Alamance County Arts Council in Graham, NC, Offers Christmas At Captain White’s Holiday Invitational and More

The Alamance County Arts Council’s 23rd annual Christmas at Captain White’s in Graham, NC, will be open through Dec. 23, 2010.

Christmas at Captain White’s is an invitational show where participating artists are selected and invited by the Arts Council. We make inquires and visit studios throughout the South, from Virginia to Florida, in an effort to provide our membership and other Triad area gift shoppers with original and unique gift choices. In addition, as a result of our buying trips to the American Craftsmen Show in Baltimore and the Atlanta Gift Market, the Arts Council will be offering several fabulous new collections of jewelry, blown glass, pottery, woven goods and much more. All handmade – from across America – California to Vermont!

Supporting the Arts Council’s Holiday Invitational helps not only North Carolina artist but also many American craftsmen to continue to produce treasured objects of art. It is a meaningful way to express appreciation for the joy that the arts bring to our lives and a valued means of protecting and advancing our cultural heritage and identity.

We have added to our handmade offerings from around the world fabulous hand painted and hand carved wooden smokers and Schaller beaded and jeweled Santas, both from Germany; hand blown glass ornaments from the Czech Republic; hand woven mohair shawls and scarves from South Africa; and Cartapesta (papier mache) angels and Neapolitan crèche figures, hand sculpted in Italy by master sculptors of this historical craft.

The artwork for Christmas at Captain White’s is displayed in the galleries and gift shop of the 1873 Captain James and Emma Holt White House, home of the Alamance County Arts Council. The Captain White House is located at 213 South Main Street in Graham, at I-85/40, exit 147.

Christmas at Captain White’s will be open for holiday shopping Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

Fridays in December from 5-7pm, join us at Captain White’s for special viewing of one of a kind creations, have a glass of wine and a snack while you meet the artists during our Artist Trunk Shows including:

Dec. 3, 2010 – Joel Helton-Long & Bobbi Wooten – Clothing & Accessories

Dec. 10, 2010 – Lynn Hope McNees-Sams – Fine Jewelry

Dec. 17, 2010 – Chad Brown – Pottery

Work by Chad Brown

And, don’t forget about other art exhibits taking place around Alamance County, including:

The lobby at the Paramount Theatre, located at 128 East Front Street in Burlington, NC, is presenting an exhibit of works by Ricky Lindley, on view through Jan. 7, 2011. The theater lobby is open Mon.-Fri., noon to 3pm and prior to all performances. For info call 336/222-5017

An exhibit of works by India Cain are on view at the Mebane Arts and Community Center, located at 633 Corregidor Street in
Mebane, NC, through Jan. 7, 2011. The community center is open everyday 9am to 4pm. For further info call 919/304-3378.

For further info about these events or other activities presented by the Alamance County Arts Council, call 336-226-4495 or visit (www.artsalamance.com).

Bob Doster’s Backstreet Gallery in Lancaster, SC, Offers Holiday Open House – Dec. 4, 2010

Drop by Bob Doster’s Backstreet Gallery, located at 217 East Gay Street in Lancaster, SC, on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, from 11am-5pm and find “artsy” gifts for everyone on your list. Annual Holiday Open House features artwork by local artists, live music, & refreshments.

Work by Bob Doster

Featured works of art include Will Lambert’s folk art paintings, John Matheson’s wood Tikis, alongside Irene Tison’s Gullah style creations. Metal sculptor Bob Doster’s works include new collectible ornaments & his ever-popular stainless steel palmettos in a variety of sizes.

You can try your hand at creating your own stainless steel ornaments while helping to support  educational arts programs. Artist Bob Doster will help you turn your designs into collectible ornaments with proceeds to benefit non-profit Avant Garde Center for the Arts’ youth programs. Local musician & instructor Johnathan Anderson will perform old-time folk tunes on the banjo beginning at 3pm and holiday refreshments will be provided.

