Jerald Melberg with installation crew @ Queens University

The Jerald Melberg Gallery in Charlotte, NC, has announced its loan of a monumental stainless steel sculpture by renowned American sculptor James Rosati to Queens University of Charlotte. As Jerald Melberg Gallery now exclusively represents the James Rosati Estate, the gallery was eager to have another major sculpture on view in Charlotte. The American Institute of Architects has been home to the sculpture, titled "Triple Arc I", until recent renovations required it to be moved. Jerald Melberg immediately realized that Queen's University's beautiful campus, great location and public visitorship made it a perfect place for the sculpture to be on view in Charlotte. With the assistance of Queens University President Pamela Davies; Assistant Professor of Art, Siu Challons-Lipton; and Vice President of Campus Planning and Services, Bill Nichols, the James Rosati sculpture will be installed on the front lawn of the University campus on well-traveled Selwyn Avenue. James Rosati (1911-1988) was one of America's most accomplished mid-20th century sculptors. He was a charter member of the Eighth Street Club and the New York School of Abstract Expressionists. Rosati is perhaps best known for his sculptures of large blockish forms combined in elegant relationships. Almost forty monumental sculptures are located in the United States and abroad, including works commissioned for the National Gallery of Art, the World Trade Center and, closer to home, a 16 foot tall stainless steel sculpture in front of the Charlotte Plaza office tower at the intersection of College and Fourth Streets. For further information call the gallery at 704/365-3000 or view works by Rosati online at (www.jeraldmelberg.com).

The Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, is pleased to announce that Fleur Bresler, a longtime supporter of the Mint Museum of Craft + Design and a Founders' Circle member, has received two awards in recognition of her service to the craft art field. The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County in Silver Spring, MD, and the Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia recently honored Bresler for her contributions to the arts at separate events. "Fleur's passion and commitment to the craft art field have helped draw national attention to these beautiful art forms," said Phil Kline, Executive Director of The Mint Museum. "We can't think of a more deserving person to receive these awards." A native of Washington, DC, Bresler has enjoyed a passion for handmade objects since childhood. She raised six children with husband Charles Bresler, a prominent real estate developer and former Maryland state delegate. She always sewed for her family and her enjoyment of the craft, coupled with her volunteer work with the textiles collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, led her to begin collecting quilts. Bresler purchased her first quilt in the 1960s, an occurrence that was, for her, both magical and momentous. What began as a personal hobby soon evolved into an overwhelming passion to learn about quilts - inside and out. Over a quarter of a century later, she had assembled an impressive and historically important collection of quilts. In the mid-1980s Bresler began delving into the world of wood turning and collecting wood art. Soon her home was turned into a kind of mini-museum to which she invited artists from all over the world to come discuss their work. Her passion for sharing craft forms with others continued through her involvement with various arts organizations. She served as president of the Wood Turning Center for five years and was instrumental in facilitating the construction of the new VisArts building in Rockville, MD. Between 2000 and 2001, Fleur and Charles Bresler donated their 36-piece American quilt collection to the Mint Museum of Craft + Design. Historically vast, the collection features white work, indigo resist and block printed chintz from the late 18th to early 19th centuries; appliqu, stenciled, mosaic template-pieced and album quilts from the mid-19th century; log cabin, crazy, and charm quilts from the late 19th century; and a group of 20th century Amish pieced quilts. The Bresler collection was shown at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design in 2003 in "American Quilt Classics, 1800-1980: The Charles and Fleur Bresler Collection". The exhibition is traveling to the Bellevue Arts Museum in Bellevue, WA, where it will be on display Jan. 27 ­ May 31, 2009. In recognition of Bresler's contributions to the craft field, the Mint Museum of Craft + Design will re-exhibit the Bresler quilt collection July 25, 2009 ­ Feb. 2010. For further information call 704/337-2000 or visit (www.mintmuseums.org).

The Arts Council of Lincoln County in Lincolnton, NC, is pleased to announce the recipients of the Grassroots Arts Program grants for the 2008-09 year. The recipients are: Lincoln County 4-H, Lincoln Cultural Development Center, Lincoln Charter School PTO (Lincolnton), A Place to Grow, Lincoln Theatre Guild, The Shepherds Ranch, and Lincoln County Concert Association. The Grassroots Arts Program is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, and is administered through the Arts Council of Lincoln County. Grants are issued yearly for cultural arts projects, events and services. Funds are available to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Lincoln County. For more information, contact the Arts Council of Lincoln County at 704/732-9044.

Artspace, in Raleigh, NC, welcomed more than 375 business leaders and art enthusiasts on Nov. 15, 2008, for its 7th annual Collectors Gala. This is the only major fundraiser held each year to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our areas beacon for artistic expression. This year's event was a huge success raising over $75,000. Proceeds from the Gala allow Artspace to continue exposing underprivileged children to art, inspiring artists of today and tomorrow, and making the arts accessible to everyone in the community. The evening's energy was derived from the creativity of the surroundings and was inspired by the wealth of talent at Artspace. "What a wonderful event," said Bruce Thompson with Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein LLP. "We are proud to be an Event Sponsor of the Collectors Gala. It's a great way to kick off the holiday season with clients and colleagues and introduce them to one of Raleigh's greatest treasures." Attendees of the Gala experienced a beautiful evening complete with cocktails and appetizers, a silent auction of artwork and packages, an intimate dinner in the artist studios, and a spirited live auction of artwork donated by Artspace's many talented artists. The 2008 Collectors Gala was co-chaired by Phyllis Britt, Libby Staub, and Angie Trull. Presenting Sponsor was Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Event Sponsors were Cherokee Investment Partners and Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP. "We are very pleased with the success of this year's event. The Collectors Gala could not have happened without the dedication and support of our sponsors," said Board Chair Ruffin Poole. "It is through the generosity of the community that Artspace exists and continues to inspire creative energy." Artspace inspires individual creativity by engaging the community in the process of the visual arts. A non-profit visual art center, Artspace is dedicated to providing inspiring and engaging arts education and community outreach programs, creating a dynamic studio environment of 35 professional artists, and presenting nationally acclaimed exhibitions. Artspace is located in Historic City Market in Raleigh at the corner of Blount and Davie Streets. Artspace is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, the Raleigh Arts Commission, individuals, corporations, and private foundations. For more information visit (www.artspacenc.org).

One of Charleston, SC's favorite artists, Alice Ann Dobbin, has just released "Ben, The Famous Gallery Dog of Charleston". The delightful book appeals to both children and adults and is about a puppy who becomes a familiar fixture in the doorway of the Dobbin Gallery on Church Street. Ben is a real dog who tells about his "job", his education, his allergies, and his activities when he's not in the gallery. He also takes the reader on a brief tour of Charleston and surrounding areas while expressing some important life lessons. The book is illustrated with photos by Mrs. Dobbin. Mostly known for her colorful marsh scenes and sensitive portrayals of wading birds, Dobbin has been writing almost as long as she has been an artist. Her first degree, from Pennsylvania State University, was in journalism. During her early career in communications, she wrote and supervised production of annual reports, magazines and promotional material for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, winning several state and national awards. Later, while working with a public relations agency, she wrote speeches for local political figures, one of which became governor. After obtaining her art degree from Washington and Jefferson College, Dobbin continued to write about the importance of art in education. She taught art for several years and then devoted full time to her painting. Dobbin is the featured artist at the Dobbin Gallery. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America and a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation. "Ben, The Famous Gallery Dog of Charleston" is currently available for sale at both gallery locations: downtown at 175 Church Street and in the gallery at Freshfield's Village near Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Books may also be purchased on-line at (www.dobbingallery.net). Books will be available at several other outlets at a later date. The Dobbin Gallery at Freshfield's Village will host a book signing with Mrs. Dobbin on Dec. 13, 2008 from noon to 4pm. Come meet the author. The famous gallery dog will also be on hand. For further info contact Kaelyn Hawkins, Gallery Manager at 843/768-0450 or e-mail at (seabird3@bellsouth.net).

The Avant Garde Center for the Arts is a 501(3)C agency whose mission is to provide arts opportunities in diverse & underserved areas. After months of presenting arts programs in various locations, thanks to the generosity of local partners, Avant Garde CFTA now has a permanent location in downtown Great Falls, SC, in the former "Eagles 5 & 10".  Renovations have begun to transform the 4,000 square feet area into space for gallery exhibits, workshops, studios, performances, and community events.  The focus of Avant Garde Center for the Arts is community partnerships to stimulate creative economy, develop & promote cultural tourism, arts in education, neighborhood public arts, and grassroots level special events. A recent grant from the Springs Close Foundation will help further the efforts of Avant Garde CFTA to provide quality arts programs in the Great Falls schools. The central downtown location is expected to open in 2009. For information e-mail to (cmstevens@comporium.net), call 803/287-7853 or write AGCFTA at P.O. Box 185, Great Falls, SC  29055.

UNC Asheville in Asheville, NC, has selected Frank Harmon as architect for the university's new Craft Campus - a site set to go from landfill to landmark. Standing on a grassy bluff overlooking the French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world, the acclaimed Raleigh, NC, architect knew for sure that he wanted to design the buildings that would one day become UNC Asheville's Craft Campus. The natural beauty of the Craft Campus site as well as its surprising past inspired Harmon. Its sweeping vistas offer "a view that's every bit as good as Biltmore Estate and yet it was a former trash dump," he said. The site, once a Buncombe County landfill, has been re-purposed as UNC Asheville's Craft Campus. The site, just four miles from main campus, will be a complex of environmentally friendly classrooms and studios for the teaching and learning of the region's renowned studio craft traditions. Methane and other alternative fuels generated on-site will serve as "green" energy sources to power kilns, furnaces, forges and other critical infrastructure. The University has set the Craft Campus on a mission to become the leading undergraduate craft studies program in the nation, while re-centering the modern American studio craft movement in Western North Carolina. It will be no small task to create the buildings that will encompass this expansive vision. But Harmon, who was recently tapped to lead the design of the Craft Campus, is more than up to the challenge. At 67, Harmon has spent more than three decades creating critically acclaimed spaces for people to live and work. His craftsmanship is highly regarded by both his peers and architecture critics. He has won more than a dozen honors from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, including one earlier this year. "Time" magazine named his Rake and Hoe building in Raleigh as one of the 10 best in the nation in 1988. "BusinessWeek' and "Architectural Record" lauded his metalworking studio at Penland School of Crafts. Jean McLaughlin, Penland School of Crafts director, is quick to add her voice to the praise. "Students and instructors truly love the iron studio. Our studio coordinator who first worked in the facility said that he thought the studio itself motivated students to do even better work," McLaughlin said. "At Penland we teach through demonstrations and one-on-one guidance, so it has been important to have instructors tell us that the space functions really well." In addition to the metalworking studio at Penland School of Crafts, Harmon has also designed a number of other working and learning spaces for artists, including the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, the Star Works Factory for artists in Star, NC, and several private studios. But Harmon isn't just passionate about the arts, he's also dedicated to sustainability. He's worked on a number of ecologically sound projects from the Ocean Conservation Center in Beaufort, NC, to the Walnut Creek Urban Wetlands Educational Park in Raleigh. This ethos fits perfectly with UNC Asheville's Craft Campus mission. "The possibility of being able to use methane on the site as a fuel source was very attractive to me," Harmon said. "Our firm has been focused on sustainable buildings for decades. This just seemed a beautiful opportunity to give something back to a piece of landscape that had, in a sense, been taken away." Craft Campus Director Brent Skidmore said that these sensibilities, as well as Harmon's impressive design record, made his firm the clear choice. The eight-member committee fielded 19 applicants and held interviews with five architectural firms. They agreed unanimously on choosing Harmon's firm. "Frank's signature is an excellent match for our project," Skidmore said. Harmon's vision for the campus began to materialize during the search process and is continuing to take shape. "It will be a place that respects the land where it is built and the ecological traditions of the region. It will seem very much at home in its surroundings. And it goes without saying that it will be a building that is provident of energy and resources; it will be sustaining," Harmon said. "So, it will be very much at home on the site but at the same time we'd like it to express that it is a building of today and represents the best that crafts have to offer as we move forward into the 21st century." Through a generous lease arrangement with Buncombe County, UNC Asheville's Craft Campus will be located on a 153-acre site north of the University. The design process will begin in December. The campus is expected to open in four to five years. The design team includes Frank Harmon Architect, Altamont Environmental Inc., Ambient Design Group, Cavanaugh & Associates, Costing Services Group, 4SE Inc. and RMF Engineering Inc. For further information call Brent Skidmore, UNC Asheville Craft Campus Director, at 828/250-2390.

