by Kathleen O'Brien | Nov 4, 2015 | 4 seasons, art shows, mediums, Open Studio, studio updates, talismans
Celebrating Mid-Autumn, Studio Update
As of the Mid-Summer studio update, I thought things were settling down, but things have been busier than ever with art coming and going from the studio, there is a lot to share in this mid-season studio update. We are so grateful that the hard work of summer is behind us, our gardens fed us well, our milkweed has created a butterfly sanctuary. This is a favorite time of year, the time when we can slow down and count our blessings, Samhuin, the night of the Ancestors, is just past. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 26, 2015 | art shows, mediums, talismans
Beyond the Horse
Beyond the Horse exhibit featuring 20 artists at tribeca trunk was seen by appointment.
Considering the spirit beyond the representational rendering of horse, ancient earthwork tributes come to my mind, thus the idea for Talisman for White Horse 1 and 2. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Oct 9, 2015 | art shows, artists
The reception last night for Horizon: Contemporary Landscape at Community Arts Center in Danville was packed, and I was happy to see artist friends whose art made it a fine exhibit. Not all were present, like Marianna McDonald, but I was able to capture a few good photos. Brandon Long, Program Director said, “The work has quite a diverse span of media, technique, and concepts – giving an incredible view of the current state of landscape art. We had more than enough artwork to fill the Arts Center’s Grand Hall and the exhibit overflows into the upstairs gallery.” (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Sep 16, 2015 | art shows, works in progress
Elderberries for Paint, Colds and Fertile Ground
When preparing the elderberries to make Sambucus syrup for colds, I reverted to childhood using the berry mash for paint and beads. Gratefully I was invited to show in “Fertile Ground”, a Berea Arts Council exhibit to celebrate women’s roles at the forefront of community local food culture. Otherwise, I was wondering where I would display something so different from my usual style. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Aug 19, 2015 | art shows, artists
Artist Friends at “notBIG(3)” Exhibit
The reception Friday, August 14 was an exhilarating experience, yes to see the inspiring art, but also to see my artist friends in person, John Andrew Dixon, Ray Papka, Michelle Hayden, and Laura Eklund. I was sorry that Leslie Patterson Marx was not able to come from Nashville. It is an international show – six countries are represented, so proportionally good company to be in. At times the gallery was packed, which is a refreshing sign that there are so many art lovers, art is needed. It was a pleasure to talk to the juror, Nathan Zamarron, LexArts, Community Arts Department Manager, and learn about his criterion for choosing 45 out of 380. Learning about the new direction for Art Connects Mobile Gallery (formerly Art Movement Gallery) now under the helm of Kate Savage made me feel supported by a true arts maven. Here are some photos of these dear ones. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 29, 2015 | 4 seasons, art shows, studio updates, talismans, works in progress
Celebrating Mid-Summer, Studio Update
Now that the mad garden rush is settling down to merely processing tomatoes (the good news and the bad news) much new activity is going on in the studio.
Thank you St. Joseph East Hospital for promoting this philosophy; “Art has the power to heal the world through the eyes of the heart.” Through a recent call for art, they purchased my Song for Superb Parrot to display for patients and their families. It will be displayed in a public area to promote a calming and healing environment. It fulfills my mission as an artist for my work to be experienced in a place that brings a bit of cheer to people who are suffering. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jul 22, 2015 | art shows, artists
Grace Cafe, a pay-what-you-can Community Restaurant
We’re so excited that Grace Café, located at 219 S. 4th Street in Danville KY, is now open. It is a nonprofit, pay-what-you-can community restaurant committed to serving delicious, fresh, locally-sourced, organic-when-possible, highly-nutritious food for everyone in our community. We were invited to their soft opening last week, it was fabulous. Executive director, Rochelle Bayless is a woman of vision and dedication. Speaking of vision, her husband Nick Lacy is an exceptional photographer, who has curated the first art exhibit there. I am proud to be showing my art in such a sweet location. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Apr 1, 2015 | 4 seasons, art shows, talismans
In the Talismans exhibit, there are four gourd rattles for shamanic journey work. This Saturday I am bringing some rattles from my collection to the gallery to show you. Rattles are an ancient healing instrument used to clear energy in a space or around a person’s body. The sound inside the gourd imitates the sound of rain, a cleansing element. Other materials are sometimes used in making rattles, like rawhide and turtle shells. Traditionally they are associated with the season winter, and the direction north. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 18, 2015 | art shows, talismans
Spring Gifts at the Talismans Reception
In two days when you come to the Talismans reception you will find a few gifts to celebrate Spring – the Vernal Equinox. I am sharing just 20 signed and numbered postcards of Golden Door from an Equinox exhibit in 2001, Cosmic Nest. And you may also choose a talisman affirmation scroll. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Mar 11, 2015 | art shows, mediums, talismans
All the snow and now torrential rain has put me in the mood to create four new watery talismans for the exhibit (reception March 20). The Talisman for Water was first pictured with the watercolor background in this post. The rainbow was added as a hopeful reminder that eventually precipitation does stop. (more…)
