Sculpture

Michael Fay, Fire and Ice, completed his sculpture, "The Grenadier".  It is amazing and so true to life with great gesture and features.  You better go have a look see!

Stephanie Strange Sculpture

Stephanie Strange, Bastrop Artist, has a new piece of sculpture installed in a new library in Austin.  Maybe you can check out the opening.  Stephanie shares studio space across the street from my studio/gallery in Bastrop.  Congratulations to Stephanie.
 

You are invited for the Grand Opening of the new Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. Fifth Street, on Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. for a building dedication ceremony, the unveiling of the hanging sculpture titled Black Well by local artist Stephanie Strange, live music by the swinging Academy of Jazz Players, and abundant food and drink from local South Austin vendors. Bring the young ones out to enjoy a magic act and face painting f...un!

The new Twin Oaks Branch, located at the corner of South Fifth Street and West Mary Street, was built to replace the former Twin Oaks Branch which was located in a lease space since its inception in 1956. Since 1992, the Branch had been in a 5,360 square foot storefront space in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center located near the intersection of South Congress Avenue and Oltorf Street. In the 1998 City of Austin General Obligation Bond Election voters approved the funding to build a permanent 10,000 square foot branch to serve this area of the city. The new Twin Oaks Branch will operate as a “library for the future”, patterned after a popular new design model for community libraries which incorporates many features found in upscale bookstores.

This new and sustainable Branch, designed by Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects and built by Jamail & Smith Construction, is equipped with a rainwater harvesting system as well as a day lighting control system that dims electric lamps when the building has sufficient daylight for reading and other activities. It also features a 25.2 kW solar energy system that is expected to generate some 32,760 kWh annually (power sufficient for about three standard sized homes). Additionally, reused bricks salvaged during the demolition of the old South Austin Post Office building which formerly stood on the site were used for construction. The building also includes 15 huge timber trusses made of reclaimed Douglas Fir which saved about 30 large trees.

Bring the whole family out to see these green building concepts, enjoy some refreshments, and browse the stacks of your new neighborhood library! The new Twin Oaks Grand opening is free and open to the public. For more information please call 512-974-7400 or visit www.cityofaustin.org/library.

Kelly Borsheim, Open Studio

Kelly Borsheim is an incredible artist. Kelly is having her studio open on February 6 and 7 in Cedar Creek, Texas. Near me, so I may actually get to visit with her a little. She has been studying and living in Italy part of the year so our visits are few and far between. Her sculpture work is so full of life and energy. Please make an effort to see this beautiful work in person, you will not be disappointed. Her website is full of information and beautiful photos, but in person the art is wonderful!

Powwow Trip Photos and ideas for you

Our trip to New Mexico for the 25th Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow starts very early tomorrow, so I will be absent from posting. I'm not even taking my computer as we will be occupied for most of the time. I will check e-mail and do a little browsing with Gene's computer.


This photo is from a blanket dance at the Powwow in Austin, last October. Click the photo for a larger version. This may give you an idea of the wonderful sights we will be entertained by. Like watching fireworks, it is hard to describe. So colorful and meaningful. The Indians are so loving of the land and their country. It is inspiring to see their culture and togetherness in action.

While I am away, you might wander over to Susan Carlin's blog. She is experimenting with her video camera and giving us an insight into the art of portraiture. She makes it look sooooo easy.

Keep an eye on Joanna's wildflowers and more. Her photographs are so nice. Need professional photos in central Texas, check with Larry.

The Marine Corps artists Michael Fay and Kristopher Battles have been hard at work , too. They are doing a great job with portraying day to day military life.

Check out some of my other links over on the sidebar as well. They are all amazing artists or they wouldn't be on my list, right?

Have fun, I will see you down the road.

Last Saturday Art Event

Last Saturday as I mentioned on the baseball story, I went to Lockhart to the spring fling, The Rites of Spring.

Regina Burchett, my painting buddy, had a booth there. She shared her booth with Diana Weems. It was nice to meet Diana, nice work. Great cars!


Regina's booth looked great.


I really love to look at her pastels.


It is always interesting to see all the art and enthusiasm of the artists. There was another artist there from Bastrop, well Cedar Creek. Jeannie Coleman had some great sculpture there, my first time to meet her. Her work is bronzed at the foundry in Bastrop, Deep in the Heart Art Group. Very good to have a foundry in our community.

There were many events and exhibits around the square that I couldn't take a look at as I had to get to the baseball game.


The pie eating contest looked fun and the pies looked good. The fellow on the right wiping his face was the winner.

Another time we will spend more time there. Small towns in Texas have a lot to offer. Yesterfest is coming in Bastrop, the last Saturday in April. It is a fun day with many children's activities and a chance to learn about the 'good old days'.

Marine Corps Artists on the move

The two Marine Corps artist that I follow are off to Afghanistan soon. Check out Michael Fay's new sculpture and see what is going on with he and Kristopher Battles.

These guys are amazing. Keep them in your hearts...... and in your positive thoughts.

Sculptor, Kelly Borsheim

I have been remiss in sharing a new link to Kelly Borsheim's blog. She started her blog in September and I forgot about it until a few weeks ago. Sorry. (That is what happens when you use two computers and forget to transfer your blog reader links.) Kelly is in Italy. She lives in Cedar Creek, near Bastrop. She is an amazing artist. Her nude sculptures are so wonderful and she sculpts sea life as well. I think her bronze turtles would swim and walk if taken off their stands.

Kelly painting in Bastrop, October 2003,
during Art on the Bridge. She was the featured artist for October.

I met Kelly about 8 years ago, I think. She was at the Harvest Art Fest in Austin. Sometime after that she joined the Guild so we were able to share her knowledge and see her work up close and in person. Now she is so busy we rarely see her. I doubt I will get to Italy any time soon. How about you?

Kelly is a dedicated and fascinating artist. She studies, researches, and applies all her knowledge to her art career. Have a look at her web page and blog. You will be impressed at all the information and photos she shares with us. She writes enthusiastically and prolifically.

You are warned, so go get you a cup of coffee before you start and come back here afterwards and let me know what you think.