Visit Open Artist Studios At Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT During Candlelight Opening, November 22, 2013, 5:00-9:00pm

Visit Esther Drezner Holiday Gift Gallery, Open Studios, Tea Room, 
Fisher Gallery at Farmington Valley Arts Center   Candlelight Opening, November 22, 2013, 5:00-9:00pm  

The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT which boasts 20 artist studios, two galleries and classroom space has also been known for carrying wonderful holiday gifts made by fine artists. Each year, FVAC celebrates Candlelight season which is a series of festive events beginning with an opening on November, 22, 2013 at 5:00-9:00pm. 

 Bill Manocchio

This year, the studio artists are hosting a delightful Tea Room on the second floor in studio 6B with an exhibit of small works displayed and available for purchase. 

Farmington Valley Arts Center Kicks off The Holiday Season With Open Artist Studios    

In a addition to previewing a sample of the studio artist's work in the Tea Room, you can also stroll two floors of professional  artist studios and visit directly with the artists. You will get a chance to see paintings, pastels, monotypes, sculpture, textiles, photography, jewelry and more. As a tradition each artist studio will also have complimentary holiday refreshments.  

Second Floor FVAC Artist Studios Open 

 Danielle Langsford

1B Candace Abbott        
1B Annette Baser           
2B Claire Fish                 
3B Danielle Langford    
4B Susan Brereton         
5B Brion Johnson           
6B Tea Room                   
7B Melissa Meredith        
8B Lisa Ludwig                
9B C. Dianne Zweig        
10B Pia Sjolin 
10B Deborah Velasquez 
11B Jan Bennett                   
             

Kathy Goff

First Floor Artist Studios Open

2A Ginny August   The Pottery Spectrum
2A Betsy Gardiner The Pottery Specturm
4A Melisssa Croghan
6A Bill Manocchio
7A Mary Steele
8A Kathy Goff
9A Fran Hoffnagle
11A James Brunelle

The Esther Drezner Artisan Holiday Gallery

In the Esther Drezner Gallery and Gift Shop, on the first floors you will find wearable art, fine crafted jewelry, photography, functional pottery and ceramics, hand painted silk scarves, Judaica by Gary Rosenthal, original artwork, home decor, glassware and more. Under the direction of Sandy Buerkler, a new gift shop manager this holiday season, the Drezner GIft Gallery has a new look and new artisans. 

Sculpture and  
Mixed Media Exhibit In The Fisher Gallery
  
Be Sure To See The Kinetic Mobile Sculpture By Robin Protz

Sandy, originally from Switzerland has added a very special touch to the Drezner gallery, one of two galleries at FVAC. In the larger Fisher Gallery you will find a sculpture show which surrounds a magnificient shimmery kinetic mobile sculpture by artist Robin Protz. This installation is a must see for both adults and children. Mixed media artwork by artists is also on display. 
This year visit a lovely Tea Room on the second floor with a gallery of small works by FVAC artists in additon to visiting all the other artist open studios (two floors) .

MAKE A HOLIDAY GIFT! —OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOPS — 10 AM-12 NOON 1 PM – 3 PM  visit   http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/ 

  
For more information visit  http://artsfvac.org/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:

How To Tie And Wear A Hand Painted Silk Scarf: Demonstration By Textile Designer, Rosalia "Lia" Lee At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Rosalie "Lia" Lee Shows FVAC Holiday Visitor Three Different Ways To Wear Silk Hand Painted Scarves 

  Sheri is modeling a hand painted silk scarf made by textile designer and artist Rosalie "Lia" Lee   The scarf is tied in the back.

Textile designer and artist Rosalia "Lia" Lee visited my studio (9B) on Saturday during Open Studios and demonstrated  the many ways you could tie wear one of her hand painted silk scarves. The model is my friend Sheri who is a big supporter of FVAC events. She and her husband visited Lia's special holiday studio show  which is  now on display on the first level of The Farmington Valley Arts Center in The Esther Drezner Gallery.  When you visit The Esther Drezner Gallery you will see all of Lia's gorgeous colorful  scarves, paintings, handmade cards, textiles and photographs.

 

 In this version of wearing the silk scarf, the scarf is twisted and the tie is on the shoulder.

 And if you forget the other two ways to wear a scarf, just drape the scarf over you  neck and you will still look great.

Oh if my friend Sheri knew I was doing a post on "How To Wear A Silk Scarf" and that she was the model, she might ask for a modeling fee.  But Sheri and Larry visit  The Farmington Valley Arts Center often and are big supporters of The Candleight Season Open Studio events. 

Sher..... forgive me I am not a professional photographer...hope you can live with the uneven lighting.... you look m a r v e l o u s! 

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Handmade Whimsical Felted Robot And Horse Dolls On Display At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Fisher Gallery During Candlelight Opening, November 16th, 2012 Through The Holiday Season

Handcrafted Felt Dolls Showcased At Farmington Valley Arts Center 

Who wouldn't want to snuggle up with these handmade felt dolls now on display at The Fisher Gallery, Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

Opening Of Candlelight season starts tonight, Friday November 16th, 2012 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.Visit twenty plus studios and meet artists, photographers, weavers, sculptors, designers in their  artspace. Also visit two galleries and shop in two galleries for the holidays.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

The Pottery Spectrum Studio Celebrates Twenty Years At The Farmington Valley Arts Center: Come Visit During Candlelight Opening, November 16th, 2012, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Ginny August And Betsy Gardiner Celebrate Twenty Years At Farmington Valley Arts Center

 Betsey Gardiner

This Friday evening, November 16th, 2012, The Pottery Spectrum will be open to the public during the annual kick off of Candlelight Season  at The Farmington Valley Arts Center is Avon, CT  Ginny August and Betsy Gardiner are celebrating their 20th year at The Farmington Valley Center and are getting ready to observe this special milestone with a studio packed with stunning ceramics, functional pottery, decorative  arts,  holiday and nature inspired  pottery and more.

