susanmahan.com

Art on the Levee

2009-07-08T20:57:00.003-04:00

Allison Sanders and I will open a show of new works called "Chandelier Garden" at Art on the Levee-Newport on the Levee- August 7-September 8. We met today with the manager, Francisco, and planned the space. The location is new, it's the old American Eagle store space. It is very nice, well lighted, and spacious. Allison will show many of her glass chandeliers and cones and I will debut some new works highlighting chandeliers in the compositions. I will also show some florals, tea cups and lace tablecloths. It promises to be a colorful, fanciful and whimsical show. We are excited that the show will remain in place through the Labor Day weekend. If you plan to be around for the fireworks, stop by to see our work. I will post hours for the opening ASAP. There will be appetizers and good local wine.

New Gallery Representation

2009-06-10T07:42:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to announce that I am now represented by The Hayley Gallery in New Albany, Ohio. This very hip gallery in the Columbus area was recently voted the "Best Gallery in Columbus 2009". It hosts a wonderful eclectic mix of paintings, glass, jewelry and ceramics. You can find the work of Korki Bowen there too. The space is an old firehouse that is beautifully arranged to compliment the art. Owner Hayley Savage has turned the space into a first class gallery and general meeting place to have a good time and talk art. If you are in the Columbus area, perhaps headed to the Easton shopping area, stop by to see this space with it's funky art by Ohio artists. Be sure to tell Hayley that you heard about it from me!
www.hayleygallery.com

New Studio at Pendleton Art Center

2009-06-10T07:31:00.004-04:00

Work is underway in our new third floor studio at Pendleton. Allison Sanders and I are eagerly organizing renovations to the former ArtWorks studio #315. It is a large space with lots of room, light, and storage. On the down side; it's painted red, blue and yellow. (Must have been a color wheel reminder for the kids). We are hanging drywall over the warped plywood divider, adding new track lights, painting it white (with an orange accent wall) and generally making the space our own! Our grand opening is June 26 for Final Friday. Please plan to join us for a glass of wine and a toast to our new digs!

PS To update this post... here are photos of the NEW SPACE=#315!

Spring Shows

2009-05-21T08:05:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy couple of months. The shows are winding down and it's time to get down to the serious business of summer! It has been fun to attend all of the great events. The first fun event was the Flower Show. It was a 10 day extravaganza in a tent. Although the tent provided shelter from the rain... sometimes... it did little to repel the sleet, cold, and wind. We began the week with boots, heavy coats and gloves, and ended the week with shorts and flip flops! It's April in Ohio! It was a very successful show for me and I enjoyed getting to know the other artists. That's a good way to get a group to bond-put them in a tent for ten days together under extreme conditions! Thanks to all of the people who attended and sent such good wishes my way. I had a blast and hope to see you all at the Pendleton Art Center!

The next show on the agenda was the show in Rising Sun for the Pendleton Center there. Pictured above is the Best of Show winning horse sculpture. It is truly amazing. Jackie Braden, Shannon Godby and I were all represented and had fun at the opening.

My show at the Pop Revolution Gallery remains up through June 9. If you get a chance, stop in to see it. Jim Crosser's work and mine meld well for a great show titled "May Flowers". This gallery is staffed with two hard-working owners, Fran Michaels and Ben Jason Neal. They not only are accomplished artists but also are excellent framers. It's a great place to view shows, get frames and just talk art!

The Day/Evening in the Garden at the Taft are over. What a beautiful event. The weather was perfect and the decor was wonderful. The table settings were spectacular. It was a magical evening made even more special by good friends to share it.

Finally, the Fitton Center for Creative Arts is a place to check out. If you haven't been there, it is a beautiful facility on the Great Miami River in downtown Hamilton. The 44th Regional Art Competition is still on display through the second week of June. The show is spread through the first floor common area (where my piece entitled "Sunday" is) as well as two galleries upstairs. It is a wonderfully eclectic show; ranging from the very realistic to the playful and abstract. Judges awards are scattered throughout the show. Try to get there to see this show and top notch facility if you can.

