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

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!!!

Off Season?

(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!

The Real Fun of It!

"Summer Evening on Waterman"

© Bruce A. Morrison - oil on canvas

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!

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

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 during Artisans Road Trip at Art on 16th, his creative laboratory in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes.

"Irrigating Nebraska"  

(drawing © Hank Hall)

Hall’s eclectic gallery plus studio is located on 16th Street across from the post office in Olde Town Spirit Lake! 

"Saturated Fat Friday"

(art work © Hank Hall)

Hall’s goal at Art on 16^th is to present remarkable art for sale by area artists and 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!

"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!

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!

2011 A.R.T. at the Sanford!

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 - Glenda Drennen

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!

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

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

"Sunrise on Negus's Bales"

12x20" - oil painting on mounted canvas

© Bruce A. Morrison

(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

© Bruce A. Morrison

(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

© Bruce A. Morrison

(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.

"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

"Leaving Ranney Knob"

oil on mounted canvas

© Bruce A. Morrison

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!



Artist Call!

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

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!

 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!