KraslBlog

February is Cold but the Krasl is Warm!

2009-02-19T13:57:00.002-05:00

Our current exhibit, Identity and the American Landscape: The Photography of Wing Young Huie, which runs until March 29, is an amazing display of the fabric of the American landscape according to celebrated photographer Wing Young Huie. Often printed on paper that makes his subjects larger than life, his work reveals often overlooked or invisible individuals. Whether held together by class, race, health or social concerns, Mr. Huie’s beautiful, thoughtful, and at times humorous portraits provide a space in which the human drama may be played out and the minor actor is allowed center stage. Though some are in color, if you love black and white photography, you should not miss this.

The opening for this exhibit was attended by at least 150 individuals, and the public discussion on race and culture the night before was attended by 85 people. It was a great turnout, considering that we had at least 980 people turn out on the same night (Thursday) for the Krasl annual elementary school art show held at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph--just a few short blocks away. It just proves that people love culture and art even in the most unpleasant of weather.

Our next exhibit which opens Friday, April 3, will be Fragments and Memories: Selected Works by Bill Davis and Christopher Pekoc. Come and explore the concept of palimpsests and deconstruction. We will also be welcoming the Bridgman Chamber of Commerce to the Krasl that evening. And watch our web site for related events for adults and children.

Everything is hopping in St. Joseph--and it's not even summer yet!

See you on April 3rd!

Kathee

Prints by Women and Urban Garden

2008-11-24T12:05:00.002-05:00

Opening on Friday, November 28 (5:30-7:30 pm) are Prints by Women, and Urban Garden. Prints by Women showcases 100 years of printmaking by American and European women from the Georgia Museum of Art. Featured are lithographs, etchings, drypoints, woodcuts, linocuts, silkscreen prints, and stencil prints made by the likes of Mary Cassatt, Käthe Kollwitz, Berthe Morisot, Mary Nimmo Moran, and others who we consider to be among the best of women artists of the past. I was giving a short talk about prints before the show was hung, and suddenly was so taken by seeing these prints so close up, I could barely finish the sentence! If you like drawings, the lithographs and some of the etchings will delight you, as they reproduce exactly the drawn image.

Urban Garden, a collection of sculptural works by Michigan artist and educator Albert Young, is a fabulous exhibit of metal and glass sculptures. Some pieces are fabricated, others are made using found objects, but all are striking. Young will give a brief talk at 5:45 pm at the KAC.

A Kid’s Art Workshop will be offered during the reception on Friday, November 28, from 5:30–7:00 pm, where children will explore printmaking techniques in the studio while you enjoy the reception. This workshop is free for members and $10 per family for non-members.

Immediately following the reception, at 8:00 pm, Young will give a (free) demonstration at the Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor. Water Street Glassworks is a non-profit dedicated to teaching glass blowing, and is a fabulous place to visit. You can make your way through their gallery and shop to the catwalk where you can watch the glass artists work!

And don't miss the special art talk: On Thursday, December 4, from 6:00−8:00 pm, the KAC will present an Art Talk: Mary Cassatt, a Feminist? Join KAC curator, Tami Gadbois, for a discussion on how Cassatt’s lovingly rendered images of mother and child speak to or against feminism. Printmakers Anne Vandermolen and Kathee Kiesselbach (me!) will demonstrate basic printmaking techniques. This talk is free for members; $5 for non-members.

See you there!

HollyMarket Nov 8-13; Preview Party Nov 7, 5:30-7:30 pm

2008-10-20T16:09:00.002-04:00

HollyMarket is gearing up and everyone here is getting excited to see the work of 103 participating artists. We have many artists returning, and some new added. Everything from ceramics, gorgeous jewelry, hand-tooled leather purses and bags, paintings, baskets, wearable art, painted furniture, and more will be ready for you to purchase during HollyMarket. And if you want to get a sneak peek, just come to the preview party the evening of Nov 7, where, for $15, you will enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres, music, and first dibs on purchasing the artwork. A half-dozen or so artists have been invited to come to the preview to talk to guests about their work.

The fabulous exhibit Text as Art will come down on Nov 3 to make room for HollyMarket, so be sure to stop by before it closes. The next exhibit opens Nov 27.