Now it's time to get back to work and look to upcoming events. Of major importance is our big STUDIO MOVE! Allison and I move in the #315 at the Pendleton on June 1st! Details to follow for our big opening celebration!

May Flowers!

2009-05-01T07:40:00.008-04:00

May is a busy month in the Cincinnati art world. There are openings every weekend in galleries around the city. Saturday May 9th is no exception. The Pop Revolution Gallery in Mason opens the show entitled "May Flowers" that will showcase my work with the work of Jim Crosser. It is a relatively new gallery that is right next door to Gallery 42. It's at the intersection of Rt. 42 and Mason Montgomery Road. Gallery 42 is showing work by Stacie Seuberling, Kay Hurley and Barb Chenault. The opening hours are from 4-8.

May 20 & 21 are the dates for the Evening/Day in the Garden event at the Taft Museum. This is a ticketed event which promises to be elegant and an evening/day to remember. We will be attending the Evening event and look forward to it. I am showing 9 of my favorite collage paintings for this event. Other artists participating are: Bruce and Nancy Neville, Kay Hurley, Trish Weeks and more.

Thanks for your continued support and I hope to see you at one or both of these events. For details of either show, consult my website for links.

Fitton Center for Creative Arts 44th Regional Juried Show

2009-04-08T15:05:00.004-04:00

I just got word today that this piece entitled "Sunday" is accepted for the Fitton Center's Regional Juried Show. The show opens April 26th, the last day of the Flower Show... not sure how that will work. The opening is from 2-4. Maybe someone will cover for me so I can attend. New venue for me and certainly an impressive building and gallery space!

Ready for the Taft!

2009-04-06T17:54:00.008-04:00

Okay, so the Cincinnati Flower Show is only a week and a half away... I should be talking about that. I will post some images later that will be on display there, (and hopefully, sold). But, today is a milestone. I finally finished the last piece for the Taft Day/Evening in the Garden event in May. I am pleased with this one. It is called "Grace". I thought of the name when in church yesterday. I was listening to the sermon and Dr. Kent mentioned living with grace. It is something to aspire to; that's for sure. The dictionary defines the word grace as:
1. elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.
2. a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment.a virtue or excellence of divine origin: the Christian graces.

The beauty of nature inspires me. The anticipation of a family gathering inspires me. My home and a beautiful table inspire me.
I'm working on acquiring grace.

5" x 7" Mini Originals

2009-03-23T19:26:00.004-04:00

New for the Cincinnati Flower Show.... Matted 5" x 7" original collage paintings. Lace tablecloths and vases and flowers in the garden; all these and more. They are matted to fit in standard 11" x 14" frames and are very affordable. I will have a couple at Pendleton Final Friday this weekend, March 27th & 28th. I hope that you like them!

getting ready for the flower show...April 18-25

2009-03-07T11:07:00.005-05:00

Seventy degrees outside and the bulbs are beginning to pop! It is time to think about cleaning up the winter debris and enjoying the spring bulbs... and planning the summer gardens. We will no doubt have another blast of winter, but there is a hint of spring today. There is no better time than now to plan to attend the Cincinnati Flower Show in Symmes Township Park. Last week the 20 artists selected for the Artists' Studio for the Flower Show assembled for an informative meeting. We learned a lot about what to expect. The new venue promises to be spectacular. There will be 80 vendors, Daveed's food, and many exhibits to see. Everything from planters to table displays will be showcased. It is a huge undertaking and will be well worth the price of a ticket. Parking is available at Rozzi's Fireworks across the street. Check out the link on my homepage for ticket information and directions. Plan to attend this special Cincinnati event. See you there!

FINAL FRIDAY THIS WEEK

2009-02-24T18:04:00.002-05:00

Stop by Studio #414 this Friday between 6-10 for Final FRIDAY. It's SPRING in our studio. It's time for "out with the old and in with the new". Come see my new spring gardens and birds. Valet parking is available so come early and stay until 10.

