Saturday, October 30, 2010

Interviews by Ascribing Artists Christina Wegman

The Ascribing Artists Blog is happy to announce that Ascribing Artist Christina Wegman will be contributing to the art blog using her creative writing skills. (she is also gifted in music- the Lord gave her the full package in the arts!)

Look for her first interview with Artist Jessica Oden posted here on November 1st.

If you have an inspirational project or story that you would like to talk about in an interview for the Ascribing Artists Blog, please contact Christina by E-mailing ChristinaBWegman@aol.com

To find out more about Christina please visit her blog at:

True Artists

"True artists pursue greatness in craft in order to give the Lord the best fruit of the talent He has given them, not to build themselves up. They understand that true greatness is found in the heart of the servant." author unknown

Friday, October 29, 2010

Art Print- Rwanda Mission Trip Fundraiser



16 Main Gallery will be hosting a FUNDraiser for Amanda Blanton.
She is a local college student and artist. Amanda has created a beautiful painting entitled,
"A Rwandan Sunset in Kibuye" and will be selling prints of the painting.
All proceeds will go to funding Amanda's mission trip to Rwanda in May 2011.
Come and enjoy an evening of fun, food and art while helping one of our own local artists.
We hope to see you there,
The Artists of 16 Main Gallery

16 Main Gallery is located at 16 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758 http://16main.blogspot.com
256-325-0161

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Ascribing Artists Exhibit: Call for Artwork

Call For Artist Entries

Ascribing Artists Exhibit

Ascribing Artists are invited to submit artwork to be exhibited, as a group, at 16 Main Gallery. The exhibit will be on display for the month of January to include a Reception and Art Talk January 9, 2-4 PM, 2011.

16 Main Gallery is located at 16 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758 http://16main.blogspot.com 256-325-0161.

Please contact me, Gina Hurst, if you are interested in exhibiting at 16 Main Gallery and I will send you the exhibition form. You can reach me at AscribingArtists@gmail.com or 256-361-4960. The DEADLINE for submissions is Saturday, Dec. 11th and the drop off date for the artwork is Dec. 18th, 2010. If you have questions about 16 Main Gallery, please contact Director, Michele Lee at 256-325-0161 or michele.lee@knology.net.

We are thankful to the Lord and to Michele and her assistant, Dianne Hart, who are both Ascribing Artists, for this blessing.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." As a part of this creative ministry, you will join others with this same belief and contribute to a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1, 2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

Not all Ascribing Artists paint religious themes or Biblical depictions. The subject matter of the artist is not necessarily what makes us Ascribing Artists, it is the heart behind the artist with the desire to share the gospel. We recognize that anything we do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord, so our desire is not to offer something that deserves praise, but to point to the only ONE worthy of praise.

For more information about Ascribing Artists please visit: http://www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com or e-mail: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Bible Illustrators Needed

The United Bible Societies is a fellowship of 145 national Bible Societies working in over 200 countries. Bible Societies serve Christians in every continent, providing Scriptures at a price that people can afford. Bible Societies are not affiliated to any one Christian denomination, but serve all Christian churches and develop products and services appropriate to local needs.

One of these needs is for Bibles and Bible storybooks, both for children and families. Toward that end, the United Bible Societies is seeking to commission artists to produce a collection of 200 high quality, color illustrations that any national Bible Society can use for this purpose. In a sense, the collection is best thought of as a database of artwork from which Scripture materials can be produced. It is called the UBS ‘Global Illustration Project’. The commissioning will be on a “work-for-hire basis”, but there may also by professional-level illustrators who sense the call of God to carry out this work on a mission basis.

The level of artistic expertise for this work is high. Illustrators must be “visual translators” of the Biblical events. All costumes, architecture, fauna, and ethnicities must be accurate to the text. In addition, the artist’s style must be acceptable across a wide range of cultures and aesthetic tastes. While a single artist for the entire collection is preferred, it is more realistic that an artist is commissioned for the Old Testament and another for the New Testament. These are illustrations which will be produced globally for decades to come. For an illustrator who holds the Bible to be the revelation of God, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Any artist interested in submitting samples and pursuing further discussions about the UBS Global Illustration Project is invited to contact Randolph Capp, UBS Design Consultant at randolphcapp@biblesocieties.org.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Elizabeth Gawronski's Pathway Church Exhibit

Elizabeth A. Gawronski, Huntsville Artist, in a variety of media will be exhibiting at Pathway Church, October 23, 2010. She is currently a member of The Huntsville Art League (HAL) and participates in many shows and exhibits throughout the year. She maintains Studio 9 as a working studio and showplace at HAL located at 3500 L & N Drive, S.E. Huntsville, Alabama 35801.

