August 29 "if" Art Gallery Opening (Email Bag)

if ART
presents at
Gallery 80808/Vista Studios
808 Lady St., Columbia, S.C.

THE LINE ACCORDING TO
Roland Albert – Mary Gilkerson – Sjaak Korsten
& Kees Salentijn

August 29 – September 9, 2008

Artists’ Reception: Friday, August 29, 2008, 5 – 10 p.m.
Opening Hours:
Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and by appointment

For more information, contact Wim Roefs at if ART:
(803) 238-2351/255-0068 – wroefs@sc.rr.com

For its August – September exhibition, if ART presents at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios The Line According to Roland Albert, Mary Gilkerson, Sjaak Korsten & Kees Salentijn. German artist Albert will present mixed media, mostly wood-based sculptures, and Columbia’s Gilkerson, a new series of monotypes. Dutch painter Salentijn will show paintings, mixed media works on paper, painted ceramic plates, lithographs and silkscreens. Korsten, another Dutch artist, will show mixed media works on paper. Korsten has recently joined if ART Gallery, and the upcoming exhibition will be his first in the United States.
Albert (b. 1944) is a widely respected painter and sculptor in Germany. He is part of the artists’ exchange between Columbia and its German sister city of Kaiserslautern. Albert studied with the famous Greek-American sculptor Kosta Alex in Paris in 1964. In 1970, he graduated from the prestigious Munich Academy of Fine Arts. Albert’s work overall fits European post-World War II contemporary traditions. He shares Joseph Beuys’ love for rough and unfinished materials. Like Art Informel artists such as Spaniard Antoni Tapies and fellow German Emil Schumacher, Albert considers not just forms and shapes important but also the tactile and physical quality of his materials. Gilkerson (b. 1958) has recently completed monotypes for her Three River series based on Columbia’s Congaree, Saluda and Broad rivers. The sometimes strongly abstracted works are based on photos and drawings Gilkerson made earlier this year during walks along the riverbanks. Gilkerson for many years has been prominent on the art scene of the South Carolina Midlands as an artist, critic and curator. She teaches art at Columbia College in her hometown of Columbia. Gilkerson holds BFA, MA and MFA degrees from the University of South Carolina.
Korsten (b. 1957) is widely known and respected in the Netherlands. Not unlike Albert, he works in established post-World War II European modern and contemporary traditions. His work is related to Art Informel artists such as Tapies, Jaap Wagemaker, Wols, Jean Fautrier and Manalo Millares. Much of the focus in their work and that of Korsten is on materials and surface. While Korsten’s work is heavily abstracted, he typically includes representative elements. Korsten’s work has been shown at major European fairs, including TEFAF Maastricht, PAN Amsterdam and the Cologne Art Fair.
Salentijn (b. 1947) is among The Netherlands’ most prominent painters. The initial inspiration leading to his mature style came from post-war American art and from Spanish painters such as Tapies, Antonio Saura, and later Millares. Salentijn developed a personal style that combined the expressionist, painterly swath with smaller but equally expressionist marks that are quick and slightly nervous but sure. Combining vigorous painting with often-childlike imagery, Salentijn’s work eventually placed him in the Northern European, post-war CoBrA tradition of strongly expressionist, abstracted art that containes representational elements. Salentijn’s increased use of figuration in the 1990s confirmed this link. His work is in several European museums. In addition to the 1982 Chicago Art Fair, his work has been represented at major European art fairs, including Art Fair Basel, TEFAF Maastricht, Kunstmesse Cologne and KunstRAI Amsterdam. =

Golden Acrylics Demo held at City Arts

A group of artists recently attended City Arts Golden Acrylic Demo by Mr Garrett; a Golden Rep. It felt like an art league meeting in some ways. Maybe in part because Mr Garrett had done a similar demo at Crooked Creek back a few years ago plus there were artists from a variety of art leagues.

I loved where I was sitting; not so much because I could hear or see the speaker but more because I quickly learned my seat had an artistic advantage. I could clearly see several large works by Bruce Nellsmith. I had the opportunity to look at them from a comfortable seat and contemplate. Although I have always loved his work; I had never had the opportunity to stare at his work. It was almost like peeking inside his brain. Heaven knows I want to paint with Bruce.

Wake up... skins of acrylic paint peeled off freezer paper were being passed around the room. Interesting little pieces of plastic. Clipboards with a shot of medium and a color along with palette knife or a brush were going around too. The prints were pretty cool. Suddenly; I realize I am blessed and I am so happy. Discovery has always been in abundance and among my highest creative gifts. The experience of seeing the things I experimented being shown to the group was a bit of a shock. Yet...it was fun to hear peoples thoughts on these things.