Portrait artist Cecile Langham Cothran, former owner of Charleston Art & Portraits in Charleston, SC, has illustrated a new book. Together with her daughter, a Mount Pleasant, SC, attorney and free lance writer, Cothran has published, "A Quiet Cup of Tea". The 20 page gift book includes ten full color illustrations by Cothran. Written by Perrin Cothran Conrad, the story tells of the reaffirmation of the chosen priorities in a woman's life as her day is constantly derailed by the demands of those close to her. Conrad, an Ashley Hall graduate, holds a BA in English Literature/Creative Writing form Agnes Scott College and a JD from Campbell University. She is a former columnist and features writer for "South Carolina Homes and Gardens'. There will be a book signing at Allbooks in Summerville, SC, on Nov. 22, 2008, from noon until 2pm. The book is also available at (www.MosquitoCreekPress.com) or by calling Cothran at her studio at 843/729-3924.

Sunset River Marketplace, the eclectic and innovative art gallery in Calabash, NC, announces development of its MySpace page, which can be viewed at (www.MySpace.com/sunsetrivermarketplace). MySpace, the popular online social network allows users to share interests, photos, journals, calendars and more. What began as a vehicle for musicians and bands to connect with their fans and other musicians, and has expanded to include segments of society such as teenagers, college students, the film industry, the art world, writers, performing arts organizations and other groups and individuals. Painters, sculptors, potters, weavers, galleries, museums, arts councils and other art organizations are all finding volunteers, collectors, fans and friends via MySpace. Ginny Lassiter, owner of Sunset River Marketplace, said, "We've been researching MySpace for the past few months and decided to augment our print advertising with publications like "Carolina Arts" with the online site. We love the interactivity. Our goal is to reach more people who are interested in the art and artists we showcase here at the gallery. Plus, it's one more way to let local folks and media people what's going on. We've started listing some of our classes along with featured artist shows, receptions and our monthly lunch-and-lecture Creative Exchange series." The gallery's MySpace page currently plays two slide shows ­ one of work by the featured artist and two others of work by other exhibiting artists. "With the way MySpace is set up, we'll be able to rotate images often and change the featured artist images easily. We will be using the MySpace page to encourage people new to the gallery to visit our own website (www.sunsetrivermarkeptlace.com) to get an even better feel for what Sunset River Marketplace offers," Lassiter added. MySpace, which boasts some 110 million monthly active users worldwide and is adding 300,000 more each day, allows users to connect with other "friends," who are also members of MySpace. One user contacts another to request "friendship," Families often use the network to stay in touch and share photo albums online. Sunset River Marketplace plans to connect with artists, other galleries, museums, art associations and a range of individuals. "We were recently contacted on MySpace by Sea-Cruz, a very popular local music group. It turns out that two of the musicians own work by Babs Ludwick, who is one of our exhibiting watercolor artists. So now Sea-Cruz is on our 'friends list' and we're on theirs," Lassiter explained. "Folk artist Kim Clayton is on our friends list, too. We'll be featuring her work at the gallery in early 2009. So through MySpace, many of her fans and collectors will hear about us. Another exhibiting artist, Ramona Bendin, is on our list of friends, too. Other 'friends' are artists who don't necessarily exhibit at the gallery, but whose work we admire. We also have some art magazines and several North Carolina arts councils. We hope that more of our exhibiting artists will see the benefit to developing their own MySpace pages." Sunset River Marketplace showcases artists from the two Carolinas in its 10,000 square-foot space. For further information call the gallery at 910/575-5999 or visit (www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com).

Artisphere, Greenville, SC's annual Arts Festival, received a record high 585 artist applications for the 2009 festival scheduled to take place in Downtown Greenville May 8-10, 2009. Festival organizers attribute the increase in applications (up 37% from the 2008 festival) to a new online application process, Zapplication; and high scores in the "ArtFair Source Book" for Artist Hospitality. Program Director, Liz Rundorff reported that "71 of the 100 artists that made up our 2008 Artist Row applied again this year."  Rundorff went on to say that "Artisphere is growing in popularity not only in the Greenville community, but among the arts community nationwide; artists that are applying to our festival are also applying to some of the top ranking festivals in the country." Artist applicants for the 2009 festival hail from Downtown Greenville to the United Kingdom and everywhere in between with mediums just as diverse including: ceramics, drawing, furniture, glass, jewelry, 2D and 3D mixed media, oil and acrylic painting, watercolor painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and woodwork. The 2009 jury panel includes: Allie Farlowe, Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, NC; Jerry Jackson, Curator & Visual Artist, Penland; NC, Janice Meek, Founder of "The Critical Review", Asheville, NC; and David Willard, Arromont School of Arts & Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN. The closed Jury Review is scheduled for Nov. 15, 2008.  At that time, the jurors will be charged with the task of scoring the 585 artist applicants in a blind jury process. A finalized list of the 100 selected artists will be released in January. Artisphere Board Chairman, Brad Campbell stated that the "2008 Artisphere award winning artists and commemorative poster artist, Lynn Greer will automatically be accepted to the 2009 festival; the bar is set high from the start." Artisphere's mission is to showcase the arts, reflect the area's international flair, encourage economic development and bring awareness to existing local arts programs. The festival provides a diverse menu of experiences that center around the arts, both visual and performing, and Greenville's multicultural offerings to appeal to visitors from around the world, as well as residents throughout the region. More information is included on the Artisphere website at (www.artisphere.us).

Sometimes a parent has to step aside to let the prodigy fully develop its potential. Such is the case as The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg, in Spartanburg, SC, as it passes the administrative torch of The Healing Arts program to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation. "The Healing Art program was the brainchild of Katie Hodge and my predecessor, Everett Powers," Perry Mixter, President of the local arts agency, said. "That was in 1997. It started small, with a few local artists performing in the hospital's lobby. Since then, the program has grown tremendously, now involving not only local artists but artists from around the country and offering therapeutic arts programming to 12 different healthcare sites in the community." "Today, we see that The Healing Arts program is in good hands," Mixter said. "The SRHS Foundation has dedicated the time and talents needed to take the program to yet higher levels. With the growth of this important program, it is simply more appropriate that the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation assume the administration of this unique program. The Arts Partnership and our partner agencies will continue to be centrally involved in its future, as we will serve on its Advisory Board." The official passing of the torch will be recognized Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, at the Chapman Cultural Center, at the private reception and opening of an art exhibit by Hodge, who, among her many accomplishments is a respected painter. "We are truly indebted to Katie Hodge, The Arts Partnership and Spartanburg Regional for bringing The Healing Arts to Spartanburg," Kimberly Ward the program's coordinator, said. "It has been a wonderful relationship between two great organizations and nurtured by a group of very dedicated committee members. I look forward to continued collaborations with The Arts Partnership through The SRHS Foundation Community Healing Arts Program, and the community can look forward to seeing this program grow."
"So much credit should be given to Katie Hodge," Ward said. "It has been through her guidance and support that this program has become so strong. On Tuesday evening, we'll have an opportunity to thank Katie for her dedication to our community and celebrate her talent as an artist through this special exhibit of her works. I have seen her paintings, and they are truly wonderful. I invite everyone to visit her exhibit at the Spartanburg Art Museum in the Chapman Cultural Center." The exhibit, which is a collection of Hodge's work spanning 30 years, will hang through Dec.18. It will include canvas works in oils, pastels and watercolors. It is free and open to the public. In addition to working with The Arts Partnership, The SRHS Foundation Community Healing Arts Program has collaborated with several other community groups/organizations such as the Spartanburg County School District system, Ballet Spartanburg, Artists' Guild of Spartanburg, Carolina Art Gallery, Spartanburg Music Foundation, Hub City Writers Project, COLORS, National Arts Program Foundation, Converse College and Wofford College. "We look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts and creating opportunities to partner with new groups as we look ahead to provide programming throughout the community," said Ward, who is employed by the SRHS Foundation as full time coordinator of the community program. Outreach sites for the program includes St. Luke's Free Clinic, New Day Club House, Mary Black Memorial Hospital, Spartanburg Regional, Mountain View Nursing Home, Magnolia Manor, Spartanburg County Health Department Services, S.O.A.R. Academy, Dialysis Clinics, Inc. (3 locations), Spartanburg Mental Health Clinic, and will soon include the newly opened Village Hospital. According to Dr. Sheila Breitweiser, SRHS Foundation Executive Director, "It is a great fit for the SRHS Foundation to bring together these two parts of the Healing Arts Program because it supports our mission which is "To create a community of giving for life." With this unified Community Healing Arts Program we will be able to expand programming and resources to hospitals and organizations throughout Spartanburg to benefit the health of all community members." For further information contact Steve Wong, Marketing Director, The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg by calling 864/278-9698 or e-mail to (Swong@SpartanArts.org).

This winter Andy Warhol's famous Campbell's Soup Cans won't be the only food items on view at The Mint Museums in Charlotte, NC. Through Feb. 15, 2009, visitors to the Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design will receive $1 off admission when they bring in a canned good or other non-perishable food item. The food drive will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. "With the struggling economy and the holidays around the corner, we would like to do as much as we can in helping keep Second Harvest stocked," said Elizabeth Isenhour, Marketing & Public Relations Manager. "Offering reduced admission is a great way to get the community involved in giving back." The Mint Museum of Art is exhibiting "Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends" through Feb. 15, 2009. The exhibition spans the artist's career from the 1950s through 1986, and features key early works from landmark series such as "Endangered Species", "Flowers", "Jews", "Myths", "Muhammad Ali" and "Space Fruits" from the Bank of America Collection. The special exhibition "Ornament as Art: Avant-Garde Jewelry from the Helen Williams Drutt Collection" is on display through Jan. 4, 2009, at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design. One of the most comprehensive collections of contemporary studio jewelry in the world, Ornament as Art features jewelry made from materials ranging from gold and sapphires to television bulbs and No. 2 pencils. For more information, visit (www.mintmuseum.org).

The Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, will benefit from a $5.169 million bequest from the estate of longtime Mint member and supporter Nancy Akers Wallace, Executive Director Phil Kline announced today. In recognition of this exceptional gift, the dramatic atrium of the Mint Museum of Art on Randolph Road will be renamed the Nancy A. & J. Mason Wallace Atrium in memory of the donor and her husband. "We are deeply touched by Nancy's vision and generosity," said Kline. "She believed in the importance of sharing art with the community she and Mason loved so much. She made this extraordinary gift from her steadfast conviction that The Mint Museum plays a vital role in enhancing Charlotte's quality of life." The largest bequest in the Museum's history, this unrestricted endowment gift will support the Museum's expansion initiative, as well as provide support for the institution's ongoing operations. The expansion includes the opening of a new facility in Center City Charlotte in 2010 to house collections of contemporary art, American art, and contemporary craft and design. The Mint Museum of Art will undergo a major renovation, including a complete reinstallation of its galleries to provide a more comprehensive and engaging experience. Visitors will see a dramatic reorganization of the collections of ceramics, historic costume and fashionable dress, and art of the ancient Americas. "Nancy and Mason Wallace were caring citizens of our community," said Stacy Sumner Jesso, Director of Development. "This endowment gift comes at a critical time and will make an enormous difference in allowing us to exhibit more of our collections and offer new educational resources. Through the Wallaces' generosity, the Mint will continue to provide inspiring art experiences to our visitors for decades to come. We are honored to name the Museum's atrium in their memory." Born in Charlotte in 1919, Nancy Akers Wallace was an active community member, devoted mother and wife, and quiet philanthropist. A graduate of Duke University, she worked as an inspector at the US Navy Shell plant in Charlotte during World War II. In 1946 she married J. Mason Wallace, her best friend and the love of her life. During her lifetime, Mrs. Wallace was a committed volunteer and member of several community organizations, including the Junior League of Charlotte, Sardis Presbyterian Church and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Both she and her husband were avid hikers and helped maintain sections of the Appalachian Trail. A longtime supporter of The Mint Museum, she was also an accomplished watercolorist and honed her creative talents through art classes at the Mint. Mrs. Wallace passed away in 2006, and was survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and husband. Her estate released the gift to The Mint Museum after Mason Wallace's passing in 2008. The Mint Museum is deeply grateful for this generous gift benefiting the Charlotte community. The Mint Museum is one institution with two dynamic locations. Established in 1936 as North Carolina's first art museum, the Mint Museum of Art houses collections of art of the ancient Americas, American art, contemporary art, historic costume, and a ceramics collection well-known for works from North Carolina. Opened in 1999, the Mint Museum of Craft + Design displays national and international contemporary crafts made of ceramics, metal, wood, glass and fiber. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, with an Operating Grant from the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc.; the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Charlotte; and its members. To learn more, visit (www.mintmuseum.org).

The Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, SC, has been selected to receive a gift of fifty works of art from New York collectors Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, with the help of the National Gallery of Art, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The gifts are part of a national gifts program entitled "The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Fifty States". It will distribute 2,500 works from the Vogels' collection of contemporary art throughout the nation, with fifty works going to a selected art institution in each of the fifty states. "The Columbia Museum of Art is honored to be the South Carolina recipient of the Vogel's generous donation, and we are privileged to be in the company of other major museums in the country. These 50 works, predominantly by American artists, significantly broaden our holdings and further our commitment to diversifying and growing our modern and contemporary art collection. The educational opportunities about this period of art, largely the 1980s and 1990s, will inspire lectures and lively museum programming to spark creativity. As a recipient of the Kress Foundation's major art donation in the 1950s and 1960s, the Museum is delighted to know the Vogel's national legacy was spurred by the Foundation's gift,'" executive director Karen Brosius said. The best-known aspects of the Vogel Collection are minimal and conceptual art, but these donations also explore numerous directions of the post-minimalist period, including works of a figurative and expressionist nature. Primarily a collection of drawings, the 2,500 works the Vogels are donating also include paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints by more than 170 contemporary artists, mainly working in the United States. Gifts to the first ten institutions were announced in the spring of 2008. The National Endowment for the Arts is funding the publication of a book, "The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Fifty States", scheduled for release in Nov. 2008. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is providing funds for the disbursal of the art (under the supervision of the National Gallery of Art) to the fifty institutions and for the development of a Web site to serve as both an information center and exhibition area for this project. The National Gallery of Art has worked closely with Dorothy and Herbert Vogel since 1991, when it acquired a portion of their collection, through partial purchase and gift from the Vogels. Since the couple formed their association with the National Gallery, the Vogels' collection has continued to grow to include some 4,000 works, far more than can appropriately be placed in a single institution. To date, the Vogels have donated 832 works to the Gallery and another 268 are promised gifts. "The generosity of Dorothy and Herb has enhanced our collection of contemporary art immeasurably," said Earl A. Powell III, Gallery director. "Of five wonderful wall drawings by Sol LeWitt donated by them, two are currently on view in the East Building, along with two works each by Lynda Benglis and Richard Tuttle." Works from the collection have appeared in numerous exhibitions throughout the world, including two major exhibitions organized by the National Gallery that were selected solely from their collection. In 1994, "From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from the Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection' was on view at the National Gallery of Art. It was also seen in 1997 at the Archer M. Huntington Art Gallery in Austin, and the Portland Art Museum in Oregon. In 1998, the exhibition traveled abroad to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel, and the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, Turku, Finland. Following its 2002 presentation in Washington, Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the Vogel Collection was on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. The Vogel Collection has been characterized as unique among collections of contemporary art, both for the character and breadth of the objects and for the individuals who created it. Herbert Vogel (b. 1922), spent most of his working life as an employee of the United States Postal Service, and Dorothy Vogel (b. 1935), was a reference librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library. Setting their collecting priorities above those of personal comfort, the couple used Dorothy's salary to cover the expenses of daily life and devoted Herbert's salary to the acquisition of contemporary art. With the exception of the collection formed by their friend, artist Sol LeWitt, no other known private collection of similar work in Europe or America rivals the range, complexity, and quality of the art the Vogels acquired. As the first collectors to buy work by many artists who were then unknown to a wide audience, the Vogels offered encouragement at the start of the careers of several figures who went on to achieve considerable acclaim. Owing to these artists' continuing close relationship with the collectors, many works of art collected by the Vogels were gifts, marking special occasions-such as Dorothy and Herbert's birthdays and wedding anniversary-and often personally inscribed. In this sense the Vogels' collection is a keen reflection of their friendships with artists. Artists' use of drawing as a primary medium has expanded during the years in which the Vogel Collection has been formed, and interest in drawings on the part of contemporary collectors has expanded as well. However, when the Vogels began collecting in the early 1960s, their focus on drawing was an unusual one, suggesting another aspect of their prescience. Many drawings in the collection represent an artist's initial form of an idea, and others act as plans to be followed by a collaborator in the making of a work of art. This emphasis on drawings adds to the unique and intimate nature of the Vogel Collection, making their gifts an important educational tool for museums. Another educational focus of the Vogels since 1980 has been their ongoing donation of artist-related records to the Archives of American Art, Washington, DC. "We hope this will be a truly national program, and that it will make the work of the many artists we admire familiar to a wider audience. We also hope our gifts will enable museums throughout the country to represent a significant range of contemporary art," said Dorothy Vogel on behalf of the couple. Inspired by the Kress Foundation's placement of old master paintings throughout the United States in the middle of the last century, the Vogels hope that their project will, as a parallel effort, enhance knowledge of the art of our time. An exhibition of the 50 works gifted to the Museum will open in 2009. For further information visit (www.columbiamuseum.org).

Jerald Melberg Gallery in Charlotte, NC, announces its loan of a monumental stainless steel sculpture by renowned American sculptor James Rosati to Queens University of Charlotte. As Jerald Melberg Gallery now exclusively represents the James Rosati Estate, the gallery was eager to have another major sculpture on view in Charlotte. The American Institute of Architects had been home to the sculpture, titled "Triple Arc I", until recent renovations required it to be moved. Jerald Melberg immediately realized that Queens University's beautiful campus, great location and public visitorship made it a perfect place for the sculpture to be on view in Charlotte. With the assistance of Queens University President Pamela Davies; Assistant Professor of Art, Siu Challons-Lipton; and Vice President of Campus Planning and Services, Bill Nichols, the James Rosati sculpture will be installed on the front lawn of the University campus on well-traveled Selwyn Avenue. James Rosati (1911-1988) was one of America's most accomplished mid-20th century sculptors. He was a charter member of the Eighth Street Club and the New York School of Abstract Expressionists. Rosati is perhaps best known for his sculptures of large blockish forms combined in elegant relationships. Almost forty monumental sculptures are located in the United States and abroad, including works commissioned for the National Gallery of Art, the World Trade Center and, closer to home, a 16 foot tall stainless steel sculpture in front of the Charlotte Plaza office tower at the intersection of College and Fourth Streets. View selected James Rosati works online at (www.jeraldmelberg.com).

After two years of development, the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC, has launched a highly interactive website at (www.gibbesmuseum.org). The intent of the upgraded website is to make the museum's rich collection accessible to a wide audience. The Gibbes Museum of Art collects, preserves and interprets the art of Charleston, the Lowcountry and the American South from the colonial era through today. The Gibbes website features themed tours from the museum's extensive collection that encompass early American, Modern and Contemporary objects, a component called Just for Educator's that allows teachers to create their own virtual gallery and a research option that allows users to search the Gibbes' collection by keyword. A highlight of the new website is the Explore/Interactions section in which signature works of art from the Gibbes collection act as launching points for an in-depth exploration of the artists, subjects, and styles that have shaped American art of the South. The Interactions offer animation, video, and fun activities that allow visitors to create landscapes, woodblock prints, miniature portraits and more. "Our newly completed website offers amazing opportunities for children, families, educators and lifelong learners. Whether you are planning a trip to the Gibbes or just want to see what we are all about, the website provides a compelling experience. We hope that art lovers of all ages will explore and enjoy gibbesmuseum.org," said Gibbes Executive Director Angela D. Mack. The enhanced Gibbes website was funded by the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, the Ceres Foundation and the Women's Council of the Carolina Art Association. Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858 (celebrating 150 years in 2008), the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905.  Located in Charleston's historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works, principally American with a Charleston or Southern connection and presents special exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives that serve the community by stimulating creative expression and improving the region's superb quality of life. For further information visit (www.gibbesmuseum.org).

At a recent ceremony in Washington, DC, The Folk Art Society of America awarded Albert Hodge for his artwork accepted by The Smithsonian American Art Museum. President of The Folk Art Society, Ann Oppenhimer, presented the Smithsonian with one of Hodge's clay Face Jugs saying the piece is "a spectacular and beautiful example of [Hodge's] work. It will certainly more than hold its own with the other pieces of folk art pottery in the Smithsonian's collection." The Folk Art Society of America is a non-profit organization which advocates the discovery, study, documentation, preservation and exhibition of folk art, folk artists, and folk art environments. The Smithsonian's American Art Museum is located in Washington, DC, which centers around displaying all regions and art movements found in the United States. Albert Hodge was born in 1941 and raised in Catawba County. The Newton, NC, native is a typical folk artist, best known for his pottery ­ especially his distinctively unique clay face jugs. His studio in Vale, NC, is just four miles from Catawba Valley where the best clay is said to be found and pottery has been made for the past 200 years. He said he found his niche-after getting his hands in clay and turning the pottery wheel for the first time at age 46, Hodge says he's "one of the lucky people in this world that found what I was meant to do." Hodge's work is included in the Hickory Museum of Art's collection and sold in the Museum's shop in Hickory, NC. HMA congratulates Albert Hodge on his achievement of being added to the Smithsonian's American Art Museum and for his award presented by The Folk Art Society of America. The Hickory Museum of Art is a United Arts Council of Catawba County Funded Affiliate and is located in the "SALT Block" Arts & Science Center of the Catawba Valley. For additional information, call 828/327-8576 or visit (www.HickoryArt.org).

