Expansion of Huntsville's Oldest Visual Arts Gallery

In its 53rd year, the Huntsville Art League Gallery is expanding by opening one of its walls to 17 newly created art studios. The new studio spaces are being rented by individual artists. Some are using their area to create new art, and others are using the space for display.  There is much new excellent art, and it is all available for purchase.  This expansion doubles the size of HAL Gallery, bringing it to 5000 square feet.  This was primarily the brainchild of the building owner, Ben Stevens.

HAL Gallery is operated by the Huntsville Art League, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the visual arts. The gallery features the work of local and regional artists. You will find pictures in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and mixed media; photography; note cards, original jewelry, sculpture, glasswork, pottery, metalwork, hand-painted silk items, weavings, the occasional wood piece, and other original creations!  

In addition to their Visiting Artists and “Limelight Artists” series, which highlight both nonresident and member artists, HAL features its members’ works at galleries located in the Jane Grote Roberts Auditorium of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, the Heritage Club, and the halls of the Huntsville Times.

April 29, 2010  at 6pm 

Grand Re-Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by  Mayor Tommy Battle. This event is for invited guests and media. 

May 1, 2010  10am - 6pm

Open House - this public event will feature kid's activities, arts demonstrations, art marketplace and other activities. There will be something for everyone.


Huntsville Art League                             Hours:
3005 L&N Drive                                     Mo - Fr   10am - 6pm
Huntsville, Al 35801                               Sat         12 noon - 6pm
Phone: 256-534-3860
www.huntsvilleartleague.org

Artist Link Added: Ruth Ann Muirhead-Stephens

Artwork by Ruth Ann Muirhead-Stephens, copyright

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add Ruth Ann Muirhead-Stephens to the artists links. Please check out her website at: http://home.comcast.net/~muirhead-stephens/site/?/page/2008-2010_Oil_Paintings/

We have asked Ruth Ann to be a featured artist on the Huntsville Art blog. Watch for her spot!

The Calendar Market

The Calendar Market An excerpt from Chapter 2 of Licensing Art 101, Third Edition Updated published March 2010 Calendars are a multi-billion-dollar industry. They come in many sizes and shapes. Some popular calendars from previous years were inspirational or humorous: Ansel Adams, Magic Eyes, Sierra Wilderness, cats, Mary Engelbreit, angels, Anne Geddes, Dilbert, Disney Days, Far Side Desk Calendar, Friends, Georgia O’Keeffe, Goosebumps, Life’s Little Instruction Calendar, The Muppets, rottweilers, Winnie-the-Pooh. If you have an idea for a 2012 calendar, contact calendar publishers no later than the early fall of 2010. Prepare a letter that describes your calendar concept and includes final art reproductions of exactly how the calendar will look. With such great computer output these days, this is no longer a difficult task. Send your query to the publishers who have existing categories of calendar styles that are a good fit for your work. If you don’t hear back from them within 45 days, make a follow-up call. Most publishers have specific policies regarding the sale and distribution of calendars to retailers and the discounts these retailers expect to receive. Negotiating terms as an artist will be difficult. With respect to advances, you most likely will have to go with their terms. You should be able to command a 5-10% royalty. Photography generally dominates the calendar market. Research publishers and their preferred themes before sending submissions so you don’t waste their time and yours. If you target them with a well-executed calendar concept that fits into their existing categories, you will have a better chance of getting your work into the review process. CALENDAR RESOURCES Mailing list of 95 calendar publishers for $20 on peel-and-stick labels Calendar Association Publish a book called Publishing and Marketing Your Calendar. Read more, order Licensing Art, 3rd Edition Update, published March 2010. ($19.95) Published by ArtNetwork http://www.artmarketing.com info@artmarketing.com

Painting DVDs Available For Rent Through SmartFlix.com

Art News from Tommy Thompson

Painting DVDs Available For Rent Through SmartFlix.com

Recently we learned of a less expensive way to view painting videos by renting DVDs through www.smartflix.com. Viewers are allowed to view the DVDs for a week for a nominal price, which is more reasonable than purchasing expensive videos.  

