Brevard Art News - November 23, 2008

Heads Up Brevard: This week is a spectacular week of art in Brevard County. There are many wonderful activities to choose from. Please check the News of the Week section so you don't miss any of them.

In this issue:

• Today in Brevard....
• News for the Week
• Artist Profile: Bill McCoy
• Events and News from Artists
• Studio Times and Classes
• Exhibits and Galleries
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books
• Marketing Your Art: Article #7

Today in Brevard: There's so much going on this weekend. Today, Sunday, November 23, 2008, is the last of this spectacular weekend. Don't miss these events going on today.


Book Signing and a pre-Christmas Event:


Don't miss the Magical Night of Giving event at the Merritt Square Mall on Sunday, November 23, 2008, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Santa will be there.


In addition, Linda Wagner, author of the wonderful children's book called Lady Flatterley, will be there with Pearl Ollie who created the beautiful artwork for the book. They will sign and sell copies of this charming book about a caterpillar. Support this event and these creative people as they present this new book.


Pearl and Linda have been told that they will be in one of the "hot spots" of the mall. That means they will be in one of the high traffic areas. So, join them for this gala event. For more information about the book, visit http://www.lindawagnerbooks.com/.



The concert is tonight... tickets are available at the box office. Please support this special event....




Concert to Support the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc.
The Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded to provide special grants to young and mature artists in the fields of music, dance, and visual arts. To raise funds to help artists, the foundation is presenting "Sunday with the Performing Arts" on November 23rd, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Gleason Auditorium on the campus of FIT.

The audience will be treated to ten or more of Brevard's best, including a string quartet, ballet, singers, flute, piano, harp, with special performances by the multi-talented Deborah Moyer (violin and voice), Saverio Barbieri (vocalist who has performed at the Met) and prodigy violinist, Esther Muradov who has soloed at Carnegie Hall and who was the first recipient of a grant from the foundation.

Check the November issue of Brevard Florida Live magazine for a more in-depth story of how the foundation was formed. For now, suffice it to say that it's providing needed grants to artists. Let's get behind this effort to help our own.

You can help in two ways. Buy a ticket for $25.00 (tax deductible) for the concert. If you can't attend, you can still help by sending in a tax-deductible donation.

As a bonus, there will be a silent auction at the beginning of the evening. The silent auction will be filled with paintings and sculpture donated by prominent artists as well as jewelry worth thousands offered by Don Traver of My Private Jeweler in Suntree (http://www.theprivatejeweler.com/) 321-757-0770.

Let's make sure there's a full house at "Sunday with the Performing Arts." Checks for tickets and for special donations should be made out to Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc and sent to Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc.; 1861 S. Patrick Dr. #117; Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937.

Artworks... Yea. It's finally here. Today is the last day of ArtWorks. Be sure to enjoy a day out with artists on Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District.

Mark your calendars... it's time for the ArtWorks Eau Gallie Fine Art Festival. The event is this Sunday, November 23, 2008. More than 100 artists will display and demonstrate their art. This year they have $12,000 of prize money with a portion of it set aside to reward artists for the best demonstrations.

ArtWorks includes activities for the whole family. There will be a children's area for face painting and art projects. And music and food will be offered in another area.

Lolly Walton, president of the Brevard Watercolor Society, won the 2008 poster contest. Her painting Captain Heron will be part of the permanent collection of the Melbourne International Airport and will be duplicated on posters and t-shirts that will be sold at the information booth at ArtWorks.

Also, don't miss the galleries, the museum, and the show by the Brevard Porcelain Artists called "Touch of Elegance" at the Eau Gallie Civic Center. So, be sure to stop by this wonderful festival. With so much to see and do, plan to go early and stay all day.

Brevard Porcelain Society Presents:

ArtWorks to Feature Street Painters

Florida Chalk Artits Association members will chalk on St. Clair Street at the Eau Gallie Artworks event on November 22 and 23. This "street painting" art form started in Italy nearly 500 years ago. Local Eau Gallie Artist Ed Baranowski, his daughter Lee Jones, and granddaughter Brin Jones (3 generations) will be among the talent. Other artists include Janet Tombros, Judy Pardo, Ron Hawkins, Paulette Colon, Lea Tapley, and Alice Ahrens.


Learn about this art form from accomplished street painters. Yes, you will have to opportunity to get on your knees and create a masterpiece.

News for the week:


Porcelain Artists Exhibit and Sale at the King Center in December


The next exhibit in the Harris Gallery in the King Center for the Performing Arts is the Brevard Porcelain Artists Exhibit and Sale. The works from the group will be in the Harris Gallery during the month of December from December 2 to 31, 2008.

There will be an opening event on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Other dates when it will be open to the public are December 9th and 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Be sure to see this wonderful exhibit. (painting by Vera Shimon)



Clay Handbuilding Workshop

Sign up for Suzanne Frank's latest class. It's Clay Handbuilding. Make anything from masks to kikebana bowls. It's great for beginners and seasoned clay handlers. The class is scheduled for January 2009 on the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th at the Cocoa Beach Library. Each session is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The cost is $70.00, nonrefundable with supplies provided. Send registration with check payable to Suzanne Frank to 1315 Bonaventure Dr.; Melbourne, Florida, 32940. For information call Suzanne at (321) 254-3398.

The Strawbridge Art League Vision Show


The take-in for the 2009 Vision Juried Art Show presented by the Strawbridge Art League are as follows:

Take-in:

Friday, January 23, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The grand prize of $1500 witll be awarded for the Best of Show. More information and a prospectus will follow. For now, begin working on your entries for the Vision Juried Art Show.

Call for Artists for Downtown Melbourne

Downtown Melbourne is currently seeking artists and crafters to participate in Downtown Melbourne's 3rd Friday Arts and Indulgences Walk Arts and Crafts section.

The Arts and Indulgences Walk is a self-guided tour of the Downtown area that will showcase the cultural entitites. It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the walk, there will be an Arts and Crafts booth section located in the parking lot of the Christmas Cottage where artists and crafters can sell their work during the event. There is room for fifteen 10 x 10 tents and these spaces are rented ($40.00) on a first come, first serve basis. There is no submission process.