Backstreet Gallery also features “Spider Lily” books for sale to benefit Katawba Valley Land Trust, and works of art by a host of local artists. The open house is free of charge.

For more information, contact Cherry Doster at 803/285-9190 or visit (www.bobdoster.com).

Studio 375 Depot in Asheville, NC, Presents Holiday Art Open House – Dec. 11, 2010

Studio 375 Depot located at 375 Depot St., Asheville, NC in the River Arts District will host a Holiday Open House and Sale on Dec. 11, 2010, from 11am – 5pm.

The Studios present diverse works including:
Dawn Dalto – decorative & functional ceramics (http://www.dawndalto.net)

Les Powell – raku & alternative fired ceramics (http://www.smokingturtlestudio.com)

Angelique Tassistro – decorative & functional ceramics (http://www.flycoopstudios.com)

Work by Michael Allen Campbell

Michael Allen Campbell – painting & mixed media (http://michaelallencampbell.com/)

Brandy Clements – picture framing, furniture

Toni De Lisa – ceramic art

Laleah Adams – clay

Sheryl Baker – clay, sculpture

Ada Lea Birnie – clay, jewelry

Holly de Saillan – clay, art instruction

Cynthia Lee – clay, art instruction (http://www.cynthialeeceramics.com)

William Churlik – jewelry, silversmith, art instruction (www.earthspeakarts.com)

Penny Waters Clark – clay

David Lookingbill – glass, jewelry, metal

Studio 375 Depot is located in the River Arts District at 375 Depot Street, Asheville, NC. We are located two minutes from downtown Asheville and two minutes from West Asheville in the River/Arts District. Turn at the Grey Eagle, continue through the stop sign past the orange Dog Wash Bldg, we are a quarter of a mile on the right in a mauve bldg with blue trim.  Directly across the street from the new Glen Rock Depot Complex.

For more information contact Dawn Dalto at 828/216-9929.

University of South Carolina’s Department of Art in Columbia, SC, Holds Annual Holiday Art Sale – Dec. 2-3, 2010

Holiday gift shoppers and art enthusiasts can buy original artwork at the University of South Carolina’s Department of Art’s Annual Holiday Art Sale will take place from 9am to 6pm, on Dec. 2 – 3, 2010 in the McMaster College and Gallery at the University in Columbia, SC.

The sale will include a broad selection of handmade artworks, including ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and prints, by students and faculty.

All proceeds from the sale will be used to fund visiting artists and equipment in the department.

For more information, call 803/777-423.

The Artists at Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston, SC, Open Their Curtains to the Public – Dec. 11, 2010

On Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, from 1-6pm, the artist’s of Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston, SC, will open their curtains to the public. This bi-annual event celebrates the diversity and vitality of the visual arts at Redux. Come see 30 artists in their working environment and gain insight about their technique and process.

Redux is home to Charleston’s most creative artists. The 6,000 sq. ft. space is equipped with 15 artist studios, print shop and darkroom. Each artist at Redux concentrates on developing a personal artistic vision. Redux’s exhibition program and events program makes for a resourceful location that has a supportive atmosphere where studio renters are constantly exposed to visiting artists, artist lectures and most importantly the ideas of their neighbors. This results in a creative momentum for everyone.

This event offers a unique opportunity to experience artists at work in their own studios. Visitors can look at art, talk with artists, and learn about new techniques, all in an open-house, informal environment. While you enjoy the variety and quality of the artwork, you will be supporting art, artists, and a valuable tradition in the city.

There is, of course, no charge to the public, and aspiring artists of all ages are especially welcome!

Fiber and mixed media work by Karin Olah

Current Redux artists include: Camela Guevara, Conrad Guevara, Donna Chessborough, George Davis, Ivy Williams, Jane Ann Sweeney, Kaminer Haislip, Karin Olah, Kate Long Stevenson, Katie Tailbird, Lindsay Windham, Liz Vaughan, Loni Lewis, Luke Vehorn, Lulie Wallace, Nate Phelps, Rachel Bateman, Sally Benedict, Shannon Di, Tess Thomas, Tina Christophillis, Todd Anderson, Tommy Ozmore and Xin Lu.