A Day and Evening in the Garden at the Taft Museum

2009-02-19T11:45:00.006-05:00

This is special! Yesterday I was invited to participate in the upcoming "Garden" shows at the Taft! I don't have the details but the dates are: May 20th and 21st. It is a show of current artists considered by the museum to be "collectible" and a fundraiser for the Taft docent program. I am very excited to participate in this event; also to see who else has been invited. I think Bruce and Nancy Neville are going to be there.

It looks like the spring will be very busy. Pop Revolution show opening April 4th, the Cincinnati Flower Show the 18-26 of April, and now, this event at the Taft. Of course, every month, Final Fridays at the Pendleton. I will keep you posted with details. Hope to see you at any/all of these events. wow.

Cincinnati Flower Show in April!

2009-02-17T08:20:00.002-05:00

I am among the 20 artists selected to exhibit in the Artists' Studio for the Cincinnati Flower Show! The dates are: April 18-26. The venue has changed from Coney to Symmes Park in the Loveland area. I will post details soon. The artists selected will be attending a meeting soon to receive more information. What a great opportunity and source of motivation to be surrounded by the flowers!

If you love animals...want a cat... are ready to donate to a great cause...

2009-02-04T13:35:00.004-05:00

Valentine's night will be a busy one. What perfect timing that it falls on a Saturday night this year. My work will be featured in two Valentine's Day shows, each with a charitable goal.

The Loveland Studios on Main "Factory Cats" night is February 14th from 6-10. Art has been donated to help groups who rescue forgotten and abandoned animals in the greater Cincinnati area. Last year's show attracted national attention and was inspired by 63 cats rescued after being left to die in a foreclosed house. This year's inspiration is a group of 42 cats and kittens found in an abandoned ammunition factory just north of Cincinnati. At this opening some of the "Factory Cats" are still looking for a home and will be in attendance. Also, this year, student art work will be displayed and auctioned along with the professional artists' work. The Loveland Art Studios are in a former elementary school just off Loveland-Madeira Road in the "heart" of Loveland. What better place to spend Valentine's night than in LOVEland?

Also on Valentine's night is a show called "The Art of Love" being held at the Baum Opera House in Miamisburg, Ohio. This event includes dinner, dancing and an art show featuring my "Hearts" as well as the work of Mike Crass, owner of Alley Fine Art and Framing. There is a silent auction and funds will go to AIDS research. Another wonderful charity event; glad that ticket sales are now sold out. Here's hoping they raise lots of $$$ for this event and everyone has a warm and LOVEly time.

Hearts & Flowers

2009-01-15T14:27:00.004-05:00

It's only a month until Valentine's Day... time to come out of the cold and express your undying love to your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends, your dog...anyone and everyone who makes your life better. Why not check out some hand-crafted items at The Pendleton Art Center on Final Friday (that's January 30th)...or stop in Indigenous anytime to see their seasonal collections. Just because Christmas is over is no reason to stop the SHOP LOCAL initiative. Support your local artists!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

Is it too early to think about spring? I think not! There are so many things about spring that I love to celebrate in my work. The flowers, most of all... but also the birds and the sun... it's not to soon to think about these things when I am creating new work.

There are so many new opportunities for this year that I hardly know where to start. I am excited to be a guest artist at the Loveland Studios on Main for the next few "Second Saturdays." It's a fun evening out like Pendleton, but in beautiful historic Loveland. I will begin this relationship on February 14 from 6-10PM. Jamie Morath is my hostess. Come enjoy Valentine's Day with some "Hearts and Flowers" from my collection.

A one person show of my teacups/coffee cups opens in March at the Heaven's Roast Coffee in the Loveland area. The opening is March 21st- a Saturday afternoon. It is a beautiful space that hosts artists for one month shows and, of course, has the best coffee and tea in the area. The last show that I saw there was a beautiful collection by Maureen Holub.

