The Battleship is pleased to host the Battleship Arts Fest, Saturday, July 10, 2010 in Battleship Park from 10am to 2pm.   Arts Fest features creations for sale by local artists working in ceramics, metal, wood, and other media.  The DREAMS Center for Arts Education, whose focus is offering free-of-charge arts programming to youth, will have young artists selling their work, face painting by donation, entertaining the crowd with African drumming, and offering bottled water and baked goods for sale.

The “Second Saturdays” program was created by the Department of Cultural Resources to provide fun things to do for families on a budget.  This event also gives North Carolina artists the ability to showcase their talents.  This event is free at the park and open to the public with ample free parking available but does not include the tour of the ship.

On August 14th the Battleship will also host the Blue and Gray Navies which will conclude the “Second Saturdays” program.  At this event displays of ship construction and navigation will be available for viewing.  Visitors will be able to view reproductions of period small arms and working models of steam engines amongst many other things.  Guild members will discuss the history of naval and military technology and will be available for questions. The final event is free with admission.

Located at the junction of Highways 17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River.   Visit www.battleshipnc.com, call 910-251-5797 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

DUAL/FOCUS features the works of artists Jason Arthurs, Gabriella Corter, Mary Shannon Johnstone, Judy Jones, Mary Kay Kennedy, Julie Niskanen, Alison Overton, Kristianne Ripple, and Susan Soper. Digital fiber art by Tricia McKellar will be on display in cases. Rachel Berry and Sarah Powers will curate the exhibition.

An opening day reception for DUAL/FOCUS, featuring music by Starmount, will be held Thursday, Feb. 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Block Art Gallery.

“La Mia Sorella,” by Mary Shannon Johnstone whose work will appear in the DUAL/FOCUS art exhibition

Blurring the lines between tradition and innovation, artists featured in DUAL/FOCUS explore the roots of photography and printmaking in both technology and fine art. Photographs in the exhibition span from dreamlike and other-worldly to those that appear to be taken right out of daily life.

For example, Mr. Arthurs utilizes his background in documentary work to aid him in his more current pursuits of experimenting with modern digital photography. In contrast, Ms. Corter creates surreal photographic images without digital alterations, forcing viewers to question what exactly it is that they are seeing.  Ms. Johnstone’s images examine the curious feeling of being both adrift and stationary, a sensation inspired by a visit to the North Carolina coast, while the split between reality and apparent reality is broached in Ms. Kennedy’s photographs. Dreamlike landscapes and images infused with history are created with Ms. Overton’s mixing of older manual film cameras and oil painting techniques.

The printmakers of DUAL/FOCUS, provide a diverse body of works as well, tackling topics ranging from nature to charts and formulas to the idea of solitude.  “The Cruciferae,” a four-petaled flower, is repeated throughout Ms. Jones’ printmaking, serving as a personal icon. Ms. Niskanen brings to life often overlooked images and forms of the natural world. Inspired by a 1950s’ science encyclopedia and its varied charts and formulas, Ms. Ripple contemplates the idea of physical and mental journeys.  With hand-pulled lithographic prints, Ms. Soper looks at isolated individuals and their internal thoughts.

Ms. Berry, co-curator for DUAL/FOCUS has coordinated more than 60 exhibitions as the director of Programs and Exhibitions at Visual Art Exchange.  Recent curatorial work includes the North Carolina graffiti and street artists based exhibition, “Window-Down: Beyond Street Art,” and the media based artwork of Michael Fels, Dana Raymond, Sally Van Gorder, William Booth Taylor, and Ronald Lambert in the exhibition “eNTER aCTION.” Ms. Berry holds a degree in art history from Davidson College.

The other co-curator of DUAL/FOCUS Ms. Powers, has overseen the coordination and installation of more than 350 exhibitions during the past nine years. Selected curatorial work includes highlighting the permanent collection of the Providence Art Club with the exhibition “Craft from the Collection” and exposing the work of underground emerging artists in Providence, R.I., with the exhibition “Artistos Anonimos.” In addition to her exhibition work, Ms. Powers is represented by The Mahler Fine Art gallery. Ms. Powers received a bachelor of fine arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design. She is currently the executive director of Visual Art Exchange.

About the Miriam Preston Block Art Gallery
Connecting local artists to community through ongoing exhibitions and public outreach, the Miriam Preston Block Art Gallery is located on the first and second floors of the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex.  The gallery is managed by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, and was dedicated in 2006 to honor Miriam Preston Block, a former Raleigh City Council member and community leader. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., except holidays.

Established in 1977 as the official advisory body and advocate for the arts to the Raleigh City Council, the City Raleigh Arts Commission holds the distinction of being the first municipal arts commission created in North Carolina. Serving as the leading force to champion the arts with Raleigh citizens and their representatives, the Arts Commission’s myriad activities foster, support, and promote the arts in the Capital City.

