The August 2016 Issue of “Carolina Arts” is Now Ready to Download

The August 2016 issue of Carolina Arts is up on our website at (http://www.carolinaarts.com/816/816carolinaarts.html) – all 59 pages of it.

We are launching the publication early this month so we can hit the road for an overdue vacation to my birth land of Michigan.

So download that PDF and dig in – it makes for good reading and shows that you have lots of opportunities to enjoy the visual arts in the Carolinas. And, don’t forget to find a way to thank our advertisers – they make the paper possible.

And help us spread the paper around by sending this link to your friends.

If you want to get something in the September 2016 issue – send it now or as soon as you can.

Don’t wait till the August 24 deadline. You do know you can be early. Some folks are already several months ahead of the deadline when their press release would be due.

Thanks – Tom and Linda Starland
Carolina Arts
843/693-1306 (a new number)
info@carolinaarts.com

Artist and Creator of National Touring Exhibit “Nature Connects Art with LEGO® Bricks” to Give Talk at Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC – Aug. 6, 2016

Popular New York artist, Sean Kenney, creator of the exhibit “Nature Connects Art with LEGO Bricks” will present a talk at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC, on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at noon. The talk is open to the public and is followed by a book signing at Keepsakes, the Brookgreen Shop. Both the talk and the exhibit, “Nature Connects”, are free with garden admission.

Sean Kenney is a renowned, award-winning artist and “professional kid” who uses LEGO pieces to design and create contemporary sculpture for high-profile clients, major corporations, and venues around the globe for over 10 years.

He has authored 8 best-selling inspirational children’s books, and his award-winning exhibit “Nature Connects” has been breaking attendance records around the world since 2012.

Created in partnership with a state university, “Nature Connects” is foremost an educational platform and secondarily a means of artistic expression.

In describing the exhibit, Kenney said, ”I hope that you can look at ‘Nature Connects’ and appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful, and I also hope you’re inspired to go home and create something wonderful yourself.”

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization, is located on US 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, SC, and is open to the public daily.

For more information, visit our web site at (www.brookgreen.org) or call 843/235-6000.

Dare County Arts Council Calls for Applications for Regional Artist Project Grants in Eastern North Carolina – Deadline is Sept. 9, 2016

The Regional Artist Project program is managed through a partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and 29 local arts councils throughout eastern North Carolina working as a consortium.

Residents in Dare County are eligible to apply for grants that provide financial support to artists at any stage of their career in disciplines such as visual art/craft, music composition, film/video, literature/playwriting, and choreography/dance. Types of fundable projects include the creation of new work, purchase of equipment and materials, and professional development workshops.

“The RAP Grant is an excellent opportunity for artists, musicians, and writers to apply for the funding they need to help make their artistic dreams a reality. DCAC helps fund this grant, which is administered regionally through the NC Arts Council, and we are delighted to offer this to our community,” said Dare County Arts Council Programs Director Fay Davis Edwards.

Application forms and grant guidelines are available online at (www.DareArts.org) and (www.PittCountyArts.org).

Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge serves as administrative arts council for the Eastern North Carolina Regional Consortium and manages the application and review process. Applications must be received no later than Friday, September 9, 2016 to the Pitt County Arts Council, located at 404 S. Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858 or Dare County Arts Council, located at 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954.

Since 1985, the North Carolina Arts Council has provided funds for the Regional Artist Project to support professional artists. The regional consortium of eastern North Carolina arts councils matches the NC Arts Council to create a pool of funds for the artists. In the East, grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $1,000, and follow a competitive application and review process.

For more information, contact Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge Executive Director Holly Garriott by e-mail at (holly@pittcountyarts.org) or call 252/551-6947 or Dare County Arts Council Programs Director Fay Davis Edwards at (dareartsprograms@gmail.com) or 252/473-5558.

Spartanburg, SC, ArtWalk Under New Management

The Spartanburg, SC, ArtWalk is a free, self-guided art tour of galleries in downtown Spartanburg that takes place the third Thursday of each month from 5-8pm. Spartanburg Art Museum (SAM), Spartanburg’s non-profit contemporary art museum and one of the city’s oldest arts organizations, has recently taken over hosting the event in coordination with 11 local institutional and commercial galleries. The museum has created a new website for ArtWalk that includes information on what’s happening at every participating gallery, updated monthly, and an interactive, downloadable walking map.

