Getting Ready For The 'Winter Invitational"

Thanks to all the artists of the Gallery Fifty Six "Winter Invitational Exhibition" for bringing their work to the gallery this week.  All the work looks terrific and I am sure this will be one of the BEST shows we've had since the gallery opened.  Be sure to mark your calendar for January 7th, 2011, the date of the artist's reception, 5 to 8 PM.

Nine fine artists will show their work, including Chuck Johnson, Jana Travis, Nick Pena, Chuck Wright, Sara Howell, Madison Sherman, Gregg Haller, Jan Hankins, and Mariana De Marchi.

Happy New Year!

Argentine artist Mariana De Marchi sends her New Year's wishes to
everyone in Memphis, Tennessee.



Spotlight on the 'Winter Invitational' Artists

Sara Howell

Collage allows me to build my surfaces slowly. The transparency of the rice paper allows color overlay, which gives almost a three dimensional effect. The layering, the intricate structure and the color overlay keep me interested in the process of making my art.



I express my feelings and observations through collage. By painting, tearing and layering rice paper, I convey my interests in landscaping, abstraction and self-representation. Through my collage, I often suggest the passage of time. Old photographs dating back to the mid 1800's and early 1900's, old book pages and fragments of previous collage are used in these pieces. Wood block printed windows appear as the stabilizer often suggesting that the viewer is outside looking in or inside looking out.

Spotlight on the 'Winter Invitational' Artists

Charles Wright

Charles Wright didn’t know his direction in life as he started in the workforce as a construction worker, realized his talents in breeding and raising exotic pets, then became a locksmith while studying graphic design and fine art. Seemingly unrelated jobs and talents - God’s plan to unveil Charles Wright’s spiritual gift.

Now, accomplished Geometric Relief artist Charles Wright creates dimensional art in vivid colors for his customers, pieces of art inspired by his life experiences, his customer’s personalities - as well as their life experiences

Spotlight on the 'Winter Invitational' Artists

Jana B. Travis

Jana Travis was born in Louisiana and has lived in various parts of the South. She began painting professionally in her twenties and has had several exhibitions in the United States and abroad. As a result, her art can now be found in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Most recently her work was selected for the First Tennessee ArtForum Competition by the Urban Art Commission to be displayed at the FedEx Forum.

Over the years, Travis has discovered her art evolving in conjunction with her own life. The fact that she is true to this transformation of style allows her to produce art that is original and uniquely her own. Despite her southern roots, Travis claims her art to be mostly influenced by the years she lived with her husband and two daughters in Guadalajara, Mexico. While extensively traveling the country, Travis noticed the culture and colors of Mexico naturally beginning to seep into her artwork. In 1996, she was chosen to exhibit at the Mexican-American Cultural Institute, where she was recognized for her culturally inspired work on a Latin news network.

Upon returning to the United States, Travis received a Masters of Fine Arts in painting from the University of Memphis and began teaching shortly thereafter as an adjunct professor for several years. Today, Travis is the Chair of Fine Arts at Christian Brothers University, where she has restructured the art program to offer students a BFA and a broader range of artistic studies.

Winter Invitational

We are going to start the new year with our first invitational show.  The artists participating are Mariana De Marchi, Gregg Haller, Jan Hankins, Sara Howell, Chuck Johnson, Nick Pena, Madison Sherman, Jana Travis, and Chuck Wright. This will be an exciting exhibition that I hope you will be able to attend.

The artists' reception will be January 7th, from 5 to 8 pm.

Windows to the World

If you have not seen the current exhibition "Windows To The World", please stop by the gallery to view it.  The paintings by the guest artist Lonnie Wilson are painted in the 'old masters' style, and they are worth your time to stop by and view them.  His subjects are themes from the Bible.  In addition to Lonnie's work are the creations of the gallery artists.  John Amistead, John Sosh, Jeannine Paul, Mary Bowman, Emery Franklin, MJ Reeves, Mark Lammie, and  Bridget Russel have some exciting new pieces.  This show runs until the end of the month.  Also on display, in the lower gallery, are some exciting works to be discovered.  There is a wide price range of art for sale, beginning at $40.00.  We have three bins of giclee prints, linocut prints, and watercolors under $100.00.  What better gift than the gift of original art?  Please visit us Wednesday through Saturday, from noon until 4 pm.

