The 2014 Piccolo Spoleto Festival Offers Lecture by Linda Fantuzzo at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC – June 2, 2014

A Gallery Lecture with “2014 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition” juror Linda Fantuzzo will be offered on Monday, June 2, 2014, at noon in the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC.

The “Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition”, part of Charleston’s “Cradle of Creativity” exhibition runs
through June 8, 2014.

Join juror Linda Fantuzzo and the organizers of the “Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition” for an informal conversation to find out more about this year’s exhibition and to see the work of the award winners and others on display at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, located at 34 Prioleau Street. The gallery is owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the Office of Cultural Affairs.

For more information call 843/958-6484, e-mail to (CityGallery@charleston-sc.gov), or visit (www.CityGalleryatWaterfrontPark.com).

Greenhill in Greensboro, NC, Announces Annual Meeting and Artini Contest – June 19, 2014

Greenhill in Greensboro, NC, announces the Annual Meeting and “Artini Contest”, taking place on Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 5-8pm in The Gallery at Greenhill. Guests will arrive at 5pm. Cash bar will be available from 5-5:30pm for guests arriving early for the Annual Meeting.

Each year, Greenhill holds an Annual Meeting to give members and other guests an overview of the past year, preview the year to come and allow the membership vote on the roster of new board nominees. The Annual Meeting will begin at 5:30pm. This years’ theme is “Synchronicity: The Artist, Collector & Museum, a conversation with Peter Oakley, Allen Thomas & Larry Wheeler”.

Peter Oakley is a self-taught sculptor who has worked in masonry for decades. Allen Thomas was born and raised in Wilson, NC. He’s been collecting contemporary art for almost 30 years and in 2005 the North Carolina Museum of Art produced an exhibition of contemporary photography drawn from his collection. Since then he has loaned work to numerous institutions and continues to add to his collection. Larry Wheeler is in his 20th year as director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. During his tenure he secured $70 million in public funding for the new 127,000 SF gallery building, obtained a gift of 30 Rodin sculptures to create the largest center for Rodin in the south, created a 162-acre art park and added major contemporary masterpieces to the collection. Together, Peter, Allen and Larry will join Greenhill Members and guests to talk about the importance of supporting artists and arts organizations and how meeting collectors and making contacts matter in the business of being a professional artist.

After the Annual Meeting, Greenhill is hosting an “Artini” Contest for artistically inspired cocktails pleasing to both the eyes and the palate. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, “Artini” Contest participants will start making, shaking and stirring their cocktail to present to the jurors and offer samples to audience members.

At 7:30pm the jurors will announce the winner. Jurors include, and Chip Callaway, Landscape Architect and Renowned Party Expert, Julia S. Hunt, Fine Wine Specialist, American Premium Beverage and Tony Smith, WFMY. $10 at the door or FREE entry if you attend the Annual Meeting. Drinks will be judged based on the following criteria: (1) Creativity and Originality, (2) Presentation and performance, (3) Taste and complexity of ingredients and (4) an artful title.

First prize includes:
· An article in “YES! Weekly” featuring the winner and their “Artini” recipe
· The “Artini” will be featured at Collector’s Choice 2014 & the winner receives two complimentary tickets

The “Artini” Contest is open to the first eight people who sign up. Contestants can sign up online at (http://greenhillnc.org/artini-contest). Please address any questions by e-mail to (Lauren.Gordon@greenhillnc.org).

Greenhill is located at 200 North Davie Street in the Greensboro Cultural Center in Downtown Greensboro.

For more information visit (www.greenhillnc.org).

2014 Catawba Regional Ag+Art Tour Kick-Off Set for June 3, 2014, in Richburg, SC

The 2014 Catawba Regional Ag+Art Tour is hosting a kick-off event on June 3, 2014, at 2pm at Gateway Conference Center, 3200 Commerce Drive, Richburg, SC.  Attendees will have the opportunity to get a preview of what’s in store for the four- county tour of June 21 & 22, meet some of the farmers and artisan, and enjoy refreshments and live entertainment.

