Clay Scot Artworks: Mary Farmer in a Solo Show

Clay Scot Artworks is proud to present the work of a new artist to the gallery, Mary Farmer.

Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 3, from 6 to 8 PM.

Inspired by the continuum of emotional and physical moments in her life, Mary Farmer is a
painter whose portfolio of abstract encaustic paintings is imbued with color and visual resonance. The multiple layers and complexity of encaustic painting allows her to express depth, sensation and lush colors in her work.

In support of their hard work, Mary will donate a percentage of sales to Triumph Services.


Forsythia Amid the Mist

Sunrise In the Glen




Mary's show will run through Saturday, October 2.
Hope to see you there!
Clay Scot Artworks
2915 Highland Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35205
205.326.2350

The gallery is open by appointment only through September 2.
Regular gallery hours will resume September 3.

Clay Scot Artworks | 2915 Highland Avenue | Birmingham | AL | 35205

From Grace: Solo show at Clay Scot Artworks

From Grace

I’ve been busy this summer preparing for my September show in Birmingham, Al. Clay Scot Artworks will feature my work in a solo show: FROM GRACE. The show opens on Sept 3, 2010 and I will be there to share the work with you. I’m pretty excited to have the chance to catch up with my Birmingham friends and family.

Sprigs and Blossoms, Encaustic on 3 panels, 2010 ©Mary Farmer

This show at Clay Scot Artworks has very special meaning to me. I spent my early adulthood in Birmingham, my family lives in a small town 30 miles to the east and I went to the Magic City to attend Samford University and The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing. This will be a happy homecoming for me.

Also, the work sold at this show will benefit a very worthwhile organization, Triumph Services whose mission is to serve the historically under-served group of adults with mild developmental disabilities. Just to give you an idea of the magnitude of funding short falls, of the 30,000 individuals who are struggling with Autism in the state of Alabama, 40 percent of them do not qualify for government run services. Brooke Stephens, founder and director of Triumph Services will also be on hand to answer your questions and share information about this valuable organization.

I ask that you come out purchase art and help me support the amazing work done by Triumph Services. I am donating 10% of my sales to Triumph Services.

Clay Scot Artworks
‪2915 Highland Ave S‬
‪Birmingham, AL 35205‬


Videos: I’m a You Tube Inductee

I have produced a series of short videos about various aspect of art making. It was a very fun project, my producer, Marty Gillen, did a fantastic job and I invite you to view one here:



Hey, let me know what you think.

You may view all 9 videos on You Tube. Don't worry, they are all short pieces.

Encaustic Classes

The summer has been a busy teaching time. Due to high demand, I have added a class in Asheville. The dates are Aug 28, 29, 30, if you have any interest in learning encaustic techniques, I’d love to have you in the class. This three-day intensive workshop combines beginning and intermediate techniques for a complete and balanced introduction to encaustic painting. Students will learn about the history of encaustic painting, supports, grounds and panel preparation, how to layer and collage with wax to create your very own encaustic paintings. Each student will have the opportunity to experiment and create 5 – 10 finished paintings. I will happy to send you information on the three day class just give me a call 828. 712. 3786 or email me: mary411@maryfarmer.com

In October, I will present an advanced demonstration of the new and cool techniques I picked up at the Encaustic Conference I attended this June. The Conference was the most fun ever! Same thing, if you’d like information about this demo, let me know.

Atlanta Art Findings

I made a quick trip to Atlanta in late July and stopped into a few galleries.

Raiford Gallery in Roswell is a treasure trove. They feature wonderful fiber, pottery, glass, jewelry and some contemporary art. They best highlight the craft and jewelry areas.

Left: Delias Thompson - Ring and Right: Peter Senesac

Huff Harrington in Buckhead, this charming gallery may be one of the most welcoming venues for viewing contemporary art; no attitude; no pretentious unapproachable work. Huff Harrington features solid artists such as: Angie Renfro , Allison Shockley , Liz Barber and others.

Ann Huff and Meg Harrington are providing Atlanta with a very comfortable, familial setting for viewing and selecting artwork. Stop by, you will be nicely surprised.

Emily Amy Gallery on Marietta Street and part of the Westside Arts District is beautifully open space featuring highly refined emerging, mid-career, and established artists from across the country.

