Doing Hard Time

First, I need to assert that if you have not been to the Frist lately, you are missing out. The Paint Made Flesh exhibit is phenemonal. Sure, maybe as a figurative painter I 'm a little biased, but whatev. It's GREAT. Apparently it's great enough that one non- local blogger feels it cannot possibly be fully appreciated in Nashville and laments the works "doing hard time" here; if you feel like laughing reading her cliche post. Second, there is another moving exhibit to see at the Frist titled "Seeing Ourselves:Photographs of Safe Haven". It is curated by Andee Rudloff and depicts the results of the Frist's outreach experience with the family shelter, Safe Haven. Channel Five recently did a segment on it, click here to see.I hope you get a chance to see these; they're very inspiring.

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!

Animated Living

L -> R :Stacey, Noah, Jon, Rita, Landry, Emily, Me, Andee

My inspiring friend Andee Rudloff has a show with her equally inspiring mother, Rita Rudloff, this month in Bowling Green, KY. These two have art filling the Gallery at 916 .
Jon and I went to the reception on July 25th and then celebrated with an after- party at Rita's house. I've always been so amazed at how creative and just full of life Andee is, and now I know where she gets it! Rita was the life of the party; she has recently beaten cancer, and just seems ready to jump into anything. She was even up for teaching us some hard- core water aerobics move in her salt water pool! Congrats and thanks to Andee and Rita for being such a positive force.

They've Got It Goin' On

magpie etc., a gallery of sorts celebrates its grand opening with a public reception Sunday, June 29, 4–9 p.m. The reception will feature music by k.s. Rhoads and The Smoking Flowers; artwork by The Lost Boys of Sudan, Miranda Crump, Brandon Gnetz, e.f. harper, Andee Rudloff and the Twisted Sisters; and custom clothing and accessories by magpie apparel. Located in the 12 South neighborhood, at 2227 10th Avenue South, magpie etc. is a creative addition to this thriving artistic community.

Created by 12 South residents, designer Rhiannon Guillet and artist Emily Harper, magpie etc. was conceived as a warm and welcoming gallery space for fellow artists, musicians and performers to share their talents. The gallery will present art openings for local and regional artists, trunk shows, live music performances and workshops. Open to the public each Saturday, and other days by appointment, visitors can find a variety of unique, handcrafted items.

"Rhiannon and I have always shared a similar vision which is what makes us such a great team," says Emily Harper. "Part of that vision has been to have the opportunity to offer an outlet for all the many talents who inspire our own lives."

Guillet and Harper have collaborated for more than five years on various projects, including their custom clothing and accessories line, magpie apparel. Plucking vintage clothing from flea markets and thrift stores, Guillet designs one-of-kind garments, while Harper creates jewelry from carefully selected remnants such as buttons, coins and guitar strings. The new gallery is a natural extension of these efforts.

magpie etc.'s quaint 10th Avenue South location—a one-time neighborhood market with a bubblegum pink-painted brick façade—evokes the charm of the gallery housed within.

"Emily and I have had the joy of watching 12 South grow into a cozy, creative community over the last three years that we have lived in the neighborhood," says Guillet. "We are excited about contributing to the already thriving creative energy."

In September 2008, magpie etc. will feature bronze sculptures by Donnie Firkins.

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.