Guest speakers are Commissioner Hugh Weathers of SC Dept. of Agriculture, Director Duane Parrish of SC Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, Director Ken May of SC Arts Commission, and Deputy Secretary George Patrick of SC Dept. of Commerce.  The four counties that comprise the tour are Lancaster, York, Fairfield, and Chester making this the nation’s largest free farm tour, with forty-eight sites participating.

For more information, visit (www.catawbaagandarttour.com). For more information on Lancaster County Ag+Art Tour, visit (www.lancastercitysc.com).

Hub City Empty Bowls Sets Schedule to Help Feed the Hungry in Spartanburg, SC

Hub City Empty Bowls 2014 is set to start making pottery bowls and money to feed needy Spartanburg, SC, citizens. There will be five bowl-making days that will lead up to Soup Day, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at Chapman Cultural Center.

For the past five years, Hub City Empty Bowls has raised tens of thousands of dollars to feed local citizens by having the general public make clay bowls that were used on Soup Day. On Soup Day, the hundreds of colorful and handmade bowls are set out on display for the public’s choosing. For a $15 donation per bowl, the patron may enjoy unlimited gourmet soup donated by local restaurants at the community event that also features live music, a silent auction, and the fellowship of helping others. All of the money raised goes to an established charity that feeds local and needy citizens.

Last year, Empty Bowls raised a record amount of more than $20,000 and netted $18,600 that was given to TOTAL Ministries for its food pantry. The beneficiary of the funds raised this year will once again be TOTAL Ministries, a local non-profit charity that provides assistance for basic needs to Spartanburg County families who are facing financial crisis.

This year, all of the public bowl-making events will be held at either Spartanburg Art Museum School, located at Chapman Cultural Center, or West Main Artists Co-op in Spartanburg. At these events, the public is invited to make handmade pottery bowls. No experience is necessary, and all materials, including instruction by Carolina Clay Artists, are free. The bowls are left to be glazed and fired, and eventually used on Soup Day. Organizers hope to have 1,400 bowls made this year. Here is the bowl-making schedule:

• June 14, Spartanburg Art Museum School, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
• June 19, West Main Co-op, 6-8:30 p.m. (ArtWalk)
• July 19, Spartanburg Art Museum School, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
• Aug. 16, Spartanburg Art Museum School, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
• Aug. 21, West Main Co-op, 6-8:30 p.m. (ArtWalk)

This year’s sponsoring partners are Carolina Clay Artists, Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg Art Museum, West Main Artists Co-op, and Chris Williams of Clay-King.com.

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger, started in 1990 as a student art project in Michigan. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity. Events have now taken place across the United States and in at least a dozen other countries. Many millions of dollars have been raised and donated to hunger-fighting organizations.

The Carolina Clay Artists are seeking sponsors and donations for Hub City Empty Bowls. Funds are needed for expenses. Donations are tax deductible. Anyone wishing to contribute should make checks payable to Spartanburg County Foundation with an indication that the gift is for the Hub City Empty Bowls Project Fund; mail checks to 424 E. Kennedy St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

For sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about Hub City Empty Bowls 2014, please contact Nancy Williamson by calling 864/621-2768 or e-mail to (NanWilliamson@gMail.com).

Cary Gallery of Artists in Cary, NC, Calls for New Members – Deadline June 30, 2014

Cary Gallery of Artists, in Cary, NC, is seeking  2-D artists to join our gallery for the new member year beginning Mid-August. The gallery includes 20+ local artists working in a variety of mediums, located in downtown Cary for nine years. Members contribute equally to the operation & ongoing success of the gallery.

Contact Cynthia Mollenkopf, by e-mail at (cynthia@artifelts.com) for  application. Accepting through the month of June. For further info visit (www.carygalleryofartists.org).