I was pleased to see the spiritually infused work of Clayton Santiago, his pieces are organic and deeply layered—you already know of my affinity for layering.

The Art Beltline is becoming a reality. The Atlanta Beltline corridor encompasses nearly eight miles of old rail bed. Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. is featuring the work of almost 50 artists along its route. Hey, get out there take a nice Sunday stroll and see what’s up on the Beltline.

MOCA ga housed in a serene TULA space is still going strong. I was moved to see several pieces from my beloved teacher, Thomasine Bradford; you are missed, dear Thomasine.

MOCA ga features 600 works of contemporary art by more than 200 Georgia artists, the collection rotates and it’s a great way to celebrate Georgia artists.

Pryor Fine Art-has added the work of three fine artists, John Folsom, Kim Froshin and Felice Sharp.


Left: John Folsom Right: Kim Froshin

Please keep up with me on Facebook I'm posting updates, etc.

Interview with Stephanie Walker of Walker Contemporary Boston MA

Walker Contemporary
450 Harrison St, Boston, MA

Stephanie thought she would change the world by working with youths at risk. Fresh from college, she had agreed to take a job in rural TN. Lucky for us art world types she realized the possible difficulties of dealing with large, hormonal eighteen year old boys.

This is one “can do” woman; when the local gallery guide set limitations on gallery listings, Walker came up with The Art Map Boston, a more complete and user friendly guide to Boston’s galleries.

While Walker’s first inspiration is working with at risk youth; she has always been intrigued by art, “I talked about art this and art that all the time.” Too timid to pursue an opening in a local gallery a friend of Walker’s quietly submitted her resume.

Much to her surprise Walker was invited to interview. While skeptical of her “no Rolodex, no pedigree” status, Walker’s sheer exuberance wowed the gallery owners and she landed the job.

This first gallery position proved to be fertile training ground and Walker moved on to work with Chase, a position she held for about ten years. Ironically, Chase has moved into the very building that houses Walker Contemporary.

For a short time, Walker ended up in Los Angeles where she decided to open her own business. “I got up every day and went into the 2nd bedroom of our house whose door bore the sign, ‘WC’.” She began to explore and discover the new work from artists previously unknown to her.

Walker is drawn to work that is expertly rendered, complex, repetitious and generally speaks to an environmental component. Frequently the work is bittersweet, ironic and process oriented. Moved by artists who push their materials, Walker best relates to artists who seek to bend their medium as far as possible.

“I admire an artist who will continue on even if the idea is not yet working out. The artist who will face nothing to create something.” When one of her artists is stuck and dissatisfied she encourages by suggesting they, “keep at it, even if the result is horrid, just have the guts to keep showing up.”

For community involvement and local outreach, Walker suggests ICA, The Institute of Contemporary Art, as making contemporary art accessible and intellectually challenging. I couldn’t agree more, The ICA is one of Boston’s jewels with its amazing view of Boston Harbor, cafe, and easy parking, it is a delightful destination.

When asked how she thought galleries were faring in Boston, Walker responded, “While there have been come closing most were not closed for economic reason, it’s a situation of the time has come. A few gallery owners were ready to retire and others were ready for a change of focus. This freed several Boston art dealers to push away their boundaries and try a fresh, new approach to their business partnerships and to present new artists.

Clay Scot Artworks
I’ll be showing this September at Clay Scot Artworks, the show will open on
September 3, 2010 in Birmingham AL. Please accept my invitation to stop by and see me and /or the show as I will be at the opening.

Some of you might not know that I actually have Alabama roots, my family lives near Birmingham and I attended the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University. Ok, I actually graduated from the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing and I continue to faint at the sight of blood. Clearly, art is my calling.

A portion of my sales will benefit the very hard working organization, Triumph Services. I know first hand how valuable their work is and I want to support their good works. We would welcome your support as well.

In the mean time, give a shout to Darrell and get of preview of what I'll be showing in September.

Mary’s Teaching Schedule

July 17, 18 , 19 Asheville NC this class is full
Aug 2,3,4 Charleston SC, Redux Studios
Dec 9,10,11 Fairhope AL, Eastern Shore Art Center

Grace
My recent show in Atlanta at Kai Lin Art, GRACE, received a wonderful review:
Grace Review . It was a fantasticshow and I'm so honored to have shown with two other fine women, Anne Davnes-Elser and Sun Hong.

