Seven Oaks Art League Meeting Recap

Hello,

A few blogs back I had written about the art leagues starting back up and so much is going on in the art community that it is hard to keep up with who's who! Case in point; I stated June Tucerella as President for SOAL. I was wrong; she is no longer President in fact, now residing in the President's chair is Donna Gore, who btw was our first President, when the league originally started.

We had a very lively speaker at this past meeting; an artist I had never met before, but one I hope to get to know better as time goes on. I believe her name is Jennifer Renee. She hails from New Orleans and was there during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. She gave us a lively narrative punctured with laughter and big smiles about the times there and what it was like growing up there and how things had changed and even how it changed her work. At first she relocated to DC and then they eventually found their way to Columbia, SC.

Jennifer does wonderful colorful lively work known as reverse painting on glass. It's actually quite a process; as she is painting blind from the backside, so everything that goes on last has to go on first. You sign it first and then build the layers up backwards. Her work is very beautiful and I encourage you to see her website.

Not only does she do paintings, she also does assemblages and recycled material or found object sculptures. It's apparent listening to Jennifer that she has one of the most creative minds I have encountered in a very long time and it was a joy to listen to her tell us all about work she is doing with used tvs and doors. She had so many ideas for these works and what the entire series will be; it was quite impressive.

Anyway, .... it was truly refreshing and inspirational.

SOAL meets every Third Thursday of the month and our next meeting will be held at the 7oaks park rec center on Oct 21 at 630 pm. From Oct 21 to the Nov meeting I will have a few pieces of art on the walls at The Seven Oaks Recreation Center. So if you are one that goes by this park which is located just off St Andrews Rd and Piney Grove... check out the walls.

Yours Truly;

Jean Bourque

Fun Art Classes in May at Seven Oaks Park

Make your choice between two different FUN CLASSES offered evenings FOR 4 WEEKS
Or take both classes ! Select ALTERED BOOK CLASS OR
CHOOSE ABSTRACT ART PAINTING CLASS WITH
Abstract Artist Jean Bourque at Seven Oaks Park in
Columbia, SC near the Irmo line; just off I26 Piney Grove exit.



Altered Books Monday evenings - May 5 to June 2
(off May 26th) 7:00-8:30 PM 4weeks only - $49.*

Do you love scrapbooking? Do you keep a journal? Altered books is a combination of the two. Basically, we take an old hardcover book and make our own book using a variety of materials, we recover, decorate and manipulate the book into something totally new. In the inside we explore whatever theme is important to you or you can make it into an art book, a journal or scrapbook. All photos are from altered books done by Jean Bourque the teacher for these evening classes!


Abstract Art Painting evenings Wednesdays May 21 to June 11 from 7-8:30 PM
4 weeks only $49.* Or take both classes only $98.*
Do you like the idea of making a symphony with colors on canvas? If you have never painted before you may enjoy finding out you really can paint. If you currently paint; just bring your paint supplies and learn to loosen up your art and become truly creative with abstraction. Bring one canvas a week and plan to paint and have fun! To see examples of abstract paintings, click here!

Both classes will be at Seven Oaks Park at Leisure Lane off St. Andrews Rd. or off Piney Grove Rd. just before St. Andrews Rd. Please stop by to register in advance at Seven Oaks or sign up
by phone at 803-772-3336. The classes will be fun and you will create some really cool artwork. I look forward to working with all of you!
Yours Truly,
Jean Bourque

*in district prices quoted; out of district is slightly higher, but still very reasonable.

Past - Art Happenings for the Future

This past week, I met with peers at Saluda Shoals Park to discuss "Through the Eyes of Art" planned for Sunday Oct. 7, 2007. We saw the areas where artists would be performing, installing, reading, singing, painting and sculpting. It was an interesting walk in the woods with fellow artists, arts administrators, park employees, and writers. It was mentioned that they would love to have artists use materials found in the park. I saved a few pieces of bark to dry out. The bark is in my house and Toffee has her own ideas of how to use the bark. Here is a new picture of her. She is now 3 1/2 months old and weighed in at 3.8 pounds.

That evening; I went to Thee Matriarch & met fellow blogger Harriett Hilton . She was such a joy to meet. I had been reading her blog at Artistic Musings and really enjoying it; when she invited me to her show. After meeting; she interviewed me for her blog and it is listed there. So check out my interview at Artistic Musings. It was an honor to meet the owner of Thee Matriarch, Rachelle Jamerson former Entrepreneur of the Year. She is so young looking; it's hard to believe she will soon be celebrating her 15th year in business. Congratulations!

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Two quick announcements

Enchanted Forest at 556 Meeting St., barely over the Gervais St. Bridge; in West Columbia has a great little gallery and lunch spot. Featuring the art work of such artists as Jean Bourque and Barbara Anderson; plus pottery and gift baskets by a variety of local talent. Stop by M-F open until 5 PM each day or call 530-5166. They can custom make gift baskets too!

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Chuck with the Cultural Council is still looking for art supply donations; you can drop them off there at 930 Richland St. downtown Columbia. Thank you, for any donations you can make for the students of the Art-arium and the women of the Sisterhood Productions.

yours truly; Jeanee

http://www.jeanbourque.com/