Brevard Art News - March 8, 2009

The Brevard Art News is a free service for artists and art lovers. Your news is welcome. If you have information about an upcoming exhibit, event, service, opportunity, or presentation feel free to let me know about it by emailing me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. Have a great week....

In this issue:

• Last Call
• News for the Week
• Galleries and Exhibits
• Artist Profile - Karen Lewis
• Events
• Studio Times and Classes
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books
  
  

Last Call....

Questions: I received some questions last week. Someone out there must know the answers or have what these folks need.

1) Please read: Joan Fitz-Gerald wrote: "I have several works done by Dorothy Sweeney who I believe was located to the Eau Gallie area. Two are small oil paintings and two are pastels. (They originally belonged to her Aunt and Uncle Kay and Thomas Larkin who lived in Melbourne and the Eau Gallie area for over 40 years.)" Does anyone know anything about the artist and her work? If you do, please email Joan at ad1916@aol.com. Thanks.

2) Donations of artwork needed: This week, I interviewed some artists who were working with the students of Indialantic Elementary School. The students and artists are working on a big project that will culminate in a silent auction on April 15th. They are in need of donations of artwork for the silent auction. If you have a piece of art you would like to contribute, please email Sue Tuttle at mudflatspottery@yahoo.com. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to environmental groups.

3) Also, this same group is in need of postcards....Many of you make postcards for your exhibits and end up with the possibility of making more free of charge (you know who you are and what I'm talking about here). Anyway, if anyone would like the opportunity to make postcards for this group for free, please contact Sue Tuttle at mudflatspottery@yahoo.com

Thanks for helping this group. They are working hard to put on a wonderful event on April 15, 2009. I'll provide more information on that soon.

4) Please read: Years ago, Carmen Beecher had a painting displayed in an exhibit at Brevard Community College in Melbourne. While she was in class it was stolen. With the Internet, Carmen thought she would put out the word and see if anyone has seen it. At right is a picture of the painting. If anyone has any information about it, please contact her at hbeecher@earthlink.net Thanks for your help.

News of the Week

Classes this week: Pine Needle Baskets with Viola Pace Knudsen

Coiled Pine Needle Basketry: There are two classes tentatively scheduled for March:

One is March 11 and 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The other is March 14 and 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Call call 321-951-1310 to register.

Learn the technique and tradition of coiled pine needle basketry. Formed by a weaving technique called "coiling," these baskets will last for many years to come. Class size is limited, call 321-951-1310 to register. Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Class fee: $95. 2 weeks.

Call for Entries
Titusville Art League's 45th Annual Spring Show

All local area artists, TAL members, and Central Florida artists are invited to submit artwork to the 45th Annual Titusville Art League Spring Show.

• Take In: Tuesday, March 24th, 2009, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  Wednesday, March 25th, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  
• Show Exhibit Hours: Thursday, March 26 thru Saturday, March 28, 2009: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  
• Where: Clarion Inn - Kennedy Space Center, 4951 S Washington Street, Titusville, FL 32780
  
• Cost: $20 per entry/members, limit of three entries per medium.
  $25 per entry/non-members, limit of three entries per medium.
  You may join at registration and become a member.
  
• Categories: Up to 3 entries per artist per category.
  • Oil, Acrylics, and Oil Pastels
  • Watercolor
  • Pastel
  • Mixed Media and Collage
  • Photography and Digital Art
  • Sculpture and 3-Dimensional Art
  • Colored Pencil, Graphite, Pen and Ink

Prizes: $500 Best of Show; $300 First, each category; $200 Second, each category; $100 Third, each category; Merit Awards - Judge’s Discretion Ribbon.

Download the prospectus from the TAL website: www.nbbd.com/godo/tal

Contact: Show Chair Connie Allen at 321.482.6413 if you have further questions.

New at the Brevard Art Museum

Piecing it Together - open reception
(Friday, March 13, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Galleries)

Preview the mixed media constructions of artists Catherine Bergmann, Rocky Bridges, Jette Clover, Greg Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Hanne Niederhausen, Gail Mitchell, Tony Savoie, Margaret Steward, Genna Watson, John Whipple, and Lynn Whipple. Meet the new president of the museum, Steven Maklansky.

