Village Studios & Gallery

First Fridays - Jan. 6

2012-01-06T06:07:00.002-05:00

It's Here! our First First Fridays event of 2012 - Don't miss it!

6pm to 9pm

Jeromy Ross and Friends Graduation Art Exhibit

Please join us to celebrate the undergraduate works of Jeromy Ross
and his friends from Winthrop University.

Happy Thanksgiving from Village Studios & Gallery

2011-11-24T21:22:00.004-05:00

Join us during this holiday season on the following dates:

December 2 is our next First Fridays event - 6pm to 9pm.

Join us for NOON YOGA MONDAYS starting Monday, December 5th at 12 noon in the Village Studios Gallery.
This noon yoga classs will last about an hour and is led by Village Studios resident artist Susannah Mele.
$5 and $10 donation and get a free yoga class if you already attend the Figure Drawing class on Sundays.

Sundays, 3pm to 5pm is our Figure Drawing Class - $10 per class
DEC 4, 11, 18

NO CLASSES:
NOV 27, Thanksgiving weekend
DEC 25, Christmas

Tuesday, December 13 - 6PM is our monthly FAR WEST END Business Association meeting held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month - bring a pot luck foodie for this meeting for an extra special holiday gathering you are sure to want to attend!

Village Studios & Gallery welcomes new resident artist - April Harrison

2011-06-21T00:05:00.014-04:00

www.aprilsonggallery.com

Image Title: “Blessed 002”

Artist Statement:
"My artistic mission is to invite you on a journey into a place where time stands still, and life's special moments, felt by special caresses, tender touches and fond memories, transport you into a state of inner spirituality, focusing on the nurtured, bonded and familiar spirits.
Reflect and recapture those special moments that made you feel at peace, where quite simply, you were LOVED.
Enjoy your visit and be blessed. — April "

You can meet April during our First Fridays event held on the first Friday of each month, open 6pm to 9pm.

Wed. 5/25 thru Mon. 5/30 2PM-7PM

2011-05-25T17:46:00.003-04:00

this week from 2:00 pm - 7pm
(Wed. 5/25 - Mon. 5/30)
Village Studios & Gallery will be open to
see exhibit 'Emotional Expressionism'
before it comes down at the end of the month! :)
A beautiful weekend to all :) :) :)

Details at: UrbanPeacock.com

First Fridays - May 6, 2011

2011-05-05T13:40:00.006-04:00

Emotional Expressionism:

Solo Exhibition of paintings
by Kavita Bali

Opening Reception:
Friday, May 6, 2011
5-9pm

Title: Autumn Lights

24"x30", Acrylic on Canvas

Village Gallery Group Exhibition

2010-11-20T00:52:00.000-05:00

Kavita is a transplant from Northern California who arrived in Greenville a little over two years ago and just moved into her Pendleton Street Arts District Studio this summer. Kavita is an Indian-American intermedia artist currently focused on her 'emotionally expressionistic' painting style. Her 2010 painting 'Dancing Marigolds' was most recently part of the Upstate Visual Arts Juried Fall Show and is part of the new exhibit at the Village Studios & Gallery.

Kavita loves bouncing back and forth between left brain, right brain creativity. When she's taking a break from painting, she's usually hanging out with the tech gurus around town philosophizing about art and tech convergences. She's an accomplished designer with over twenty years of industry experience tagged as a User Experience Consultant specializing in Application and System Design. She strives to simplify technology for real people. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and has studied Film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. To learn more about Kavita and her art please visit www.UrbanPeacock.com and www.PenStreetArt.com.

EXHIBIT:

'Village Gallery Artists Group Exhibition'

Nov. 5 - 27, 2010

GALLERY HOURS:

Wed. - Sat. (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Closed on Thanksgiving day

LOCATION:

Village Studios & Gallery

1278 Pendleton Street @ Lois St.

Greenville, SC 29611

DIRECTIONS:

http://tinyurl.com/2awcu5y

EVENT DETAILS:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150608828317176

Body Language: Painting and Sculpture this month at Village Gallery

2010-10-05T22:59:00.001-04:00

October at Village Gallery: Featuring Erin Jones & Katherine Aimone

2010-09-29T09:19:00.001-04:00

"Body Language"

Featuring ceramic sculpture by Greenville Artist Erin and Jones and painting by Asheville Artist Katherine Aimone.

Opening Reception: First Friday October 1st - 6-9PM

Village Gallery artist Benjamin McKamey offering new Workshops

2010-09-14T11:27:00.004-04:00

Village Studios & Gallery's own Benjamin McKamey is offering a set of new photography workshops beginning this October. The Viewfinder Creative Classes and Workshops will focus on teaching students what they need to know to start making memorable images with their cameras. This fall, there will be two "point & shoot" sessions that are dedicated to students who have little to no digital photography experience at all, and one session for those who are ready to take their photography to the next level.

Benjamin McKamey is a Photographer and Fine Art Painter that has maintained his working studio at Village Studios & Gallery since May 2009. He has been behind a camera for over ten years, and currently shoots portraits and wedding photography for clients in Upstate South Carolina.

West Greenville Arts Festival: THIS WEEKEND!

