I (Heart) Downtown Participants! Thank you!

list.cwk (WP)

Here is a complete listing to date of all participating artists and venues. Please be sure to stop by and take a peek in the windows, chat with the store owners, inquire about our little towns. We are excited to see you. And don't forget to visit me and fellow artist/friend Will Houlihan at booth #49 at the fabulous Virtu Art Festival in Wilcox Park. We will be doing a live collaborative painting!

I am so grateful for all of the help that I have gotten specifically from all of my friends and colleagues at Above Elite Studios: Laura Gaffke for her never ending optimism and the ability to say just the right things, Joy Neerkaje for her laughter and truisms that make me smile, Charles Estabrooks for digging out all of his display equipment and supplying me with an artist tent when the one that I had died on me and Susan Stone for driving all the way from Florida to participate, have a drink and encourage me with her savvy advice and career anecdotes! Not to mention the Artists at The Riverside (Ian Newbury, Fran Knapp & Marie Laudini for letting me take over the entire studio) and all of the Riverside Merchants for their willingness to put up with me and to just let me dive right in! Thanks TLC Boutique and The Bean Counter!!!

Last but not least I have been continually surprised by the reception of the business owners in Westerly. They have been persistent despite miscommunication, snafus, and the general chaos that comes with putting together a new event. I hope that all that we have learned this year will make the event even better in future years.

Special things happen because of the special people that are involved...

I live and work in a little area nestled between two states which straddle a meandering river emptying out into Long Island Sound. The little beach towns of Pawcatuck, CT and Westerly, RI are forever united like conjoined twins sharing a heart. At the heart of these towns are its people and their willingness to embrace the life offered and keep their town(s) alive. Both towns boast active businesses, cafes, restaurants, retail stores, and lots and lots of artists studios!!! How exciting it is to have such a strong community of creative people in one little area. Even better is the willingness of the downtown businesses and building owners to support the artist community by participating in monthly art strolls (every 1st Wednesdays of the Month) and hosting events like the Virtu Art Festival every Memorial Day weekend.

Well, you are now officially invited to participate in or witness what I believe to be a truly special event. The "I (Heart) Downtown" Art Exhibition will transform the storefronts of downtown Westerly and Pawcatuck into a gallery showcasing a collection of local artwork from May 27th-May 31st! How thrilling it has been to hear a resounding YES when I approached both the artists and the business owners with this idea. There was hardly ever a no said and instead my questions were followed by enthusiastic offers. Thanks to all of those who have said YES to this unique opportunity. Here is a list of all of the participating artists and businesses to date. I will post a complete listing after we hang the show on May 27th. So be sure to come into town on Memorial Day weekend and grab a coffee or tea or even ice cream and take a stroll down Railroad Avenue, Canal Street, High Street, Broad Street and into Pawcatuck. Look in the windows, walk in the stores and see for yourself all that we have to offer!!!

When: May 27th, registration & hanging

displaying through May 31st

Where: Downtown Westerly, RI & Pawcatuck, CT

Artists: Will Houlihan, Millie Donovan, Ian Newbury, Fran Knapp, Marie Laudini, Jen Pescatella, The Red Couch Studio, Jackie O'Dea, Julianne Eanniello, Carey Williams, Laurie MacKenzie & her students, Laura Gaffke, Joyita Neerkaje, Lisa Szaro, Susan Stone, Dennis Sirrine, Denny Rivera, Heather Caulkins, Judy Silver, John Malenda, Diana Sartor, Dave Madden, Doraine Van Lew, Sandi Gold, Kathy Johnson, Cathy Johansen, Sherrie Parenteau, Kathy Johnson, Lacy Martin...

Businesses: Perks & Corks, Eagle's Nest Gallery, Nature's Wisdom, Carrie's Shoes, L'Interieur, Town & Shore Realty, Van Ghent, Classic Framers, TLC Boutique, The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery, The Bean Counter, Candy Galore, Nigrelli Jewelry, Bea Smiths, Seaport Downtown, Herbwise, Laurie's Art Center, The Westerly Land Trust, Expertise Styling Salon, Beauty Hut, Melissa Ashley Brides, The Children's Market, Bella Vita Salon, Get Fired Up, Artists' Coop Gallery of Westerly, Better Body Works...

Special Thanks to: The Westerly/Pawcatuck Downtown Business Association and its members, WBLQ 1230 A.M., The New London Day and The Westerly Sun news publications for throwing their hat in and helping the DBA promote this effort!!!!

Be sure to come visit me in the park where I will be participating with fellow artist and friend, Will Houlihan, in the Virtu Art Festival, booth #36 (on the right side of the Library across from the town hall). Will and I have something special planned.

Here is a brief video promo/invitation. Be sure to share this with your friends and give props to Sconvideo Steve for his brilliant work!

The Brainy & Bubbly Kathleen Neal– Altered Book Artist and a Hell of a Girl

Creating art has always been a necessity and not a luxury for me. I have always needed to set aside time to write, draw, paint, collage…time to take what I observe and experience and feel, and make manifest a finished product. Delving into the world of the altered book (with the wonderful and unflagging guidance and encouragement of Laura!) has allowed me to combine so many techniques into one object. I once heard that artwork is never finished but abandoned. I find that so true with the altered book…there is always another layer to add, another technique to try. This particular book, still in progress, has specifically helped me to develop personal definitions of colors and particular images...can you decipher what they are?

–Kathleen Neal

(You'll have to stop by and see Kathleen's book for yourself during the Opening Reception this Friday, May 21st starting at 5:00 to decipher the images she has been inspired by.)

The Divine D'Arcy Hollis–Altered Book Artist & One Cool Lady!

