The great folks at WIBW will be prempting their 13 News @ 4 show for the Arts on February 6th. Please set your DVR's to see a sample of what the arts community in Topeka has to offer. The show will consist of three segments that will feature several art venues and as one of those segments, three artists: Marylin Horsch, Michael Allen and Michelle Leivan (I always wanted to prempt a show!) were interviewed by John Ary last month to talk about the the Artists to Watch in 2012 show at SouthWind Gallery.
Because I know you can't wait to see the show, here is a different short YouTube video from SouthWind Gallery where they asked several of the Artists to Watch in 2012 what the best advice they've ever been given was. This video is sure to spur you on as an artist. And, the exhibit is sure to amaze you. So, if you have not already done so, I would recommend getting over to SouthWind Gallery to see the works from these regional artists! SouthWind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th St., Topeka, KS through February 15, 2012.
Artists to Watch in 2012, is an exciting new show featuring the work of 10 artists. The common thread that links the artists is their high level of talent and an all-consuming passion for creating art.
The artists range in age from 20-somethings to Baby Boomers. The show features over 65 pieces of art and includes all genres including figurative, landscape and still-life works in a variety of mediums. The intriguing subject matter ranges from abstract prairies scenes, to realistic portraits of working cowboys, and from the hard steel and concrete of local architecture, to sensual wild flowers spilling out of a porcelain vase. The paintings vary widely in size, from huge oversized canvases to miniatures.
The featured artists are:
Michael James Allen (Topeka); Jim Clements (Eldorado); Jane Flanders (Lawrence); Doug Frye (Topeka); Marilyn Horsch (Lawrence); Michelle Leivan (Topeka); Cheryl Heller Olsen (Council Grove); Jeannie Pflumm (Lenexa); Richard Prather (Garland, TX); and Deb Schroer (Strong City).
Please join me and my artists friends on First Friday for Artists to Watch in 2012 on February 3, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at SouthWind Gallery, 29th & Oakley, Topeka, KS 66614 785.273.5994. If you can't make it to the artist reception, please stop by and see the show Mon-Fri 10-6 and Sat 10-4 or visit online at http://www.southwindartgallery.com/
Artists to Watch in 2012, is an exciting new show featuring the work of 10 artists. The common thread that links the artists is their high level of talent and an all-consuming passion for creating art.
The artists range in age from 20-somethings to Baby Boomers. The show features over 65 pieces of art and includes all genres including figurative, landscape and still-life works in a variety of mediums. The intriguing subject matter ranges from abstract prairies scenes, to realistic portraits of working cowboys, and from the hard steel and concrete of local architecture, to sensual wild flowers spilling out of a porcelain vase. The paintings vary widely in size, from huge oversized canvases to miniatures.
Here is a short video about what inspires each artist!
The featured artists are:
Michael James Allen (Topeka); Jim Clements (Eldorado); Jane Flanders (Lawrence); Doug Frye (Topeka); Marilyn Horsch (Lawrence); Michelle Leivan (Topeka); Cheryl Heller Olsen (Council Grove); Jeannie Pflumm (Lenexa); Richard Prather (Garland, TX); and Deb Schroer (Strong City).
by Michelle Leivan on 1/19/2012 6:57:25 PM3 Comments
McCoffee Council
There are so many important things that happen to us on a daily basis and often times we get into the habit of just taking those seemingly daily events for granted. I regularly go to coffee with my Dad and his "cronies" several times a week. I started out reluctantly, thinking that I wouldn't have much in common with a bunch of old guys. How wrong I was, this morning diversion in my day has become a ritual that I look forward to and regret when other things keep me from being able to join them. At first I didn't understand them, they would talk to each other in no way any woman would dare to talk to another woman and expect to remain friends. The best way to describe their banter is the scene in "Grand Torino" with Clint Eastwood when he walks into the barber shop with his young mentor and begins to talk to the barber. (For those who haven’t seen the movie, at the end of this post is a rundown of the dialogue.) As you watch the movie, you understand that Walt and Barber Martin in "Grand Torino" love each other and Walt also loves Thao or we wouldn't see this scene. Never the less, that scene would play in my head for the first month that I joined them and stayed pretty quiet until I figured out the rules.
