Picturesque, New Paintings by Dustin Timbrook

Come check out Dustin's new work Saturday, November 14th from 6-9PM at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. RSVP if you'd like at Dustin's facebook page.

And if you need more incentive than great art, good food, social lubricants, and cool people... check out these promotional videos:

Picturesque Promo #2 from Happenin Records on Vimeo.

Picturesque Promo #1 from Happenin Records on Vimeo.

Betty is waiting...

Huntsville Museum of Art Groundbreaking Ceremony

Huntsville Museum of Art holds groundbreaking ceremony for 18,000 square foot expansion project

By Jon Busdeker

October 29, 2009, 11:45AM

Clayton Bass, president and CEO of the Huntsville Museum of Art, speaks to the 200 people on hand at today's groundbreaking.

HUNTSVILLE, AL --  After four years of fund raising, bids, re-bids and re-designs, there was no way rain was going to ruin the Huntsville Museum of Art's ground breaking ceremony this morning. .  

"A little rain is not going to dampen our spirits," Clayton Bass, the museum's president and CEO,  said at the beginning of the ceremony. 

But because of the rain, the ceremony was held inside.

At 10 a.m, more than 200 people, including city leaders and museum officials, were on hand in the museum's Great Hall to officially kick off the museum's expansion with a ceremonial groundbreaking. 

To read more of this copyright story go to: http://blog.al.com/thebus/2009/10/huntsville_museum_of_art_holds.html

Huntsville Museum of Art Expansion Project

Art museum expansion officially starts today

Thursday, October 29, 2009

By Jon Busdeker

Times Arts Writer jon.busdeker@htimes.com

18,000-square-foot addition set to be ready November '10

The metal fence poles by the Huntsville Museum of Art aren't sculptures. It's a sign that the museum's expansion project is under way.

And today at 10 a.m., museum officials and city leaders will be in Big Spring International Park for the museum's official groundbreaking for its multimillion-dollar expansion project.

Once complete, the museum will include 18,000 square feet of new space, plus a special-events room with seating for 300.

To read more of this copyright article go to: 

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125680778750970.xml&coll=1

Photographer Erin Cobb added to Artists Links

The Huntsville Art Blog has added Photographer Erin Cobb to our
Artists Links.

Check out her website at: http://www.ErinCobb.com and her blog at:
http://erincobb.com/Blog

Erin recently relocated to Alabama from Colorado. She specializes in
images of babies, children and families. Erin creates beautiful out
door photography in the natural light.

Erin is an award winning child photographer and has a unique style.
She is available for on-location shoots in Madison County, AL. Please
feel free to contact her through her website.

If you would like to be added to the Huntsville Art Blog Artists Links please contact us at: hsvartblog@gmail.com

Donate Artwork to a great community cause: The Arts Council's annual fundraiser SEAFARE

As many of you know, Seafare is The Arts Council's biggest fundraiser and is held annually every Spring. We are beginning the Silent Auction process and really would appreciate any donations. (Artwork acceptable) 

For more information please contact: 

Jon Stewart

Member & Patron Services Manager

The Arts Council

700 Monroe Street, Suite 2

Huntsville, Al 35801

JStewart@artshuntsville.org

(256) 519-2787

Fax: (256) 533-3811

Art News from Vicki Garner

"Autumn Explosion" by Vicki Garner, copyright

"Pastoral Refections" by Vicki Garner, copyright

Hey Everyone,

I thought I would share with you some of my recent work and goings on.

Here are two recent paintings I have completed. The Amish farm started off as a plein aire painting which I completed later in my studio. It is titled Pastoral Refections. The other was inspired by a tree in my back yard and some photos of autumn leaves that I saw. It is titled Autumn Explosion.

I have recently completed illustrations for another book which is scheduled for publication at the end of this year. As soon as I have more information, I will share that with you.