Soup'sOn, the luncheon that runs during HollyMarket, will be in operation from Nov 10-13 during the lunch hours of 11:30-1:30 pm, and is sponsored by Harbor Shores this year. Come by and shop, buy a bowl of soup and some bread, and relax at the Krasl for a little while as you watch people come and go.

It's gonna be fun! If you'd like to volunteer to help, and we do need more volunteers, call Danielle at 983-0271. Bring a friend!

See you there!

New Krasl Art Center Logo

2008-09-15T09:50:00.004-04:00

The opening reception and unveiling last Friday night was great fun. The whole place was packed. Two lucky attendees won new Krasl mugs with the great black and red logo on the front. The giftshop also has new Krasl items: a fabulous journal with foil-stamped logo on the front in black and red foil (very snazzy!), and a sketch pad that also has the new logo embossed on the black front cover. Come by and pick them up for Christmas gifts! You could have all your shopping done by Thanksgiving!

Don't forget our HollyMarket juried fine art and fine craft show and sale to be held from November 8-13 at the Krasl. If you want to come to the preview party the Friday before, show up at 5:30 pm on November 7 and for $15 you will have wine, hors d'oeuvres, music, and first dibs on purchasing the artwork and crafts you see displayed that evening. During the weekdays of HollyMarket, you can purchase homemade soups, breads, or other goodies to eat on site at Soup'sOn--a luncheon offered only at HollyMarket. See you there!

Where has the time gone?

2008-09-08T16:40:00.003-04:00

I can't believe we are sliding into fall already. Especially since I have only been on the beach four times this summer. [note: New Years resolution #1]

Lots of news to share: This Friday, September 12 from 5:30-7:30 pm, we are hosting the opening of our new Text as Art Exhibit. This show features artists who do fine art and use text in their work. Some notable names are Harry Borgman, Scott Covert, Ed Fella, Craig Mitchell Smith, René Ricard, Jenny Holzer, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert Rauschenberg, Glenn Ligon, Fab 5 Freddy, and Barbara Kruger. Some are local, some are New York artists. Guest curator Craig Smith will give a little talk at 5:45 pm.

BIG NEWS OF THE SEASON: The Krasl will unveil its new logo at this show! Right after the talk by Craig Smith, artist Harry Borgman will unveil the logo he has designed for the Krasl. You will really enjoy this exhibit. Come by and have a little wine, a little to eat...have a little fun. We'd love to see you.

Drop in for the Family Art Party on Sunday, September 14, from 2:00-4:00 pm.
It's free for members ($10 per family for non-members). Designed to go with the new exhibit, you can enjoy a word-find through the galleries. Create original artwork using text and mixed media.

There will be a Family Concert (piano recital and performance) at the Krasl on Sunday, September 21, from 2:00-5:00 pm by The Children’s Academy. That should be fun.

On Sunday, September 28, from 2:00-3:00 pm, stop by the Upton Arboretum in St. Joe for If Art Could Dance. Join the Citadel Dancers and the Junior Citadel Dancers as they bring sculpture to life! The newly installed sculptures at the Arboretum inspired choreographer Elizabeth Andrews to create an imaginative outdoor sculpture/dance performance for all ages. Meet at the sculpture Sandcastles: What Dreams Are Made Of, in the Upton Arboretum at the north end of State Street. The roaming performance will begin at 2:00 pm and lead you through the Arboretum.

On Monday, September 29, FALL CLASSES BEGIN! Go to the Krasl web site at www.krasl.org to download the class list. It is spectacular! I'm taking the Beach Glass class...

So you can see we are even busy in September. After all those special summer events (Art Fair on the Bluff, Concours on the Bluff), you'd think we'd be too exhausted!

So, see you on Friday!!

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff--Three Days and Counting!

2008-07-09T10:09:00.002-04:00

This is my first Art Fair here in St. Joseph. It is amazing how much energy is floating around. In the office, they said to me, "Welcome to your first Art Fair!" The whole town is excited. The restaurants, hotels, shops, galleries, and all the Krasl members and volunteers are psyched. Everyone is wearing Krasl Art Fair t-shirts, hats, carrying bags, etc.

