Florence Museum of Art, Science and History in Florence, SC, Calls for Entries for Miniature Art Competition

The Florence Museum of Art, Science and History in Florence, SC, invites artists to submit work for the 23rd Annual Miniature Art Competition presented by The Friends of the Florence Museum. Since 1989, The Friends of the Florence Museum have organized and sponsored the Miniature Art Competition which has served a dual role as a distinguished exhibition and as an important annual fundraiser for the museum.

Each work cannot exceed 4″ x 5″ and artists are allowed to submit two works for a single $10 registration fee. First place award will be $300 with the other awards given on a descending scale to four honorable mentions at $65 each. One artist will receive the Ann Finch Award, given specifically to a work executed in the watercolor medium.

Interested artists may download the prospectus at (www.florencemuseum.org). Entries are to be delivered in person to the Florence Museum November 3 through 5, 10am- 4pm.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, the Florence Museum will be hosting the FLOMUS 5000 annual 5K run and fundraiser. The 5K will be licensed and officiated by Carolina Timing Co. Registration fee is $20 before Nov. 1, $25 after Nov. 1. Registration forms are available at the Florence Museum and can also be downloaded from the museum’s website, (www.florencemuseum.org). The event begins at the Florence Museum at 8am on the morning of the 19th. Inquiries can be directed by e-mail to (jkylemiller@gmail.com).

For more information about becoming a member of the museum, please call the Florence Museum at 843/662-3351. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday, 2-5pm.

Charlotte, NC, Artists Anne H. Neilson and Robert Langford Host “Strokes of Compassion” – Nov. 10, 2011

Charlotte, NC-based artists Anne H. Neilson and Robert Langford are using their talents to benefit Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care when they present “Strokes of Compassion,” a cocktail reception and exhibition of new works Nov. 10, 2011, 6:30 – 9:30pm, at 220 East Boulevard. The artists will donate 50% of their proceeds from the event to Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, a hospice providing physical, emotional and spiritual care for individuals facing the journey at end of life, as well as emotional and spiritual support for their families.

“Strokes of Compassion will play a vital role in helping fund Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care’s planned expansion of our Harris Hospice Unit to meet growing community needs,” says Kim Darden, Director of Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, “We thank Anne and Robert for their support as well as spotlighting our cause in the community.”

The event includes food generously donated from local restaurants Amélie’s French Bakery, Blu Basil Café, GEORGES Brasserie, La-tea-da’s Catering & Events, Mez Restaurant, Pewter Rose, Providence Café and Vivace. Wine will be donated by Braswell’s. Music will be provided by West Bolz.

Work by Anne H. Neilson

Neilson is recognized for her inspiring, ethereal Angel paintings which are stunning representations of her artistic flair for color and light. In addition to her popular Angel Series, her repertoire includes dramatic landscapes featuring scenes from her travels. Neilson lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and their four children and her work hangs in both public and private collections internationally.

Work by Robert Langford

Langford’s painting’s are enhanced by the energetic use of color, relying on the tension between the spontaneous and the consciously executed for the striking vitality. His methods are perfectly evident as he covers and uncovers, delineates and sweeps over the shapes on the canvas and panels. His extensive list of exhibitions includes “Spotlight on Southern Artist” at Trinity School in Atlanta in 2004, and a 2009 solo show at the Edge Gallery in Philadelphia. Langford has also created work for the Longview Museum of Fine Art in Longview, Texas, and his work hangs in private and corporate collections throughout the country.

In addition to the companies donating food and wine, sponsors of the evening include Campbell’s Greenhouse & Nursery; Campania Fine Moulding; Catellus Group; Charlotte Living Magazine; Classic Party Rentals; FABRIX, Inc.; Joe Farley, Art Installer; Gwen Poth; David Ramsey Photography; Jenn Snyder, Author of “Don’t Change The Channel” and Stir Studios.

The gallery will also be open Friday, Nov. 11, 10am – 5pm.