Pottery Inspired By Nature 

 Betsy Gardiner

I took a tour of the studio yesterday and fell in love with so many pieces. Betsy likes to work close to nature and has many delightful dishes, vessels, cups, serving pieces with leaf motifs and other earthy influences.

New Ceramic Series With Stamped Designs

 Ginny August

Ginny has just completed an exquisite white and patterned pottery series which involves the techniques of stamping designs onto your work.

 Betsy Gardiner

What Is The Difference Between Pottery And Ceramics?

 Betsy Gardiner

These gals have been at their craft for a long time, so I asked Betsy and Ginny... what is the difference between the terms "pottery" and "ceramics" ? After  our brief chat,  I was so fascinated about the topic that I did some more homework. Here is what I learned.  Pottery generally refers to containers or vessels made from clay. Potters can "throw" clay on a wheel or build pots by hand. Commercial pottery is mass produced in factories. Studio pottery is crafted by artisans who have mastered their own individual style.

 Ginny August

What Are Ceramics?

Ceramics is an umbrella term referring to materials which are completely changed by heat. Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain, Bone china are examples of whiteware ceramics.

Ceramics are used both in industry as well as for the home. For example, pipes and roof tiles can be ceramic, but so can tableware and cookware. Clay is not the only material used in making ceramics. Industrial ceramics might include such materials as silica carbide and zirconium oxide.

Functional Pottery At The Pottery Spectrum 

 Ginny August

At the Pottery Spectrum you will find tableware, cookware, tiles, figurative sculptures such as angels, masks etc. made from clay. Ginny and Betsy are often seen at the wheel with their denim pottery aprons busy  at work. The process of preparing the clay, forming the object, decorating or stamping the piece, glazing and firing is a long journey. As you will see in these photos, Ginny and Betsy are quite accomplished at their craft.

Artful Giving: HowAbout Pottery For The Holidays

As I was photographing these beautiful works of art, I really appreciated just how lovely the holidays would be with a table set with handmade bowls, platters, serving  dishes. There are many color palettes and styles to choose from.

 Ginny August

This year at The Farmington Valley  Arts Center the theme is Artful Giving.  For sure, the ceramics and pottery at The Pottery Spectrum are special gifts for  the holidays ....a studio not to miss.   Candlelight event starts Friday evening, November 16th and  continues the following day with Saturday daytime hours. See poster below for schedule and events.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Jim Brunelle And Mike Dennan Feature Functional And Wearable Art At Farmington Valley Arts Center Candlelight Event, Friday November, 16th, 2012

Jim Brunelle And Mike Dennan Open Studio 11 A For The Holidays At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

I'm jealous of the creative types who invite you into their art studio and you immediately feel a sense of calm and peace. Whatever may be going on around them, they somehow have been able to create a Zen like atmosphere  in their precious  artspace. Jim Brunelle is an artist at The Farmington Valley Arts Center who radiates both energy and inner calm.

 Pottery Art Created By Jim Brunelle

Jim Brunelle who you will see buzzing around The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT is the  tall slender soft spoken presence at the Center responsible for exhibits, classes, events and more.

Although at times Jim  appears to be consumed with the frenetic activity of a busy and exciting art center and school, when you enter Jim's studio (11A) you immediately feel a sense of quiet and appreciation for clay art made from the earth.

Meet Jim Brunelle And Mike Dennan

Sharing his studio with his partner Mike Dennan who concentrates on wearable art and textiles, Jim and Mike are very gracious hosts. During open studios, it is common to find Jim serving hot tea to guests in handmade ceramic vessels  that Jim has made. When you try on one of Mike's Faux-a scarves made from re-cycled silk or other re-purposed fabrics, you can look at yourself in many of the unique and exquisite ceramic framed mirrors that Jim has created.

Decorate Your Home For The Holidays With Handmade Pottery, Mirrors, Ceramic Dishes

As I write about Jim's mirrors and re-read my words, I  realize  I am understating just how unique and beautiful these fragmented ceramic and stone mirrors are. Jim Brunelle's work is varied.  While Jim is primarily a potter, sculptor and ceramic artist producing a variety of handcrafted useable and wearable art  (gorgeous clay and stone jewelry), Jim also is a printmaker and painter who likes to capture the quirky side of cats and dogs.

Farmington Valley Arts Center  Studio Artists Open For The Holidays: Starts November 16th, 2012

With the holiday season approaching, there is plenty of opportunity to visit Jim Brunelle and Mike Dennan in  studio  11 A on the first floor fo the Farmington Valley Arts Center.

This Friday night, November 16th, 21012 is the kick off of  the Candlelight season event when all of the artist studios are open to the public from 6:00-9 p.m. There is a real festival atmosphere as complimentary refreshments are served in all studios and the two galleries are open with holiday gifts  and artwork from local and regional artists.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists