Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Huntsville Art League seeks a Director of Education


The Huntsville Art League seeks a Director of Education to oversee the development and delivery of the Art League’s arts education classes and community engagement programs for children, families and adults on a part-time basis. The Director of Education reports to the Executive Director and supervises volunteers and teaching faculty. The Director of Education presents a written and oral update to the Executive Board on a monthly basis, and a weekly report to the Executive Director via email.

The responsibilities of the Director of Education include, but are not limited to, the following: The Director of Education supports the identified goals and tactics of the Huntsville Art League strategic plan; develops curricula and class offerings in collaboration with teaching artists; assesses and evaluates programs for impact; coordinates class enrollment and produces a class schedule; develops strategies to ensure earned revenue goals; works with the Marketing and Publicity committee to raise the profile of education offerings; manages budgets, class and event logistics; serves as a community touch point for local, state, and national policies and programs that affect arts education; and works closely with the Executive Director on strategic planning, forecasting and programming. (S)he also cultivates and maintains strong relationships with educators, schools, volunteers, and community based organizations to assess needs and identify programming and partnership opportunities.

Competitive candidates will bring strong arts education, management and program development experience; creativity, initiative, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a commitment to high quality programming and teaching to help realize the organization’s mission and meet programmatic and financial goals. Highly competitive candidates may possess the following:

•Bachelor degree in arts education, fine arts, curriculum design, visual arts, arts administration,  or related fields (Master’s degree preferred)
•At least five years of progressively responsible arts administration experience and at least one year of teaching experience
•Deep knowledge of visual arts disciplines (as a working performer, artist, teacher and/or arts administrator)
• Experience with arts integration, the Alabama Course of Study, arts assessment techniques, granting systems, etc.
•Experience developing arts education programs, classes and/or curriculum
•Experience supervising employees, students teachers, and/or faculty
•Superior project management skills and the ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously
•Strong MS office proficiency, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel skills.

All interested candidates should email statement of purpose and an updated resume or curriculum vitae to tchaplin.hsvartleague@gmail.comby December 23, 2012.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Ascribing Artist interviewed: Kathie Depew

Interview by: Christina Wegman
Running a successful business is no small feat, and running a successful arts business has its own set of rewards and challenges. This month's interview is with business owner and artist Kathie Depew, who has developed Cotton Ridge Pottery, Cotton Ridge Miniatures, and an online Arts and Crafts Gallery and Tutorial Archive, Cotton Ridge Create!, which offers artists resources and a place to share their work.

1. How did you become interested in the arts and what eventually let you to making pottery? My interest in handcrafting and the arts is lifelong, and I had enjoyed pottery for years before making it myself. Several years ago I found that Pottery By You in Madison offered pottery classes, and I jumped at the opportunity. I learned wheel-throwing, hand-building, tile-making, and glazing from several instructors including Jule and Ned Corron, Paul Wieland, Malcolm Goodman and Yong Rhee. I loved working with the clay, and after a few months I knew that I wanted to keep learning new skills and create with clay for a very long time!
2. What inspires you to create? Inspiration comes from many places…a leaf on the ground, a magazine article, a friend’s suggestion. Once I get an idea in my head - whether it is for a piece of pottery, a new miniature room box or a quilt for my child’s bedroom - it is hard to stop thinking about it until I actually create it!
3. How did you develop Cotton Ridge Designs LLC? Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC began as an online dollhouse scale miniatures shop. I sell manufactured and artist-made miniatures, and also design and teach classes for miniature projects. When I began selling my pottery at craft shows, Cotton Ridge Pottery was formed as a division of my company. Last year I developed Cotton Ridge Create!, an online Arts & Crafts Gallery and Tutorial Archive.