http://tommythompsonart.com

Tommy Thompson Tip for Beginning Artists

Excerpt from Tommy Thompson's monthly newsletter. If you would like to sign up for his newsletter please e-mail Tommy at: tommy@tommythompsonart.com

Tommy's Tip for Beginning Artists

We are starting a new feature of the newsletter with this issue--tips for beginning painters.  Because beginning painters have recently consulted us for our advice on various painting topics, we decided to add this feature to the newsletter.  Tommy's tip of this month concerns varnish.  "Oil paintings can be sprayed with Kamar Varnish, which dries in 15 minutes and can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or Michael's.  The spray works like a retouch varnish, evening out the sheen of the finish and keeping the painting from looking flat.  Because the spray dries very quickly, the painting can be shipped soon after completion. In his book, Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting, renowned artist, John F. Carlson, says that if you varnish an oil painting within a month, the varnish becomes a part of the paint and the paint will not crack.  If you don't varnish within a month, you need to wait 6 months for thin paint and 1 year for thick paint.  Because the first coat of varnish becomes a part of the painting surface, it is not considered a protective coat because it becomes a part of the original painting. To provide a protective coat, I coat my paintings with a second application of Damar varnish, which will not fuse with the original paint.  If there is a fire in the client's home or if the painting gets splattered with paint, the final coating of varnish can be removed without damaging the painting."

For more info please visit:  http://tommythompsonart.com

Tommy Thompson Fine Art, 209 Shirley Drive, Florence, AL 35633

Ascribing Artists: WAAY TV 31 Focus On Faith Segment

Stephanie Beecken with WAAY TV 31 interviewed the Ascribing Artists for her Focus on Faith Segment. It aired last night at 10PM and again this morning at 5AM, 6AM and 11AM.

The artist who participated are Adrienne Saulsbury, Denise Onwere, Johanna Littleton, Terri Shows, Paul LaBathe and Gina Hurst.

Link to video: Focus On Faith: Ascribing Artists

Interview Transcript:

Dozens of people in North Alabama are using their God given talents to teach others about faith.

60 Valley artists have come together and formed the group called ‘Ascribing Artists.' They do everything from paint, draw and sculpt all while giving glory to God.

Denise Onwere has been an artist for 5 years.

She's always loved to paint and decided to fulfill her passion and talent full time.

"I know that there are a lot of people out there who have something that God has given them and they should know that and it's okay to say God has given me this and I'm proud of it," said Onwere.

She is not alone.

Paul Labathe is strong in faith and an artist as well. He founded the Ascribing Artists group. "Basically is comes from Psalm 29:2 which is, ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name," said Labathe.

The artists come from all over North Alabama.

Some have a studio at Lowe Mill Arts in Huntsville.

There is no charge to join.

The group even has a blog with links to the artists' websites. http://www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com

"The point is to, in the opportunity He's given us, is to show our art and exhibit our art is to try to point others to come and know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we do," said Labathe.

The Ascribing Artists display their work in exhibits across North Alabama.

The Artists will have their work on display during two upcoming exhibits.

Scheduled Ascribing Artists Exhibits:

A Work of Heart

Reflectives Frame & Art gallery, 220 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

April 1-30, 2010 Reception and art talk April 11, 1-3 PM

Reflections of the Spirit

Huntsville Art League, 3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2, Huntsville AL 35801

May 1-31, 2010 Reception and art talk May 16, 1-3 PM

Reporter: Stephanie Beecken

Artist Link Added: Amy Wilburn

"Baby Bunny" by Amy Wilburn, copyright

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add photographer Amy Wilburn to the artists links. Please check out her unique photography at: www.AmyWilburn.etsy.com

We have asked Amy to be a featured artist on the Huntsville Art blog. Watch for her spot!

A little bit about "Baby Bunny"

My family rescued a cute bunny (something difficult to do and not recommended by wildlife experts for novices like us to attempt). We happily set him free as soon as we could. Answering a prayer, God let us know a short time later that Baby Bunny was fine. In this photograph Baby Bunny was sitting in my blue bracelet. The photo has been digitally manipulated into a high contrast black and white image with a touch of blue.