2010-09-14T11:11:00.001-04:00

The West Greenville Arts Festival is this weekend! It's gonna be an awesome opportunity to see the Pendleton Street Arts District and a TON of art. They've got a fantastic lineup of music, food, and art scheduled for the two-day event. Come on out, rain or shine, because it only comes around once a year!

Upcoming Exhbition: Deb Massa

2010-08-25T14:35:00.000-04:00

DEB MASSA: SAINT AND SINNER

Announcing a solo exhibit of new original acrylic paintings by Deb Massa

On View September 3–September 25, 2010

The Village Studios and Gallery announces a landmark presentation of original acrylic work, Deb Massa: Saint and Sinner

Highly apparent in the exhibition is the artist's demonstration of little or no influence from mainstream art world. A highlight of the show is an enormous floor to ceiling 80”x96” work on stretched canvas. Deb’s attitude of “if I find any rules I break them” seems to scream from in each piece. Her almost abstract portraits appear to possess the same image over and over without boring the viewer and instead prove that the face is commanding presence that demands our attention.

Deb Massa

Opening Reception: First Friday September 3rd, 2010.

Fall Figure Drawing Sessions at Village Gallery

2010-08-25T14:25:00.000-04:00

Just Announced!

Sunday Afternoons September 26th - October 24th. Only $10/session or $35 for all five!

Printmaking Workshop at Village Gallery

2010-05-19T11:55:00.002-04:00

Upstate Visual Arts and Village Studios & Gallery present

Masters of Mediums: Phil Garrett

June 26th and 27th, 2010

Organized by Upstate Visual Arts and hosted by Village Studios & Gallery, This Master of Mediums workshops is lead by master printmaker Phil Garrett. The two-day workshop will include demonstrations and hands on training in the dynamic medium of monotype printmaking.

2 Day Workshop.

Demonstrations of Printmaking Techniques.

Hands on Training.

Located at Village Studios & Gallery in the Pendleton Street Arts District.

Advanced Registration is Required.

To register, contact Alison Spiesman of U.V.A. at 864-369-8282

Summer Figure Drawing Sessions Announced!

2010-05-18T08:36:00.003-04:00

The Village Figure Drawing Sessions will pick up again in a few weeks for our summer session. June 13th - July 25th. As always, they're Sunday afternoons from 3-5pm. All are welcome. Just $10/session. See you there!

Knack Shin Dig: May 20th

2010-05-11T10:24:00.000-04:00

There's gonna be a super awesome studio warming party for Knack on May 20th. Live music, tasty food, and a chance to meet and greet with the growing-more-famous-by-the-minute Barb Blair.

Barb is the artist/entrepreneur behind Knack, a studio that specializes in radically resurfaced furniture and unique salvaged and redesigned lighting fixtures. Barb has been a long-time resident of the Pendleton Street Arts District, and has recently moved her studio to a larger space on the same block as Village Gallery. We're glad to have her on our end of the street, and hope that the new resident of her old studio shares in the good fortune of one day having to move to a bigger space as well.

Art Bomb Studios Spring Show: May 15

2010-05-10T08:32:00.004-04:00

Art Bomb Studios is having their Annual Spring Show on May 15. One night only, you don't want to miss it.

Figure Drawing Website

2010-05-09T21:14:00.003-04:00

As you all know by now, Village Gallery hosts a weekly Figure Drawing Class each Sunday afternoon from 3-5 pm. The class has been growing since last fall, in part due to the extremely affordable class fees (only $10/session), but mostly due to the community of figure drawing artists that has formed around the weekly sessions. Now, that community has moved forward and is beginning to share their work with the public through a new website: Village Figures. Each week, a selection of figurative artwork will be posted (with the artist's and model's permission, of course). If you're a fan of traditional figurative artwork, this is a great way to get your fix. And if you're an artist, it will give you an idea of what the classes are all about. You'll see a range of work from both beginning and advanced artists, in a range of media from charcoal to paint. Visit the site and leave a comment or two for the artists. You'll be glad you did.

Visit the Village Figure Website Here

Kara Bender at Village Gallery May 7-29, 2010

2010-05-07T09:32:00.004-04:00

Joanna Morgan at Village Gallery May 7-29, 2010

2010-05-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

Foothills Cello Choir to perform at Village Gallery

2010-05-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

This First Friday, May 7th, the Foothills Cello Choir will be presenting a free performance at Village Gallery. Beginning at 8:15pm, the 4 Cellist ensemble of Hilke Kristiansen, Lee Perkins, Shari Schick, and Kelly Piepho will provide a unique live music performance for patrons and friends of the gallery. All are welcome!

To book Foothills Cello Choir for your own event, contact Kelly at: 864-616-6807.

YOGA at the Village WEDNESDAYs

2010-04-26T22:30:00.006-04:00

Every Wednesday join us for Yoga at the Village Studios & Gallery.
TIME: 12NOON to 1PM
$10

For more information email Susannah at: susannahmele@yahoo.com

UPCOMING EVENT:

Kids Yoga & Art
A great summer class for ages 5-12 yrs old.
A unique blend of art activities and fun yoga poses.

All supplies are included as well as a snack and yoga mat for those who come to 2 or more classes June 7- August 11th.