I was a judge for the art fair this year, and will be an on-site judge Saturday, July 12 as well. I am looking forward to going around with my assistant to meet each and every artist. I hope I can get to everyone in the 8.5 hours allotted. I want all the artists to feel appreciated, and I want to see their work! I'm wearing my best walking shoes for sure.

I hope to see you there--with 70,000 of our closest friends :o)

Krasl Art Center Summer Art Camps!!

2008-06-16T16:21:00.004-04:00

It's summer in St. Joseph, and you know what that means: walking the beach, picnics, lunch under the umbrellas at area cafes, fishing on the pier, walking out to the lighthouse, looking for shells and beach glass. Sigh. It is really here, and I am taking full advantage of it. And so is the Krasl Art Center.

Our famous Krasl Summer Art Camps begin on Monday, July 14, so get your kids registered. This year, the theme is Art Olympiad. We will have some great classes, a chance to learn a little about Chinese culture before the real Olympic games begin, and a chance for you to leave your kids to have a little safe fun while you get the girls and head for the beach! Ah, I remember when my kids were little, it was such fun to grab those few hours of fun. If you work, extended care camps are available at limited times.

Mini camp for ages 4-6; Full Day Camp for ages 6-12, and teen summer studio for ages 12+ is offered. They will participate in such things as ceramics, drawing, sculpture, painting, drama, experimental art-making and at the same time get a global perspective on the arts. Call 269-983-0271 for information! Go to the web site at www.krasl.org to download the whole summer class brochure. Click on Summer Art Classes on the front page.

Open Studio for Members on First Thursdays

2008-04-04T14:34:00.002-04:00

Members over 21: The Krasl invites you to join us on First Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm for a little creative kicking back. We will hold an open studio night for members to come, bring your own refreshments, bring a project you are working on, whether it is a drawing, painting, print, or even your knitting! Come and join the fellowship of other artists who want to socialize, mingle, and just be motivated to work. There is no charge, and no organized class.

Please call 269-983-0271 to RSVP for the next Open Studio on May 1.

At this first meeting, we will talk about whether the group would like to get a model, or just work independently. Perhaps when the weather is nice, we might work outside... Let's talk!

Kathee

Have a Happy Easter!

2008-03-21T09:35:00.002-04:00

Today is Good Friday, and so begins the Easter weekend with more snow predicted. Our quilt exhibit, Rooted in Tradition, closes on April 6, and the new show opens April 11 with a reception from 5:30-7:30 pm. This show is a trio of three exhibits by three different artists: Kerry Binnington, Dale Threlkeld, and Paul Stankard. Kerry will be showing her drawings of area sculptures. Her pen and ink drawings are wonderful for their detail.

Dale Threlkeld will be presenting some new work in this exhibit, all brightly colored, oil on canvas. Some are quite large, but all are breathtaking.

Paul Stankard's work is in glass. Most are paperweight-like orbs and cubes that contain organic-looking images inside also made of glass. Striking in their beauty!

Our new curator, Tami Gadbois, will be coming on board soon, and we are all very excited.

Beginning April 1, the Krasl will be open on Thurday evenings til 9 pm. First Thursdays of the month will be a special open studio night for members over 21--to come and work on their favorite art projects and enjoy the fellowship of others. No experience necessary!

Have a happy Easter,

Kathee

Tablescapes: Krasl's Winter Fundraiser

2008-02-18T13:11:00.002-05:00

This year's theme is South of the Border. That means that you will arrive at the Krasl the evening of Saturday, February 23, at 5:30 pm, decked out in all your turquoise jewelry and matching attire, and be met with a fabulous time! The first thing that you will notice is that glass of sangria in your hand. There will be no better time than this on a cold Saturday evening! Pretend you are in Santa Fe, but wear your fur!

There will be festive tables arranged by some of the area's finest decorators, caterers, and restaurateurs, who will compete amongst themselves for the now-coveted “Krazzie Awards” for best decorator and best food. Participating decorators, designers, and restaurateurs include Bloomie’s Etc. (winner of a Krazzie two straight years in a row), The Krasl Shop, 165 Catering, Art & Interiors, CM Gifts, Crystal Springs, Floral Brook Florist, Form, Copper Roof, Paddiwacks, Absolutely Angela's, Bit of Swiss, Classic Catering, Clementines, Grande Mere Inn, Kilwins, Pump House Grill, Schu's, Tabor Hill, The Establishment, The Livery, and Timothy's.