Burke Arts Council in Morganton, NC, Calls for Entries for Photography Competition – Deadline Aug. 1, 2014

Join photographers from every corner of North Carolina and beyond for the “Autumn Photography Exhibition” at the Burke Arts Council Gallery in Morganton, NC, on view from Sept. 23 through Oct. 24, 2014
.
Downtown Morganton is in the foothills of Western North Carolina with easy access from Charlotte, Greensboro or Asheville; located at Exit 105 on Interstate 40. US Highways 18 and 181, as well as US 64 and US 70 also intersect the city.  In a recent issue, “Southern Living Magazine” called Morganton a small town we love, “this Foothills Blue Ridge Community is quickly gaining a reputation as a vibrant hub for dining and the arts.”

“AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT” TIMELINE:

· Entry Deadline:  All entries must be received by Friday, August 1, at 5pm.

· Artists will be notified of acceptance via e-mail by Friday, August 22.

· Delivery of accepted artwork: September 15 – 19, 10am-3pm.

· The exhibit will run September 23 thru October 24, 2014.

· Reception and distribution of awards:  Friday, September 26, 5-7pm.

ENTRY GUIDELINES AND FEES:
· All work must be original, shot in the last two years and never shown at the Burke Arts Council Gallery. No composite or mixed media images will be accepted. Artwork is judged for selection by a committee of arts professionals.  Awards will be selected by Brian Taylor.

· FEES: A non-refundable entry fee of $15 for one entry or 5 entries for $50.

AWARDS:
· FIRST – OVERALL BEST IN SHOW:  $500

· First (In each category): $250

· Second (In each category): $100

· Honorable Mentions (One in each category): An opportunity to have a solo exhibit at the Burke Arts Council.

CATAGORIES:
o PEOPLE

o DOWNTOWN, USA

o NATURE: (Nature images that do not include any evidence of man.)

HOW TO APPLY :
REGULAR MAIL: Please return the completed application form and a CD containing 4 images (JPEGS Only, 72 dpi) of your work to: The Burke Arts Council 115 E Meeting Street Morganton, NC 28655. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your images and notification letter (if desired). Notifications will be sent via e-mail unless e-mail address is not available.

DIGITAL APPLICATION: Can be found on our website at (www.burkearts.org). Please submit images (JPEGS Only, 72 dpi) and completed application form: CALL FOR ARTISTS

The exhibit will coincide with the 12th Annual October Oyster Outing being held on Saturday, October 18 at the arts council and on the Historic Courthouse Lawn in Downtown Morganton. The Oyster Outing is an annual favorite, attended by thousands of people from across the south.

This exhibit is planned and administered by the Burke Arts Council with support from the Downtown Morganton Main Street Office. Download the information and forms at (www.burkearts.org).

The mission of the Burke Arts Council is to enrich the quality of life in Burke County through cultural and artistic activities. We seek to coordinate arts activities in the community, serve as an informational and resource center for the arts and to promote local artists and arts organizations.
We seek to coordinate arts activities for the arts and to promote local artists and arts organization.

Please contact the Burke Arts Council for further information by calling 828/433-7282.

36th International Folk Festival in Fayetteville, NC, Calls for Artisans/Crafters – Deadline Aug. 28, 2014

Applications are now available for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s 36th International Folk Festival, held Sept. 27-28, 2014, in Fayetteville, NC. For less than $100, you can be a part of 2 days of the cultures, traditions and crafts that make the International Folk Festival one of the Top 20 Festivals in the southeastern United States! One of the best vendor opportunities of the year!

100,000 + anticipated attendance
$1,000 in juried cash awards for best original handmade art or craft items being sold. Ist place is $500.
Fun family event!

Learn more about the festival at (www.TheArtsCouncil.com/iff.php). Or visit (http://www.theartscouncil.com/IFF/IFF2014_VendorApp.pdf) for a vendor application now.