Ok, so my guys aren't quite that crass but you get the point. It took me a while to assimilate to their banter. We’ve had discussions as lively as the use of barbed wire to scratch that itch you can't quite reach and not to forget it is also useful for hemorrhoids, to the healing benefits of dog licks to heal a pesky wound that is slow to heal. It is often like sitting in a council dedicated to saving the world.They always tell me that I'm the best looking of the group - how can I pass up that ego boosting opportunity?With all kidding aside, they have become wonderful mentors with wonderful life stories and wisdom that you would not expect to be found at a McDonalds. They are my guys and I love them and miss them when I don’t see them.
Last July my husband, son and I traveled to Austin, TX to go see my brother-in-law who had just returned for leave from a tour in Iraq. One morning during that trip we stopped at McDonalds for a quick breakfast. There in the back of the restaurant was another group of guys not all that dissimilar to these guys, enjoying their coffee and discussions to save the world. I was tempted to walk up to them and simply sit down at the table and explain that I had left my coffee group guys back home and that I missed them so could I please join them for a while. There is no doubt in my mind that they would have welcomed me and made me feel at home. Had it not been for my present company (my son would have been mortified) and the urgency to get back on the road I would have and enjoyed every second of it. That realization in a foreign place was the seed that germinated into this painting. I wanted to paint my guys in their everyday environment shooting the breeze and easily laughing at something someone said. You may not know them, but yet you do, because all you have to do is walk into any McDonalds or corner Cafe across the nation, in the morning between 6 and 10 and you too can find your very own McCoffee Council.
Walt Kowalski: Now you just gotta learn how guys talk. You just listen to the way Martin and I banter it back and forth. You OK? You're ready? Thao Vang Lor: Sir! Walt Kowalski: Alright let's go in... Barber Martin: Perfect! A Polak and AND a Chink! Walt Kowalski: How ya doing Martin, you crazy Italian prick? Barber Martin: Walts! You cheap bastard! I should have known you'd come in, I was having such a pleasant day! Walt Kowalski: What'd you do? You ruse some poor blind guy out of his money? Gave him the wrong change? Barber Martin: Who's the Nip? Walt Kowalski: Ohh... He's a pussy kid from next door. I'm trying to man him up a little bit... You see kid, now that's how guys talk to one another. Thao Vang Lor: They do? Barber Martin: What, you got shit on your ribs? Walt Kowalski: Now you go out and come back in and talk to him like a man, like a REAL man. Come on! Get your ass outta here! Come on back now. [to Martin] Walt Kowalski: Sorry about this. Thao Vang Lor: What's up ya old Italian prick? Barber Martin: [pointing rifle at Thao] Get out of my shop before I blow your head off, you goddamn dick sucker! Go! Walt Kowalski: Jezus Christ, Holy Shit! Hehe. Take it easy, take it easy! [to Thao] Walt Kowalski: What the hell are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Thao Vang Lor: But that's what you said. That's what you said men say. Walt Kowalski: You don't just come in and insult the man in his own shop! You just don't do that. What happens if you meet some stranger? You get the wrong one, he's gonna blow your gook head right off! Thao Vang Lor: What should I have said then? Barber Martin: Well... why don't you start with... eeehm... Hi or Hello... Walt Kowalski: Yeah, just come in and say... eeeehm... Sir, I'd like a haircut if you have the time. Barber Martin: Yeah, be polite, but don't kiss ass. Walt Kowalski: In fact you could talk about a construction job you just came from and bitch about your girlfriend and your car. Barber Martin: eeeehm... Son of a bitch, I just got my brakes fixed and eeehmm those son of bitches really nailed me, I mean they screwed me right in the ass! Walt Kowalski: Yeah, don't swear AT the guy, just talk about people who are not in the room... eeeh... you could talk about your boss... eeeh... making you work extra time when there is bowling night. Barber Martin: Right, or... eeeh... my old lady bitches for two goddamn hours about how... eeeeh... they don't take expired coupons at the grocery stores. And the minute I turn on the fucking game, she starts crying how we never talk!
"Bees Knees on Echinacea II" currently at the SouthWind Gallery, Topeka
"Artists to Watch in 2012", is an exciting new show featuring the work of 10 artists. The common thread that links the artists is their high level of talent and an all-consuming passion for creating art.
The show features over 65 pieces of art and includes all genres including figurative, landscape and still-life works in a variety of mediums. The paintings vary widely in size, from huge oversized canvases to miniatures.