April will be a huge month for me...first, the opening of a two person show at the Pop Revolution Gallery on 42 in Mason. It is a beautiful space next door to Gallery 42. The main street in Mason is fast becoming the in place for the arts in the northern Cincinnati area. My show will focus on Pop Portraits as well as some mixed media work. It promises to be a bold and colorful show with a lively opening. (their last opening counted near 1,000 people!) That date is yet to be determined... I will get back to you on that. Also in April is the annual fundraiser/silent auction of art celebrating nature at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Again, I don't have the exact date but will have it soon. I have again been invited to contribute and plan to submit three pieces. Last year this event was a great success and this year promises to be equally successful. Great art and a worthy cause!

There are some other opportunities in the works that I will fill you in on when they happen. I hope to be involved with the Cincinnati Flower Show this year and am exploring several other options. As always, I look forward to seeing you at any/all of these events. I will be absent from the Final Friday at Pendleton this month due to this week's foot surgery... but my work will be there! My three buddies in Studio #414 will be there and will be happy to greet you should you visit.
Happy 2009!

After Christmas Sale at #414 Pendleton Art Center

2008-12-24T10:16:00.005-05:00

Come to the Pendleton Final Friday and Second Look Saturday this weekend! We are having a sale of works priced for all budgets. It's time to make room for new work coming in the spring. Everything on my sale wall is only $50. We look forward to sharing a Christmas cookie and glass of wine with you. It's 6-10 on Friday and 11-3 on Saturday. Valet parking on Friday night.

Openings Friday at Redtree & Sandra Small Galleries

2008-12-10T07:59:00.006-05:00

It's the holiday season and lots of shopping to do. Why not SHOP LOCAL and get a gift or two from one of the local art galleries. Reasonably priced works of art, mostly by local artists, can be found at Redtree, Indigenous and Sandra Small... and of course, Pendleton Art Center. This Friday marks the opening of new shows at both Redtree and Sandra Small. Redtree's show is called "Mixed Up" and is a collection of mixed media works. My small piece called "Snowyday Roses" (pictured above) is front and center in this new show that actually went up yesterday. (they sold a piece already) The show will remain until Jan. 2nd. The Sandra Small show, curated by Daniel Brown, is an eclectic mix of jewelry, paintings, painted pillows, minature rooms and sculpture. The "Holiday Boutique" includes three of my pieces, "Girl Party" pictured above, and also "Teapot" and "Dining Room Table". The show will be in place until January 3. Indigenous can always be counted on for fun and reasonably fine art/craft gift items. I was in there a couple days ago and found some awesome Leandra Drumm ornaments for only $20 and they are stunning! There is so much to see that your head spins but it is worth the visual overload in there. And, Diane and Co. are ready and willing to be so helpful in assisting you and wrapping your gift. The wine walk this month in O'Bryonville is Thursday night, the 18th, and all of the merchants will have doors wide open with great gift ideas and plenty of good cheer.

Pendleton Final Friday falls on the day after Christmas this year. That is good for buyers who want bargains. Our studio will have lots of sale items marked down to make room for new work. I have some new works that are nature-inspired and ready to hang but need some space. Many of my fall pieces are marked down to as low at $25-$75. Stop by for Final Friday or Second Look Saturday...I would love to see you. This is my final show for a little while... foot surgery on Dec. 29 will keep me down for a while. Lots of time to work on new pieces... hope to make it to January Final Friday. If I don't, my buddies at PAC #414 will happily sell my work! If you want some of my work but can't make it to PAC for Final Friday or Saturday, check out my website/Paintings, and if it's still available, contact me to buy directly... I can deliver by Christmas.

Enough of the hard sell. I wish you, my friends, a wonderful holiday season and blessed 2009.

Black Friday at the Pendleton Art Center tonight!

2008-11-28T09:05:00.002-05:00

It will be a big night at the Pendleton Art Center tonight. The biggest shopping day of the year is here. Come down to Pendleton to find the perfect gifts for those on your list. We will be open from 6-10 tonight and from 11-3 tomorrow. We have ornaments, cards, jewelry and lots of wonderful paintings. Things are priced for every budget. Most artists will be in attendance tonight and, of course, there will be valet parking to make it easy to get in and get out! Support our local artists.