Download the application at http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/ under Arts and Indulgences Walk.

Because this is anighttime activity, artists will need to provide their own lighting, such as a lantern or bring a lighting source with a long extension cord. The Christmas Cottage will provide electricity; however, no heat-generating appliances can be supported. Only one electrical source per booth can be allowed.

Horse Creek Pottery

Don’t miss the Horse Creek Pottery Semi-Annual Sale and Show. It’s just in time for holiday shopping. Stop by the Horse Creek Pottery on Saturday December 13th, 2008, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for their semi-annual show and sale.

Handmade pottery by six different well-known artists will be on display and on sale. This includes pots of all sorts, bowls, cups, planters, and wonderful art objects.

The sale is open to the public and will occur rain or shine. For more information, contact Carol Evans at the studio at (321) 242-2162. The Horse Creek Pottery is located at 6390 Anderson Way; Melbourne Florida. Anderson Way is off U.S. Highway 1, one mile north of the Pineda Causeway. Their website is http://www.horsecreekpottery.com/.

Members of the Horse Creek Pottery will also be at ArtWorks this weekend. Look for them across fromt he Civic Center.

Call for Photographers

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne has announced a call for photographers from central Florida to participate in a juried exhibition. This exhibition is open to all photographers 18 years, living and working in central Florida. All subject matter, techniques and styles are welcome. Monetary awards will be given. Application deadline is January 22, 2009, and the show will run from March 1 through 29, 2009. The prospectus is available at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/. Click on Events and look under March to download the prospectus. If you have questions, contact the Fifth Avenue Gallery at fifthavenueartgallery@gmail.com or call 321-259-8261.

Opportunity for Artists: Indoor Art Festival

The Home Center in the Village Center is looking to start an indoor art festival on December 5th and 6th (Friday and Saturday). Set up will be on Thursday, December 4, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and the judging at 5:30 p.m.

They will have three judges: Peggy Nolan, Director of Art in the Brevard County Schools, an art teacher and a local artist.

There is limited space available. There are nineteen 10x10 spaces at $50.00. The Home Center will collect 10% of the profit. All art sold will go through the Sunshine Framing/Home Center.

Each artist will receive three cards to place on three of their pieces to be judged. The pieces must be originals. Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show ($250.00); First Place ($150.00); Second Place ($100.00); and Third Place ($75.00). For the complete instructions click here: The%20Home%20Center.doc

Send check and entry form to: The Home Center; 5410 Murrell Road. #135; Viera, FL 32955.

For more information, contact Cheri McLachlan at 321-433-3332.

Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Artist Profile - Bill McCoy

This is not Bill McCoy.

This is Sam ... Bill's owner and muse.

This is Bill McCoy.

Trying to get Bill McCoy to talk about himself (on the record) is a task. It's not because he's shy, and I'm sure it's not because there aren't lots of good stories -- I've heard some of them. But, for the purposes of this Artist Profile, he preferred to talk about his three favorite topics: The Artists' Guild of Brevard, Artworks, and The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery.

I prevailed, however, and gleaned a few tidbits about the life he has created around art. For years, Bill successfully made his living through commercial art, working for others and then for himself in the graphic arts business in New England. Since retiring to Florida, he has traded in the long hours in the commercial art business for a life devoted to oil painting and his love of fine art. One of his favorite activities is plein air painting.

Another favorite activity is learning. He attends workshops when they arise and thoroughly enjoys sharing information with colleagues. That's where the Artists' Guild of Brevard comes in.

The Artists' Guild of Brevard (909 East New Haven Avenue, Historic Downtown Melbourne; third floor loft. Guests are always welcome.)

Bill is an award-winning oil painter. There is much to be said about his devotion to his art and the time he spends trying to create opportunities for others to improve their art as well. He is an advocate for The Artists' Guild of Brevard and as such has been the president of the guild for two terms.

When asked why he is such a firm supporter of the guild, he said, "The Artists' Guild is such a vital resource to the arts community and it has given many of the best artists their start. When I first walked in the door, I felt like I'd come home. It gave me an intro to what was happening in Brevard."


It also provides camaraderie and a place to meet and then learn from other artists. The guild's main mission is education. To that end, the guild provides workshops with well-known artists, such as Fritz Van Eeden, Jon Houghton, Rosanne Samuelson, etc. And, they are the only place in town offering live models on a regular basis (see the schedule at the end of this article). And, the beauty of it is that life drawing is open to members and to non-members.

In addition to offering workshops, the guild also offers space to artists to conduct workshops for a 30% commission or just space for artists to work on their art. Bill is a prime example of that. He painted there for 5 years before he moved into his own studio on the 2nd floor.

Those interested in the guild are welcome to drop by.

Bill belongs to a core group within the guild who go out on plein air painting excursions weekly. Not all artists like to paint outside. Bill loves it. He said that the great thing about plein air painting is that when you bring the outdoor experience inside with reference materials, you remember the outside. You've seen the foreground, middle ground and distance in person. He feels it has made him a better painter. "It helps to authenticate my paintings."

ArtWorks (November 22 and 23 on Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Art District on and around Highland Avenue)

Bill's current oil paintings will be on display at the ArtWorks festival on November 22 and 23. His booth is always in front of the Renee Foosaner Eduction Center, so be sure to stop by to see him, to watch him work, and to talk to him about his paintings. He has been involved in ArtWorks since the early days of the outdoor festival when there were only a handful of artists displaying their works and demonstrating their crafts.

The beauty of ArtWorks is that it is not just an outdoor art show. It is also a place for the public to learn from the artists. To be in the show, artists must agree to demonstrate their form of art for the public. So, painters paint throughout the show, potters work with their clay, basket makers show how they make their beautiful creations. Probably due to this aspect of the show it caught on and is a favorite of the area.

This year there will be over 100 artists in the show. In addition there will be music and performances in the shell, food vendors to keep everyone happy, and special activities for children.

