River to River
Visual Arts Association
March - April 2012
The art scene in southern Illinois can be summed up in six words - “So much art, so little time.”
Southern Illinois is truly a culturally rich area. In addition to the many art venues located in the region, there are interesting public lectures, historical exhibits, and educational outdoor activities taking place every week. Here’s hoping you find time to enjoy it all.
SOUTHPASS BEADS - A COTTAGE INDUSTRY IN COBDEN
Husband and wife team J-Bird and LouAnn Elwell opened a bead business nearly two years ago at their Cobden residence, and share equally in the day-to-day operations of the cottage industry they’ve created.
J-Bird said he is the primary beadmaker and LouAnn is the beadweaver. He said LouAnn took a glass bead class at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she is an employee at the School of Art and Design, in 2001 and became hooked on beads.
He said he also learned how to create beads, and has mastered a number of styles while working in the back-room studio of their shop at 203 E. Ash St., Cobden.
He orders many colors of Italian glass rods for his beads, J-Bird said, and he uses other eclectic materials as well, such as bottle caps, electric motor parts and circles cut from circuit boards for fashioning beads in a style he called “steam-punk.”
To demonstrate the skills required of a bead-maker, J-Bird heated a small piece of glass using an acetylene torch, then wound the molten galss around a thin steel rod called a mandrel.
With deliberate movement, he twirled the mandrel over the open flame, and with his other hand dabbed some bits of colored glass onto the molten mass of glass. The colored bits melted and blended into the bead, giving it a swirled effect.
“The secret is to let it sag equally all the way around,” J-Bird said.
He said depending on the complexity of the bead, he can produce between 10 and 15 beads a day.
“Cleaning the beads is my least favorite part,” he said.
In the front room of the shop, LouAnn was assisting several customers in making their selections from the many pieces of beaded jewelry on display.
LouAnn said she designs the jewelry from the beads her husband makes. She also teaches classes on beadweaving and hosts guests beading instructors at the shop.
Two classes are being offered in March:
On March 15 from noon - 4 p.m. students can learn to make a pendant from Czech glass leaves and craft wire. Pendant can be used for necklace in bead stringing class. Also taught will be the basics of beading. Instructional information will include learning to choose the proper stringing materials and tools for your projects. Practical information includes layout and design ideas. crimping along with the use of crimp covers.
On March 17, from noon - 5 p.m. instructor Vickie Muich will teach the basics of right angle weave - one of the work horse stitches. After learning the basics, students can make a bracelet from 8/0 seed beads. Students may bring their own beads & beadweaving supplies, if desired, or choose from the wide selection in the shop.
For more information about the classes, or about learning to make beads and creating jewelry, or if you’re just interested in seeing the large selection of beaded jewelry at the shop, visit the website at www.southpassbeads.com., call (618) 893-6170 or send an email to louann.elwell@gmail.com.
Tornado Relief Fundraiser Features Local Musicians and Artists
“Gone With the Wind Tornado Relief Fundraiser” is being planned by Ray Hogan, owner of The Old Feed Store in Cobden, and others. In addition to a weekend-long local music event, an art auction is planned. Here is a listing of some of the events:
Sat. March 17, 8 p.m. at the Yellow Moon Cafe, 110 N. Front St., Cobden
Howlin For Harrisburg Open Mic Nite
Sun. March 18, 1:30 - 7 p.m. at The Old Feed Store, 111 N. Appleknocker, Cobden
Musicians scheduled to appear are: The Free Range Chicks. The Feed Store Four, Big Mike Michael A. Aguirre
Gary Gordon with Katie Davis,Wil Maring and Cold Pizza with Ben Fusion
Awesome Catered Eats by Jamie Boaz of Jamie’s One Man Stand
Carbondale venues for the fundraiser include the Longbranch Cafe and Varsity Center for the Arts - check their websites or Facebook pages for details.
Silent and Live auction items will be available at all events. For more information, visit Facebook - The Old Feed Store.
March & April Events
LEAA Art Exhibit: Celebrating Southern
Illinois Diversity
When: Feb. 13 – March 31
Where: Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion
Description: Different cultures and occupations of people who call southern Illinois home are the themes of this multi-media art exhibit. For more information, visit www.littleegyptarts.com or call (618) 998-8530.
