A Positive Reflection

Going to FACEBOOK

2010-02-11T19:27:00.006-05:00

Are you OVERWHELMED by trying to figure out the best place to blog-- or to get your word out?
Before my studio become busy-- I wanted to blog as much as possible.

THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH HOURS!
So -- posts here will be few as FACEBOOK and LINKED IN have taken over as a more effective (for what I want) way to deliver studio news.

THANK YOU for following-- and more than likely you have SO MANY blogs you follow you may not see this post!

Facebook link : Click Here
Studio/Gallery News and link: The Conn-Artist Studios

Wonderful Women Artists Blogs Out There

2010-01-04T07:29:00.002-05:00

http://artfreebies.blogspot.com/

Digital Strangelove (or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Internet)

2009-10-26T01:00:00.001-04:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Digital Strangelove (or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Internet)

View more documents from David Gillespie.

Philanthropy at NC Museum of Art

2009-10-19T10:37:00.014-04:00

Come Alive with Greek Classical Art

What a joy it was to create this "real" Greek maiden to Celebrate the New Greek Classics Wing of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

The New Acropolis Museum in Athens just opened in June. These videos blew me away!

Click Here for Opening

Click Here for What Inspired me to do this Painting Above

Let me know if you want MORE Greek Links.
Here is one more, a wonderful folk song, "for the road."

Ax ellada Sagapw - "I Love Greece" by Nikos Papazoglou

OPA! To Life!

Got Wiki'ed, Sold a Big Painting, + visited Atlanta ALL POSITIVE

2009-07-10T06:52:00.020-04:00

"For Your Eyes Only" Portrait of Ian Fleming
36 inch by 36 inch Oil on board painting by Constance Vlahoulis

Ah, an Interesting Week indeed!
The weirder thing all week was I got an email from a man who is a Wikipedia writer who wanted to use a picture of my painting for his very complete post about Ian Fleming.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming
Interesting how small the world is as the writer lived in several places I lived in and knew another artist in our area. With any luck, perhaps this may bring a sale of this painting I am very proud of via my 1000 Markets Shop.

What helps keep the kids in shoes is that I sold a big triptych painting called Guardians of the Ridge at a local arty shop on Main Street called Delton and David.
This photo shows how the boys displayed the work. It is now in the hands of a Florida buyer.

Next Friday night I will display more work at this wonderful shop and be available to chat it up with tourists. I might even bring "For Your Eyes Only" in hopes of a sale.

In Atlanta I spent two days with my great friend and fabulous artist, Wendy Whitson. One of the many highlights was a trip to the High Museum to view the Claude Monet Water Lilies exhibit! Now I want to paint lilly pads! ha! WHAT an inspiration!

I wonder what next week will bring? More blessings I hope and trust!

Investing in Original Art - A Case for Emotional Investing - by Judi Beck

2009-06-30T20:55:00.008-04:00

"Old Truck" by our newest Oil Painting Instructor, Joi Osterjellse

This article was written by the new friend...of my old friend, Diann Schindler, Ph.D.
Diann is a wonderful artist and knew I'd appreciate this story from fellow North Carolina artists.

In these times the question is how do artists educate folks about the importance of continued art purchases? This very personal story may help.
Author Judi Beck and her husband, Kevin, are practicly neighbors to us in Western North Carolina as they live in Boone, NC. They met Diann while playing tennis on beautiful Amelia Island Florida.

Please read on and remember we love your comments!
Click here or above:
Investing in Original Art - A Case for Emotional Investing - by Judi Beck

Following the Masters

2009-06-07T18:51:00.002-04:00

"Havest Moon" George Inness

Click the link to get some inspiration for
your next project. Do you paint? Well then- go paint!
Do you garden-- do it!
Knit, Cook, Jog, Volunteer, Swim-- or Walk--
whatever it is you like to do.
Let's Do it!

Here you go Painters:
Following the Masters

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art. "~
Leonardo da Vinci

Facebook | Linda Blondheim's Notes

2009-06-04T21:13:00.000-04:00

Facebook Linda Blondheim's Notes:
"From Linda Blondheim Art Studio Art Lover Salon

Why Should You buy Art?

1. An original painting is entirely unique. There will never be another like it.
2. Original paintings bring beauty, power and emotion to your living and working
space.
3. Original paintings provide prestige, focus and enhancement to the decor of a
room.
4. Original paintings provide a window to another place and time, allowing you to
travel to all of the places you remember with pleasure. My patrons often think
of my paintings in terms of a portal to nature in their homes.
5. A well crafted original painting is a timeless gift to pass on to future generations.
6. Patrons who buy art now in tough times, are helping to choose the direction of
art movements for the future.
7. Purchasing small works allows you to have art to fit your mood and rotate it
as you choose. Small works are more flexible in your decorating scheme, making
it fun to move little collections around.
8. A large painting will be a signature element in a room, drawing everone's interest.
It is a statement about your vision for your living space.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"

Click On Linda's Link above to read the rest of her Lively and Clever Newsletter!