Enjoy, Vicki Garner
www.applepandowdy.com

Alabama Arts Interview: Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham

THIS WEEK ON ALABAMA ARTS, THE ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (ASCA) RADIO SERIES

This week on Alabama Arts, Joey Brackner (Director, Alabama Center for Traditional Center) interviews Buddy Palmer, President and CEO of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham.

Alabama Arts now airs at 5 every Sunday evening on the Troy University Public Radio Network: WTSU 89.9 (serving Montgomery and Troy), WRWA 88.7 (serving Dothan) and WTJB 91.7 (serving Columbus and Phenix City) – and at 2:30 the following Saturday afternoon on WHIL 91.3. This program also may be accessed via the internet at www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/1/radioseries.html#buddypalmer.

Using Note Cards as a Marketing Tool by Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson's article, "Using Note Cards as a Marketing Tool," was published in today's issue of the newsletter, Fine Art Views, published by Clint Watson, former owner of Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art of San Antonio, TX, and now owner of Fine Arts Studio Online. This newsletter is now subscribed by thousands of artists, collectors, and gallery owners around the world. We thought you might like to see Tommy's article. All the Best, Maria Thompson

Note Cards as a Marketing Tool

by Tommy Thompson

Artists can endear themselves to their collectors and promote their artwork at the same time by giving the purchasers of their artwork a token of appreciation. One way that I do this is to give my collectors five note cards featuring their recently purchased painting on the cover of the cards. I provide the note cards to those who buy a 16 x 20 inch or larger painting. My collectors appreciate receiving these note cards, which they can then use to send notes, invitations, or thank-you's to their friends and others. These cards are saved as templates and copy/photos are changed as needed. I've included instructions for designing the note cards for my horizontal and vertical paintings below:

Note Cards for Horizontal Paintings

Using Photoshop Elements, I open a 300-dpi, vertical page. I then drag onto that page the painting image that I have saved as 300 dpi, 6 inches wide and rotated 180 degrees (upside down). About one-half inch below the photo, I type the following information:

"Tennessee Hillside Horses"

by Tommy Thompson

30 x 40 inches, Oil on Canvas

In the Collection of John and Mary Doe

www.tommythompsonart.com

Note Cards for Vertical Paintings

For vertical paintings, I open a 300-dpi, horizontal page in Photoshop Elements. I then drag onto that page the painting image that I have saved as 300 dpi and 6 inches tall, but I do not rotate this one. The sample copy above is placed to the left of the image at the bottom of the card. This card is then folded flush with the left side of the image and trimmed borderless.

I print the note cards on 8.5 x 11 inch, 67# white vellum cover, fold them flush with the top of the image, and trim them borderless to fit in envelopes purchased at an office supply store. After the card is folded, the text will appear on the back of the card. I enclose the note cards and envelopes in a plastic sleeve and ship them to the collector in a bubble mailer.

To see sample note cards, both horizontal and vertical, click here:

http://tinyurl.com/mohrwb

I am always sure to include a handwritten "Thank You" to the collector written on an extra note card.

In addition, I also save the jpeg file of the note card image on a CD and mail that, along with the five note cards and envelopes to the collector; giving them permission to print more cards as they wish.

A great benefit to providing these note cards for collectors is that I feel I gain greater exposure for my artwork every time my collectors send out these cards. Additionally, when my collectors print more note cards at their own expense, I reap the benefits without the added expense of printing and postage.

Saying "Thank You" to collectors can first appear to be a minor gesture; however, it can make an artist stand out from the crowd. In an age of electronic messaging, taking the time to send personal messages to your collectors can reap big rewards.

This originally appeared at:

http://clintwatson.net/blog/14367/Using-Note-Cards-as-a-Marketing-Tool

Do you have your own FineArtViews to Share?

Submit your own article for publication on FineArtViews

New Tony Triolo book

Thanks to photographer, Fred Deaton for the art news!