For more information, visit (presbyterian.org/hospice), (anneneilsonfineart.com) or e-mail to (rlangford@carolina.rr.com).

Affiliated with Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care provides hope, comfort and care to more than 5,000 families each year. Financial gifts from this year’s campaign will go to support Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care’s Harris Hospice Unit, a short-stay transitional unit – a home away from home – located at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. To find out more about Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, visit (presbyterian.org/hospice) or call 704/384-6478.

Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, NC, to Introduce “The Gallery Gals Appetizers!” During Creative Exchange Event – Nov. 9, 2011

Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC, will present The Art of Making Easy Holiday Appetizers at their next interactive Creative Exchange event, which will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, from 11am to 12:30pm.  A $7 fee includes all sampling of appetizers. The talented gallery staff and friends who prepare the delicious hors d’oeuvres served during gallery functions will be presenting the program. Through the many receptions, open houses, charity events and more, they have come to be known as “The Gallery Gals.”

The Gallery Gals – along with some of the gallery artists and friends – have put together a cookbook of tasty appetizers, including some of the most popular served at different gallery events. Select recipes will be prepared and sampled during the Nov. 9 Creative Exchange.

L-R, the Sunset River Gallery Gals: gallery owner Ginny Lassiter, Debbie Bissette, Sharon Dodge, Janice Wyckoff, Sue Marion and Betsy Russell.

The Gallery Gals Appetizers cookbook will be on sale and gallery owner Ginny Lassiter has announced that 100% of the proceeds will benefit Lower Cape Fear Hospice and the new LifeCareCenter in Brunswick County, NC.

“We have had more fun putting this cookbook together,” Lassiter says, “And we are especially thrilled that we’re able to donate all sales to Hospice.”

To help defray costs, the gallery sold a minimal number of sponsor ads to run at the back of the cookbook. Sponsors include Victoria’s Ragpatch, Calabash Garden Tea Room, Turtle Crossing Cupcakes, artist Babs Ludwick, Yardbird Emporium, All About the Carolinas, singer/songwriter Calabash Flash, Sunset River Marketplace, Jim Quick & Coastline band, Icon Manufacturing and Marketing, Boom Boom’s Raw Bar, the book’s printer Printing By Designs, artist Ramona Bendin, B. Russell Design, and Bamboo Boutique.

“The local community stepped up without batting an eyelash,” Lassiter adds. “It’s for Hospice, it’s for the community … they wanted to be part of it. And wait until everybody sees the book. It’s really fun!”

Individual pages throughout “The Gallery Gals Appetizers!” are peppered with whimsical “foodie” illustrations by Calabash artist Babs Ludwick. There are 45+ delicious recipes, including the gallery’s signature Baked Brie With Apricot Preserves, Blue Cheese-Walnut  Wafers, Hot Shrimp Dip, Curried Deviled Eggs, Holiday Pinwheels. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus and more.

Kathy Cody, chef for Calabash Garden Tea Room donated two of her sought after recipes – Strawberry Hazelnut Bruschetta and Pistachio Goat Cheese Bites. There are even recipes noted for appealing to “the guys.”

Just in time for the holidays, the colorful cookbooks are priced at $15 each. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Call the gallery at 910/575-5999 or reserve your spot via e-mail at (lassiter@sunsetrivermarketplace.com). This is a good cause, so bring a little extra money with you. Lassiter also advises, “Come hungry, because we have some great appetizers in store for you!”

After the Creative Exchange event, the cookbook will remain on sale at Sunset River Marketplace.

Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy. 179) in Calabash, NC. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit the website at (www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com) or “like” the gallery on Facebook.

Charleston, SC, is Site of Oil Painters of America Annual Paint Out – Nov. 12, 2011

We’re sorry about getting this out late, but items sent to us while we are putting together the latest issue of Carolina Arts – come second. Check with the group if you can still participate.