Edizioni

2009-05-27T08:52:00.003-04:00

What a Gorgeous Blog I found this morning---
Click here for NYC Shoppe with light airy designs-- each one made me smile!

Since it is raining here-- for weeks it seems-- these designs uplifted my creative side this morning.
Enjoy with a cuppa joe-

Click here: edizioni

I tried to look up translation of "Edizioni"--
the only thing I can figure out is that it must be a name.

Mississippi Writer Gets it Right in Western North Carolina from her Porch to Ours

2009-05-24T19:01:00.011-04:00

The Writers Porch is a blog I have been following because I love the way the author- Carol Murdock of Hattiesburg, Mississippi pens a phrase.

Imagine my surprise while stopping by to see my friend Sandi, owner of the Flat Rock Inn-- I met the author of The Writers Porch on a famous porch in Flat Rock North Carolina! And she was "following" me too! We hugged and that was so cool to meet one another!

And so it is that sometimes it just might take a Mississippi writer to Tell a Great Story about What is In Our Back Yard! That story is about Saint John In The Wilderness Church just several miles down the road from my studio.

There is so much history here under the shady tall trees that cool Greenville Highway-- the Main Street for Flat Rock. I have attended services at this wonderful Church and many artists in our group have painted her. The inspiration is palatable.
Carol got it right and I'd like to thank her.

http://thewritersporch.blogspot.com/2009/05/st-john-in-wilderness-flat-rock-nc.html

Please note that Sandi at The Flat Rock Inn (circa 1888) welcomes you or your group.
At our studio we could create activities to help make your stay wonderful.
Asheville is only 30 minutes North with all their places to see.

Thanks again Carol-- and readers ENJOY her words!

There is MORE to this story -- as I found The Writers Porch because of a certain "character" named Trixie .
On The Porch in Historic Flat Rock- I learned me the REAL TRUTH!

Where Have All the Muses Gone? - WSJ.com

2009-05-18T22:37:00.000-04:00

Great piece in the Wall Street Journal.
You'll might need some time to think about this.
My first thought was we are sure blessed to be in this corner of the world in Western North Carolina.
We have MUSES galore!

Living in this area I have met and gotten to know literally COUNTLESS real muses.
Super talented, super real, women who make me want to be a better woman/muse myself!

Since being a muse is something I do everyday--I welcome your comments!

Where Have All the Muses Gone? - WSJ.com

Exciting News All The Way Around!

2009-05-14T22:48:00.004-04:00

ART LIFE-

Change: Not included but want to mention how fabulous our Arts Council is! More to follow!

Love: New Friendships and Relationships and deeper existing ones!

Excitement: Sarah Sneeden joins our fabulous Art Instructors!

Community & Faith:

With our New Commitment to Donate 5% of Sales to help doggies like our Zack.

Imagine more Life - Art Life! Click below:
Constance Vlahoulis Art Galleries Asheville, Hendersonville

Landscapes Of The South: Studio News

2009-05-09T00:32:00.006-04:00

Now this piece is one my mine-- JUST to get your attention. But this post is about a different artist-- a wonderful artist I found in my web travels.

Linda Blondheim is one of the best plein aire painters in the South. She is a self described, "Florida Cracker" who paints the landscapes she loves. Click on the large link below to get to her blog.

I have been following her blogs and website this year and been VERY impressed by her fresh style, economy of strokes, and gritty determination about getting her art Out There. She instructs, cajoles, and literally commissions her friends and followers to help her in her quest to support her work. I am a huge fan. I have promised myself that I will own a, "Blondheim" original. Visit her site to see what you come up with. AND please do let me know what you think!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I'll close with a little commercial for my work- do visit my new on line shop at a fabulous new venue called 1000 Markets. http://constance.1000markets.com/

If you are interested in purchasing any of my work I will offer you a 20% discount for being a "follower" of mine or if you "subscribe to posts." Just contact me via the contact page at 1000 Markets first so I can adjust the price before you check out.
It is easy and safe AMAZON CHECKOUT! I have just offered FREE SHIPPING so this is the time to get something for your home or a gift to give sometime this year.

Click HERE FOR LINDA BLONDHEIM: Landscapes Of The South: Studio News

Happy Mothers Day all....

Western North Carolina Woman May 2009 Issue

2009-05-04T18:53:00.003-04:00

Western North Carolina Woman May 2009 Vol. 8 No. 5

What a nice suprise to find out an article I wrote got into the "Business of Art" May Issue
of WNC Woman Magazine.
How about that?
Also, had a wonderful mention on page 29.....(but who's counting ;-)

Click on the link to find out how the studio was born.
MAY you have a Happy Creative month!

Seth's Blog: Creativity

2009-05-04T12:09:00.001-04:00

Seth Godin is a master at marketing. A fun part about learning about marketing-- is that even principles for big corporations can be used for small or even in trying to get family members off square one. (Or clean their room.)

Enjoy his mini-rants that are easy to read:

Seth's Blog: Creativity

Creativity and a Double PIE!