Tony has a new Blurb book of some of the photographs he took in New
Mexico this past summer.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/889394alt=Northern+New+Mexico%2C+as+listed+under+Arts+%26+Photography

In case you may not know, Tony was formerly photo editor of the
Huntsville Times.

Thought you might be interested.

Fred Deaton

Cal Breed Honored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts

Celebrating Contemporary Art In Alabama

Features work of past and current Alabama State Council

On the Arts Fellowship recipients (including Cal Breed of Orbix)

August 14 – November 8, 2009

Johnson Center for the Arts

Troy, Alabama

More info about Fort Payne Artist, Cal Breed please visit his website at: www.orbixhotglass.com

ORBIX HOT GLASS

256.523.3188

info@orbixhotlgass.com

www.orbixhotglass.com

Huntsville Museum of Art schedules groundbreaking for Oct. 29

By Jon Busdeker, Arts Writer for the Huntsville Times

October 14, 2009

HUNTSVILLE, AL --  The groundbreaking for the multimillion-dollar Huntsville Museum of Art expansion project is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 10 a.m., according to the mayor's office.

The groundbreaking marks a milestone for the museum expansion, which been delayed due to high construction costs and redesigns.

Last fall, museum officials ordered a redesign after the first set of construction bids came in way over budget at $12 million.

In May, a revised budget of $6.8 million was approved by City Council.

Huntsville Museum of Art on track for $6.8 million redesign

Fuqua & Partners Architects designed the building.  

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT: 

http://blog.al.com/thebus/2009/10/huntsville_museum_of_art_sched.html

Students Artwork Honored at the Madison Street Festival

By Gregg L. Parker

For the Madison Spirit writeone35758@yahoo.com

Artwork by 200 Madison youth was recognized at the Madison Street Festival on Oct. 3.

The student art tent, sponsored by the Madison Arts Council, included art from all public and private schools in the community.

"The crowds were amazed at the artwork," said MAC president Jeanne Steadman. "Lots of pieces could have been sold many times over, as folks all day asked if they were for sale."

For grades 9-12, all winners were from Bob Jones High School. Janie Philips won first place and received an iPod. Second-place winner Katherine Dexter received a $50 U.S. savings bond. Audrey McSorley took third place.

"This was Janie's first oil painting," said Robin Lakso, the Art I, II and III teacher at Bob Jones. "Janie was hesitant and not sure if she would be able to pull it off, but obviously her sheer talent shone through."

With her painting, Lakso said, Philips stepped out of her comfort zone as an artist. "Janie was excited and is learning more and more about her inner self. This was not meant to be a self portrait but, each time she looked back at it, the painting made her feel more self confident and certain in her abilities," Lakso said.

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT: 

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/madison.ssf?/base/news/12555117957230.xml&coll=1

Andi Grisham- Arsenal worker designs environmentally friendly, affordable purses

Engineering the perfect handbag

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

By Victoria Cumbow

Times Staff Writer victoria.cumbow@htimes.com

Arsenal worker designs environmentally friendly, affordable purses

Andi Grisham goes to work each day on Redstone Arsenal, where she assesses the conditions of soil, groundwater and air. After work she leaves her environmental engineer hat at the door and puts on a different hat - that of fashion designer.

Grisham discovered her love of sewing as a child from her maternal grandmother, Kazu Kurihara Vaughn, and even changed the name of her business to kazu k. designs in 2008 after her grandmother passed away.

Her sewing started with Barbie outfits and over time developed into dresses and handbags.

"My first bag was hand sewn," she said. "It took me six hours."

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT:

http://www.al.com/business/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/business/125482054576070.xml&coll=1

TO VISIT ANDI GRISHAM'S WEBSITE PLEASE VISIT: http://www.kazukdesigns.com

Local Photographer, Robert Schuffert's "Scenic Tennessee" Book on Shelves

My new book, Scenic Tennessee is now in stock. I've been busy the last few days trying to get them into a few stores, and have a lot more to go! Check it out on my web page at www.SchuffertStudios.com.