Artist Link Added: Bobby Harrison

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add Guley, AL photographer Bobby Harrison to the artists links. Please check out his photography blog at: www.bobbyharrison.blogspot.com

Bobby is a nature photographer, speaker, writer and holds a B.F.A. in Photography. He has won numerous photography awards and honors and has been featured in many publications and broadcasts. He is also a charter member of the North American Nature Photography Association.

We have asked Bobby to be a featured artist on the Huntsville Art blog. We hope to see his post soon.

Featured Artist: Deb Scott

"Atlanta Tiger", by Deb Scott, watercolor, copyright

"Decisions, Decisions" by Deb Scott, watercolor, copyright

"Husband's Apology" by Deb Scott, watercolor, copyright

Artist Statement of

DEB SCOTT

　　

Art is good. Period! I say that because our world has become this tremendously busy, loud, and crowded place with little time for appreciating art. The paintings I leave behind will represent just the opposite. I paint "pretty pictures" because exploring, examining, and finally painting God’s handiwork is good for my soul.

　

Today I am living out my dream of being a full time artist. In my former life, I was a busy mom who worked full time as a legal secretary in Alaska, with a painting hobby. This dream was made possible when my husband’s job relocated to "the lower 48" (Alabama) and he told me it was my time to "go for it" and paint full time. Every painting starts with my camera that I carry in my purse. Out of hundreds of digital photos, I may only find one or two images which translate into a future painting. It’s really quite simple. I paint what I know and love.

My work has a distinct style that sets it apart. Many people, when they view my watercolors or acrylics for the first time, say my work gives them a feeling of happiness and peace. I take that as the ultimate compliment.

For more info about Deb Scott, please visit her website at: www.DebScottArt.com

Artist Link Added: Karen Martin

"Live, Laugh, Love" photography by Karen Martin, copyright

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add Harvest, AL photographer Karen Martin to the artists links. Please check out her unique alphabet photography blog at: www.KarenMartinsEverydayAlphabetPics.blogspot.com

Look for Karen's featured artist spot on the Huntsville Art blog coming soon!

Martina Svoboda joins the Huntsville Art Blog as a Sponsor and Author

The Huntsville Art blog is delighted to add artist Martina Svoboda as a sponsor and author on the art blog. She will post art news from the Huntsville Art League as well as other art happenings. Thanks Martina for joining us on the Huntsville Art Blog! We look forward to your many posts.

“Top 10 Art Heists of All Time”

Amy Cook thought the readers of the Huntsville Art Blog would be interested in an article on her blog entitled “Top 10 Art Heists of All Time” at http://graphicdesigndegrees.org/top-10-art-heists-of-all-time/ I enjoyed reading this article.

Interesting questions: Have you ever had your artwork stolen from a gallery or exhibit event?

I worked at an art gallery in Virginia were several small originals were stolen. They were exhibited close to the entrance. A quick get away was easy. Soon after, the same thief returned to case the gallery, this time he walked around the gallery unlocking windows, to return later after we closed... but he was caught before he could still again...

I had two works of art stolen from an exhibit. They were small and easy to tuck in a book bag...

Do you have an experience you would like to share... please post a comment.

Thanks Amy for an interesting article.

Artist Link Added: Julie Ellsworth

Artwork by Julie Ellsworth, copyright

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add Madison, AL artist Julie Ellsworth to the artists links. Please check out her beautiful artwork at: www.consume-create.com Look for Julie's featured artist spot on the Huntsville Art blog coming soon!

Artist Link Added: Deb Scott

"Atlanta Tiger" by Deb Scott, copyright, sold.

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add Athens artist Deb Scott's website to the artists links Please check out her website at: http://www.debscottart.com

We have asked Deb to be a featured artist on the art blog. Please be on the watch.

Book Review: “I’d rather be in the studio!” The Artist’s No-excuse Guide to Self-Promotion

I just finished reading Art Biz Coach, Alyson B. Stanfield’s book “I’d rather be in the studio!” I highly recommend it to artists who want to make a business of their artistic talent. It is The Artist’s No-excuse Guide to Self-Promotion.

