FALL WORKSHOPS!

I'm offering a few new workshops through the Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning. These classes are a great way to explore an interest at a reasonable price without a lot of commitment, and have some fun at the same time!

SKETCHBOOK ADVENTURES
September 22nd from 9 AM to 12 PM in Old Bisbee -- $35

Explore Old Bisbee with a sketchbook! The historic architecture, old staircases, colorful artwork, and quirky characters practically invite you to draw them. Sketchbooks are a great way to document your experiences while honing your drawing skills. In this workshop, participants will learn about types of sketchbooks, portable media, and ways to use both in a personal and creative way while discovering Old Bisbee on foot. Students must bring their own sketchbook, pencil, eraser, and any portable art media they choose (pen, colored pencils, pastels, pan watercolor, etc.) This class is for students at all levels of their art exploration. Class meets at Heather Green Studios located at 27 Subway St. Bisbee.
Sign up here or call (520)515-5492.


LEARNING TO SEE: DRAWING IN CHARCOAL
Saturday, October 6th & 13th from 9 AM to 1 PM in Sierra Vista -- $59*

Discover how artists convert what they “see” onto paper in realistic and expressive ways. Demonstrations and hands-on activities will change the way you approach your art, while honing your observation skills and establishing a toolbox of traditional and experimental drawing techniques. Rendering objects in charcoal has never been easier. *Students can either purchase a materials kit from the instructor for $35 or bring their own materials. Call 515-5492 for a materials list. Cochise College, Sierra Vista Campus room 401.
Sign up here or call (520)515-5492.


LINOCUT PRINTMAKING FUN
Saturday, October 20th from 9 AM to 3:30 PM in Sierra Vista -- $55*


Create bold, decorative artwork with this basic relief printing technique. In this workshop, participants will learn how to plan, carve, and print multiple images to make greeting cards using a linoleum block. This ancient medium is easy enough for beginners, yet challenging enough for experienced artists. Once learned, this skill can be enjoyed for a lifetime! Bring a sack lunch, snacks and something to drink. There will be a 30 min lunch break. *There is a required $45 kit fee to be paid to instructor at the beginning of class. ALSO, there is a $5 Early Bird Discount available. Cochise College, Sierra Vista Campus room 404.
Sign up here or call (520)515-5492.

Dog (& Cat) Days of Summer

Join us in celebrating our four-legged friends during the next Bisbee After 5 artwalk! Local artists Jan Searle, Sharon Lee, Amber Spring Wakeman, and Chris Bovee are exhibiting work dedicated to man's (and woman and child's) best friends.

Artist's Opening Reception will take place Saturday, July 14th from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy treats for canines, felines, and humans too. "Dog tags" will also be given away as Bisbee After 5 "Salutes Our Military." The exhibit will remain open through Saturday, August 4th during regular gallery hours and by appointment.


oil on paper by Jan Searle

I am honored to have Jan Searle return to the gallery with her incredible work in oils and pastels. Jan is well-known in Bisbee for landscapes, cloudscapes, and portraiture. During the Wall Musings event I held in March, she documented people on the wall with quick gesture drawings and oil pastels throughout the day. No doubt, her pet portraiture is just as lovely. Jan Searle is a member of the Central School Project and the Tang Gallery Cooperative. 

acrylic on metal food lid by Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee is a gallery favorite, having also participated in the Wall Musings event and my Paper Anniversary exhibit. I love her primitive/naivete style and the bright, bold colors that she uses. I am also enamored with her use of found objects and mixed media in some of her paintings. In a way, the discarded object has lost its original function, but is repurposed into an object of contemplation. Sharon's work is often seen at The Spirit Gallery.



acrylic by Amber Wakeman

Amber Spring Wakeman's "Spotted in Bisbee" series is the inspiration behind this exhibit. These playful paintings feature area dogs and cats (and the occasional bird) against an Old Bisbee backdrop. The titles are just as playful and witty as the images, and are part of the fun. It's no wonder people have asked for a quirky pet portrait of their own pets. You also need to check out the matting and framing on her work -- she is Bisbee's resident framing expert.


pastel sketch by Chris Bovee

I'm also thrilled to have Chris Bovee's whimsical drawings and mixed-media pieces. Chris's work has been seen at the Subway Gallery, and she participates in a local Sunday "Drink and Draw" gathering of artists. She is a also a gifted musician, having played in several bands. Soft pastels are a relatively new medium for Chris, and I'm please to say that she had a lovely pastel landscape for my Paper Anniversary exhibit.