Every Monday & Wednesday 10AM to 12NOON.
Register early or drop in anytime!

BECOME A FAN of Kids Yoga & Art
facebook LINK

note: all classes are held in the Village Studios & Gallery and located in the Pendleton Street Arts District. 1278 Pendleton Street.

G Magazine Highlights the Pendleton Street Arts District

2010-04-24T12:19:00.003-04:00

G Magazine's Article Illustration (pictured above) by Tyler Bishop.

G Magazine's new article "Gallery Crawl" by Heidi Coryell Williams points out a few notable destinations in the Pendleton Street Arts District of Greenville. With around 40 artists and galleries within a few blocks, Pendleton Street is quickly becoming Greenville's destination location for fine arts and crafts. Most of the studios are open by appointment, so it's a good idea to call ahead if you are looking for something in particular. Village Gallery, Art & Light Gallery, Upstate Visual Arts and Gallery 1279 all keep regular hours, so there's always something to see on Pendleton. See you soon!

Private Events at Village Gallery

2010-04-21T08:47:00.003-04:00

Village Gallery is one of Greenville's hidden gems when it comes to event spaces. Our 2500 square foot gallery space is perfect for small, intimate gatherings or exciting parties with up 150 guests. Last weekend, we hosted a fantastic private engagement party for a delightful couple who will be getting married out of town later this year.

Furnishings were provided by CB Events-Marketing, a fantastic events management and rental company located right here in Greenville. They focussed on every last detail from a complete assortment of white leather furniture down to the candle votives.

The food was catered by Justin's Steakhouse, who have impeccable customer service. They tended bar and served fresh hot hors d'oeuvres throughout the evening.

Creating a night to remember is easy with Village Gallery. There is nothing like our unique gallery space in Greenville, surrounded by original art in a century-old restored mill village building. Contact the gallery today to reserve a date for your next party, reception, meeting, or fundraiser.

Photographs courtesy of Greenville's own WhiteBlaze Photography.

Wednesdays YOGA CLASS

2010-04-20T11:00:00.010-04:00

Every Wednesday join us for Yoga at the Village Studios & Gallery.
TIME: 12NOON to 1PM
$10

UPCOMING EVENT:

Kids Yoga & Art
A great summer class for ages 5-12 yrs old.
A unique blend of art activities and fun yoga poses.

All supplies are included as well as a snack and yoga mat for those who come to 2 or more classes June 7- August 11th.

Every Monday & Wednesday 10AM to 12NOON.
Register early or drop in anytime!

BECOME A FAN of Kids Yoga & Art
facebook LINK

note: all classes are held in the Village Studios & Gallery and located in the Pendleton Street Arts District. 1278 Pendleton Street.

Village Gallery was hopping this weekend.

2010-04-12T14:52:00.005-04:00

Village Gallery was excited to host The Furman Swingers and The Greenville Lindy Hoppers this past weekend for their event, "That Spring Fling Swing Thing." We're already looking forward to having them back again soon.

Village Gallery is available as an event venue for groups large and small. We host parties, receptions, meetings, fundraisers, and even weddings in our main gallery space. There are still a number of dates available for public and private events in 2010. Contact the gallery to find out how to reserve a date for your next event!

Thanks to WhiteBlaze Photography for providing photos from event!

Current Exhibition, "Boxes & Baggage" featured in the current G Magazine Newsletter

2010-04-08T19:36:00.003-04:00

City Scene Newsletter

One of the great things about being an artist in Greenville, SC is the enormous amount of support that we seem to get from the community. Case-in-point, G The Magazine of Greenville included the a fantastic article by Heidi Coryell Williams about the current exhibition of Village Studios & Gallery in their current "City Scene" e-newsletter. You can see the article here. And, you can sign up for the Sign up for G Magazine's City Scene Newsletter (which is free, by the way) so you'll be on the inside track for the next show that they review.

Art Friends in Greenville: Janina Ellis Studio Warming Party

2010-04-07T10:25:00.003-04:00

Artistry Studios, located in the Pendleton Street Arts District at 12 Andrews Street, welcomes a new artist this month. Janina Ellis will host a 2 day Studio Warming event at her studio April 16th 6-9 pm, and April 17th 10-5 pm. It's a great opportunity to meet a new resident artist, as well as to catch up with some of the "old" artist who work at Artistry Studios: Ryan Calloway, Susanne Bodson, Rebecca Savage, and more!

Yoga class at the Village Studios & Gallery - GO!

2010-04-06T17:36:00.003-04:00

WEDNESDAYS at the Village join us for yoga class 12PM to 1PM.

a great place to start if you are just learning or a place to call home for a seasoned pro!
a small class in an artistic environment.

$10 per class APRIL DATES: 4/7 4/14 4/21 4/28
(or $35 to pay in advance)

Gallery 1279 announces Children's Pottery Day Camps for Summer 2010!

2010-04-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Gallery 1279 announces Children's Pottery Day Camps for Summer 2010!

Enroll you child in a wonderful hands-on experience!

Students will learn basic hand-building techniques, including pinch,
coil and slab, and will be able to see a wheel-throwing demonstration
on the last day of the session. Small class size ensures your child
will have plenty of personal attention in a fun, relaxed environment.
Projects will be glazed with a non-toxic, food-safe glaze and once
fired in our kiln. They will be available for pickup the
following week.

