AT on Art

First Friday ROCKED!

2011-03-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Photo of me by Jesica Pearl

This week, I bring you a little Gonzo Journalism.

Last Friday, I attended the First Friday Gallery Walk with my good friend, and UNCG student, Jesica Pearl. She had never been to a First Friday.

The First Friday Gallery Walks are a monthly event in downtown Raleigh. All the art galleries are open late, and so are many of the restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops.

“I went with no expectations of First Friday because I had never been,” said Jesica. “I had never been to any of the galleries downtown, so I didn’t know what I was going to see. I loved it, though. There were lots of people and lots of amazing pieces of art.”

We began the evening at 9:00 p.m. with a tour of my workplace, Artspace. There was live music, free food and beverages, and a lively crowd. I showed Jesica my favorite studios, and introduced her to a few artists. She met artists Alison Overton, Gustavo de Los Rios, Tim Postel, and Anna Podris. I was pleasantly surprised to run into a Portuguese friend and his lovely fiancé. They were also enjoying First Friday, and they had driven all the way from Chapel Hill to do so.

Jesica Pearl and Gustavo de Los Rios

Our next stop was the Visual Art Exchange on Blake Street. It wasn’t as crowded as Artspace, so it was easy to admire the current show, which is called Emulus. Local artists created replicas of paintings by famous artists, and that is what made up the show. In their Exchange Gallery (which can be seen from the street outside), I found work by fiber artist, Emily Howard with whom I have volunteered for many years.

From VAE, we walked to Amplified Art, the new art gallery on Martin Street. There, I bought a locally stenciled David Bowie t-shirt, which totally made my night, as I am a HUGE Bowie fan. Amplified features a great selection of music-inspired t-shirts for only $10 each.

Me and my Bowie tee, photo by Jesica Pearl

I had promised Jesica that I would take her to the Cupcake Shoppe on Glenwood South, so we migrated to another popular First Friday destination.

“The Cupcake Shoppe was so cute,” said Jesica. “I would have liked to try several cupcakes, so I need to go back on another First Friday.”

Jesica and I sat at one of the little round tables and ate cupcakes. The Cupcake Shoppe should win an award for being the cutest establishment in town. It’s impossible to go in there and not feel girly and giggly as you enjoy their AMAZING creations.

Jesica Pearl enjoying a cupcake from The Cupcake Shoppe

The night ended at Café Helios where I ordered an iced Green Tea and Jesica a Latte. Even though it was around 11:00 p.m., Helios was full. We found a table by the door and enjoyed our drinks before going back to Knightdale to rest. After all, I did have to open Artspace to the public at 10:00 a.m. to next day.

Garrett Scales finishes his residency at Artspace

2011-02-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

Garrett Scales, photo by A.T. Galizes

I’m part of a rare breed of people that enjoys hanging out at its workplace even when not on the clock. But that might just be because I work at Artspace, the art gallery on E. Davie St. Last Thursday, Artspace held a special event in honor of Garrett Scales who spent the past six months there as the Regional Emerging Artist-in-Residence.

Scales is a self-taught artist who has spent the better part of the last decade dedicating himself to the art of stenciling. He has also taught classes at the Artspace Summer Arts Program and at the Artspace Outreach program.

During Thursday’s event, guests were invited to go to Artspace and take with them a dark t-shirt to have it stenciled by Scales. He demonstrated in front of a crowd of about twenty people just exactly how the process was done.

“Tonight was an experiment,” Scales said of the technique he used that evening. He used a solution of bleach and water to pull the dye from each t-shirt under his stencil design.

Scales stenciling a t-shirt
photo by A.T. Galizes

A young spectator asked where Scales got the images he used as references for his paintings to which Scales replied, “I get my images from Shutterstock.com. I use people, places, and animals… When I started stenciling, I used images of celebrities, but I didn’t want to get into trouble, so now I use stock images.”

Scales believes that in the future, he may begin taking photographs and using those images in his art. “I’m focusing on being good at what I’m doing, and photography is an art by itself. That’s the next step for me…to be able to say that I photographed the model,” said Scales.

Artspace Program Assistant, Nealy Andrews works closely with Scales both at the Artspace Summer Arts Program and at the Artspace Outreach program both of which are for children. “It’s interesting working with Garrett because the children relate to him really well,” said Andrews.

Scales has exhibited his work at various local galleries including Artspace and Visual Art Exchange and in Greensboro at the Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art.

Scales and the Artspace8's, photo by A.T. Galizes

Raleigh photographers share some tips

2011-02-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

As the digital age progressed, so did photography. In the early 2000s, photography became even more popular than it had been in previous decades because the transition from film to digital made cameras more affordable and easy to use. Of course, film cameras did not go the way of the dinosaurs. They are still alive and well.

