Christmas in the Gallery!

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"Christmas in the Gallery" at Arts on Grand!

(artworks © the following artists - top left, clockwise -
Anita (Katie) Baedke-Plucker, Mel Myers, Danielle Clouse,

Holly Kellog, Dennis Dykema, Bruce Morrison, Judy Hemphill,

Barb McGee, and center - Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath)

Several Artisans Road Trip Artists are being showcased in the "Christmas in the Gallery" exhibit at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa!

The Exhibit Gallery will be filled with art items from area artists for holiday gift buying.  More than 20 artists are participating, with work in many mediums, including: blown glass, ceramics, handpainted silk scarves, jewelry, note cards from original paintings and photographs, painted ornaments, paintings, photography, musical CDs, collages, textiles (scarves, hats, purses), fused glass, encaustics, wood turnings and more!

The exhibit runs from December 3, 2012 - January 5, 2013.

Event Exhibit at Arts on Grand!

 Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Mel Myers, Holly Kellogg and Glenda Drennen

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip event is nearing!  And to get ready for this year's A.R.T. is a "sneak preview" if-you-will; a traditional Artisans Road Trip exhibit at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa!

Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Bill Lieb, Judy Thompson, and Wendell King

This exhibit will give you a preview of what is in store for you as you venture out to take in that crisp fall air and warm sunshine on the studio tour that has become a region tradition!  See what your favorite artists have been up to this year, and even check out some new venues!  

 Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Barb McGee, Martha Thien, and Hank Hall

The Artisans Road Trip exhibit at Arts on Grand opens Tuesday night, September 25th, with an artists reception.  This reception, from 5 - 7 p.m.,  is held in conjunction with Business After Hours. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.  The exhibit runs from September 25 through October 27.

Artisans Road Trip will be held October 6 & 7, 2012. Maps are available at Arts on Grand. Also, find maps and more at www.artisansroadtrip.com 

 
 This exhibit is sponsored by: State Bank

2012 A.R.T. Artist Danielle Clouse!

"Landlines" oil on canvas - 30X40" 

© Danielle Clouse

Originally from Ruthven, Iowa, Danielle Clouse received her Associate of Arts Degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in May of 2004 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northwest Missouri State University with an emphasis in painting and ceramics in 2007. Clouse has exhibited her work in local and state venues, including the Lt. Governor's Office in the Iowa State Capitol in 2009; collectors of her work are from throughout the United States, in addition to Japan & Canada.  She is the Director of Visual Arts at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji and maintains a studio in her home in Spirit Lake.

"Driving By" oil on canvas - 36X36" 

© Danielle Clouse

Clouse states about her work: “An abstract approach to the rural landscape creates a different way of seeing the area around me. Our landscape is unavoidable in this area - driving from place to place, seeing it in its change of seasons, viewing it during different times of the day. Because of these factors, the landscape provides an endless color palette and endless material to work from. Some paintings are created directly from a specific area while others are based on a combination of areas and experiences. Due to this focus, venturing from small town to small town usually lends itself more to research than travel.

"Spring Afternoon" oil on canvas - 28X24" 

© Danielle Clouse

“All works are based on landscapes viewed along highways and gravel roads in Emmet, Palo Alto, Dickinson and Clay counties.  Though I have a reference for each location a painting was inspired by, I enjoy it very much when the viewer can recognize that space as well, despite how I manipulated the original reference. But, it is just as enjoyable when someone from outside this area can connect with a piece. Their response to a landscape may take them to another roadside place, one from their own life or travels.”

Clouse’s work is regularly available for sale at Art on 16^th Gallery in Spirit Lake, Iowa as well as The Wine Bar in Arnolds Park. And, sometimes there’s a piece or two in her office at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.

Thank you for stopping by to see more of the artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!

2012 A.R.T. Artist Judy Hemphill's "Second Stories" Exhibit

 "Second Stories," a photographic presentation by Judy Hemphill

photographs  © 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, the Spencer Historic Preservation Commission hired Judy to photograph interior spaces of seven second floor properties in downtown Spencer. "Second Stories," a presentation featuring these images, will be repeated Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 5:30 in Spencer City Hall Council Chambers.  This event should be a good fit for the 2012 May Historic Preservation Month theme "Discover Hidden Gems."

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 contain "hidden gems" in 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" event images of the seven interiors will be featured with commentss from Kirby Schmidt. "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," a photographic presentation by Judy Hemphill, on Tuesday, May 8, at 5:30 pm in the Spencer City Hall Council Chambers, 420 Second Avenue West, 712/580-7200.  Come discover some historic hidden gems!