A cash bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks will be open and hearty hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be provided by the area’s premiere restaurateurs and caterers. Local pianist Daryl Smith will provide musical inspiration to guests as they wander through every studio and gallery of the Krasl Art Center to visit artists demonstrating and selling their original work. Artists who will demonstrate their artforms include Pam Kirkham, Christina Root, Jerry Sirk, Jon Hook, Monty Kirk, Vicki Cook, Tom Hurst, and Brooks Bouwkamp.

Patrons will also be able to bid on fine, original work at the silent art auction. Many pieces of work have been received already, and there is more coming in. Work has been donated by Krasl faculty and staff--even me!

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the artists and Krasl’s educational programs. Proceeds from Tablescapes support on-site and outreach educational programs in area schools, hospitals, and social organizations like the YMCA and Salvation Army. Many participating artists work at the Krasl and are also affiliated with The Box Factory, Chartreuse, and New Arts Territory in Benton Harbor. Tablescapes is a chance for guests to learn more about the Krasl and its numerous programs and to really help your community.

This is a Krasl fundraiser: $50 members/$60 non-members; $250 for a block of 6. Call 983-0271 for tickets.

Parties Galore at the Krasl!

2008-01-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

Well, were you among the 200 or so people who crowded into the Krasl for the opening reception last Friday? If not, you really missed a great party! Tabor Hill wine, Panera sandwiches and cookies. Gosh!

Well, you will have another chance. On February 15th, Friday, 5:30-7:30 pm, we will have a reception to celebrate the opening of the Quilt Show. Rooted in Tradition: Art Quilts from the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum will run from Feb 10-Apr 6. Free admission. You have no excuse now. Same great food, same great wine.

There is an art talk and workshop that goes with this exhibit on March 1. See our web site for details, or call us at 269-983-0271. Both will be presented by fabric artist Ellen Anne Eddy.

If you are busy on February 15, I understand. But you will have to make it up to me by coming to our 5th annual winter fundraiser, Tablescapes: South of the Border on February 23 from 6:30-9:30 pm. This event will feature some of the best area decorators and artists, displaying and selling their work, and you will get to participate in the silent auction of artwork.

A dozen or more tables will be decorated with miniature landscapes. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of Sangria at the door, and hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be provided by the area’s premiere restaurateurs and caterers. Don't let this one get by. $50 members/$60 non-members. See you there!

Member Show Up!

2008-01-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

I hope to see you all at the opening reception for the member show this Friday, Feb 18 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The curator, Bill Tourtillotte, finished the hanging yesterday, and the labels are up. He and co-juror Jackie Welsh choose 100 out of the 200 submitted, and the show looks great. They will speak at 5:45 pm about how the work was chosen. It really is a very pleasing mixture of ceramics, jewelry, photography, oil painting, watercolor, collage, and other mediums. I am really happy with the outcome! Many of the Krasl faculty have work in the show including Jon Hook, Vicki Cook, and Brooks Bouwkamp. Do come and see their outstanding work. The show will run from January 18 through February 3.

I really want to see this become an annual show, and will work toward that. This first year, we will award first, second, and third place awards, and I promise to push for good cash awards next year! Next year we hope to spread the word about this show to Indiana and Illinois, as well as the rest of Michigan well ahead of time.

The Krasl Art Center is located just 35 minutes from Niles, Michigan, and probably about 45 minutes from South Bend, Indiana. And it is certainly worth the trip up to Lake Michigan no matter what time of year. The sights are spectacular. You can find directions on our site at www.krasl.org.

The Holidays: Are they Really Over?

2008-01-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that the holidays are almost over. If you celebrate for a few more days yet before you take down the tree, then I hope being back to work doesn't cramp your style!

Exciting things are happening at the Krasl Art Center. The 'Toon exhibit is being taken down and crated and we are preparing to receive work for the Krasl Members' Show underwritten by our own Krasl member Carolyn Dorgelo. Thanks, Carolyn! Between Jan 6-11, we will be greeting members, filling out forms, and readying the pieces for jurying.

