STARworks in Star, NC, Presents a Hot Glass, Cold Beer Event on Sept. 14, 2017

Hot Glass Cold Beer (HGCB) returns to STARworks in Star, NC, on Sept. 14, 2017, from 5:30 to 7:30pm with guest artist Amanda Patenaude.

Patenaude will lead the glassblowing demonstration. She and the STARworks Glass team will work together to create a glass raccoon.

STARworks Glass guest artist Amanda Patenaude attaches an ear to the glass raccoon she made for the February 2016 Hot Glass Cold Beer. She will create another raccoon with the assistance of the STARworks Glass team at this Hot Glass Cold Beer.

The River Wild food truck, based out of Lake Tillery, will be on site with offerings of fish tacos, burgers, fries and more.

HGCB, held on the second Thursday of every month, features beer from Four Saints Brewing Company, based in Asheboro and wine from Stony Mountain Vineyards, based in Albemarle.

All ages are invited to watch the free glassblowing demonstration. Visitors, ages 21 and older who purchase a hand-crafted STARworks drinking glass will receive a ticket for a complimentary beer or wine during the demonstration. Beer and wine may also be purchased directly at the bar.

Patenaude is a multi-media artist based out of Brooklyn, NY, where she works as a glass production manager and devotes time to her personal art practice. She uses glass and its properties to investigate issues of waste and reuse, new forms of community building and our evolving roles in the environment. Patenaude received a BFA from Illinois State University where she worked in both the glass and ceramic departments.

STARworks is a Central Park NC project. Central Park NC is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the economy of the region by focusing on the sustainable use of our natural and cultural resources.

STARworks is located at 100 Russell Drive in Star, just off I-73/74 in northern Montgomery County. For more information, call 910/428-9001, or visit (www.StarworksNC.org).

STARworks in Star, NC, Offers Lectures – Aug. 9, 2017

STARworks Clay Studio resident artists Yang Chen and Levi Mahan, and STARworks Glass interns Josh Fredock and Grace Phillips will present slides and discuss their work during artist talks at STARworks in Star, NC, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, at 5:30pm. The presentations are free and open to the public. Beer from Four Saints Brewing Company will be available for purchase.

Work by Yang Chen

Yang Chen is a ceramic sculptor and installation artist from Bejing, China. She received her BFA at Tsinghua University in 2014 and her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her work has been exhibited in China and the United States, including the “2014 NANTONG International Contemporary Biennial”.

Levi Mahan grew up at Wild Rose Pottery in Seagrove, NC. He studied with Syd Carpenter and Doug Herren at Swarthmore College before he began working with his father full time at From the Ground Up Pottery. Most recently, he was the kiln manager at Art Alliance ceramic studio in Greensboro, NC.

Josh Fredock combines glass and metal to create his art. Most of his work is made from salvaged materials. He has a welding degree from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Most recently, Fredock was a fabricator at Rock Cottage Glassworks in Merriam, KS.

Work by Grace Phillips

Grace Phillips is from Chicago, IL. She earned a double major in Art Education and Glassblowing from Illinois State University. She spent a year teaching art at the elementary level, but longed to be back in the studio and left education to pursue her artistic career. Currently, she is developing a body of work that explores different aspects of the mind.

For more information, visit (www.STARworksNC.org).

STARworks Glass Pumpkin Patch Sale Takes Place in Star, NC – Oct. 3, 2015

Hand-blown glass pumpkins will be ready to harvest at the STARworks Glass Pumpkin Patch sale on Oct. 3, 2015, from 10am to 1pm.  This is the only time of year the popular glass pumpkins are available.

More than 2,000 pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes will be ripe for the picking and available for purchase. Each one a unique work of art, the pumpkins will be displayed on hay bales in the grassy area in front of STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise. If the weather is bad, the Pumpkin Patch will be moved inside to STARworks Gallery.

Proceeds from the event help fund STARworks programs. “The Pumpkin Patch is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Central Park NC Executive Director Nancy Gottovi.  “The event starts at 10am and they go fast. We encourage people to show up early for the best possible selection.”