Wineries Celebrate Vintage Art Month
When: Entire month of March
Where: Wineries Along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Description: The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail will celebrate Vintage Arts Month in March with each of the trail’s wineries showcasing local artists and hosting other special events. Artists’ works using media such as pen, painting, metal, wood and glass will be displayed. http://lbchouse.com For more information visit www.shawneewinetrail.com.
Classes offered at the Anna Arts Center
When: Various times during March
Where: Anna Arts Center , 125 W. Davie St. Anna
Description: Classes in whittling, genealogy, mural painting, flower arranging and jewelry making are offered this month at the Anna Arts Center. For schedule of classes and for more information, call (618) 833-6525 or email vabchlee@gmail.com.
LEAA Art Exhibit: Life Threads Fiber Show
When: April 1 - 30
Where: Little Egypt Arts Center, 601 Tower Square, Marion
Description: The theme of this art exhibit is “Quilts, weavings, and the thread or yarn the binds us together.” The works of regional fiber artists will be on display during this month-long exhibit. For more information, visit www.littleegyptarts.com or call (618) 998-8530.
Joshua Burton Art Exhibit Opens April 13 at Longbranch Coffee House
When: Opens April 13
Where: Longbranch Coffee House, 100 E. Jackson St., Carbondale
Description: Joshua Burton, a visual artist from Makanda, will hold his first official solo show at the Longbranch Coffee House. His art encompasses elements of the natural beauty of southern Illinois and reflects hislife and philosophies.For more information contact Burton at cheesekid1979@yahoo.com or call the Long Branch Coffee House at (618) 529-4488.
Locally Grown Music & Craft Festival
When: Sunday, April 15
Where: Rustle Hill Winery, Hwy. 51, Cobden
Description: Locally Grown Music & Craft Festival is an event featuring local musicians and artists to raise money for Carbondale New School, a not-for-profit private school for grades pre-K through 8. Three musical acts will perform on the grounds of Rustle Hill Winery, and food and drink will be served. There will be activities such as mini-golf, an obstacle course and face-painting for children. For more information, visit www.rustlehillwinery.com.
Anna Arts Center Spring Arts Festival
When: April 27-29
Where: Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St. Anna
Description: The spring festival will feature the works of southern Illinois artists and art students in the 2012 judged art exhibit. This year’s exhibit will feature three catefories of art: painting and drawings, photography, and fine crafts. The latter category includes fibers, scultpure, pottery, furniture, stained glass, blown glass, jewelry and metalsmithing.
All artists are welcome to enter their work in the exhibition. Pre-registration must be received at the Anna Arts Center no later than April 11.
Various cash prizes will be awarded, including the best of who, and first, second and third place. There will also be a people’s choice award.
A meet-the-artist reception and awards ceremony will be held at the Art Center on Sunday, April 29 from 2 - 5 p.m.
For more information or to receive an entry form, call (618) 833-6525 or email vabchlee@gmail.com.
2012 Regional Art Shows
Following is a list of regional art and craft shows for 2012. This list is intended to be used as a planning guide only, and may not be complete. I’ll provide updated information in subsequent newsletters as it becomes available. Please check websites or contact the event planners for further details.
Carbondale Community Friday Night Fair
When: Friday nights May through September
Where: Carbondale at the corner of 51N and 13W
For more information visit the website at www.carbondalemainstreet.com or call (618) 529-8040
Makanda Spring Fest
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6
Where: Downtown Makanda
For more information visit the website at
www.villageofmakanda.com/events.html or email Janelle Weber at makandainn@gmail.com.