It's going to be especially fun for me tonight because Mickey will be in the house! She is in town from Minneapolis for one night only. Can't wait to see her reaction to the greatest assortment of artists under one roof. (and her portrait in the hall) Too bad she doesn't live close enough to be a permanent fixture there. No doubt, she will grade my jewelry. I hope to pass her high standards.

It has been a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We feel truly blessed. This year has given us a bounty to be thankful for. The new year promises to hold much more for our family.

We hope to see you at the Pendleton tonight or tomorrow. If not, the next show of my work is at the Sandra Small Gallery in Covington where I will participate in the Holiday Show on December 12th. The next Final Friday weekend is December 26th and 27th.

a new gallery for my work in Springboro, OH

2008-11-19T12:26:00.004-05:00

Alley Fine Art and Custom Framing in Springboro, Ohio will now show my pop portraits! Maria is now residing in the window and the "family portrait" is also there. Sammy is on display nearby in the local dog grooming business. Proprietors Mike and Donna have a wonderful gallery with an eclectic mix of contemporary paintings and sculptural works. Most are the work of local artists. There are a few pieces from ADC and lots of work by Dayton artists. If you are in the area, stop by and check it out. It's on Rt. 73 just east of I-75.

A blue ribbon at the Woman's Art Club fundraiser Saturday night

2008-11-16T08:21:00.003-05:00

Okay, you can go home again! Last night was the FunRazer at the barn in Mariemont, home of the Woman's Art Club. I was invited to participate in this event due to my long relationship with Mariemont High School. (25 years is long, right?) Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found a blue ribbon on my latest piece, The Finish Line. I didn't realize it would be judged. Wow. The event raised lots of dollars for the barn renovation with the abundance of gift baskets and silent auction items. Some of the art sold... not sure how much. My pieces did not sell, but I was actually happy to bring them home. I am not ready to part with them yet. Strange, but, true. You will be able to see Finish Line at Pendleton Thanksgiving weekend. Thanks to the Mariemont community and the "ladies of the club" for making me feel so welcome.

Viewpoint 2008

2008-11-09T14:54:00.002-05:00

What a great night at the Viewpoint opening! Not only was I honored to be included in such a prestigious show, but my family was able to view the show! My 91-year old mother was escorted to Cincinnati by my brother and sister-in-law from Evergreen, Colorado. Also, my son, Dan and his glamorous bride, Gretchen, was in the house! We all mingled for a drink and bite to eat to wait for the awards. It was great so see so many local people win awards. Congrats Bruce Neville! Lots of Pendleton artists were represented. After the awards, the entire family went to dine at The Celestial! We were treated like royalty and had a wonderful dinner. After we bid farewell to everyone... Mark and I went to the bar at the Celestial and listened to the musical stylings of the lounge singer and enjoyed the spectacular view. What a wonderful night it was!

Another big week!

2008-11-02T16:00:00.002-05:00

It was another great Final Friday weekend at the Pendleton this weekend. It was also the first time our studio was open on Second Look Saturday and there were more people than expected. I finally have most of my "lace tablecloth and teacup" pieces all together in one place. I have to admit that I am still pleased with them. The latest one, "Sweet Caroline" was purchased less than 24 hours after it was completed! I have big plans to continue this series. More chandeliers and wallpaper... more lace and teacups.

The next couple of weeks are going to be busy. Friday night is the opening of Viewpoints 2008 at the Cincinnati Art Club. I am especially excited for this show because my family will be there, complete with my 91-year old mother and brother from Colorado. We plan to celebrate a great family night with dinner at the Celestial! Yum....

The weekend of the 14th also promises to be a great one. The 14th is the Leslie Birkhead opening at Sandra Small and the Indian Hill art show featuring "goodNancy" Neville. Then, Saturday night is the FunRazer... fall fundraiser at the Cincinnati Woman's Art Club at the barn in Mariemont. I hope to see some old friends in Mariemont... looking forward to that. My new piece "The Finish Line" will be in that show. (named so because of the race to the finish that most women feel when they enter the month of November and the holiday season... how will we get everything finished?)

