Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, Focuses On Community Projects

On May 25, 2015, Senecafest took place on Ram Cat Alley in downtown Seneca, SC. Blue Ridge Arts Council (BRAC) hosted all craft vendor booths and operated a special activity tent for children of all ages. Kids were invited to paint an Alley Cat canvas mural that now hangs in city hall. Next year, we plan on expanding to accommodate even more artists. Beaded Bracelet, Color Me Insulated Cups and Grab Bags were also made available to our guests.

Blue Ridge Arts Center is kicking off its new season with a culmination exhibit of work from our summer arts program. An open house reception featuring “True Colors” by Tribble will take place in on the afternoon of Aug. 14, 2015. Friends and family are invited to view projects created by adult clients and residents of the Tribble Center for adults with varying disabilities located in Seneca, SC. Images are available on our website at (www.blueridgeartscenter.com). This body of work will also hang during our second scheduled exhibit “Monochromatic Illusions” by HiFiber opening Nov. 6, 2015, so everyone will have an opportunity to see this marvelous work.

Our first exhibit – “The BRAC Annual Members Show” opens on Sept. 11, 2015, and intake will begin on Aug. 28, 2015. Reduced rates on membership are available to non-members who would like to participate. Member benefits include – annual members show, free on-line bios and photos, one-man and group show opportunities, reduced rates on workshops, classes and photography service, open studios and casual painting groups. Downloadable applications are available on line.

In conjunction with this show, our second installment of “Afternoon with an Artist” luncheon and demonstration at the Blue Ridge Gallery Classroom will headline Paul Dohr, renown award winning watercolor artist. It will take place on Sept. 16, 2015, from 12:30-3pm. He will provide hands-on instruction and as always, humorous dialog to accompany his presentation. Lunch includes – pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans and apple pie and ice cream [for $25.00]. The previous “Afternoon of an Artist” with Warren Carpenter [wood-turner] was a sell out – and an overwhelming success. We have room for 25 guests so make reservations now. Call Suzette Cross at 248/882-3288.

In addition to these events, we have a full schedule planned including:

Holiday Art Sale with Chocolate and Wine Tasting  [12/4,5 & 11- 12/11/2015];

The Annual Juried Exhibit [1/16/2016] which will take on a new format this year with more information to come;

“Upcycling/Mixed Media Exhibit” and Auctions for Charity in celebration with Earth Day, [3/11-4/23] Chairs for Charity Invitational Auction Saturday 4/23/2016. Call for entries will be sent to all charitable organizations. The results will be displayed during the exhibit and available for auction proceeds to benefit the charity.

As always, new members and volunteers are welcome. Contact information, photos of all past events and applications are available on line.

Melody Davis, Gallery Administrator, Board of Directors visit (www.blueridgeartscenter.com).

Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, Calls for Participation in the “Picture Person Program”

The Blue Ridge Arts Council (BRAC) in Seneca, SC, is looking for individuals to participate in the “Picture Person Program” in the Oconee County Elementary Schools this year. This is an Art Appreciation Program that BRAC has been doing for the past 25+ years. We train our volunteer “Presenters” and supply all materials.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Cynthia Jones at 864/944-2599. This is a great opportunity for retired teachers!

Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, Calls for Entries for “The Foothills’ Finest” – Deadline for Delivery of Entries – Sept. 8, 2012

The Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, is proud to showcase the impressive talent of its member artists in our annual members’ exhibit – “The Foothills’ Finest”. Members are invited to submit 2-D and 3-D works of arts such as paintings, drawings, collage, photography, print-making, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and fine craft.

Ribbons will be given out to the winners of the “Viewer’s Choice Awards”. The winners will be announced during the opening reception to be held on Friday, September 21, 5:30-8pm in conjunction with the Seneca Downtown Go ‘Round. The exhibit continues through Nov. 8, 2012.

Non-members may participate by including membership form with Call for Entry form and the associated fees.

Membership forms are available on our web site (www.BlueRidgeArtsCenter.com). For full details call 864/882-2722.

 

 

 

News of What’s Going on with the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC

NEW!  Admission request for the annual BRAC member exhibit, Transitions. Please bring an item of non-perishable food to donate on your next visit to our members show.  The food will be donated to the Seneca United Way to be distributed for the holidays.

Holiday Arts & Crafts: Donated arts and crafts will be on sale during normal office hours for the duration of the show. An excellent way to pick up original works of artwork and benefit BRAC at the same time. Donations may continue to be dropped off any time during open office hours between now and December 15, 2011.