The opening reception is Friday, January 18 at 5:30 pm. At 5:45 pm there will be a short Art Talk by Jacqueline Welsh & William Tourtillotte, co-jurors and curators of the show. You won't want to miss this discussion of the artwork included in the KAC member exhibition. Free and open to the public, as usual. It will be a nice break from the cold weather and snow we've had in St. Joseph to get together for a little wine and cheese (Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Panera Bread, and music provided by Dorothy Trachte.) and some good music on a Friday night.

Hope to see you there!

Kathee

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Krasl staff!

2007-12-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

From the Krasl Art Center staff, please accept our good wishes for a wonderful holiday with your families and friends.

There are still some openings in the kid’s holiday classes, the gift shop is still open for last minute shopping (and 75% off on Christmas items), and the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluf Patron Program gift certificates are still available. Please call for information—269-983-0271.

We will see you next for the Friday, January 18th opening reception for the Member's Show, from 5:30-7:30 pm (entries are due Jan 11).

Our January hours: Monday–Thursday & Saturday, 10–4 pm; Friday 10–1 pm; Sunday 1–4 pm. The Krasl’s galleries will be closed from Jan. 2–Jan. 17, 2008 but the office will remain open.

Ta-ta!

Harbor Works Art Project Reception--Tonight!

2007-12-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

Friday, December 14, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Funded by Connect Up! this program offers intensive artmaking opportunities to children involved in the after school programs at YMCA’s LOFT, and Salvation Army’s Turning Point. The community is invited to a reception at Chartreuse: A Local Arts Co-op to meet the artists and to shop for works of art made by these entrepreneur young artists. Proceeds from the sale of each work of art go toward art supplies and into a savings account created for each artist. Art objects available include wood turned pens, silver jewelry, mosaic mirrors, beaded bracelets, and silver chains.

Artwork made by Harbor Works Art Project students is available for purchase at Chartreuse, December 14–16, and at the Krasl Art Center gift shop.

The reception is open to the public. See you there!

Chartreuse is located at 304 State Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085

Visit to New Territory Art Association in Benton Harbor!

2007-11-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving I went on a little field trip with my elderly parents and my brother Tom, who was in town from DC for the holiday. I took them to the Art Hop in the Benton Harbor Arts District, and that turned out to be a very good choice of things to do.

We visited the Water Street Glassworks, a public access school for the study of glass arts owned by Kathy and Jerry Catania, and it is just amazing. Not only do they have a really wonderful shop in the front, and the attached Vesuvius Gallery, but they have a catwalk where you can actually stand and watch glass artists blow and work with glass in the four or five furnaces. My father said "What are we doing here again"?

There were so many things I wanted to buy! They sell work that their students have done, and have vases, bowls, paperweights and all kinds of other things for sale. I think I'm going back for this stunning clear glass bowl with yellow ribbons of color throughout. The Krasl is in cohoots with the Water Street Glassworks and offers a discount to all Krasl members.

We visited the Benton Harbor Gallery of Fine Art owned by Carl Brecht, and that is a really wonderful place, too. I did not make it to the Richard Vance Gallery, nor the Richard Hunt Studio Center, which displays the work of famous sculptor Richard Hunt. Next time! And then I may hit "the Livery" too, a popular microbrewery-restaurant nearby.

Tomorrow I visit the Detroit Institute of Arts—very exciting!

Something always happening in St. Joseph!

2007-11-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have slipped by and I've barely had time to think. The Krasl is gearing up for its holiday classes, and is anticipating the Member Show on January 18. Don't forget to enter that one. No admission charge, just membership to enter.

On November 10, I attended a wonderful open house at the Brookview Montessori School in Benton Harbor. Krasl art teacher Christina Worthington was in charge of the decor and it was stunning. Little clear mini-lights, luminaries; the place looked like a fairy tale! What a great school that is. It almost makes me wish my sons were still little (not). And the food was great. Don't miss this one next year.

On Friday, Nov 16, I toddled to downtown St. Joe to witness my first Luminary Festival. What fun! People singing in small groups, stores open late, people crowding the streets talking to friends (and it was like 35 degrees!), and free food! I real small-town atmosphere. I was able to see two of the new carousel animals for the park below the bluff--one a baby giraffe, and the other an Indian pony. They were really gorgeous.

And tonight is the big Box Factory Bearclaw cafe opening reception. Does it sound like all I talk about is food?

Just a reminder, too, that Friday Nov 23, 6 pm, is the Benton Harbor New Territories Hop & Shop. Our kids (from our Krasl outreach programs at LOFT, and Turning Point after school programs) will be selling artwork that they made themselves. Our Director of Education, Julia Gourley, will be on hand in case you want to buy it all! The program is all about teaching kids to be artists, and marketing and selling is all a big part of it. I will be there, too, bringing all my holiday visitors, like it or not. No Hop-No Eat!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Krasl,

'Toon Exhibit Opening

2007-11-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

Last Friday evening I attended my first art exhibit "opening" at the Krasl Art Center. The exhibit was "Art in the 'Toon Age," which featured artwork done by more than thirty artists, spanning three generations—from seven countries. All thirty-two artists were clearly imspired by comics graphics. They have used their own style of "comic art" to raise commercial art up to a fine art. This traveling show is owned by the Kresge Art Museum, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

The place was jammed. The food was great, the work was fabulous, the wine (Tabor Hill) was delish, and my husband hated the exhibit. But then, he is 20 years older than me, and European. His idea of art still don't include comics. And he isn't convinced about graphic novels either. But I have to tell you that this show is fabulous! Do try to see it before it closes on Dec 31.

The next opening will be for the Member Show on January 18 from 5:30-7:30 pm and I hope to see you all here. This is a great time to become a member and submit your work.

Krasl Sculpture Collection Grows to Thirty-six

2007-10-30T16:35:00.000-04:00

After sculptors Austin Collins and Bruce White took part in the 2006 Krasl Biennial Sculpture Invitational which highlighted the talents of Chicago Sculpture International, they both decided to generously donate their works to the Krasl art center’s permanent collection. Both Collins and White were very pleased by how well their works were received by the community.

Collins of Notre Dame, Indiana, donated Temple Carousel II made of galvanized steel to the collection. Collins earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame, and his MFA from Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California. He has sculptures in the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation in Indianapolis, Greater Reston Art Center in Reston Virginia, and King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. Pennsylvania. Collins works on themes that “generally tackle issues of social and political consequence, always with the intended aim of foregrounding concerns, which face human beings as individuals, as members of a culture and a society, as participants in the world, and as spiritual souls.”

Bruce White donated Riddle, an aluminum sculpture he created in 2000. White currently resides in DeKalb, Illinois. He obtained his BA from the University of Maryland, and his MA and DEd from Columbia University in New York. He has work in the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, Riverfront Skate Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the city of Sarasota, Florida. “Many of my works are influenced by the unpredictable patterns of natural systems, or “orderly disorder” stated White. “In Riddle, I was fascinated by the irregular flow of bubbles in the production of Swiss cheese and the fascinating variations and random compositions of the ovals which appear in each slice of cheese.”

2007 Holiday Art Class Schedule released!

2007-10-30T16:21:00.000-04:00

Are you bored bunkey? Well, sign up for a class at the Krasl Art Center. Be an artist! Really!

The classes that run from Nov 27 to Jan 4 are just amazing! There are more than 25 different classes and the are as varied as you can imagine: cartooning, drawing, sculpture, painting, and ceramics as well as more unusual classes where you can learn metal clay jewelry techniques, silversmithing, mosaic, fused glass, stained glass, wire wrapping, and special holiday activities like making homemade wrapping paper (I used to make mine with an apple and red ink pad!), and exploring holiday traditions around the world.

The classes are designd to give both parents and kids something to do during that time when their regular school routine has been interrupted. They can even make their Christmas presents!

And don’t forget our free noontime videos on a variety of artists and techniques, on Wednesdays (November 28, and December 5 and 12). They are free, you can bring your lunch, we make coffee, and it is warm here :o) Not only that, but you can hang out, look at the exhibits in the galleries, and chat about the videos afterwards. What could be better than that? And if you come, drag me out of my office to watch a video, too. I will thank you for it!

Art in the ’Toon Age Exhibit is hung!