4. Tell us more about the range of items and services that Cotton Ridge Designs LLC/Create! offers. . . what new things can we expect in 2012? Create! is a venue for me and other artists and handcrafters to not only share our work but also what we are learning as we create. Create! offers art and handcrafting tutorials, articles on business development, and more. A major part of the website is the online arts and crafts gallery, with over 20 artists and crafters represented (so far). I love to write about other people who create - they inspire me to try new things and to strive for excellence! I want to bring together collectors looking for handmade pieces with the artists and handcrafters who create them. Artists, handcrafters, gallery owners and collectors who are interested in being featured on the site are welcome to contact me. I will be glad to write about their work, gallery or collection, or help them share a tutorial or business advice for artists.

5. Do you have any advice for artists and artisans who would like to start their own business ventures? I enjoy working on the internet and developing my websites, and I’ve recently ventured into marketing through social media. I would encourage other artists to have an online presence and to include their website information on their business cards. Through social media marketing I met several artists in Huntsville and was invited to the NA Crafters Etsy Team Spring Show. The internet is often the first place people go when looking for someone or something, and it is a great way to begin to develop a loyal following.
6. What can you tell us about the importance of supporting our local arts community and the handmade movement? Preparing for an art and craft show is time-consuming and a lot of work, but I believe it is worth it. I’ve had great shows, good shows, and shows where I didn’t even break even. But at every one I’ve attended I’ve met someone who’s helped me, learned something new, came up with a great new idea, or networked with other artists. It is a wonderful way to interact with people who are looking for handmade items and want to support local artisans. Currently my friend and fellow artist Judy Cleve mans my booth for me at craft shows because I am not able to be there. Through her efforts I can stay involved in the arts and crafts community and respond to customer feedback and requests. When the economy is down and sales are down, supporting and encouraging each other is even more important for us as individuals and for our community! My husband Kevin is my greatest encouragement…his support and honest feedback from my fellow artists and friends keep me motivated!

7. How has your Christian faith influenced your work? As I have grown in my relationship with Christ I have experienced more freedom and courage, and have come to believe I have something to offer to others.  This has resulted in an eagerness to try new things and meet new people, especially with my art and in the arts and crafts community.  I’m naturally an introvert, but “through Christ I can do all things” (Philippians 4:13).  In venturing out and sharing my art I’ve been able to grow, develop relationships and enrich others’ lives as well. 

8. Do you feel that there is a relationship between art and spirituality? Yes, most definitely.  There are several passages in scripture that speak about the believer’s union with Christ, such as John 15 when Jesus describes himself as the vine and believers as the branches.  When creating in my studio I receive the most joy when I remember that I am in Christ and He is in me, and we are creating together!  (By the way, currently my “studio” is a table in my home office – but I feel more creative when I think of it as am art studio!)

9. What is your favorite Bible verse and why? My favorite verse these days is “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).  Whether I am doing the dishes, writing a blog article about another artist or creating in my studio, if I do it in Christ and for Him, then it is not in vain and it has eternal significance, even though I don’t fully understand how right now.

Another favorite is Romans 5:10:  “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”  (NIV, ©2011)  I love the thought that I can tell others that God is not angry with them - that they are reconciled to God, and that He is waiting with open arms to save them through the life of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Monday, April 9, 2012

You, too, can paint! Paint your own Picnic In Provence with Cynthia Parsons

You, too, can paint!  Paint your own Picnic In Provence at Paintings & Pinots Paint-A-Long Monday night, April 16th  with Huntsville Ascribing Artist Cynthia Massey Parsons from 5:00-7:30pm at the Wine Rack, 11700 S. Memorial Pkwy, #F.  Huntsville, AL. The cost of $45 includes all painting supplies, light hors d’oeuvres, and 2 glasses of beverage.  Call G. Todd Daniel at 256-885-2121 for reservations.  Painting photo at http://www.parsonsartgallery.com

Art Stroll a Huntsville Botanical Gardens- Artist Judy Bobula





Ascribing Artist, Judy Bobula will be exhibiting her Mixed Media paintings  at:
Art Stroll at the Gardens Date: Saturday April 14th Time: 9am-3pm Place: Huntsville Botanical Gardens 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. SW Huntsville, Alabama

Friday, March 9, 2012

The Art of Blogging Workshop


The Art of Blogging
Wednesday, March 14 & 21 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Whether you want to blog for your business, your favorite hobby, or make it into a business, there is definitely an art to blogging! This workshop will help you get started or re-started with important information, money and time saving tips, and a plan. It’s hands-on, so bring your laptop!