The Redux Contemporary Art Center is located at 136 St. Philip Street, in downtown Charleston.

Redux Contemporary Art Center is a nonprofit organization committed to the fostering of creativity and the cultivation of contemporary art through diverse exhibitions, subsidized studio space for artists, expansive educational programming, and a multidisciplinary approach to the dialogue between artists and audience. Housed within a 6,000 square foot warehouse are two galleries, fifteen private artist studios, print shop, darkroom, woodshop, classroom, and film-screening area. Redux is committed to showing artwork by national and international artists, supporting local artists, and enriching the Charleston community by offering adult and youth education programs. As the only arts organization in Charleston providing these much needed opportunities, Redux maintains an ambitious schedule of exhibition, outreach, and studio programs to accomplish our goals.

For further information contact Karen Ann Myers, Executive Director by calling 843/722-0697, e-mail at (karen@reduxstudios.org) or visit (www.reduxstudios.org).

North Charleston Artists Guild Hosts Park Circle Studio and House Tour in North Charleston, SC – Dec. 11, 2010

The North Charleston Artists Guild (NCAG) will present the Park Circle Studio and House Tour in North Charleston, SC, on Dec. 11, 2010, from 2-6pm. Please join us for a special art event unique to the Park Circle area. This studio and house tour will feature original art from NCAG members. A range of mediums from original paintings, photography, letterpress stationery, sculpture, fiber art, mixed media, glasswork, to artisan jewelry will be on display during the tour.

Come meet the artists, tour their studios, and visit the homes and businesses featuring their art. Artwork will be available for purchase during this event.

This self-paced art excursion begins at the new “urbanist community” of Mixson (corner of Mixson Ave. and Durant Ave.), continues through several home studios in the Park Circle area, and ends in the Olde North Charleston Village along East Montague. Cars or bikes are recommended for traveling from one location to another and parking is free.

For a list of participating artists, a map of the tour, or more information, visit North Charleston Artists’ Guild’s Facebook page at (www.facebook.com/northcharlestonartistguild) or contact us by e-mail at (ncaguild@gmail.com). This event is free and open to the public.

Update on Artists Participating in Columbia, SC’s First Thursday on Main at Tapp’s Center Art Project – Dec. 2, 2010

We’ve received an update from our first posting about the Dec. 2, 2010, First Thursday on Main event.

This month’s First Thursday on Main in Columbia, SC, is also Mingle & Jingle on Main, so there is sure to be loads to see and do! Join us at Tapp’s Center Art Project to meet artists, view original artwork, enjoy live demonstrations and hear Christmas tunes by the Army Jazz Band! The White Mule will be back with the cash bar, but the food is on us! We are excited to be a part of this rapidly growing, creativity-filled event series. The event takes place Dec. 2, 2010, from 6-9pm.

If you have not made it out to see the Window Installation Series it is well worth the trip! They are a fantastic addition to Main Street! The featured artists in the exterior windows are Susan Lenz, Amanda Ladymon, Molly Harrell, Mathew John & Rachel Thomason, Amy Windland, Kimberly Bookman, Porter Dodd, Sandra Carr, Southern Pottery and the Corley Mill Artists Group. And in the interior windows are Pat Stone, Jefferson Vimana, B. Alex Smith, Half Moon Pottery and Nancy Kauffman. This series of installations will be on display through the end of December and the next series will be “revealed” for the January First Thursday.