Lobbying in Raleigh, NC
While I’ve only been in Asheville for two years, I’ve certainly learned a whole bunch about creative economy. I am so happy to be in a state that understands the importance of its creative workers. You might be surprised, I was, to know that the creative industries in North Carolina contribute $41,000,000,000 to the state economy (yes, that’s billion with a B) and we are responsible for almost 300,000 jobs.

Now, let me clear here, $41 billion dollars to the NC economy, seems we are due a bailout similar to the one received by Ford and Goldman Sachs. Artists pay mortgages, employ many other workers and pay taxes on the income generated by art sales. We are mighty economic engines and hardworking small business folk.

Here's a link to a study done by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources on creative economy. Now you know just how important art is to you and to your community.

MerleFest 2010

MerleFest Blog

My first MerleFest 2010–one spectacular musical extravaganza: folk, roots, Americana, bluegrass, country, something for everyone. I have so many favorites, I think I’ll just post names and websites. You may decide on your own.

North Carolina, be proud as MerleFest surely represents.

These are the group I actually heard:
Balsam Range
This North Carolina based group brings bluegrass, gospel and country all infused with their beautiful harmonies.

Belleville Outfit
Belleville outfit combines inventive blend of Western Swing, jazz, country, and pop.

The Duhks
Lead Singer is simply awesome.

Rhonda Vincent and The Rage

Taj Mahal

Donna the Buffalo

The Waybacks

Cadillac Sky

The SteelDrivers
This is full throttle contemporary bluegrass, packed with various other elements of country, pop, and soul.

The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band

Joey + Rory
Funny and cheeky lyrics.

Dailey and Vincent


Dierks Bentley
Yes, the music is really good, yadda, yadda, yadda. It's just that Dierks is so darn cute.

Sam Bush

Little Feat

Red Molly

The Wilders

Greencards

Scythian
Rousing and raucous, Scythian plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a pair of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a jazz percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind; to get people on their feet and dancing. Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary Celtic and folk music to the alluring and dramatic strains of Gypsy and Eastern European tunes, and then crosses back over the border to pick up some good old-fashioned bluegrass licks.

Scythian’s perfomance in the Dance Tent resulted in a RAVE! It was something.

Doc Watson (with Richard Watson, Sam Bush, T. Michael Coleman, Mitch Greenhill, and Jeff Little) Doc Watson was presented an honorary doctorate degree from the Berklee School of Music at MerleFest and he played Elvis.

Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers

Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes
Elvis Costello

The Lee Boys and The Travelin’ McCoury’s
Playing together these two groups make one whoppin' big sound.

W. P. A.
WPA is about as close as you'll come to an Americana supergroup. Luke Bulla, Sean Watkins, Greg Liesz, Glen Phillips, and occasionally Benmont Tensch, Sara Watkins, and other guests. Superb musical skill with thoughtful, intuitive songwriting by Phillips and Sean Watkins.

The Avett Brothers


Midnight Jam with Zac Brown
Great songs have allowed Zac Brown Band to rise to the top of the country music world, but it is the amazing live performances and incredible instrumentals that set apart the six man band from the rest of Nashville.

Zac’s sense of humor is an important part of the music and he brought it to the Midnight Jam. I can’t tell you how much fun it was to hear various folk from various groups play and sing together. It was

Larkin Poe
Larkin Poe stared as the The Lovell Sisters, consisting of three sisters and three additional players. Fans of the sister band may be sad to see them go, it’s not as sad as it may seem at first. The oldest sister, Jessica, is attending college now and was recently engaged, leaving little time for traveling with the band. The two younger sisters however, Megan and Rebecca, will continue to perform as Larkin Poe.

Elvis Costello is such a fan he said, "These sisters stole the show, last year."

Grace

Grace Lush/Ethereal/Color
Opens March 19 at Kai Lin Art
800 Peachtree St, Atlanta GA

Grace

225ºF Encaustic Encounters

225ºF Encaustic Encounters, Boone, NC
(all photos: Troy Tuttle)

I have been writing for months about the 225ºF Encaustic Encounters show at the Turchin Center for Visual Arts located on the Appalachian State University campus; well it opened on Friday, November 6, 2009. The attendance, approximately 1700, astounded all artists present.
This show is quite stunning in the Turchin’s cathedral-like space. If you have not had the opportunity to see a large encaustic installation I urge you to make a trip to Boone, NC. You will be greatly rewarded by a jaw dropping show. The show will close on Feb 6, 2010.



