It's All About Faith at 80808 May 26-May 31 ART

It's All About Faith

– The art show features portraits, paintings and sculpture by Barbie and Faith Mathis and 20 other well known Columbia area artists. “The Faith Paintings” are a series by Barbie Mathis that celebrate the individuality and creativity of Faith Mathis, an emerging artist who dares to be herself. The show is at Vista Studios/Gallery 80808, 808 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – Thurs. 5/26 through Mon. 5/31 - Opening Reception 6 - 9 pm on Thurs. 5/26

Faith Mathis, a featured artist and subject of the show, has attended summer programs at the Governor’s School for the Arts, and at Tri-DAC hosted by Columbia College, where she has been offered an art scholarship to become a studio arts major. Faith's works include pen and ink on paper with markers or watercolors, mixed media paintings, and a series of sculptures called “My Life in Dolls.” Additionally, she created a life-size sculpture, cast from her own body, which functions as an IPOD speaker. Never one to stifle her opinions, Faith is a vocal advocate for arts education in public schools where she hopes to teach art some day.

Barbie Mathis has been working as a professional artist since 1980. Starting as an illustrator and designer, then becoming an acclaimed watercolorist, with an emphasis on natural subject matters and people immersed in rich, dramatic backgrounds. Barbie is a signature member of the South Carolina Watermedia Society. “How Long Must I Wait” was the first piece of “the Faith Series”, and it was included in the 2009 traveling show for SCWS. Barbie has also exhibited in numerous shows around the state, winning various awards including 1st Place at the Trenholm Artists Guild Show in March, 2011. at www.BarbieMathis.com,www.BarbieMathisStudio.blogspot.com,www.BarbieMathisStudio.Etsy.com . Listing of current venues will be on Barbie's Blog.

The unique nature of this exhibition is summed up in its title:"It’s all about Faith". Faith Mathis is featured as model and as an artist in her own right. Gallery hours are weekdays 11 am – 3 pm, Sunday 1 – 4 pm. Barbie Mathis will be on hand those days to meet the public. An opening reception, with many of the featured artists including Barbie and Faith, will be held Thursday evening, 5/26, from 6 to 9 PM at the gallery.

It's All About Faith - Featured Artists

Barbie Mathis, Faith Mathis, Jean Bourque, Rachel Parker, Bonnie Goldberg, Anastasia Chernoff, Michael Krajewski, Susan Lenz, Ron Marsh, Howard Hunt, Gail Cunningham, Lauren Maurer, Roy Paschal, Tam Hicks, Peggy Nunn, Michael Bolin, David Phillips, Palei Leonard, Ingrid Carson, Renee Ittner-McManus, Karen Langley and Jonny Mondragon

Contact: Barbie Mathis at 803-261-3038 or barbie@barbiemathis.com .

Photo copyright by Jean Bourque of Barbie and Faith Mathis. This was from the Talent Show at White Knoll HS where Faith portrayed herself and sang as Lady Gaga . early 2010.

First Friday at Village Artist in Sandhills, Columbia

ART, Wine & Cheese Reception 6-9 PM at Village Artists Gallery on Nov 5th and view the featured works of Barbie Mathis, Van Martin, Barry Monk and Carl Crawford. Musical Entertainment will be provided by Sharon Von Fange, singer songwriter and plays a variety of instruments.

While present, you'll have the opportunity to also view the artwork of 22 other member artists in the gallery. The Gallery is in the Village at Sandhill next to Panera Bread, 631-8 Promenade Place, Columbia, SC 29229

Phone# 803-699-8886

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Pictures:

to the left: Barbie Mathis and Rachel Parker, photo by Keith Bates.

to the right: Jean Bourque (me) and Sharon Von Fange with painting

I painted while Sharon was performing at Utopia, photo by Keith Bates.