My Name is D'Arcy Hollis. I grew up surrounded by art in it's many forms. My Great Aunt was an artist in the Toronto area, and won numerous Canadian awards, my mother and father are both quite talented, though they never had the time to pursue their passions. Although I always had an urge to try my hand at painting, I never did....I was afraid of failing, being compared to others in the family, and well...showing how little talent I actually possess.

Times change. Over the past few years a number of life-changing events have pushed my little boat onto a different course. One of the things I've realized is that life IS really too short...and if not now....WHEN? SO, I've taken the leap and am free falling into the world of art. I've decided I really don't care what others think of my work. It truly makes me happy (and even laugh right out loud at times), and that is all that matters. I did not realize before that most artists are not BORN with a super natural talent! Most have talent, but they need to learn techniques, and practice, practice, practice - as well as be willing to simply try!

This is my first book, and it has opened up a whole world to me! I will never look at anything the same way again!! I am constantly examining everything to see if it could have a use in "my book". Trash goes through the third degree before being put in the bin, magazines are scrutinized and torn apart, 5 min. walks now take 25! I "see" so much more. Patterns, textures, colors jump out at me from seemingly the most mundane objects.

I love nature and animals. The beauty, simplicity and non-judgement fills my heart with love. Watching my puppy roll around on her back on the front lawn, legs in the air, wiggling and growling, and yes....smiling, is probably one of the most cathartic experiences in my life. No pretense, just pure bliss. This is what this book has brought to me. I lose the judgement and just experience the silliness!

I hope you enjoy my book as much as I've enjoyed creating it.


D'Arcy

The Precocious Kathy Johnson– Altered Book Artist with a Surprising Kick

So one of my favorite people (actually they are all my favs) is Kathy Johnson. Kathy is a statuesque woman who stands tall and graceful. Her demeanor is quiet and she usually sits back and observes. I like to think that she is enjoying the show and letting inspiration come to her. Her voice screams when she presents her work. She is a collage artist with the amazing ability of using threads, fabric, handmade paper, natural elements, touches of sparkle and even zippers in her tiny canvas. I was immediately drawn to her pieces and indulged in one called "Spring" which now graces my workspace at home. It was enough for me to hear her through her work and now I have the privilege of having her as a friend and fellow artist. Here are a few, concise words from our Kathy. We are grateful to have her among us during the upcoming exhibition of "Altered Books" opening at The Riverside (8-12 Broad Street, Westerly) this Friday, May 21st from 5-8 p.m.

I am inspired by nature and enthusiastic, passionate people.

This book has helped me to think about creating in different ways with new techniques and materials. It was fun to experiment with no commitment - you just rip the page out if you don't like it. The photo transfer technique inspired me to create several new collage pieces using my own photos.

– Kathy Johnson

Introducing The Lovely Linda Comstock– Altered Book Artist and Fab Friend

My name is Linda Comstock. I really started to unleash my creative side when I was only 13 years old by making quilts in my little bedroom on my Mom’s old sewing machine. Quilting has always been my first love but I am also an avid needlepointer, crocheter and cross-stitcher. I also have worked with braiding and hooking wool rugs. Recently, there has been a real calling for me to try my hand at painting. Growing up and living in New England I have been blessed with being exposed to many wonderful artists who have completely inspired me not only in my fabric and wool creations but also now with my painting adventures. Altered books, for me, are a really comfortable place to start experimenting with paints and other mediums. It truly brings out the playful, free child in me that I think we all seem to lose touch with as we grow up. In a world that seems to have so many restrictions – it is totally freeing to know that there are no rules when you are being truly creative. It makes my spirit SOAR!

What Is an Altered Book?

That is the question that I asked myself when the Lovely Laura Gaffke of Above Elite Studios reached into her bag of tricks and presented me with the most exquisitely crafted page turner I have ever seen. The book she showed me was a book that she had been working on with her friend and colleague, Tina Hirsig (LauratwoTina).

Laura and Tina met while completing their M.F.A.

at Goddard College in New Hampshire. As part of their thesis work, Laura and Tina explored teaching, learning and co-authorship through drawing exchanges, collaborative book making and mixed media artwork sent through the mail. They continue to work together and have an on-going blog that personifies their creative efforts.

Laura recently opened her studio and heart to 6 artists who were interested in the Altered Book. For me it was an opportunity to experiment and push myself into thinking beyond the four sides of a canvas. As a graphic designer and lover of typography and the printed word, it was initially difficult to undertake the task of "defacing" a printed piece...someone else's work. But the process became cathartic for me. I was not defacing anything, instead I was giving it a new life. At times I would find myself reading pages of the books that I altered and finding little phrases and treasured words which I would use to jump start the paintings that I was creating. The process became a conversation with myself, an exploration of possibilities not only technical experimentation with mixed media but ideas and forced interpretations.

The book I created as a result of Laura's Altered Book Class became a journal of colors, poetry, and emotions all laid out within the pages of this little square book and ready for someone to handle, read, touch and understand.

To celebrate these newly found creative friendships and to open up the conversation regarding the Altered Book and creative experimentation The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery welcomes Laura and her students for an exhibit of work created during and as a result of taking Laura's class. You will be treated to a collection of altered books as well as works inspired by the books and techniques learned through the process. It will be a celebration of muses!!! Food, Fun and Friendship are promised.

Artists Featured include: Linda Comstock, Millie Donovan (of The Riverside), D'Arcy Hollis, Kathleen Neal, Joyita Neerkaje (of Above Elite Studios), Kathy Johnson and Laura Gaffke (of Above Elite Studios).

When: May 21st - June 18th

Where: The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery

8-12 Broad Street

Westerly, Rhode Island

Opening Reception: May, 21st from 5-8 p.m.