Thanksgiving weekend at the PAC will be big... then the holiday show at Sandra Small...wow. Hope to see you there!
I am grateful for so many wonderful opportunities!

Big weekend at Pendleton Art Center

2008-10-27T18:32:00.005-04:00

It's going to be a shopper's delight this Friday night at the Pendleton Art Center! Allison and I are offering some blasts from the past with jewelry, ornaments, and stained glass purses along with our other works of art for holiday shoppers this month and through December. I also finally have my entire collection of "lace tablecloth and teacups" paintings together in our space in #414. Some have been shown in other places and 3 pieces are new. We look forward to seeing old friends and new this month. I will hold down the fort on Saturday from 11-2 for those of you who can't resist the urge to hand out candy Friday night.

Next weekend, Viewpoints 2008 is opening at the Cincinnati Art Club in Eden Park. My piece, "Get Out!" is included in this year's show. Also showing are Bruce Neville, Trish Weeks, Kay Hurley... and many others from around the country. It promises to be a great show.

November the 15th is the Women's Art Club fundraiser at the barn in Mariemont. I was contacted today with an invitation to show in this event. A portion of the proceeds will raise funds for the barn renovation. More details will follow as I have them.

December the 12th is the opening for the holiday show at the Sandra Small Gallery in Covington, KY. Again, I don't have all the details yet to know how many pieces will be included... but it will be a selection of different sized pieces of the lace tablecloths and teacups series.

Also, it is the last week to see the Art at the X at Xavier University art gallery next week. Try to check it out- it's a wonderful show!

This assortment of shows and openings is certainly exciting for me, and, I hope you will be able to attend one or more! Happy holiday season!

For those of you who missed the Xavier show...

2008-10-06T17:08:00.005-04:00

The small mixed media painting over the larger one, is mine. The two larger paintings are absolutely stunning... can't remember the artist's name. He is from Pennsylvania and his work is so amazing in person. I was thrilled to have my piece near his work. My piece is a tribute to my grandmother. She collected teacups and lace. I need to work larger...

Anyway, here is a small glimpse of the show. It is up until November 7. There will be a panel discussion about art and the show at XU Cohen Center Gallery on October 15th at 1:30 led by Dr. Eric Lee of the Taft.

More news- I am now represented by the Sandra Small Gallery in Covington, KY.! My work will be featured in a Holiday Show that opens on December 10. More news about that show when I have it. The curator for Sandra is Daniel Brown, so you know there will be great work to see there.
Speaking of Daniel, he also recently put together a show for the Cincinnati Women's Club. There will be an opening luncheon next Friday. Others in the show: Trish Weeks, Suzanne Chouteau,Rob Anderson, Leslie Birckhead, Eric Greiner, John Kluesener, Kevin Muente, Nancy Neville, Tim Parsley, Emil Robinson, Barbara Selnick, Valerie Shesko.

See you at the Pendleton #414. Next FINAL FRIDAY IS HALLOWEEN- OCTOBER 31ST. All treats, no tricks! We will be open for Second Look Saturday this month too!

Cincinnati Art Club Viewpoints 2008

2008-10-06T16:39:00.003-04:00

The 40th annual juried art competition for the Cincinnati Art Club has just announced the artists included-and I'm IN! Over 400 entries from 24 states were reviewed by Dr. Julie Aronson, Curator of American Painting at the Cincinnati Art Museum. She chose 68 pieces. The opening reception is Friday, November 7 from 6-9. The reception is open to the public. The show will continue on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5 until November 23rd.

My painting in the show is a mixed media piece I created on a snowy day last winter. The theme was in response to the challenge for a contest sponsored by the Rising Sun Pendleton. The question we were to answer was, "Where do you go for your GREAT ESCAPE?" My response was simple- "I GET OUT!" The images in this piece are the sun, the river, the garden, my river valley. That's where I go to escape-out of my front door. The beauty of where I live is my constant motivation.

Come join us at the opening! It promises to be a wonderful show.