Timothy J Arand-McIlrath's "A Fiber Artist's Journey, 50 Years of Making Fiber Art" at Arts on Grand!

All Artwork illustrated ©Timothy J Arand-McIlrath

"A Fiber Artist's Journey, 50 Years of Making Fiber Art" . 2016 Artisans Road Trip Artist Timothy J Arand-McIlrath's exhibition featuring artwork from his longtime love affair with fiber, will be at Arts on Grand in Spencer IA, Dec 28, 2016 through Jan 28, 2017. Everyone is invited to an opening reception on January 5^th  from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.  Tim will give an artist talk about the different phases and approaches he has explored.

Tim is planning to relocate to Tucson, Arizona, so it is a bittersweet time for the art community.  He has been a longtime member of the Artisans Road Trip and has been involved in activities Pearson Lakes Art Center, and he has exhibited at Arts on Grand in the past.  The show affords a great opportunity for people to purchase a piece of Tim's work, a tangible memory of his time in NW Iowa.

"Throughout my 50 years as a professional artist I have produced and exhibited my artwork in national/international juried, regional, state and local exhibitions. I have had an incredible "love affair" with fiber and fabric and see myself keeping on creating new artwork as long as possible."

Arts on Grand Exhibiting Artists of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

Many artists will be represented at the

Arts on Grand 2016 Artisans Road Trip

Exhibit - here is just a sampling!

(Artists work from upper left - clockwise)

Barb McGee, Marisa Sidles, Pam Harp, 

Anita Plucker, Hank Hall, Linda Hopkins,

Linda Fries, Timothy J. Aarand-McIlrath, 

Judy Thompson and Danielle Clouse Gast

(All artwork © the respective artists)
 

 Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa is hosting an exhibit of artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip! The Artisans Road Trip exhibit runs from September 13th through October 29th with the evening artist's reception to be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 22nd. There will be hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The public is cordially invited to come and meet some of the artists and view this wonderful show!  Come and see a great representation of the works of many of this year's artists - don't miss out!

2016 A.R.T. Artist Mel Myers Featured at "Pots and Pictures"!

Pottery of Artist Mel Myers will be featured at Arts on Grand's

"Pots and Pictures" Exhibit through June!

Arts on Grand is holding an exhibit this month featuring the long time Artisans Road Trip artist Mel Myers!  The former art teacher from the Spencer High School is being showcased with his many extraordinarily beautiful hand-carved fine clay pots, platters, bowls, plates, vases, casseroles and urns.

Mel's hand thrown, hand carved, kiln fired/glazed pottery has always drawn a crowd as well as his devoted returning collectors awaiting to see what new creations he has added to his work!

Myers will be joined with a compliment of art work from other artists represented in Arts on Grand's Gallery Shop - many of which include more artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

An artists reception will be held at Arts on Grand Thursday evening June 2nd from 5 through 7 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  The reception is free and open to the public.

Look  forward to this great show - hope to see you there!

2015 Artisans Road Trip Artists in Area Shows and Hoilday Weekend Events!

This week and weekend is bringing area holiday art exhibits and sales that several 2015 Artisan Road Trip artists will be participating in!  Yes, lots of choices and loads of fun!

 

Each year the artists of this area get together for a Holiday Sale, and this year is no different - except - this year there are two events on the same weekend!

The first Holiday sale that you'll find A.R.T artists participating in is at Barb McGee's Gallery on Main Street in Peterson, Iowa and at Beth Cathcart's Rocking M Pottery, NW of Linn Grove, Iowa.  Barb and Beth will be holding their Holiday sale for several artists this year! 2015 Artisans Road Trip artists at both Holiday Open Houses will include (among others) Tim Anderson, Beth Cathcart, Bruce Morrison, Barb McGee, Diane Noll and Marisa Sidles.  These Holiday Open Houses will be held on Saturday December 5 from 9:00AM to 5P.M. and Sunday from Noon to 3PM.

Take some time and check out the artists and entertainment at the McGee Gallery and Rocking M Pottery Holiday Open House!

 

Another Holiday sale and exhibit that 2015 A.R.T. artists are participating in is a new gallery in Lake Park, Iowa! "December at Systolic Studio" will be an Art and Fine Antique sale and is being held in the former Methodist Church building in Lake Park. This new gallery (Systolic Studio) will have a host of top quality artists and artwork and antiques over a 3 day event! 2015 Artisans Road Trip artists at "December at Systolic Studio" will include (among others) Danielle Clouse-Gast, Hank Hall, Tim Arand-McIlrath, Bruce Morrison, David Strom, Paula Streeter and Holly Zinn.