2009-04-23T23:17:00.002-04:00

Ever hear of dinner and dessert cooked IN THE SAME PAN?
We're talking "Shepards Pie" (all those good veggies) AND "Apple Pie."

Click here on Wendy Whitson's 1000 Markets Blog Post to view
the BEST idea for a REAL dinner and dessert in one pan.
Talk about Creativity!

I've asked for the recipe! If you have one send it on!

A Positive Reflection: Maggie "B" Glad

2009-04-23T18:39:00.000-04:00

A Positive Reflection: Maggie "B" Glad

Sympathy for Venus is Our Hope and Faith

2009-04-14T06:46:00.019-04:00

Our cousin Venus in California just lost her precious Aunt. ("Thea" in Greek.) In responding to her loss I was reminded about our shared Greek Orthodox faith.

It is faith in God and His Son that makes this following quote comforting:

Sympathy: "Bretheren, I do not want you to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve like those who have no hope. Because if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so must we believe that God will bring with Jesus all those who have
died believing in Him.
For this is the Lord's teaching, we tell you: We the living, who survive until the coming of the Lord, will in no way meet him ahead of those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with the shout of command,
the Archangel's voice and trumpet of God.
And those who have died believing in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever. - 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-17"

When a Greek Orthodox person dies, a mournful prayer is sung by loved ones at the funeral and every year as long as they live --- "Eonia i Mnimi" -- "May Her (his, their) Memory Be
Eternal!" It is a statement of faith and respect-- and love.

(For another family story that addresses our faith please visit "Our Family Heritage" page on my website. There is a painting I created embedding the story onto the canvas.)

You may notice that it is hard to separate the Greek people from their faith. Faith, God, traditions, the Church are so intertwined with daily life. It is also the reflection of the faith of the first Christians. Orthodoxy (meaning first) began on the day of Pentecost. It isn't non-denominational- is it PRE-denominational! The culmination of the entire year is Holy Week. After the midnight service celebrating PASCHA-- (Easter) the faithful say to each and everyone they meet-- "Christos Enesti" .... (He has risen!).

The term began in antiquity and is credited to St. John Chrysostom.
In the very early years of its history the Eastern Orthodox Church adopted the custom of using the Paschal sermon of St. John Chrysostom (4th cent.) at the Paschal Vigil service held during the Saturday night before Easter morning:

"I am risen! I am no longer in the tomb. Three days have I ministered to those under the earthand now they are set free. And you, the living still,have you chosen to live in Me,that you may live and never die? My resurrection is for you. Today you may rise beyond the bondages of the past. You may rise with Me, victorious in this life, raised in glory in the next! Christos Anesti! Truly I have risen! "

In closing this Holy Week-- (We celebrate "Easter" this coming Sunday);
I wish you, "Christos Anesti!"

Arts Spectrum- Wendy Whitson

2009-04-10T17:02:00.000-04:00

Arts Spectrum

Sue Smith's Studio: Spanish Rose

2009-04-07T21:26:00.000-04:00

Sue Smith's Studio: Spanish Rose

Facebook | Home

2009-04-04T10:59:00.002-04:00

Facebook Home: My artist friend on Facebook

offered this quote today:
Cheryl Karounos Prater wrote:

"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king. -- J. R. R. Tolkien"

I'm inspired! How about you?

Supporting The Arts- Even Now

2009-03-27T22:06:00.015-04:00

The "Arts Spectrum" column has been a mainstay for our Arts page in the Henderson Times Union newspaper (owned by the Times). It has been a place to see real reviews of all the arts in the greater area of Hendersonville and Brevard. The author, Ted McIrvine, PhD has been a champion for the arts and artists alike. He has also helped us (The Conn-Artist Studios & Art Gallery) get on the map out of his concern for our location and what we are trying to accomplish for the arts.

Sadly, it is the arts that suffer again as the Times is dropping his column. This Sunday is the planned last printing.

Thankfully- his column will continue bigger and better than ever on his BLOG: http://artsspectrum.blogspot.com/ He truly GETS IT with each of the art forms we offer in Western North Carolina.

Ted knows How to Listen, How to See, and How to Report

It doesn't get much better than that!

Bravo Ted for a job well done thus far! We look forward to even more in-depth reporting!

Another "champion" has written about Supporting the Arts during this economic time in a creative way-- Artist Constance Humphries of Asheville wrote in her recent blog about "CONSCIOUS PURCHASES"-http://www.1000markets.com/users/constancehumphries/blog_posts

It is well worth reading and taking to heart. And there you can enjoy her art, consider a purchase, and also check out the new, "Come to Asheville" market at 1000 Markets.

In our area-- it would be fair to say that the artists made our nook here in Western North Carolina what it is today. It is also fair to say that without community and tourist support-- we risk losing more galleries, studios, and artists. What made it good could be gone if we are not mindful and generous in our support.

What can we do? Well, I can report one of the things I do. In a cranny upstairs I have an emergency, "gift closet." There, I have a number of purchases I have made-- saving them for gift giving. Sometimes, I do not even know who I am getting it for but when I see an art item I like and can kind-of afford-- I do buy. The holidays and birthdays are certainly way less stressful having this lovely horde!