Mimosas, Nibbles, Art, & Giggles

8 Hours in 2 Minutes

If you missed "Wall Musings," here's an opportunity to see it! Eight hours compressed into two minutes for your viewing pleasure:

This is a time lapse video of the "Wall Musings" event at Heather Green Studios in Bisbee, Arizona on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Six artists were given carte blanche to do whatever they wished to the walls within an eight-hour time frame. The public was invited to watch, and some even became part of the resulting artwork! Participating artists: Jan Searle, Ed Rosko, Sharon Lee, Katy Hooper, Jeff Henley, and Joseph Klinger. Click for more information about this event.

"Wall Musings"

An 8-Hour Drawing Event

The theme for the March Bisbee After 5 artwalk is "Art Madness." I decided it was the perfect opportunity to let other artists come into my space and do whatever they want with the walls.

Literally, they have carte blanche -- any medium, any style. They can draw, paint, carve, attach objects, reflect light or cast shadows, screenprint, stencil, or do whatever they wish to the wall section they have been given in the front gallery. I'm calling it a "Drawing" event, but only loosely so.
The Catch: they only have eight hours to complete their task, and they must allow the public to watch as they create. Eight hours to cover a wall with artwork can be quite daunting, and some on-the-spot problem-solving (Project Runway style) will definitely need to happen. Furthermore, having an audience when creating can be nerve-wracking, as most artists work in solitude in the privacy of their own studios. It will be a bit of a social experiment to see how the artists react!

"Wall Musings" will take place this Saturday, March 10th at Heather Green Studios (27 Subway St., Bisbee AZ) from 11 am to 8 pm. The artists will have an hour break mid-day to eat and regroup. You are invited to come and watch at any time of the day -- see beginning, middle, and end of each artist's progress, and even participate if the artist chooses! Part of the fun is to see how dramatically art can change with something as little as a brushstroke. The Artists' Reception and Artists Talks are (tentatively) set for Saturday, March 24 from 6 to 9 pm. several of the artists will be available to talk about their work, their process and/or concept, as well as the experience of having people watch them as they work. The exhibit will be on view through March 31st.

I'm really excited to have such wonderful artists creating in my space! Here is some more info about those that have agreed to subject themselves to the public eye:

Jan Searle is a local favorite. She is a pastelist  and painter whose subjects usually include the incredible Arizona skies, Bisbee landscapes, animals, and portraits. She is a member with an art studio at the Central School Project, and exhibits her work primarily at the Tang Gallery Cooperative. She also teaches life drawing.

Ed Rosko is new to the desert southwest, moving recently from Brooklyn, NY. He is a painter, designer, sculptor, photographer, curator, and teacher. He has an amazing Pop Art sensibility, and is now moving towards abstraction. Quite often, his color palette comes from the mis-tinted "Oops" paint at the hardware store. I wouldn't be surprised if house paint is used on his wall during the event. :)

Sharon Lee is a Bisbee painter who works in a naivete or primitive style. Her work often deals with feminist and social issues in a colorful and abstract way. She hails from Pennsylvania, where she served on the boards and councils of various arts organizations and commissions. Sharon will be tag-teaming with Katy Hooper, a local artist who works for the National Parks Service and sometimes works with kids. I'm excited about their wall, as it will surely prove to be interactive, in which the audience can be participatory!

Jeff Henley is an Arizona native who currently works at the local college. Don't let his calm, quiet demeanor fool you -- his artwork is often filled with tongue-in-cheek wit, as seen in last year's "Catawampus" show. He is also a very skilled portrait and landscape painter, and works wonders with graphic design. I'm interested in seeing which direction he'll take for this project.

Photograph of Joe's artwork by David Day

Joe Klinger is a Bisbee artist whose work is most prolific in "The Gulch." Not sure which work is his? Just travel down Brewery Avenue and you will see the ever-changing "Bark Park," the on-going cooperative murals at Occupy Bisbee next to the park, and the many paintings and found-object sculptures attached to his home across the street. Artist Danny Selzter may also help Joe with this event. Danny's portraits of famous people are well-known around town.

I have to give credit to my Alma Mater, Allegheny College, for the idea behind this event. My sophomore year, the art department hosted their very first "8-Hour Drawings," which has continued as an annual event, now known as "8-Hour Projects." The experience was so incredibly amazing and profound, that I wanted to bring it to Bisbee. I hope that it becomes an annual event at the studio, with many, many artists choosing to participate!