This book is for artists at every career level from starting out to well seasoned. It takes the fear out of self-promotion, which can sometimes paralyze artists with excuses.

Alyson encourages artists to think of the business side of their artwork and she gives plenty of tips, ideas, and suggestions on how to promote themselves in very creative ways. Her advice is invaluable!

In her informative book she teaches artists how to:

• Introduce yourself as an artist so people want to know more
• Nail your artist statement to discover the right words for all of your marketing strategies
• Expand your mailing list and use it to cultivate collectors
• Create marketing materials that outshine the competition
• Become a media magnet so buyers come to you
• Take advantage of your Web site and blog to build a bigger audience

Artists, you will have no more excuses for getting your art out there after you read I’d rather be in the studio! You will be inspired to take action and reap the rewards of your success!

To order a copy go to: http://www.idratherbeinthestudio.com

Thank you Alyson for your insight!

Gina Hurst, Art Consultant

To learn more about Alyson Stanfield, Art Biz Coach, please visit:

Website --> http://www.artbizcoach.com

Blog --> http://www.artbizblog.com

Book --> http://www.idratherbeinthestudio.com

Twitter --> http://twitter.com/abstanfield

Facebook --> http://www.facebook.com/artbizcoach

"Art for Everyone” A Program of The Arts Council

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Jim Zieliński, Marketing and Public Relations Manager 

 

"Art for Everyone"

A Program of The Arts Council

 

Join The Arts Council, Inc. (TAC) as we help to educate a new generation of art enthusiasts through "Art for Everyone."  This program teaches that art is for everyone to enjoy, appreciate and collect and is designed to encourage the support of Huntsville's many talented artists.

 

During this five-part class, participants will visit galleries, artist's studios and private collectors' homes in order to learn about the works and techniques of various artists, the how's and why's of art collecting, and specifics on how to incorporate art into their lives.  The last evening rounds out with First Dibs, the Panoply Arts Festival's preview party for Art Investors.  This offers collectors a chance to visit and shop the festival's Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Art Marketplace prior to its public opening.

 

The "Art for Everyone" instructor is Huntsville native and former TAC Board Member Jennie Couch.  This award-winning artist lived, taught, made art and raised a family for 20 years in Houston, TX before returning to Huntsville; she currently teaches ceramics, design and color theory at AAMU.  Represented by Willis Gray Gallery in Decatur, Couch has a BS in Art Education and an MA in Painting (UA Tuscaloosa), as well as an MFA in Ceramics (Stephen F. Austin State University).  Her work may be found in private and public collections throughout the country.

 

The five sessions will take place as follows:  Session 1 (Tuesday, March 30) – "Getting Down to Basics" at the TAC offices in the Von Braun Center; Session 2 (Tuesday, April 6) – Visit Artists in their studios at Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment; Session 3 (Tuesday, April 13) – Visit to Private Collector's Home; Session 4 (Tuesday, April 20) – Visit Artists at the Huntsville Art League, as well as the studio of artist Curt Benzle (Professor Emeritus  and former Chair of Dimensional Studies at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, OH); Session 5 (Friday, April 23) – "First Dibs" Art Investor's Reception at the Panoply Arts Festival/Pane e Vino.

 

The cost for the class is $100 per attendee and space is limited to 20 individuals for the Spring Session.  Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  To join in the Spring Session 2010 "Art for Everyone," contact Vicky Hinton at (256) 519-2787, ext. 206 or at vhinton@panoply.org.

Jim Zieliński
Marketing and PR Manager

the ARTS COUNCIL, inc.
700 Monroe Street, SW
Suite 2
Huntsville, AL  35801-5579
(256)-519-2787 (ARTS), ext. 208
www.artshuntsville.org
www.panoply.org

Huntsville Art League has a new BLOG!

Art News from Martina Svobada, Huntsville Art League:

HAL has a new art blog. Please take a look! It will feature artists, events, classes and all things art happening at the Huntsville Art League. www.hsvartleague.blogspot.com.