There are SO MANY wonderful works of art, pottery, jewelry- that are made by local hard-working passionate artisians.

Please consider WHO is benefiting from your purchase- not only the GIVE-EE-- but where and whom made the item.

For instance, I have some of my work at 1000 Markets: http://www.1000markets.com/users/constance

(FYI-We welcome commissions-- and have art in our studio from $50 and up!)

Think about it and bookmark us if these comments ring true for you.

I Give Up-- Just Put a Chip in my Brain

2009-03-17T21:45:00.003-04:00

Just how many PASSWORDS can one person have or worse yet REMEMBER?

"THEY" tell you not to have the same passwords for accounts and to change them every 30 days! I miss the good old days when the web just started to grow- it was as easy to remember your short and sweet password . Your dogs name or even that- <36-24-36> -Junior High gym locker combo. Ha!

Trying to think of a POSITIVE way to spin this sorry subject just makes my brain hurt.Typing the words PASSWORD HELL into the internet search box brought up 41 MILLION mentions. Must be a lot of brains hurting out there!

Well maybe The-Olde-Chip-In-The-Brain scenario is the way to go.
The worse ones are for our banking accounts. Screw up twice and risk getting locked out of your account for a fort-night! Have to drive to the darn bank and explain your misfortune after waiting in lines you wanted to avoid by on-line banking!

Oh there is a positive spin!
If my search is any indication-- if common experiences make for bonding-- we all have a zillion buddies OUT THERE!http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2005/11/escape_from_pas.html

Addicted to Happiness Blog

2009-02-22T08:58:00.005-05:00

http://sallyhuss.typepad.com/sally_huss_addicted_to_ha/womens_support_group/

Bravo to artist Sally Huss for such a positive way to greet and end the day.
Aren't we finding out now how important old fashion values are in this day and age?
Reminds me of the good advice older folks in my family offered. The past few decades many of us did back away from the simpler things in life. Now, now these same ideals seem comforting and refreshing!
Our Aunt Amelia -- who lived into her mid 90's in good health, credited adhering to her motto: Everything in moderation!

I am going to try Sally's Bedtime Story- she wrote on this post linked here.
If you try it too- please let me know how it goes.

HAPPY DAY to YOU!

Sometimes You Just Have to Jump....

2009-02-17T11:37:00.009-05:00

......in the deep end of the pool!

This oft quoted quote (that follows below)-- has been attributed to several people, including Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. With a bit more research, it appears that the quote and original author follow;

A ship in harbor is safe... but that is not what ships are built for. John A. Shedd, Salt from My Attic, 1928

Could be that much of our self-inflicted human suffering stems from not what we do-- but from what we don't do, or accomplish, or complete, or just even attempt. In sales seminars we learned about the, fear of success. So we stand or stay paralyzed from fear (or success) instead of moving forward.

It's much easier to paddle along the river when we really want to ride that white water! (Now keep in mind-- if we have been, addicted to always being in the white water-- perhaps at this point in time, a slow trip along the shore may BE the answer!)

For me-- it is back in the studio to and also do some more marketing and work on my action oriented business plan. (Inspired by my last post after reading Sue Smith's work.)

"Whitewater" painting available at 1000Markets: http://www.1000markets.com/users/constance

Featured Artist: Sue Smith's Fabulous Blog

2009-01-29T01:01:00.009-05:00

"A Business Plan for the Mature Artist" by Artist Sue Favinger Smith
...just posted here on lulu.com is a gift indeed!
More of Sue's work is available here: http://suesmithfineart.com/
I wish she lived near us! So much talent!

And Sue-- Thank you for all the hard work on your blog.
I paint with a tribe of "50- somethings"

Please keep up the inspiration!
Constance Vlahoulis

Artists Inspired! Alan McCarter Two-Day Workshop was a Great Success!

2009-01-25T13:24:00.009-05:00

WOW! That's what we ALL said after this wonderful two-FULL day workshop at The Conn-Artist Studios with Master Painter, Alan McCarter!
Here is a link to flickr photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/constancev/sets/72157612983418820/

CUTE IS BACK!

2008-12-30T22:53:00.007-05:00

"CUTE IS BACK!" ...I told my husband with a flip of my hair and a snap of my finger---after he commented how "great" I looked as we stepped out to dinner last week.
Well, why not?
Since $500 is the new $300--- we may as well be as CUTE as we can be waiting out this recession!
One great way I "go for cute" is to SHOP at MONA!
For an artist-- it is a fantastic-ly easy way to dress and Look like a darn artist without even trying!

photo credit MONA! and Paul Clark of Asheville Citizen Times
Our MONA! doesn't just go for cute--- she goes for FABULOUS

and has a legion of fans all over the country.
Her on-line store IS fabulous-- please go there and tell her The Conn-Artist sent you!