Matthews Artists Guild in Matthews, NC, Offers Dottie Leatherwood at Monthly Meeting – June 10, 2014

Please join members and friends of the Matthews Artists Guild for a demonstration by Charlotte, NC, artist, Dottie Leatherwood, on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30pm at the McDowell Arts Center, 123 E. McDowell Street in Matthews, SC.  Meetings are free and open to the public starting at 6:30pm with refreshments and a presentation by our guest artist at 7pm.

Born and raised in Savannah, GA, Leatherwood always had a passion for art. For the last ten years while her children were small, she ran a successful business painting murals and decorative pieces. Now that her children are older, she decided to return to her love of painting full time and studied with several well known artists.  She lives in Charlotte with her family.

“Painting to me is about capturing and preserving the emotion and energy of a moment in time with the simple instruments of brush and paint. Having grown up on the coast, I always draw my inspiration from nature and the bright clear light that I grew up with. My art is all about layers of rich vibrant color and vigorous brushstrokes. I am drawn to patterns and strong shapes and my painting is often more about these observations and less about the subject itself. If I can make the observer feel as though they are immersed and transported through the color and enthusiasm of my painting then I have succeeded, “ said Leatherwood.

Leatherwood has received numerous awards including: Charlotte Business Journal  2013 Book of Lists – “bird’s eye view”; Honorable Mention: Matthews Alive Art Show and Competition; Finalist: in Artiste Winery Art Label Contest; 1st Place Winner: Charlotte Artist Guild Spring Juried Exhibition; 2nd Place Winner: Ann & Bill Litaker Annual Juried Exhibit; and she has been co-host four times for the Artists Helping Artists Blogspot Radio Show.

The Matthews Artists Guild is a nonprofit organization that welcomes and encourages both the beginner and established artist.  In addition to our free monthly programs, the organization offers weekly plein air painting on Tuesdays, life drawing on Wednesday evenings, critique sessions every other month, art shows, art related field trips, workshops and seminars.

For additional information call 704/321-7275, e-mail to (info@matthewsartistsguild.org), or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@MatthewsArtists).

Asheville Gallery of Art in Asheville, NC, Invites Area Artists to Submit Work – Deadline June 12, 2014

The Asheville Gallery of Art, at 16 College Street in Asheville, NC, invites area artists to apply for membership. The work of applicants must be submitted on Thursday, June 12, 2014, for jurying on Friday, June 13. The Asheville Gallery of Art (AGA) is an artists’ cooperative which exhibits original, two-dimensional works by twenty-eight member artists.

Interested artists should obtain a copy of prospective member guidelines and a membership application, both of which are available at the gallery or may be downloaded from the AGA website (www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com). Jury entrants must deliver five finished original pieces ready for hanging, six copies of a current resume, and six copies of the completed membership application to the gallery between noon and 5:30pm on Thursday, June 12. All work must be picked up between 2-5:30pm on Friday, June 13. AGA will endeavor to preserve and protect submitted work, but cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage.

The Asheville Gallery of Art is located across from Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Founded in 1988, AGA is Asheville’s longest-established art gallery. The gallery offers works ranging from representational to abstract, in a wide choice of subject matter, styles and media. Photographs and computer art are not accepted at this time.

For more information, call 828/251-5796 or e-mail questions to (ashevillegalleryofart@gmail.com).

Pluff Mudd Art Gallery in Bluffton, SC – Voted “Best of Bluffton”

For the third consecutive year, Pluff Mudd Art Gallery in Bluffton, SC, has been selected “Best of Bluffton’’ by “Bluffton Today”.

This unique gallery exhibits the high quality work of more than 20 well-recognized local artists, photographers, woodworkers, jewelry makers and potters in a space enhanced by a new, state-of-the-art lighting system.

Located at 27 Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton, the gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. There is always an artist available there to answer questions and assist visitors.

For more information call the gallery at 843/757-5590.