Bill has participated in the show for years and as a plein air painter, his enthusiasm for ArtWorks is only natural. To have an audience is just another plus to the experience. Bill especially likes ArtWorks and is proud to be in it because "...it has come to be known as a show where you can view the best artwork in the local community and get to know the artists." He said that another plus is that the artists are treated well. On Friday night when they are setting up, they have a champagne and hot dog dinner, and on Sunday during the award ceremony, they are treated to brunch. Bill said that he's heard many artists say that it's the best show they've participated in.

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery (14xx Highland Avenue, Melbourne Florida)

A little over a year ago, Bill joined the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery. It takes time to be a member of a gallery, but Bill feels it is well worth the time. In fact he said that it's an honor to be a member of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery as it is a member-run gallery with excellent space to hang paintings. In addition to his works that hang there on a regular basis, he also paints special pieces to support the charitable exhibits they have yearly. Most recently, his works were seen in the "Give Them the Farm" exhibit, and he will have paintings in the exhibit in February called "Hopes and Dreams." Be sure to stop by the gallery to see his paintings. It'll be worth the trip.

In addition, Bill McCoy has been active within the Strawbridge Art League for years. He was the president of that organization and served on the board of directors for quite a while.

Beyond all that, his paintings are beautiful. I've been a fan of Bill's work for years. I think you will become one, too.

Contact Information: If you'd like to contact Bill, email him at mccpaint@earthlink.net or call him at (321) 724-1208. His studio is at 909 East New Haven Avenue, Historic Downtown Melbourne, Florida; Suite 206. He says that drop ins are always welcome. To see more of his work, visit the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at _ or you can see some of his paintings online at the gallery website at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/.

The Artist's Guild of Brevard
Schedule for weekly Open Studio Drawing Sessions

The Artists' Guild of Brevard invites artists to attend their weekly Open Studio drawing sessions. Work in the medium of your choice.

Thursdays: Life Study, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The session begins with one minute gesture poses and progresses to two 20-minute poses. Fees: Guests = $10.00; members = $6.00; students free.

Saturdays: Portrait/Figure, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The model is usually seated for one pose. Fees: Guests = $8.00; Members = $6.00; students free.

The Artist's Guild of Brevard is located on the third floor at 909 East New Haven Avenue (The Arcade Building) in Historic Downtown Melbourne. No RSVP is necessary -- just show up.

Article: Marketing Your Art #7

Blogging and the Artist by SKC

A blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (artlog), photographs (photoblog), sketches (sketchblog), videos (vlog), music (MP3 blog), audio (podcasting), which are part of a wider network of social media.
(source: wikipedia.org)

Benefits of a Blog
Most traditional blogs allow readers to respond to entries and give your audience a feeling of personal connection to you and your work. When used well, your blog can keep your collectors and fans up-to-date on your latest exhibitions and events as well as your most recent works of art. Many artists choose to post progress shots of artwork, giving their readers a peek into the process behind their finished pieces. And most artists will post finished pieces as they happen, inviting feedback and often sales as a result.

All this benefits you as an artist in building a relationship with your followers, giving them a more personal connection to both you and your artwork. Additionally, a successful website almost always has content that is new and updated regularly. Maintaining a blog will assist you in this effort and keep your collectors and fans coming back for more.

Publishing Your Own Blog
Getting a blog is actually quite easy these days and often completely free of charge. There are several providers out there and each offers a slightly different set of benefits. One I like to use is blogger.com. They offer the ability to set up a basic blog that you can update with your own graphics and colors. They also provide you the web address and hosting so you don’t need to have a website in place to store your blog. Additionally, should you eventually build a website and choose to move your blog to your own domain name, it is easy to do so. All of this is free of charge.

Writing blog entries is simple and requires nothing more than a computer with a connection to the Internet. Blogger provides a simple step-by-step interface to create and edit your text much like you would in a regular word processor (Word Perfect, Clarisworks, MS Word, etc.) and adding images is as easy as clicking a button.

In order for your blog to do its best you will need to update it regularly. By this I don’t mean once a month, you should aim for 1-3 times a week, even if you post a simple update shot of a piece you’re working on. Blogging shouldn’t end up being a chore either, so keep it short, simple, and something you can easily manage. Long entries become cumbersome not only for you, but for your readers.

What to include in your blog:
• Exhibition and special event announcements
• Sketches, progress/process shots of your work
• Finished pieces complete with where and how to purchase
• Entries discussing inspiration/motivation behind the work
• Images from events and exhibitions
What not to include in your blog:
• Sensitive personal information
• Daily log of mundane goings on
• Political/religious thoughts unless they are directly related to your artwork
• Complaints or negative impressions of other artists or exhibition venues, etc.
• Unprofessional photos of yourself/others socially


Why Blog?
1. Blogging is easy
One real plus is that creating a blog requires no knowledge of HTML or web standards. The blogging system you use handles all the dirty work for you and set up is free and simple.
2. A blog makes a great temporary alternative or addition to a portfolio website
There is a simple way to enhance your collector’s experience when visiting you online.
3. Blogging creates a sense of connection between your visitors and your artwork
Knowing more about the artist, their process and inspiration provides your fans with a deeper sense of connection and can result in more sales.
4. You benefit socially
Don’t underestimate the social connections you may make along the way. Inviting feedback on your blog opens the door to future professional and social relationships worldwide.

Blogging resources:
• http://www.blogger.com/
• http://www.typepad.com/
• http://www.livejournal.com/
• http://www.wordpress.com/

If you blog, send in your comments about your experiences and the ways it has helped you in promtoing your art.

Note: There are a couple of events coming up soon. I put the notices at the beginning of the 11/9/08 issue of Brevard Art News below. Thanks.

Brevard Art News - November 16, 2008

Heads Up Brevard: This week is a spectacular week of art in Brevard County. There are many wonderful activities to choose from. Please check the News of the Week section so you don't miss any of them.

In this issue:

• News for the Week
• Artist Profile: Bill McCoy
• Events and News from Artists
• Studio Times and Classes
• Exhibits and Galleries
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books
• Marketing Your Art: Article #7

News for the week:

Special Notice: Be sure to set aside some time on November 22 between 1:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m. for FioreFest

In her early years, Connie Fiore was a musician and artist. At the age of 8, she began playing the guitar. At 14, she began performing in Detroit. She also expressed her talent through sketching, sewing and leather work. In other words, she lived a creative life filled with many artistic activities.