The event is inside the west entrance and up the stairway to the left, and this exhibit and sale opens on Friday, December 4 from 3-8PM, again on Saturday December 5 from 10AM-6PM, and Sunday December 6 from 11AM-3PM; be sure and take it in - you'll be in for a real treat!

 

Where else can you find 2015 A.R.T. artists this week and through the weekend!?  Try Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa for their "Christmas in the Gallery"!  The exhibit and the Arts on Grand Gallery Shop features several Artisans Road Trip artists and you can get anything from cards to original works!  For an extra treat - attend the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Arts on Grand this Thursday night from 5:30-7:30PM!  Its free!  Enjoy the appetizers, games and fun!  The exhibit "Christmas in the Gallery" runs from December 1 through January 2, 2016.

There's a lot to enjoy and see - don't miss them!  Enjoy the season!

Thank You!

The big October Studio Tour/Art weekend event - the Artisans Road Trip, is a little over a week past and what a great weekend it was!

All of the artists of the 2015 Artisans Road Trip would like to take this time to put out a big THANK YOU!!!  Thank you to everyone who visited our studios or exhibit spaces, who put the word out to their friends and neighbors and who support the arts in NW Iowa!

Remember - the Artisans Road Trip also continues throughout the year with it's exhibits at galleries and art spaces around the region!  A.R.T. currently has two exhibits ongoing - one at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa and another at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, Iowa!  More exhibits coming in the month ahead as well!

Thank you once again and we hope to see you at future events!

"COWGIRLS" Exhibit Coming to Arts on Grand!

The Cowgirls are coming!!!  Carol Herdin, Mona Majorowicz and Barbara McGee have been talking about putting this show together for several years and it is finally ready to hang at Arts on Grand in Spence, Iowa.  Barb is a member of the 2015 Artisans Road Trip!

 oil painting - ©Barb McGee

  watercolor painting - ©Barb McGee

These two paintings were completed by Barbara McGee in the last month, and Barb gives us a little insight and look into the process she used working on these two paintings - one is oil and one watercolor but they were both painted with only three colors, blue, red and yellow plus white for the oil painting.  This was an interesting exercise, in which McGee learned that there is a limitless number of colors that can be created from these three colors.  The oil painting was started first, it is a very tight, precise panting that required a large range of colors and values. She was surprised to find out that almost every color mixed required varying amounts of all three of the colors plus white for the lighter values.  The watercolor was started on a Wednesday in August and was framed and hung on the wall the next day.  It didn't turn out at all as she had intended but when it was done she was happy.  The watercolors were mixed in the same way as the oils except that no white is required because the paper works as the white.  After doing two full paintings in this manner McGee is taken with the simplicity of working with fewer colors.  

The exhibit runs from September 1 through 26th with the opening reception on Thursday September 3rd from 5:30 to 8:00.  The reception is free and open to the public - come meet the artists and take in this fun show!

2014 Artisans Road Trip Exhibit at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa!

Examples of work by 2014 A.R.T. Artists 

(Artwork is © the following artists - top row left to right - 

Danielle Clouse, Perry Polson, Marisa Sidles, middle row

left to right - Glenda Drennen, Sue Biederman, Mel Myers, 

bottom row left to right - Robert Ansorge, Mitch Eveleth and Bill Lieb)

The 2014 Artisans Road Trip is exhibiting at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa - now through October 25th.

Get a nice preview of the works of those artists participating this year in A.R.T.!  

There will be an artist's reception for the exhibit at Arts on Grand on Tuesday October 14th from 5 PM - 7PM -

meet the artists and enjoy the Spencer gallery and what it has to offer!

Want to take in the Artisans Road Trip?  This is a great way to see a sampling of what each artist does, and visiting the Spencer exhibit beforehand can help you plan your A.R.T. weekend!

 

Remember - the 2014 Artisans Road Trip is the weekend of October 11 and 12th this year and will run from Saturday October 11 (9AM-5PM) and Sunday October 12 (Noon-5PM)!  Make plans for a road trip in NW Iowa this fall - visit artists where they work and/or exhibit and enjoy a nice autumn drive to top it off!

 

Hope to see you then!

Mel Myers and the Iowa Festival of the Arts!