2007-10-29T09:33:00.000-04:00

It is very exciting working in a gallery. Last week the truck arrived with the crates containing the Art in the ’Toon Age Exhibit, and this morning Susan, our curator, is in the gallery unpacking the crates to hang the show. The show will hang from Nov 1-Dec 31, and is an exhibition of cartoon art from more than thirty ’toon artists. Pulled from its own collection, the exhibit first drew national and international attention at the Kresge Art Museum Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. More than thirty 'toon artists, spanning three generations, from seven different countries are represented in this exhibition. These 'toon artists have "transformed commercial art into the finest of fine art." The neatest thing about this exhibit is that there are several other events running in conjunction: One is a talk by the curator of the Kresge Art Museum, April Kingsley, on Nov 1 from 6-7 pm, when she will give a free talk about the emergence of these artists and their influences.

The opening reception for the exhibit on Nov 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Come by for a glass of wine and a bite to eat. A perfect time to wear your most fun clothes!

Then, later this month, kids 7-14 can take Cartooning 101 from Keith Stevens from 4-6 pm (Nov 28-Dec 19; $25 members/$40 non-members).

Professional comic book illustrator Scott Rosema will also be in town (he lives in Muskegon). He has worked with DC comics, Marvel, Disney, Dark Horse Comics, and Warner Brothers, and has drawn Spiderman, Scooby-Doo, Superman and many more. Scooby-Doo is a personal favorite of mine because I think he looks like my older brother.

On Sunday, December 2, Scott will show his quick sketch technique in the Krasl Library from 1:30-2:30 pm ($10 members/$25 non-members)--and will give sketches away at the end; and from 3-4 pm, he will hold a comic art workshop for ages 10-adult($15 members/$30 non-members).

There are still reminders of the Holly Market fundraising sale around the gallery, with display cases and crock pots still waiting to be removed. Thanks to all of you who participated in that event. It was a very successful year for Holly Market and Soup's on, the luncheon that runs along side of it. I personally picked up a georgeous bracelet made by lampwork glass artist Dianna Dinka. It made me want to learn lampwork bead making, and so I will start by taking a class in bead making here at the Krasl. See the holiday class schedule for more information about that. Hope to see you there.

More later!

Meeting the Community

2007-10-26T13:19:00.000-04:00

Last evening Julia, our Director of Education, invited me to attend the Cornerstone Alliance "After Hours," held this time at the Whitcomb, a hotel built in the 1920s that is now home to hundreds of elderly folks. The place still has its original crystal chandeliers and woodwork--just gorgeous! We got a tour, given by one of the owners, David Krock. He was very nice, and we talked briefly about how he is very interested in what we can do to bring visual arts to the residents there. He said he has been approached personally by some budding artists for information. Proof that it is never too late to learn about art.

Tonight, Friday, is the regular Benton Harbor Art Hop, and I may check it out. There is a really wonderful art area in Benton Harbor that is very active, and I look forward to meeting them!

Hard to believe!

2007-10-26T12:56:00.000-04:00

I just finished my 5th week as the new Director of Development and Marketing at the Krasl Art Center in beautiful St. Joseph, Michigan. It is a dream come true to be here--a dream because I am an artist, holding a BFA in printmaking from Indiana University in South Bend, IN, and I love marketing and development--but also because I spent much of my free time in St. Joseph (I live in Niles, MI). Before coming to the Krasl, I was the communications specialist at the Nanovic Institute for European Studies at the University of Notre Dame, and was responsible for the marketing of all programs and events, as well as branding. I also worked in development, and when I left, we had just doubled our endowment. So, now, I hope to do the same for the Krasl, a fabulous organization with more than 1,000 members, many of whom are incredibly active, serving in heavy duty roles that have exhausted me just watching them. We just finished a wonderful event called the Hollymarket, where more than 100 artists brought their original work to sell, and while people shopped, they were able to purchase a bowl of homemade soup for lunch. A very colorful, noisy, exciting affair--and boy did it smell like heaven in the kitchen!

This blog is our way of not only getting out the word about exactly what we do here at the Krasl Art Center, but also sharing some of the daily excitement that is generated by all this activity centered around not only seeing visual arts, but doing art, sharing art, and teaching art.

I am happy to be here, and happy to share this all with you.