Penland School of Crafts

Postcard from North Carolina by Elyse Brady

An October trip to North Carolina's Appalacian Mountains yielded not only the beauty of fall foliage, but an unexpected drive to Penland School of Crafts in Spruce Pine. Tucked into the remote hills of this historic uplift, the school is a magnet for artists seeking to develop their technique and artistic vision. Sculptor Daniel Marinelli, artist in residence, was on site to share insights about his current series on the industrialized farm. It's extraordinary! Take a look.

Daniel Marinelli

Another unexpected surprise was crossing paths with St. Augustine artist Debi James and husband Gary Moore on top of Mount Mitchell!

9th ANNUAL TACTILE ART SHOW (October 2010)

This exhibit was part of the international Art Beyond Sight initiative that takes place each October at the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum in New York and other prestigious venues. This year, the St. Augustine Art Association partnered again with the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, whose students produced Braille labels for the art work. They also assembled "Me" dolls sewn by the St. Augustine Piecemaker's Quilt Guild. These cookie-cutter shaped soft sculptures were given to young patients at area hospitals for doctors to help explain medical procedures. The patients will decorate the dolls to look like themselves. The hands-on project was a remarkable example of art in action! One hundred special needs students toured this aesthetically beautiful display of touchable art. Read about the exhibit in The St. Augustine Record

Louise Freshman-Brown Workshop

Art making is 10% inspiration and 90% determination. The talented artists in this September weekend workshop led by Louise Freshman-Brown, internationally-acclaimed artist, instructor and mentor, produced an impressive volume of well-executed highly personal art. Take a look!