Thanks,

Robert

"Glamour Brush" Enhanced Portraits by Betty Burchfield

Before Photo

After Oil Painting

Art News from Betty Burchfield:

After seeing the look of approval on this sweet lady's face, I realized that our paint brushes can do the same as Glamour Shots did......Enhance the individual.

I asked Dr. Phil if he wanted me to redo the painting I did of him and Robin and give him some black curly hair. He laughed and said he would love that. Therefore, I am going to start advertising my "Glamour Brush".

(to see Betty Burchfield's painted portrait of Dr. Phil and wife Robin see 2/2008 art blog post:

http://huntsvilleartblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/robin-mcgraw-gives-thumbs-up-to.html)

"GLAMOUR SHOTS" put make up on, restyled hair and retouched wrinkles for their subjects... SO... why can't our paint brushes do the same!

This beautiful young lady worked with me on some changes on her Oil Painting of herself from this photo .. We did the following:

* Removed dark shadows under the eyes

* Added eyelashes

* Changed highlights in the eyes

* Softened beauty mark

* Brightened teeth

* Changed lip color to match with dress.

* Brought hair down on side of face in order to thin the neck and face.

* Softened wrinkles in neck, chin line and smile lines.

* Removed the deep line under the neck line.

* Added shadow under the chin to enhance neck.

* Cropped photo to make subject appear slimmer.

* Added an exciting background.

The painting still looks like Latonya but enhances some of her features. She was overjoyed when she saw the painting.

I have found that most people (especially ladies) like to see a photo of themselves that flatter them selves so why not have an oil painting that does the same.

See how our magic paint brushes can make subtle enhancements! I work from photographs and special requests are my specialty.

God gives each of a talent and what we do with it is our gift to Him. Making people happy is my way of giving back to Him.

Artist, Betty Burchfield aka Little Reb

Please sign my guest book at:
http://www.littlereb.com
(porcelain dolls)

Please sign my guest book at:
http://treasuredreflections.net
(Oil Paintings

http://www.porcelaindollmakers.com/
(to view porcelain dollmakers)

Update: Huntsville Museum of Art Expansion

Huntsville City Council could give go-ahead to Museum of Art expansion, Von Braun Center renovations tonight

By Steve Doyle al.com October 08, 2009, 5:55AM EMJ Corp. of Chattanooga is in line to build the new $6.8 million art museum wing, while Little Rock, Ark.-based Vratsinas Construction would handle the $23 million VBC makeover. Full story »

Full Story- http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/10/huntsville_city_council_could.html

Huntsville museums and arts organizations grapple with budget cuts

Huntsville museums and arts organizations grapple with budget cuts

By John S. Peck

for the editorial board. E-mail: john.peck@htimes.com

October 07, 2009, 5:30AM

HUNTSVILLE, Ala._ Doing more with less.

That's the reality Huntsville-area museums and arts organizations must come to grips with in the wake of budget cuts from cash-strapped governments and grant sources.

The new fiscal year began last Thursday for most.

A story Saturday by Times arts writer Jon Busdeker chronicled how local arts and entertainment venues are coping with city, county and state budget cuts.

Most reported actions that visitors won't easily notice. Less mulch, for example, at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Salary freezes and delayed purchases at others.

From the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to the Huntsville Museum of Art to Burrit on the Mountain, a Living Museum, managers are looking for innovative ways to keep their operations running without dramatically decreasing service.

It's a balancing act. Employees must be paid. Routine maintenance must be performed to protect assets. Programs need rotating and exhibits refreshed to enhance the experience of visiting patrons.