You’re invited to participate in the Oil Painters of America Annual Paint Out to be held on Nov. 12, 2011. This year’s venue is downtown Charleston, SC, organized by Sally Reynolds and Hilarie Lambert, and hosted by the Lambert Gray Gallery & Studios.

No prizes, no awards, and you don’t have to be a member of OPA  – just a great time out painting in historic Charleston with old and new friends.

REGISTRATION: 8-10am

A sign in table will be at Brent’s (on Broad) where you must pick up your tag, maps, latest info, etc. Then the city is yours. Paint wherever you like but remember that there is no selling on the streets (vendors license is required by the city). If you are with a gallery here in town you may want to see if they would like you to paint there, or bring promotional cards with you.

Pre-registration is a must and it’s $15 to cover food and drinks.

RECEPTION: 5:30pm – back at the gallery. There will be a party at the gallery starting at 5:30pm and artists are encouraged to bring their paintings back to put on view. You’ll have a name tag for your easel that can be put next to your painting during this time. We do suggest you put your paintings in frames for possible sales during that time. Sales will be made through the individual artists not the gallery.

RAIN PLAN: If it rains hard we will meet and register at one of the parking garages downtown. There are actually some nice views from there and you’ll stay dry. Details and map to follow on the web site at (www.hlambert.com).

REGISTRATION:
E-mail Sally Reynolds at (sarareyn@me.com) that you are participating and include you phone and address.

Mail your $15 check made out to Sally Reynolds by October 30, 2011 to: Sally Reynolds, 4350 Hope Plantation Drive, Johns Island, SC 29455

Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC, Celebrates Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 5, 2011

Grand Strand residents and visitors can join in celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the most popular holiday of the year in Mexico, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, from 11am to 3pm when the Art Museum hosts a Free Family Day. This is the ninth annual festival hosted by the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. Dia de los Muertos promises to be a fun-filled occasion for all ages.

In pre-Hispanic times, the day was observed with a simple feast for the returning dead; after the Spanish conquest in the 15th century, the day was encompassed into the holiday called All Souls’ Day. Homes would be gaily decorated and the deceased loved ones’ favorite foods would be prepared, along with special treats such as candy skulls inscribed with the names of the deceased or special breads shaped like ghosts or bones.

The Museum’s celebration will give visitors a chance to sample traditional breads and Mexican hot chocolate, be entertained by Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara and traditional Mexican dance under a tent and enjoy music provided by Charles Pineda and indulge in traditional Mexican foods provided by Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant. An altar in the main reception room will honor the deceased Mexican artist, Rodolfo Morales.

Workshops and demonstrations will be offered in the art of making papel picado (paper banners), decorate sugar skulls, calavera masks, Rodolfo Morales-inspired kites, memory cards and a community collage. Youngsters of all ages can enjoy traditional storytelling and face painting, and a chance at breaking the treat-laden piñata. Visitors of all ages can participate in lotería (Mexican bingo) and help paint a Rodolfo Morales-inspired mural.

All Day Events
-An altar in honor of deceased Mexican artist Rodolfo Morales

-Family workshops for Morales-inspired kites, memory cards, calavera masks, papel picado (paper banners) and sugar skulls

-Sampling of traditional breads & Mexican hot chocolate

-Face painting

-Lotería (bingo)

-Music

-Children’s literature display

-Videos

-Authentic Mexican food

-Rodolfo Morales-inspired mural

-A community collage

Scheduled Events
-Salsa dance lessons (11:30am) (Outside Tent)

-Day of the Dead lecture by (12 noon) (Reception Room)

-Folk tales and storytelling (12:30pm) (Outside Tent)

-Roving Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara (1 – 3pm) (Inside)

-Merengue and Bachata demonstration and lessons (1:15pm) (Outside Tent)

-Traditional Dancing and Mariachi music (2:15pm) (Outside Tent)

-Children’s piñatas (2:45pm) (Front Lawn)

* Schedule is subject to change

All events and activities are free.  For more information, call the Museum at 843/238-2510 or visit (www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org).