Habitat For Humanity Celebrates at Gallery Fifty Six

The Memphis Habitat For Humanity's Holidy Celebration was a huge success last night.  Close to 100 people attended this even.  The gallery was the perfect venue with lots of room to move about and great art to see on the walls.  Everyone loved the gallery and had a great time.

Click Here to see the slide show:  http://photopeach.com/album/idleda

New Work By Emery Franklin

These paintings are now available at the gallery.

January Show's Line-up

I am pleased to announce the artists who will participate in the Gallery Fifty Six 'Winter Invitational' exhibition.  Those artists are:  Chuck Johnson, Jan Hankins, Jana Travis, Nick Pena, Sara Howell, Chuck Wright, Madison Sherman, Gregg Haller, and Mariana De Marchi.    This will be an exciting show that opens on January 7th, 2011.

Clarke at 56



Paul Clarke's photo from his 'Waiting' series
 is part of the group exhibition at the gallery



SOLD!

Congratulations to Emery Franklin. I sold two of his paintings this past Saturday.  An art-loving customer purchased one of Emery's landscapes, and one of his abstract musicians.

Tennessee Crossroads TV Program

One of our artists, Emery Franklin, will be featured on WKNO's 'Tennessee Crossroad" television program.  The exact date is not know at this time, but it will air very soon.  I will keep you posted as to the date as soon as I know it.


Painting by Emery Franklin



View The Video/Slide Show

Click this link to view the video of the Window's To The World Group Exhibition at Gallery Fifty Six
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re7u1codyrE

A Great Artist's Reception

Artist Lonnie Wilson stands in front of one of his paintings.

Thanks to everyone who came to the 'Windows To The World' artist's reception last night.  We had a great crowd of people and everyone was very complimentary of the art on display.  We've already sold two paintings from the show.  Remember that the exhibit will be up until the end of December.  This is a show that you will want to see.

Last Chance This Month

Recycled art by Emily Allison

Emily Allison's work will be available at the gallery through the month of December.  Now is the time to purchase one of her works.  We have a wide selection currently on display in the Archive Gallery.  You can own a piece of her art for under $100.00.  Allison's 'tin can collages' make great gifts.  Please stop by and become the owner of one of her pieces, while they last



Affordably priced.



Teaser III

A variety of colorful landscapes will be on exhibit through December.

Teaser II

Positive, colorful, energetic paintings by Gallery Fifty Six artists
make up the December exhibition:  Windows To The Wold.

Teaser

Paintings inspired by stories from the Bible will be on exhibit at
Gallery Fifty Six during the month of December.

Paintings by Lonnie Wilson



Introducing Madison Sherman

Madison Sherman has been a stained-glass artist for the past 23 years.  He designs custom stained-glass windows for churches. He is also a fine art painter who will be showing some of his oil on canvas paintings in the Gallery's January 2011 Invitational show.  Energetic is too mild a word to describe his work:
http://www.madisonshermanart.com/oil-paintings-gallery

The Prints Have Arrived

Argentine printmaker, Mariana De Marchi, sent me a number of linocuts and monoprints.  They arrived yesterday.  I'll be matting and framing some, and shrink-wapping others.  Please stop by the gallery in the next few days so that you can see these original prints - they are delightful.   If you don't know how a linocut is made, click this link for a good explanation:  http://www.fimp.net/howtomakealinocut.html

Bread is the Artist's Creation

Did you know that one of our artists bakes delicious, healthy breads?  Mark Lammie, an artist from Ohio, is not only a fantastic sculptor, but he is also a baker of bread!  He creates beautiful loaves of multi-grain bread, pitas, and cinammon swirl bread. He bakes every Thursday and he is looking for more people who are looking for some delicious home-baked bread.  If you would like to purchase some of Mark's wonderful bread, please send him an email and he will give you all the details.  His email address is:  ml2001@aolcom

New Work by John Armistead

'Bound's Place' is a new painting by gallery artist John Armistead. This painting will be in the December exhibition, which opens on December 3rd, 2010.

Bound's Place

New Work by John Sosh

John Sosh has created several new paintings.  Here is one his latest works that will be in the December exhibition.