The Charleston Center for Photography in Charleston, SC, appointed former military combat photojournalist Stacy L. Pearsall to the newly created role of Director. Acting as the principle manager, Pearsall is charged with managing a staff of teachers, writing course curriculum, producing photographic workshops, managing school budgets, public relations, fundraising events and community involvement. Pearsall will be based at the Center's 654 King Street in Charleston, SC, school facility and report into Jack Alterman, school founder and owner. Pearsall is a multiple award winning photojournalist with more than 10 years experience in news and combat photojournalism. Prior to joining the Charleston Center for Photography, Pearsall was celebrated as the top photographer in the Department of Defense and was singularly responsible for enhancing media coverage of military operations on a global scale, Alterman says. Since 1961, only two women have won the coveted National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Military Photographer of the Year competition. She is the only one to win that honor twice.  Her associations within the photography community are deep rooted and her commitment to sharing and enhancing the practice of photography is unrivaled. Jack Alterman, who has been a photographer for over 28 years, established the Charleston Center for Photography in 2002. The Center's facility is one of the largest studio complexes in the state of South Carolina and spans in impressive 6,000 square feet. The Center offers multiple courses such as photojournalism, digital darkroom, conceptual, commercial and studio photography. In addition to the six-week semester courses, the Center hosts photography workshops by such greats as Sam Abel and George DeWolfe on a quarterly basis. As a way to inspire the local community, the Center provides a free Second Monday Lecture Series every second Monday of the month at 7pm. Past lecturers include celebrated photographers Vince Musi, "National Geographic", and Calie Shell, "Time Magazine". All of the Center's instructors adhere to the ethical standards outlined by the National Press Photographers Association, American Society of Media Photographers and the Professional Photographers of America. For further info contact the Center by calling 843/577-0647 or visit (www.center4photography.com).

Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston, SC, has received $2,000 from the Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association (CFADA), for its Outreach and Education Programs. This support will allow the organization to continue to grow its programming, offering free opportunities to youth in our community. Currently Redux provides contemporary art education classes and workshops to Charleston County School District, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, and Yo! Arts. Each year Redux brings in a visiting artist through the Artist in Residence program that teaches workshops and gives public lectures. The Summer Art Institute provides 30 scholarships to talented high school students, for 3 weeks of classes with professional artists, where students receive instruction in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The artists and staff at Redux are thrilled to have the generous support of CFADA. Thanks to the increased support of local businesses such as the galleries of CFADA, in 2008 Redux increased its impact of outreach programs from 100 children to 600, and a majority of these children are female and/or minority. Residents in Charleston can see how Redux utilizes funding to benefit the community by visiting us at 136 St. Phillip Street or by going to our website at (www.reduxstudios.org). Redux Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit gallery, studio, and education center. Through diverse programming and a full studio facility, Redux promotes and encourages all forms of artistic creation, while introducing and educating the public to the Contemporary Arts. The center offers free year round art exhibitions, artist and curator lecture series, and film screenings, while educating our community through classes and workshops, community outreach, and internship opportunities. Redux is instrumental in presenting new artists to our community through our artist in residency program, and our many live artist and music performances. In addition, Redux remains a bustling center for the contemporary arts with 15 private artist studios, and the only public printmaking and darkroom facilities in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association (CFADA) was founded in 1999 by gallery owners and artists who are dedicated to developing the Charleston market into a fine art destination. Each CFADA member gallery has established itself as a knowledgeable fine art dealer and maintains the highest level of professionalism. Additionally, all CFADA members are committed to contributing to the cultural life of the Charleston community by hosting worthwhile exhibitions and sharing their expertise by producing informative catalogues and other publications. Through their sponsorship of the Charleston Fine Art Annual, CFADA strives to encourage recognition of Charleston on a national level as a source of diverse, exciting fine art. CFADA members strongly support local art by donating proceeds from the Fine Art Annual to Charleston County High School Fine Art Programs. For more information about CFADA and contacts visit their website (www.cfada.com).

The Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory, NC, is pleased to announce the newest additions to its staff! After working for the Hickory Community Theatre and the Catawba Science Center, as well as the Hickory Museum of Art as an art teacher and weekend manager, Ronni Smith has been promoted to the part-time position of HMA Shop & Visitor Services Manager. Smith, who has an AAS degree in Mechanical Engineering Technologies from CVCC, is also a fiber artist and makes beautiful hand-hooked rugs! Kristina Allen, who has served as the Museum's part-time Visitor Services Manager and full-time Communications Manager since 2006, has recently been promoted to the position of Communications Manager and Exhibitions Manager. Allen completed an internship at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC and earned a BA in Art History at the College of Wooster in Ohio. She is also a MFA candidate in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design and was Exhibit Designer for Dommert - Philipps Design in Philadelphia before relocating to North Carolina. Candace Semmel, who completed her year with AmeriCorps VISTA at Lenoir-Rhyne Univeristy, has recently become HMA's Marketing Assistant and AmeriCorps ACCESS representative. In her AmeriCorps position, Semmel has begun working with area Latino organizations to promote the Museum's Latino Outreach project dedicated to providing immigrants and their families with information and programs to help them access cultural services while also serving as an advocate for diversity and understanding through the arts. The Hickory Museum of Art is a United Arts Council of Catawba County Funded Affiliate and is located in the "SALT Block" Arts & Science Center of the Catawba Valley, 243 3rd Avenue NE. Admission is free everyday and families are welcome. For additional information, call 828/327-8576 or visit (www.HickoryArt.org).

Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, has promoted Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (TCVA) Director and Chief Curator Hank Foreman to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Arts & Cultural Affairs. "In this new role, Hank will provide great leadership to the cultural programming offered by Appalachian to campus and the surrounding community," said Lynn Drury, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Communications and Cultural Affairs. "Hank has proven himself an outstanding and talented arts administrator and this new challenge comes at the right time for him and for the university. He understands the mission of our arts and cultural programs and its importance to the university as we provide a comprehensive, year-round program of the finest in the performing arts, visual arts, educational outreach and community partnerships." Foreman will continue his responsibilities as director and chief curator of the TCVA. He adds administration responsibilities for An Appalachian Summer Festival and the Performing Arts Series. Foreman earned his BCA in Painting and Sculpture from UNCC and his MA in Art Education from ASU. He joined ASU in 1993 and had taught in both the Department of Art and the Watauga College/Inter-disciplinary Studies programs. Foreman's professional activities include curating exhibitions, serving as juror for competitions, lecturing, teaching workshops, consulting on public art projects and creating his own studio work. Foreman has lectured for numerous organizations, including the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the International Sculpture Center. His studio work focuses on the concepts of cultural construction, ecology and spirituality, and often combines non-traditional and traditional materials. In addition to regional exhibitions, Foreman's work recently was exhibited at the Apexart in New York City. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts supports the mission of Appalachian State University through regionally significant exhibition, education and collection programs. Underlying the center's mission is the belief that the arts play vital roles in the development of creative and critical potential, and in experiencing, interpreting, understanding, recording and shaping culture. The center provides a place to investigate these roles by implementing programs that engender and strengthen Appalachian community participation in and ownership of the arts, and an emphasis is placed on partnerships with the university's academic areas. Through its programs and partnerships, the center supports the university's role as a key regional educational and cultural resource, and offers a dynamic space where participants experience and incorporate the power and excitement of the visual arts into their lives. For further info call 828/262-3017 or visit (www.tcva.org).

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC, is the featured horticulture exhibit in the Ellison Building at the 2008 South Carolina State Fair, in Columbia, through Oct. 19, 2008. The exhibit, is themed "Winds and Waters of Atalaya" tropical, sand, water - is highlighted by 12 pieces of sculpture by Anna Hyatt Huntington on loan from Brookgreen's collection. It also includes 16 foot live oaks trees creating an oak alleé, and a sand sculpture "El Cid" "We are especially thankful for the strong partnership with Bill Cantey, the President of the State Fair and for the invitation to share with thousands of visitors the exhibit of Brookgreen Gardens and Atalaya, one of South Carolina's most treasured places," said Bob Jewell,  President and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens. "This is the second year Brookgreen has participated in the State Fair and I'd like to recognize all the staff and volunteers from Brookgreen that help make this exhibit a success." Fair officials expect at least  200,000 people to visit the exhibit based on previous year's attendance. Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, is located on US 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily. For more information, visit (www.brookgreen.org) or call 843/235-6000.

The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC, has received a $7,000 grant from the Bank of America to allow students from Title One schools (having a high population of low-income students) the opportunity to access the museum for free during school field trips. In order to participate in the Title One Goes to the Gibbes program, teachers from designated Title One schools in the Charleston tri-county area must participate in arts education workshops at the Gibbes and utilize the learning tools on the museum's website (www.gibbesmuseum.org) in the classroom. According to Gibbes Executive Director Angela D. Mack, "The Gibbes Museum of Art is committed to developing multi-dimensional education and outreach programs that expand the concept of the museum experience for everyone. Key to this mission is promoting student education through the arts. The current financial climate at many schools makes field trips to cultural institutions cost prohibitive and so this generous grant from the Bank of America will help to minimize what has become a serious gap in arts based education for public school students." "These are just the kinds of partnerships that we need for arts education; the business community working together with leaders in the arts to provide teachers and students access to dynamic arts programs. This is a win-win for everyone. I want to thank Bank of America and the Gibbes Museum for offering our students and teachers such an outstanding learning opportunity. Without their support and generosity many of our students from these Title I schools would never get to visit a real fine arts museum" said Jim Braunreuther, the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Charleston County School District. Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858 (celebrating 150 years in 2008), the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905.  Located in Charleston's historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works, principally American with a Charleston or Southern connection and presents special exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives that serve the community by stimulating creative expression and improving the region's superb quality of life. For further info call the Museum at 843/722-2706 or visit (www.gibbesmuseum.org).

The Arts Council of York County in Rock Hill, SC, has been awarded a $5,000 Target™ grant in recognition of its efforts in providing Arts in Education to York County students. Each year, the Arts Council brings quality arts education programs to local students by planning and programming in-school residencies and performances for public, private and home school students in York County. Four performances have been scheduled for this school year including "Let's Go Science Show," "Spirit Horse," "Within the Silence" and a visit from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. All performances are linked to SC curriculum standards and we offer study guides to familiarize students in advance with concepts addressed in our residencies and shows. Individual schools can also apply for grant money to bring in artists from the Arts Commission's Roster of Approved Artists. Executive Director Debra Heintz said, "We believe that a complete education includes the arts as part of the basic curriculum. This grant allows us to bring the best teaching artists into the schools to work with students, quality performances of music and theater for student audiences and professional development for teachers." This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that translates to more than $3 million every week. "At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, Vice President, Community Relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with the Arts Council of York County as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work." Additionally, Target gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include: Take Charge of Education™, a school fundraising program; Target Field Trip Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life for students through the distribution of grants; Ready.Sit.Read!, a program dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in children at an early age; Target House™, which serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital™ in Memphis; Target Volunteers, a program where Target team members and retirees annually donate more than 350,000 hours of time to more than 7,500 community-based projects. The Arts Council, founded in 1977, strives to foster the growth of the arts, promoting the arts as a critical factor in the quality of life, through arts education and the presentation of visual and performing arts to all people in York County and the surrounding counties. Located in historic downtown Rock Hill, the Arts Council is housed in the Center for the Arts and includes our office, galleries, classroom space and professional artist studios. The Arts Council, in partnership with Rock Hill School District Three, is one of six statewide members of the Kennedy Center Partners in Education program providing quality arts programming for public and private schools and professional development for teachers. The Arts Council also serves the community through a Small Grants program, awarding $16,000 annually to an average of 25 artists and arts organizations and a United Arts Fund awarding $120,000 annually. Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at more than 1,600 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at (www.Target.com), guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. For further information call the Arts Council at 803/328-2787 or visit (www.yorkcountyarts.org).