In 1978, she moved to Florida and began dealing with multiple sclerosis. She has been doing so ever since. When she could no longer paint the traditional way, she began holding the brush with her mouth with remarkable results. In 2007, Inez Morrison, the curator of the Harris Gallery at the King Center for the Performing Arts, asked Connie to participate in the 2007 - 2008 art season. Her paintings were exhibited there from October 9 through November 8, 2007.

In 2007, she was nominated "Woman Artist of the Year" by the March of Dimes, and in 2008, she was nominated "Woman Artist of the Year" by the Brevard County Commission on the Status of Women.

Now, Fiore is trying to get her project http://www.artformobility.org/ off the ground. Her goal is to have the profits of her artwork generate money to purchase wheelchairs and other necessities for people like her.

Her friends are helping her meet this goal. On Saturday, 11/22/08, friends of Connie Fiore-LaBoda will host FioreFest Benefit from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for $10.00 per plate at the Southern Room at 345 S. US 1 in Titusville. There will be live music, Connie's artwork, 50-50 raffles, good food and good friends.

Connie Fiore, mouth-painting artist and motivational speaker to school children, needs your help in raising money. Be sure to stop by The Southern Room at 345 S. US I in Titusville. You can also help by visiting her website at http://www.artformobility.org/.

For information about the event, call Mel at 268-3767. To see her artwork and to read more about her story visit http://www.artformobility.org/.

Concert to Support the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc.
The Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded to provide special grants to young and mature artists in the fields of music, dance, and visual arts. To raise funds to help artists, the foundation is presenting "Sunday with the Performing Arts" on November 23rd, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Gleason Auditorium on the campus of FIT.

The audience will be treated to ten or more of Brevard's best, including a string quartet, ballet, singers, flute, piano, harp, with special performances by the multi-talented Deborah Moyer (violin and voice), Saverio Barbieri (vocalist who has performed at the Met) and prodigy violinist, Esther Muradov who has soloed at Carnegie Hall and who was the first recipient of a grant from the foundation.

Check the November issue of Brevard Florida Live magazine when it comes out for a more in-depth story of how the foundation was formed. For now, suffice it to say that it's providing needed grants to artists. Let's get behind this effort to help our own.

You can help in two ways. Buy a ticket for $25.00 (tax deductible) for the concert. If you can't attend, you can still help by sending in a tax-deductible donation.

As a bonus, there will be a silent auction at the beginning of the evening. The silent auction will be filled with paintings and sculpture donated by prominent artists as well as jewelry worth thousands offered by Don Traver of My Private Jeweler in Suntree (http://www.theprivatejeweler.com/) 321-757-0770.

Let's make sure there's a full house at "Sunday with the Performing Arts." Checks for tickets and for special donations should be made out to Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc and sent to Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc.; 1861 S. Patrick Dr. #117; Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937.

Artworks... Yea. It's finally here. This weekend is ArtWorks. It's on November 22 and 23, 2008. Don't miss it.

Mark your calendars... it's time for the ArtWorks Eau Gallie Fine Art Festival. The event is November 22 and 23 on Highland Avenue in Old Eau Gallie. That's this coming Saturday and Sunday. More than 100 artists will display and demonstrate their art. This year they have $12,000 of prize money with a portion of it set aside to reward artists for the best demonstrations.

ArtWorks includes activities for the whole family. There will be a children's area for face painting and art projects. And music and food will be offered in another area.

Lolly Walton, president of the Brevard Watercolor Society, won the 2008 poster contest. Her painting Captain Heron will be part of the permanent collection of the Melbourne International Airport and will be duplicated on posters and t-shirts that will be sold at the information booth at ArtWorks.

Also, don't miss the galleries, the museum, and the show by the Brevard Porcelain Artists called "Touch of Elegance" at the Eau Gallie Civic Center. So, be sure to stop by this wonderful festival. With so much to see and do, plan to go early and stay all day.

ArtWorks to Feature Street Painters

Florida Chalk Artits Association members will chalk on St. Clair Street at the Eau Gallie Artworks event on November 22 and 23. This "street painting" art form started in Italy nearly 500 years ago. Local Eau Gallie Artist Ed Baranowski, his daughter Lee Jones, and granddaughter Brin Jones (3 generations) will be among the talent. Other artists include Janet Tombros, Judy Pardo, Ron Hawkins, Paulette Colon, Lea Tapley, and Alice Ahrens.

Learn about this art form from accomplished street painters. Yes, you will have to opportunity to get on your knees and create a masterpiece.

Horse Creek Pottery

Don’t miss the Horse Creek Pottery Semi-Annual Sale and Show. It’s just in time for holiday shopping. Stop by the Horse Creek Pottery on Saturday December 13th, 2008, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for their semi-annual show and sale.

Handmade pottery by six different well-known artists will be on display and on sale. This includes pots of all sorts, bowls, cups, planters, and wonderful art objects.

The sale is open to the public and will occur rain or shine. For more information, contact Carol Evans at the studio at (321) 242-2162. The Horse Creek Pottery is located at 6390 Anderson Way; Melbourne Florida. Anderson Way is off U.S. Highway 1, one mile north of the Pineda Causeway. Their website is http://www.horsecreekpottery.com/.

Members of the Horse Creek Pottery will also be at ArtWorks this weekend. Look for them across fromt he Civic Center.

CBAA Third Annual Heritage Isle Art Show

The results are in from the CBAA Art Show last weekend. Artists gathered to show and sell their works at Heritage Isle in Viera.