Participating artists: Michael Allen (Topeka), Jim Clements (El Dorado), Jane Flanders (Lawrence), Doug Frye (Topeka), Marilyn Horsch (Lawrence), Michelle Leivan (Topeka), Cheryl Heller Olsen (Council Grove), Jeannie Pflumm (Lenexa), Richard Prather (Garland, TX), and Deb Schroer (Strong City)
January 6 - February 15, 2012
Opening Reception, January 6, 2012 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Bees Knees on Echinacea currently at the Topeka Art Guild
This First Friday on November 4th finds 3 events featuring my artwork, Kansans Paint Kansas, Sunflower Cirque both in Topeka and Visions of the Flint Hills, in Kansas City.
The Topeka Art Guild will have their artist reception for the Kansans Paint Kansas show. Juried by Judith Mackey, the art represents the wonderful beauty of Kansas. I had two paintings accepted in this show, Bee's Knees on Echinacea and Sun Worshipers. Come browse the beautiful Kansas art, and enjoy all of the great artists that Topeka has to offer with the bonus of some wine and cheese. Christmas is just around the corner so it is time to start thinking about buying local art for your friends and family. This month I also have a few of my giclee prints on canvas and paper along with my note card sets of Kansas wildflowers and florals will be for sale at the guild. Located in Fairlawn Plaza at the west end of the mall next door to the new restaurant Lazy Toad. Time: 5-8 pm If you can't make it to TAG on Friday, stop by when it fits your schedule they are open Wednesday - Saturday 11-5 - this show runs through the end of November. To learn more about the show go to www.topekaartguild.org
Also on First Friday, Warehouse 414 will have an artist reception for the Sunflower Cirque show. Seventy Seven sunflower works were accepted, 3 of which are mine, End of the Season, Apollo in Delphos Facing the Morning Sun and Apollo in Delphos Facing the Evening Sun. So if you love sunflowers this is the place to be on Friday night. Come enjoy the Kansas state flower, a little wine and munchies and help support the local artists. Buy some local art for yourself, a friend or family, don’t forget the holidays are just around the corner. Lets keep the local art market thriving. THINK ART! THINK LOCAL! THINK TOPEKA! If you can’t make it on Friday night, there is still time to see the show because it runs through Nov. 12. You can learn more about the show at www.warehouse414.com
Buttonwood Art Space located at 3013 Main Street, Kansas City, is hosting the Visions of the Flint Hills exhibit and fundraiser. This annual event benefits the Kansas Tallgrass Prairie with 50% of the proceeds go to the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, a non-profit organization which promotes the Kansas tallgrass prairie as a visitors' destination. So if you are going to be in KC, stop in and consider purchasing one of the wonderful pieces art and help save one of Kansas most precious resources. My piece that was selected for this show is "Pale Purple Coneflower Above a Patchwork Plain." During the First Friday artist reception, appetizers, wine and beer will be served. The gallery is open M-F, 9-5 and Sat, 10-3. Hurry because this show ends Nov. 25. Visit their web site at www.buttonwoodartspace.com.
Candid Introspection from the Feminine Desert: Paintumentary
Bosco's features art, music for First Friday Art Walk
Bosco’s Urban American Cuisine, located at 435 S. Kansas Avenue, will feature paintings by artist Michelle Leivan in the downstairs dining space for First Friday Art Walk, October 7. Her exhibit will be up until the end of October.
Leivan received her education at Fort Hays State University. She has been distinguished as the featured visual artist at the Kansas River Valley Art Fair, Topeka Jazz Festival, and the Aaron Douglas Art Fair. Her work has been selected to hang in the Kansas State Capital building and in the U.S. Embassy Resicence of the Ambassador in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Leivan’s First Friday exhibit is entitled, “Feminine Desert: Paintumentary.” The series of paintings is based on the perceived dualitymany young women present to the world. Each piece is dominated by abstract female figures. Notably, the use of color creates a striking contrast to the expected outcome in portraiture. The originals and fine art giclee reproductions of the pieces are also available.
Pianist Scott Senn performs at Bosco’s every Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Senn has been performing for over 30 years and is an accomplished composer and arranger as well.
Bosco’s serves dinner from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and has a full bar with an extensive martini list and craft beers on tap.