All pottery ©Mel Myers

 

Mel Myers' s most recent kiln load of glazed fired pottery is now unloaded, and packing is underway in preparation for the Iowa Festival of the Arts hosted June 6 -8 in Iowa City. Mel's hand thrown, hand carved pottery draws a crowd as well as devoted, returning purchasers who await his Spring collection. 

 All pottery ©Mel Myers

 

The Iowa City show is the first of eight shows for Mel this summer. Under the building sign of "Clay County Clay", Mel works daily at his studio where walk-ins can see the master ceramic artist at work, admire works in progress, and visit the gallery shop -- all located at his work place at 717 13th Ave West in Spencer, Iowa. Walk-ins are welcome.

 

A.R.T Artist Karess Knudtson Exhibits at Arts on Grand!

Arts on Grand in Spencer Iowa is hosting an exhibit  titled "Natural Encounters", a solo exhibit by 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.

"Four on Screen" 

artwork © Karess Knudtson 

The creative process has been a very important part for the artist, for as long as she says she can remember. The art pieces that Knudtson currently works with are all original and hand-worked. Each begins with her photographs and evolves into a mixed media piece of art. The photos are 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. The selected artworks are mixed media - photographs and encaustic paintings.

"Better by Far"

artwork © Karess Knudtson

"Natural Encounters" began showing at Arts on Grand January 7th with the exhibit running through March 1st,  Arts on Grand will be having an artist's reception on Thursday, February 6th from 5-7 p.m. - the public is invited!

For more information on the artist's work you can visit her website at - http://www.karessknudtson.com/

   
Be sure to take in "Natural Encounters" in Spencer at Arts on Grand, and visit us again here for the Artisans Road Trip!

2013 A.R.T. Artists at the Invitational Exhibit "Wood & Metal"

Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa is now presenting a special invitational exhibit titled "Wood & Metal" which will run through November 23rd.

 View kinetic sculptures 

"Wind Time, When Time Is Controlled By The Wind" and "Do We Care, We Do Care"

in the video above - ©William Lieb

 A.R.T. member artist William Lieb is exhibiting five wood wall reliefs and five steel sculptures plus models of two large public sculptures in this event. The actual full-size public sculptures are on display four blocks south of Arts on Grand in the new Clay County Heritage Center's exterior courtyard. They are titled "Wind Time, When Time Is Controlled By The Wind" and "Do We Care, We Do Care". (These can be viewed in the video above)

Works ©Perry Polson and ©Marisa Sidles

A.R.T. members Perry Polson and Marisa Sidles are also represented in the Wood & Metal exhibit along with six other artists. A reception is planned for Thursday, November 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Arts on Grand.

Thank you for visiting artists and exhibits of the 2013 Artisans Road trip - stop by again soon!

2013 Artisans Road Trip artist Judy Thompson's "Capturing America's Heartland"

artwork © Judy Thompson

2013 Artisans Road Trip artist Judy Thompson has a solo exhibit coming up very soon - "Capturing America's Heartland"! I'm posting the exhibit's poster here for all the pertinent information - don't miss the artist's reception on Tuesday, August 6 from 5 - 7:00 p.m.

For more information on Judy and her work, visit her web site at -

http://www.judythompsonwatercolors.com/home

2013 Artisans Road Trip Artist Mel Myers

 Pottery Works ©Mel Myers

All artists of the 2013 Artisans Road Trip are finding themselves very busy this summer.  This week we are taking a look at 2013 A.R.T. artist Mel Myers of Spencer!

Don't 'Do Clay', let Mel Myers make pottery for you. Ames, Marshalltown, and Clear Lake have outdoor art shows coming up respectively the next three weekends and Mel (Clay County Clay) will sell pottery to new and returning customers.

"Returning customers like checking out my newest glazes. I have a new baby-blue glaze that people seem to like a lot." From warm to cool colors, his original glaze formulas offer something for everyone's taste.

Clay County Clay will be at Art in the Park in Okoboji on August 3rd. Mel also sells from his studio located at 717 11th Ave. East in Spencer.

Thank you for stopping by; check back again for artists of the 2013 Artisans Road trip!

2013 A.R.T. Artists in Iowa's Natural Heritage Exhibit!

A sampling of works and artists in Arts on Grand's

Iowa's Natural Heritage Exhibit!

All works © by each artist as follows - upper left/clock-wise - Katie Plucker, Joanne Alberda, Glenda Drennen, Bruce Morrison, Timothy J Arand-McIlrath, Karess Knudtson, Dennis Dykema, Judy Hemphill, and Judy Thompson (center).