Here are the award winners:

Best of Show

Witha Laquesta for Florida Koi (pictured here)

Watercolors:

1st Place
Helen Wheatley for Birds of a Feather

2nd Place
Sandy Brooker for Beach Babies

3rd Place
Jeanette Drake for Poinsettias

Merit Award
Helen Wheatley for My Fair Lady

Honorable Mention
Jeanette Drake for White Ibis

Oil/Others:

1st Place
Alex Stankiewicz for Watch Your Step

2nd Place
Ruth Barnhart for Mr. Rooster and His Family

3rd Place
Robert Koeppel for Morning Dew

Merit Award
Robert Koeppel for Pennsylvania Creek

Honorable Mention
Helen Wheatley for Pineapple Please

Titusville Art League Award
John Slater for Geraniums

Student Award
Christine Pilcher of Viera High School for Life Changes

Congratulations to all the artists and to CBAA for a wonderful exhibit.

Brevard Porcelain Society Presents:





















Indian River Colony Club Artists in Residence present "Florida Impressions" art show and sale on Wednesday, November 19, 2008. Location: The Indian River Colony Club, Colony Hall is on Murrell Road in Viera, Florida. The hours of the show will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Irene at 255-6432 or Witha at 259-3635.

Art and Apples

An extravaganza for the artists palette and your palate!. There's a celebration of autumn by combining visual arts from the Downtwon Gallery with culinary arts from Kloiber's Cobbler Eatery. You are invited to sample an array of tasty delights highlighting the harvest season. Sip wine and apple cider and casually mingle with friends and artists. Artists will have new artworks on display and for sale. This event is Friday, November 21st from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Downtown Gallery in historic downtown Titusville at 335 S. Washington Avenue. Admission is free, everyone is welcome. For more information call (321) 268-0122. (photo by Jeff Thamert)

On the Walls: Eight Points of View
Painters Explore the Water's Edge at Suntree Cafe

When eight painters haul their supplies to the same location, one would think the result would be eight similar paintings. But to set the record straight: what emerges is eight distinctly different points of view.

There is no better place to experience this artistic phenomenon than on the walls of the Suntree Cafe located at 718 South Patrick Drive in Satellite Beach. From November 18 until the end of the year, the painting group known as Pieces of Eight will hang the results of their plein air painting trip to the marsh filled area of Spring Island, South Carolina.

Using 12 x 16 canvases, they each produced an oil painting and framed them alike. Those eight works will hang together accompanied by other pieces featuring scenes involving water.

The Suntree Cafe is open for breakfast from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. and for lunch until 2 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. On Friday nights they are open for dinner from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, call 773-0304.

Members of the Pieces of 8 include Jini James, Carmen Beecher, Cindy Michaud, Suzanne Peiffer, Carol Schiff, Denette Schweikert, Donna Vines, and Mary Warnick. To see additional work by the group visit their website at http://www.piecesof8.net/
(painting by Carol Schiff)

Call for Photographers

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne has announced a call for photographers from central Florida to participate in a juried exhibition. This exhibition is open to all photographers 18 years, living and working in central Florida. All subject matter, techniques and styles are welcome. Monetary awards will be given. Application deadline is January 22, 2009 and the show will run from March 1 through 29, 2009. The prospectus is available at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/. Click on Events and look under March to download the prospectus. If you have questions, contact the Fifth Avenue Gallery at fifthavenueartgallery@gmail.com or call 321-259-8261.

Brevard Art Museum

Museum Monday: "How to Turn Photographs into Compositions" by photographer Mark Mittleman. Museum Monday is a series of programs that focus on art and creativity. During the meeting this Monday, November 17, at 10:00 a.m., Mark Mittleman will discuss photography as artistic compositions. Programs are free to the public.

Opportunity for Artists: Indoor Art Festival

The Home Center in the Village Center is looking to start an indoor art festival on December 5th and 6th (Friday and Saturday). Set up will be on Thursday, December 4, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and the judging at 5:30 p.m.

They will have three judges: Peggy Nolan, Director of Art in the Brevard County Schools, an art teacher and a local artist.

There is limited space available. There are nineteen 10x10 spaces at $50.00. The Home Center will collect 10% of the profit. All art sold will go through the Sunshine Framing/Home Center.

Each artist will receive three cards to place on three of their pieces to be judged. The pieces must be originals. Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show ($250.00); First Place ($150.00); Second Place ($100.00); and Third Place ($75.00).

For more information, contact Cheri McLachlan at 321-433-3332.


Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Brevard Art News - November 9, 2008

Special Notice: Be sure to set aside some time on November 22 between 1:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m. for FioreFest

In her early years, Connie Fiore was a musician and artist. At the age of 8, she began playing the guitar. At 14, she began performing in Detroit. She also expressed her talent through sketching, sewing and leather work. In other words, she lived a creative life filled with many artistic activities.

In 1978, she moved to Florida and began dealing with multiple sclerosis. She has been doing so ever since. When she could no longer paint the traditional way, she began holding the brush with her mouth with remarkable results. In 2007, Inez Morrison, the curator of the Harris Gallery at the King Center for the Performing Arts, asked Connie to participate in the 2007 - 2008 art season. Her paintings were exhibited there from October 9 through November 8, 2007.

In 2007, she was nominated "Woman Artist of the Year" by the March of Dimes, and in 2008, she was nominated "Woman Artist of the Year" by the Brevard County Commission on the Status of Women.

Now, Fiore is trying to get her project http://www.artformobility.org/ off the ground. Her goal is to have the profits of her artwork generate money to purchase wheelchairs and other necessities for people like her.

Her friends are helping her meet this goal. On Saturday, 11/22/08, friends of Connie Fiore-LaBoda will host FioreFest Benefit from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for $10.00 per plate at the Southern Room at 345 S. US 1 in Titusville. There will be live music, Connie's artwork, 50-50 raffles, good food and good friends.

Connie Fiore, mouth-painting artist and motivational speaker to school children, needs your help in raising money. Be sure to stop by The Southern Room at 345 S. US I in Titusville. You can also help by visiting her website at http://www.artformobility.org/.

For information about the event, call Mel at 268-3767. To see her artwork and to read more about her story visit http://www.artformobility.org/.

Art in the Park on November 15, 2008

Alice Ahrens, an artist from Indian Harbour Beach will participate in "Art in the Park" at Gleason Park in Indian Harbour Beach from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2008. That's this Saturday. Don't miss it.