Cookbook: The first edition of our long awaited cookbook “The Blue Ridge ART of Cooking” will be on sale throughout the Members Show. Additional recipes and sample dishes from the 2011 Show reception will be printed and added to the first edition prior to the holidays. The cookbook includes full-color representations of artwork and recipes created by our individual artists. The pages are bound in a three-ring binder to allow for additions throughout the years. The price of $20.00 includes sales tax. There are a limited number of copies available on this initial printing. Another great gift for the holidays.

NEW – “Give the Gift for Art”
There are many ways in which you can support BRAC while benefiting others. Give to:

The Youth Education Scholarship “YES” Fund – Scholarships for underprivileged children

The Memorial/Tribute – Make a donation in memory of a deceased relative/friend, or as a living tribute to honor someone special to you.

The Perfect Gift – BRAC is offering gift certificates for memberships and classes at deep discounted rates of 25% off the normal prices. Certificates are available to both members and non-members and will be available until office closing on December 22, 2011.

Volunteering. Yes, I am interested in donating time during this holiday season to honor someone I care about. Contact BRAC to discuss areas of participation. Call 864/882-2722
or e-mail to (Office@blueridgeartscenter.com).

Come see some art.

Our annual members show for 2011 is Transitions, on view through Jan. 5, 2012. The Blue Ridge Arts Council is proud to showcase the impressive talent of 49 member artists in our annual members show. The show includes 2-D and 3-D works of arts such as paintings, drawings, collage, photography, print-making, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and fine craft.

In addition to our gallery exhibit, the studio will also feature Artist of the month:  Fred Edgerton.

Come see the Pickens & Oconee Student Show at Duke’s World of Energy, on view from Jan. 11 through Feb. 10, 2012. In partnership with the School District of Oconee County, School District of Pickens County and Duke Energy we are proud to present the annual exhibit of artwork produced by both students and teachers in grades K-12.  The exhibit will be displayed at the World of Energy during normal operating hours.  Beverages and cookies will be provided during the opening reception which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, from 5:30-8:30pm.

BRAC is calling for entries for its National Juried Show:

BRAC’s 21st Open Juried Exhibit – Recession Proof, will take place in two location in Seneca, SC, from Jan. 20 – Mar. 1, 2012. The Blue Ridge Arts Council invites all 2D and 3D artists residing in the United States to enter the 2012 National Juried Show. This is our most prestigious exhibit of the year. 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 212 East South Third Street in Seneca, SC. This sister exhibit will open and run simultaneously with the juried show.

Check out the Juried Show Call for Entries at this link.

Mr. Brian Lang, Curator of Decorative Arts at 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 both locations on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, from 5:30-8:30pm during the Seneca Downtown Go ‘Round.

For further info visit (http://blueridgeartscenter.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).

The Heritage, Arts & Music Festival “HAM” At Duke’s World of Energy near Seneca, SC, Takes Place – July 23, 2011

The Blue Ridge Arts Council, based in Seneca, SC, and Duke Energy are partnering for the fifth year to present “HAM”, the 2011 Heritage, Arts & Music Festival; July 23, 2011, 10am-4pm, celebrating and honoring the heritage of the Oconee and Pickens areas through various art media, music and storytelling – held at Duke’s World of Energy.

As part of “HAM”, BRAC is featuring:

An artisan’s sidewalk sale; A Make It & Take It for the children will be offered from 11 till 2pm (free of charge); A hot-dog lunch fundraiser will also be held with 100% of the proceeds to benefit BRAC; The “Golden Corner Arts Celebration”, an invitational art exhibit on display in the lobby from July 23 until Aug. 11, 2011.

Also featured:

Live music:
Conservation Theory  11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
John Bowers & Binge  1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Storytellers:
Nancy Basket shares her own Cherokee heritage and folklore, 11:30 a.m.
Jerry Alexander sheds light on “moonshining”, 1:30 p.m.

ADMISSION IS FREE!

For more information call The World of Energy at 1-800-777-1004 or visit (www.duke-energy.com/worldofenergy).

4th Annual POP Open Studio Tour Takes Place in Pickens, Oconee and Pendleton Counties in SC – Apr. 30 and May 1, 2011

The fourth “POP” Open Studio Tour, taking place throughout Pickens, Oconee and Pendleton Counties in SC, has been organized for April 30, from 10am-6pm & May 1, from noon-5pm. The tour features more than thirty five accomplished artists and provides the opportunity to speak with the artists and observe the artist demonstrating the creative process behind their unique artwork.  The event also allows you to purchase incredible artwork directly from the artist with no commission markups.

The artists and their studios have been juried to ensure quality work and appropriate studio venues. A great variety of original work will be featured, including art from glass artists, jewelers, furniture makers, weavers,  painters, sculptors, photographers and quilters.