BTW- I own at least SIX pairs of MONA! shoes and they are the MOST COMFORTABLE and fun of any I have worn. And being "over 40" - hahaha-- I HAVE to wear "good" shoes like

Clarks or Merrell's etc...

she also has wonderful hoody sweaters--

all kinds of stuff like cool arty clothes, purses, jewelry, mostly hand made!

"Go For Cute" can't we? Well MONA! would say-- Go For Fabulous Honey-- when you look Fabulous, nobody notices your wrinkles!"Please COMMENT BACK and tell us what you are doing to stay UP, HAPPY, INSPIRED, CREATIVE or even CUTE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours!

Go and make your life a masterpiece- A Work of Art- START TODAY!
Powered by ScribeFire.

Create Inspiration for others--by Creating Interest in what other artists need...

2008-12-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

What Do Artists Need Muse Wise?

I really want to know since it surely seems that our Market (at The Conn-Artist Studios and Art Gallery) IS THE ARTISTS!

Although WINNING this contest is only open to an artist who can travel to WNC to take advantage of a Free Open Studio Day--- anyone can enter if they agree to the rules as listed. The most creative one will win.

Have fun!

One of the First Internet Arty Websites - FUN!

2008-11-25T12:03:00.002-05:00

OK--- NOW WHAT? Regrouping and Rethinking Business Plans for The Studio/Gallery

2008-11-16T07:20:00.022-05:00

Above is a view of The Conn-Artist Studios & Art Gallery and two paintings in my 1960's Icon Series. Hopefully you recognise Marilyn on the right. To the left of that is a 36x36 inch oil on board of James Bond author, Ian Fleming, "For Your Eyes Only."

Always vying for the Silver Lining-- here we go....

With the election over and the (stock) markets still reacting to the new national choices- it is clear we may have to do things differently to survive.

Luckily-- this morning, this can be pondered from a calm perspective since we drove to the beach last night. This was the view to which we woke ;-) Ahhhhhhhhh-- feels easier to breathe!

Have to admit that these past few weeks have been stressful re- guarding our art business. Although, as a parent- it is more stressful to see our kids (& their businesses) suffer-- but we'll save that for another post.

What to do to plan for 2009?

What are you doing if you are a business owner?

What are other galleries doing?

We have seen at least 3 close up shop in the past several months. As we drove to the beach we heard on the radio about the myriad of businesses closing. Literally hundreds of stores from long time chains like-- Bombay, Wilson Leather, and a bunch of Talbots (now THAT hurts). A sobering list so long I can't remember. Gallery owners in our area are planning a meeting of the Gallery Guild. Will let you know about what we come up with.
How can a business that has been around for 50, 75, and in some cases 100 years - close? Some got too big-- like Starbucks. They are still open of course-- although many of the stores they just opened will be shuttered. Folks have zipped up their wallets plain and simple. So where does ART fit in? Must be way down the list. Don't like it but I understand.

Re-tooling has been something the car companies have done every year about this time to ready for new models. Even that isn't enough for our beloved Detroit where we lived for nearly thirty years. Determined to stay afloat-- makes sense to build upon what has worked this year--- our numeral uno is OPEN STUDIO.

What else? Art Instruction. We have two new teachers and have several waiting in the wings.

Still..... a huge desire is to sell the art we create that is so close to our souls.

Now, how does a gallery sell art in a recession?

My good friend and fellow Gallery Guild Founding Member, MONA!- used it to her advantage by acknowledging the event. She offered a special show some months ago and titled it, "What To Wear To A Recession."

It worked and Mona's sales of hand painted shoes and her other arty clothes were good.

Closer to this point in time, in yesterday's Wall Street Journal an article noted an Edgar Degas sculpture estimated worth at 4-6 million dollars sold for a paltry $3.7 million. Ha! So that's it--- just lower prices? Not so fast arty goddess!

We are already offering 25% off all paintings in the gallery. Now what?

Back to the drawing board (puns ALWAYS intended ;-).

Good friend and fellow artist gave me some advice as to how to get through the winters (and this was before the meltdowns). Wendy Whitson advised me to work on my body of art and paint paint paint.

So for now-- keep the sales going, paint paint paint, and keep offering Art Instruction. OK, got it. We also - in order to avoid burn-out, are open a few less days. "Winter Hours" around here for galleries are common.

I can almost hear someone reading this and asking, "Why don't you go on Ebay (or whatever)."

Another artist friend is doing just that and having some success with ATC's.

Peggy Tayor, an accomplished landscape Plein Air painter and Instructor creates 2.5 x 3.5 inch original paintings and offers them on line. Bidding starts at just under ten dollars.

Prices have to be small as far as I can tell.

All and all- we have much to be thankful for. Our rent is very reasonable. We are easy to get to and with no steps or parking problems...

Bottom Line- We want to keep our studio open.

Area artists are thrilled they have a place to paint or just to gather.

We may create more studio space within the gallery space.

When folks wander in.... they most always marvel at our selection and quality.

We have the goods.

We have the passion.