Fragments #1



Slide Show of Mariana De Marchi's work

Please click here to see a slide show of Argentine artist Mariana De Marchi.
http://photopeach.com/?ref=newc

We will have some of her prints in the gallery next week, beginning Nov. 15th.

Survey Results for Art and Kay's Exhibition

Here are some responses to our question "What was your favorite painting from the 'Eclectic Visions' exhibition?"

1. What was your favorite paintings by Kay Robinson? Please tell us why you liked it so much.
1. Dinner at Eight.. I loved the mysterious aspect of the woman hidden by her hat and the trail of cigarette smoke. Sun, Nov 7, 2010 12:25 PM Find...
2. La Grandiose Entree
Love the color and style of the painting. Sat, Nov 6, 2010 4:35 AM Find...

2. What was your favorite painting by Art Covington? Please tell us why you liked it so much.

1. Eastside Westside. Sun, Nov 7, 2010 12:25 PM Find...
2. The Composer
The whole composition brings you into the work. Sat, Nov 6, 2010 4:35 AM Find...
3. 'Facing your fears'. It reminded me of how father guided me through rough times. The art work was very neat and excellent on detail. The artist really put you in the momment. Absolutely beautiful.

3. Please tell us your thoughts about Gallery Fifty Six.

1. Very Nice gallery.. liked all of the art.. very friendly atmosphere... Sun, Nov 7, 2010 12:25 PM Find...
2. Good mix of artist. Wonderful place to show work. Sat, Nov 6, 2010 4:35 AM Find...
3. The Gallery was beautiful. Very clean and well lit. Customer service was great, very polite! Enjoyed the warm welcome. Parking lot could use some work. Fri, Nov 5, 2010 4:43 PM

Video of Artist Reception: Nov. 5, 2010

I've recently added photos to the Nov. 5 reception video of Art and Kay's artist reception.  It's much better now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlA93OCTuI0

Take The Survey!

If you have seen the current exhibition of paintings by Kay Robinson and  Art Covington at Gallery Fifty Six, please take this survey and tell us what paintings you liked the most.  It's really easy, and it only takes a second.

If you HAVEN'T seen the show, please drop by and take a look.  You will be glad that you did.

Click this link to take the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KFGSKYW

Quotation

 Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)

The December Exhibition Is Shaping Up

Gallery Fifty Six's December exhibition will feature painter  Lonnie Wilson, a retired MCS art instructor. Much of Lonnie's work is based on stories from the Bible. Also showing will be the resident artists of the gallery, including  N.J. Woods, Paul Clarke, John Armistead, John Sosh, Jeannine Paul, Michael Whitaker, Mark Lammie, Bridgette Russell, Helen Ingoglia, and Mary Bowman.  All new work will be presented.  The opening date for the exhibition is December 3, 2010.

Artist Quote

"All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness." Eckhart Tolle

Congratulations Mariana De Marchi





Gallery Fifty Six would like to congratulate our Argentine artist Mariana De Marchi. She will exhibit her work in the city of San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mariana recently shipped us some of her prints and they should arrive in about 10 days. All of her work will be for sale at the gallery.



Upcoming Exhibitions

• I"m beginning to finalize the December show at Gallery Fifty Six.  It will be our resident artist's exhibition.  You'll see new work by Jeannine Paul, Michael Whitaker, John Sosh, Art Covington, Mark Lammie, Paul Clarke, Mary Bowman and others.  Also in in this exhibition, we will feature a guest painter - Lonnie Wilson.  Lonnie was an art instructor for the Memphis City Schools for over 30 years.  He will be showing his magnificent Bible-themed paintings. 

• The January 2011 exhibition will be our first invitational show.  You will see work by established artists Chuck Johnson, Jan Hankins, Sara Howell, and Nick Pena.  Also invited is sculptor/painter Eric Painter.

• February is reserved for Ohio artist Ivan Kende.  He will exhibit some of  his incredible masks and sculptures made of leather.