On April 14, 2011, from 5-7:30pm, a preview reception will be held for the “POP” Open Studio Tour at Duke’s World of Energy located between Seneca and Pickens, SC. Guests can meet the artists and discuss their work prior to mapping out your tour “route” for the weekend. The exhibit will feature one piece of work from each of the artists participating in the tour. The Exhibit closes May 6, 2011.  The refreshments will be provided by the participating artists; Duke Energy; Palmetto Spirits, with music by Soul Fetch.

The “POP” tour named for the tri-county area of Pickens, Oconee and Pendleton as a tourist destination. While “bringing art to the people”, it will also expose visitors directly to the artistic process by “bringing people to the arts” in their studios.

This event is entirely free to the public due to the generous support of the Clemson ATAX Commission, Oconee County ATAX Commission, Pickens County ATAX Commission, Seneca Hospitality and Accommodations Tax; the advertisers and sponsors listed in the tabloid.  Please support these organizations and businesses.

The POP Open Studio Tour is brought to you by the Blue Ridge Arts Council, located at 111 East South Second Street, Seneca, SC 29678.  For more information, call 864/882-2722 or visit (www.blueridgeartscenter.com).

Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, Calls for Entries for Postcard Exhibit and Fundraiser

The Blue Ridge Arts Council announces the “CALL FOR ARTISTS”  for the Blue Ridge Arts Center Postcard Fundraiser Show, on view from Apr. 22 through May 13, 2011.  All artists are invited to donate a piece of postcard art for the benefit of The Blue Ridge Art Center Fund Raiser. As you are aware all non-profits are struggling in this economy, your participation by submitting a donated card will make a contribution when your postcard art is sold at the show.

Select postcards will be offered in a silent auction the night of the opening on Apr. 22, 5:30-8:30pm, with a base price of $20.00.  The remainder of postcards will be available for purchase at the reception and during the show sale for $ 20.00 through out the exhibition. It will be a great chance for artists, friends and patrons to acquire a significant piece or pieces of artwork at extremely reasonable prices. This is a great opportunity to make a contribution to The Blue Ridge Arts Center.

All postcard art will be the size of a postcard. We recommend 4”x 6” if possible but sizes that conform to Postal Service Rules are acceptable. Some may require hand stamping depending on the thickness and if the card is not flexible enough to be passed through the postal machines.

Mail your postcard to: The Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South Second Street, Seneca, SC 29678.

Enclose your postcard in an envelope if your medium might be difficult for the USPS to handle or deliver your postcard to the center.

Please include your name and return address. Please mail or deliver your postcard on or before Apr. 15, 2011.

Note: By submitting a donated postcard art, the artist assigns all rights and grants permission to The Blue Ridge Arts Council to sell the work and retain all proceeds.

For further info call 864/882-2722 or visit (http://www.blueridgeartscenter.com/).

4th Annual POP – Pickens, Oconee, Pendleton Open Studio Tour Calls for Artist Entries

The Blue Ridge Arts Council, based in Seneca, SC, is once again pleased to present the POP Open Studio Tour which provides an opportunity for the public to visit local artists in their working studios in Pickens, Oconee, & Pendleton Counties in SC. The visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the artists as they demonstrate their skills and educate the visitors about the process of creating art. The event, which takes place from Apr. 30 – May 1, 2011, also allows you to purchase incredible artwork directly from the artist with no commission markups.

Artist applications are due, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011. Artist entry fee returns to the original $50.00 per individual artist. The 2011 application form is available online and at the BRAC office at 111 E. South 2nd Street in Seneca, SC, with detailed entry instructions and time line.

In addition to the tour itself, participating artists will display their work of art in a preview exhibit and opening reception at Duke’s World of Energy beginning April 14, 2011. Visitors are invited to meet the artists, view the artwork and select their tour studio destinations. The exhibit will continue through May 6, 2011.

“Clusters” of artist studios in close proximity to each other will allow touring visitors to enjoy multiple artists with less driving.

Partnering organizations will be offering space to artists without studios, or in isolated areas, for use on demonstrations and exhibiting during the tour. You may wish to consider this in your planning.

Please submit the required application forms, photos and fee by Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 via e-mail to: (POPOpenStudioTour@BlueRidgeArtsCenter.com) – Subject Line should  include: Application & photos.

Additional information may also be requested at that e-mail address or by phoning 864/882-2722 or visit (http://blueridgeartscenter.com/).

This event is funded in part by: Clemson ATAX, Oconee County ATAX, Pickens County ATAX, and Seneca Hospitality & Accommodations Tax.