Once again, thanks to Marty for covering for me during my “excused absence” two weeks ago. (This unfortunately, has become a trend for me, and I apologize for it, but as John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.”). As mentioned in the last time we”‘met” here, I was the featured artist in the June Gallery Show at The Pontiac Community Art Center in Pontiac, Illinois.
The show, titled “What Once Was” was my “Official” Photography “Coming Out Party”. I want to use this as an opportunity to thank all the visitors, family and friends who stopped in to view the exhibit. Some of them, I sadly missed as I was not there when they stopped in. Thanks to all who signed the guest book and for all of the wonderful comments you left. Visitors all the way from Florida, New York up to Oregon and points in between, all stopped in. Also International visitors from China, Ireland and England as well. I want to also thank all the people who actually purchased some of my photos during the duration of the show, as well as some that are rotated regularly in the shop. I am truly grateful for all of you and for the Art Center to give a “newbi” there the chance to show a small portion of my work.
I want to also extend thanks to the other artists, who came to the reception and helped set up the exhibit, as well as for their continued support throughout. I have truly been made to feel at home among all of you.
I especially want to thank Pontiac Community Art Center President Pam Beeson, for the great idea of using one of her vintage cameras (a Bell & Howell/Canon) and carousel slide tray for my Business Card holders.
This being said, I am truly humbled by the talent of the artists there in whatever medium(s) they work in. I am honored to be but a small a part of it and to share wall space with all of you. I want to now extend an invitation to all of you to stop in and check out July’s Gallery Show by local artist and jeweler Kathy Sancken. She works in a number of mediums, and excels in all of them. This exhibit is truly a class act. Her press release follows:
Beginning July 1, a show “Encircled: Art of the Necklace”, by local artist Kathy Sancken, will be on display at the Pontiac Community Art Center gallery located at 103 W. Madison St., Pontiac. The show will feature contemporary handmade glass necklaces along with a mosaic necklace sculpture.
Over 40 necklaces will be on display, all incorporating the artist’s handmade torchworked glass. Torchworking, also known as flameworking or lampworking, is a method of glass work where the glass is melted then shaped and decorated directly in a torch flame. She has been melting glass and making beads since the year 2000 and finds it a challenging art medium. Many of the pieces will also feature chains and other components made by the artist using traditional metalsmithing techniques.
The sculpture, “Necklace of the Gods”, features large mosaic beads. The artist learned how to mosaic from her son, Bradley, who designed and made a mosaic each year for the 4-H fair. “In our family, learning and teaching have come full circle in regards to mosaics. When he was eight, I taught him what little I knew, but he then perfected the process and I learned from him. Once he went to college, I decided it was my turn to try mosaics.”, said Sancken.
“Garden Of Pansies”
Photo by Pam Beeson
“Phoenix Rising”
For those interested in seeing the process of torchworked glass, the artist will do a free demonstration, Thursday, July 17, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Pontiac Community Art Center.
The Gallery and Shop are located at 103 W. Madison, Pontiac, Illinois.
The Center's hours are Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm, Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 9:30am-4pm. The public is welcome.
Pontiac Community Art Center Website.
Facebook Page.
I was actually able to get out a few times this past month to snap a few recent photos, some of the abandoned Elms Restaurant in El Paso, IL and more stops, now that things are finally turning green in the Central Illinois landscape, yes, Mother Nature finally got the memo. The days are longer now, and I try to take advantage of the light as I venture out, Canon in hand.
One in particular, was a beautiful June evening for the first Cruise Night in Morris, IL. Morris knows how to do it right. They easily get well over 800 cars (I believe last year they topped 1000) lining the entire downtown area. Most local shops and eateries are open late as the crowds mill about town taking in the cars of all makes, models and classes. If there is an ounce of “gear head” in you, you will love it. Here is their website.
Once again, it’s great to be back and thanks for putting up with my sporadic appearances here. You have all done a great job here. Hoping even to make it to a Contributor’s Lunch sometime soon. Be good to each other, as this is the perfect place for that.
Related Posts: Shooting Gallery, Carpal Tunnel of Love and Back to the Basics.
During the past few weeks, we lost one of the great songwriters, Gerry Goffin.
Carole King and Gerry Goffin in the early 60's.
Goffin at first worked with other writers including Barry Mann and Jack Keller, but he and Carole King soon established themselves as a successful writing team. The partnership's breakthrough hit was "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", for which Goffin wrote the lyrics. The song was recorded by the Shirelles and went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1961. Goffin and King formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the period, with hit songs including "Take Good Care of My Baby" (a hit for Bobby Vee), "Halfway to Paradise" (Tony Orlando, Billy Fury), "The Loco-Motion" (Little Eva, and later Grand Funk Railroad and Kylie Minogue), "Go Away Little Girl" (Steve Lawrence, and later Donny Osmond), "It Might as Well Rain Until September" (Carole King), "One Fine Day" (The Chiffons), "Up on the Roof" (The Drifters), "I'm into Something Good" (Herman's Hermits), "Don't Bring Me Down" (The Animals), "Oh No Not My Baby" (Maxine Brown, and later Rod Stewart), "Goin' Back" (Dusty Springfield, The Byrds), "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (Aretha Franklin), and "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (The Monkees).[3][6] Goffin and King also wrote several songs jointly with record producer Phil Spector.[6] In 1963, John Lennon was quoted as saying that he wanted Paul McCartney and himself to become "the Goffin-King of England”. (From his Wikipedia entry)
Peace Within, Mr. Goffin. Your words and music will life on forever.
One of my favorites, a song that has been a thread throughout my life.
Don’t forget to check out, the "Secret Weapon,” “Boris'” radio show on Woody Radio where “Boris” plays some great tunes, some of which you’ve probably never heard. Listen to it right here: "Secret Weapon" on Woody Radio.
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