Until we are Almost Famous-- (realizing that it often takes a "name" to be able to "sell").... we welcome your ideas, (art orders ;-), and prayers!

Who Are You?

2008-10-26T12:57:00.020-04:00

Better to concentrate on fall's majesty...

however, lately been so worried/tired/sick over the upcoming national elections. Sound familiar?
Oh, did I mention also feeling--FRUSTRATED?
I fired off a Letter to the Editor of both of our newspapers after getting annoying emails and feeling the brunt of some family discontent over my beliefs- along with their in-ability to allow me to express myself.

Then I thought WHY?
Why am I spending my precious time on this and allowing myself these fearful emotions? I was frustrated at not being able to articulate my feelings during debates. Like you perhaps, I would think of all the great things to say afterward. More frustration.

Then I got to thinking about labels.

Not the jelly jar kind-- rather the labels we give ourselves and others. And in this case, the political label or letter we assign to ourselves.
Are our labels us?

Like me, so many other bloggers have considered getting into the (election) fray and not sticking to the intention of their blogs.
The arty blogs I like are those that completely steer away from political issues.
Who needs more OPINION for goodness sake...
there must be millions of blogs out there and between them and the media (oh, did I mention I mourn the death of journalism?)....
I do follow a few political blogs who stick to the facts-- to stay current...
however, I've had just about enough of other's opinions for now thank you.

So now back to our subject-- WHO ARE YOU?
I could start with who am I-- and will offer a description at the end of this post as I would like this to be about YOU.

Let's try to do this in a way that Dr. Wayne Dyer may appreciate.
When a student, he was asked that question by a professor in a class a few decades ago.
The task was to write a page to describe WHO ARE YOU.
Wayne thought, oh this will be easy!
The trouble began when the professor then listed all the LABELS that were off limits... as I recall; sex of the writer, religion, being a mom, dad, sister/brother, political affiliations, where one lived, went to school, did for a job, career aspirations, and now you get the idea.
Not an easy task, especially for a nineteen or twenty year old.
AND you may get the idea of how limiting labels are.
...and in this case perhaps having bumper stickers that
end up dividing us rather than to be a positive force.

"Once you label me, you negate me..." said Soren Kierkegaard, who was the inspiration for the professor who asked the question; "Who are you?"

Last night I was at a wedding reception and the father of the bride -- right after saying "hello" mind you---asked who I was voting for! (He did have a few glasses of wine at this point so I forgive him...)
I hesitated to answer and he implored me to tell him.
So I did and he was disappointed in my answer... but said he loved me anyway which seemed a step in the right direction given the reason for the celebration.

So, do labels really matter?

I didn't think so as we heard the funny and tear jerking toasts to the bride and groom from their loving friends.
I didn't think so as we watched the beautiful, wonderful, successful 20 & 30-somethings dance the night away in joy for the newly married couple.
I don't think so today, as I view the spectacular colors of fall out my window and count my blessings in the midst of these hard times many of us find ourselves in.

What matters are things like what a wonderful Priest told me several years ago when I started to complain about a perceived injustice I felt at the time.
Father Anthony took me by the shoulders, looked me in the eye and said,
"Connie, when you speak to people-- be it so that you leave them feeling refreshed by the experience of being with you."

Leave them wanting more-- and REFRESHED?
Wow, what a concept!
I want to try and live like that everyday-- and also lead by example instead of trying to get someone to think as I think.
Not easy, but a good goal don't you think?
So in that spirit I will end with what I hope is, Who Am I.

I am a smiling muse, a creator, an encourager, a lover of life and people.

And so it goes... till next time.
Please do let yourself know --Who You Are.

In the evening of our lives, we shall be judged on love.
-- St. John of the Cross

Fear Sucks

2008-10-09T22:43:00.018-04:00

Are you sick of feeling afraid today?

Me too.

As I tried to find a more positive & polite title to this post-- nothing seemed to say it like, "Fear Sucks," so sorry about that.

So many books have been written about fear and how it affects artists-- I bet you could recite a very convincing essay about the subject-- even if you- yourself are a bit steeped up in fear about all the scary stuff going on today.

Feeling fearful today myself-- and since Fear Sucks-- I will try to think about people who have emboldened me to think otherwise.
It's a good trick to try. (I'd love to hear if that trick could work for you!)

I'll start mine with an artist named Mary.

"Maggie" & "Alexander"
by Mary Louise Short

These lovely portraits were painted by our good friend Mary. She struggled to find her style and tried many different subjects to paint before settling on portraiture. Some years back, every week she drove to Asheville from her home in Etowah (near Hendersonville, NC) to meet with other artists for the purpose of group critique.
Every week her paintings got "shot down" for lack of a better description but Mary never wavered in her quest to improve. In fact, in the face of that or anything else, Mary always said; "There is Nothing to Worry About!" -- when any of her many friends would complain about real or perceived fears.

One art meeting-- after goodness knows how many weeks or months of meetings-- several in the group asked, "WHO DID THAT ONE?" It was a portrait, (may have been a neighbor of Mary's as I recall)... that Mary confessed to being hers. The group all agreed that this is what Mary should be doing-- she figured it out! Yahoo! So it was that Mary continued to paint many beautiful portraits and got paid for most to boot.