I did in fact learn a few things and there were a few things I would have loved to share; but at last I was not the teacher nor was I the lead student.(smile) I was just a paying guest at City Arts. I did get my money's worth being able to stare at Bruce Nellsmith's paintings for nearly an hour. Had Bruce been among the group surely he would have taught us even more. He is a professor of art at Newbury College in Newbury, SC.

Since I have not been able to get permission to show his art...I suggest you go to City Arts website and see the art there. Tell Randy; Jeanee says hi.

yours Jeanee

Dennis Olson - A self taught artist

Every now and then someone will email me and we will become email friends even though we are total strangers. Some of you have actually met me that way. It is fun and I love to write. Of course, now a days I am working so I don't answer every day like I used to. I can't say for sure how long Dennis and I have been writing to one another; probably a year would be my guess.

Dennis emailed me a painting and every now and then he emails me again. He has invited me to participate in shows in his part of the world and I just know we will be in art shows together at some point. Anyway; I am real excited about his latest work and he has agreed I could show it on my blog. Presenting...The work of Dennis Olson.

PrismaColor Portrait Class with Gretchen Parker

Colored Pencil Classes by Gretchen Evans Parker
Class at Pilgrim Church in Lexington this fall.
Two afternoons a week Tuesdays and Thursdays for three weeks,
Sept 16- to Oct 2. from 1:30 PM to 3:30PM Cost $60.
We will focus on portraits but if you can do a still life or landscape

You will need a set of Prismacolor pencils - the largest set you can afford.
Anyone doing portraits will need to get all the pencils in Ann Kullberg's skin palette.

Contact Gretchen with any questions. Phone: 803-238-3714 please visit her new website: http://www.gretchenevansparker.com/
And blog:http://www.gretchenevansparker.blogspot.com/

Posted from an email sent by Gretchen Parker; edited for length and to 3rd person.

Art Classes by Ingrid Carson Register Now!

Have you been wanting to learn some more new art skills???

Get yourself geared up for 6 week art classes in greater Columbia SC.

Meet and learn from one of ARTSAILS 1 favorite painters;

Award Winning Artist Ingrid Carson

Ingrid says; "Hope you have had lots of wet brushes this summer. "

The classes are held at Ingrid Carson's Studio; at 207 Savannah Branch Trail, Irmo. They are small, and the space is limited. The 6 week class fee is $80. She gives lots of individual instruction.

The schedule is as follows:

Oil Painting Classes:

Tuesday evenings 6 - 8 PM August 12 - September 16.
Wednesday Mornings 9:30 - 11:30 August 13 - September 17.
Thursday Mornings 9:30 - 11:30 August 14 - September 18.
Thursday Afternoon 1:30 - 3:30 August 14 - September 18.

Mixed Media Class:

Friday Morning 9:30 - 11:30 August 15 - September 19.

E-mail me at snoops@mindspring.com or call 749-9501

Hope to hear from you.

Ingrid Carson
snoops@mindspring.com

Flying Without a Plane!

by Jean Bourque

Art Commentary.... "Flying Without a Plane!"

I really love to fly. The idea of waking up in Columbia SC and in several hours being in Bermuda; just entices me. This feeling of flowing with a change into another land or perhaps dimension; is something I have found in creating art.

One of the many wonderful things about being an artist is having the opportunity to continue to learn more as time goes on. We refine our skills and ourselves with every exposure to another art instructor or sometimes even to another art portfolio. Each of us works differently. Some artists are highly experimental; while others are very illustrative and precise. To each their own and sometimes we find we cross paths even in this widely divergent world of art; with all its possibilities.





What we think we know now; later becomes replaced with updated info or a new piece of self found in the puzzles of life. What keeps an artist up to date isn't so much just having a college degree or learning to paint from one or two instructors. Its not just about perfection in one technique, one style, or one medium. No, no, no, it's about so much more. Open your eyes; and see; really look deep. Now close your eyes and see; look real deep. Breathe in breathe out; now do you see? Keep trying...

Throughout art history you see the greats; the well knowns; the famous and the infamous artists all had a common link. That link was being open to experiment with their ideas and techniques, the willingness to expand one's horizons. The fearless moving forward while flying with out a plane; a journey into the unknown. We find out selves through our art; it can be your greatest joy!



All on board; let's fly!


Yours Truly;





Jean Bourque


http://www.jeanbourque.com/



About the Painting: This is "Jagged Edges" by Jean Bourque an oil painting that measures 36 by 24 inches on Linen. One of my personal favorites.

Work on Paper by Jean Bourque

Goodbye to the Riverfest Music and Art

Okay; I'll admit it I dragged my feet and was tied up with other things and never really made it to the Riverfest until this past Sat. And like so many things that one may put off until the last event or last semester; you say Whoa...I wish I had discovered this in the beginning.
But perhaps the powers that be wanted me to see the end rather than the beginning. I learned a lot in my short visit. Here is what I saw; besides great art; happy faces and an art festival; I saw a family of artists. They had become united. It was an interesting observation.

