by Kathleen O'Brien | Feb 28, 2016 | art shows, artists, inspiration
Guest Post by John Andrew Dixon
I am honored that my friend and collage artist, John Andrew Dixon has written a comprehensive post about the amazing JUXTAPOSE exhibit, that you can still experience at the Community Art Center until April 2. Grab a cup of coffee, and treat yourself to this expansive virtual tour before seeing the many artworks in person. Be sure to follow the links to the artist pages, and John’s insightful Collage Miniature posts. You will emerge fully versed in this art form.
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by Kathleen O'Brien | Feb 16, 2016 | art shows, artists
This is 50 is the title of the first Kentucky Gallery to be on display at Kentucky Crafted: the Market, March 4, 5 & 6. The Market is located at Lexington Convention Center, 430 W. Vine Street, Lexington, KY. (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 28, 2016 | 4 seasons, art shows, artists, studio updates, works in progress
Celebrating Mid-Winter, Studio Update
Usually winter is a slow time but not so this year. Well the snow storm has slowed things, but otherwise there’s been a lot of good energy happening in the studio, that I’d like to share in this mid-season studio update. This is another favorite time of year, when we see the first signs of spring, Imbolc, Candlemas, Ground Hog Day! (more…)
by Kathleen O'Brien | Jan 25, 2016 | art shows, artists
Gratitude for the Kentucky Arts Council
Last week Wilma Brown, KAC Board member, wrote saying: “I have news that is almost unbelievable. Although not official, the word in the state is that Governor Bevin has eliminated Kentucky Arts Council from his budget, which will be made public Tuesday. This means that Kentucky Arts Council as we know it will be abolished and the emphasis on arts in Kentucky will change drastically, especially in the funding of all previous programs and partnerships.” Yes, for me it is unbelievable. Tomorrow will be the announcement.** This morning I woke up wondering where, as an artist, I would be without the support I have received over the past twelve years. without the past fifty years of support, what would the state of cultural heritage look like today. (more…)
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…)