Elizabeth Gawronski
lizgaw@hiwaay.net

Friday, October 22, 2010

Workshop with Sara Beth Fair at Burritt Museum

"Sunflowers" by Sara Beth Fair, copyright

Strengthening Your Painting by Strengthening Your Unique Style and Perspective

Friday November 12, 2010 6:00 -8:30 pm
Saturday November 13, 2010 9:00 - 4:00

$125 non-member/ $110 member

Burritt Museum
Huntsville, Alabama
Call the Burritt Museum at 256 536-2882 to register

In this class we will focus on strengthening your individual artistic voice.
You will learn to emphasize your creative style and to enhance your artwork through your unique vision, technique, design and composition.

We will explore what you relate to, what speaks to you, how to listen to your heart and bring it out in your painting.

You will complete one painting from life and it will not look like anyone's but yours!

SUPPLIES
It is very important that you bring the paints and supplies you like to use in your work. It is also a good idea to have a few tools on hand that you do not normally use - palette knife, another brush size or type, etc.

Class will be taught in oil but you may also use acrylic if you prefer.
You may also select the size of your canvas that you like to work on.

A supply list of generic items will be available .

Some experience in painting is suggested.
Water and snacks will be provided along with a handout.


SARA BETH FAIR - FINE ART
sfair6@comcast.net
256-536-2643
http://SaraBethFair.com

Thursday, October 21, 2010

My Plans for You: 4) Walk the Narrow Path

This is the fourth devotion in the study titled, "My Plans for You". If you are just now joining us, the previous 3 are posted on the Ascribing Artists blog along with the previous study titled, "Cutting & Pruning."

There are many places in the Bible where the Christian life is described as a walk. If we are truly trying to walk as transformed believers then we have to ask what does that look like and where am I going and how do I get there? We all wonder what is God’s direction or will for our lives. Most people want to know what career they should pursue, where they should live or whom they should marry, but overlook or ignore the more important truths of loving God and loving others. So, how do we learn these most important truths? By reading the Bible. Man, does that sound boring, hard to understand and a waste of time! If you are honest, those thoughts live in the back of your dark sinful heart and mind as well and only proves we need His Word in our lives to light the path.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

To most people the Bible has been boiled down to an impersonal, impractical and impossible book of do’s and don’ts. What a travesty! In the most basic summary, the Bible is God’s story of the redemption of man. From beginning to end, Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the story of a Mighty Creator who created man for a loving relationship and an Omniscient God who knew in creating man higher than the animals would fall to sinful temptation and a Loving Father who loved man so much that an agreement was made before creation with His one and only Willing Son who sacrificed Himself on a cross to restore that relationship. This story is woven throughout every word and letter of the Bible. The Bible then rightfully becomes God’s personal love letter to His people. How sweet it is!

In our modern age, we run to hear from everybody in our Email, Facebook and MySpace accounts, all the while, the greatest news ever told sits getting dusty. I know many of you receive inspirational and Biblical devotions through these modern forms of communication including this one, but I’m afraid we read them as if they are from just another friend or advice columnist and move on to the next message without God’s Word ever changing our lives. May we all find ourselves curled up in a good reading chair with a warm cup, reading the greatest love story ever written and pondering not only the love it contains, but the impact it should be having in our walk, if we are truly transformed believers.

Paul LaBathe

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Carole Foret Fine Art Upcoming Classes and Events

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES & EVENTS

Private Lesson: Drawing Into Painting, Tuesday, October 12 - 9am-Noon

Jesus Paint Night, Tuesday, October 19 - 5:30pm-8pm

Local Color Art Exhibit: Progress Bank, Huntsville Alabama - October 21

Large Canvas Paint Night, Tuesday, November 4 - 6pm-10pm


MORE INFO & RESERVE A SEAT
HERE

Carole Foret Fine Art | 206 W. Market St. | Athens | AL | 35611
256-232-2521 or carole@caroleforet.com

My Plans for You: 3) Journey of Focus

Greetings all!

In trying to imagine where the time has gone since August, I awake to discover myself wandering in the desert. I think to myself what good am I to God when I am wandering in the desert? Well, my first mistake is thinking that God needs me to do something because I am good. My second mistake is thinking the wilderness is meaningless.