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts in Charleston, SC, Membership Event – Nov. 11, 2011

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts invites its members and soon-to-be members to Full Moon Bash, the Halsey Institute’s 7th annual membership appreciation event. The party will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, from 7 – 10pm in the Halsey Institute’s galleries and the Hill Gallery within The Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts in downtown Charleston, SC.

Throughout the Sputnik-themed affair, members can revisit the exhibitions, Hamid Rahmanian: Multiverse and Tanja Softić: Migrant Universe and have their photograph taken in the Halsey’s signature Moon Portrait Booth while enjoying the blues-driven, vintage sounds of local band, The Royal Tinfoil.

This event will also mark the official unveiling of the Halsey Institute’s three new Patron Print selections in their Patron Print Program to be unveiled in the HICA Hall of Patron Prints. This event is open to new, renewing, and current members of the Halsey Institute. Memberships begin at $15 for students and $30 for individuals. Festive attire is suggested and guests are encouraged to wear costumes that harken to the 1950’s and 1960’s era of space exploration.

Spend an exploratory evening with the Halsey Institute family. Full Moon Bash offers an opportunity for current HICA members, potential members and visual arts enthusiasts to show their support of the Halsey Institute’s continuing efforts to provide innovative contemporary art programs to the Charleston community. Guests may either renew, upgrade or join the Halsey’s membership program upon entrance or have a current HICA Membership. Membership dollars support the Halsey Institute’s programming initiatives and supplement funds received through grants and consistent support from the College of Charleston. The Halsey is able to sustain their dynamic programming with the encouragement and financial support of our members—those who keep the mighty Halsey afloat.

The public is invited to join the Halsey Institute and loyal HICA members for this special event and encourage friends, family and colleagues to become a part of the exciting adventure. More information is available by contacting the Halsey Institute at 843/953-4422 or by visiting (www.halsey.cofc.edu/support).

Full Moon Bash is made possible in part by event sponsors: MOON PIE, Charleston Artist Collective, Jenny and Keenan Interior Design. The Halsey Institute’s programming is supported by HICA Community Partners: All Occasions, Alloneword Design, Charleston Civic Design Center, Cortney Bishop Interior Design, Crushed Fine Wine, David Richards Architects, Dolphin Architects & Builders, Gil Shuler Graphic Design, Flyway, Lynch Cracraft Wealth Management of Morgan Keegan, Michael J. Moran Woodworked Furniture, O’Dell Landscaping, Objectivity Squared Wealth Management of Raymond James, O’Hara & Flynn Wine Shop & Bar, RTW Charleston, and Worthwhile.

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is administered by the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston and exists to advocate, exhibit and interpret visual art, with an emphasis on contemporary art.

Admission to Full Moon Bash is a HICA Membership which begin at $15 for students and $30 for individuals.

For more information: Contact the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at: 843/953-HICA(4422) or visit (www.halsey.cofc.edu).

Appalachian Pastel Society Announces Results of 2011 Juried Member Exhibition

The Appalachian Pastel Society’s 2011 Juried Member Exhibition recently opened at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts in Black Mountain, NC. Twenty four paintings were selected from 77 submitted for review and evaluation by the Juror, Fleta Monaghan, M.Ed., of River’s Edge Studio and 310 ART Gallery, located in the River District of Asheville, NC.

Best in Show – Karen White Chambers, Candler NC

Second Place – Pam Winkler, Asheville NC

Third Place – J. Kay Gordon, Marshall, NC

First Place and Best in Show was awarded to Karen White Chambers of Candler, NC; with Second Place to Pam Winkler of Asheville, NC; and Third Place to J.Kay Gordon of Marshall, NC.  The Lorraine King Best Landscape Award went to Edward Morris of Flat Rock, NC. Honorable Mention Awards went to Karen Wylie, Spruce Pine, NC; Carol Branton Morrow, Swannanoa, NC; Barbara Kitty Williams of Bristol, TN; and Kate Thayer of Flat Rock, NC.