2012 A.R.T. Artist Karess Knudtson!

"Never More"

Mixed media Upcycled Art

Photography and Encaustics

17 in x17 in

© 2012 Karess Knudtson

 Meet 2012 Artisans Road Trip artist Karess Knudtson!  Karess resides with her family in the beautiful countryside along the Little Sioux River in Milford, IA. Karess studied art and worked in the art department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Virginia Tech with a Masters of Arts in Education.  Here's Karess -
 

"My family and I enjoy exploring our many acres of restored prairie, woodlands and the Little Sioux River as it winds through them. We spend as much time outside as we can during all of the seasons, enjoying the diversity and beauty of each one.

 

Examples of Textured Photographic Canvas Work
Various sizes available

© 2011 Karess Knudtson

 The creative process has been a very important part of me for as long as I can remember. The art pieces that I am currently offering are all original and hand-worked. Each begins with my photograph and evolves into a mixed media piece of art. The photo is digitally and physically manipulated. Some pieces are then created with an upcycled“canvas” which might include barn wood, metal remnants and other“historic” reused materials. Encaustic painting with beeswax adds yet another dimension of beauty and protection. As I began exploring the technique of encaustic painting…I felt like I was “home.” Loving the outdoors and having been an environmental educator and naturalist, all of my earlier experiences come together in this art form. It combines artistically the elements that I am passionate about....photography, nature, upcycling, and prairies. I use my camera, computer and tactile media as others would use paints or pencils.

Girl Statue No.1

Mixed Media Upcycled Art

Photography & Encaustics

Upcycled barn wood 

 © 2012 Karess Knudtson

There is beauty in every moment of everyday, but in our fast-paced lives it is too easy to let the beautiful moments and objects get away, and we quickly move on. The intent of my photography and subsequent art is…to capture the beauty of everyday and recapture the beauty of materials from the past by manipulating them into a work of art...reflecting beauty in

a place, a time, a life...."

Join Karess at an upcoming exhibit: Month of May in the Exhibit Cove at A Piece of Work, in Spirit Lake, IA with Artist Reception on the First Friday May 4th, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:00

 

Or

Month of June at the Dickinson County Conservation Board Nature Center

with Artist Reception on June 4th, 2012 from 4:30 to 6:00

 

For other upcoming events and more information & pictures you can visit her website.

Karess Knudtson

www.photographybykaress.com

(712)330-7290

Milford, Iowa 51351

"Capturing Everyday Beauty"  

Check back again for more from artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!

From the Tallgrass...an Exhibition

(click on image for a larger view)

A solo exhibition of prairie artist Bruce Morrison’s paintings, drawings and photographs will be hosted by the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake, Iowa. “From the Tallgrass” is a familiar theme for Morrison, who paints, draws and photographs the prairie remnants and locales from the region he lives and works from. Many of the more than 60 works in this exhibit have never been publicly exhibited before.

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip artist works directly from the landscape, as well as the flora and fauna of the tallgrass prairie. “I seek out and paint, draw or photograph actual locations.  I like to ‘document’ as well as ‘celebrate’ the natural and cultural heritage of our region. The prairie made this region what it is today, and I feel compelled to celebrate that heritage.” remarks the artist. You can follow the artist on his weekly blog (http://prairiepainter.blogspot.com).

In the exhibit you will see oil paintings of landscapes done in the “plein air” tradition (on location), or in a more traditional style, done in the artist’s rural studio.  Exhibit visitors will also see very rich landscapes of a smaller scale done in a laborious method in color pencil, as well as intimate and panoramic photographs, and a small, never before exhibited, collection of large format silver gelatin prints.

Morrison works as a professional artist out of his rural SE O’Brien County studio. Bruce and his wife Georgeann remodeled a former sheep barn/chicken coup on their property, to serve as Bruce’s workspace and gallery.  “A great way to re-purpose a piece of our cultural heritage!”  said the artist.

The Exhibit, “From the Tallgrass”,  runs from April 5 through April 26, 2012.  There will be an artist’s reception at the Witter Gallery on Thursday April 5th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - the public is invited!

The Witter Gallery is located at 609 Cayuga Street, in Storm Lake.  You can contact the Witter for more information at 712 732-3400.

 Our first artisan's spotlight of the 2012 season will be of Glenda Drennen, one of the Artisans Road Trip artists for 2012!