She will also participate in ArtWorks in Eau Gallie on the weekend of November 22 and 23. She will be street painting with the members of The Florida Chalk Artist Association on Guava Street. For information about her artwork, you can readh her at sailon@earthlink.net

In this issue:

• News for the Week
• Artist Profile: Bill McCoy
• Events
• Studio Times and Classes
• Exhibits and Galleries
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books

News for the week:

Awards Given for Entries into the Strawbridge Art League PaperWorks Exhibit.

Congratulations to all the entrants and winners in the PaperWorks Exhibit. It will be on display in the ballroom and hallway of the Henegar Center for the Arts through January 22, 2008. Be sure to stop by to see it. It's a beautiful exhibit. All works are of or on paper.

An awards ceremony on November 1, 2008, revealed the following award winners:

Best of Show: "Meditation" by Jini James (pictured here)

Best Photography: "New York Bridges" by Lori Knerick

Best 3D or Altered Books: "No Census No Feeling" by Steve Lomazzo

Best Mixed Media: "Anger, Fear, Greed" by Jeanne Painter Johnson

Best Water Media: "Passion Modess #2" by Betsy Bohmer

Best Pastels or Print Making: "Breathtaking" by Agnes Maganelli

Herb Oschman "Give Me a Freakin' Break" Award: "I had the strangest dream" by Helen Wheatley.

Merit Awards

Barbara Burkhardt (watercolor/mixed) - untitled
Mindy Colton (papiere mache schulputre) - "Unbridled Spirit"
Jeanne Painter Johnson (pastel) - "Lilly"
Sandy Johnson (pastel) - "Am I Blue"
Cindy Michaud (pastel) - "Home at Last"
Nancy Mitchell (pastel) - "Jaelyn - Age 2"
Betty Noone (watercolor) - "The Otter Couple"
Loretta Schnitzius (watercolor) - "A Lovely Bunch"
Vincent Vedera (watercolor) - "Window Box"
Donna Vines (photography) - "Dressing Table"
Helen Wheatley (mixed media) "Feminine Mystique"

Drawing Classes

Artist Jini James will provide structured experiences in drawing designed to enhance your unique abilities. All levels of experience are welcome. Calling on her 30-year experiences with teaching and learning, you will be guided through planning, implementing and evaluating your work. Class will also be provided with papers unique to pencil and charcoal use. Pre-registration is required. Call 536-9339.

Classes meet at The Studio, 909 East New Haven Ave. in Historic Downtown Melbourne. Sessions start at 9:00 a.m. and end at noon. There are four sessions per series. Cost $80.

Brevard Porcelain Society Presents:





















Art Expressions presents the art of Kerstin Ziegler

CLIQLAC - The New Works

The original works of Kerstin Ziegler will be on display through November at Art Expressions Fine Art and Custom Framing at 1404 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Be sure to stop by to see these wonderful and whimsical works. Art Expressions is are open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. (Charley and Friends by Kerstin Ziegler)

Food and Wine Tasting with the Cultural Experience of an Art Show and Music...

Join the owners of NorRoma's Fine Italian Restaurant and artists for an evening of art and enjoyment.

NorRoma's Fine Italian Restaurant (formerly known as Villa Roma) is located at 1253 Florida Avenue; Rockledge, Florida 32955. Owners Norman and Carrie Earley and Manager Angie Sopher (321) 690-6511, invite you to join them on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, for food and wine tasting from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for $10.00. They will be featuring five Italian wines and will provide samples of some of their delicious signature dishes. You are invited to enjoy a fun night with friendly people and a great atmosphere.

Entertainment will be supplied by Tom Hueston of Hueston Music and 20 artists will be exhibiting their work.

The artists are: Rafael Picon, Jerry Hanzl, Pearl Ollie, Kate and Jim Johannsen, Richard Berstrom, Chrys Bamman, Barbara Jenkins, Joe Marshall, Diana Gustafson, Melodie Tucker, Howard Weil, Deb Sanger Evans, Donna Harvie, Candice Johnson, Linda Schneider, Lis Hilton, Kyong and Caroline Han, and Lou Belcher. (Digital art by Jerry Hanzl; painting by Pearl Ollie)

Corner covers for Framed Artwork

Don't miss this.... Are you tired of dents and scratches when you trasport your artwork.

Corner Covers are made large enough to protect both narrow frames and wide detailed frames from knicks and scratches. The durable and water resistant exterior is lined with a cushioned vinyl fabric. Each cover is connected with braided elastic to fit your frame securely. A standard size set of Corner Covers will fit frames up to 24 to 36 inches and sells for $18.00. Custom sizes are available upon request. The artist or hobbiest can use them to safely transport their finished painting across town or state.

Contact: Alice Pickett at 321-259-2481 for more information.

ArtWorks to Feature Street Painters

Florida Chalk Artits Association members will chalk on St. Clair Street at the Eau Gallie Artworks event on November 22 and 23. This "street painting" art form started in Italy nearly 500 years ago. Local Eau Gallie Artist Ed Baranowski, his daughter Lee Jones, and granddaughter Brin Jones (3 generations) will be among the talent. Other artists include Janet Tombros, Judy Pardo, Ron Hawkins, Paulette Colon, Lea Tapley, and Alice Ahrens.

Learn about this art form from accomplished street painters. Yes, you will have to opportunity to get on your knees and create a masterpiece.

Carol L. Taylor exhibits The Tulipa Series

Throughout November, Carol L. Taylor is exhibiting The Tulipa Series at the Melbourne Public Library on Fee Avenue. The Tulipa Series is a collection of charcoal pencil drawings inspired by the red and white Parrot Tulip. "The distinct ruffled edges of the petals resemble the outstretched wings of angels as they descend from heaven," Ms. Taylor said. "In some arrangements, the individual Parrot Tulip challenges my eye; in another, it's the entire grouping that attracts me: One tulip as bud, the next beginning to open, and the third in full bloom...never ceasing to provide inspiration for drawing." Carol's email address is CarolTaylorBlackandWhite@yahoo.com

Article: Marketing Your Art #6

Using the Internet to Your Advantage by SKC

As an artist, you will have to become visible in various venues and formats for example, newspaper articles, galleries, special events and of course online. Getting your work online and visible is not nearly as difficult as it once was. Not long ago, you would have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a custom website to be built. Add to that the cost of paying someone to update the site for you on a regular basis. Alternatively, if you had tried to take on the task yourself, you risked creating a messy broken site, with all kinds of issues with load time and functionality. Add to that the cost of buying the software required to build your site (or taking a class to learn how to hard-code).