Installation by Susan Lenz

Other exhibiting artists include: Whitney Lejeune, Khaldoune Bencheikh, Cookie Richardson, Mary How, Julie Larkin, Keith Tolen, Beth Aker, Ellin Baskin, Vanessa Bussey, JJ Casey, Cheryl Coble, Brenda Schwarz Miller, Sam Compton, Brent Nichols, Carolyn McLaughlin, Carol Anderson, Val Zaba, Sue Shrader, Carolyn Cobia, June Tucarella, Bryce Dixon, and Abstract Alexandra.

This month check out our Youth Exhibit including young artists Syna Mae Miller, Katya Windland, Murphy White and Richard Black. It is essential to support young talent and give them a place in the big picture. This will be an ongoing initiative at the Tapp’s Art Center Project!

For more information on this or future events at Tapp’s please contact Brenda Schwarz Miller at 803/609-3479 or e-mail to (brenda@realworldartisans.com). Become a Facebook fan of Tapp’s Arts Center Project.

Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC, Calls For Grant Applications

The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC, is now accepting applications for its quarterly grants, which support the cultural arts in the local community. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2011. The grant awards generally range from $500 to $2,500.

This grant program provides limited funding for cultural projects to nonprofit organizations and professional artists in Spartanburg County. Eligible cultural projects are those that actively engage the performing, visual, literary, or folk arts. The kinds of cultural projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to,…

• Small or pilot cultural activities;
• New or developing programs;
• Organizational development;
• Professional development;
• Established annual events that serve special needs of Spartanburg community; and
• Special projects of high artistic quality which meet one or more of The Arts Partnership’s goals.

Applications are reviewed by staff and community leaders, and funding recommendations are made to the Board of Trustees of The Arts Partnership. Award notifications are usually made within four-six weeks of the application deadline. Funded projects should be completed within 12 months of the application date.

For full information on eligibility and how to apply, please go online to (www.ChapmanCulturalCenter.org) and search under the “The Arts Partnership” menu for “Grants.”

Personal inquiries may be made to President of The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg Perry Mixter at 864/278-9669 or e-mail to (MixterHP@SpartanArts.org).

Randolph Arts Guild in Asheboro, NC, Has Open Studios Tour – Maps on Sale Now!

There are some events that when they come around you wonder why they have not been done before – The Randolph Arts Guild’s Open Studios Tour is one such event. The goal of The Open Studios Tour is to give the community the opportunity to connect with local artists, to see the creative spaces where they work, to talk one-on-one with artists about their work, and most of all to have the chance to purchase artwork directly from the artists.

This year’s tour will feature artists: Ashley Fetner, Mike Durham, Martha Crotty, “The Monday Painters”, Les Caison III, Barbara Tazewell, Cori Cagle, Amy Keith Barney, Richard & Beth Keith, Mary Murkin, Rich & Frankie Powell, and Brenda Jones.

“This is our inaugural year, but we’ve got high hopes for the program. We know that there is such a rich community of artists here in Randolph County. We hope to be able to feature different artists each year so that we can always provide a one of kind experience.” said Derrick Sides, Director of the Randolph Arts Guild.

The Open Studios Tour is planned for Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, from noon-5pm and will consist of a self-guided tour of local artists’ studios followed by a private reception and silent auction.

Open Studios Tour maps are available for purchase at the Randolph Arts Guild. They are $25 each and in addition to guiding you to creative spaces in Randolph County, they serve as a ticket for two to the private reception and silent auction. A limited quantity are available.

Call the Randolph Arts Guild at 336/629-0399 or e-mail to (arts@asheboro.com) for more information.

UNC Asheville Art Department Holds Annual Holiday Ceramic and Art Sale in Asheville, NC – Dec. 3 and 4, 2010

UNC Asheville’s Art Department will hold its annual holiday sale of ceramics, glass and other art objects from 4-7pm on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, and from 10am-2pm on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery, located on the ground floor of Owen Hall in Asheville, NC.

The sale is open to the public.

A wide variety of functional and decorative items crafted by UNC Asheville students will be on sale with prices beginning at $5. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art Department.

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s Art Department at 828/251-655.