Glenda Drennen’s usual painting surface is watercolor paper, but this last year she added 6 -foot fiberglass ice cream cone sculptures to her repertoire. In a cooperative effort the LeMars Chamber of Commerce, LeMars Art Center, and City of LeMars Convention Center and Visitor Bureau planned and implemented a public art project to highlight the importance of the production of  ice cream by local industry, Well’s Blue Bunny.

Sponsoring business First National Bank, LeMars, chose Drennen, a resident of the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” to apply her creative talents to one of the cone sculptures. The single dip ice cream cone now on display at the downtown bank entrance features 133 detailed coins. The coins, enlarged about 400%, cover the large dip of ice cream.  Many of the coins have special relevance to the region, such as coins commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition that camped in the area during the Corps of Discovery. State quarters for Iowa and all bordering states are also represented. A number of Lincoln pennies old and new are represented, as are two different versions of buffalo nickels.

One unusual coin features a portrait of Drennen herself among those of John F. Kennedy, Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. “My first thought was to invent a coin with a likeness of the bank President,” Drennen said, “but during the time I’ve lived in LeMars there have been several people in that position, and I will always be the artist of this cone.”

 Glenda is currently painting a second sculpture to be installed in a LeMars park this spring. Parents who have lost children to disease donated funds for this cone as a memorial. The design committee wanted to stress parents’ wish to provide both roots and wings for their children, so one aspect of the design will be many butterflies and dragonflies against a sunset sky, symbolizing the gift of “wings” for their children.

Ultimately Drennen will paint five of the 41 painted sculptures projected.  Themes for the three remaining cones Drennen will be painting will be Noah’s Ark, the LeMars Rotary Club, and something dramatic for the Postal Playhouse Community Theater.

Be sure and come back soon for more from the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!!!

Artisans for 2012 A.R.T.!

This will be the 9th year for A.R.T. and will once again take stage the first weekend in October (October 6 - 7, 2012 Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM * Sunday NOON - 5 PM) for their open studio tour!

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip names are in! The 2012 participants, their medium(s), and where they are from are as follows - 

1. Marisa Sidles - Painting, Terril
2. Ron Netten - Potter, Storm Lake
3. Judy Hemphill - Photography, Spencer
4. Beth Cathcart - Pottery - Linn Grove
5. Timothy Arand McIlrath - Abstract Compositions, Okoboji
6. Barb McGee - Painting, Peterson
7. Linda Fries - Watercolor, Peterson
8. Judy Thompson - Watercolor, Orange City
9. Mary Mello - Painting/Mixed Media, Spencer
10. Diane King - Jewelry, Dickens
11. Wendell King - Stone Top Tables, Dickens
12. Danielle Clouse - Painting, Okoboji
13. Mel Meyer - Pottery, Spencer
14. Hank Hall - Pottery, Spirit Lake
15. Dennis Dykema - Painting, Spirit Lake
16. Holly Kellogg - Painting/Mixed Media, Spencer
17. Diane Noll - Jewelry, Linn Grove
18. Karess Knudtson - Photography, Milford
19. Bill Leib - Abstract Sculpture, Spirit Lake
20. Joleen Dentlinger - Pen & Ink Drawing, Storm Lake
21. Bruce Morrison - Painting/Drawing/Photography, Hartley
22. Martha Thien - Jewelry, Des Moines
23. Perry Polson - Woodturning, Spencer
24. Mitch Eveleth - Pen & Ink, Estherville
25. Glenda Drennen - Watercolor, LeMars 
26. Anita (Katie) Baedke-Plucker - Watercolor, Terril

Watch for updates (in the near future) on the A.R.T. web site for more information on each of the 2012 participating artists - and for future exhibition notices, as these take place throughout the year! 

Just Wait'n!

 "Riffles, First Light"

oil painting - © Bruce A. Morrison

(click on image for a larger view)

Please excuse the title's slang, but that about sums up this moment for the 2012 Artisans Road Trip. The entries are in and the names of the 2012 participating artists is in the process of being drawn up.

This is also that time of year when artists of the Road Trip are busy with studio time and other work needing to be tended to during the winter "lull". I don't know about everyone else but I've had difficulty keeping to my studio's easel schedule because of the great winter weather we've been having! Just standing on the studio deck overlooking the valley here has been a distraction - that warm sunshine is bringing on spring fever!

 Hopefully we'll have names to announce and some glimpses at our 2012 artists in the near future...right now we're just wait'n!