Today there are so many great options out there for artists to take advantage of. Templates are becoming a very common and very usable option, making the step into website ownership a much simpler and more streamlined one. This gives any artist (photographer, painter, sculptor, etc.) the ability to have the appearance of a custom site dedicated to their craft. No more do artists have to learn HTML or software to maintain control of their websites, and no longer do they have to beg friends and family to help them get set up. In the past I heard plenty of horror stories of even paid designers who created websites and later abandoned the artist or took ages to update their pages.

Many art-related templates even include storefronts that allow artists to sell prints and originals fairly easily using a simple basic PayPal account. One template site that has been recommended to me by a number of photographers and artists is bludomain.com. They have a lovely selection of templates that are fully editable and carry a number of excellent features.

You can find alternative template sites by google searching for “editable flash templates” or “editable portfolio templates.” One such site is flash4layouts.com. Always compare features and pricing (long term after initial set up fees) before making your final decision.

A Note about Domain Names (Your Web Address)

Many artists will choose to use their full names. This is a great idea if it happens to be available. Using your name makes it easy for collectors, friends, or even gallery directors to remember your website address. If your full name is unusually long, or has been taken already, it is time to start thinking of some alternatives.

You can search for unused domain names by going to almost any web hosting website. Take godaddy.com for example. On their first page you’ll see a space to type in your desired domain name to see if it’s available.

Play around with different descriptors and creative ways to say the same thing. Pull out your dictionary and thesaurus.

Ideal Domain Names:

1. Are short and easy to remember
2. Don’t use hyphens (this-name.com)
3. Use the .com extension over .net, .biz, .org, etc.
4. Read well as one single word with no spaces
5. Don’t mimic the name of another well known site
6. Shouldn’t cost more than $9 per year. If the name isn’t immediately available, don’t back order it, move on to a different option.

Online resources:

• www.bludomain.com – fully editable flash templates, hosting, shopping cart, etc.
• www.flash4layouts.com – editable flash templates
• www.godaddy.com – inexpensive domain name registration, hosting, email, and very basic non-flash website templates.

Next week we’ll talk about alternatives/additions to portfolio websites.

Brevard Art News - November 2, 2008

News for the week:

Central Brevard Art Association Third Annual Show

The xrt Central Brevard Art Association is holding their third annual art show and sale at the Heritage Isle Clubhouse on November 8th and 9th. This year, CBAA is inviting 10 student artists from Rockledge and Viera High Schools to exhibit with their member artists.

There is a juried section and all media will be accepted.

Friday, November 7th, 4:00 p.m. Juried Selection. A private reception will follow at 5:00 p.m. for participating artists.

The show is open to the public with no admission fee on Saturday, November 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Take a chance at winning an original piece of art, with proceeds of the raffle benefitting the CBAA Scholarship Program.

The Heritage Isle Clubhouse is located at 6800 Legacy Blvd. off Wickham Road in Viera. From 1-95, take exit 191 (Wickham Road) and go west through the traffic circle approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Legacy Blvd. at the entrace to Heritage Isle Community.

The show is free and open to the public. For further information, contact the show chairperson, Robert Koeppel at 698-8081. The CBAA is a 501c3, not for profit organization, promoting art and artists in Brevard County since 1960.

Artwork Deer by Robert Koeppel and Giraffe by Denice VanWaardenburg

Titusville Art League Fall Art and Craft Show and Sale.

On Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Titusville Art League will present its Fall Art and Craft Show and Sale. Don't miss it.

The members of the Titusville Art League will present their work in a wide variety of media. There will be art demonstrations and live music on both days. Titusville members work in pastels, oils, pottery, watercolors, wood sculpture, pen and ink, glass, graphite, mixed media, photography, and digital art. Many of these pieces will be for sale. Art makes a beautiful statement for your home or great gift for the holidays.

The show will be at The House of Ashkelon, 1561 Park Avenue, Titusville, Florida 32706. The show is free and open to the public. For information, call Dot White (321) 267-9363, Bob Bielling (321) 267-2573, and Connie Allen (321) 482-6413. (photo courtesy of Franci Kettman. "Coleus" Merit Award winner in the Spring 2008 show.)

Food and Wine Tasting with the Cultural Experience of an Art Show and Music...

Join the owners of NorRoma's Fine Italian Restaurant and artists for an evening of art and enjoyment.

NorRoma's Fine Italian Restaurant (formerly known as Villa Roma) is located at 1253 Florida Avenue; Rockledge, Florida 32955. Owners Norman and Carrie Earley and Manager Angie Sopher (321) 690-6511. invite you to join them on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 for food and wine tasting from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for $10.00. They will be featuring five Italian wines and will provide samples of some of their delicious signature dishes. You are invited to enjoy a fun night with friendly people and a great atmosphere.

Entertainment will be supplied by Tom Hueston of Hueston Music and 20 artists will be exhibiting their work. The artists are: Rafael Picon, Jerry Hanzl, Pearl Ollie, Kate and Jim Johannsen, Richard Berstrom, Chrys Bamman, Barbara Jenkins, Joe Marshall, Diana Gustafson, Melodie Tucker, Howard Weil, Deb Sanger Evans, Donna Harvie, Candice Johnson, Linda Schneider, Lis Hilton, Kyong and Caroline Han, and Lou Belcher. (Digital art by Jerry Hanzl; painting by Pearl Ollie)

American Impressionist Society's 9th Annual National Juried Exhibition.