There are many types of photography such as Commercial, Photojournalism, Fine Art, Landscape, Forensic, Architectural, Travel, etc. I decided to ask two Raleigh-based photographers about how one can become involved with this type of media.

Photographer, Alison Overton says that to get into Fine Art photography, a person needs a Holga or other low-tech camera, black and white film, access to a darkroom, darkroom lessons and instruction on composition and content.

Contributed by Alison Overton
THE IDEAL, BLENHEIM, ENGLAND
transparent oil paint over silver gelatin print
10" x 10" image size; 20" x 16" framed

When asked about how she became interested in photography, Alison said “I saw the works of Arbus, Cartier Bresson and Stieglitz in books. Then, my parents bought me a Nikkormat when I was a freshman at NCSU, so I took a photo class there.”

Alison has been photographing for over thirty years and keeps a permanent studio at Artspace in downtown Raleigh. She makes her prints in her darkroom, which is located in the basement of her home. There, in the glow of a safelight, Alison mixes her chemicals, rinses her fresh prints, and creates beautiful works of art to be displayed and sold at her studio.

Photographer, Chris Florio specializes in Wedding and Fashion photography here in the Triangle. “I got a computer science undergrad degree, and did a lot of freelance web design in the late 90's,” said Florio. “I needed good photos for the web pages and decided I could learn the photography myself.”

Chris Florio took this photo of
my best friend and me in 2009

When asked about what a person should do if he or she wanted to become a professional commercial photographer in the Triangle, Florio said “I would suggest becoming a second shooter for an established photographer and otherwise assist with lighting and/or post processing for established photographers.” Florio explained that there are many photographers that are in need of assistants and second shooters. He also said that there is an average of 8,000 weddings that occur in the Triangle area each year.

Raleigh photographers benefit from having stores such as Peace Camera, Southeastern Camera, and Wolf Camera all in close proximity. There are also photography classes in several locations around the Triangle.

Raleigh's Favorite Art Supply Store

2011-02-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

Jerry’s Artarama is an art supply store that has been serving the Raleigh area for about ten years. They feature art supplies, frames, custom framing, canvas stretching and artist workshops. Jerry’s Artarama has fifteen locations in the United States.

Photo contributed by Jerry's Artarama, Raleigh

When I was younger, there were evenings when my parents and I would go out to dinner, and if we ate near Jerry’s, I would always get to go in and buy a new sketchbook or pastels or other art tools. In high school, I always took my own art supplies to school, and of course, Jerry’s was (and is) my preferred art supply store. That’s why I’m highlighting them this week. Going to Jerry’s has always been a treat to me because there is nothing more awe inspiring to someone who loves to make art than a warehouse full of art supplies.

“Artists choose Jerry's Artarama over other art supply stores not only for our low prices on quality products but for the effort that we pour into our community,” said Jerry’s Artarama supply purchaser, Allison Nolde. “We sponsor auctions for charity, and provide a local source of bulk art supplies to local business, universities and schools. We also sponsor local art events.”

“When I walked into Jerry's for the first time three years ago, I felt like a little kid in a candy store,” said Meredith College art student, Alissa Pollack. “At the time, I didn't know how to use half of the stuff that my young artist eyes could see, but I felt at home amongst the wide variety of art supplies. Jerry's has become my go-to place ever since. They have almost everything that you could need, the prices are reasonable and the people there are extremely helpful.”

Jerry’s not only provides a good atmosphere for shoppers but for its staff as well.

“I enjoy working for Jerry's Artarama mostly because it has given me a chance to be a part of our art community in a different way,” said Nolde. “I have a chance to get to know our customers and their experiences in art.”

For more information about Jerry’s Artarama and their products, please visit their website.

Sertoma Arts Center Offers Wide Array of Classes

2011-02-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sadly, I had sort of forgotten about a wonderful place called Sertoma Arts Center. Sertoma Arts Center is a community center located in Shelley Park. When I was in elementary school, I took art classes at Sertoma and often accompanied my parents while they attended monthly meetings with The Triangle Bonsai Society there. Over the years as I began taking more and more art classes and volunteering at Artspace, I veered away from Sertoma. Until now.

As I perused through their class list, I discovered that they not only offer digital photography classes but also darkroom photography classes. Those would be the classes at Sertoma I would most likely attend. However, their class listings from January through April include Jewelry-making, Mixed Media, Painting, Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, and an array of other classes in many different subjects.

“We offer everything for all ages,” said Jill Brown, director of Sertoma Arts Center. “We also have many organizations who hold their meetings here such as the writing club.”

“I spent a lot of time at the Sertoma Arts Center as a child,” said Peace College senior Lana Kubicki. “I grew up close by, and my mom took me to play on the playground several times a week. I also took a cooking class there.”