Best Landscape – Edward Morris, Flat Rock NC

Twenty four paintings were accepted for exhibition from member pastel artists in five states: Karen White Chambers, Candler, NC; Deborah Chase, Hendersonville, NC;  Bette Coningsby, Lake Toxaway, NC; Peggy Duncan, Bryson City, NC; J Kay Gordon, Marshall, NC; Suzanne Karnatz; Brevard, NC; Beverly Kies, Laurel Park, NC; Cindy Lidd, Asheville, NC; Carolyn Molder, Marble, NC; Edward Morris, Flat Rock, NC; Carol Branton Morrow, Sandy Nelson, Leland, FL; Zoe Schumaker, Hiawassee, GA; Marian Morrison Sinks, Black Mountain, NC; Walter Stanford, Kannapolis, NC; Kate Thayer, Flat Rock, NC; Merritt Roach, Hendersonville, NC; Nancy Biggs Thomas, Greenville, SC; Barbara Kitty Williams, Bristol, TN; Kathryn Wilson, Raleigh, NC; Pamela Winkler, Asheville, NC; and Karen Wylie, Spruce Pine, NC.

Honorable Mention Award – Karen Wylie, Spruce Pine, NC

Honorable Mention Award – Carol Branton Morrow, Swannanoa NC

Honorable Mention Award – Barbara Kitty Williams, Bristol TN

Honorable Mention Award – Kate Thayer, Flat Rock NC

Anyone wishing to learn more about the soft pastel art medium or programs, workshops and exhibitions held in western North Carolina by the Appalachian Pastel Society (APS) can visit the group’s website at (www.appalachianpastelsociety.org). Now nearly a hundred pastelists strong, APS offers bi-monthly informational programs and demos on pastel techniques, workshops, juried and non-juried exhibition opportunities for members, and sponsors National Juried Shows open to all.

The exhibition at The Black Mountain Center for the Arts will continue through Nov. 23, 2011. Gallery hours are 10am-5pm, Monday through Saturday. BMCA is located at 225 West State Street in Black Mountain, NC.

For more information, call 828/669-0930 or visit (http://www.blackmountainarts.org/).

Tapp’s Arts Center in Columbia, SC, Celebrates Grand Opening Nov. 2 & 3, 2011

Tapp’s Arts Center, Columbia, SC’s center for visual and performing arts at 1644 Main Street, will celebrate its grand opening Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 1pm and Thursday, Nov. 3 at 5pm as part of its November First Thursdays on Main show and invites the public to mingle with the artists, see their work and most importantly, celebrate the grand opening.

For over 12 months, the center has been under construction, and now the former department store space has been transformed into 30 artists’ studios, performance space and exhibit space.

“In just over a year, Tapp’s has become a hub for artists and creative people in the Midlands,” says Brenda Schwarz, executive director of Tapp’s Arts Center. “And while we’ve been having shows while renovating the building, now that construction is complete and artists are in their studios, Tapp’s will continue to grow into what our artistic community in Columbia wants it to be.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 12:30 – 1:30pm – Tapp’s Arts Center ribbon cutting with Mayor Steve Benjamin and City Council members. Catering by Happy Cookers and Music by Simply String.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 – 11pm – Celebrate Tapp’s Arts Center Grand Opening during First Thursdays on Main with hors d’oeuvres, art exhibits and musical performances.

Featured artists include: Blu Jim, Michael Krajewski, Brad Grizzle, Faust Pauluzzi, Sonju Quattlebaum, Ron “Gritsman” Ferguson, Amy Puzerewski, Charlotte Hacker-Mullen, Allison Brown, Tisha Ward.