“Spartanburg has an amazing number of thriving galleries and arts-spaces considering its size,” says Mat Duncan, SAM’s Curator of Collections and Community Development Coordinator, “and they’re a huge part of what makes Spartanburg one of South Carolina’s six cultural districts. ArtWalk is a great way for Spartans to connect with what’s happening downtown, but for some time, it has been somewhat unfocused and inconsistent. The new ArtWalk website is the Museum’s first step towards our vision of a new, more organized, and more fun ArtWalk.”

People listening to a talk at the Spartanburg Art Museum

ArtWalk’s recently renovated website (www.spartanburgartwalk.org) provides resources for those wishing to take the tour, including contact information and monthly updates from participating galleries and a printable map of the event area with locations of participating galleries marked. Maps are also available at Spartanburg Art Museum during ArtWalk.

Spartanburg’s next ArtWalk takes place Thursday, August 18, 2016, from 5-8pm.

For more information or to become a participant visit (www.spartanburgartwalk.org), (www.spartanburgartmuseum.org) or call 864/582-7616 or e-mail the museum at (museum@spartanarts.org).

Hillsborough Gallery of Arts in Hillsborough, NC, Opens Call-To-Artist for “Third Annual Juried Show: Resolutions 2017” – Deadline is October 26, 2016

The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts in Hillsborough, NC, will celebrate the start of the new year by again hosting its juried fine art exhibit, “Resolutions”, from January 4 to 24, 2017.  All North Carolina two-dimensional and three-dimensional fine artists are encouraged to apply. Guest juror for the awards will be Larry Wheeler, Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC. Work will be displayed at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, with an opening reception on Friday, January 13, 2017, 6 – 9pm.

“Baptism” by Jake Stephenson graphite and charcoal drawing

Original works in all fine art media are eligible. Work must have been completed within the last three years. No mass-produced prints or reproductions will be accepted. Hand-pulled prints, original digital prints and photographs are acceptable. All artwork must be the exhibitor’s original idea and be created independently by the exhibitor. Artists must be at least 18 years old and live in North Carolina. All accepted artwork must be hand delivered to HGA on January 2 or 3, 2017.

The Call-To-Artists will be open August 26, through October 26, 2016.

All entries must be submitted through digital images via (www.OnlineJuriedShows.com). Artists can reach the show prospectus directly at the link (https://onlinejuriedshows.com/Default.aspx?OJSID=8662).

“Natural Disaster” by Jason Smith (sculpture)

Dr. Wheeler is the Director of the North Carolina Museum of art in Raleigh. Under his visionary leadership, the museum has vastly increased in size and stature and substantially expanded its collection, especially in the fields of modern and contemporary art

The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is owned and operated by its members, established local artists whose artwork includes oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, encaustic, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber art, jewelry, glass, metal, enamels, and wood.  We strive to create an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual encouragement and to give the arts a more visible presence in the town of Hillsborough.  Openings for new members arise when current members leave the gallery. Artists interested in being notified when an opening occurs should fill out a waiting list form, available on the HGA website.

Arts Council of Henderson County in NC Calls for Entries for “13th annual Bring Us Your Best” – Deadline Aug. 4, 2016???

The opening reception and awards ceremony for the “13th annual Bring Us Your Best” art exhibition will be held Friday, Aug. 5, 2016,  from 5-7pm. This all-media visual art exhibition will be on display through Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall of the TEDC building at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.

First ($250), second ($150), and third ($100) place awards will be presented in four categories:  2-dimensional art, 3-dimensional art, fine craft, and photography. In addition, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville is sponsoring and selecting the “One Planet, One World” award.  The winning artwork will be the best representation of a world community recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all beings, and the oneness and interdependence of all life.

“Spectator Sport”, by Bobbie Polizzi, 2015 1st Place, 3D winner

For a fourth year, an Artist’s Choice award will be sponsored and presented by two artist patrons. This award is selected by all artists who have work in the show. The Artist’s Choice award winner will be announced at the opening, and will receive a $300 cash prize.