Congratulations to Sandy Johnson. She was accepted into the American Impressionsit Society's 9th Annual National Juried Exhibition. This year, this exhibit is being held at the prestigious Coda Fine Art Gallery in Palm Desert, California, from November 22 to December 22, 2008. The judge for the exhibit will be Calvin Liang. Sandy Johnson's pastel titled "Jerome" was the piece selected. It was also included in an editorial on the AIS show in the November issue of the American Art Collector magazine, page 105.

New Artist Reception at Art Gallery & Studio of Melbourne

On November 6th, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. there will be a one-year anniversary and special reception for the new artists joining the Art Gallery & Studio of Melbourne. There will be free drinks, food, and music. The public is invited to celebrate with the gallery. The new artists are Wally Berger, Barbara Paul, Laura Rabbits, Trish Storey, and Gloria Summerfield.

The featured artist for November is Diana Beecham. Please go by the studio to see her work and the work of the new artists. ThHe Art Gallery & Studio is located in Downtwon Melbourne at 802 East New Haven Avenue. For information call 729-9368. (Pottery by Barbara Paul)

Artists Sell Works at Artisan's Market

The following artists will present their work:

• Marg Kuhl, pottery and paintings
• Diane Reynolds, whimsical mixed media boxes
• Nita Terry, paintings
• Misha Jackson, jewelry
• Kim Gell, soy candles
• Brevard Achievenment Center clients, art
• Kim Church, pottery
• Pam Werneth, jewelry
• Becki Butler, handmade glass.... and more.

The exhibit and sale will be at the Artisans Market at Juice-N-Java on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Juice-N-Java is located at 75 North Orlando Avenue in downtown Cocoa Beach.

Harris Gallery at the King Center for the Performing Arts

The art in the Harris Gallery of the King Center for the Performing Arts is about to change. The November exhibit will be the works of Marion S. Ott. Her daughter has generously offered the works for viewing by the public. The opening and viewing of the exhibit is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Please plan to attend.

Marion S. Ott (1908 to 1996) traveled with her husband to military posts in Japan and Germany in the years after World War II. While in the Far East, she studied and developed her skills in painting and flower arranging. Her aim was to combine both the traditional Chinese and Western art techniques to express her individuality. Her style combined the classic with the contemporary, thereby creating her own style with the characteristically simple flowing brush strokes of the oriental masters.

She had many one-woman shows in the Virginia, Washington, DC, and Palm Beach, Florida areas. She exhibited internationally and won many awards. In 1990, she was named distinguished artist teacher of the Sumi-e Society. At one point, she was awarded the Brumbacher Silver Medal. Her paintings are found in numerous private collections and she did many commissioned works.

Be sure to make time to see this exhibit at the opening on Thursday, November 6, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

(Thanks to Christal Wood, daughter of Marion S. Ott for the biography of her mother.)

First Friday in Eau Gallie for November

Art and Antique Studio and Gallery; Holiday Boutique of Artists

The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery will have an opening reception for their Holiday Boutique on Friday, November 7, 2008, at the gallery at 1419 Highland in Historic Downtown Eau Gallie. The reception will be from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Art & Antique Studio and Gallery (321-253-5553) will kick off its holiday season with a Holiday Wish List for Santa’s helpers

Offered for your HOLIDAY WISH/GIFT LIST are:

• hand built clay oriental kimonos by clay artist Kim Darby
• Custom designed, free hanging, stain glass by stained glass artist Sharon Burridge
• Hand wrapped and handmade glass jewelry by Miami artist Heather Molans
• Unusual and funky, handmade ceramic cups by Jill Cole
• Textile fiber items (scarves, aprons, and more) by two artists Deon Donovan and friend
• Raku pottery in all shapes and sizes by Nancy Trezza
• One of a kind, hand made, silver jewelry by Eileen Phinick
• Handcrafted pine needle baskets designed by Ronnie & Bonar Phlabaum. These baskets are embellished with slices of black walnuts and wooden bases
• Wearable fiber art by Ruth Wharton, including African fabrics collected from all over the globe (reversible and washable)
• Gourd Rain Sticks, birdhouses, and designer cell phone purses by local artist Therese Ferguson
• Beautiful, handmade, designer gourd purses by Cynthia Perry
• Unusual femo clay covered pens and colorful, abstract, hand-woven small paper baskets in various shapes and sizes by local crafter/artist Sara Crumpacker

For information call 321-253-5553

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery: 26th Annual Designer Holiday Craft Show

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery proudly celebrates the holidays with the 16th Annual Designer Holiday Craft Show. You are invited to start your shopping early at the gallery. Choose from exquisite hand made, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Catch the holiday spirit at the opening reception on the November 7th, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. visit with the fine craftsmen and artists as you get first dibs for their work and enjoy light refreshments. The reception is free and open to the public. And, that evening, Brett Tam will be demonstrating his work with glass outside the art gallery. The art gallery was established in 1975 and is located in the historic Old Eau Gallie area of Melbourne on Highland Avenue across from the Brevard Art Museum. For information, visit http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/

Corner covers for Framed Artwork

Don't miss this.... Are you tired of dents and scratches when you trasport your artwork.

Corner Covers are made large enough to protect both narrow frames and wide detailed frames from knicks and scratches. The durable and water resistant exterior is lined with a cushioned vinyl fabric. Each cover is connected with braided elastic to fit your frame securely. A standard size set of Corner Covers will fit frames up to 24 to 36 inches and sells for $18.00. Custom sizes are available upon request. The artist or hobbiest can use them to safely transport their finished painting across town or state.

Contact: Alice Pickett at 321-259-2481 for more information.

ArtWorks to Feature Street Painters

Florida Chalk Artits Association members will chalk on St. Clair Street at the Eau Gallie Artworks event on November 22 and 23. This "street painting" art form started in Italy nearly 500 years ago. Local Eau Gallie Artist Ed Baranowski, his daughter Lee Jones, and granddaughter Brin Jones (3 generations) will be among the talent. Other artists include Janet Tombros, Judy Pardo, Ron Hawkins, Paulette Colon, Lea Tapley, and Alice Ahrens.

Learn About this art form from accomplished street painters. Yes, you will have to opportunity to get on your knees and create a masterpiece.