This seemed a bit amazing to me as Mary had been very sheltered, had little world experience other than with church and her family. One of her favorite stories is about her experiences in Africa, where she and Steve worked as teachers and missionaries. Seemed one day an elephant was eating their roof! There was a story of a person going out at night and never returning due to one too many lions in the area! She said you have, "never seen black if you haven't been in the jungle at night!" She reported that she loved her years there with her family and wouldn't have traded it for anything else.

Mary and I shared a ride to DC one day-- I wanted to go to Reagan's Funeral and she had a planned annual collage room-mate get together also in DC. During that trip I learned a lot about Mary and what made her tick. We all knew how devoted she was to her faith- yet she never ever preached to us. She just quietly walked-her-talk. Getting into the rhythm of the road ribbons winding their way up and through the Virginia ridges we shared our beliefs.
She told me that Jesus was her very best friend, she talked to Him all the time and asked Him
about the smallest of daily decisions. He always seemed to come through as she had some funny and sweet stories to share. Further amazing me, she said she would drive to some nearby town, set up her easel on the sidewalk and just paint all day! She never worried about getting it right. She painted and painted and painted, (and I'm sure she asked Jesus once or twice for a bit of help)!

I confessed about my lack of training, experience, and confidence with regards to art even though that is mostly what I thought about. She suggested I take a workshop with Carol Bomer and rather insisted that I do! (That did come to pass by the way & interestingly enough, now Carol & I are good friends and we represent Carol in our gallery!)

All during this time-- I feared not "getting it" with regards to my art and did anything else I could think of (cleaning out closets for instance!) instead of working at my art.
A classic Art & Fear combo.

A bit of fast forward and about 3 years ago Mary had a wonderful party for her art friends-- just a week before Christmas. Mom & I were so pleased to be included. The day was so perfect that we both commented it Was The Most Perfect Day ever-- we are talking lots of warm fuzzies here! A day so perfect I can still savor each moment.

14 days later or so, and a week after Christmas I happened to be in Atlanta with our church youth group. A dear friend Sonja called me and asked if I was sitting down.
"Mary died," she said.
Mary DIED? What are you talking about? Mary in perfect health, Mary in great shape, our dear sweet Mary?
Mary was visiting her family and collapsed in the shower with a brain aneurysm.
That was it. The shock was unbearable at first.

I had been driving and pulled over when Sonja called. I immediately prayed for my friend and her family through a torrent of tears. Suddenly, a clear calm came over me and instantly I KNEW where she was -- she was sitting at the feet of her Lord and Savior there was no doubt.

Not much later I made a decision to not be afraid anymore with regards to my art.

I wanted to honor Mary and couldn't think of a better way.
I believe many other artists in our group felt the same way and offered up the same promises.

So perhaps that can also work in everyday life-- to just be done with fear and all the worries fear brings. When it sneaks into your being-- think of what Mary told us, "There is nothing to worry about. God will take care of it. We'll get through this. We have to have faith."

I'll give you one more trick that Mom told me a long time ago about faith.
It's about faith and the mustard seed. You remember the Bible story.
Since the seed is so small-- we can muster up that much faith can't we?

Fear does suck-- but our faith is bigger than our fear.
(Now don't forget to tell me the same thing when I freak out please!)
We just have to remind each other and practice it--
practice- practice- practice
paint - paint- paint -
You get the idea ;-)

This one is for you Mary- with Love!

Maggie "B" Glad

2008-10-01T22:19:00.025-04:00

We got a call the other night - can't even remember from whom. The caller asked, how were we doing (with reference to all the scary economy stuff going on).
I answered , "How else would we be doing? -- My husband is a stock broker and has a wife with an Art Gallery! Ha!"

However, I meant it in POSITIVE terms thanks to a meeting that day with, "Maggie."

On my way to the studio a month or so back I spied some good looking berries being sold by the side of the road. Upon meeting a colorful character named Leonard, this "Strawberry Man," as he is known by-- knows more than a few folks in these parts of the Western North Carolina mountains. In our chit-chat, I mentioned that I was an artist. He told me about Maggie, "a little black lady at church who drew pictures real good," according to Leonard.
"You should see her art," he explained. "I'm gonna tell her to go see you," he said as I paid him $10 for a an overflowing basket of shiny red strawberries.

First of all, you have to admit that it's pretty cool to even HAVE a, "Strawberry Man." Never met such an entity up north-- but here, along the country roads come harvesting time, we have any number of farmers selling their fruits and vegetables - not so much from fruit stands- but from the back end of trucks with umbrellas sheltering the hand picked treasures and the folks who sell them.

So it was that Maggie finally came to see me although quite unexpectedly yesterday-as it was while Mom and I were closing the studio. At first glance, this small older woman didn't much look like a person who might be interested in walking into an art gallery. And as she entered she never looked or even acknowledged the plethora of art all around her - and walked towards me.