Being The Curator of A Gallery

"There's hardly a more gratifying way to make a living on this planet than to manage or own an art gallery, sit in a roomful of beauty all day long and have people walk in, pay homage, and then pay you.  To be surrounded by original art, perhaps the highest form of creative expression than human beings can muster, and to sell it as a livelihood...that's real sweet."      Alan Baumberger  (http://www.artbusiness.com/)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

More About Mariana De Marchi

Mariana De Marchi graduated in 2002 from the National School of Fine Arts Prilidiano Pueyrredón as National Professor of Drawing. In 2003, she earned National Professor of Sculpture. Mariana studied her post graduate work in seminaries of the Superior School of Fine Arts Ernesto de la Carcova in lithography, wall painting in fresco, ceramic and artistic graphic.

Waiting

Mariana De Marchi has obtained numerous first prizes, mainly in drawing, engraving and painting. As a consequence of this and because of her continuous participation in different saloons, her work has been shown in the Sans Souci Palace, the Quinta Trabucco, the Museum of Fine Arts Benito Quinquela Martín, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Taiwan and in several foundations and cultural institutions.

Her work has also been shown in Romany, Taiwan and Italy.

Prints by Argentine artist Mariana De Marchi

Graffitera

Coming Soon
To
 Gallery Fifty Six







                             



My friend, Mariana De Marchi is an art educator and printmaker in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Mariana will be sending me some of her original prints to exhibit and sell at Gallery Fifty Six.  I am sure you will love her work as much as I do, and I'll let everyone know when her prints from Argentina arrive.

Ay mi Casita




Unexpected Eye Candy

Kay Robinson, the artist whose show is in November with Art Covington (Eclectic Visions:  The Art of Kay Robinson and Art Covington), sent me her latest creation that will be in the exhibition.  I have included only a snippet of the original.  It is a wonderful work of art that you MUST SEE in person.  Remember, our next opening is Friday, Nov. 5th. from 5 to 8 pm.  Please come and see the show.

Why Do People Buy Art?

In a recent survey, I asked the question:  Why do people buy original art?  Here are the survey results:

1.I must like the art, and the price must be right. I am interestedt in representational art, not abstract expressionism. Wed, Oct 20, 2010 7:19 AM Find...


2. why not buy original art?? i would most likely buy contemporary art. i love owning items that are one of a kind and seeing what brains are up to these days. Tue, Oct 19, 2010 1:16 PM Find...

3. Admiration of the artist's work.

4. I enjoy outdoor scenes of nature and portraits of people. Tue, Oct 19, 2010 8:53 AM Find...

5. because I like it. Mon, Oct 18, 2010 8:54 PM Find...

6. I don't. Mon, Oct 18, 2010 8:35 PM Find...

7. The reason would be to show support for an artist who's work I admire. Whether we admit it or not...we are performers in some sense...and we LIKE for others to like our work. When someone likes your artwork well enough to purchase a piece that you have created...well...you feel a sense of accomplishment...finished. Funny...never really thought about it. I personally am attracted to impressionist works of gardens and landscapes. But most art appeals to me in some way and is always worthy of thought...I suppose. Oh! And figurative sculptures...love them! Mon, Oct 18, 2010 6:18 PM Find...

8. Something that would establish an emotional connection with me, basically. I tend to like pieces that show strong symbolism along with beauty and fluidity, and show a very particular artistic interpretation. Pieces I would not buy: strict representation of reality, naturalism. Mon, Oct 18, 2010 9:33 AM Find...

9. I buy art, when it delievers a good feeling to me, when I sense something special and unique in it (this applies to paintings, clothes and other things)

10. buying original art means receiving a particle of the creators energy and I honour that

11. i most likely purchase artwork in bright vibrant colors that deliver a good feeling Mon, Oct 18, 2010 1:50 AM Find...

12. I like colors pleasing to my preference and something that is clearly creative, unique and not possible to mass produce. Sun, Oct 17, 2010 9:58 PM Find...

13. I will buy if piece speaks to me in a special way or is symbolic

14. Of importan issues my life...pottery, photos, paintings are my preferances. Sun, Oct 17, 2010 9:36 PM Find...

15. To help reflect my view of the world in my own space. Paintings or B&W photographs Sun, Oct 17, 2010 7:09 PM Find...

16. I would be very interested in the outcome of this survey. - Giorgio Sun, Oct 17, 2010 6:43 PM Find...

17. I would buy art only for the pleasure of looking at the piece. Maria Brockelman Sun, Oct 17, 2010 6:43 PM Find...

18. I think people purchase art to decorate their homes more than anything else. Of course, some people purchase art for an investment.