Day Camp sessions are 3 days long, Tues, Wed. and
Thurs., 10am-1pm. Sessions are running every week beginning mid-June,

July, and through mid-August as follows:

Session 1: June 15-17
Session 2: June 22-24
Session 3: June 29-July1

Session 4: July 6-8
Session 5: July 13-15

Session 6: July 20-22
Session 7: July 27-29
Session 8: August 3-5

Session 9: August 10-12

Cost is $75/student for a 3-day session. Cost includes clay,
materials and firing. A $25 deposit is required to secure your child's place in the class.

Ages 6-14.

Our instructors are Erin Jones, Jason Hall and Grace Jennings. Erin is a studio
artist and holds an MFA in ceramics from Clemson University. She has
worked with children for many years and has also taught at the college
level. Jason and Grace are both studio artists and hold BFA's from Clemson
University.

If interested please contact Erin Jones at (864)350-9420, or at
erinjones@gallery1279.com

Erin Jones

Gallery 1279

1279 Pendleton St.

Greenville, Sc 29611

(864)350-9420

www.gallery1279.com

Art Friends in Greenville: Midtown Artery hosts Dr. Seuss Exhibit

2010-04-02T15:35:00.002-04:00

Midtown Artery, located in Downtown Greenville, SC is hosting a unique exhibition of artwork by the late Dr. Seuss.

"Beginning April 2nd and continuing through April 19th, 2010 Midtown Artery will host "The Art of Dr. Seuss: A Retrospective and National Touring Exhibition". This exhibit celebrates the life and art of Theodor Seuss Geisel and chronicles his life and career with a focus on the common artistic links throughout his nearly 70 years of creativity. The exhibition begins with his early drawings in Life Magazine, includes his editorial, advertising, military, and book illustrations, and finally, his Secret Art collection. Works in the exhibition have been curated from significant public and private collections, including the University of California San Diego archives, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, and the Dr. Seuss Estate, and feature rare and never-before-seen art from the 1920's to 1990's."

Boxes and Baggage: From Roots to Right Now

2010-03-26T09:12:00.000-04:00

Featuring the fine art photography of Heidi Heilbrunn and the innovative assemblages of Jacqueline Shapiro Rosen, Boxes and Baggage: From Roots to Right Now will be at Village Gallery April 2 - 30, 2010.

The opening reception will be First Friday, April 2nd, 2010 from 6-9pm. Both of the artists will be in attendance to talk about their work and answer questions. We hope to see you there!

New Figure Drawing Session Announced!

2010-03-26T08:27:00.003-04:00

Village Gallery is continuing our popular figure drawing classes! April 11 - May 16

Sunday afternoons, join Village Studios & Gallery to work from a live model in any media of your choice. This non-instructional, 2-hour session begins with gesture warm-ups, with 20 min.-50 min. remaining poses. Bring your own drawing supplies: paper, media, drawing board, clips, etc. No easels provided. A sink is provided if you prefer to work in oils, but please be tidy. Free parking is available across the street and surrounding buildings. Call (843) 817-5295 to reserve your space! $10/session drop-in rate or $40/advance sign up, paid in full

Village Studios & Gallery

1278 Pendleton Street

Greenville SC 29611

864-295-9278

www.villageartstudios.com

Featured Figure Drawing: Steve Stuart

2010-03-08T12:35:00.003-05:00

Untitled Contour Drawing by Steve Stuart

Steve Stuart was kind enough to let me take a quick photo of one of his fantastic drawings from yesterday's figure drawing session. Thanks, Steve!

We have been hosting a weekly figure drawing class since last fall, and it has been quickly growing ever since. Each week we bring in a professional life model and give our group of artists the opportunity to work from life in whatever media they wish. The sessions last two hours, and are comprised of a series of short and long poses. We have a fantastic range of experience in the class, from beginning artists who are starting to develop their craft to lifetime professional artists who are creating work that will eventually be for sale in their studios.

Anderson University Faculty Exhibition SNEAK PEAK

2010-03-04T07:49:00.005-05:00

Village Gallery will be hosting our Opening Reception for the Anderson University Faculty Exhibition this upcoming First Friday from 6-9pm. The work, which we have been installing since Monday, is absolutely stunning. Here's a sneak peak of a few of the things you'll see when you come by tomorrow.

