It Has Arrived At Last

Food smells, ringing phones, neighbors meandering about, cats using litter boxes. If there's one thing I've learned throughout my incredulous painting career, it's that collectors are not quite comfortable visiting a home studio. Which brings me to clarify Reason No. 1 for embarking on the creation of Voilart! Studio/Gallery. The downtown retail space lends me some street cred. No more cramped garage - just a sleek gallery of well appointed paintings and an oversize easel standing like an authoritarian fraulein whipping me into submission.

Jackie helped me paint the 16 foot sign. Not too shabby for non-sign painters.

"One Mile and a Sixteenth (and change)" oil on eighteen 12" canvas panels.

When an artist creates a piece that strays from the predictable suspects, proper hanging and presentation is always a challenge. How satisfying to finally arrange the elements as they were originally intended. Although I always encourage creativity with my associates, this is a great homecoming of the artist's brainchild.

"There is a wonderful feeling when you walk into your own exhibition. You see the work as a true extension of yourself. Win or lose, your interests have led you to an accumulation of your personal expression, signed lower right, mounted to best advantage". - Robert Genn

Voilart! Preview Opening

Our Preview Opening last Thursday was full of surprises and enjoyed a great turnout. Flowers from well-wishers abundantly adorned the studio and Jackie and I worked the meet and greet opportunities.

Dr. Leslie Hammond, moi, and Terry Carey.

I hadn't seen Terry Carey in so long. She is a former gallery owner and now full-time artist. I was honored that Dr. Leslie Hammond paid us a visit. She possesses a most impressive academic resume longer than the length of the studio. Archaeologist, art historian, curator, instructor and owner of Artist Eye Fine Art, a full-service art appraisal and consultation business.

Jackie Schindehette and Susan Cassens in front of Jackie's exquisite landscapes.

Susan Cassens drove all the way up from Ft. Pierce to attend the opening. Susan and Jackie were partnered in a similar studio years ago. Speaking of partners, check out Jackie's website here.
Don't you love the chair rail Harry installed for her paintings?

Bill Steele, moi, and Ellie Steele

So many people have blessed me with their help and support getting this studio/gallery project launched. Bill Steele's generosity is over the top - printing a fabulous promotional blurb about Voilart! in the current issue of his incredible magazine, "Hold Your Horses". The magazine is quickly gaining reputation and attention as it goes national and even international!

"Selling is essentially transference of feeling". - Zig Ziglar

Another Reminder

Yes, it's another reminder but we've worked so hard to pull this off:

Reminder:

This coming Thursday, August 20th is the Preview Opening of Voilart! a working artists' studio and gallery. This preview coincides with "3rd Thursday's Girls Night Out" in downtown Ocala. Local businesses offer specials and discounts for the monthly event. Everyone is open late. Please stop by our new digs if you're in town: 108 E. Fort King St. (directly behind the Bank of America). Jackie Schindehette and I will be in the studio from 4:30-8:30pm.

Please be so kind as to forward this post to anyone you think would be interested. We really appreciate your help getting the word out.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” - Henry David Thoreau

Voilart! Details

The countdown begins for the Preview Opening of Voilart! this coming Thursday, August 20th.

Previously, I told you about my latest project: I've partnered with Florida landscape painter extraordinaire Jackie Schindehette to open our own studio/gallery in downtown Ocala. Located just one block south of the central square, the official address is 108 E. Fort King Street. With the help of our husbands, the space is just about ready. Paintings are being transported and hung this weekend.

What a surprise to open the morning paper and see this photo of Jackie's husband Harry polishing the front window! Apparently, Star-Banner staff photographer Alan Youngblood wandered in to chat and take pictures. Many thanks to Alan and the Banner!

Details:
Voilart!
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, FL 34471

Preview Opening: Thursday, August 20th, 4:30-8:30 pm.
Official Opening: September 1st, 2009

We'll be keeping regular days and hours that we've yet to determine. However, if you would like to visit the studio for a special viewing, please call 352-671-7469 for an appointment.

“Finite to fail, but infinite to venture.” - Emily Dickinson

Chow

A tragic event brought us together sixteen years ago, creating an indelible bond that would endure miles of travel through dubious exploits. Unbeknownst to the tiny fur ball, a mountain of hope was placed on the silly antics of kittenhood that would, could? disrupt a thick shell of depression. It worked.

He grew into a handful of big strapping cat for a Siamese. Classy with attitude, always present, game for the next adventure and trustworthy in a reliable way, he became a family member as embedded as DNA. Together we ate, slept and worked. In dark times, he possessed the uncanny ability to elicit a smile, regardless of circumstance.

In the end, he acquiesced to our pangs of impending loss with grace and courage. An entire lifetime of consistently providing what one can demand of a cat - the softness, companionship, the comforting sound of a purr, sandpaper licks and always unconditional devotion.

Fondest memories of eyes squinting in the sunshine, as baby blues are prone.

Goodbye for now, my sweet prince.

Chow
April 1st, 1993 - August 6th, 2009

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break.” - William Shakespeare

Opening Reception at Equidae Gallery

Reminder:

Tonight is the Champagne Opening at Equidae Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY. It begins at 6:00 and is located at the Holiday Inn on Broadway. A great way to wrap up a day at the races. I have three paintings in the group exhibit of carefully chosen equine art. Artist and organizer Terry Lindsey has created an elegant and very classy show. The exhibit runs through Sept. 7th if you can't make it this weekend.