All the artists had really bonded and become like a big happy family. I had not seen this happen before. But week after week of hanging out at the River showing their art and listening to live music every Saturday night certainly would be a way to bond. It's not just the art or just the music its the People; the Artists and the time together; The Socializing. I often pick my "off duty" events by the social factor instead of the sales potential, but that's just me. My friends only sold a few things here and there; no one made a killing and to me it didn't seem like it was worth the time from the sales perspective; but then again....isn't developing new friendships and relating to a definite crowd; worth so much more???


YES; I think it is....

Southern Visions wants Your Feedback!!!

Southern Visions is the traveling exhibit program of the Southern Arts Federation that showcases Southern traditional and contemporary art. Recently, the Southern Visions program held an open call for submissions, looking for a new traveling exhibit to add to our roster. Below you will see work samples and details of each eligible exhibit.

WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!! Let us know which exhibit you would like to see on the Southern Visions roster by taking our interest survey. Please respond to the survey by Thursday, July 31, 2008. Your input will help to determine which of these exciting exhibits will be available to you in the near future.

We recommend you and your colleagues view images from the proposed exhibits below before beginning the survey. Additional images from each exhibit can be seen HERE. The images and photographs in this document are provided for the purpose of educational activities only. All other uses are prohibited. Access to these images does not imply unlimited use permissions nor any release of copyright restrictions. Images and photos are provided for educational related use only. Photo credit must be given where indicated. Long-term use of these materials in publications, CD-ROMs, DVDs, Web sites (other than online articles), and any other non educational or non-press related, for-profit use is prohibited. The copyright holders reserve the right to withhold access to images if false representation is suspected or there are questions about intended usage.
Annual SCBWI Southern Breeze Children's Book Illustrators Show Jazz: the First Days New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Southern Eccentric: The Paintings of Larry Connatser Southern Open 2008 The Faith Experience The Blues in Claiborne County: From Rabbit Foot Minstrels to Blues and Cruise

2009 Flowertown Festival Call for Artists & Runners

The Annual Flowertown Festival was established 36 years ago to support the programs and community outreach of the Summerville Family YMCA. The Flowertown Festival has since become a nationally acclaimed event—drawing over 200,000 visitors to Summerville to see the wonderful arts and crafts, sample goodies at the Taste of Summerville and enjoy the Children’s Jubilee. All set against a backdrop of azaleas, dogwoods, and wisteria in the Town’s lush Azalea Park, the Festival is one of the largest events in the Southeast. The 2009 Festival will take place Friday, April 3—Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Twelve years ago, the Annual Flowertown Festival Run was added to the Flowertown Festival activities as the official kick-off event. Located in one of the South’s most beautiful locations, downtown historic Summerville, the Flowertown Festival Run draws over 850 runners every year. The run includes three distances: 10k, 5k and one mile—a distance for everyone’s pace. The 2009 run will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Proceeds for both events benefit the Summerville Family YMCA.
Contest details:
- Entrants are asked to submit original paintings, drawings or digital artwork to represent one, or both of, the above mentioned events.
- The design entry must be appropriate to be used on T-shirts, posters, brochures, billboards and other promotional materials .
- No more than three (3) entries per person are permitted. Entries must be received no later than October 13, 2008 at 5:00p.m.
- The contest is open to all legal residents of the United States, except employees of the Summerville Family YMCA .
- Entry fee: $15/entry. Please make checks payable to the Summerville Family YMCA.
- Student entries will be entered in (and eligible to win) the open competition.
- Designs must be original to entrant.
To enter, send your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and design created by you for the event(s) indicated above. Only entries that comply with all contest requirements (listed below) will be accepted. Please mail your entry to:
Summerville Family YMCA
140 S. Cedar St.
Summerville, SC 29483
Attn: Liz Graham
You may also e-mail your entry with your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and an e-mail attachment that must be saved in one (1) of the following formats jpg, gif, eps, bmp containing your t-shirt design entry. Please email to: lizg@summervilleymca.org.
All submitted designs become the property of SFYMCA upon receipt and may be published in any medium by SFYMCA without additional compensation to entrants. The SFYMCA is not responsible for late, lost, misdirected or illegible entries. From all eligible entries received, the SFYMCA judges will select one winner based on design’s originality, creativity and reflection of the event image on or about October 24, 2008.

The winners will receive their choice of either $300 or a booth space at the Flowertown Festival (valued at $350), as well as 6 t-shirts and 10 posters. All other expenses and all federal, state and local taxes are winner’s sole responsibility. No transfer or substitution of prize is allowed. The winning design(s) becomes the property of the SFYMCA and may be modified as necessary. The winning design(s) will have sponsor logos added and the placement of those logos is at the discretion of the SFYMCA.

(Photo: of art done by Jean Bourque)