Creative Quote Collage Class w Barbie Mathis

Creative Quotation Collage Class

Instructor: Barbie Mathis

Date: Sunday, Nov. 14^th 1 – 5 pm Cost: $35

Description: Use positive thoughts, words, verses or quotations to create a colorful, inspiring piece of art for yourself or as a gift. Instructor will supply a

6-inch canvas, paints, papers, brushes, mediums and everything needed to complete an original piece of art. Student may bring their favorite quotes, magazines, art papers, metallic pens, acrylic paints and brushes, etc., but not necessary.

Sign up at Village Artists in the Village at Sandhill

Barbie Mathis was interviewed by Channel 19 News

Barbie was just interviewed at Sandhills Village Art Gallery by News 19.

They said it would be on tv about 5 or at 6 tonight.

Stay Tuned.

She said it may only be a sound bit or two.

The main thing is they saw and filmed the gallery which is set up for the Inaugral Show with works honoring

the upcoming Inauguration Day.

Coincidently; they came at a time when the highest selling artist happend to be there. Barbie Mathis has been selling art so fast she has to paint in every bit of her spare time. An unexpected shot of publicity can only add fuel to the fire. Art by Barbie Mathis will continue to spread thru the city of Columbia, SC and the world like a wild fire.

Congratulations to Barbie Mathis; you deserve this!

Barbie Mathis Top Selling Artist

Barbie Mathis started out as a fashion illustrator doing mostly b&w newspaper illustrations. Later she worked in an Atlanta Gallery and Frame shop and there she was inspired to take art classes to learn painting so she could do decorative art. She decided to get a contract with an art publisher. She contracted with Bentley Publishing. her art career was up and running.

Opportunities to study with some of America's finest artists soon came when Barbie moved to Sarasota FL. There she volunteered at the Leech Studio. Well known watercolorists came from all over to teach there and Barbie was there when ever the door was open. Barbie tells me; " I saw such a variety of techniques but I tend to like realistic art. I liked the way artists used layers of transparent glazes to create interesting effects with details, light and color. I mainly work in watercolor and on occasion in oils or acrylics. "

(JB) You often paint flowers what inspires you about flowers? "With flowers there are so many colors and varieties and shapes; I can paint flowers everyday. There is always something new and always a challenge. Seeing and smelling flowers just inspires me and feeds my soul. I heard Wayne Dyer say that "inspire" is the same as “ i n-sp i r i t ”. Flowers "inspirit" me...and connect me to God.

Barbie tells us a little bit more about her background and who she studied art with.
" I went to Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta, GA. Later I had some great individual instruction — Sara Brown and Connie Riley in Atlanta. I also saw demos by Nita Leland, Skip Lawrence, Don Andrews, Frank Webb, Barbara Nechis and many great artists that came to FL. I ' v e taken workshops every year; some favorites have been Joanne Anderson, Margeret Hoybach, Linda
St e v e ns-M o y e r, and M a r i l y n P h y l l i s . "

Barbie continues," I've always enjoyed being in art groups. Most of the art groups have shows and I enter them. In the past 5 years, I have been honored to get in shows all over the country
and actually win a few prizes. I haven't been as intentional about marketing as I need to be now. In the past, if something interested me, I just pursued it by getting out and talking to people, showing my work, entering shows, working with other artists, etc. I have my website at http://www.barbiemathis.com/ and I am showing work and talking with other artists on Facebook. I am also going to have a website through Pre-Paid legal that will provide a business website and marketing help. (Ask me if you want to know more) Village Artists is going to have a website soon."
(JB) Barbie; you have sold a lot in the local art scene and I am sure other artists would like to know if you have any advice on selling art?
(BM) Decide who you want to market to and create your marketing to attract and suite that audience. Example: I want to do fine watercolors for an upscale audience. I joined the V i l l a g e
A r t i s ts C o- o p in the Village at Sandhill. It's a gallery that attracts customers who do not mind spending for fine art. I also have giclees made because my paintings are time consuming. I paint with the intention of making reproductions.

(JB) Is there anything else about you or your art you would like to share with the readers?