This group of artists explores the boundaries of creating through joyful constructions, innovative use of found materials, and playful visual and verbal language. These artists use recycled materials in a new way.

Call for entries from the Brevard Art Museum

The Brevard Art Museum presents Take Out from May 15 to July 12, 2009. Using the humble take-out container as a jumping off point, artists are invited to create artwork.


For the prospectus for this exhibit click here. The submission deadline is April 30, 2009. So, get to work. If you'd like more information email the museum at info@brevardartmuseum.org.

10th Annual Young Artists Juried Exhibition

The Strawbridge Art League is sponsoring a student juried exhibit, which will be on display in the Henegar Center for the Arts from Saturday, March 14th to Sunday, April 12, 2009. The opening reception and awards: Saturday, March 14th 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit dates are March 14th to April 12th

Watch for it: Horse Creek Pottery Spring Show

You won't believe the beautiful work of these artists. The potters participating in the show and sale are


Carol Evans, Susan Margaritondo, Rachelle Raphael, Bill Emans, Don Whitehouse, Kris Darby, Chuck Wofford, Cass Scopino, Ann White, Lisa Shepperd, Raynette Connelly, Yavor Gonev, and new to the group is Don Wessel.

Save the date of March 28 (rain or shine) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Horse Creek Pottery at 6390 Anderson Way; Melbourne Florida 32940. Horse Creek Potter is approximately 1 mile north of the Pineda Causeway off US 1. For information, call 242-2162.

Sign up now for Figure Drawing Workshop

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of drawing the human figure, join Nancy Dillen on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a seven hour figure-drawing workshop at LoPressionism Gallery, 1002 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, Florida.

Learn the basics of seeing and drawing while totally immersed in drawing the human figure using a wide variety of drawing techniques and media. Fun for all levels.

Skill level: Each participant should have knowledge of basic drawing techniques and be willing to work from a draped model.

Drawing techniques covered in the workshop: gesture, contour, and modeling the form to give the illusion of three-dimensional space. There will be demonstrations along with one-on-one instruction.

The cost of the workshop is $75.

Contact the LoPressionsim Gallery for a list of materials you will need and to reserve a space for the workshop. (321) 722-6000, 1-888-581-2787 or info@lopressiohnism.com

From Painting to Book Cover

Book Signing and Art Opening scheduled for Friday March 20th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. David Johansson is launching his book Skin of Sunset, and Nancy Dillen will be displaying some of her paintings at LoPressionism Art Gallery at 1002 East New Haven in downtown Melbourne. You are invited to attend. One of Nancy Dillen's paintings, "Lay By," is the on the cover of Skin of Sunset. The public is invited to this event.

Eulaine Eri is the Featured Artist

For the months of March and April at the Central Brevard Library on Forrest Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, Eulaine Eri is the featured artist. She is displaying several of her latest original abstract works in mixed media.

An award winning artist, Eulaine is an experimental artist residing in Merritt Island, Florida, and Franklin, Pennsylvania. Eulaine studied art while living in Europe and continues to study in the United States. Eulaine enjoys painting impressionism and contemporary abstracts.

She exhibits and teaches painting using mixed media and with dyes on silk. Eulaine is an Advisor on the Board of Directors, Central Brevard Art Association, Rockledge, Florida

She was awarded First Place with a Blue Ribbon at the City of Cape Canaveral Fine Art Show in January with her abstract, "Toy Soldier. This painting is part of the display presently at the Central Brevard Library.

Phone: 321-298-9741
Email: ARTbyEULAINE@aol.com"

Upcoming shows on Focus

Bright House TV Cable Network presents FOCUS featuring the arts in Brevard County. FOCUS programs are on Channel 49 on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming show in March:

• March 12, 2009 - Terri Cattee and Alice Stasik, Mosaics; Debbie and Steve Walker, Gourds


• March 19, 2009 - Cathy Pigon, Textile Art; Jeff Noble, Aerosol Art


• March 26, 2009 - Charles Corbeil, Photography; Japheth Light, Tridoku

Be sure to watch the great talent in Brevard.