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT: 

http://blog.al.com/times-views/2009/10/huntsville_museums_and_arts_or.html

HSV Times: Local art institutions feel crunch as city cuts budget

Local art institutions feel crunch as city cuts budget

Saturday, October 03, 2009

By Jon Busdeker

Times Arts Writer jon.busdeker@htimes.com

Most organizations say residents won't notice any changes

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library will buy fewer books this year. The Huntsville Botanical Garden will reduce its mulch use. The Arts Council will "do more with less."

On Thursday, when the City of Huntsville began the 2009-2010 fiscal year, several arts institutions, along with almost every other city department, saw a cut in city-appropriated funding. For the arts organizations, the loss of city money - in addition to cuts from the state, Madison County and private donations - has meant vacant positions staying vacant, frozen salaries and unpaid vacation time.

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT: 

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1254561365207400.xml&coll=1

Featured Artist: Jackie Fisher

"Vincent and Friend" by Jackie Fisher, copyright

"Face Off" by Jackie Fisher, copyright

"I am a Paper Cup" by Jackie Fisher, copyright

"Angel" by Jackie Fisher, copyright

Artist Statement: Jackie Fisher

I am from Huntsville and am currently studying Graphic Design at Auburn University.
My work is inspired by the things that I love. Music, movies, books, animals, hockey… After all, it would be illogical for the components of my life not to factor into my work.
I mainly work with Prismacolor pencils, but my college courses have exposed me to many other wonderful mediums that I am currently exploring.

website: http://jackiefisher.daportfolio.com/

Valley Planet Magazine Featured Artist Dan Tatum

http://www.valleyplanet.com/

Think Pink Artist-Angela True

One of our local artists, Angela True, was featured in yesterday's issue of the Huntsville Times. The issue was entitle Think Pink and dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Angela was chosen out of several artists who submitted entries. She is quoted on her blog about the painting as follows:

"Recently, I got an opportunity to visit with my sister. She is quite a remarkable woman and I wanted to paint a picture to celebrate her. This painting depicts Mind, Body and Soul. The little jack is about her childlike playfulness, that's the "Mind" part. The "Body" is represented by the pink ribbon, yes, she is a breast cancer survivor. And lastly the purple Irises, her favorite flower. This is her "Soul". Purple is a royal, regal color and she is royalty to me."

If you would like to see more of Angela's paintings, you can go to her blog entitled Pick My Brains Art http://pickmybrainsart.blogspot.com/

Fayetteville, TN: The Arts Center looking for Art Teacher

Help Wanted: We need an adult Art Teacher - any type of art.

If you are interested, please contact Mark Kelso, President
Fayetteville-Lincoln County Arts Center, Inc. at info@flc-artscenter.com

The Arts Center is just up the road from Huntsville.

The Arts Center
303 South Main Ave.
Fayetteville, TN 37334
www.flc-artscenter.com
info@flc-artscenter.com

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

From local artist and art advocate, Carole Esk'ridge: (and founder of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists)

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

An Academy inspired by the American Academy in Rome. It will not be focused on the academic status. It will be guided by talent and devotion of the Student to an art form(s) as a career. It will be a place to live and learn the Art forms the Student loves from dancing, to writing, to singing, to acting, to painting and beyond.

Who would qualify for entrance to the Academy?

The disabled who are physically, mentally and / or financially challenged, who are art career minded, who are hard workers, who passionately love creating, who have a body of work in an art form, who will listen to their teachers / mentors and work at learning and create a body of work while at a seminar or living at the Academy.

The Academy will be a place where?

Those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment. The whole person: mind, body, soul and personality will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each Artist.

Our GOAL:

Is not to compete with other education institutions in the academics but to embrace the disabled Artists with HOW TO KNOWLEDGE of their Art so that they can compete in the Arts. THE BEST TRAINING IS TO LEARN FROM THOSE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THEIR ART. This must be done with disabilities taken into consideration from Savant to Folk Artists and those in between. If an individual has a disability they would be welcomed warmly. In the spirit that Mother Teresa of Calcutta greeted her beloved ones she cared for with reverence of the Christ within them. Such loving is our quest!