Stitches and Folds

Down to the wire, and missing a page or two, I finished and shipped my Art House Coop 2012 Sketchbook Project on the postmark due date -- nothing like waiting until the last minute! The theme I chose was "Stitches and Folds." As many of you know, I have a series of dress drawings, done mostly in pastel. I have been wanting to sew on the paper with a sewing machine, but Stonehenge Rising paper is too soft, despite the thickness. The sewing needle just shreds the paper. This sketchbook allowed me to experiment a bit with different papers, and with the sewing machine itself, using thread as a drawing medium.



I jammed up my machine quite a bit, but I have some ideas on how to avoid some of that. I'm also excited to see how this process influences my artwork!

I'm also excited for friends and family to be able to physically "check out" my work without having to be in Arizona. Starting in April, my book will go on tour around the country. Afterwards, it will be catalogued and housed permanently in the Brooklyn Art Library. It's really fun to be part of such a project!  

Supporting Bisbee's Young Artists

Did you know that creating art helps children read better, score higher on tests, and perform better in math and science? Art in schools is so important! In Bisbee, the elementary and junior high schools have a visual arts program, but no funding for supplies. Thus, the Art Department relies on donations from individuals and organizations to keep a quality program. 

During the Bisbee After 5 artwalk on January 14th between 3 and 8 pm, Heather Green Studios will be collecting items for the art department. Here are some easy ways to support Bisbee's K-8 artists without spending money!

Electronic Device Recycling

Did you receive a new cell phone or camera over the holidays and not sure what to do with the old one(s)? Have empty ink cartridges lying around? The Art Department recycles these and other items on the list below, receiving money for art supplies!

These electronic items do not have to be in working order. Just be sure to remove all personal information before donating! DVDs must have the original case. By donating old electronics, you have cleared clutter, help minimize landfill waste, and have supported the arts all in one fell swoop!


Clean Out Your Closets (or your offices, craft rooms, studios, garages, attics, etc.)

Is your New Year's Resolution to clear out the clutter, or at least to find the floor in the guest bedroom again? Before throwing out items, consider their art-project potential! Here is a list of items to get you started:

• Old Calendars
• scissors
• packing peanuts (s-shape)
• scrapbooking papers, wallpaper samples, wrapping paper, etc.
• the Sunday comics (in color)
• scrap wood pieces
• wire
• glue sticks
• Sharpies
• aluminum foil
• pencils, erasers (large)
• nuts, bolts, springs, odds and ends
• fabric, ribbon, buttons, beads
• craft supplies (ex: googley eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers, etc.)
• colored pencils and markers
• hand tools
• paint (all kinds)
• matboard, posterboard, foamcore, etc.
• old (but functioning) clothing iron, blenders, electric skillets, double boilers

Purchase Supplies on Art Room Aid

Perhaps you are free of all clutter and extraneous electronic devices and crafting materials, or you live far away but would still like to help. You can purchase art materials from Blick Art materials via Art Room Aid! It is set up like a wedding or baby registry, where specific items are linked for purchase online! You can purchase items outright, or donate money towards items (like a gift card) for the teacher to choose! The lists are for general supplies, some with specific projects in mind. All supplies will be sent to the schools directly. Links to the supply lists are below:   

Greenway Elementary School
Lowell Junior High School

Feel free to contact Heather Wiechert, the art teacher, at hwiechert@busd.k12.az.us if you have any questions.

My Paper Anniversary

I'm so excited for the opening reception of my "Paper Anniversary" exhibit! To celebrate one year at 27 Subway Street in Bisbee, Arizona, I had an open call to Arizona artists to enter work that included a paper element and measured 11" x 11." So many wonderful artists that I admire and respect have entered work into the show! I am also amazed by the creativity of these artists. One chose to print her images on wallpaper. Another artist painted and collaged on a circular tin tray edged in a rubber tire to measure 11" in diameter. A local artist pushed his work into the third dimension by creating an 11" x 11" x 11" cube. Some artists made their own paper, used paper-mache, paper clay, or created their own frames.  Some made their own wooden panels. An old door panel was even upcycled into a piece that framed a traingular monoprint. 

The energy of all of the artists has been so inspiring. I love that they chose to solve the problem they were given with their own unique methods, materials, and styles. Most artists created new pieces for this exhibit, which is also exciting. I can't wait to curate the work. I have the task of making seemingly disparate pieces work together collectively, as if created to be shown with each other.

I am also really ecstatic that Cafe Roka will be catering the opening reception. Their food is such a treat, that I highly recommend eating there should one have the money to spend. Of course, you can try some of their salads and appetizers at the reception this Friday, November 11th (11-11-11) from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

All work in this juried exhibition is priced at $110, including tax.

The work will be on display beginning this Friday, November 11 from 6 to 9 pm through November 26th.