Pumpkins cannot be reserved and will not be available for purchase before the Pumpkin Patch in order to guarantee the largest selection possible for the event. If there are pumpkins remaining after the event, they will be available in the STARworks Gallery and online while supplies last.

Vendors from the Montgomery County Farmers Market will set up booths and offer hot beverages, snacks and other locally grown produce and homemade goodies during the Pumpkin Patch.

The Pumpkin Patch is STARworks’ most popular fundraising event. STARworks is a project of Central Park NC, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the local economy by focusing on the cultural arts and natural resources of central North Carolina.

STARworks has a glass studio, a ceramics facility and a metal studio. They offer classes and workshops in each medium, high school glassblowing programs and hold several fun and educational events throughout the year.  The STARworks building also acts as an incubator for small creative businesses, including Wet Dog Glass, an equipment fabricator for glass artists and craftspeople, Blankenship Business Solutions, and echo3, a graphic design studio.

STARworks is located just off I-73/74 in northern Montgomery County. The address is 100 Russell Drive in Star, the geographical center of North Carolina.

For more information, visit (www.STARworksNC.org) or call 910/428-9001.

13th Come Out and Play Sculpture Show Takes Place in Pittsboro, NC

For the 13th year in a row, sculptors will display their creations at the Come Out and Play sculpture show at JimGin farm just outside Carrboro in Pittsboro, NC. Many of the works will be for sale. Artists keep 100% of the proceeds.

The opening party will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, from noon until dark. There are also picnic receptions on Saturday, Aug. 30, Sept. 6, Sept. 13, and Sept. 20, beginning at 4pm and going until dark. There is no admission, and all are welcome, including dogs if they are on leashes. On opening day, there is a free shuttle running from Storybook Farm, 231 Storybook Lane, Chapel Hill, NC.

Work by Holly Felice and Gary Caldwell from 2013

Sculptures of many media and form, created by over 60 artists, will dot the landscape of this 17-acre horse farm at 150 Wild Horse Run, Pittsboro, NC.

This show began in 2002 as part of a group of shows put on by Hunter Levinsohn, Jackie Helvey, Anke Gassen, Hollie Taylor, and Debbie Meyer to honor the victims of 9/11. Attendees, who loved seeing sculpture in an outdoor setting, and artists, who often don’t have a place to display larger sculptures, asked for it to continue. Over 1700 people attended last year’s show during its five-week run.

Ken Maynor installing Trex for 2014

For further information contact Debbie Meyer by e-mail at (writetoeloise@gmail.com) or call 919/942-3252. She and her husband, Eric Brantley, put on the show each year as a gift to the community.

The link to the invitation which shows all the participating artists, directions, and more at (www.comeoutandplay.info).

STARworks in Star, NC, Calls for Artists for FireFest – Deadline Mar. 11, 2013

STARworks in Star, NC, invites all professional and emerging artists to apply to compete, exhibit and sell their works during FireFest, May 3-5, 2013. The exhibit will continue in the STARworks gallery until May 31.  This is a juried exhibition and art sale.

Artists who create three-dimensional works in ceramics, glass, metal or multimedia can visit (www.STARworksNC.org) and click the FireFest slide to answer the call for entry. Artists may enter three works, scaled to indoor spaces. The entry fee is $25, and the application deadline is March 11.  Applicants must apply online.

STARworks, in partnership with the Town of Star is hosting Firefest, a three-day festival that will celebrate the role of fire in the creation of art. Internationally known featured artists specializing in glass, metal and ceramics have been invited to participate, demonstrate and lecture. Each artist will create a sculptural piece that will be installed at STARworks. The special guest artists are glass artist Hank Murta Adams, metal artist Ben Galata, and ceramic artist Hyang Jong Oh.

STARworks has a variety of activities planned for Firefest, including three days of workshops, demonstrations, performances, entertainment, and locally made food and drinks.