The Starving Artist Art Supply and Custom Framing Shop is sponsoring the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, the last day of the exhibition. This award winner will be determined by the votes of all gallery visitors who will be encouraged to cast votes for their favorite piece in the show, and will receive a $250 gift certificate from The Starving Artist. Ten Honorable Mention awardees will receive $25 gift certificates from The Starving Artist at the reception.

All artwork displayed at “Bring us Your Best” is for sale. Regular gallery hours for “Bring Us Your Best XIII” will be 10am to 4pm Monday through Friday, and 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays. A prospectus for the show is available on the Arts Council’s website at (www.acofhc.org).

The exhibition is sponsored by The Wax Family Memorial Funds, the Dr. Minor F. Watts Fund at the Community Foundation of Henderson County, The Starving Artist Fine Art Supply and Custom Framing Shop, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville.

For more information please contact The Arts Council by e-mail at (acofhc@bellsouth.net) or call 828/693-8504. The web address is (www.acofhc.org).

The Arts Council of Henderson County is a community organization that promotes, advocates for and nurtures the arts in Henderson County and western North Carolina. Its office is located at 401 North Main St., Ste. 302, Hendersonville, NC 28792. (Entrance on Fourth Avenue West.)

The Arts Council is supported in part by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources; funds administered by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, Henderson County, Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, and the City of Hendersonville.

Art League of Henderson County in Hendersonville, NC, Offers Fundraiser for Art Education

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of middle and high school students – you’ve been issued a challenge.  The Art League of Henderson County in Hendersonville, NC, challenges you to support our local art teachers and students by donating to a Go Fund Me page to help buy art supplies for classrooms during the year.

Recognizing that art education is an essential part of our children’s growth and development, ALHC established an Education Fund years ago and has provided local art teachers with supplemental funds in the form of gift certificates to purchase needed art materials for many years.

“The money from the Art League makes sure I have what I need without using my own paycheck,” one teacher explained. “I often buy things for my classroom when I see sales and good deals, and the ALHC money allows me to get more for my money than some of the state contract supplies.”

To help raise funds for 2016, the ALHC created a Go Fund Me page at (www.gofundme.com/ALHC-Art-Education).

“If Henderson County parents and student relatives would all donate just a few dollars,” challenged ALHC member Sharon Eng, “it wouldn’t take long to reach or exceed our $2000 goal for this year.”

Hendersonville art teachers often find themselves digging into their own funds to buy supplies for their classrooms.  “We typically order all of our supplies for the entire year in the fall,” explained one teacher who preferred to remain anonymous, “and the budget hasn’t changed in probably a decade.    You never know whether the black paint or the white charcoal pencils will last for the whole year.  I want my two semesters of classes to have the same supplies/opportunities,” she said.

In February, ALHC provided local middle and high school art teachers with $2200 in gift certificates to purchase art supplies for the classrooms. In addition, secondary student art winners at the Students and Mentors exhibitions received prizes provided by the Art League.

“The Art League has been supporting the art teachers in Henderson County for over 50 years,” ALHC president Sharon Carlyle said. “Our purpose is to promote appreciation and understanding of the creative arts among the students. With our yearly gift we hope to foster future generations of artists with supplies and opportunities that they may not get with the limited budgets our teachers work with.”

The Go Fund Me page is being promoted through the Art League of Henderson County Facebook page, as well as its web site, (www.artleague.net). Donors can also go to the direct link at (www.gofundme.com/ALHC-Art-Education) or to the Go Fund Me home page and input Art League of Henderson County in the search bar to access the donation site at their convenience. The Art League hopes that with the convenience of the Go Fund Me page, the public will become involved and even start other challenges to help fund the Arts in Education Program.

Martina Zinn, one of last year’s teacher recipients and ALHC member, said, “I feel the partnership between the Art League and our schools has been really special. It means a lot to the teachers and the students to know that we have support in the community from other artists. I know the students are often surprised that adults who don’t even really know them, take an interest in what they are doing and want to help them succeed.”