Exhibiting at the Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue

During the month of March the works of Ranjana Bacrania and Brenda Chancey are on display in the showcases at the Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue.

Upcoming Event: Moon River, Music and Magic

The Rotary Club of Indialantic is holding its 7th Annual Fund Raising Event, Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. It will include wine tasting, gourmet food and music. The event will be held at the home of Arturo and Susan Encharte, 2760 Riverside Dr., Indialantic, starting at 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Purpose: To raise funds to help support the Sue M. Pridmore Center for Women and Children. The center is located on the grounds of the Salvation Army on Hickory Street in Melbourne and provides shelter, food, and spiritual support to homeless women with or without children. The center also provides training in a wide range of life skills in order for women to successfully transition into our community.

Proceeds will also be allotted to the rotary foundation which provides financial assistance through scholarships to South Brevard High School Seniors as well as other charitable organizations.

Sponsorship levels begin at $100 and go to $1000, which awards tickets to the event. For more information, contact Sue Tyson Parker 321-749-4684 or Jock Walker, 321-727-1519.

Checks can be mailed to the

Rotary Club of Indialantic
P.O. Box 033134
Indialantic, Florida 32903

Melbourne Art Festival celebrates 25th year.

This year's Melbourne Art Festival will be held on April 25th and 26th. The committee is looking for volunteers to help out. They need people who can spare 3 or more hours from Friday, April 24th through Sunday, April 26th. To volunteer, email or call Laura Rich, Volunteer Chair. Her email address is Laurarich21@aol.com and her phone number is 321-271-8851.

Exhibits and Galleries

Harris Gallery at the King Center: Small Works Show

The current exhibit in the Harris Gallery of the King Center is "Small Works"
The Small Works exhibit at the King Center for the Performing arts is an exhibit of 2D and 3D works of art by the following local artists: Anna Jo Newman Vahle, John Emery, Jeanee James, Barbara Smythers, Therese Ferguson, Gail Boardman, John Slater, Monnia Ahmet, Rafael Picon, David Wharton, Ruth Wharton, Jerry Hanzl, Lou Belcher, Yolanda Schofield, Brett Tam, Mary Lou Antes, Denice Van Waardenburg, Suzanne Frank, Michael Shelton, Connie Fiore, Pearl Ollie, Jill Collier, and Mery Gomez.

A reception on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, opened the exhibit. Many people from the community stopped by to see the artwork and to meet the artists.

Art and Antique Studio and Gallery
The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is presenting Florida State of Mine. It's a watercolor and graphite exhibit by Eau Gallie award-winning artist Karen Lewis. The exhibit features her works of watercolor and a collection of pencil drawings during the month of March. Drop by the Art and Antique Studio at 1419 Highland Avenue to see her beautiful work. Also, see the article about her. She is featured in the Author Profile above.

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery Presents "Photographers of Central Florida"at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District.

You won't believe your eyes. It is photography. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents a juried photograph show and competition of Central Florida photographers. It allows you to see photography as a true fine art medium. See the amazing photographic stylings of regional artists, featuring all types of photography using a multitude of techniques and subject matter. The show started March 1st and will run through March 30th. (Photograph by Earl Evans)

Art Expressions 1404 Highland Ave. Located in the Eau Gallie Art's District 321-259-1492 The Laughing Mermaid is now located in the front gallery at Art Expressions. Enter the Mermaid's grotto and experience a blend of art, decor and gifts, along with creamy hand-milled and artisan soaps, fragrant soy candles, luxurious bath desserts, and a full skin care line: all organic and natural. http://www.artexpressionsfinecustomframing.com/

Art Gallery and Studio

Spring is in the Air is the theme for the Art Gallery and Studio. A potpourri of color decorates the walls at 902 E. New Haven Avenue in downtown Melbourne. Hours are Monday thru Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are open for Friday Fest on March 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The gallery is located just east of Meg O' Malley's. For information: mherzig@cfl.rr.com

