The Seventh Month

Mid- July. The second half of the year commences. Life has been busy, busy, busy lately! I participated in a show with a group of other Nashville artists; the show opened July 2nd at Blend and hangs through the end of the month. The exhibition, Combustion, featured work by Mandy Brown, Charles Clary, Amanda Dillingham, Jason Driskill, Derek Gibson, Hannah Maxwell Rowell, and myself.

Shearer

Dillingham

Dillingham

Rowell

Rowell

Driskill

Brown

Clary

Gibson

Pre-Opening Pics

My solo show of paintings opened on the evening of December 5th, to a chilly but successful reception. This show is particularly exciting to me because I was able to alter the gallery space a little and really create an environment specific to my work. Employing a technique I frequently use in my work, I painted the windows and then added paint "frames" to surround select pieces. The floor is painted a vibrant bubblegum pink to heighten and confirm the boldly feminine nature of my work. This show will hang until the end of December. Please visit it during Twist's open hours or contact me and I will happily arrange a viewing time.

Be There & Be Scantily Clad

YESSSSS! I never thought I'd get to use that as a blog post title! I feel it's very applicable, reasonable even, considering the occasion. The artists in residence at the Downtown Presbyterian Church (myself included) are happy hosts of an open studio tour on Saturday, July 11. from 6- 8:00 pm. This will also be the evening of July's Art Crawl, so you multitaskers should be happy about that. Oh, if you don't already know: the studios are NOT air conditioned! Hence, the comment about scant clothing!

This Is What's Next

It's the new window display at Rodney Mitchell's in Hillsboro Village. This one came together like a fun little puzzle. The portrait was already done (not by me), and suggested for use in this new set up. After a bit of pondering, I decided to paint baby pieces to make a substantial canvas family. In the spirit of Earth Day I incorporated my recycling -as well as some from my thoughtful friends- to make a tin can army on the window ledge. These tin cans are similar to an artist's jar of brushes, and since in this case the artists are hair stylists,instead of paintbrushes they are full of combs! It came together with a bright pop- arty feel to it- perfect for the sunny days we're about to have!

Two More Days!

It's getting close! Only 2 more days till the opening at Magpie, Etc. I'm thrilled to be working with a group of people such as these. Emily and Rhiannon, Magpie co-owners, are local artists who took a leap and opened their very own galler-udio in the 12th South neighborhood. Their dedication is much appreciated by the community and is gaining media attention; most recently they were featured in a podcast by the Tennessean (you'll need to click the second image down on the left)! Duncan is a SCAD graduate, a brilliant painter, and all- around- creative guy. Together we will join forces and take over the world! Or at the least to start with, we'll put on one stellar show on Saturday night.

Happy Easter To All My Peeps!

A very special announcement:

"Do I Really Need A Reason?"
Featuring artists Duncan McDaniel and Sarah Shearer

OPENING RECEPTION APRIL 18, SATURDAY, 6-9:00 PM
for the complete press release click here

Magpie,etc, a gallery of sorts
2227 10th Avenue South
Nashville,TN
615.429.5469
www.gallerymagpie.com

Opening Preview

This afternoon DPC hosted the opening preview for the annual D.I.G. (Dialogue:an Interaction for Growth) show. It marks the time which Lent is traditionally observed during, and the shows theme is "Embodiment". The theme has been interpreted by 30 artists, each in a distinct way. The grand opening for the show will be held March 7th from 6-9 :00 in conjunction with the First Saturday Art Gallery "Art Crawl" in downtown Nashville. If you're a first time "art crawler" click here for my suggestions. At the grand opening there will be a pot luck dinner, to which all are welcome, and the purchase prize will be announced at 7:00. Here is a little sampling of what awaits:
Julie Lee's triptych

Elizabeth Streight's mobile

Stained glass

Mixed media

Richard and Phillip Feaster's collaboration

Andee Rudloff's paintings on wood panels

The first wall of work, and possibly the most vibrant, too


This magical Dr. Seuss-ian cake will be gone by the time you get there Saturday, but come on anyway! Oh, and the D.I.G. show reaches beyond just visual art. Check out the poster (at the top of this post) for the film series and spoken word event!

Did I Mention?