Fourth Annual Downtown Art and Wine Fair
When: Saturday, May 19
Where: Carbondale downtown parking lot between Longbranch Coffee House and Tres Hombres
For more information, visit the website at www.carbondalemainstreet.com or call (618) 529-8040
HerrinFesta Italiana 2012 Art Exhibition
When: Thursday – Monday, May 24 - 28
Where: HerrinFesta Italiana Art gallery, 3 South Park Avenue, Herrin
For more information visit www.herrinfesta.com , or call Little Egypt Arts Association (618) 998-8530
Fourth Annual Town and Country Days Art Show
When: August 25th – September 16th
Where: Eldorado Memorial Library, Eldorado, IL
For more information, contact Janet Bixler by phone at (618) 273-9596 or by email at magic124@shawneelink.net.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Fall Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1 and 2
Where: Downtown Park, Cobden
For information visit www.shawneewinetrail.com
Cedarhurst Craft Fair
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9
Where: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Rd., Mt. Vernon
For information, visit http://www.cedarhurst.org or call (618) 242-1236
Murphysboro Apple Festival Arts & Crafts Fair
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-16
Where: North 13th Street, Murphysboro
For more information, visit www.murphysboro.com or call (618) 684-3200
Illinois Wine and Arts Festival at Rend Lake
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23
Where: Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center, Whittington
For more information visit www.museum.state.il.us or contact Mary Lou Galloway at (618) 629-2220.
River to River Visual Art Association’s
“Art at the Edition”
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14
Where: The Edition at 315, 315 Christian Chapel Rd.
Anna
For more information, call (618) 697-5563 or visit www.theedition315.com
Makanda Vulture Fest
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21
Where: Downtown Makanda
For more information visit www.villageofmakanda.com/events.html, or email Janelle Weber
at makandainn@gmail.com.
The 36th Annual Heritage Festival at Southeastern Illinois College
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4
Where: Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg
For more information contact Donna Hearn (618) 252-5400 ext. 3213 or email donna.hearn@sic.edu
AutumnFest Art and Craft Show
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11
Where: John A. Logan College, Carterville
For more information, visit www.jalc.edu or call (618) 985-3741.
SIUC Student Center 34th Annual Holiday Craft Sale
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 - 8
Where: SIUC Student Center, Carbondale, IL
For more information, visit the Student Center website at www.siucstudentcenter.org or call (618) 453-3636 or (618) 453-5209
HeartlandArts.Net
The HeartlandArts.Net calendar is available for you to post your art events. Email heartlandartsnet@gmail.com and Amy McMorrow Hunter will add you to the calendar so you can add all your art events quickly and easily. More events on the calendar means more interest and visits to the region.
REGIONAL ART GALLERIES,
BOUTIQUES, AND STUDIOS
Shopping locally for one-of-a-kind art is satisfying on so many levels. Supporting local craftsmen, who in turn support other local businesses is good for the economy and the environment.
Following is a list of art galleries in southernmost Illinois that feature works by regional artists and craftsmen. (Please phone or check websites for updates):
Angie’s Originals, 312 E. Fifth St., Metropolis
Angie Shelton is the owner of this charming weekend boutique which houses original art and crafts by southern Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri artists. Angie’s Originals features pottery by Craig Rhodes and Diane Bremer, alpaca products by Lisa Turner, jewelry by Jane Plain, oak baskets by Darrell Thurston and fiber art by Karen Linduska. For more information about Angie’s Originals or to view pictures of the latest inventory, visit the website at www.angiesoriginals.com.
Anna Arts Center, 117 W. Davie St., Anna
Anna Arts Center houses the works of Nancy Young, Carol Dooley, Gail McIntosh, Dave O’Melia, and Judy Trexler, among others. For more information, contact Joanne Blakley at (618) 697-6285, or visit their website at www.annaartscenter.com.
anthill gallery & vintage curiosities, 102 Front St., Cobden
Owners Linda Austin and Bob Hagemann offer works by more than 60 regional artists, as well as selected vintage and gift items. anthill gallery & vintage curiosities coordinates its exhibitions with The Yellow Moon Cafe’s Luna Gallery, located at 110 North Front Street, just a few doors north of the anthill on Cobden’s historic elevated sidewalk. Luna Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. In mid-March the works of ceremacist Darby Ortolano and painter Judith Bush will be featured in an exhibit. For more information, contact anthill gallery at (618) 303-3183 or visit www.anthillgallery.com.