God has detoured me from Paul in Acts to Hosea and there I find the answers to my folly. In Hosea chapter 14, which is an awesome depiction of God’s grace and restoration of the sinner, at the end of verse 8 it simply states, “from me comes your fruit.” Reminds me of our previous Cutting and Pruning devotions. Why do we think that we have something good to offer God when it is of our own making? We want to make our plans and ask God to bless them to His benefit thinking we know what is best. Wow. We can either ask Him to bless our plans and worry if they will work out or we can ask Him about His plans and know they are blessed! I want to find myself living daily in the latter.

My second assumption is proved to be folly in hearing God say through Hosea, “It is I who knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought” That sounds rather basic and broad in God speaking to Israel, but the word “you” is singular in the Hebrew and focuses on the personal covenant relationship with his people or YOU! God not only knows you are in the wilderness as a place, but knows you personally, deeply, intimately, all your thoughts and intentions while in the wilderness. It is there where He works to refocus your heart, soul, mind and strength back on Him and His plans.

If you are found wandering in the wilderness today . . . give thanks, because God is close at hand. He is calling to you and me. May we respond. . .

Paul LaBathe

Ann Hamilton asks herself "what is 'truly' art?"

Art News from Ann Hamilton, Women of God Art Retreat

It always amazing me that most people with the means to purchase original art have their homes filled with cheap prints in audacious frames.

We can only guess as to which of today's art works will stand the test of time to become most valuable. However, one think I believe is that any reasonably good art is worth making it an investment. By virtue of longevity it will become more and more valuable.

Rarely do people consider that it is the emotions art evokes in them that causes them to purchase it. And it is this that gives art its personal value.

When viewing my art, the first thing people usually say about it is, "now, I like that." And, I'm usually amazed as the way they describe it, as well as what they see in it. One of the most important things I have learned from them is that there are as many people drawn to abstract art as there is realism.

Thinking about the emotions of art makes me ask myself; "what is 'truly' art?" My answer is that that is a new creation which is capable of bringing forth all of the emotions humans are capable of feeling.

Art speaks to us and to truly appreciate it, we need to keep an open mind about it. For example, if we have preconceived ideas about what art, we limit its value and what it can mean to us.

Another important thing about good art is that the artist need not be world-famous. After all, Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime. Art collectors and the public mocked the impressionists. Even Michelangelo and Leonardo argued about whether or not sculptor or painting was the true art.

It is important that art be authenticated and its provenance known. For example, without knowing the names of the artists who created famous works of art as well as something about them where they came from, there are would be far less valuable. Instead of bringing millions of dollars there paintings would likely bring only thousands or perhaps, only hundreds. And the condition and quality of the work is important to its value.

Art's meaning to all of us is immeasurable but I hope this has enhanced your appreciation for it.

Women of God Art Retreat

Art News from Ascribing Artist Ann Hamilton, Women of God Art Retreat

I am so excited about how God is blessing The Northeast Alabama Art Council, the organization that sponsored the Sept. Art Show at The Grande O'l Lady. Following the show a lovely woman who came called to say how much she and her friends enjoyed the show. She suggested we have a Holiday Art Tea in December. Several of us met with her today and a couple of her friends who want to help. And we have scheduled the show for the first Satuday in Dec. It will begin at 4 p.m.

After the Sept. show I felt I would not be ready for another event in my home so soon but when I thought about what a wonderful gift she wanted to give, I knew she was another of God's angels and another of His gifts.

Our planning meeting turned into a testimonial service about God's angels. Now, we are excited about painting angels. I will tell you more about that in my next posting. It's getting late and I need to go to bed but I wanted to share my excitement about our upcoming Art Tea. For now, sweet angel dreams and goodnight.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Garner Street Farmers Market Each Sat in Oct.

Garner Street Farmers Market

Location: Madison, AL

Date: Each Sat. May thru October

Info: www.garnerstreetmarket.com

Featured Artist: Carlye Daugird


"It Matters" by Carlye Daugird, copyright

"Orange You Glad" by Carlye Daugird, copyright

"Mother Nature Self Portrait" by Carlye Daugird, copyright

"Poppies in the Breeze" by Carlye Daugird, copyright

Carlye Daugird

I’ve always had a thing for color. I have so many memories of when I was a little girl helping my artist Mom mix paint colors or select chalk color palettes for murals she would let me help her with. I grew up loving color as a tool of expression.

Over thirty years later, I am starting to find a voice in and through color. Although I grew up in a world of art, it’s only been the last couple years that I’ve been freed up enough to think about ‘being an artist’ – and what that means for me.

Next month I’ll have been married 8 years to my (very hot) best friend. I’m so thankful that he challenges me towards freedom and grace and hope. A rare gift, I know. I also have 3 small beautifully quirky children (5, 3 and almost 2 years old). Inevitably, when people find that out they ask, “How do you find time to paint? ” It’s a 2 part answer.