Interview with Anna Parker-Barnett of Gallery Minerva, Asheville, NC
I sat down with Anna Parker-Barnett to seek her thoughts on Asheville and its art scene. Here’s what she had to say:

Farmer: “Anna, having recently made the move myself, I’m curious about how you decided to settle in Asheville?”

Parker-Barnett: “Our family made a decision to move to Asheville because it has a year round population, physical beauty and great schools. I was traveling to Los Cabos, Mexico from Hickory and felt we needed to settle into one place as our children neared high school age.”

Farmer: What? Los Cabos?
Parker-Barnett: “Yes, I had a furniture, rug, lamp, gallery and design business, The Baja Design Center, that served the Canadian and American market in that area. The Art gallery became the Parker Collection which I sold in 2004.”

“When we made the move to Asheville I decided to focus solely on fine art. In Asheville I have found the warmth, acceptance and support to flourish.” Parker-Barnett goes on to say, “Ashevillians embrace newcomers and have great regard for their regional artists.”

Of her early influences, Parker-Barnett reflects, “My childhood is steeped in the memories of my mother’s design flair; she was young and experimental. Life was like being inside a Steve St. Claire painting; she was very daring with her design sense."


Our discussion touched on some of economic considerations in the local art world we specifically talked about the ECONOMIC IMPACT of the PROFESSIONAL CRAFT INDUSTRY in WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA study. This study has revealed our craft industry as a significant economic engine with an estimated $207,000,000 annual economic impact. “While the economic impact of fine art has not been specifically studied we can surmise that the fine art impact, with so many more outlets, easily surpasses this $207 million figure.” Parker-Barnett further asserts, “So far none of the Asheville galleries have closed during the recent economic downturn.”

When asked what she sees in our arts future, Parker-Barnett passionately reveals her desire to see a visual arts center in Asheville. “Asheville has a sophisticated population who will support a visual arts center downtown. Plus, we have a significant pool of artists right here in WNC. Our artists are highly innovative and creative. The artists strive to be accessible--take the River Arts District and the Downtown Art Walk as examples. A visual arts center would bring more of the artists to downtown, they would then draw more visitors to the Asheville area.”

“We could start by integrating a city guide of galleries that highlights the three main gallery districts, Historic Downtown Asheville, River Arts District and Biltmore Village.”

Farmer: “Is Asheville on the right track?”
Parker-Barnett: “Asheville is moving along with good direction. We offer great variety to art lovers.”

Farmer: “What are your thoughts on running a successful gallery?”
Parker-Barnett: “It is sheer magic when you witness someone’s connection with a painting turn into a need. This keeps me motivated.”

Farmer: “What qualities do you admire or look for in an artist?”
Parker-Barnett: “Confidence without ego, comfort with what they say, professionalism and flexibility--being open to suggestion.”

Farmer: “I’ve been wondering, why the name Minerva?’
Parker-Barnett: “I wanted the gallery to stand on its own, I didn’t want it to be all about me and Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and the arts.”


Free Planet Radio, Jan 30, 2010
"World Music Supergroup" in concert at the Arts Center. Saturday January 30th, at 8:00 pm. Tickets $10 and available by phone (828)649-1301 or online at http://www.madisoncountyarts.com/mcac/

Free Planet Radio, based in Asheville, NC is becoming one of the most exciting partnerships in world music today. Their world-jazz-classical fusion is a trans-cultural canvas that is at times deeply reflective and at other times rhythmically mind-bending.

This ensemble is composed of River Guerguerian, Armenian-Egyptian born in Canada, an award-winning multi-percussionist / composer whose lyrical percussion style earned him a long-standing tenure with Turkish flutist virtuoso Omar Faruk Tekbilek; Eliot Wadopian, a two-time Grammy-award winner, proficient on string and electric basses, a 17 year member of the Paul Winter Consort. He’s also worked with Hal Galper, Glen Velez, and Eugene Friesen; Chris Rosser, an accomplished pianist, composer / producer, renown for his outstanding performances on a variety of indigenous stringed instruments. He studied under the master Ali Akbar Khan.