Just a Little Fun

As you know, there is so much out there on the web - especially when it comes to art. With videos on YouTube, personal websites, blogs, and even programs like Second Life, artists and art lovers can find a world of opportunities on the web.

I thought that I would share with you some of the things that are out there and I'm hoping that you'll share with us some of the amazing things that you have found.

My first site is http://www.jacksonpollock.org/ When you log on, you'll just see a blank screen (and think that something is wrong). But move your cursor over the screen and watch what happens. Then click on the mouse for more surprises.

Our friends at the Charlotte Public Library are always ahead of the curve when it comes to websites. One of their earliest (circa 1998) is a kid-friendly site http://www.handsoncrafts.org/ This site was put together with the help from the staff at the Mint Museums. Technology advances quickly, and this was ahead of it's time when it was developed. You can learn about pottery and even throw a pot!

Want to make more art? The folks at the Warhol Museum show you how to create your own silkscreen (a la Andy) and when you're done, you can send it as an e-card! http://warhol.org/interactive/silkscreen/main.html

For those of you who can't wait for the Sunday NY Times art section, check out http://www.artsjournal.com/ It is like one-stop shopping for news and information on the arts (visual arts, literature, symphony, drama, ballet, etc.). They also have a collection of bloggers who add another layer of information. If you really like it, sign up for their daily email blast and you won't miss a thing.

Shopping - endless choices. Try the Museum of Modern Art (http://www.moma.org/), Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (http://www.mfa.org/) and the Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.artinstituteshop.org/).

I could go on and on. But what I'd really like to hear is where YOU go for some fun, interesting, educational, and silly arts experiences on the web.

Say hello to Allison

Allison Luce has recently joined the tallented team of instructors at Creative Art Exchange. She will be teaching our handbuilding classes, and maybe some printmaking classes later.

Her work as a sculptor and printmaker has been featured in numerous exhibits, most recently in a solo show at Visions Gallery in Albany, New York.

Allison studied at Ohio University and received her MFA from Hunter College.

"My artwork is about the ephemeral nature of our existence and the belief in the promise of eternal life," says Allison. "I am interested in creating a dialogue between the beauty and brevity of life and the mystery of eternity. I work primarily in ceramics. All of my pieces are built by hand, fired and painted. The forms are hollow inside while appearing to be solid. The pieces are actually very fragile although they appear to be study and indestructible. It is this play that creates the basis of my work.

Recently, I have been exploring issues of mortality through printmaking. In these images, I hope to create timeless imagery that references memory. I am interested in the way memories grow, change and fade over time. Memories are so powerful, yet memory itself can be fleeting. In these prints, I hope to capture the delicate and transient things in life that lead us to ponder eternity".

Please help me in welcoming Allison to our exciting new art center!

For more information about Allison and to see more images of her work, visit her website at www.allisonluce.com

Calling All Artists

Our friends at the Lake Norman Art League have put out a call to artists to submit entries for their 2007 Spring Exhibit.

This year, the exhibit will feature postcard-sized works (5"x7") featuring the Lake Norman area including local scenes, landmarks, cultural events, architecture, flora and fauna, and anything else that captures the character of the region.

All entries will be on exhibit from March 31 - April 28 in the Art Leagues gallery at 108 South Main Street in Davidson.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the best in show and top works in three categories.

Entries must be delivered by March 24 & 25.

For complete information and an entry form, visit their website at www.lknart.org or phone 704-237-1042 and leave a message.

Now get out there and create something!