Buried Here within the Mound Fri Oct 24

On October 24rd, 6:30-9 PM the Arts Institute will present Buried Here Within the Mound, an interdisciplinary event that will focus on the craft of Catawba potters (including the work of Catawba potter Monty “Hawk” Branham) and the music and poetry of world acclaimed Native-American poet, Joy Harjo. Joy Harjo will read her poetry and Monty Branham will give a brief presentation on his exhibited pottery. The evening will include a light reception and is free and open to the public. Featuring Poetry and Pottery at the Columbia Museum of Art.

Interview with International Artist - Rachel Parker

International Artist Rachel Parker

We are very happy to showcase the talents of Rachel Parker international artist. Rachel is one of South Carolina's best selling artists.

Artsails 1 asks Rachel; please tell us about your art career and the type of art you do.

I paint mostly watercolors, although I'll occasionally dabble with acrylics and oils. Watercolor is my passion though. I was very excited to see Dean Mitchell, a talented watercolor artist, featured on the front of American Art Collector this month!

We at Artsails1 have noticed you often paint cats; tell us what inspires you about cats?

I just love capturing the living essence of things on paper. I also love to paint people and other animals. I think it's the eyes, or the unique expressions of each subject that intrigues me. When the subject comes alive on the paper, then I know I've met my goal for that work.

Did you major in art in college and if so where did you attend. If not; who have you studied with?

I've never studied formally. I did a two day workshop with Tom Lynch once. Most of my art education has come from lots and lots of reading art books and experimenting.

Charleston White Horse by Rachel Parker

Are there any artists that you would say played a major role either in mentoring you or in inspiring and shaping your career?

The most influential artist for me was probably my mother, Gretchen Parker. Without her example, I don't think I would have ever realized I could paint. I used to watch her paint when I was very young, and tag along to art lessons.

How have you handled the marketing of your art; getting in shows, selling art, creating a web presence?
I haven't done a lot of things outside of the web. I suppose I'm too lazy to frame everything, haul it to a show, only to have one thing sold after all that investment. The internet is an amazing venue for my work. I've met people all over the world through my art. I even met a lady online through an art connection and we ended up going on two trips together to Costa Rica and Italy. She lives in Switzerland. I sell my art mostly on EBay and recently I've discovered Etsy, which is a wonderful community of likeminded creatives who are very passionate about their work. It's been invigorating for me to try new places on the internet and discover the fresh visions of new communities.

What websites do you have your art on, now? Etsy, EBay, Rachels Studio, cafepress.com

What advice would you give to our readers on selling art on the Internet?

It can definitely pay off if you invest time and energy into it and you have something people WANT to buy. That's the trick, having something people want to buy. The other part is doing a lot of social networking, keeping new things on your site, and marketing through your blog. The more energy I put into my work, whether it is painting, social networking on the web, or blogging, the more I sell. Another important tool I've found is to have a Yahoo group for my collectors to join. Every time I create a new painting, have a new painting, or just want to share progress on a painting, I post it to my group. Anyone can join by going to http://www.rachelsstudio.com/ and click on Join my group.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you, your art, your web presence, or your techniques that you would like to share?

I really think the Internet is the wave of the future for artists like me. The potential of the web is unlimited! It's also a great way to meet interesting people. I also met a wonderful artist in China and helped him get on eBay. He was able to buy a car after he doubled his income selling his art online! Rachel that is a great story.

Do you have another career in addition to being an artist?

I work as a school social worker. My art and my social work mutually subsidize each other!

Rachel is there anything else you would like people to know about you?

I also recently got engaged and will get married June 21, 2009. We are going to China for our honeymoon and I can't wait!

Congratulations, I am sure a honeymoon in China will be very inspiring; we can't wait to see the results!

In summary; Rachel Parker is a very talented artist and Internet entrepreneur; we hope that you will enjoy looking at her websites and if you would like any further information on Rachel Parker's artwork you may contact her directly via email at: R1achel@yahoo.com NOTE: That's a one after the r on Rachel's email. All paintings on this page were created by Rachel Parker; please contact her directly if you are interested in purchasing a print or original of her work. Thank you.

Editor: Artsails1 writer: Jean Bourque

Art Fun Fest with Belladonna's this Sat. 10/25

BELLADONNA’S JUBILEE A FUN FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL

REFLEXOLOGY, TAROT READINGS, REIKI SESSIONS, TUNING FORK SESSIONS, HANDMADE JEWELRY, ESSENTIAL OILS, VOICE REMAPPING, GIFTS FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON, REFRESHMENTS, PRIZES, CANDY, TRICK OR TREATING, BOBBING FOR APPLES, FACE PAINTING, PIN THE NOSE ON THE PUMPKIN, PINATA FUN AND MUCH MORE!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH FROM 10AM TO 4PM
AT THE UNITARIAN CHURCH IN SHANDON
ADMISSION IS $6, CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ARE FREE!!!
BRING TWO CANNED GOODS FOR HARVEST HOPE FOOD BANK AND RECEIVE $1 OFF ADMISSION! COSTUMES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!

