Roots and Wings : Mixed Media Art by Amy Smith

Amy Smith, our featured artist for August, just dropped off a shipment of her new works. We'll be debuting these fabulous creations this Friday during her artist's reception from 5:00 - 9:00. Amy will be present throughout the evening to meet the public and discuss her work.

You, lucky reader, will get a sneak-peak at several of these pieces right here. Please know that these photos can't possibly capture the depth and color of the actual artwork. They really must be seen in person. Also, if you admire "Day Bird" to the right, he's actually half of a two-sided painting. "Night Bird" is on the back too! It's like having two paintings in one. Flip it at will to suit your mood, or display it on a window for a two-sided view.

Unofficially I'm referring to this series as "Roots and Wings". In them, especially when you compare them to Amy's earlier works, the evolution of her creative efforts becomes apparent.

Amy is a mixed media artist from Carthage, North Carolina. Her collage paintings combine layers of paper and other ephemera with luminous acrylic paints. Her work has recently been featured at The Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh, and it has been collected by individuals internationally.

During the month of August, Amy will be offering customer appreciation pricing on many of her earlier creations at Artist Alley. Discounts range from 25% to 30%. Be sure to shop early for the best selection!

Glass Beadmaking by Debbie Keen

Well, at least the shock has worn off from last week's drama here at Artist Alley. Thank you for all of your kind expressions of support.

I did have a wonderful time in the mountains last week, and one of the highlights for me was a first-hand demonstration of lampwork bead creation by Debbie Keen. The photos shown here capture a bit of the action as Debbie works on new pieces in "The Keen Collection". When you view her jewelry in person, the detail of each bead is absolutely amazing, and now I have a better understanding of how she creates that magic.

If you'd like an up-close look at Debbie's work, I just restocked her inventory at Artist Alley. This collection will have a limited run here, as it will be only be on display through August 23rd. The majority of her new inventory will then move on for a two week period of traveling shows. Shop early, and in person, if you have the chance!

For my online friends, you can also view a selection of Debbie's creations at http://www.artistalley.etsy.com/ . (This is our new online store!) When you reach the website, please click on "Lampwork Bead Creations" in the right column to reach her work. If you have time, also be sure to browse the limited selection of other Artist Alley creations in the store.

More North Carolina Artwork will be posted soon. I add a few new items every day, and I hope to have the store fully stocked in time for holiday shopping.

I think I can... I think I can...

Welcome to Artist Alley

Welcome Artist Alley. This brightly colored fellow is named "The Jerry Garcia Flamingo". He graces the front of our store along with a variety of lawn art that's always changing. Today we have the amazing gourd birdhouses of Jan Graindorge, vivid stained glass creations of Amy Keith, blown glass by Scott Huffman, and a few funky iron sculptures by Ed Duke. (I'll post more photos soon, or send a comment if there's something you just can't wait to see!)

This weekend I'm off in search of new North Carolina Artists for Artist Alley. I'll make a stop in Blowing Rock on Saturday, and Asheville on Sunday. For today, I'll leave you with this image of JG and The Birdhouses, and I'll provide you with a hopefully exciting update next week when I'm back in the swing of things.