What we cover: What a blog is and is not, and what it can do for your business, or for you personally. We spend time planning and you'll learn important tools to help your blog get noticed. Finally, we'll talk about how to share it with others. Cost is $75, and you can register online by clicking here.

 The workshop is at my studio at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, Studio 114, HSV, AL

Monica Yother
My-Designs.net
monica@MY-Designs.net

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Art 4 Paws


Artist Link Added: Monica Yother- Graphic Designer and Illustrator

Avalanch by Monica Yother, copyright

New Art Link added to the Ascribing Artists blog. Please check out the website of Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Monica Yother. Her business, MY Design offers Brand building, Advertising design, Marketing materials, Publications, Printed murals and art prints, E-Marketing and so much more!


Monica's business is located at Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment on the first floor in studio
#114.

2211 SEMINOLE DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35805

Watch for Monica's featured artist spot coming up soon!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Help needed to take Street Art to Thailand


Updated news from Ascribing Artist Michael Aaron Williams!  Michael is taking his street art to Thailand and hopefully to a few more Asian areas and he needs our help. His trip through this new way of funding in which people help fund his project and get his artwork in return. Check out the link and help if you can:


Also, check out his website at www.michaelaaronart.com

Michael Aaron Williams
Phone: 865-719-6307

Sunday, February 5, 2012

March: Ascribing Artists Exhibit at Huntsville Art League


Ascribing Artists Exhibit: Visiting Artists

Huntsville Art League, 3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2, Huntsville, AL 35801 http://www.huntvilleartleague.org/

Exhibit March 2012. Reception March 2, 5:30-8:30PM

Participating Artists:

Lynn Weatherford
Jane Blevins
Leslie Brasher
Rita Campbell
Kala Beaver
Deborah Taylor
Jackie Segars
Judy Hardwick
Vicki Garner
Amanda Brown
Teresa Batchelor
Johanna Littleton
Gina Hurst
John Stout



The Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." 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. As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists is an avenue to bring together artists with this same belief and offer a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

For more info visit http://www.ascribingartists.blogspot.com/ or e-mail: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

City Intercessors: February Prayer for the Arts in the Huntsville, AL community

Just a brief explanation of what Mission Huntsville's City Intercessors are doing and an invitation to join in our prayer gathering this coming Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012.

Our group is made up of intercessors from various denominations who have a heart to see God's Kingdom come and His will be done in Huntsville/Madison County. Many Christians have been faithfully praying through the years, but this specific group has been meeting for about 2 years. Our strategy is to pray concerning what we call the 7 Mountains (7 mind-molders of culture) which are the Family, Church, Government, Education, Business, Media, Arts and Entertainment. We bless Christians working and influencing each of these spheres of culture and pray for Godly, Kingdom-minded leaders to rise to the top. We pray for each of the "mountains" using a daily prayer calendar (see Feb. 2012 attached) and meet once a month to pray together. Started out meeting in different churches, but have now moved outside the four walls and love how effective it is to pray on-site with guests who represent that particular mountain.

So this month we are praying over the mountain of Arts and Entertainment. Allison Dillon-Jauken has graciously welcomed us to come to The Arts Council office at the Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St. Suite #2, Huntsville, AL 35801. You are welcome to come pray with us from 6 - 7pm. We'll be praying positive, Scripture-based requests that God release His love and glory through the artists of our city.

Blessings,
Connie Oakley
Servant Administrator

Mission Huntsville is a city-reaching initiative birthed out of the Greater Huntsville Pastors Prayer Summit movement that serves as a free resource to the Christian community to help fascilitate area-wide ministry, enable specific areas of strategic focus, and to help serve, support, communicate, coordinate, and mobilize area ministry efforts and community initiatives.

May the LORD open the heavens over Huntsville!