The Escape, acrylic on masonite by Jo Carol Mitchell-Rogers

Mountainview: Mountain Laurel, Graphite Pencil by Susan B. Wooten

Homage to the Pulley: "Beware! Bad Man with Gun", mixed media on paper, by Nathan Cox

Anderson University Faculty Exhibition March 5-27

2010-03-01T14:48:00.003-05:00

Village Gallery will welcome a unique collection of original artwork by the Visual Arts faculty of Anderson University for the month of March. We're excited about this excellent opportunity to present the work of seven prominent artist who currently live and work in Upstate South Carolina. As always, our opening reception for the month falls on First Friday. 6:00-9:00 PM

Featured Artists:

Nathan Cox

Kimberly Dick

Jane A. Dorn

Peter Kaniaris

Jo Carol Mitchell-Rogers

Tim Speaker

Susan B. Wooten

Grasp - Installation of 8 digital Photographs by Kimberly Dick

Coffee to a Tea in the Arts District

2010-02-22T15:13:00.003-05:00

More often than not, people are surprised by how much West Greenville and the Pendleton Street Arts District has grown since the last time they visited. If it's been a while since you've been down Greenville's arts district, or if you were in a hurry last time, you might have missed one of our favorite places. Coffee to a Tea is located just around the corner from Village Gallery on Lois Ave, and is one of the local hangouts for coffee aficionados and artists alike. Their breakfast and lunch menus are crafted with all-natural ingredients, they have a huge selection of coffees and teas, and an extensive selection of unique desserts. They are also home Cake2 (Cake Squared), which is widely known for both their traditional and creative custom cake creations. Next time you visit the gallery, plan to spend a little extra time in West Greenville and stop by Coffee to a Tea for a cup of coffee and piece of cake. You'll be glad you did.

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pendleton Street Arts District member Art & Light Gallery is presenting a long-awaited exhibition of Folk Art this week. The opening reception is this Feb. 19th from 6-9pm, and from the sneak peak that I got, it's gonna be awesome. This is a great reason to get over that hump in between two First Fridays.

Figure Drawing Sessions at Village Gallery

2010-02-16T13:56:00.001-05:00

Catherine Labbe at Village Gallery

2010-02-10T15:29:00.000-05:00

"Union" by Catherine Labbe

"I could never make art outside of my experience. It is a fascination with the response of the human soul to its environment that motivates my art.The work is the arena where this relationship between my physical surroundings and the daily experience of life are played out."

-Catherine Labbe

2010-02-08T15:02:00.002-05:00

We're pretty sure that we're the only gallery in town that is lucky enough to have a resident Registered Yoga Teacher in our building. Susannah Mele is one of the newest artists to join Village Studios and Gallery. In addition to her unique hand-made fiber artwork, Susannah has been practicing and teaching yoga for years. And now she's offering the most unique yoga experience in Greenville. The class is held in our beautiful gallery space, surrounded by original artwork by some of the regions most accomplished artists. Come join us on Wednesdays from 12-1 pm at Village Gallery. Each class is only $10, but ask about the discount if you want to pre-register for multiple sessions. We hope we'll see you there!

2010-02-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

Deceptive Colors by Steven Chapp

"I have always enjoyed making marks on a surface. Printmaking is one of the media in which I do this. It is my objective to create images that not only speak of marks but to have marks that speak for the image.

In many of my images I use the crow is a metaphor for humankind. The crow is often seen as an observer of events, the ever present watchful eye. My use of color, the darkness of the image, the composition and the subject matter of the crow often tell a story of mystery and turmoil. My interest in narrative images goes back to my childhood when I was attracted to the illustrations in books. I was far more interested in the story I found in the illustration than the words on the page. I could use my imagination to create my own story.

I want my images to tell a story and for you to read what you will into the images.

The process in making images whether it is with intaglio, relief or monotypes, paintings or drawing, for me is about making marks on a surface. It is my way of leaving an impression, an imprint for this Earth."

-Steven A. Chapp

Jessica Libor

2010-02-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

painting by Jessica Libor

We are extremely excited to present an exhibition of recent work by Jessica Libor later this year. Her Village Gallery exhibition will be July 2-31st, and will feature a selection of her latest work.

This month, however, she will be featured along with Christina Sawiki and Lily Stratton in a show that will benefit Pediatric Cardiology of the Greenville Hospital System. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the will hold an opening reception for the exhibition at Zen in downtown Greenville. See you there!

Steven A Chapp & Catherine Labbe at Village Gallery

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Village Studios & Gallery

February 5-27, 2010

Opening Reception: First Friday February 5 6-9pm

Chance by Catherine Labbe

Humble Encounter by Steven A. Chapp

December First Friday at Village Gallery

2009-12-01T12:45:00.001-05:00

So... blogging has been a little slow with all of the activity that's been going on in the Greenville Art World. But, we've got some fantastic artwork for December's First Friday exhibition at Village Gallery, and we can't let it slip by with mentioning it here.

Featuring the original artwork of:

Jim Gorman

Dabney Mahanes

Julie Shabkie Hughes

Ryan Calloway

Susannah Mele

Joanna Morgan

Mark Latta

Victoria Ferrer

Ben McKamey

We've got the tree trimmed, the artwork hung, and it will be plenty warm at Village Gallery for December's First Friday. See you there!

Artist Alice Williams leads painting workshop at Village Gallery

2009-10-29T14:31:00.003-04:00

Village Gallery welcomes acclaimed artist Alice Williams for a week-long workshop this November 10-13.

Village Gallery is dedicated to the promotion of the visual and performing arts in Greenville, and hosting a workshop like this is an excellent opportunity for us to continue that mission. Our main gallery space will be turned into a working studio for several days, crowded with easels and oil paints. Artists from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia will travel to Greenville to learn from the talented Alice Williams in a fun, casual setting.