"Iowa's Natural Heritage" will be on exhibit beginning this week at Arts on Grand in Spencer! The artists of the 2013 Artisans Road Trip are well represented by ten of their artists, juried into this new show.  They are: Judy Hemphill, Bruce Morrison, Katie Plucker, Perry Polson, Karess Knudtson, Dennis Dykema, Glenda Drennen, Judy Thompson, Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath, Joanne Alberda, and Beth Morris Cathcart.

This exhibit focuses on the "natural heritage of Iowa" - its flora, fauna and landscape. The exhibit consists of paintings, drawings, ceramics, photographs and mixed media works; both representational and interpretive works.

Come and celebrate Iowa's Natural Heritage through the eyes of artists from May 7 through June 1, 2013!

Better yet - come for the show's opening reception this Thursday May 9th from 5 - 7 p.m. and enjoy the view!

2013 Artisans Road Trip Artist Mel Myers

Pottery/Ceramic Art  ©Mel Myers

Mel Myers' hand made pottery shows his years of experience, care and attention to detail. His winter's work has produced new glazes in soft spring colors and rich earth tones. His vases, bowls, trays, and vessels are usable and beautiful.

Myers is known throughout the state for his intricately carved pottery. Return customers look for him at summer art shows in Des Moines, Ames, and Iowa City; however, he also sells from his studio located at 717 11th Ave East in Spencer.

His one-of-a-kind pottery make for nice gifts...or may be admired and used in ones home or work place.

Buy pottery made by your home town potter/ceramic artist ...the man who exhibits under the company name of "Clay County Clay."

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

2012 A.R.T. Mel Myers

Hand Carved Pottery © Mel Myers

Artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip are all gearing up for the holiday season!  This week we are highlighting Mel Meyers!

Mel is continually working on new glazes and forms of his hand thrown, hand carved pottery. His colors range from a nice, lively green (popular for the Christmas season), to warm earth tone glazes of browns and golds. He has had recent fun making flower frogs and vases that hold water for fresh cut flowers. His bowls and covered oven dishes have been popular for use at Thanksgiving meals as they keep the food nice and warm for the second helpings.
 
Mel has been working with pottery for over thirty years -- all in Spencer, so he is a home town, northwest Iowa artist whose work can be found in several galleries.

Mel welcomes people who stop by his studio, which is open for business daily at 717 11th Ave. East in Spencer. Be sure and stop in and see his most recent work!

For more information you can contact Mel at - 712-580-2529.

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

A.R.T. Artsit Judy Hemphill and the Clay County Fair!

 photography ©Judy Hemphill

Artisans Road Trip artists continue to exhibit their work in a variety of venues.  The 2012 Clay County Fair Museum will feature a sampling of photographs made by 2012 A.R.T. member Judy Hemphill of Spencer.  She has been documenting "The World's Greatest" since a self-assignment in 1995.  A collage of images from that edition of the fair launched Hemphill's free-lance photography career. Two of her submissions to the International Association of Fairs and Expositions have earned Best Agricultural Photograph awards. Last year her images placed in three categories of the IAFE competition.

photograph ©Judy Hemphill

 

Hemphill says, "I love the fair. I hope my images reflect the pride all involved take in doing their best to ensure the Clay County Fair is 'The World's Greatest.' "  In keeping with this year's theme "Discover the Greatest," the public is invited to discover some of Hemphill's favorite fair photographs in the Fair Museum located under the Grandstand.  The Museum and exhibit will be open Saturday, September 8, through Sunday, Sept. 16, during regular fair exhibit hours.

 

Yes the Clay County Fair is fast approaching, but then so is the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!  Thank you for visiting the 2012 A.R.T. Blog and be sure and stop back for more!!!

 

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!

Perry Polson - 2012 Artisans Road Trip Artist!

See Perry's Work at the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake!

This week we are looking at Perry Polson, proprietor and wood turner at the "Wild Wood Gallery & Turning Lab" in downtown Spencer, Iowa!

Perry just boxed up the lab and transported his works to the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake for the month of March.  His works will be showing at the Witter from March 6th through the 30th.  You can see Perry's work in a gallery setting during the Witter's hours of Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday - 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m., Thursday - 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

"The Wild Woods of Iowa" is a real treat - literally walk around Perry's work for an amazing view!

The Witter is at 609 Cayuga Street in Storm Lake; call them at 712 732-3400 for more information.

Learn more about Perry through his Wild Wood Gallery & Turning Lab web site at http://wildwoodturning.com and be sure and stop by again for more of what's going on with artisans of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!

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!