Lexington County (SC) not only unveiled a monument in honor of the fallen heroes of 9/11, they also unveiled the work of two Lexington County artists, Randall Hammonds and Michael Bell. Commissioned as the 2007 class project of Leadership Lexington County, the monument has come to represent much more than that. The 9/11 monument is not only a gift to honor the fallen heroes and their families, it is also a gift to all Lexington County residents and visitors allowing them to pay their respects. An added bonus was that it also introduced the two Lexington County artists to the community. Randall Hammonds is the brainchild behind the vision of the monument, based on the famous photo of the New York firefighters raising the flag amid the aftermath of the Twin Towers. Texas born, Hammonds moved to the Columbia, SC, area 19 years ago and has been a resident and business owner in Lexington for 10 years. He describes himself as a dreamer but in practicality he is a man who knows what he wants and he isn't shy about letting others know it. Once he has made a commitment, he puts his all into making that dream happen. Consequently he has devoted every spare moment of the last year eating, sleeping, and breathing his plans for this monument. His experience as a welder in Waxahachie, TX, developed into a hobby and he started out his artistic career selling ornamental pieces for home and garden. Hammonds, owner of Carolina Medical Mobility in West Columbia, SC, is a "networker" and a firm believer that the best advertisement is "word of mouth". Folks feel free to drop in on him when he's at work in his studio and good news travels fast. People were coming to him wanting something original and impressive. Being Texas born and bred, he believes in the Texas theory that bigger is better and his personality being bigger than life, it only stands to reason that his most popular piece is an eight foot sailfish. Still not thinking of himself as an artist, he was surprised when people started coming to him for art pieces to auction for their charities. Hammonds admits he gets a kick that people will spend their hard earned cash for his art, but when approached about the 9/11 monument, it wasn't about money. He jumped at the opportunity to give something back to the community. Having been an Army Ranger, he considered it an honor to be given the opportunity to express his patriotism and respect to the fallen heroes of 9/11 and to make sure they were not forgotten here in our community. Hammonds dedicated and donated over 1100 hours and even paid for some of the materials out of his own pocket. It was not a commissioned job to him; it was a labor of love and a personal challenge to create something extraordinary. Having achieved that dream, he can definitely consider himself an artist, albeit at that pay, a starving one. Mike Bell, originally from Arlington, VA, chose to raise his family in the Columbia area 20 years ago and he has resided in Gaston, SC, for the past decade. A self described computer geek by profession, he is flattered when others consider him an artist. His newfound interest in metal and welding has led to his self-taught talents as a copper sculptor. If anyone had prophesied just five years ago that his copper art would be displayed in art galleries, he would not have believed them. Several years ago Bell took an evening welding class at Midlands Tech to learn basic techniques that would avail him in his then current creative endeavor of building a Pietenpol airplane. He got caught up in the enthusiasm of his instructor, Clive and was delighted at all the creative possibilities that Clive introduced. Not long after the completion of the course, Bell was laid off from his systems analyst job and although he then had lots of time to devote to his airplane hobby, he could no longer afford the expense involved and he became discouraged and depressed at the professional door being slammed in his face. It was during this time that a window of opportunity opened when he helped a friend clean out her garage after her husband's death and he was given a large roll of copper that he had no idea what he was going to do with but saw many exciting possibilities. Thus began his love affair with copper and his life hasn't been the same since. Creative by nature, Bell has developed an abundance of interests and talents over the years, from photography to writing poetry. But he has never received the kind of satisfaction he gets from working the metal. Since his day job had consisted mostly of sitting at a computer in a cubicle, he especially enjoys the physical aspect of working with metal. He loves the whole process of firing, bending, and hammering to make whatever project he's working on come to life. Bell admits that he loves the tools, the bigger the better. Always a lover of nature, that's where he finds most of his inspiration. Bell's most popular pieces are fall leaves and palmetto trees allowing him to experiment with different patinas. With encouragement from family and friends, he began participating in craft shows and finally became confident enough to approach art galleries, where he received even more encouragement. He was honored that local artists and gallery owners, Rita Smith and John Miranda were impressed enough with his copper art to display in their galleries, and he was welcomed with open arms into the artistic community. Bell has been amazed at how sharing and helpful other artists have been. It was through an artist colleague that he met Randall Hammonds and was swept away by his energy, enthusiasm and confidence. He was more excited when Hammonds invited him to collaborate on the copper firemen of the 9/11 monument. And what a team they made, the monument being proof. If you would like more information about this topic, or Randall Hammonds or Michael Bell, call Carla Bell at 803/739-8894 or e-mail at (carladb@sc.rr.com).

Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston, SC, has been granted $6685 by the South Carolina Arts Commission, for 2008. The support for fiscal year 2008 will allow the organization to continue to support Contemporary Art through presentation, promotion, and education. Currently Redux provides contemporary art education opportunities and workshops to Charleston County School District, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, and Yo! Arts. Each year Redux brings in a visiting artist through the Artist in Residence program that teaches workshops and gives public lectures. The Summer Art Institute provides 30 scholarships to talented high school students, for 3 weeks of classes with professional artists, where students receive instruction in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. "We are very excited and grateful to have the continued support from South Carolina Arts Commission, with this support we can continue to grow our programs share contemporary art with our community" said Director of Development Kyle LeGette. Several neighboring companies, organizations, and individuals are helping Redux Contemporary Art Center meet its obligations of matching the South Carolina Arts Commission grant with local dollars, including Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Susan Arnold Foundation, Limehouse Produce, B'zar, Lime Blue, Whole Foods Market, Redux Members, and private donors. Residents in Charleston can see how the Arts Commission grant and local funds are benefiting Redux by visiting us at 136 St. Phillip Street or by going to our website at (www.reduxstudios.org). Redux Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit gallery, studio, and education center.  Through diverse programming and a full studio facility, Redux promotes and encourages all forms of artistic creation, while introducing and educating the public to the Contemporary Arts. The center offers free year round art exhibitions, artist and curator lecture series, and film screenings, while educating our community through classes and workshops, community outreach, and internship opportunities. Redux is instrumental in presenting new artists to our community through our artist in residency program, and our many live artist and music performances. In addition, Redux remains a bustling center for the contemporary arts with 15 private artist studios, and the only public printmaking and darkroom facilities in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. For further info contact Kyle LeGette by calling 843/722-0697 or e-mail to (kyle@reduxstudios.org).

The healing power of art is at work in the Oncology Department of the Dr. Walter O. Moss Regional Medical Center in Greensboro, NC. The department received twenty-four 10-square-inch box-style canvases for its oncology patients from the artist Tony Forrest and his wife, Martha, who gave a workshop on painting to patients as part of a project that allows each patient to work individually as well as in concert with others. Each canvas is a piece of a larger mural that will come together as one image once all of the canvasses are finished. In the inaugural session, which included Tony Forrest's instruction, six patients painted for two to three hours. "At first the patients were a little apprehensive, but once they started working together as a group of individuals with a common diagnosis, they began smiling and laughing as they painted panels for a common goal," said Dawn Hinton, WOMRMC RN supervisor. Tony Forrest taught patients how to blend acrylics and paint shadows, assisted patients with painting, and explained the nature of the project. The first day's success could be measured by the patients' devotion to the project on the second, when they painted from 8am to 2:30pm. The art therapy will continue until the mural is completed in about four months. Research indicates that art therapy can relieve symptoms associated with cancer. "The patients are here for long periods of time, and I thought it would help pass their time, decrease their symptoms related to cancer or chemo, and give them something they can be proud of every time they come to Moss," Hinton said. Hinton has observed in other facilities art therapy as a very successful alternative for symptom management. Having the winning bid for a painting by Forrest at a fundraiser for the Calcasieu Community Health Center gave Hinton a chance to enlist Forrest's help with this project. Martha Forrest, Tony's wife, is a breast cancer survivor. The Forrests have insight into the pain and difficulties cancer and its symptoms can cause. Working individually toward a greater whole gives the patient the chance for self expression yet to be part of an experience shared by others. Once all the hand-sketched, color-by-number canvases are completed, they will be hung together to create one painting. Titled "Fruits de Excelente" it is patterned after a Forrest painting. The Forrests' three-hour visit to Moss isn't the last. When the painting is completed, they will return to Moss from their home in Greensboro to dedicate the painting to the oncology department and its patients. In the meantime, Sheila Franklin, with the WOMRMC Department of Social Services, who received instruction from Forrest, will assist patients. "We hope to auction off the mural to purchase more supplies and begin a second project," Hinton said. Tony Forrest is an accomplished painter and gallery owner. He and Martha own both the Tin Rooster and The Blue Diamond Gallery in Greensboro. For further information contact Danielle Hatfield by calling 336/392-2074 or e-mail to (danielle@thebluediamondgallery.com).

Columbia, SC, artist Rob Shaw was awarded "Best in Show-Professional Division" in this year's (2008) SC State Fair Fine Art Exhibition. Chosen from over 1,100 works, the award includes $6,500 for his oil painting "Green Mist on Gervais." Sponsered by First Citizen's Bank, the painting also will become a part of their permanent art collection. A native of Columbia, Shaw is a graduate of Dreher High School and of USC with a degree in art studio. He has participated in numerous, local art shows and is the featured artist at Havens Framemakers and Gallery on Gervais Street in Columbia. Principally working in oil, Shaw's paintings include low-country themes as well as Columbia landmarks. Shaw's painting "Green Mist on Gervais" is part of an ongoing series that uses these recognizable South Carolina scenes in exaggerated colors so that they are not instantly recognizable. This modernizes the scenes and takes his landscape paintings to a new level, where color and form have infinite possibilities. Shaw uses an impasto style where the texture of the paint becomes as important as the subject itself. The style of his paintings is best described as expressionistic, using loose and broad strokes. This style makes his paintings look abstract when viewed up close yet realistic when viewed from a distance. Shaw uses a palette knife primarily to apply the paint and will sometimes use brushes to refine the final image. This style is especially effective when used to create large paintings, which is Shaw's speciality.  However, recently, the artist has been working on a series of miniature works, no larger than four inches, that have been well received  by collectors. There has been so much interest in Shaw's working techniques that beginning earlier this year he started teaching an "Introduction to Oil Painting" class. In the class, he elaborates on his palette knife technique as well as some of the fundimental design and color theories that have been used by artists for centuries. For further info call 803-665-2440.

The National Art Honor Society at Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, SC, has inducted 31 new members for the 2008 - 09 school year. New members are Elizabeth Adams, Robert Bacon, Mary Catherine Ballou, Katrina Balsavage, Sheridan Covington, David Currey, Laura Dorn, Luis Folgar, Jessica Geter, Jessica Hankins, Tiara Harris, Tiffany Hughes, Jeremy Hunsaker, Faith Ivey, Dennis King, Emily Lott, Shavonna Marshall, Quintera Plair, Corina Porter, Ray-Kelle Preston, Ari'elle Robinson, Anya Shulman, Vera Shulman, Shaniqua Staples, Emily Theus, Becca Tower, Yair Vedejo, Carolyn Walden, Christina White, Alan Youngblood, and Debby Zamora. The NAHS's newly elected officers for 2008 - 09 are Allison Minsk, president; Jemimah Ekeh, vice president; Sophia Jenkins and Julie Jacobs, co-treasurers, and Zeb Virkus, secretary. Other returning members are Anne Beaudette, Courtney Donaldson, Sonovia Harmon, Jessica Keese, Lyla Shlon, Katherine Kelly, Evans Moffat, Marcel Osborne, and Kristen Scheuer. For further info contact Susan Silverstein Public relations at RNE by calling 803/699 2800 ext. 2742.