Huntsville Art League

3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2

Huntsville AL 35801

256-534-3860

mail@huntsvilleartleague.org

www.HuntsvilleArtLeague.org

ARTIST-OF-THE-DAY GALLERY SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

ARTIST-OF-THE-DAY GALLERY SEEKS SUBMISSIONS Guidelines for submissions can be found at: http://artcontestslist.com/aotd/submission.guidelines

Loretta Goodwin Gallery Artist Submissions Wanted

Loretta Goodwin Gallery

www.lorettagoodwingallery.net

Birmingham, AL

Artists Submissions

At this time the gallery is interested in new artists submittals. Loretta Goodwin Gallery is Birmingham's premier fine art gallery and we are aggressively looking to stay positioned as this area's best source of art for both residential and corporate collections. We invite artists who are committed to their art, interested in gallery representation to follow our artists submittal process to contact us.

Obviously, we will be looking for artists we believe will be a good "fit" for our gallery and that we believe we can be successful in representing.

Visuals of an artists work must come in by mail in the form of photographs or digital jpeg images. Artists may include some biographical information, but the gallery does not require it and the review is based solely on the merit of the work.

Submissions should be addressed to:
Dirk Walker, Owner
Loretta Goodwin Gallery

605 S. 28th Street

Birmingham, AL 35233

email: loretta_gallery@bellsouth.net

Submissions need to include a self addressed and stamped envelope for the material to be returned.

Please note…

Artists may not drop off work or portfolios for review or discussion. The gallery does not make appointments with the artists or review work on a drop by basis until the management has reviewed the submitted visuals and feels there is a possible fit.

Artists with websites can also submit website information below, and we will review your work by visiting your website.

Artists interested in representation with Loretta Goodwin Gallery may submit personal website information here:

http://www.lorettagoodwingallery.net/1091777.html

Submit to the Huntsville Art Blog- Artwork, Events, News...

The Huntsville Art Blog "Promote Local Artists and Art Awareness"

www.HuntsvilleArtBlog.blogspot.com

Huntsville Art Blog is developing into a great art awareness outlet for
Huntsville's talented local artists. We encourage local artists to
submit art news! We would love to hear about exhibits, art festivals,
art & craft shows, call for entries, competition & juried shows, awards
& achievements, grand openings, art classes & workshops, techniques &
advice, art organizations, artist gatherings & meetings, art talks &
speakers, community involvement, donation opportunities, employment &
career opportunities, websites, newsletters, newspaper articles, press
releases, and any other news or event featuring art that you would like
to share with the community. All types of art media are welcome; if you
call it art, tell us about it. Again, we are trying to encourage the
community awareness of art and we need your help. To submit articles,
information or questions email HsvArtBlog@gmail.com

The local art events and news will be mentioned as we find out about
them; so, if you know of an event or news that needs to get the word
out, let us know. Please add the Huntsville Art Blog to your Press
Release list.

We continue to seek Featured Artists- Send us your artist statement,
contact info and a few images and we will present you as our featured
artist. To submit e-mail: HsvArtBlog@gmail.com

Meet the Artist: Kanthi Reddi Whitten

Meet the Artist

Kanthi Reddi Whitten

Thursday March 25

6-8PM

Java Galleria @ Sam & Greg's Pizzeria

119 Northside Square

Downtown Huntsville, AL

Information:

Vicky Hinton

Art Education & Community Outreach Manager

The Arts Council

519-2787 ext 206

vhinton@artshuntsville.org

Third Thursdays on the Third Floor Artist Talk with Dustin Timbrook

The second monthly artist talk series for Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is this Thursday night from 5-7 PM on the third floor. Light refreshments will be available and as most of our arts events, it's free. Dustin Timbrook is the artist for March and he has another great video to share a little bit about what you might expect if you show up...

Dustin Timbrook's Artist Talk Promo Vid from Happenin Records on Vimeo.

For more info, visit www.lowemill.net, or call 533-0399.

Artist Link Added: Lynn Weatherford

"Washed by the Water" by Lynn Weatherford, copyright

The Huntsville Art Blog is delighted to add Athens artist Lynn Weatherford to the artists links. Please check out her beautiful oils on her Etsy link at: ArtByLynn.etsy.com Lynn's artwork is full of emotion and color and often there is a story behind each image. Look for Lynn's featured artist spot on the Huntsville Art Blog coming soon!

