Join Us for a Holiday Extravaganza at Artist Alley!

I seem to be asking the same question, in one form or another , a lot lately... "Where has the time gone!?!?!? :-)

Please join us tonight at Artist Alley tonight from 5:00 - 9:00 for our final First Friday Opening of the year. A "Holiday Extravaganza" awaits, as does the largest selection of North Carolina Artwork that Artist Alley has ever seen. Your favorite artists have added to their offerings for the holidays, and a variety of artists who are new to us have also decked our halls with the results of their boundless creativity. Read more about this event in today's issue of The Pilot, or online at their website. Be sure to shop early for the best selections!

Hot spiced cider awaits, and does an evening that's sure to warm your heart. I hope to see you soon!

Join Ann Flaherty and Donna Hyland at Artist Alley for The Southern Pines Holiday Open House

Tomorrow, Southern Pines will officially welcome The Season with our annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event is big-time fun for everyone involved! Get a jump on your holiday shopping in the quaint and varied shops in and around our Historic Downtown... listen for the harmonies of strolling carolers... or whisper a wish to Santa in the park near The Train Station. The choices are all yours!

At Artist Alley, North Carolina Artists, Ann Flaherty and Donna Hyland, will be ready and waiting for you from 10:00 - 5:30. Our halls...and our walls...and our shelves...and our windows... will decked with a smorgasbord of North Carolina Artsy Goodness, and I can say with great confidence that we have something for even the most particular recipients on your gift list!

As time allows, Ann plans to demonstrate her craft, and she and Donna will happily discuss their work with you throughout the day's festivities. A fresh batch of Mom's Pizzelles waits too!

Fa la la la la!

Sisters Grace Artist Alley with Paintings and Pillows for The Holidays

You'll find Donna Hyland at Artist Alley today until at least 5:30. She and her sister Pat create the most beautiful paintings and painted pillows. I was lucky enough to have a sneak peak at her latest creations, and you're going to love them!

Today marks the beginning of our holiday hours. Through Christmas, we'll be open from 10:00 - 5:30, Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 - 4:00 on Sundays. If these times aren't convenient for you, please let us know, and we'll do whatever we can to accommodate your schedule.

Be safe; shop local; and avoid the dreaded "big box" this holiday season! :-)

By Popular Request... Patti O'Day's One-of-a-Kind Handbags and Accessories

A larger-than-ever-selection of Patti O'Day's exquisitely detailed handbags and accessories will be available at Artist Alley until Monday, November 8th. After Patti's trunk show in October, numerous customers requested additional access to her functional artwork, and we're delighted to oblige!

In addition to her signature Lipzips and other handbags, you'll find tote bags, seasonal creations, and three piece travel sets in a variety of patterns. Patti's creations would be perfect for holiday gift giving or as a special treat for yourself. Be sure to shop early for the best selection!

New North Carolina Pottery Has Arrived!!!

It was like Christmas at Artist Alley this afternoon, as I just finished unpacking the most delightful shipment of North Carolina Pottery from Suzanne Rehbock of Flying Pig Pottery!

I've been a fan of Suzanne's work since the day that I met her. I describe her pottery as being functional and artistic. Today she explained to me that she's been calling it "Functional Contemporary". In either case, it's textural, creative, and her glazes are unlike any that I've ever seen. Several pieces are already calling my name. I'd promise to show restraint; but I've never been very good at it! Be sure to visit early for the best selection!

All of Suzanne's pieces are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. And my pottery trivia for the day...when baking with your pottery pieces, you should place the filled dish in a cool oven. Then allow it to come to temperature with the oven. Placing pottery into a preheated oven can cause stress, and nobody needs extra stress in their life! :-)

Please join us tonight from 5:00 - 9:00 as we join forces for an opening with The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer.

We've added an artsy twist to the Lee Denim Days initiative for this event. Yes, you can still purchase a Lee Denim Pocket for the low low donation amount of $5. And, if you upgrade your donation amount to one of at least $10, you'll also be able to select an original work of art in remembrance of your contribution and this event. Woo Hoo! Original artwork...for a great price...to benefit a worthy cause....plus food, drink, and sparkling conversation with some of the regions most talented mixed media artists. Does it get any better than this?!?!?

I hope to see you tonight at Artist Alley!

Meet Carol Butler!

The lovely Carol Butler will be working at Artist Alley tomorrow from 11:00 - 5:00. If you're in the area, please stop for a visit with her! Carol and her daughter, Cassie, joined us at Artist Alley last month, and they've quickly become part of our family. They were each also award-winners at last month's Moore County Arts Council Fine Art Show at The Campbell House. Talk about talent running in the family!

This is one of Carol's most recent paintings. You'll find it in our front window as the perfect tribute to the end of summer and beginning of yet another season in Southern Pines.

Speaking of Beads...This You Have To See For Yourself!

"Tiny Shiny Beads" is the name of her company, and when you see the artistic endeavors of Rita Dixon-Kent, you'll understand why! Rita makes the most amazing Peyote Stitch jewelry, and her attention to detail produces exquisite results.