The Flood Gallery Fine Art Center ("Flood Gallery") in Asheville, NC, was awarded a Grassroots grant for expansion and proliferation of Concept Camp through the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, and the Asheville Area Arts Council's Grassroots Art Program Grant Council. Concept Camp, specifically designed for children ages 8 ­ 14 years, is an introductory program that expands the knowledge and practice of research-based conceptual art and philosophy for the youth of Asheville. Slated for Spring Break 2009 (April 13th ­ 17th), Concept Camp will take place in the Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, which is located in the Phil Mechanic Studios building (109 Roberts Street, Asheville River Arts District). "Combining art and philosophy in youth education can significantly expand an individual's creative imagination beyond conventional standards and the Flood Gallery is thrilled to cultivate such a program here in Asheville. Concept Camp and its organizers are in debt to both the Asheville Area Arts Council and the state of North Carolina for their generous support of the Flood Gallery's Spring Break philosophy and art education program," says Amanda Lusky, philosopher and Concept Camp instructor. Concept Camp, a week-long spring break camp, provides valuable opportunities for local children to engage in philosophical inquiry through meaningful artistic endeavors. Based upon the educational benefits of art and philosophy, Concept Camp encourages children by building their confidence to pose pertinent questions and think critically about their lives, the world, and where we are going in the future. Concept Camp sessions will accommodate up to 20 children with two instructors, UNCA art and philosophy interns, and one visiting professional artist. Each session will run for three hours, with breaks in the middle, and a time for reflection and discussion at the day's end. Participating children will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities: create individual/group art projects, watch educational films/documentaries, learn from guest speakers/ artists, analyze short readings, and participate in introspective evaluations within group discussions. Subsidized registration fees are $70 for the week with a limited number of fee waivers for underprivileged youth. This incredible rate is funded, in part, by the Grassroots Arts Program Grant of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, and the Asheville Area Arts Council. Want to learn more or register for Concept Camp? Visit (www.floodgallery.org) or contact Jolene Mechanic, Executive Director of the Flood Gallery Fine Arts Center, at 828/254-2166. The Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Asheville through the exhibition of established and emerging artists from all over the world. Through educational activities, public events and workshops, and artist-residency programs, Flood Gallery seeks to make art a vital and important part of life in Asheville. About the Grassroots Art Program Grant
Grassroots Arts Program Project Grants support is designed for community-based arts programs for the overall development of the arts in Buncombe County. The program gives a high priority to those organizations targeting under-served populations, emerging organizations meeting a special need in the community, and projects that explore new and creative directions in the arts or provide a special arts or cultural service to the community. Established in 1977, the Grassroots Arts Program is a partnership between the North Carolina Arts Council and the communities of the state. The State of North Carolina provides major support of local arts projects through this program by allocating funds to each county on a per capita basis. The Asheville Area Arts Council (www.ashevillearts.com) has been designated the Local Distributing Agent for Grassroots Arts Program Funds for Buncombe County by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Each year, Tryon Painters and Sculptors (TPS) in Tryon, NC, has the privilege of honoring two local high school art students with the Gary Page Merit Award and a small scholarship. Both Polk County (NC) and Landrum, SC's high school art teachers nominate students for the award. This year's winners were Stefanie Geisler and Brandon Quarles respectively. TPS has given the Gary Page Merit Award for fifteen years to local art students. Stefanie Geisler, Polk County's award winner, moved to the area from Florida eight years ago. She attended Polk County High and graduated this past June. When we caught up with Geisler, she said that her art teacher, Jeff Thomas, was a great influence in developing her as an artist, and doing so very quickly. She enjoyed all of Thomas' projects, but most particularly, an AP Art project where students were asked to draw or paint a door. Geisler chose to do her piece of an 18-wheeler, which can be seen with some of her other work in Gallery Too at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Geisler explained that the "door" project was her most successful and the most fun and interesting one to do. She explains that Thomas really pushed her to "go for it." He would encourage her to "try it out and see what happens." As an artist, Geisler felt hesitant at first, yet through her studies she began to really push colors and shadows, exploring all ends of the spectrum. She enjoys painting primarily in oils and says that she loves to paint any subject matter! Although, she tends toward a realistic style, Geisler has experimented in a variety of styles and mediums. Currently, Geisler is attending Northeastern University in Boston and says she loves it so far. Another talent of Geisler is her writing. She is enrolled as a Journalist Major with emphasis in press writing and intends to have a Graphic Design Minor beginning with classes this spring. Unfortunately, Brandon Quarles was unavailable for interview. TPS is proud to be able to honor these students and greatly encourages the community to visit Gallery Too to see these young talents' work. Gallery Too is located on the bottom level of the Tryon Fine Arts Center. For more information visit (www.tryonarts.org).

RedSky Gallery, a 6,000 sq. ft. fine art and craft gallery located in the heart of Dilworth, in Charlotte, NC, will open an additional location in the South Charlotte Blakeney Town Center at 9848 Rea Rd., Suite F. The new gallery is scheduled to open Nov. 1, 2008. The gallery's owner, Kellie Scott, says that although RedSky customers have been asking her to open a location in southeast Charlotte for years, she "was waiting for the right location" and believes that Blakeney fits the bill. Since South Charlotte is one of the fastest growing housing markets in the area, Scott believes that the Blakeney location will put RedSky in just the right place to "be there for customers to transform their new house into a home." RedSky Gallery was founded five years ago to showcase fine arts and crafts. Gallery visitors to both the Dilworth and Blakeney locations will find a pleasing array of high quality collections that encompass a variety of styles and price points. The gallery is committed to representing the best in local and national contemporary art. In addition to the gallery's collection of contemporary paintings, including pastels, oils, watercolors, and mixed media, RedSky offers exceptional works in glass, metal, ceramics, and wood. RedSky also has a wide selection of home accessories, jewelry, and art-to-wear. Currently RedSky represents over 500 artists and hosts exhibitions regularly featuring both emerging and national recognized artists. RedSky Gallery also offers a variety of Corporate Art Services. RedSky's expert staff can assist companies in choosing or commissioning the perfect piece of art for any office space. Through the Corporate Gift and Award Program, the staff can help select a beautiful piece of art to recognize outstanding employees and clients. The gallery space may also be rented as a unique venue for your next special event. Additionally, the gallery offers Bridal Registry for art loving couples. Once couples register for items, they may be viewed online for guests to select and then call or come in to the gallery to purchase. For more information visit (www.redskygallery.com).

Farvan International, in Charlotte, NC, an upscale arts and gift gallery in the city's fashionable uptown at N. Tryon and Seventh St., is closing its doors after more than two decades of continuous operation. Gallery owner Farida Toomey Sweezy said the dramatic escalation in cost of retail space literally has forced her decision. "Over the years we lived through several evictions but understanding building owners were generous with lease rates," she said. "In this case, we've received notice that new lease rates will be many, many times the current rates; and, frankly, this type of business simply can't afford it," she added. Farvan will hold an auction and sale of products and store fixtures in November, the date to be announced soon. Products include original paintings, jewelry, rugs, lamps, sculptures, occasional furniture and a host of other items gathered from throughout the world. According to Sweezy, the gallery has been more a labor of love than a thriving retail business. "We were the first international gallery of its kind in Charlotte, and perhaps in the State, because of an underlying concept dedicated to spreading the understanding of world cultures." And too, Sweezy realized that Charlotte was developing into an international city, and hoped that it would welcome an international gallery. She said the gallery has represented art and artifacts, as well as private collections from throughout the world. "The bulk of the proceeds went to assist refugees, small enterprises, craftsmen and artists, many of whom struggle in third world countries. In addition, we arranged for many of the artifacts to go to local school libraries and classrooms to help students understand geographic origins and the significance of other cultures," she said. Sweezy said she would continue to operate as a consultant of Farvan International, providing services to selected clients and continuing to push for ways to promote understanding among diverse cultures. "I maintain that the key to a better world is through the students of the world; if we can teach them about each other and help them accept each other, there's a better chance to find common ground." For further info visit (www.farvan.com).

Theatre Art Galleries in High Point, NC, announced a partnership with Target in recognition of its efforts in community outreach programs. The grant will be used to support Theatre Art Galleries Annual Art Day on Nov. 1, 2008. This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that translates to more than $3 million every week. "At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with Theatre Art Galleries as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work." Additionally, Target gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Since Theatre Art Galleries began in 1975, we have grown tremendously reaching out to the community. Theatre Art Galleries of High Point's mission is to provide quality visual art exhibits and educational experiences for the enrichment of the total community. Art Day is an annual event that invites families from the community to be involved in an art project that is free of charge. Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at more than 1,600 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at (Target.com), guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. For info contact TAG at 336/887-2137 or visit (www.tagart.org).

Mary Jo and Dick Bell of Atlantic Beach, NC, recently donated 14 significant works of art by the late A.B. Jackson to the North Carolina Central University Art Museum in Durham, NC. The Jackson collection, part of the Bells' personal art collection, is valued at $194,000, according to a professional appraisal by Joseph Rowand of Somerhill Gallery in Durham. "The Bells' gift is the largest gift in the history of the museum, and we are absolutely delighted" said the art museum's director, Kenneth Rodgers. "It fills a void in our collection from the region, so we are ecstatic. And we will make it available on a number of occasions to benefit our students and many beyond. We hope the Triangle community will come to see it and appreciate it as much as we do." The Bells' donation includes watercolors, pastels, charcoal and acrylic works by the renowned artist whose pieces hang in many museums, universities and other institutions. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson also owned Jackson's work. The son of an Irish mother and black father, Jackson earned two art degrees from Yale in the mid-1950s. He taught art for 10 years at Norfolk State before joining Old Dominion as a full professor and the school's first black faculty member. He died in 1981 at the age of 55. The Bells decided to donate their collection to NCCU's Art Museum because director Rodgers expressed interest in a show of Jackson's work in the past. The breadth of the Bells' donation was intentional. "We wanted to give the University a representative collection so that students could look at the work and understand what it took to be so adept in so many media," Dick Bell said. Mary Jo and Dick Bell have been avid collectors of North Carolina art since Mary Jo opened the former Garden Gallery in the Water Garden complex on Highway 70 in Raleigh in the Sixties. Determined to support and advocate North Carolina artists, their personal collection represents most of the state's finest artists. The Bells lived and worked at Water Garden from 1955 until last year. A master landscape architect, Dick Bell created Water Garden as Raleigh's first mixed-use development. It included their residence, his offices, Garden Gallery and other leased office spaces, and represented Bell's naturalistic approach to landscape architecture. The Bells sold Water Garden last year and moved to their condominium in Atlantic Beach. With the gallery closed and their living environment downsized, they've looked for ways to share their extensive art collection. The NCCU donation is part of that effort. "We've been fortunate to be able to collect so much art," Dick Bell said. "Now we're happy to disseminate it - to share the work of such great artists as A.B. Jackson." For more information on the NCCU Art Museum visit (www.nccu.edu/artmuseum).