“We try to keep classes as affordable as possible,” said Brown. Class prices range from $25 to about $105. Certain rooms in the community center may also be rented for special events and meetings.

As previously stated, Sertoma Arts Center in located at Shelley Park surrounded by Shelley Lake. There is a two-mile track around the lake where one can spot people jogging and walking any day of the week. For young children, there is a large playground abundant in swings and slides. There are also pedal boats, a basketball court, and a plethora of picnic tables.

“To this day, I enjoy walking at Shelley Lake with my puppy or my fiancé,” said Kubicki. “That park has been around my whole life, and it will always be my favorite.”

For more information about Sertoma Arts Center please visit their website to learn more about classes and volunteering.

City Market: New Works and New Galleries

2011-01-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

Photo by A.T. Galizes

The first Friday of the month is almost upon us. But what does that mean? If you don’t live downtown, the words “First” and “Friday” together in the same sentence may not ring any bells, but I assure you, it is an event not to be missed. So, for those who don’t know, the First Friday Gallery Walk is a monthly event in downtown Raleigh that incorporates the art, music and dining scenes. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance describes it as “one of Raleigh’s most popular evening escapades.”

Almost every art gallery is open late on First Fridays, and there are plenty of opportunities to see live music performances, but for the February FF, I’ll focus on the City Market area, which includes Davie, Blake, Martin, Person, and Blount streets.

There is a new art gallery on E. Martin Street. It’s called Amplified Art. This gallery focuses on music themed art and live music. Check them out on First Friday for art, live music, and refreshments for those over 21. "By dealing exclusively in music inspired art, we offer a refreshing change to your normal First Friday experience,” said Amplified Art’s owner Ryan Miller. “That and live music and free beverages are always good."

The Benelux Café on Blake Street will also be featuring visual art and staying open late. “I'll be featuring three different local artists on my walls,” said Benelux’s owner Steven Halaszi. “There will also be some live music. After First Friday ends at 10pm, there will be a poetry slam until midnight.” Halaszi also says “The City Market is the best spot in downtown Raleigh for First Fridays. It's a heavily concentrated area of art.”

On this First Friday, The Visual Art Exchange (VAE), also on Blake Street, will feature the Small Works show. The show consists of artwork that does not exceed eight inches in any dimension. The reception is happening from 6:00-9:00pm.

As it is on every First Friday, Artspace on E. Davie Street will be open until 10:00 pm. Artspace’s lobby will feature work by Garrett Scales. Where the Wyld Things Are is a body of work Scales created during the six months he spent at Artspace as the Regional Emerging Artist-in-Residence. Artspace will also feature a free preview of Doug Varone & Dancers. They will present a ten-minute preview at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm. Katie Gunter from Artspace says “First Friday is a good time to visit downtown to see the galleries, meet the artists and enjoy time with friends.”

Call For Artists

2011-01-21T15:20:00.001-08:00

“There are many organizations throughout the state, including the local and state arts council, available to coach young artists through the early stages of their careers,” said Lia Newman, Director of Programs and Exhibitions at Artspace. “In particular, there are several opportunities for emerging artists. One of our favorite programs is the Regional Emerging Artist Residency, providing two deserving artists per year with free studio space for six months. The opportunity offers young artists time and space to make art as well as the chance to expose the community to their work, while learning more about the business side of being an artist."

Here are a few other opportunities to submit your work for potential exhibition. In the Triangle, there is no lack of opportunity to have your work exhibited. I will continue to post “Call for Artists” opportunities as I find them.

Call for Artists:

The Royal Bean Coffee House on Hillsborough St. is looking for artists (solo or 2 or 3 person show) who would like to exhibit 2-dimensional work.

The Chapel Hill Public Arts Office invites artists to apply for the 2011-12 juried exhibitions series to be exhibited in the Chapel Hill Town Hall and other town cultural facilities beginning May, 2011.

The Durham Arts Council’s annual call for exhibitions in their Allenton and Semans Galleries has begun. Only 2-dimensional work considered.

Lays and Doritos are sponsoring an art contest in honor of black History month to recognize artists in various communities. Entries due between Jan. 17 and Feb 28. Grand Prize is $5000 and a gallery show of winner’s art in your hometown.

Visual Art Exchange: Small Works, February 4-24, 2011 First Friday Reception: February 4, 6-9pm All art must be 8x8x8 inches or less. There is no theme or media restriction. All work must be wired for hanging (if 2D).  Non-juried. One entry per artist.

Life Drawing

2011-01-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Tuesday, so go down to Artspace and participate in Life Drawing at 7:30 pm. $8/ $7 for students and members.

AT on Art

2011-01-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

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