"Polar Bear In A Chair" by L. Baisden

Did I mention I have a show Saturday evening? Yes, this Saturday, December 6th, from 6- 9 pm. It's an "art trunk show" of sorts, a one- night event featuring work by myself and my fantabulous cohort, Laura Baisden. The image above is one of Baiden's kick- ass prints. You're going to love her work; I'm sure of it. As for me, I'll have new work, AND affordably priced pieces with gifty-type potential. Together we invite you to come check it out; let us serve you tasty snacks and drinks, too! Very important detail: the shindig goes down at Fire Finch's downtown location (305 Church St, Nashville, TN 37201. The First Saturday Gallery Crawl will be happening that night in the very same district, so make a night of it!

Small Works

These tiny bits of loveliness will be available at my show Saturday evening for $99- each. They are 6" x 8" canvases full of vivid blooms, inspired by racks and racks of flowers I saw on an NYC street a little while ago.

Today, Monday.

I just moments ago returned from hanging art at Bongo Java on Belmont Blvd. Two new pieces are in the group of work! The show will run through the end of September; if you're in the hood, stop by for a delicious bev and artwork by yours truly.
In two days, Wednesday, Next Big Nashville festivities begin. So, so many talented musicians are featured; the show on Thursday at the Rutledge looks especially awesome. Yes, it's Eastern Block at the Rutledge on September 11. It's an 18 and up show, $10 at the door.

March Semi- Madness

We had snow- enough to sled on! I frolicked.

Your Itinerary

It's almost time for the First Saturday Downtown Art Event! Yipeee!!!
Here is my suggestion:
Start the evening off eating dinner with friends at Downtown Presbyterian's Art Luck Dinner (I have 3 pieces here).
Walk up Fifth to the Arcade and peruse the many sights.
Saunter over to Eighth (also Rosa Parks Blvd) for Estel's new exhibition.
Now down Broadway for some tourist watching and to the Take 121 gallery on Third.
Still wanting more? My illustrious employer, Susan, and April will be keeping the Downtown Fire Finch open until 8:30.
Or, directly across from Take 121, visit Past Perfect (a cozy bar spot). Channing Lee and Quinn Matthews will be performing at 9:00. They are great, and there is no cover at the door!

Oscar was in Nashville Last Night!

Beth Gilmore and I strike our best red carpet poses! I think I need to work on mine a little!!!

In case you've been living in a hole in the ground, the Oscar Awards were last night. Was it the most exciting awards ceremony ever? Mmmm... maybe not... but it was an exciting evening that I spent with friends at a fabulous party at the Belcourt Theater!!!
From the moment we walked in on the red carpet (complete with hysterical "paparazzi") to the screening of the show, to the tempting food and drinks, it was perfection! Details were not forgotten- we even received Oscar 2008 books, the same ones used at the live ceremony.
The event is an annual fundraiser for the historic Belcourt Theater; Nashville has quite a few unique gems and this is one of them. If you haven't been recently- get out there! The Belcourt is an independent theater that thrives on local support.

"Chill"axin' at the ultra - lounge, whatever an ultra -lounge is.

Untitled ( artist group) held a winter show at Layl'a Rul in Nashville last night. The show, titled "Chill", drew a pretty large crowd. Folks crowded in to admire the art, mingle, and warm up with a drink or four. participating in Untitled is a great way for local artists to get to know one another. If you're a newcomer to the scene it's the most un- intimidating way to get involved showing your art; each artist enters one piece, and it's a one night only show. Look into it!
Untitled Artist Group

The Best Little Theatre Ever

Last night was the opening reception for my show at the Public Theatre of Kentucky in Bowling Green. This little theatre in historic downtown used to be an auto body shop, but has been renovated over the past 30 years to host theatre, music, AND visual art events. Inside and out, you can tell alot of love has gone into this colorful building ( the bathroom is painted an amazing hot pink, ladies!!!).
Andee Rudloff has been involved with the theatre for years, and she is the one that invited me to show in the gallery space. Andee curates for the theatre, among many other places, and recently started working in the education department at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. While we (Jon & I ) were in Bowling Green last night, she gave us a tour of her fabulously renovated house that is right across from the theatre! True to her imaginative & wildly creative spirit, the renovations include: a loft bedroom, a spiral staircase, multi-colored tiling in a custom design, & ceiling windows in the living room. Yes, it IS awesome.
I'm thrilled to be showing with the Public Theatre of Kentucky; my work will hang through Dec 16th. The production, " The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", is running through December 16th as well. Check out their website for additional info: www.ptkbg.org.

Artrageous Snapshot

Here I am at Midtown Gallery with buddy Mary Alice and her sister Betsey (left to right). Behind us are some of Barbara's new pieces.