For more information, contact the Arts Commission office at 996-3610 or email Hannah Costner, gallery coordinator, at hannah.costner[at]ci.raleigh.nc.us.

www.raleighnc.gov/arts

January 9 – March 2, 2010

Debuting at the Kinston Arts Center in North Carolina during January 2009, this collaborative exhibition of designs for contemporary bookplates is a stunning example of the range of styles and techniques being used today in the graphic arts; including photography drawing, and etching.

Included in the exhibit are works by: Angelo Rizzell, Vittorio Manno , Charles Philip Brooks, Niki Litts, Sarah Faris, Sterling Hundley, Nicole Gomez, Jorge Benitez, Megan Foldenauer, Matthew Collins, Julie Tillman, Allison Overton, Melinda Fine, Evan Farrow, Tim Phelps, and Monica Ae.

This exhibition will be on view January 9 – March 2, 2010. There will be a free opening reception at the arts center on January 28, 2010.

For additional information on this exhibition, please contact Charles Philip Brooks at Tel. (919) 417-1356 or Nancy Gilmore, Director of Education and Exhibits, Tel. (252) 527-2517.  To learn more visit www.KinstonCCA.com

Ornaments by Lisa Oakley

The Show provides the public the opportunity to see and purchase a diverse selection of jury-selected, one-of-a-kind fine crafts. Fine crafts displayed at this year’s Show will include pottery, clay, sculpture, wearable fiber, blown glass, jewelry, metal work, wood work, furniture, photography, printmaking and mixed media. There will be something for every taste and budget at the 40th Annual Show

Michele Alexander

Exposition Center
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
1025 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, North Carolina

Friday, Nov. 27, 6pm-9pm
Saturday, Nov. 28, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Nov. 29, 11am-5pm

$7 Daily Admission
Children under 12 Free

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

http://www.carolinadesignercraftsmen.com/
http://www.facebook.com/carolinadesignercraftsmen

“Vesica Piscis,” artwork by Richard Garrison.

“Retrospective 25,” an art exhibition sponsored by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, will be on display Oct. 1 through Nov. 16 in the Miriam Preston Block Art Gallery at the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex, 222 W. Hargett St.  “Retrospective 25” is a special exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Municipal Building Art Exhibition program.

The exhibition will showcase work from 25 artists who have exhibited throughout the years, providing a snapshot into the history of the Block Art Gallery and overall development of the visual arts scene in Raleigh.  Paintings on view will include the work of deceased artists — including George Bireline, Joe Cox, and Claude Howell — as well as recent work by living artists such as Marty Baird, Luke Miller Buchanan, and Joyce Watkins King. The artwork spans painting, fibers, ceramics, photography and mixed-media.

The opening-day reception for “Retrospective 25” will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Block Art Gallery. Mayor Charles Meeker will cut the anniversary cake at 6 p.m.

The reception will also feature a screening of Sally Van Gorder’s video, “Sift,” on the second floor of the Upchurch Government Complex. “Sift” documents young women in Doha, Qatar, juxtaposing their stories as they describe their experiences with still and moving images of the desert, sea, and urban landscape of Doha.

“Retrospective 25” presents the work of the following artists:  Marty Baird, George Bireline, Tina Bromberg, Luke Miller Buchanan, Joe Cox, Jason Craighead, Richard Garrison, Ann Harwell, Claude Howell, Herb Jackson, Mary Shannon Johnstone, Joyce Watkins King, Philip Lopez, Gayle Stott Lowry, Kathleen Rieder, Thomas Sayre, Brian Shawcroft, Nona Short, David Simonton, Tom Spleth, Georgia Springer, Wayne Taylor, Anthony Ulinski, Doug Van de Zande, and Sally Van Gorder.

The Block Gallery, founded in 1984 as the Municipal Building Art Exhibitions, has showcased the work of more than 150 local artists throughout its history. Connecting local artists to community through ongoing exhibitions and public outreach, the Miriam Preston Block Art Gallery is located on the first and second floors of the Upchurch Government Complex. The gallery is managed by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, and was dedicated in 2006 to honor Miriam Preston Block, a former Raleigh City Council member and community leader. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. except on holidays.

Established in 1977 as the official advisory body and advocate for the arts to the Raleigh City Council, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission proudly holds the distinction of being the first municipal arts commission created in North Carolina. Serving as the leading force to champion the arts with Raleigh citizens and their representatives, the Commission’s myriad activities foster, support, and promote the arts in the Capital City.

For more information, contact the Arts Commission office at 996-3610 or email Sarah Blackmon, gallery coordinator, at sarah.blackmon@ci.raleigh.nc.us.