The Pawleys Island Wine Festival in Pawleys Island, SC, announces award-winning artist Martha dePoo as the cover artist for various marketing materials to be used for the Festival, including the program, tickets, posters and t-shirts. A featured artist of the Cheryl M. Newby Gallery in Pawleys Island, the focus of dePoo's work has been on the unique culture and charisma of the Carolina Lowcountry. Her watercolors radiate with warmth and vivid colors that imitate the joy and pace of life in the South. The work featured on the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art materials, Jazz Under the Oaks© was created by dePoo for this event. The original piece will be auctioned at the Pawleys Island Wine Festival, Sept. 26, 2008, with proceeds set to benefit the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art. "The piece Martha dePoo created for us thoroughly captures the ambiance and essence of the Lowcountry and our festival. We could not be more pleased," says Susan Baldwin, the Festival Director. Martha dePoo, who considers herself a life-long student of art, became a self-employed artist in 1984. She has since participated in numerous juried shows and has won many awards including First Place in the Florida Keys Watercolor Society's Annual Juried Shows in 2000, 2005 and 2006. Recently, the Key West Art & Historical Society hosted a ten-week, one-woman exhibition of dePoo's paintings at the Customs House Museum. For further info call 843/237-4774.

Asheville, NC, potter, Kyle Carpenter, has recently been recognized for his outstanding work in his field of studio pottery. Carpenter was recently accepted into the Southern Highland Craft Guild, which is known for it's highly skilled craftsmen and artists. In addition, Carpenter recently participated in Charlotte, NC's Mint Museum of Art Potters Market Invitational where he was one of forty potters participating in the sales event. The Delhom Service League (coordinators of the event) purchased one of Carpenter's pieces of pottery for The Mint Museum's permanent collection. Carpenter was also chosen by interior design firm, Alchemy Design Studio, to exhibit his pottery in the Southern Living "Davidson Gap Idea House," which is said to attract around thirty thousand visitors during the year. Carpenter's work is prominently displayed throughout the home. He will exhibit his work this year locally and nationally, including at museums and galleries in Asheville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, and more. Carpenter lives and works in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. He is a native of North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics in 2000. He is a member of the Clayspace Co-op, which is located in Asheville's Historic River Arts District. Carpenter exhibits his salt-fired pottery locally and nationally on an ongoing basis. High resolution digital images of the artist and his pottery are available upon request. "As a studio potter, I work diligently to make well-crafted wares for everyday people. It's seemingly less about the "ritual of the table" and more about respecting a long tradition of craftsmen before me and discovering my own voice. As a contemporary potter, I often look to past traditions for inspiration. I'm interested in folk pottery of many origins. My native state of North Carolina, of course, offers a deep well of talented potters, both folk and contemporary, to look towards for inspiration. Simplicity in form offers a broad surface for me to embellish with lines, patterns, and drawings. Before I was introduced to the ceramic arts, I did a fair amount of illustration before and during art school. The combination of three-dimensional forms and two-dimensional drawings was a natural fusion of both my love of drawing and pottery, art and craft. It is my intention to bring together clear and abstract markings to engage the viewer to look closely at how design relates to the form of the pot." For further info visit (www.carpenterpottery.com).

Travelers Rest Arts Mission in Travelers Rest, SC, was started in 2005 by Nichole Livengood with a mission to bring the arts to the community and artists of northern Greenville county. Projects in the early years included a poetry reading series entitled "Poets in the Forest", an outsider arts/folk arts fair "Tram Fair", a children's art camp, and development of services for artists. Under Nichole's dynamic leadership, this one-person effort grew into a successful community arts organization that offered a wide variety of programs and services to Travelers Rest and surrounding areas. In Nov. 2007, Livengood decided to step down as executive director to allow more time for her to pursue her own creative endeavors, including starting her own consulting business (Art to Profit) and continuing her writing career. She continues to work with the organization as Event Coordinator for the Tram Fair, which has grown into a large and significant arts event which draws vendors and visitors from all over the southeast. The Fair is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2008. Recently the organization hired a new executive director, Peter Godfrey, who is originally from Wales, but has lived and worked in the US off and on over the years. Godfrey, along with newly hired development director Susan Buser, and with the help of the board and others, have re-structured the organization and its programs and are preparing for the opening of a new and expansive arts centre on Main Street in Travelers Rest. Since the initial mission of the organization has been accomplished (bringing the arts to an area with little exposure to the arts prior to this), the organization has now been re-named to reflect its larger role and the growing and maturing arts community in northern Greenville County. Trillium Arts will be the new name of the organization, with Trillium Arts Centre being the name of the new center for the arts. Special thanks is due to Arnette and Muldrow design firm for their generous contribution of their expertise to our creative process in the re-branding of our organization. The new Trillium Arts Centre will be ideally located, right on Main Street in Travelers Rest, and perhaps even more importantly, directly on the new Swamp Rabbit Trail. With plans for a gallery to house rotating shows (the Livengood Gallery), a gallery/gift shop to house member artists' work for sale, and a visitors center with city information and Travelers Rest branded products for sale, Trillium Arts Centre will quickly become the hub of activity for the trail and downtown Travelers Rest. Plans are also underway (dependent on donations) to develop a public garden and courtyard adjacent to the Arts Centre, where hikers and bikers on the trail, as well as shoppers in Travelers Rest, can stop off for a little rest and relaxation. Naming rights are available for the garden if someone would like to honor a loved one. Plans are also underway for a scholarship fund for underprivileged children who would like to study the arts. Naming rights for this scholarship are also available for someone who would like to honor someone special. Trillium Arts Centre will offer a variety of programs and services to Greenville County residents, in addition to the already established programs and events mentioned above. Adult classes will be offered in everything from basket weaving, to drawing, to "Music of the World's Cultures", to study trips to the Metropolitan opera with our music expert, Dr. Joyce Ford (formerly of Presbyterian College). Workshops will be offered to artists and aspiring artists on subjects from "Matting and Framing Your Work" to "How to  Profit With Art". Children's after-school art and music classes are currently being offered in partnership with Heritage Elementary; the opening of the Trillium Arts Centre will allow an expansion of the children's program to include a separate home-schoolers program and additional children's classes at the Arts Centre. Classes for children will vary from "Opera for Young Children", to "Music Fundamentals", to pottery, painting, creative writing...  even fencing. Private lessons will be offered in everything from guitar, to drums, to violin. A partnership is also underway with the International Ballet Company to bring their highly trained instructors  to the centre to offer classes. Dance instruction will be available for adults as well as children. Development Director Susan Buser says "We are excited about the many opportunities that the opening of this new arts centre will bring to Greenville County. This organization has been growing for many years, and just now is beginning to reach its full potential with the opening of the Trillium Arts Centre. We have the plans in place as well as the staff we need to greatly expand our services. All that we need now is the generous support of the Greenville county community as we make this major expansion." Travelers Rest City Administrator Dianna Gracely says, "The City of Travelers Rest is very pleased to have such an energetic, creative organization representing local artisans in Northern Greenville County. The opening of the new Trillium Arts Centre along the Swamp Rabbit Trail will give visitors greater access to our community and the people that make it so special. Trillium Arts Centre will also compliment our downtown and the amazing improvements we have planned with our revitalization efforts." Executive Director Peter Godfrey says, "I'm honored to be asked to take up the challenge of pursuing the dream of our founding director, Nichole Livengood. I first visited Travelers Rest in 1985, and I've watched it change over the years. Because of the tireless dedication of our business leaders, city councillors and local artists, it's no longer a place to glance at idly as you drive through to somewhere else. It's become a destination, and one that's going to attract more visitors very soon. With our new Trillium Arts Centre in place, and with TRAM Fair growing more renowned each year, we'll be ready for them." Fundraising events are underway, including a luncheon on Oct. 10, 2008, at the Green Valley Country Club, and "An Evening in Casablanca" on Nov. 1, 2008, featuring pianist Emile Pandolfi. For info visit (www.trilliumartscentre.org).

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has awarded the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, a $5,000 grant to support museum visits for fifth graders of New Hanover County, NC. This Foundation grant ensures that over 1,800 New Hanover County fifth graders will visit the museum this school year for guided tours of all exhibitions. "The Cameron Art Museum tours for fifth grade students in New Hanover County Schools provide a quality art museum experience due to the professional exhibits, excellent docents, and strong educational emphasisThis experience is one of many which will build background knowledge and lead to higher academic success for our students," said Georgeann M. Haas, Arts Education Supervisor of New Hanover County Schools. "Bank of America works to strengthen artistic institutions and provide greater access for those who might not otherwise experience them," said Thomas Dodson, Wilmington market president, Bank of America. "The arts improve the quality of life for residents and serve as centers of activities and we are pleased to support the Cameron Art Museum's educational mission to provide engaging experiences in the visual arts for all ages." The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children's programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimers patients and their caretakers; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi. Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America will embark in 2009 on a new, ten-year goal to donate $2 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods. Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation gave more than $200 million in 2007, making the bank the most generous financial institution in the world and the second largest donor of all US corporations in cash contributions. Bank of America approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities. Through Team Bank of America, bank associate volunteers contributed more than 650,000 hours in 2007 to enhance the quality of life in their communities nationwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit (www.bankofamerica.com/foundation/). For more information about the museum visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