The ALHC was founded in 1962 with a mission to encourage and assist in the development of individual artistic talent, as well as the enjoyment of art. The organization honors this legacy by providing financial support to local art teachers and prize awards to student artists, as well as community outreach, and exhibitions and educational programs. The public and artists of all skill levels and “art lovers” are encouraged to attend and participate in meetings and programs.

The Art League of Henderson County meets monthly on the second Sunday of each month (except May, when it will be the 3rd Sunday) at Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville. A social hour usually begins around 1:30pm, with the meeting starting about 2pm. An art-related presentation is offered following the meeting. Guests are welcome.

For more information, contact Sharon Eng, publicity, at 828/685-8959 or e-mail to (swengbiz@gmail.com).

Fabulon, A Center for Art and Education, LLC, in Charleston, SC, Announces “2016 Juried Fine Art Sculpture Contest with Exhibit and Sale” – Deadline Aug. 30, 2016

Fabulon Gallery represents a diverse group of artists working with a variety of mediums in traditional and non traditional ways. Fabulon seeks new and exciting fine art in 3-D. The theme is literally wide open,  artists may choose to explore any theme but must provide a statement that connects the words to the visual.

Criteria:

Sculptures will be judged on technical ability, craftsmanship, use of materials, execution of theme and ability of the artist to tie the statement to the work. All sculptures must be original and for sale.

Eligibility:

Artists of the Carolinas and GA.

All mediums accepted.

Indoor, outdoor, and scale models considered.

Minimum age: 18

Resident of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Artist should be able to be present at the reception.

Entry Procedure:·

Submit 1 image of the sculpture you are entering in the contest.

Add 2 close up images showing details of this sculpture.

Include 2 separate images that represent the body of your work in general.

Submit an artist statement that explains the theme and process of your project.

Notate materials used and provide dimensions of finished product.

Please follow the labeling procedure found on the website.

Images must be received by 8/30

$25 Submission Fee

Judging:

All applicants will be reviewed by a panel of working artists and art education professionals. Artists not accepted for this show will be notified with a brief commentary as to why their work was not chosen. All entries will be saved for future consideration.

Prizes:

1st Place: $500

2nd Place: $200

3rd Place: $150

People’s Choice Award: $100

2 Honorable Mention Prizes

Winners will be announced at the show and prizes will be awarded that night.

Deadline & Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: 8/30

Acceptance Announced: 9/6

Drop off and meeting: 10/8

Show: 10/14 to 11/1

Reception: 10/14, 5-8:30pm

Retrieval: 11/5

For further information visit (www.fabulonart.com), e-mail to (fabulon.art@gmail.com) or call 843/566-3383.

Asheville Art Museum Receives Grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to Re-install Permanent Collection and Produce an Accompanying Publication

The Henry Luce Foundation recently awarded the Asheville Art Museum in Asheville, NC, a prestigious two-year American Art program grant of $375,000 to support the reinterpretation and reinstallation of the Museum’s Permanent Collection and the first catalogue of the Museum’s collection of American art, which contains nearly 4,000 objects. Scheduled for completion in spring 2018, these projects follow a complete update of the collection database and importantly they will anchor the re-opening of the New Asheville Art Museum following a major expansion and renovation. The project will result in increased accessibility to the Museum’s collections of American Art, ranging in date from the late 19th century to the present, for students, scholars and the public; enhanced collaborations and interdisciplinary interpretation; and a larger role for the Museum and its collections in Western North Carolina and the country. The grant also allows for two Luce Internships, which will provide valuable professional experience for students who are passionate about a career in the arts.

“We thank the Henry Luce Foundation for their longstanding support of scholarship and access to American Art,” said Pamela Myers, Executive Director Asheville Art Museum. “The New Museum and the New Permanent Collection installation and first Catalogue of the Collection will present extraordinary opportunities for longtime residents, newcomers and visitors to be inspired and engaged with art of America and art of the region. The Permanent Collection installation and the catalogue of the Museum’s Permanent Collection will consider multiple and sometimes intersecting narratives in American art. Both the installation and the catalogue will focus on key aspects and strengths of the Museum’s holdings in all media and will provide a narrative framework within which visitors can interact with and experience works of art. The project will be organized to convey the multifaceted historical and contemporary stories of art and culture in Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia set within the broader context of American aesthetic development. The project will tell the story of our area, explore our sense of place and its relationship to and national impact on the art world.”