Highway Grrls
The Highway Grrls Gallery and Studio is located at 1414 Highland Avenue in the middle of the Eau Gallie Arts District. Robin Rothrock showcases her innovative visual art created by using acrylic paint on multiple surfaces, including , but not limited to glass blocks, paper, wood, lampshades, ceramic tile, metal and canvas. Also see the works of Humberto Rebollo. He has four new small pieces of women's faces that are wonderful.

allaprima styling group presents Carol Taylor drawings

Carol Taylor is exhibiting the Mesdames Pompes Series at the allaprima styling group, 1540 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District, Melbourne, Florida through March 31, 2009.

Ms. Taylor's charcoal pencil drawings depict the Victorian shoe inspired by a collectible Victorian Fenton glass shoe that began her glass and ceramic shoe collection. Having recently completed her Tulipa Series comprised of a collection of charcoal pencil drawings of the Parrot Tulip, traces of the Tulipa are discerned in the negative space of the Mesdames Pompes drawings.

To view the Mesdames Pompes Series, please contact local artist Karen Lewis, allaprima styling group at (321) 255-5300.

For further information, contact Carol L. Taylor at http://www.caroltaylorblackandwhite.com/ or via email at caroltaylorblackandwhite@yahoo.com.

Denette Schweikert: See her latest work

Denette Schweikert's large botanical oil paintings are part of the new art featured at LoPressionism Fine Art Gallery's Fusion Show. It opened on Friday, January 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will run through March 20. Denette was recently juried into the prestigious International Guild of Realism after submitting a portfolio of her work for review. See her paintings at www.denette.net

The Downtown Gallery. Visit The Downtown Gallery of Titusville at 335 S. Washington Avenue in Historic Downtwon Titusville. They just had a benefit for the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. See the wonderful works depicting nature on display at the gallery. (the photograph of a bobcat was taken on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge by Dale Nichols)

LoPressionism and Christmas Cottage Fuse. LoPressionism and the Christmas Cottage are now under the same roof in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and there is not enough room for both. The opening reception was on Friday, January 30th, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the "Fusion" exhibit. The exhibit features the artwork of Richard LaClaire, Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denette Schweikert. For more information, call 321-722-6000.

“Personal Baggage: Ten Women in Art"

They Ten Women are: Becky Beerensson, Nancy Blair, Helen Byon, Nancy Baur Dillen, Lydia Nelson Friedland, Grace Leal, Carol Garutti, Susan Martin, Ellen Pavlakos, and Lynn Murray Spencer.

"Personal Baggage" the latest exhibit from Ten Women in Art takes flight at the Tampa International Airport, beginning October 22, 2008 –July 2009.

Ten Women in Art is a dynamic group of artists with a history of excellence as well as diversity. Since 1983 the group has been home to over thirty artists, among them many award winning, nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. The Tampa exhibit features works in oil, acrylic, mixed media, bronze, ceramic, glass and mixed media sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and computer generated images. Current members are artists Becky Beerensson, Nancy Blair, Helen Byon, Nancy Baur Dillen, Lydia Nelson Friedland, Carol Garutti, Grace Leal, Susan Martin, Ellen Pavlakos, and Lynn Spencer. The current incarnation of the group includes three of the original, founding members who continue to spearhead the effort showcasing the vision and artistic talents of Florida's women.

"Personal Baggage" features approximately forty-two artworks representing each artist's concerns regarding the theme.

From the Exhibition Statement:

We assume its best to travel light...(but)
Experience too is a kind of baggage,
(and) our attachments define us.

These are as unique to us as our genes, our learned behaviors, our capacity for humor, folly, wisdom; our latent capacities for courage, cruelty, change and selflessness; our threshold for pain, joy and outrage; our memories, our loves, our lived experiences.

Further information, please contact: Tampa International Airport: Kelly Figley, Community Relations Coordinator, Tampa International Airport, P.O. Box 22287, Tampa, FL 33622, Ph: (813) 801-6028, Fx: (813) 875-6670.

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