Unfortunately, all 18 spots are filled for this session, so it won't be possible to join the workshop this time around. Contact the gallery if you are interested in participating in an upcoming workshop, if you are interested in learning more about the artist, or if you would like to purchase a piece of artwork by Alice Williams.

2009-10-21T09:58:00.000-04:00

Greenville Open Studios Artist: Benjamin McKamey

2009-10-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

Recycle - Cold Mountain - 48"x60" Oil on Canvas - by Benjamin McKamey

In all fairness... I am posting my own work today. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting artwork and information about each of Village Studios & Gallery's artists who are participating in Greenville Open Studios this year. On November 7th and 8th, each of us will be opening our studios to greet the public with never-before-seen artwork, demonstrations of our techniques, and best of all... ourselves. More often than not, Artwork sits in a gallery or museum, totally disconnected from the person who created it. Open Studios is a great opportunity to meet the artist in person. Artwork in your home is a fantastic conversation piece; just think how awesome it would be to tell your guests that you know the artist personally, and be able to tell them the back story of why and how your artwork was created. Village Gallery is home to myself, Jim Gorman, Adie Moran, and Jason Waggoner. We will all be extremely happy to see you during Open Studios.

Art World Happenings - Greer Station Fall Gallery Walk

2009-10-08T07:36:00.004-04:00

Greer is joining in with all of the Fall Art activity this year with their 2nd Annual Greer Station Fall Gallery Walk. This upcoming Saturday, you'll be able to visit Galleries and Downtown Businesses in Greer that are presenting work by some of the area's local artists. When you've had your fill, come down to the Pendleton Street Arts District in Greenville to visit Village Gallery, along with the other great galleries and artist studios that make their home here.

Art World Happenings - Hendersonville Open Studios

2009-10-07T10:20:00.002-04:00

From Arts Council of Henderson County:

Open Studio Tour Artists Show

Thursday, October 1 – Friday, October 16
The Open Studio Artists Show is a great opportunity to preview the work of Henderson County artists who will be participating in the 2009 Open Studio Tour, October 10–11. This show will also be featured during the 50th Anniversary of Art on Main, October 2–4. Opening Friday, October 9th.

-----------------------------------

If you're from the Hendersonville area, this weekend's Open Studios tour will be a fantastic way to sample artwork from some of Western North Carolina's Artists. Get more information from the website links above.

Don't forget, Greenville's Open Studios is just weeks away. Village Studios & Gallery has four of the 124 artists that are participating in this year's event. Each of the artists will be giving demonstrations and talking about their own works in their working studios on Saturday November 6th and Sunday November 7th. This is a rare opportunity to meet each artist in person, to purchase a piece of original artwork directly from the person who created it, and to connect with a major part of the cultural activity in Upstate South Carolina. More about the event to come in future posts...

Music Tonight During First Friday

2009-10-02T15:19:00.001-04:00

Brain Damage Productions presents

The Green Electribes

Starts at 8pm - see you there!

Featured Artist: Brian Van Johnson

2009-10-01T14:12:00.002-04:00

Installation view of New Work by Rising Artist Brian Van Johnson. Opening Reception tomorrow night, First Friday October 2nd from 6-9 PM at Village Gallery. Music by the Green Electrides, presented by Brain Damage Productions begins at 8:00 pm. Don't miss it!

Art is Good For You

2009-10-01T13:38:00.003-04:00

Art is Good For You

My good friend, Teresa, posted on her own blog about the benefits of collecting art. Instead of stealing her thunder, I thought I'd just send you over her way. Her blog is updated almost daily with great art and furniture from Art & Light Gallery.

Figure Drawing Demystified

2009-10-01T12:04:00.003-04:00

I've had the pleasure of speaking to Andrew Cahner by email over the last few days. He's the author of The Art Model's Handbook and the man behind artmodelbook.com. He has been kind enough to list Village Gallery's Figure Drawing Sessions in his nationwide database of Figure Drawing classes on his website.

To my knowledge, The Art Model's Handbook may be the only book to cover the topic of modeling for artists that is available. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of models and, from an artist's viewpoint, there is a huge advantage when a model is experienced. I can remember a few people from the past that could have used some guidance. Fortunately, Village Gallery has been extremely lucky in being able to find both male and female models that have been very easy to work with. Typically, we only use models that have verifiable references and exhibit a great degree of professionalism.

A common misconception is that there is a certain "look" that is needed for Figure Drawing Models. Unlike the fashion and advertising industries, artists aren't always looking for a certain body type or age group. Models can be any age, gender, shape and size.

A Figure Drawing Session usually lasts for a few hours, starting with a series of short, dynamic poses to let everyone warm up. Then, the model will take a comfortable pose that will last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Longer poses allow the artists to fully articulate a drawing, capturing finer details than would be possible in a shorter session.

Drawing sessions are an excellent opportunity for artists of all abilities to sharpen their skills and develop new bodies of work. For artists like myself, who do not typically use the human form in my own work, drawing from a live model is akin to a concert pianist practicing their scales. The act of drawing what you see in front of you is the most basic form of art making, dating back to when our ancestors began documenting their lives with mud and charcoal on cave walls. A lot of people think that artists are simply born with talent, but the reality is that we have all honed our skills through years of practice. For aspiring artists, a drawing session is a great way to begin, following in the tradition of art training that goes back literally hundreds of years.