The Permanent Collection exhibition space will encompass approximately 4,000 square feet of new and expanded state-of-the-art galleries, which will form the core of the new Museum. The catalogue accompanying the exhibition will contain several hundred pages, including color illustrations. It will highlight significant works from the Collection with entries and thematic essays by curatorial staff and members of the project team. The project team includes scholars with expertise specific to the strengths of the Collection and the interpretive plan.

The Henry Luce Foundation was established in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time Inc., to honor his parents who were missionary educators in China. The Foundation builds upon the vision and values of four generations of the Luce family: broadening knowledge and encouraging the highest standards of service and leadership. A not-for-profit corporation, the Luce Foundation operates under the laws of the State of New York and aims to exemplify the best practices of responsible, effective philanthropy.

The Henry Luce Foundation seeks to bring important ideas to the center of American life, strengthen international understanding, and foster innovation and leadership in academic, policy, religious and art communities. The Luce Foundation pursues its mission through the following grant-making programs: American Art; Asia; Luce Scholars; Theology; Higher Education; the Henry R. Luce Initiative on Religion in International Affairs; Public Policy; and the Clare Boothe Luce Program for women in science, mathematics and engineering.

Founded by artists in 1948 in Asheville, NC, the Asheville Art Museum annually presents an exciting, inviting and active schedule of exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent collection of 20th and 21st century American art. Any visit will also include experiences with works of significance to Western North Carolina’s cultural heritage including Studio Craft, Black Mountain College and Cherokee artists. Special exhibitions feature renowned regional and national artists and explore issues of enduring interest. The Museum also offers a wide array of innovative, inspiring and entertaining educational programs for people of all ages.

Additional information on the Museum’s Collection, upcoming exhibitions and public programs, and the progress of construction of the New Museum can be found at (www.ashevilleart.org).

Gallery 27 in Lincolton, NC, Calls for Entries for “Artists of the Carolinas – Juried and Judged Competition” – Deadline Aug. 10, 2016

Eligibility: All artists 18 years and older who are residents of NC and SC.

Gallery 27 members may submit 1 entry at no charge, then $5 for each additional piece. Limit 3 pieces.

Non-members pay $35 for up to 3 pieces. Age of artwork doesn’t matter.  Painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, photography, printmaking and fiber are eligible.

Prizes: First Place $100, Second Place $75, Third Place $50, People’s Choice Award $25

Presentation: All work must be framed or gallery wrapped with sides finished – no staples on sides and over an inch width – and properly wired for hanging. No saw tooth hangers. All works should be prepared in a simple, professional manner and be ready for display. There is no size limit for 2D works. Works on paper should be matted and framed under glass and mats must be neat and clean. Three-dimensional works will be limited to 200 lbs. and must sit solidly on flat surface. The artist is responsible for assembling and positioning heavy or large pieces.

All works must be available for sale.

A commission of 30% will be retained on all sales of members. A commission of 40% will be retain on all non-members. Works will be selected by a juror and prizes will be selected by a judge. Sold pieces will be removed at time of purchase. Each artist will carry their own insurance if desired. Any artist selling a piece of their own work that needs to be shipped will assume that responsibility.

Contact: Stacey Pilkington-Smith, 704/240-9060 or e-mail to (tacey@ncgallery27.com).

Gallery hours: Wed-Thurs 11am-5pm, Friday 11 am-7pm & Sat 10am-2pm.

Requirements of the Artist:

· Artists are encouraged to attend. Attendance at the exhibits affects the success of the gallery.

· Artist attending should arrive an hour to thirty minutes before the show begins.

· Dress semi-formal

· Artists are encouraged to bring food and beverages to the opening.

· Artists are also responsible for sharing the event, or ads provided by the gallery, on social media sites and send out any material to collectors, friends, associates, and family to attend the event.

Important Dates:

Take In Dates: August 4, 5, 6, & 10, 2016 (please see operating hours)

Reception and Awards:  Saturday, August 13, 2016 7-9 PM