John Tudor will be performing magic throughout the day from 1pm-3pm on a roaming basis. Pets Inc. will be there hosting a pet costume contest from 3-4pm, and doing microchip registration for $25 which is an $85 value, and a GREAT deal.Tarot readers will be Saundra Saundra, Jessica Peach, Brian Barr and Ryan Kern. Palm Reader is Raman.William and Marilu Pena doing energies of enlightenment.Paige Peters will be joining us for healing using tuning forks. Robin Adell will offer Reiki services. Chimene Green will be there doing reflexology.
Voice Remapping and Essential Oils with Toni Van Gils. Rebecca Jacobson will be there educating people about the groups she offers for women's healing. Teri Teed is a local artist and photographer, and she will be showing her work at the festival. Christine Adair will be featuring her handmade jewelry. Hans will be there with wooden wands, bowls, and other magical offerings. Lori Baker will be there with AveNews.
CALL JEN AT BELLADONNAS 765-0450 FOR MORE DETAILS!

Call to Artists from the Mail bag

Dear Artist,

In September 2008, Light the Way with Music and Art, a volunteer fund-raising effort to benefit Columbia’s Homeless Transition Center, began its artistic series with a piano recital by Marina Lomazov. The series is co-sponsored by The Midlands Interfaith Homeless Action Council (MIHAC) and will continue through May.

In March 2009, HoFP will join with MIHAC to sponsor a Light the Way Art Benefit, and this is where we hope you will want to be involved. A group of Columbia artists are being invited to display one or two pieces of their work for sale at House of Frames & Painting, 2828 Devine Street on the evening of Thursday, March 5, from 6:00-9:00. Each artist will retain 50% of sales. The other 50% will go to MIHAC to support the Knight Foundation $5 million challenge grant for the Center. We are looking for small to moderate size work. Space in the gallery is limited and we plan to have 50 to 75 artists participating. Pieces should be lively, saleable, and priced between $150-$1000. Buyers will take their purchases that evening. Any unsold work will need to be picked up the next day. (Arrangements may be made if you are unable to attend the event, etc.)

To date artists participating in the Art Benefit are Laura Spong, David Yaghjian, Ellen Yaghjian, Heidi Darr-Hope, Candy Waites and Regina Moody. We invite you to add your name to this growing list by indicating your interest to either of the two emails listed below. Please respond by November 21 with your wish to accept or decline. We will be back in touch with a full list of participants and a form regarding your work(s) offered for sale.
With sincere thanks,
David & Ellen Yaghjian dyaghjian@sc.rr.com
Regina Moody rbmoody@sc.rr.com

The Love of Palm Trees

Like many of you; I love palm trees and palmetto trees. There are so many varieties and they are my favorite photographic subject. Nature has provided us with such beauty to be thankful for everyday.

Photo by Jean Bourque

Eyelash Cabaret Ilona Royce Smithkin in SC 10/21

A can't miss performance at the Eyelash Cabaret will be performed by Ilona Royce Smithkin
Tuesday evening Oct 21st at The Black Creek Arts Council 116 College St. Hartsville SC, home of Coker College. The show starts at 7 PM. There is a small cover charge.

Have you Made an Art Book? Get it Published

Hol Art Books is seeking submissions. We're looking for great writing on visual art from venturesome authors, editors and readers alike. Submit a project book or join a publishing team today. At Hol, publishing is a collaborative process. You submit a project, select your publishing team, and prepare your book for publication. When your book passes review, Hol prints it, markets it, and gets it onto the shelves. And with a percentage of sales, everyone -- you, your team, and Hol -- gets paid as the book sells. Find out more here, we'd love to work with you.

Call for Artists; Nov 1 Art Show; Columbia SC

Spring Valley Presbyterian Church will have their annual bazaar on Saturday, November 1, 2008, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The church is located at 125 Sparkleberry Lane . Artists are invited to participate in the art show and sale. no advance fee; pay just 15% of Sales. Delivery time: Friday, Oct. 31, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Art must be framed or canvas wrapped. SVPC reserves the right to reject any works of art that it finds unsuitable for display.
QUANTITY: Artists may submit up to 5 pieces.
TITLES: Each art piece should be labeled with the following information: Title, Artist, & Sale Price.
ART SALES: Artist's share of sales will be paid the week following the Bazaar.

For more information: Dianne Meadow (803) 788-1781 or
Email dmeadow@earthlink.net

SCAD Atlanta seeks fulltime Faculty

SCAD - Atlanta seeks candidates for a full-time faculty position in arts administration. Qualified candidates should have the terminal degree or its equivalent in arts administration or a related field. TO APPLY: Please mail cover letter, curriculum vitae, samples of own and student's work (if applicable), and an unofficial copy of the transcript showing your highest degree to: scadfaculty@scad.edu Only complete packages will be considered. Although a deadline has not yet been established, interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Ingrid Carson Art Class in Irmo SC

Oil Painting and Mixed Media Classes Offered in my home studio
207 Savannah Branch Trail, Irmo

Oil Painting:

Tuesday evening from 6-8, Oct 14, 21, and 28

Thursday Morning from 9:30 - 11:30, Oct. 9, 16, 23, & 30
Thursday Afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30, Oct. 9, 16, 23, & 30

One make-up date: Oct. 29th

Mixed Media Class

Friday Morning from 9:30 - 11:30, October 10, 17, 24, & 31.

Ingrid Carson
snoops@mindspring.com
(803) 749-9501