Trying to size her up quickly, I was reminded of a younger woman who recently burst in- talking a mile-a-minute about goodness-knows-what and kind of scaring me saying (sans eye contact), "I am a former drug addict." Still chattering incessantly without taking a breath --about her "art" and about "being clean for many months," her beautiful yet blank blue eyes betrayed her. It appeared her addiction was current. She mentioned she lost her children and home to drugs and was looking for work. I did try to help the young woman somewhat, but was relieved when she finally left.

However this small stranger seemed different so I suspended all judgement and my desire to go home. Soft spoken and shy, Maggie seemed sane, not quite shabby in dress- but pretty darn close. Determined and polite she offered me a look of her tattered stack of drawings in hand. She said her name was Maggie and that, "a man" told her to see me.

Realizing this was the woman the, "Strawberry Man" mentioned, I invited her to sit down to chat. Maggie was obviously proud of these dog-eared drawings on paper so I handled them with reverence, considering each one even though most of them were poorly drawn and in bad shape. Because I appreciate Folk-Art and Naive Art, & much like a mom who encourages her child, I tried to find value in different drawings and let myself be totally open to our mutual art spirit.

There was "something here" in her artwork I told her, "something special" that I thought she should build on. Her tired gray eyes sparked as her mouth crinkled up in a sweet smile. My mother looked on in a bit of amazement at my revelations. I told Maggie I understood why she had to draw. We were just like her, us creative folks have to get it out... we have to share our God given talents... and she agreed.

I gathered a stack of her colorful drawings, mostly done with children's markers. The date of each drawing and title was printed in ball point pen ink. Looked perhaps like another person did the writing but I didn't mention that observation. I noted to Maggie that I'd like to see these works done in paint, on a hard surface so they would last. Maggie nodded so I continued.
I told her about painting on plywood and about acrylic paint. I suggested she use paint and not markers and to date the back, not the front of works, and not use ball point pens to write her words as they would fade in time.
As Mom started to get engaged into the conversation, I said, "I'll be right back Maggie, we have some paint you can have" and I dashed into the art room to fetch some paints we didn't use often. Upon my return, Mom was explaining to Maggie how to use water with the paint and how to put dollops of paint on a plastic lid of some kind-- before committing paint to paper.
We gave her some old brushes and and whole bunch of fresh paints. The goodies filled up a good size see-through plastic bag. I was worried that if she was on foot the bag may be too heavy but she said she had a car, "around the corner."

I gave Maggie a big bear hug and wished her good luck with her artistic experiments to use paint and new ideas. She hugged me back-- and hard enough to make sure I knew she was happy. "I'm so excited," she gushed as we helped her outside. I still feel that hug.

It would be great if Maggie came up with some good little renditions of her work-- and so good if we could sell it for her. We hope that works but what captured our hearts was her brave spirit. She had told us of a conversation she had with her son.
Seems she was upset and real sad about something. Her son said, "Momma, what is your name?" She answered, "Maggie." Not satisfied he asked again, "Momma WHAT is your name?" This time she said, "Maggie B. Glad".... and realizing the gift she repeated it as if a mantra; "MAGGIE B GLAD... I'm Maggie and I'm a bein' glad!"

So with all our personal problems and issues of the day - this sweet un-assuming Maggie B. Glad reminded me to concentrate on blessings instead.

Note to readers:
Maggie's name is slightly different than listed here but the gist is exactly right.
I didn't want to use her real name unless I got her permission. When and if we do-
we will let you know! We hope that something wonderful happens for her-- you never know!
Stay tuned!

Baby's First Book

2008-09-29T12:18:00.004-04:00

Your know the one-
That pretty blue or pink Baby Book you received at your First Baby Shower.
Even though the book is all organized for you-- (all you have to do
is to fill in the darn lines)-- to describe all of baby's FIRST accomplishments-
it proved to be difficult to complete before "the baby" graduated from collage didn't it?

Perhaps you may have made the same promise to yourself:
IF I really Loved My Baby I will finish this Baby Book!

Number One Son's Book is sort-of done and oddly enough in
the dark amber wood Hope Chest my grandmother gave to me circa-1970.
I always thought I could have "done better" but after looking through it-- it is just fine. Not exciting like scrappers today can make something-- but it got the job done in the mid '70's and his first sits, stands, words are recorded forever in a "non"-acid free binder--

My true guilt lies with Number Two Son.

I don't even have to comment further do I?
I see that guilty look on our face too-

Well, it is with these same guilty thoughts I begin to BLOG.
Will I keep it up?
Will it do my art business any good?
Will it take too much time away from home, the studio, the husband?

Won't know 'less I give it a go.
Much like starting a painting-- it is a leap of faith isn't it?

But with artfulness spilling into most everyone's life we do have more tools to be creative.
We artists paint, journal, & flickr our way through each day it seems (...then try to fit in some "work" to pay for our passions).

So I PROMISE myself to blog--
We'll see how that works out won't we?

Oh what the heck- Let's Roll!