Renowed South Carolina artist Jim Harrison will received the Order of the Palmetto in a special ceremony on Sept. 21, 2008, at 1:30pm at Jim Harrison Gallery in Denmark, SC. The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded for extraordinary lifetime achievement and service to the state and nation. It is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement and is selected and presented by the South Carolina Governor's Office. Harrison's career includes more than 30 years as an internationally recognized artist who has brought recognition and attention to his beloved state of South Carolina through this work. Because while Harrison could have lived and worked anywhere he chose to come home and make a difference in his hometown of Denmark. Harrison loves the South and rural America like no one else. With a passion for preserving a part of America that is beginning to slip away far too quickly, he evokes a true appreciation for the old and forgotten. He sees beauty at every turn. His paintings of landscapes and seascapes, old buildings and barns, allow Harrison, in his tranquil way, to place you in his work - therefore placing you in his life. He can make you enjoy the skies you haven't slowed down enough to notice and the land and sea you didn't take the time to appreciate. Harrison's work reflects on times past - what once was, what should have been, and what we long for again. Since 1970, individuals and corporations have sought out Harrison's work. Regardless of the image reflected in the work, they talk about their desire to own "a Jim Harrison'. A Harrison painting is much more than an image on canvas. It is an experience - a part of the artist - a shared remembrance of the values that made up our country - a piece of American history. Harrison's work becomes part of the family's most valued possessions and are already being passed from one generation to the next. His paintings and work will stand the test of time. His work will also be remembered because it is capturing a part of our South Carolina rural history that is quickly passing away. Harrison was born in his grandmother's house in Leslie, GA, in January 1936. When he was six years old, his father took a job with American Telephone and Telegraph Company, and his mother worked as a Southern Bell switchboard operator in Denmark. The Harrisons worked hard to raise and educate him and his younger brothers, Phil and Wendel. Harrison was very involved in the activities of Denmark High School. As the "class artist" he was kept busy on the annual staff, school newspaper, and class bulletin boards. His first love was athletics in which he excelled and was named all state in both football and basketball. He held the South Carolina high school state record for scoring 71 points in one basketball game. During high school summer vacations, Harrison worked as an assistant to a seventy year old sign painter, J.J. Cornforth. The elder gentleman taught the aspiring artist how to letter, and for several summers the two traveled the rural areas around Denmark painting Coca-Cola bulletins on the sides of barns and country stores. After high school graduation Harrison entered the University of South Carolina. Torn between his love of art and the enjoyment of athletics he pursued a dual major in art and physical education. In 1960 he embarked on a successful eleven-year high school coaching career. At three schools he coached football, girls' basketball, and baseball, and he never experienced a losing season as a head coach. But when the time came to choose, his passion for creating memorable works of art and preserving rural America was the stronger influence. In 1970 he declined an offer to join the Furman University football coaching staff and returned to his hometown of Denmark, to pursue art as a career. In 1972, Harrison had no knowledge of the art market, but with enthusiasm he headed to New York City for the Fall Greenwich Village sidewalk art show. His only sale during the three-week show was an $85 original, and it cost him $800 in expenses. Several years on the sidewalk circuit served him well as he learned his trade and the business of art. After several years he had 10 galleries selling his originals. He published his first limited edition print, "Coastal Dunes" in 1973 gaining the attention of the nation's leading publisher of limited edition art prints, Frame House Gallery of Louisville, KY. In 1975, Frame House released their first Jim Harrison print, "Rural Americana" and that print projected print projected Harrison on the national scene through the publisher's network of 600 dealers. He became the undisputed nation's leader in rural Americana art, and many of his prints have appreciated up to 3,000 percent of their original value. Harrison's success is evidenced by his more than 38 years as a full-time artist. Turning his back on the more familiar path - a career in high school and college athletics - he embraced his dream to become an artist. With talent, hard work and perseverance, he has more than 100 sold out limited editions of the prints made from his paintings and thousands of collectors of his work across the country. His paintings are featured in personal and corporate art collections across the country including The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, GA; The Maytag Corporation in Newton, IA; Philip Morris Company in New York, NY; The Leo Burnett Company in Chicago, IL; and the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA. Harrison has also had successful one-man shows at the prestigious Hammer Galleries in New York City and the Conacher Gallery in San Francisco. His paintings have also been included in the annual shows at the prestigious National Academy Gallery in New York. In addition, Harrison has received recognitions such as being named by the Governor of Kentucky to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, having the park in Denmark named in his honor, and being named a Distinguished Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina Aiken. He has served on the boards of South Carolina National Bank and Security Federal Bank, on the board of Vorhees College and Denmark Technical College, and on the board of the Denmark Downtown Development Association. Also, being a strong advocate for the mentally ill, he served on the board of the governor's legislative council for mental health and mental retardation at an earlier time in his life and worked tirelessly in this effort. He has been a licensee of The Coca-Cola Company for more than 10 years and produces The Coca-Cola Calendar for collectors each year. This relationship is a visible demonstration of his love of the well-known trademark which he first painted on the side of an old barn as the 14-year-old apprentice of the elderly sign painter, J.J. Cornforth. In addition to his artwork, Harrison is the author or illustrator of several books including: "Pathway to a Southern Coast, Country Stores", "American Christmas", "The Passing", and "Jim Harrison His World Remembered". He is currently working on a book proposal on the Palmetto Tree for the USC Press. Over the years, Harrison has also shared his success with countless charitable organizations including the American Dietetic Association Foundation, USC Aiken, the Agricultural Heritage Center in Blackville, Aiken County Helpline, SCETV, 4-H Clubs, local churches, and many more organizations. Most recently he worked with the University of South Carolina on a fundraiser for their Alumni Center with a print of our state's beautiful palmetto tree. He was celebrating his 50th anniversary as a graduate of the University and wanted to show his support in a special way. Harrison gives back this way because he has a true commitment to helping others and believes he should use the success he has experienced with organizations across our state. From his earliest experiences in life, Harrison developed a passion for preserving the past, especially rural America. "I sincerely try to put meaning into my work in hopes it has some historical value," he says. "With my paintbrush and pen, I sometimes feel like I'm just one step in front of the wrecking ball. For more than half a century, I have had a love affair with old buildings, old things, and old ways. Preserving them in at least some small way is important to me." You will come away from Harrison's art with a greater understanding of yourself. His paintings have stirred feelings and memories in everyone - from children to the gentle elderly. As anyone who has viewed his work can tell you, his passion for all that he paints comes through with each stroke of his brush. Those of us that are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see Harrison's paintings can draw from his work the peace and tranquility we seek. For further info call 803/793-5796 or visit (www.jimharrison.com).

UNC Asheville (Asheville, NC) Craft Campus Director and noted artist Brent Skidmore was recently selected to exhibit new works at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design in Charlotte, NC. The exhibition, "Possibilities: Rising Stars of Contemporary Craft in North Carolina," features work by six craft artists chosen for the quality and complexity of their work. The exhibition is on view through Nov. 30, 2008. Skidmore has three pieces in the show, including a mirror, table and clock crafted from wood and mixed materials. "I strive to always strike a balance that is unique and possibly new to the viewer, adding a different perspective to what we all think of as furniture and sculpture," he said. Skidmore, who joined the University in July 2007, has exhibited works in dozens of solo and group shows throughout the US and abroad. Previously, he was a full-time studio artist in Charlotte for seven years prior to accepting a teaching position at the Kendall College of Arts and Design, Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, MI. In addition, he has taught workshops throughout the country, including the Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and the Appalachian Center for Craft. He has served as a member of the Energy Xchange planning board, the Penland School of Crafts woodshop planning committee and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design advisory board. He is a founding member of the Furniture Society in Asheville, and currently serves on the boards of the Craft Emergency Relief Fund in Monpelier, VT, and the UNC Center for Craft, Creativity & Design in Hendersonville, NC. He holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Murray State University and a master of fine arts degree from Indiana University. For more information, call the Mint Museums at 704/337-2000.

Apr. 24-25, 2009 marks the newest Metropolitan Arts Council event "Flat Out Under Pressure, an effort by the professional local artists, area businesses and individuals and the city of Greenville that moves Greenville a little more greener by putting pedestrian recycling bins on Main Street. This initiative challenges 2-D (including drawing, painting, print making, and photography, rather than 3-D i.e. sculpture) ­ or "flat"-artists to compete "out" in the Greenville area "under pressure" in a timed 24 hour juried event. The top ten artists will be featured on the front and back of the new stainless steel bins, and the sponsors will have the sides of the bins for advertising purposes. Sponsorships are now available through the Metropolitan Arts Council. Not only will the artists be honored with their work being exhibited in this Outdoor "Art Gallery" with a purpose, but they will also compete for prizes. First prize winner will receive two tickets to Italy and a week stay at an exquisite villa in Tuscany near the art city of Cortona, as well as $1000.00 that is given by sponsor Vantage World Travel in Greenville. Student artists in high school or college may also participate and have a wide array of prizes as well, but will not be featured on the recycling bins. Artist and student applications will be available soon through the Metropolitan Arts Council. Mayor Knox White and the Greenville City Council unanimously endorsed the project, however the city was unable to provide any funding or support for services. All of the costs of the bins which include the purchase, shipping, transfer of artwork and sponsor information, retrieving recycled goods from the bins by a private company and cleaning of the bins will be provided by the sponsors. The city has given a map with the locations of the bins and the space on the sidewalk to place them. It is not an inexpensive endeavor, according to Janette Wesley, local artist and project developer. The cost to sponsor a bin is $6,400.00. The bins are sturdy and beautiful, and cost around $1,500.00 each. Servicing the bins will cost about $3,600.00 each for one year according to Elizabeth Garrison, the owner of Ever Green Recycling, and the remaining costs are for the shipping costs, the transfer of artwork, cleaning, and administration costs. Wesley said "I actually consider it a bargain. If you would advertise in a local magazine or newspaper for one year, it would cost much more than that. And besides, you are saving the landfill from growing ever larger and reducing the need for creating new landfill sites. You are also informing Greenville's visitors and residents about our great local art and teaching children that recycling is the right thing to do. Greenville will also know more about area businesses that support the arts and green initiatives, and the businesses will get their message out on Main Street." Recycling one aluminum can saves enough electricity to power a TV or a 100-watt light bulb for three hours.The 36 billion aluminum cans landfilled last year had a scrap value of more than $600 million. (Someday we'll be mining our landfills for the resources we've buried.) Info provided by (www.oberlin.edu/recycle/facts.html). Recycling waste materials supports about six times as many waste-related jobs as there would be if the same materials were treated as trash.Info provided by (www.buyrecycled.com/facts.htm). American consumers and industry throw away enough aluminum in a year to rebuild our entire airplane commercial fleet every three months. Info provided by (www.buyrecycled.com/facts.htm). South Carolina is Home to World's Largest Plastic Bottle Recycling Plant. The United Resource Recovery Corporation (URRC), headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, is a leader in PET recycling technology. For more information contact (www.greenvillearts.com).

Kimberly A. Alvis, an award-winning fine artist based in Chapel Hill, NC, recently donated a 35" by 40" oil on linen painting to help raise funds for Triangle Day School in Durham, NC. Founded in 1991, Triangle Day School (www.triangledayschool.org) is an independent, co-ed, non-sectarian, non-profit school with a current enrollment of 200 students, including the artist's two sons. The painting, entitled "Horses in a Pasture," is indicative of Alvis' affinity for representational art that captures "the essential beauty inherent in every object as honestly as possible," she says. "Each painting springs from my initial impressions. However unlike most impressionists, I am unable to resist the richness in shadow and colors as I see them. I am also unable to resist the challenge of making a three-dimensional object look realistic within a two-dimensional medium. I strive to capture the form of an object as it emerges into light and express it in terms of paint." "Horses in a Pasture" was sold at auction during a school fundraising event. Originally from Staten Island, NY, Alvis graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1987 with a BA in Art. Since then she has studied at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, the Fechin Institute in New Mexico, The Ecole Albert Defois School in France, and The Art Students League and Parson's School of Design in New York City. Alvis' work has been exhibited internationally at such venues as at The Art Students League, The Salmagundi Club and the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit in New York City and the Huntsman Fine Arts Gallery in Aspen, Colorado. Alvis is represented locally by Sommerhill Gallery in Durham and The Little Art Gallery and Craft Collection in Raleigh, NC. For more information and to see more of the artist's work, visit (www.alvisart.com).

The Arts Council of Lincoln County in Lincolnton, NC, formally announced today the resignation of Shelly Johnston, Executive Director. Effective Aug. 15, 2008, Johnston's resignation enables her to accept an offer to move on to a long-sought-after career within the education system, and to finish her own studies as part of her Masters. Johnston held the position of Executive Director for the last year, providing a significant contribution to, and impact on, the revitalization of the Arts Council. Her personal enthusiasm along with her desire to promote art of all kinds throughout the county and for any age, particularly young and old, has enabled considerable achievement, for which the Arts Council is immensely grateful. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavors. The Arts Council of Lincoln County is a non-profit organization, partially funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, Lincoln County, the City of Lincolnton, and Lincoln County Schools. The mission of the Arts Council is to develop, promote, and nurture all art as creative endeavors to our community. For further information call 704/732-9044 or visit (www.ArtsLincolnNC.org).

The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC, is pleased to announce that Elliott DeMerell has been named Director of Institutional Advancement and will assume his new position at the Gibbes on Sept. 15, 2008. DeMerell joins the Gibbes from the Children's Home Society and Family Services of Saint Paul, MN, where he served as Senior Development Officer.  Prior to his position with the Children's Home Society, DeMerell worked in development positions with the St. Paul College of Visual Arts, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Science Museum of Virginia and the South Carolina State Museum. DeMerell is a native Charlestonian who was raised one block from the Gibbes above his family art gallery and frame shop. According to DeMerell, "I grew up taking art classes at the Gibbes and have always had a personal connection to the Gibbes and the local arts community. I'm delighted and excited to be able to bring my experience from several major museums around the country to further the Gibbes' mission of supporting the arts in Charleston." "We are so pleased that Elliott was interested in returning home to Charlesto