A REQUEST TO ALL READERS:

If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.

Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net

A little bit about Carole Esk'ridge:

Ms. Eskridge is the visionary of the formation of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists. She founded the Visionary Guild for Mentally Ill Artists in 1991. She received a US Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

Ms. Esk'ridge's artwork is in the Birmingham Museum of Art collection. She has exhibited three times in jury art shows at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Her work can be found in the archives of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Ms. Esk'ridge is presently working on a large painting and a historic Pro-life novel.

Esk'ridge is the Mother of two adult daughters and will soon be the grandmother of two. She is 62 years old. She is a Catholic.

Carole Esk'ridge is donating 100% of the sale of her paintings to The Academy of International Enabled Artists. To view Carole's artwork please visit: www.caroleeskridge.com

For more info about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists or Carole Esk'ridges artwork please contact her at: (256) 429–8697 or caroleeskridge3@gmail.com

Read the Huntsville Times Article about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists at: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1

Professional Development Opportunities for Arts Specialists & Teaching Artists

Art News from Barbara Reed, Alabama State Council on the Arts

For Artists Only: Making Value Visible

A multi-phased professional development program designed to enhance
documentation and assessment skills in the ARTS

Presenters: Deb Bzroska, Kennedy Center Teaching Artist
Nancy Brown, Technology Specialist
Diana F. Green, Arts Curriculum Specialist

This program is available to ARTS SPECIALISTS and TEACHING ARTISTS
who are trained and/or experienced in arts integration. You will
explore methods for documenting student work that help you sustain
your arts programs with compelling evidence concerning the value of
arts education for all students. Whether or not you are focused on
using the arts for arts sake, or as a tool to increase learning in
non-arts subjects, this program will help you design culminating
activities that include criteria that may be measured both
quantitatively and qualitatively. Come learn how assessment can be a
positive experience for you and your students!

Includes: 3 day training retreat, 4-H Center, Columbiana (November
19-21, 2009)

3 Follow Up Webinars (January 21, March 4 and May 6, 2010)

Paid Artist Residencies for Teaching Artists (TBA January – June 2010)

2 day Workshop, 4-H Center, Columbiana (July 14 -15, 2010 Montgomery)

All participants receive full fellowships! Housing and meals
included. This program is supported in part by grants from the John
F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Alabama State
Council on the Arts. Selected Arts Specialists are eligible to apply
for substitute fees to cover their classes while they attend the
retreat and workshop. Selected Teaching Artists will receive a small
stipend for training. Awardees must sign a contract to participate in
the ENTIRE program.

Limited Fellowships Available
Application Required

Contact the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education
410 No. Hull St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334/269-1435
Fax: 334/265-7828
aaae@bellsouth.net -- or-- jaredkelley@bellsouth.net

Gee's Bend Quilts and Beyond Exhibit in Anniston, AL.

Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee's Bend Quilts and Beyond. A blockbuster exhibit at the Berman Museum, Anniston.
October 3 - January 3 This exhibit celebrates the resonance of the strikingly innovative, abstract quilts made by a group of women from Gee's Bend, Alabma.
http://www.bermanmuseum.org

Featured Artist: Brad Lackey

"Laurel Falls" by Brad Lackey, copyright

"Colorful Friend" by Brad Lackey, copyright

"Cricket Theatre" by Brad Lackey, copyright

"Edna Hill Church" by Brad Lackey, copyright

Artist Statement:

Brad Lackey created Lookout Mountain Photography to provide high quality photos of the magnificent sights of north Alabama, as well as captivating scenes from other locations. Lookout Mountain Photography strives to assist their customers with personal, high quality service while obtaining the most dynamic images possible. Prints available include a wide variety of subjects with new images added frequently.

Brad Lackey

256.996.1349
brad@lookoutmountainphotography.com

http://www.lookoutmountainphotography.com