(BM) I started selling more art when I realized that God is my source. He knows my needs and as I
v i s u a l i z e, p r a y, and ask for what I need, he brings about the provision. I always have what I need when I need it. Besides my art career I do displays for ARM, office admin for Edward Jones Investments, and for the artist Rachel Parker as a studio assistant.

(JB) In an ideal world; were do you see your art career say in ten years?
(BM) " I want to have more gallery shows and to have my art sought after by major collectors. I'd like to be known as an expert in flower painting.
(JB) Barbie is already known as an expert in flower painting.
(BM) I want to get into National Art Shows such as AWS and NWS. I am currently a signature member of SC Water Media Society. I'd like to keep advancing in the art world. I fully expect my art to support me and I would also like to make enough sales so I can support and mentor other artists who need help getting started. I'd like to have a studio gallery shop where artists can come and work for a while and the public can come in and buy art. I also would like to pay some one to manage it all leaving me to paint and travel with other artists, family and friends. "

Thank you Barbie for sharing your life, your art and your dreams and goals with us. As we start 2009 my wish for you: a very prosperous and happy new year! You go Girl!

Amazing Art Sales in this Economy

Columbia, SC. Recently, two artists have proven economy doesn't matter when you have art that has mass appeal and a personality combined with talent, determination and faith. Barbie Mathis of Lexington, SC has single handedly sold 14 originals, had numerous consignments and sold several prints all in the past 4 weeks. These sales were all made at the Sand Hills Village Gallery in the former Bombay Company Store, in Columbia, SC. This has made Barbie the highest selling artist at Sandhills. Barbie's paintings are highly detailed flowers ranging from photo realistic roses to irises with a minimalist background. They are stunning and I think what captures people's attention is the crisp spring feel and everyone loves flowers. Barbie's work can be seen at SandHills Village Gallery.

Then there is Paintings by Roger; featuring the artwork of Roger Hutchison. He is currently having a show at Frame of Mind on Main St in Columbia SC. On his opening night ten pieces sold and I have heard several more have sold since then. Rogers work is bright, eye catching and takes you to a place of playful freedom. I can understand the appeal as I am also attracted to Roger's artwork. He does all his acrylics without brushes. He actually uses his hands to hand paint the canvases in bright colors with some geometric qualities. You can still see Rogers work at Frame of Mind until January 8, 2009.

What is so amazing about Barbie and Roger's sales is that prior to this month as a professional artist in Columbia SC for well over a decade; I had never heard of any artist in Columbia having this kind of sales and to hear of two in one month in a bad economy really makes me stand up take notice. My hat goes off to both of them. Congratulations Barbie and Congratulations Roger!!! Great job! Watch ARTSAILS1 Blog for interviews with Barbie Mathis and an interview with Roger Hutchison and more visuals of their work.

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NOTE: Photo of Barbie Mathis Artist at Sandhills Village in the NE section of Columbia, SC. *

Seven Oaks Art League Meets Jan. 17th

JANUARY’S PROGRAM for Seven Oaks Art League in St. Andrews, Columbia, SC

We will meet at 7PM on Thursday, January 17, 2008. Our guest speaker will be Rachel Parker, a self-taught watercolorist. She has been drawing since she was a child and began painting in 2000. She comes from a family of artists. Her mother Gretchen Parker is an award-winning portrait artist. Her father is an award-winning photographer, so art must run in the family! She will share with us ideas about selling our artwork.

At our December holiday gathering, Barbie Mathis won the prize for her fabulous fake of Maxfield Parrish’s Ecstasy! It was a very tough decision as there were so many fabulously done fakes.

The SOAL Jan. 14-Feb.21 art show will feature work by Jean Bourque and Ingrid Carson.