Ann Harwell Messier

ARTS COMMISSION CELEBRATES 25 YEARS SUPPORTING LOCAL ART AT THE BLOCK ART GALLERY

Over the past 25 years, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission has provided ongoing exhibition opportunities for more than 150 local artists, and helped create a lively downtown arts-friendly environment.  In celebration of this achievement, the Arts Commission is sponsoring “Retrospective 25,” which will be on display Oct. 1 through Nov. 6 in the Miriam Preston Block Art Gallery at the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex, 222 W. Hargett St.

The exhibition showcases work from 25 artists who have exhibited throughout the years, providing a snapshot into the history of the gallery and development of the art scene in Raleigh.  Paintings on view will include the work of late artists like George Bireline, Joe Cox, and Claude Howell, as well as recent work by current artists such as Marty Baird, Luke Miller Buchanan, and Joyce Watkins King. The artworks span painting, fibers, ceramics, photography and mixed-media.

“The Block Gallery is a wonderful resource for artists, students, and the wider Raleigh community,” said Georgia Springer, whose work is included in Retrospective 25. Ms. Springer is one of the original exhibiting artists at the Block Gallery, formerly known as MBAE (Municipal Building Art Exhibitions).

“We are fortunate to have a City-sponsored gallery of such consistently strong quality over the past 25 years,” Ms. Springer added. “In showing work of talented emerging artists as well as well recognized artists, the gallery has supported the growth of our vibrant visual arts scene.  In addition, it has helped stimulate, delight and educate the interested public as well as those simply using the municipal building for daily activities such as attending City Council meetings or securing City permits.”

The Wake Forest Area Artists’ Studio Tour invites the public into the homes and working studios of thirty professional artists on September 12-13 and September 19-20, 2009. All studios are located within an approximate 7-mile radius of downtown Wake Forest and will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. This is a great opportunity to get an early start to creative, unique holiday shopping, see the artists in their working environment and learn how a passion for the arts can become a lifetime career.

Our central location, the Powers-Ludas House (112 N. Ave in Wake Forest) will be open as part of Wake Forest’s Art After Hours on Friday, September 11,  6 – 9 p.m. The public is invited to come view samples of each artists’ work and plan their routes for the weekend.

The Wake Forest Area Artists’ Studio Tour began in 1995 and has grown every year since.

For a complete list of artists, bios, maps and more, visit www.ArtistsStudioTour.com.

Opening Reception: FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 6 – 10 p.m.

Mark Hosford, "A Boy and His Egg", silkscreen

Rebus Works is please to present “Outlaws and Wild Animals: Prints from Across the U.S.A.“  The exhibition opens on Friday, June 5 with a First Friday reception from 6 – 10 p.m., and continues through July 25.  Bill Fick will deliver a lecture to close the exhibition, at 4:30 p.m. on July 25.

Curated by Chapel Hill artist Bill Fick, “Outlaws and Wild Animals” features prints by nine artists that specialize in narrative graphic art with a visual punch. Techniques used in this show range from black and white woodcuts to colorful screen prints.  Fick presents a wide spectrum of work, diverse in technique and subject matter. One notable point of this spectrum is the feminist-with-a-sense-of-humor prints by Jenny Schmidt (which she described as connected to contemporary comics, but loaded with social commentary and rooted in historical printmaking).  Another are the intensely detailed (and often dark) woodblock prints by Dennis McNett (which feature wolves, leopards, and crows).  Along with illustrious points in between, the soft-but-powerful work of Lisa Bulawsky, (who describes herself as interested in the populist tradition in printmaking, the multiple and its democratic potential) rounds out the group.

The curator (and participating artist) Bill Fick is currently a Assistant Professor at Duke University, as well as director of Cockeyed Press (which specializes in the production of linocuts and books. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Fick has exhibited nationally, including solo exhibitions at SECCA in Winston-Salem, Show World in NY, and the Gatewood Art Center Gallery, and was a 1995 recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship.  He has held numerous teaching posts, including at Cranbrook Academy of Art, Pratt Institute, the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill and Greensboro), and Penland School of Crafts.

Lisa Bulawsky lives in St. Louis, MO and heads the printmaking department at Washington University.

Mark Hosford from Nashville, TN is the director of Sugarboy Prss and teaches at Vanderbilt University.

Dennis McNett is the director of Howling Print Studio in Brooklyn, NY. He teaches at Pratt Instititue, where he received an M.F.A. in printmaking.

Ryan O’Malley teaches at Davidson College and creates super-graphic print installations. He holds an M.F.A from Lousiana State University.

Paul Roden and Valerie Lueth are the creative forces behind Tugboat Printshop in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jenny Schmid is the director of Bikini Press International, Minneapolis, MN, and a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota.

Sean Starwars lives a small town in Mississippi.  He received an M.F.A. from Lousiana State Unversity and a graphic design certificate from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Rebus Works is open on First Fridays from 6-10, Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 – 4 p.m.

REBUS WORKS • 301-2 Kinsey Street • Raleigh, NC • 919.754.8452 • www.rebusworks.us