Gallery Hours:

Fridays Noon to 5 pm

Saturdays Noon to 8 pm

By Appointment

Celebrating My Paper Anniversary



Collagraph 2"x2"

In November, Heather Green Studios will commemorate one year of being open at 27 Subway St. in Bisbee, Arizona with a special juried exhibition! I'm proud to announce a Call to Arizona Artists for this exhibit (Go to http://bit.ly/PaperAnniversary   for the prospectus & entry forms), on view November 11 through 26, 2011. The show is titled Paper Anniversary, a play on the idea that paper gifts are traditionally given to couples for one-year wedding anniversaries. Since I have my own love affair with art on paper, all art included in the exhibit must have a paper element in it. All media are welcome.

To extend the significance of one-year, I'm holding the Opening Reception on 11-11-11, and all work must measure 11" x 11", including framed pieces. Because of the strange dimensions, work does not need a frame. Paper clay reliefs, gallery-stretched canvas, and framed pieces must be properly wired to hang. Paper-based work that is not framed should be mounted on acid-free foam core**, to be hung with removable, double-sided adhesive foam squares. For $2 per piece, I can mount work on acid-free foamcore for you.

Artwork does not have to be for sale. However, all art that is for sale will be priced at $110 (basically $100 per piece, plus $10 to include sales tax). I would have priced it at $111 to continue the theme, but it's an odd price to ask people to pay. Heather Green Studios will take a $20 commission on each sale. Artists will receive a check for $90 within a week after the close of the exhibit -- the artists are responsible for paying tax on their work (Bisbee and Cochise Co. are currently at 9.6%). Heather Green Studios is equipped to take debit/credit cards securely through Square, Inc. via an Android phone platform.

The jurying and curation of the show will be done by me, Heather Green. For Paper Anniversary, I'm looking for quality work that meets the show requirements in a wide variety of styles and media. Each artist may enter up to 3 pieces, with an entry fee of $10 for the first, $5 for each additional piece. Please include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) for notification of acceptance. You can either mail in the actual work, or drop it off to be juried. Mailed entries must be sent to Heather Green Studios, 27 Subway St., Box 644, Bisbee AZ 85603 with return postage and postmarked by Tuesday, November 1st. Local artists can drop off their work at the studio Friday, November 4th between 1 and 5 pm.

The exhibit will be open Fridays and Saturdays, November 11 through 26th from Noon to 5 pm. The opening artists' reception will be from 6-9 pm on Friday, November 11, 2011. The next evening is the Bisbee After 5 artwalk, held on the Second Saturday of each month where Bisbee's galleries and shops are open late, until 8pm. Heather Green Studios is a participating Bisbee After 5 member, which means additional advertising in the local newspapers, radio, in the Tucson Guide, online, and on local printed materials.  The final weekend of the exhibit is over the Thanksgiving holiday, when lots of visitors are in town for the Home Tour. Bisbee After 5 is sponsoring free carriage rides and will be placing luminarias along Subway and Main Streets, beginning a new tradition to kick off our "Small Town Holiday" weekend.

Please feel free to contact me at 520-678-1134 or heathergreenstudios@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about entering the show. "Like" Heather Green Studios on Facebook to receive updates about the show. While you are at it, "Like" Bisbee After 5 as well.

**If you have other suggestions for hanging work without a frame, I am open to it, as long as it is professional. For instance, you might not want to adhere a print on foamcore to show the plate impression, etc. . . . Once I receive a clearer description from a fellow printmaker, I will post info about a nail head/magnet option. ** -- Heather  9-19-11

Pinteresting Dresses and Art Concepts

Do you Pinterest? It's a virtual corkboard where you can pin images from anywhere on the internet. You can organize your pin boards, title them, and, like other social media sites, follow boards, leave comments, and share by repinning to your boards, or posting to other social media.

I discovered it in a design blog that came across my Twitter feed this June. I really love the concept, and have found it to be useful (really, it's not just a time vortex to redecorate your house with things you could never afford anyway). It's a place to keep things you want to look at again without inundating your "favorites" bar with links or taking up hard drive space with images, and saves on printer ink. For example, I am pinning inspiring dresses that may become fodder for my pastel dress drawing series.

I have also used it to compare paper samples, image concepts, and pricing for wedding invitations. Friends and family across the country were able to access invitation possibilities in a straightforward way, without having to click through a bunch of links in an e-mail. I am also using it to store art concepts and favorite artists, as well as art project ideas for my students. I imagine it would be a great place to keep recipes, gift registries, a log of books you've read, vision boards, etc. If you'd like an invite, let me know. Feel free to follow!