The Story Behind "Washed by the Water"

This painting is a Lyric painting after the lyrics of the song ' Washed By The Water,' by NeedToBreathe. This is my interpretation of the lyrics. In the background are the literal words, of all the ugly hurtful sins of the world. The sins that can happen to us and hurt us. Sometimes according to the lyrics even our friends and loved ones can turn around and crucify us. But if one is washed by the water of Jesus all of those hurtful things really don't matter. Because one day we will all have the hope of a place were the hurtful things do not exist through Jesus Christ. I painted a child here to represent innocent and purity. The fun she displays shows the joy one celebrates as a new life in Christ. oil stretched canvas 18x30

This painting recently won second place in the state of Alabama's Chancellor's Award in Community Colleges. Award Reception was held November 23, 2008.

New Leash on Life accepting (Art) Donations-

Last Summer, so many artists came through and donated artwork for the New Leash on Life Fundraiser. It was such a success! Here is another opportunity to donate artwork for a good cause that benefits helpless animals!

Community news from artist Dana Brown:

Hi there,

A New Leash is beginning a big, new fund raising effort. We've opened a location on Andrew Jackson that will have a resale store and be a public presence for our group. It's a big move for us and we hope it will give us more visibility in the community and raise some much needed funds. As you know, our vet bills are huge because we take homeless pets in our program regardless of their medical issues. For instance, right now I'm caring for an Leukemia positive kitten and a Persian with life long eye ulcers. She's only 2 years old and we're trying to save what little eyesight she has left. We're treating Starbuck for heartworms, a litter of kittens with ringworm, a litter with an advanced upper respiratory infection, and the list goes on.

We're accepting donations, starting NOW! :) If you have time to clean out a closet or your garage, please bring your stuff to 707 Andrew Jackson - the Cunningham Furniture building. We'll officially open in April but are taking donations this week at the following times:

Tuesday 11am to 2pm
Wednesday 5pm to 7pm
Thursday 11am to 2pm
Friday 11am to 2pm

Call me if I can help. And as ALWAYS, thanks for your support. Our little group wouldn't exist without help from our community. We are always so thankful.

Thanks again,
Dana Brown

256-527-9731

Dana@DanaBrown.net

Dana@DanaBrown.net

Submit Artwork: Military Artists

Submit Artwork

Military-artists.com is an artwork showcase for military artists
worldwide. Whether you are working with traditional fine art methods
or the latest digital techniques we want to help you gain more
exposure and valuable constructive feedback from your peers.

To submit your artwork to military-artists.com

Categories

Military Art
Vietnam Art
WWI Aviation Art
WWI Military Art
WWII Aviation Art

New Photography Club in Fayetteville

Tonight (Tuesday, March 9) is the first official meeting of the new photography club in Fayetteville (yet to be officially named).

We will meet in the basement of The Arts Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tonight we will have open discussion and critique. Please bring prints and/or digital images (we can read CD, DVD, thumb drive, and most memory cards).

Dues are $5 per person. Our membership year will run January 1 through December 31.

If you have any suggestions or requests for future activities or programs, please e-mail me. I will have a survey form for suggestions as well. 

Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested in our new organization.

Andrea Shetley

Founder

alshetley@hotmail.com

The Windmill Market: arts and crafts market and grocery store

Windmill Market & Westside Grocery in Fairhope

The Windmill Market and Westside Grocery is an open-air environmentally friendly arts and crafts market and grocery store. We are trying to reach out to possible vendors to let them know about opportunities at the market and grocery. Please feel free to visit our website: www.windmillmarket.org or call or email me with any questions you may have.

Cindy Saxon

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Windmill Market / Westside Grocery

Corner of Equality and Bancroft St.

Fairhope, Alabama

(251) 928-6041 Fax (251) 928-6045

www.windmillmarket.org

cindy@windmillmarket.org

Thanks Vicky Hinton, The Arts Council, for the art news!