The first is; I don’t…as much as I’d like to. I love my kids and the joy filled and many times aggravating job of raising them. I used to (for 7 years) be a youth minister but for now, as one of my former youth said, I ‘have my own little youth group’. So for this season, I try to balance, as best I can, giving time to them to teach and love them and giving time to myself to love and teach them and myself how to be and use what God has made in you. The other part of the answer is, “How do you find time to breathe?” You just do! You have to. It’s the most basic way you take care of the vessel God has put you in. In the same way, I find that part of the way that God has made me “in our (His) image, in our (God’s) likeness” is that I’m creative. In order to be a healthy me, to take care of His daughter, this vessel, the person God made me to be – I have to create, to express what I see and feel creatively!

1 Peter 4:15 says, ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

So, I am practicing. Practicing the discipline of giving an answer for the hope I have.

I have seen darkness. I have wrestled with fear and doubt. I have witnessed hopelessness. But, I have seen God there…through it all. He has never left me. And so, I use colors; vibrant, true, bold, unafraid – to express my hope. I practice the discipline of choosing to see beauty where there is the unvalued, to see light where there appears to only be darkness, to see hope where it would be easier to believe bleakness.

I may not ever be an expert at this practice. I may even fail sometimes. But I am also set free in the truth that God is bigger than me. I can not, with my imperfection, thwart his purposes. His power and provision for this world and for me is greater than my little paintbrush strokes. He says “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10&11) And so, I believe him. That he can use, even me, even my mere brush strokes to speak of his freedom, of his grace, of his love.

There are many invisible things worth fighting for in this life. Intangibles worth holding on to; love, reconciliation, justice, mercy, beauty and hope to name just a few. I am a daughter, sister, friend, mother, artist. I am a fighter…for hope. What will you fight for?

Featured Artist: Amanda Duke Brown


by Amanda Duke Brown, copyright

by Amanda Duke Brown, copyright

by Amanda Duke Brown, copyright

by Amanda Duke Brown, copyright

Amanda Duke Brown

Amanda Duke Brown is a native of Huntsville Alabama. She attended Auburn University where she graduated, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Auburn she explored many mediums including: ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Today, she focuses most her energy into her paintings which have evolved over the years into mixed media pieces that integrate paint, textiles, found objects, and organic materials.

Amanda is inspired by God's creation, His written word, and the human condition. Part of her process as an artist is to bind together nature and the visual arts. It's not unusual to find that her pieces have been buried in the earth, left outside to weather the elements, or primed with coffees, salts, or teas sometime during their journey into conception. It is this intimate method that makes her works truly unique. Each piece of art has a story all its own; a past that is layered within itself – a history to share with the viewer.

Amanda notes, "I am very inspired by God's creation all around me, His written word, and the human condition. I'm constantly in awe of these things. Each piece of artwork is an offering of worship; my hope as an artist is that God will use the artwork to His glory."

Amanda Duke Brown


Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Featured Artist: Christina Wegman


"Coxcombs" by Christina Wegman, copyright

"The Wanderer" by Christina Wegman, copyright

"The Prophet of the Woods (Der Waldprophet)" by Christina Wegman, copyright

Christina Wegman

"Franz Marc once said that art was in many ways similar to religion; I tend to take this thought a step further by saying that art is an inherently spiritual activity. Even the seemingly ultra-modern abstractions of Kandinsky would not have been so movingly ethereal had it not been for his Russian Orthodox Christian beliefs and admiration of traditional Bavarian glass paintings (usually overtly Christian in theme), just as the spirituality of many other artists has inspired some of the most noble, magnificent works in history. While my paintings seldom depict concretely religious scenes, I am certain that they reflect the spirit and longing for greater good that comes from faith and meditation. They are explorations of the forming of the universe, an expression of awe at nature, a statement of desire to fully realize my surroundings, a quest to understand a universal order to things and people, and my way of translating such thoughts into a medium that can be understood by others. Many things in the world often seem to actively attempt to pull us away from God—anger, disappointments, educational trends, societal tensions, the cruelty that can manifest itself in human interactions—it is my time spent at the easel which brings me back to contemplations of divinity and of inner peace.

To read more about my day-to-day thoughts on art and my work, visit http://christinawegman.blogspot.com or http://www.zibbet.com/viapersona; Also feel free to join the Facebook groups "Christina Wegman Paints" and "Tennessee Valley Art Talk" for information and conversation!"