Pianos, Pastries and Picasso's Fri. Nov. 16th 6PM

Glenforest School presents the Palmetto Master Singers. For a sample of their music, click on the name of the group. They have performed all over the world and this performance will include music from Bach to Broadway to the Beatles.
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The Art Show and Sale will be starting at 6PM Friday November 16th. We will have a wide selection of art to choose from including award winning local artists. Participating artists include: Barbie Mathis, (the painting shown here is "Aiken Splendor" by Barbie Mathis), Jean Bourque, Pat Stone, Janet Kozachek, and Christy Aitken. We will also have a charcoal sketch artist Jean Ehler so you can get your portrait sketched before the Palmetto MasterSingers perform, during intermission or later during the dessert party. Other artists wil be announced soon.
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All proceeds benefit the schools Arts Program. The school is located at 1041 Harbor Dr West Columbia, SC. After the performance, Glenforest will host a “Meet the Masters” dessert reception and the art sale will continue to run during this time. You may purchase tickets at the school for $20.00 per ticket for all three events. Contact Linda Branham at 796-7622, for tickets or directions to the event.

*please note, anything that is underlined or a different color can be clicked on to go to a website on that topic.

Yours Truly,
Jean Bourque

Through the Eyes of Art at Saluda Shoals Today

Ahhh...a Sunday afternoon and your just sitting around web surfing, looking for something different to do...Hop in your car and come on to the Park...here's why:

The event is today Sunday Oct. 7, 2007 from 1-5PM.

"The beauty of the park serves as both a stage and an inspiration for some of the Midlands most talented artists. Experience a variety of artistic mediums and gain special insight from the artists on how the creative process works. Wander into the world of dancers, painters, musicians, and actors interpreting the beauty of nature's art along the trails of Saluda Shoals Park.

Participating Artists
Jean Bourque, Abstract Acrylic Painting
Betsy Clem Brown, Watercolor, Pencil, Prisma Colors
Elizabeth Cameron & Kathy Bradley, Banjo & Guitar Performance
J. J. Casey, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Beth Cavanaugh, Watercolor
Columbia College Dance Company, Martha Brim, Site specific Choreography
Ruby DeLoach, Haiku Poetry & Watercolor Art
Eboniramm, Poetry Reading w/Flute Accompaniment
Jean Ehler, Oil Painting
Julianna Gillespie, Watercolor
Vickie Saye Henderson, Improvisation
Howard Hunt, Oil Painting/Photography
Invasion Performance Group, Barbara Anderson, Interpretive Dance
Alicia Leeke, Batik Silks & Surface Designs
Susan Lenz, Machine Embroidery
Barbie Mathis, Oil Painting
Michel McNinch, Oil Painting
Roy Paschal, Oil Painting
Melinda Smith, Watercolor & Collage Demo
Tina Milhorn Stallard, Vocal Performance

Through the Eyes of Art Organization Team
Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, Local artists, Artists Round Table, Columbia College Dance Company, Crooked Creek Art League, Cultural Council of Richland & Lexington Counties, Musicians & Songwriters Guild of SC, Nickelodeon, Sandlapper Magazine, SC Arts Commission, SC State Museum, Seven Oaks Art League, Sumter County Cultural Commission

Partners: Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Citadel Broadcasting, Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, First Community Bank, Jim Hudson Lexus, Professional Printers and SC PRT

The Saluda Shoals Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving as a steward of and an advocate for the preservation and sustainability Saluda Shoals Park programs and the environment. "

Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission
Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212
803-772-1228

The Seven Oaks Juried Art Show May 17-30

at the Seven Oaks Park, off St. Andrews Rd. on Leisure Lane in Columbia SC

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Thursday May 17 from 7Pm to 9PM open to all artists and to the public

23 works of art created by Columbia area artists
Awards will be announced at that time!
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The art work shown is by Barbie Mathis award winning artist. For purchase details email Barbie. To see more of her art work go to Barbie's website.
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Hope you come on out and see our art!!!

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"Imagine" a 30 x 24 inch on thick museum quality canvas

Hope to See you there

Jeanee

http://www.jeanbourque.com/