FireFest is made possible in part thanks to an Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

STARworks is a project of Central Park NC. CPNC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote a new economy based on the sustainable use of the natural and cultural resources of the Central Park region of North Carolina.

For more information, visit (www.CentralParkNC.org) or call 910/428-9001.

Saxapahaw Art Gallery in Saxapahaw, NC, Also Needs Help With It’s Kickstarter Project and Time is Running Out

Editor’s Note: I received this e-mail: I saw your release for the kickstarter for the Charlotte Artist-  The Saxapahaw Art Gallery lost our lease and we are relocating into a fabulous new space- We are also raising funds via kickstarter- not as much as the charlotte photographer- we are only looking to raise $6000- have pledges so far of just over $2500- with only 4 days left we could sure use some help reaching out to reach our goal. If you can help, we would appreciate it.

Here’s their info:

Hi,

My name is Suzanne Connors, I am the Director of the Saxapahaw Art Gallery. The gallery has been open in it’s current location for just a year, and I am proud to represent over 60 local and regional artists. I think we have outstanding work. We have paintings of all media, woodworking, sculpture, fiber-arts, jewelry, pottery and anything else artistic. We are located in Saxapahaw, NC near the Haw River. Saxapahaw is a very great place to be and the home of many fabulous artists.

We have lost our lease, but in the end it will be better- While our present space looks great, it is on 2 floors and our collectors need to come up stairs. The new space will all be on one floor and provide space for our workshops and classes. The new space is also FREE for the 1st year, so it will make it easier to stay afloat and offer space for more artists to exhibit their work. The only glitch- we must do all the improvements. Not a problem as we have many skilled artisans and the new space will be more fabulous than the old- We are just a bit short on funds- this winter was not a great selling winter, but anyone who knows Saxapahaw, knows that the summer is when EVERYONE comes to Saxapahaw. We need to get moved into our space as soon as possible so that our hard working artists can sell their work- Please help us if you can!!!!!

Pledge to their project here (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/929315888/saxapahaw-artists-new-gallery)

The Saxapahaw Artists is a non-profit organization that was founded with simple goals- to showcase “local” and “regional” artists, and in the process, highlight Saxapahaw as a positive, growing, creative cultural community. We strive to reach this goal by creating a greater community awareness of the arts and art related events.

Located in the heart of Saxapahaw, in the historic Sellars building, the Saxapahaw Artists is proud to represent over 60 mid-career and emerging artists and craftsmen.

New shows are mounted each month featuring 2 selected artists work on display. A rich diversity of mediums and subject matter are evident in the selection of works exhibited. Artist receptions are held on the 1st Friday of each month from 6-9 PM and always include great music!

Future plans for Gallery include moving to a larger location that will include increased Gallery space and The Sax- ArtCenter where both children and adults will explore and learn about art both indoors and outdoors. The ArtCenter will become the cultural hub of the community and enhance a quality of life for all through high quality exhibitions and educational programs covering a wide range of themes and formats: workshops, on-going classes, Family Art Experiences ,youth programs, artist presentations, lectures/demos and accessible studio time.

Unfortunately our future is at stake, our landlord leased our space out from under us and we must move by May 1st, 2012. While we have been talking about moving the gallery- we were not prepared to make the move within a 30 day window. The landlord has offered us a space that has wonderful potential and at great terms: a 5 year lease starting with FREE rent the 1st year and then increasing by only $100/year; however the space needs intensive renovation and remodeling.

The space we were in was basically in the same condition when we started in November 2010. With 100’s of hours of volunteer labor we painted, cleaned, hung lights and turned our space into the beautiful gallery I am proud to be associated with right now. We own beautiful display fixtures and they will look fabulous in our space! We also have talented artists who are capable of making this space beautiful.  You can be assured that 100% of your donations will be put to good use; purchasing supplies, painting, buying and hanging lights, sanding floors and building partitions so that we can remain open and continue to exhibit the fine art & craft of our artists.

For further info visit (www.saxapahawartists.com).