Bosco’s is also open for lunch from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Monday through Friday both downstairs and at the street level location.
Michelle Leivan's piece accepted in the Visions of the Flint Hills Benefit and Sale
Visions of the Flint Hills
Opening Reception Friday, Oct. 7th, 6 pm - 9pm and Saturday, Oct. 8th 10am - 3 pm. Second Reception is Nov. 4th 5pm - 9pm and Sat. Nov. 5th, 10am-3pm.
The Visions of the Flint Hills Benefit and Sale runs from October 7th through November 25th, 2011. Fifty percent of your purchase price will benefit the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, a non-profit organization which promotes the Flint Hills as a visitors' destination with authentic Flint Hills experiences. The continent's largest remaining tract of tallgrass is also one of America's unique places, harboring a wealth of adventure, beauty, and history. All art representative of the Flint Hills area with 50% of purchase price going to support the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition. The gallery will be open M-F 9am-5pm and Saturdays IOam-3pm.
During the opening reception, appetizers provided by The Kansas City Club and wine provided by Maker's Mark. Contact Kathy to make reservations at 816-285-9040 or Kathy@ButtonwoodArtSpace.com
My piece "Pale Purple coneflower Above a Patchwork Plain" 12"x9" has been accepted in the Buttonwood Art Space 3rd Annual Visions of the Flint Hills Benefit and Sale. Come out and help my fellow artists and I support the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Flint Hills of Kansas.
One of three accepted entries of Michelle Leivan's in the Kansans Paint Kansas Competition
Topeka Art Guild & Gallery Hosts it’s Annual “Kansans Paint Kansas” Fund Raiser and Art Competition A juried competition, open to Kansas artists and students.
Kansas artists come together in a collective art exhibit to benefit one of the biggest supporters of the arts in the North East Kansas area.
Statewide artists submitted Kansas inspired subject matter to be included for consideration in this juried competition. Both traditional and progressive art mediums are represented from artists in all levels of their career. All juried entries are available for sale providing an opportunity to buy art from Kansas artists as well as support the oldest continuing art organization in the City of Topeka. This exhibit was jurored by Judith Mackey an award winning a professional artist of 40 years and a native Kansan who resides in the Flint Hills of Kansas, paints
what she is most familiar with—landscapes of the prairie, working cowboys and the ranch life that surrounds her rural Chase County home. She agreed to judge our newest show, Kansans Paint Kansas. The Topeka Art Guild is grateful for her giving her time and expertise to our big fundraising event. It is an honor to have her participate.
Judith will be showing some of her paintings in the gallery along with the Kansans Paint Kansas show. If you haven’t seen her work before this will be a great opportunity for you to see beautiful Kansas art by Mackey and other members of the Topeka Art Guild.
Opening Reception for Kansans Paint Kansas will be held on Friday October 7, 2011 from 5 - 8pm during the First Friday Art Walk, juror Judith Mackey will be present. The Topeka Art Guild Gallery is located at 5331 SW 22nd Place, Topeka, KS 66614 at Fairlawn Shopping Plaza. This event is free to the public and will continue through November 2011.
If you are in Topeka, Kansas this weekend, I'll be at the Aaron Douglas Art Fair where we will be showcasing the new Stroke of Genius Game application. You'll have a chance to see it in action and try it for yourself. Also the hard copy of the game will be there for you to check out as well. The fair is at 12th and Lane at the Art Park. Happening September 24th, 2011 from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. the Art Fair showcases diverse and emerging artists from Topeka and the surrounding region. The day long fair also features entertainment, food and children's activities.
Also Featured Artist The Craftivists are a local Topeka group of friends who stand together at the intersection of art and activism. For Nikki MacMillan, Sara O'Keeffe, Laura Burton, Michelle McCormick, and Julie Velez, their mission is simple: to rock the world into an understanding about important social and worldly causes through art culture. It ought to be a grand time!
About Stroke of Genius: a creative game that challenges you to take a single drawn Stroke and transform it into an imaginative picture that reflects the Spark Word, please the Juror and collect the Spark Word cards to win the game.
The new electronic Android Phone version that allows you to share your creation on Facebook will be showcased along with the hard copy play at home version. You can see some home videos of game play and various comments about the game at facebook/strokeofgeniusgame (it's a facebook page, so why not become a fan while you are there too!)