If you are in Upstate South Carolina, and you would like to join us for one of our Figure Drawing Sessions, we would love to have you! And if you are one of our readers from far away, check the listings on Andrew's page to find one near you.

Artist Studio Space for Rent

2009-09-24T11:26:00.002-04:00

Village Studios feature private, lockable space with both natural light and track lighting. Rent includes all utilities (Heat, AC, WiFi internet). Artists have access to a shared clean-up sink, refrigerator, and full bathroom with shower. The studios are accessible 24 hours a day, and have a dedicated parking lot. Each space is approximately 300 square feet and is suitable for artists in most media, including painting, drawing, photography, small sculpture, collage, and mixed media.

Village Gallery is open to the public Wed.-Sat. 10am-4pm, and by appointment. We currently host a weekly Figure Drawing session on Sunday afternoons from 3-5pm. Studio artists are NOT required to maintain open studio hours, though it is encouraged. Studio artists are NOT required to work in the Gallery, though opportunities do exist for involvement in the gallery and are encouraged. Village Studios & Gallery regularly participates in Greenville Art Community events such as First Fridays, Greenville Open Studios, and The West Greenville Arts Festival.

Art World Happenings - Backpod

2009-09-12T13:08:00.003-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me how far and wide connections in the Art World spread and how influential they can be. Kari Foster and Michael Peters are friends of mine from way back, and they are part of 3 person documentary project called Backpod. Projects like this are awesome because they allow artists the chance to do some of their best work while serving a cause greater than themselves. While Backpod travels through Central America documenting the lives of people who live and work there, someone else might create and exhibit portraits of 9/11 heroes, or even be a part of huge nationwide project to provide free portraits to those less fortunate than ourselves. Every artist I know has freely given of their time or talents to help raise money or awareness for non-profit groups and organizations. If you have the resources or time to get involved with a cause, please considering doing so. There are people like Kari and Michael who want to help me things better in the world, you can get involved with them here.

Collectors Corner - Required Reading #1

2009-08-30T13:39:00.003-04:00

"Anyone Could Paint That" and other myths about Art...

This is the first of a series of links, articles, and essays directed at helping both new and seasoned collectors demystify the discussion about what Art is and what Art isn't. Over the years, I've noticed that people seem to repeat the same phrases when they talk about Art. "I don't know Art, but I know what I like." "My kid could do that." "Why don't artists make things that people LIKE?"

Not that I think their is anything wrong with those statements. It's just that after meeting and working with hundreds of Artists, I've never once heard of one seriously trying to pull a fast one and con an unsuspecting patron into believing something they've made is really "Art". Rather, there is usually a very good reason that the artist has chosen a subject matter, media, or style (even if the artist himself isn't very good at expressing that reason in words).

Appreciating Art doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. And I don't believe that you need to have a degree in Art or Art History to start talking about Art. But, like most things in life, you only get out of it what you put into it. Your golf game won't get better if you don't hit the green on a regular basis, and your ability to appreciate the extremely diverse range of objects that we refer to as "Art" won't increase if you don't visit a gallery or museum every once in a while. For a quick (and fun) crash course, I highly recommend attending a First Fridays Art Walk in your local city. Monthly events like these give you an opportunity to see a lot in a short period of time, and to begin to follow individual artists as they build their careers. After a short period of time, when your friend says "Anyone Could Paint That", you'll have something something a little more interesting to add to the conversation than "Yup."

Rent Village Gallery for Your Event

2009-08-21T09:00:00.002-04:00

We happily welcome guests to use our space for their private events. Our gallery is the perfect setting for a reception, wedding, sit down dinner, or party. Our grand stairway is a wonderful backdrop for a striking entrance by a bride and groom, and a mezzanine is perfectly suited for a live band or DJ.

We can accommodate up to 200 hundred guests in our 2500 square foot exhibition hall. Parking is conveniently located directly across the street from our building, a shorter walking distance than a visit to the grocery store. We are completely handicap accessible.

You may use our recommended caterer or bring your own. A prep kitchen with full sized refrigerator and microwave makes serving guests easy. Our P.A. system is available for announcements or speeches and a CD player can pipe music into the gallery through hidden speakers. Alcohol is permitted, and security service can be provided for after hours events if desired.

We book events up to 18 months in advance, so call us today to save your date!

Art World Happenings - Brain Damage

2009-08-20T11:26:00.006-04:00

From Brain Damage:

BRAIN_DAMAGE.Productions is an artists' simulation of the revolving and ever changing world around us. It is Light. It is Dark. It is that which combines both to create common ground. It is the persuit of knowledge; a creative & encouraging source to provide a platform for self-discovery including the understanding of the infinite micro & macrocosms of the universe & multiverses. The Productions we bring the public seek to inspire and allow for the expression of unconditional creation. We seek to take the world on a journey without leaving one's seat into the multidimensional worlds of existence; a break down of every day reality of that which you think you are.

BRAIN_DAMAGE.Productions is a new informal art organization in the Upstate and seeks to bring artistic, creative, and talented individuals to work together to build something new for the community. BRAIN_DAMAGE.Productions specializes in experimental & Avant-garde productions, including elements of dance, theater, music, and visual ecstacy in nonconventional & abstract forms.