Central Park NC in Star, NC, Presents an Evening of Creative Thinking – Oct. 27, 2011

Central Park NC is inviting people to an evening of creative thinking entitled, Lets Make Something, at the STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise, located at 100 Russell Drive, Star, NC, on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011.

The events agenda includes:

From 2 – 5pm – Afternoon Program: A Call for a New NC

Join Central Park NC for an interesting program led by Eric Henry (TS Designs, Company Shops Coop), Carol Hewitt (Slow Money NC), Dean Naujoks (Yadkin Riverkeeper), John Parker (Good Work), and Roger Dick (Uwharrie Capital Corp). Learn about an exciting new initiative to help build a more sustainable NC that will guarantee positive economic and social choices for present and future generations through the development of a statewide triple bottom line economy.

At 5pm – Tour of STARworks

From 5:30 – 9pm – The Annual Gathering, featuring Jonah Sachs, Free Range Studios

Jonah Sachs is an internationally recognized storyteller, author, designer and entrepreneur. As the co-founder and creative director of Free Range Studios, Jonah has helped hundreds of social brands and causes break through the media din with breakthrough campaigns. His work on legendary viral videos like The Meatrix and The Story of Stuff series have brought key social issues to the attention of more than 60 million viewers and his interactive work has three times been honored with Best Of awards at the standard setting South By Southwest digital festival.

Jonah’s passion lies in exploring the intersection of ancient storytelling techniques, social responsibility and emerging technologies. In his upcoming book, Story Wars to be published in 2012 by Harvard Business Review Press, he argues that brands that tell values-driven stories through the right channels will not only revolutionize marketing, they may become humanity’s greatest hope for the future. Jonah’s work and opinions have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, FOX News, Sundance Film Festival, NPR and in FastCompany Magazine who named him one of the 50 most influential social innovators.  He lives in Oakland, California.

From 8 – 9pm – Night of Fire

Come see the sparks fly during the visual studio glass performance and the outdoor iron pour rematch!

Though this is a free event, registration is requested. Register by 10/20 to be included in a drawing for a giant blown glass Jack O’Lantern. You can register at (http://www.centralparknc.org/about-us/annual-gathering.html).

The mission of Central Park NC is to promote a new economy based on the sustainable use of the natural and cultural resources of the Central Park NC region, encompassing Anson, Davidson, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, and Stanly counties.

For more information please e-mail (emily@centralparknc.org) or call 910/428-9001.

From The Ground Up Pottery in Seagrove, NC, Offers Annual R.D. Mahan Kiln Opening and Turkey Roast – Oct. 1, 2011

Michael Mahan and his son, Levi, will be making new tree pots, large pots and shino-glazed pots from clay they dig on their land and firing them in their wood kiln for this year’s R.D. Mahan Kiln Opening and Turkey Roast, Oct. 1, 2011, from 9am-5pm, at their studio in Seagrove, NC.

Soul Pots

Plan to come to the studio – From the Ground Up- hungry for pots and food as Michael’s wife Mary will be making Irish scones (with fresh cream and jam) in the morning, Michael will be making his freshly roasted organic coffee and Levi will likely add a dish of some sort using his culinary skills. Turkey will be served for lunch. Last year, it was roasted on the grill. The previous year, it was deep-fried.

Why the R.D. Mahan name? “I wanted to create an annual commemoration of my father, so we call the kiln opening the R.D. Mahan Kiln Opening and Turkey Roast. This is our third year. It seems appropriate to pay homage to him as it is he who gave me the determination and drive to manifest my dreams”.

Works by Levi Mahan

Michael Mahan has been making decorative and functional pottery in the Seagrove area since 1985. He lives and works in Westmoore, seven miles south of Seagrove at his pottery, From the Ground Up. He owned and operated Wild Rose Pottery in Whynot until 1998 when he moved to Westmoore to renovate a barn and outbuildings on the site where Moore County traditional potter W.J. Stewart worked in the 1890s.

Shino-glazed bowls (lower right bowl glazed with alberta slip glaze)

Mahan came to Seagrove as a newspaper reporter. Soon he was taking classes and changed careers to pottery. His youngest son, Levi, is currently an apprentice with him and his daughter Chelsea is also a potter.