All new window installations by: Susan Lenz, Ernest Lee, Rogers Boykin, Keith Tolen, Thomas Washington, Mathew John, Ron Ferguson “Gritsman”, Alex Smith, Mario Sunday Rudd, and Deanna Rennick.

Music by: Pan, King Amin, & members of the cast of Spring Awakening from Trustus Theater. Mind Gravy will be held in the Fountain Room.

To learn more about Tapp’s Arts Center, contact Brenda Schwarz at 803/988-0013, e-mail to (Brenda@tappsartscenter.com) or (Alex@tappsartscenter.com) or visit Tapp’s on Facebook or visit (www.tappsartscenter.com).

Susan Lenz Presents New Window Installation at Tapp’s Arts Center in Columbia, SC

Last spring Columbia fiber and installation artist Susan Lenz spent a mere two hours along South Carolina’s coastline collecting beach trash. She resisted cigarette butts, aluminum cans, dog poop, and debris of enormous size.  In June, Lenz combined her “trash stash” with recycled acrylic felt, netting, and thread. She called this unique art quilt Two Hours at the Beach. It was accepted into Art Quilt Lowell, a prestigious, national juried exhibition in Lowell, MA.

This piece is the catalyst for Lenz’s new window installation at the Tapp’s Arts Center, located at 1644 Main Street in Columbia, SC. Opening Nov. 3, 2011, during the monthly “First Thursday on Main”, the window will include another “two hours” worth of shoreline pollution and carry an anti-litter message.

“South Carolina’s beaches are a precious natural resource.  They are the home of a diverse wildlife population and a major source of our tourist industry,” says Lenz. “Even though Columbia is two hours from the beach, many Midlands’ residents visit regularly and litter is something that needs to be addressed everywhere … even on Main Street.”

Reduce, reuse, recycle! This is the mantra for many eco-friendly organizations and groups. It is also part of Lenz’s general approach to making art. Past work includes repurposing neglected, stained, and damaged vintage household linens; altering old books; rescuing thousands of artificial flowers from cemetery dumpsters; and conducting a public art quilt project with “mateless” socks.

Two Hours at the Beach, the window installation, will remain on view, 24/7, through December. For more information about the art quilt, call Lenz at 803/254-0842 or visit  (http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/2011/06/two-hours-at-beach.html).

For more information about the Tapp’s Arts Center, contact Brenda Schwarz at 803/988-0013, e-mail to (Brenda@tappsartscenter.com) or (Alex@tappsartscenter.com) or visit Tapp’s on Facebook or visit (www.tappsartscenter.com).

Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, Calls for Entries for its 2012 National Juried Show

The Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, invites all 2D and 3D artists residing in the United States to enter the 2012 National Juried Show – entitled, Recession Proof, to be show from Jan. 20 – Mar. 1, 2012, at the Blue Ridge Arts Center in Seneca. This is our most prestigious exhibit of the year and the 21st annual exhibit. It is open to any artist (professional, part-time, student, self-taught) anywhere in the USA. There is no limit of age, sex or qualification, with or without experience of public or private exhibitions, or critical acclaim. Works that are juried into the show will be on exhibit in the BRAC gallery.

Works that are not included in the juried show may be on display in the “Salon” exhibit hosted by the Seneca Woman’s Club at the Historic Ballenger House in Seneca. This sister exhibit will open and run simultaneously with the juried show.

Call for Entries will be mailed out and posted on our website by Nov. 15, 2011.

Brian Lang, Curator of the Columbia Museum of Art, in Columbia, SC, will serve as our juror.  Awards will include Best of Show at $1000.00; 1st Place 2-D and 1st Place 3-D at $500.00 each; along with merit awards and one-person art exhibits at partnering locations. Opening receptions will be held at all locations on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, from 5:30-8:30pm during the Seneca Downtown Go ‘Round.

For further information call the Council at 864/882-2722 or visit (www.blueridgeartscenter.com).