular customer."

"The last painting was painted while I was snowed in (one of the blessings of living in the country)! Just what you need on a cold winter's morning - coffee and a warm sticky cinnamon roll. Baking on a cold day (or any day) just seems like home and it brings me comfort after a long week at work."

Join us again in the near future and spend a snipit of time with an artist from A.R.T.!!!

Those Dreaded Comissions

2010-04-01T07:30:00.001-07:00

"Hot Rodder"
(watercolor)

This Artisans Road Trip blog features Barb McGee, a painter whose studio is located in the Ridge and Tallgrass region of A.R.T. - in Peterson, Iowa. Barb's favored mediums are watercolor and oil, and her subject matter is generally western in theme, and (although not limited to) equine.

"Megan's Painting"

(watercolor)

Barb is speaking today on her views of commissioned works:

"There are two sides to every issue and the same is true of commissions. Almost every artist I know hates to do commissions and they growl the whole time they are doing them. Because of the type of work that I do, it seems that I am blessed with a number of them. I have devised a plan that sometimes works well for me and my client. If it is at all possible, I will go and take my own photographs of the subject. I will usually take twenty or thirty shots and then all we have to do is download to their computer and choose which one we want to use for the painting. This method gives both of us input into the painting but allows me to feel like it is my own creation.

Kathy's Folks
(watercolor)

On the other side of the coin are the commissions that drive us all wild AUGH !!! Here are three different pictures of my dad's dead horses can you do a painting of them??? Of course all of the snapshots are from 20 ft away and none are really what you would call attractive and one of them is turned in the opposite direction, what do you do then? PUNT, IMPROVISE, then I praise God that when it is done, they will come and get it and give me a check. It won't be collecting dust in the gallery for the rest of my natural life. Yeah for commissions?????"

"Alexis Foot"
(watercolor)

You can see more of Barb McGee's artwork on her art websites - McGee Gallery & Framing, and Horses by McGee.

Stop back on occasion and see what the artisans of A.R.T. are up to, their thought process, or typical day in the studio or in the field!

A.R.T. Artist Bill Lieb

2010-03-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Charting A Fix"
wall sculpture by William Lieb

Today we'll meet William Lieb, one of the 35 artists taking part in the 2010 Artisans Road Trip! Bill's statement from the A.R.T. web site page describes his work as "Sculpture in metals, woods and plastics that engage and energize the human spirit".

"Whistling For Wind"
wall sculpture by William Lieb

Let's meet Bill Lieb and his work!

Bill - "I am preparing new work for my scheduled one-man exhibit at the Pearson's Lakes Art Center this October 14 through December 31, 2010. Most all of my past art pieces have been in the form of pedestal-displayed interior sculpture and large exterior public sculpture."

"Gathering Our Wits"
wall sculpture by William Lieb

"Recently I have been constructing large wall reliefs as part of a series I am calling my 'Cruising Series'...... inspired by a five-year sailboat adventure where Jane and I cruised in our small sailboat from San Diego, California to Ft. Meyer, Florida via the Panama Cannel. Generally the reliefs are each around 5' wide x 3'-8" high x 10" deep and weigh about four pounds. They are constructed of 1/8" thick Baltic birch plywood and are finished with acrylic paints."

Wow! Be sure and visit Bill's upcoming exhibit this year - as well as the Artisans Road Trip!!! You can also view Bill's work on the A.R.T. website or Bill Lieb's website!

Destination ART!

2010-03-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

Autumn during A.R.T. is sublime!
(photo from the Ridge & Tallgrass region of the tour)

The Artisans Road Trip is a destination driven tour, and the fall is a beautiful time of the year to have destination choices this good!

The regions for A.R.T. are broken into 4 regions: Iowa Great Lakes, Prairie Wetlands, Ridge & Tallgrass Prairie (personal favorite :), and Beautiful View.

Iowa Great Lakes, of course, entails both East and West Okoboji and Spirit Lake and the immediate areas nearby. The Prairie Wetlands comprise a band of region south, east and west of the lakes with Spencer being the unofficial hub. The Ridge & Tallgrass Prairie region is that wonderful undulation of hills and valleys south and west of the wetlands. And the Beautiful View is the southern most region with Storm Lake as the hub.

For a wonderful outing, great art, and an awesome destination - put the Artisans Road Trip down for your trip itinerary next Autumn!

An A.R.T. Atist's Day

2010-02-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

This year A.R.T. has 35 artists participating and they cover a wide diversity of mediums. Today we'll follow the Web/Blog creator for A.R.T. (Bruce Morrison) as he works in the studio/gallery on his snow "buried" acreage along the Waterman Creek valley in SW O'Brien County -

High Summer Skies - Oil on canvas
(private collection)

I'm a 'full-time' artist but freelance in related areas to pay the bills. I try, for my sanity sake, to keep work related somehow to my interests - those that also benefit my art work. I do natural history related websites for instance...contributing images from my photographic files to illustrate client's pages. One example of this would be my county's nature center (The Prairie Heritage Center), I also do museum display work and touch-screen computer kiosk work in this field as well.

One job that has helped contribute paintings, drawings and photography for my studio and gallery is a regional grant for Watchable Wildlife in NW Iowa. I was contracted to design a site and build pages that encompass various natural areas in NW Iowa...these pages have information on each site (given to me by the grant administrators) and I supply the images to illustrate that information, the google maps to locate the sites, and do short video productions to give a brief "feel" for most locations. These videos are embedded in the pages but can also be downloaded to i pods and such for travelers visiting the area. The site currently has about 35 locations but I have spent the past year visiting about 75 more places and photographing/videotaping and am spending this winter and spring putting these together to add to the current project.

How does this contribute to my artwork? The image near the blog's beginning is an example of a plein air painting from one of the locations along the Watchable Wildlife site; working at these locations give me great opportunities and ideas for landscape painting and photography!

September Dawn, Little Sioux River- Oil on canvas
(private collection)

Here's another location example (this time an event - a canoe race I video taped and photographed); I found more places to return to for working with the landscape.

Today I am working on the next 75 sites...I'll likely be throwing in slots of time for other paintings or drawings as work permits through the days and weeks ahead.

Many artists on A.R.T. also have websites, blogs and a presence on social networks, I am no exception as you may surmise. You can keep track of what artists are up to on a daily/weekly basis by following their blogs or face book page! All of this information is available on each A.R.T. artist's page on the Artisans Road Trip web site, just go to the "Gallery" link and select artists from there.

But be sure and subscribe to this Artisans Roadtrip Blog and learn more about the artists of A.R.T.!

Join Us!

2010-02-23T12:26:00.001-08:00

Join us for a year of creativity; for a spring, summer and fall of painting, throwing pottery, printmaking, photography, glass blowing, stained glass, mosaics, making jewelry, you name it!

We are the Artisans Road Trip of Northwest Iowa, and our member artists are working in their studios, showing in galleries, and even working afield - toward the ultimate art studio tour to come on October 1st, 2nd and 3rd in 2010.

Join us for some weekly commentary from many of our artists...commentary about what they are up to, obstacles they are hurdling, artwork they are making, goals they are progressing toward; see what transpires!

Join us for the year on the road from studio to studio - then on to the Artisans Road Trip!