Mahan processes some clay from his property and uses mainly North Carolina sourced clays and materials for his clay and glazes. He combines ancient and modern firing techniques to achieve pieces that reveal the unique relationship between clay and fire. Michael’s latest work involves trees. He continues to create functional dinnerware using his trademark southwestern and ash glazes.

Tree Pot

From the Ground Up is located at 172 Crestwood Road in Robbins, NC. To see his latest work, check out Michael’s blog at (www.FromTheGroundUpPots.blogspot.com).

For further info call the pottery at 910/464-6228, e-mail to (mahanpots@rtmc.net) or visit (http://fromthegrounduppots.com). Also on Facebook.

North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, Offers Crystalline Potters of Seagrove – Sept. 24, 2011

The “Crystalline Potters of Seagrove” event will be at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, on Sept. 24, 2011, from 10am-4pm. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Oct. 1, 2011. This is the first event of its kind at the NCPC and will be held in the oak grove behind the building.

Seven different crystalline pottery shops from the Seagrove area are coming together to show the amazing range and versatility of this special effects glaze.

The show will feature both zinc silicate and molybdenum crystalline. Participating shops include Bulldog Pottery, Dover Pottery, Eck McCanless Pottery, Pottery by Frank Neef, McCanless Pottery, Uwharrie Crystalline, and Wyndham and Brooke Haven Pottery.

Each pottery shop will set up a booth to sell wares. Everyone will have crystalline available, as well as other items featured in their shops. Several door prizes will be given away, as well.

Admission to the event is free. Admission to the NCPC is $2 for adults, $1 for students 9th through 12th grade, and children 8th grade and under are admitted free.

The NCPC is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC.

Crystalline is a tricky glaze technique to master, but can produce a wonderful array of eye-catching results in nearly every color of the rainbow. Crystals are formed on the pots by adding certain chemicals, like zinc or molybdenum to the glaze. The pots are then fired to a high temperature. Once the peak temperature is reached, the kiln is then lowered to a soak temperature and held there for a number of hours. Crystals form during this soak time. Potters have very little to no control over the number of crystals on a pot or where those crystals form, which makes each crystalline pot one-of-a-kind.

Whether you’re a long-time pottery collector or someone who’s just discovered the wealth of talent in the Seagrove area, “Crystalline Potters of Seagrove” is sure to be an event worthy of attendance.

For more information, contact Rhonda at 336/873-7412 or e-mail to (professional_page@rtmc.net).

Stanly Community College in Albemarle, NC, Offers Free Marketing Seminar to Artists – Sept. 8, 2011

Want to know how to best share and sell your art??

Want to learn how to make marketing FUN?

Want to get in touch with your unique artistic vision and make your work irresistible?

You are invited to an EXCITING FREE SEMINAR FOR ARTISTS!

“Creative Marketing for Artists and Crafters: How to Paint Your Marketing Palette and Sell Your Art” presented by Dr. Barnsley Brown, will take place on Thursday, September 8, 2011, from 6-9pm, at the Stanly Community College Small Business Center, The Groves Building, 143 N. Second Street in Albemarle, NC.

SPACE IS LIMITED… Call today to reserve your free space at 704/991-0192!

Here’s what folks are saying about Dr. Barnsley Brown
and this life-changing seminar: “Hi Barnsley, I want to let you know how much I enjoyed your creative marketing for artists seminar at the Arts Incubator the other night! We were talking on the way back to class and everyone in our group said they thought yours was the best motivational/marketing/coaching experience we’ve ever had! Thanks again.” Libba Adams, River Road Pottery, Chatham County, NC

“Just want to thank you, Barnsley, for all you do in the realm of assisting people to ‘live their dream.’ It is really important work to assist people into their joy and true work. I am making headway on all the things I learned from you… And it is joyful and fun too! Thank you for all your help!” BJ, Artist and Art Educator in Carrboro, NC.