Coming up this weekend, Victoria Ferrer and Mark Latta are holding auditions for their multi-disciplinary production "Vertical World" here at Village Gallery. On Saturday, August 22, up to 100 performers and visual artists will meet for the casting call and the beginnings of BrainDamage Production's first major production in Upstate South Carolina. These guys have more energy and ideas than anyone I've met recently. "Vertical World" fuses together the duo's design, choreography, visual art and ambient music backgrounds in an Avant-Garde performance of dance, video, and music. Village Gallery is excited to be a part of the project by providing space for auditions and the upcoming live performances.

Open call auditons for the performance cast as well as briefings for visual & technical artists will be held on Saturday, the 22nd. Please be sure to bring your resume or portfolio!

Saturday, Aug 22 @ 12 PM-4 PM

Village Studios & Gallery

in the Pendleton Art District

1278 Pendleton Street

Greenville, SC 29611

For more information, contact inquiries@braindamageproductions.com
You can also help support their project financially by donating.

Artist Spotlight - Ryan Calloway

2009-08-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

I was in Ryan's studio almost a month ago when he showed me the beginnings of this sculpture. Calloway refers to himself as an artisan blacksmith, a title rightly claimed after years working of with a traditional forge in a sweltering workshop. I watched as he fired a piece of steel in a red hot oven, then hammered the metal on an anvil and quenched it in water, creating a cloud of steam. Then, back to the forge to start over. The base of this three foot tall hand forged cattail sculpture is a set of metal "rocks" that sit atop a platform of water ripples.

You can see this sculpture, as well as a selection of handmade artisan brooms created by Ryan Calloway at Village Gallery this month. For more information about this or any other work at Village Gallery, please contact us!

Art World Happenings - Katie Walberg :: Trashball

2009-08-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

I met Katie way back when we were just young undergrads, sharing studio space and attempting to survive the torment of three hour long painting critiques. She went on to bigger and better things, namely an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art. She is one of the few artists who works effortlessly in a variety of media without loosing sight of her original ideas.

The trashball series has been building and evolving over the last several years. It has been getting more sophisticated the entire time, tracking a trajectory through painting, drawing, photography, and performance art. Trashball wasn't just something to talk about in the studio, it was a concept that deserved to be out in the real world. I remember trashball appearing unannounced at a few art openings in Knoxville. Trashball was never just an object to be looked at, but rather to be interacted with. Made from the discarded remnants of modern life, trashball was created by the act of retrieval. Luckily, if you missed Walberg's MFA thesis exhibition like I did, you can get a brief (and funny) history of trashball here!

Life Drawing Sessions at Village Gallery

2009-08-18T10:55:00.005-04:00

Village Studios & Gallery is proud to present a series of Life Drawing Sessions every Sunday afternoon September 13 - October 18th. These non-instructional classes are open to everyone from beginners to professional artists. Just bring your own supplies and take advantage of the opportunity to work with a live model in one of Greenville's best gallery spaces. As a bonus, if you sign up in advance, you can save 50% off of the normal, drop-in rate!

RSVP to Jessie at 843-817-5295

Artist Spotlight - Susan Young

2009-08-17T12:46:00.003-04:00

I am extremely pleased to have a selection of sculpture by Greenville artist Susan Young in our current exhibition at Village Studios & Gallery. Young maintains her working studio at Art Bomb Studios in the Pendleton Street Art District, and has been exhibiting locally and nationally for several years. Her works are unlike anything that I've seen here in Greenville or anywhere else. The organic forms are complemented their uniquely delicate, seemingly soft surfaces. Working with her own handmade ceramic forms and a collection found objects, she fuses materials that are ordinarily seen as opposites into into individual artworks. The installation pictured above is "Body Parts." The fifteen ceramic forms hang directly on the wall at varying heights. Each object is finished with wax and tagged with a small paper tag to denote which body part (heel, wrist, ear) was used to distort a once-spherical ball of soft clay.

"Body Parts" and four other sculptures are on view and available for purchase from Village Gallery this month. Please contact us for more information about this or any other works of art at Village Gallery.

2009-07-31T10:43:00.000-04:00

You're Invited! Actually, everyone is invited! Our Grand Re-Opening Reception happens next First Friday, August 7th right here at our gallery space on Pendleton Street. I'll post a sneak peak of what's to come next week when we install the new exhibition, but the work has already been delivered and it's phenomenal.

Never been to an opening before?... No Problem. Come as you are, neck ties or tie dye. Take your time to browse through a selection of artwork by some of the region's best established and rising artists while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine and some crab dip. Have a question about that painting? Just ask one of the gallery staff, or better yet ask the artist herself! And when you're done viewing the exhibition, take a quick trip upstairs to tour the open studios of our resident artists. When you've seen all there is to see, and hopefully found a few "must-have" pieces for your home or office, you can head out into the Pendleton Street Art District and hop from studio to studio in the neighborhood. Maybe even mosey on down to Coffee to a Tea on Lois Ave. and sample some of the all natural organic fare. Come early or late, but whatever you do, don't miss it because you'll have to wait an entire month for the chance to do it again!