Dayshift Boutique, 101 W. Monroe Ave, Carbondale
Chris McKinley, owner of Dayshift, represents over fifty regional artists who produce a wide range of merchandise, including handbags, clothing, jewelry, fine art, photography, blown glass, kitchen and dining room decor, metalwork, ceramics, rugs, pet items, wine racks, greeting cards, and children’s accessories. For more information, call (618) 529-DAYS (3297), email dayshiftshop@gmail.com, or visit Facebook – Dayshift Carbondale.
Fern Fair Gallery, 8609 Giant City Road, Carbondale
Fern Logan, a retired professor of photography, opened a new facility in Southern Illinois to serve the artists of the region. She offers space so artists can exhibit artwork or take a workshop. Fern Fair’s specialties are photography and graphic design, but will occasionally offer workshops in other media. For more information, visit www.fernfair.com or call (618) 529-3376.
Gallery 624, 624 Pershing St. Herrin
Shawn Spooner owns and operates this gallery. Shawn uses her studio to educate individuals about the arts, and to display works by local artists as well as her photography, jewelry, and other hand-crafted art. For more information about Gallery 624, contact Shawn Spooner by phone (618) 694-4634 or by email at shawnspoonerphotography@gmail.com.
The Gallery Space at the Law Office of Joni Beth
Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro
The Gallery Space is an exhibition and reception venue for local artists, and has recently displayed the works of Karen Linduska, Eric Johnson, Tom Bell, Bob Angarola, Mary Pachikara and Fraenze Reichard. For more information, visit Facebook-The Gallery Space at the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey or call (618) 684-8668.
Grace Art Gallery & Girly Nature Gift Shop, 210 S. Broadway, Goreville
Rowena Montgomery and Tanya Eddleman own this delightful combination gallery/gift shop which houses the paintings, photography, and jewelry of local artists, as well as Girly Nature personal care products by Tanya. For more information call (618) 694-5892, or visit www.girlynature.com.
Little Egypt Arts Association Gallery, Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion
LEAA’s membership produce and display a wide variety of art exhibits throughout the year. Upcoming exhibits for spring and summer include “Celebrating Southern Illinois Diversity,” “Life Threads,” “A Different View” and “Historic Structures & Machinery VI.” For more information, visit www.littleegyptarts.com or call (618) 998-8530.
Makanda Boardwalk, Downtown Makanda
Often referred to as the “Valley of the Arts”, the restored Makanda Boardwalk is home to Visions Gallery, Rainmaker Studio, The Makanda Trading Company , the Smelly Hippie, and the Makanda Country Store. Allan Stuck Studio is nearby. For more information, visit www.villageofmakanda.com or email Janelle Weber at makandainn@gmail.com.
Southpass Beads, 203 Ash Street, Cobden, IL
Southpass Beads offers a wide variety of beads, findings, tools and bead making supplies as well as bead-making classes. Beadmaker J-Bird Elwell and beadweaver and designer LouAnn Elwell create handmade beads and jewelry for sale at their location. For more information, call (618) 893-6170 or visit www.southpassbeads.com.
Village Art & Gifts, 100 N. Front St., Cobden, IL
Owners Rick and Joan Ball opened their business in Cobden in October 2011. The shop features local art works, antiques and collectibles, gifts, and plants. Dozens of local artists have their work displayed, including Sandra Warhurst, Beverly Lueking, Jan York, Abraham Hunter, Jeff Engbring, Roberta Elliot and Eldon Benz . For more information contact Rick Ball at (618) 893-4439.
River to River Visual Arts Association was incorporated in December 2011 as a not-for-profit organization with the mission of promoting the work of artists living in southernmost Illinois and advocating for their cultural and economic value to the region. One of RRVAA’s goals is to collect, compile, disseminate and archive information about the area’s rich and varied visual art.
If you would like to post information about an upcoming art show, exhibit, or class in a future newsletter, send an email to sharonwittke@yahoo.com by the 18th of the month. There are no fees associated with the RRVAA newsletter.
If you prefer not to receive this newsletter, please let me know, and I’ll remove your name from the email list. Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to others who may be interested in the arts and art related activities in southernmost Illinois.
Information in this newsletter can also be found on the RRVAA blog at r2rvaa@blogspot.com.