Featured Artist: Scott Phillips


 CF Martin guitar shuttle model..placed in their museum next to the first american guitar in space exhibit.


 Scott with models celebrating the 20th aniversary of the launch of( STS-1) with the first crew....John Young and Bob Crippen.


 Scott on Launch Pad with the final Shuttle (STS-135) with his autographed shuttle model.


Scott with his award winning mantel clock....autographed by the STS-125 Hubble repair team

Featured Artist: Scott Phillips

Scott was born in Bryan, Ohio in 1959. As a young child, Scott loved to work with his hands. He loved to tinker, repair, and build things. Even though he lacked training and sophisticated tools he always had a passion for woodworking.  He felted energized when he could figure out a solution to a problem. Give him an idea and somehow he made it happen. He was blessed with a rich inner life, self-discipline, and the tenacity to create art out of little to nothing.

Scott’s family moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1977. At the age of 19, Scott began working on the Space Shuttle Program during its infancy. Both woodworking and the Space Shuttle are in his blood. He has been quoted as saying, “I love working with wood, particularly exotic hard words, and I love the Shuttle.” It is evident in his workshop—his museum—where he has pictures, plaques and models all devoted to his hobby and career. Scott recently retired after working 33 years on the Space Shuttle Program.

Scott’s inspiration comes from nature. When most people look at trees, they see bark, leaves and branches. He sees beyond that to the characteristics of each type of wood and sees what it will look like when it is blended with other types of wood.  All wood goes beautifully together—nature made them that way. Scott gets a real kick out of seeing all the colors come to life when he applies the finishing touches to a model.  He crafts the one-of-a-kind shuttle art pieces out of exotic woods for astronauts, NASA personnel, and other space and woodworking enthusiasts. Each model is thoroughly documented to ensure he doesn’t build the same model twice. Many of his models are dedicated to missions and signed by the astronauts who flew on that mission. 

Scott is currently working on his book, Remove Before Flight, which is scheduled to be released in 2012. He is an aerospace patent holder, musician, songwriter, space historian, space memorabilia collector, and a member of the CollectSpace website community.  Scott lives in Harvest, Alabama with his wife, Dianne, and their two sons, Christian and Tyler.


Scott’s guiding principle is Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Featured Artist: Teresa Batchelor





Artist statement: Teresa Batchelor

Art and design is not right or wrong, it reflects the taste of each individual that creates it and those that view it.

Favorite bible verse:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Website:
www.wix.com/tbatchelorartwork/gallery

Blogsite:
http://www.artistunplugged.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Artists: Tell us what you do in fifty words or less.

Are you an artist, writer, photographer, or? Creative Community Members Needed 

Tell us what you do in fifty words or less. Do not forget to provide your contact information.  DayTripGetAways.Com promotes heritage tourism in the southwestern Appalachian foothills. Our focus is to tell the uniqueness about our region and the people who live here. Your story could be told on our website or our new publication that is being publish in the Spring. 
Contact: Doyce Powell
Phone: 770-723-6574
Email: daytrip
getaways@gmail.com

Is There a Place for Creative Christians?

Ascribing Artist, Amanda Brown sent this great article from Relevant magazine to share! Thank you Amanda!

Is There a Place for Creative Christians?
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/features/28060-is-there-a-place-for-creative-christians

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Art News from Shawn Dought- Who, What, Where Art


Local artist, Shawn Doughty started a new blog at http://whowhatwhereart.blogspot.com/

Please take a look. He also has a website at http://www.whowhatwhereart.com/

Call to Artists: Huntsville Botanical Gardens: Green Things and Butterfly Wings

Art News from artist, Shawn Doughty- http://whowhatwhereart.blogspot.com/

Just wanted to let you know that the Huntsville Botanical Gardens is displaying butterflies for their summer display and they are needing artist to paint them. I believe they are ordering around 35 butterflies and will be starting to distribute them in January and will need them finished by May. If anyone would be interested they need to contact the Botanical Gardens.

Nicole Hogan
Huntsville Botanical Garden
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35805
256-830-4447 ext. 290
nhogan@hsvbg.org