Please click the link below if you would like to take the survey.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TRB2QZP

Recent Surveys

A few days ago, I sent a survey to my email friends and associates.  In the survey I asked the question:
'What is your favorite subect for paintings?'  Here are the results so far:

Landscape 46.4%         13 responses
Still Life 10.7%               3 responses
Abstact 25.0%               7 responses
Figurative 10.7%            3 responses
Floral 10.7%                  3 responses
Portait 32.1%                9 responses
Animal 0.0%                 0 responses
Surrealism 35.7%          10 responses
Realism 17.9%               5 responses


If you would like to take the survey, please click here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFQ7C2Y

Coming In November

Eclectic Visions: Paintings by Kay Robinson and Art Covington at Gallery Fifty Six in November

The rich colors, fantasy subjects and dream-like backgrounds of the paintings featured in Gallery Fifty Six’s November art show, Eclectic Visions: Paintings by Kay Robinson and Art Covington, bring fashion, music and life in the natural world to the forefront of the artistic imagination.

Kay Robinson's paintings are inspired by the exotic worlds of both contemporary and vintage fashion. Her subjects flaunt a stylish sophistication that is drawn from her many years of experience as a fashion illustrator for Goldsmith’s and Gerber’s department stores in Memphis. Her “Dinner at Eight” portrays a fashion beauty cloaked in classic black and white, bearing a little skin and the hint of a smile beneath her wide-brimmed Fedora hat.

Art Covington’s music-inspired paintings display the same passion as the works of his mentor, Memphis artist George Hunt, but Covington shows a softer side as well with pieces that feature the people and wildlife of the natural world. Visually stunning subjects highlight his talent for dimension, his sometimes psychedelic presentation of music interpretation and his ability to capture an intimate human moment. His “Inside My Music II” melds together elements of music and the human anatomy of a musician into one being, as if neither could exist without the other.

Eclectic Visions: Paintings by Kay Robinson and Art Covington will be on display at Gallery Fifty Six beginning Friday, Nov. 5 with an artists’ reception from 5 to 8 p.m., and running through Tuesday, Nov. 30. Gallery Fifty Six is located at 2256 Central Ave. For more information call (901) 276-1251 or visit http://www.galleryfiftysix.com/.

Spotlight: Art Covington

Art Covington is a native of Tunica, Mississipi.  At the age of four, he discovered his ability to draw.  When he was a child his father would encourage him by leaving a nickle on each successful drawing he completed.

In the early 1970's, Art's family left Tunica for Memphis.  He attended Carver High School and his art teacher and mentor was Memphis painter George Hunt.  After high school, he attended the Memphis College of Art through a scholarship he was awared because of a church sponsored world-wide art competition.  His awards include presentations from the March of Dimes and Nike, Inc.

Art works with many different and varied subjects and themes in his art, from realistic to abstract, a real eclectic mix.  He has worked in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, and mixed-media. 

His prints can be found at the Center for Southern Folklore in Memphis, TN.

LOOK FOR ART COVINGTON'S EXHIBITION OPENING NOVEMBER 5, 2010 AT GALLERY FIFTY SIX!

Spotlight: Kay Robinson

Kay Robinson is busy getting ready for her November exhibition at Gallery Fifty Six.  She and Art Covington will present:  'Eclectic Visions - Paintings by Kay Robinson and Art Covington'.  This is sure to be an interesting and dynamic show.

Kay Robinson's paintings are inspired by the exotic worlds of both contemporary and vintage fashion.  Her own vintage clothes collection is often depicted in her paintings.

Kay excelled in art school, and attended a fashion illustration course at the Memphis Academy of Art and the Mississippi College for Women.  Her first jobs were as a fashion illustrator for Goldsmith's and Gerber's department stores of Memphis.  She has renewed her love for fashion in her current paintings.  Her career has consisted of advertising, graphic design and medical illustration.

Come and view her work at the artist's reception on Nov. 5th, 2010 from 5 to 8 PM at Gallery Fifty Six, 2256 Central Ave., Memphis, TN.  38104