Peyote is a Native American Art Form, and while Rita herself is not of Native American descent, her efforts pay homage to their traditions. Departing from more traditional designs, Rita has also recently unveiled a line of custom bracelets that include the words and colors of your choice. These are especially appropriate for your team and college allegiances. Whether you support UNC, State, Duke, or another Alma Mater, Rita will create just the piece for you!

Rita will be demonstrating her craft at Artist Alley from 12:00 - 4:00 tomorrow, and I promise that it will be worth a visit!

Debie Keen's Handmade Beads for Pandora Style Bracelets

These lovelies are handmade one-at-a-time by our very own Debbie Keen. Debbie lives in Blowing Rock now, and we miss her here in The Sandhills! Luckily for us, she continues to create new beads, and we receive deliveries from her on at least a monthly basis.

While Debbie has an amazing eye for designing finished jewelry, she also makes and sells these beads individually. Each is a unique work of art; they're made to fit Pandora, Troll, and other similar bracelets; and they're available at a most reasonable price of $8 each. Fashion can be fun and affordable!

Windchime Weather

Here in Southern Pines, today is the most wonderful warm sunny late summer day that you could possibly imagine! It's been a long hot North Carolina summer, and the temperature has cooled by a few degrees. Fall isn't quite upon us; although the leaves are already starting to change just a bit. There's a lovely breeze blowing too, and I can hear these windchimes from where I write this inside of Artist Alley. It won't be long before the door will be open all day again!

The wildly creative metal windchimes shown above were created by Robin Webster of Asheboro, North Carolina. The glass stunners were created by local artist, Cheryl Fox. These artists just restocked their windchime's this week, and if this weather keeps up, they won't be here for long!

The Monday Blues

Even on a Monday, this North Carolina Made Art is sure to lift your spirits!

From "The Blue Dog Collection" by Rachelle Currie to individually handmade lampwork glass beads by Debbie Keen,

we truly have something for everyone!

Whatever your week holds, I hope that you experience only

smooth sailing with the sweetest of blues.

A Chorus Line

I chuckle every time I see the chorus line of funky turtles that's gracing the front counter of Artist Alley.

These aren't just any turtles! Each is a genuine piece of North Carolina Pottery, and an amazing miniature work of art by Rammseur Potter, Hank Allred. In this photo you can also catch a glimpse of some of Hank's larger creations. If you haven't been up-close-and-personal with it yet, Hank's work definitely warrants a closer look the next time you visit The Alley.

Oh...did I mention that these fellows also make a dandy place to hold your rings?!?! And at $6 a pop, I think I'll need one for my nightstand...one for my studio...one for my sister... :-)

"Who Does She Think She Is?" Let's Find Out at the Movie Premier in Raleigh!

Our friends at The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will be hosting the Raleigh movie premier of "Who Does She Think She Is?" on August 28th. Those who've had a sneak-peak at the movie tell me that it's a must-see for the creative types among us, and you'll find all of the details about it here http://carolinamixedmediaartistsguild.blogspot.com/.

For those of us who live south of Raleigh, maybe we can carpool and add dinner too? ...and a quick stop at Trader Joe's...and... and... and... :-)

Three... Two... One

Three...Two...One...

Alright, I don't know what I was thinking when I promised to post TEN separate entries today. :-) So, please accept my apology for being over-ambitious, and enjoy my "Three...Two...One reasons for joining us for our First Friday Opening.

It would be wonderful to see you tonight; but wherever you are I hope that you enjoy your First Friday Weekend.

The Number Four Reason to Join Us at Artist Alley Tonight...

The Number Four Reason to join us at Artist Alley tonight is the Intricate Peyote Stitch Jewelry by Rita Dixon-Kent. These pieces absolutely blow my mind. They're so detailed, and I honestly can't begin to imagine what it takes to create them. While Rita herself is not a Native American, this craft form is a rich part of

The Native American Tradition.

Please don't judge this work by my photos. You really need to see it in person for yourself to appreciate it.

And The Number Five Reason to Attend Our First Friday Opening...

And....the number five reason to attend our First Friday Opening is...Pine Needle Baskets! This craft is a tradition here in The Sandhills of North Carolina and Local Artist, Marilyn Sterett practices it in fine form. We now have a variety of her handwoven baskets and jewelry to share with you.

The Number Six Reason to join us tonight is......the work of Doris Smith. Doris is also a local artist. This piece is entitled, "Three Houses", and it was one of the highlights from a visit to New Orleans.

The Number Seven Reason...

The Number Seven Reason to attend our opening at Artist Alley tonight from 5 - 9 is the whimsical retro work of Ashlee Park. Ashlee is from Cary, NC, and she'll be sharing a variety of necklaces, cufflinks, and rings with us. Her creations are really fun and affordable.

The rings shown in the photo are just $7 each. At that price, I may need one for each finger!

The Number Eight Reason...

The Number Eight Reason to visit Artist Alley today is the diverse body of work by Southern Pines resident, Kim Sobat. Many of you know and love Kim, and we're thrilled that she's decided to join us here at The Alley.

This piece, Broad Street Morning, has quickly become a favorite of our customers.

The Number Nine Reason...

The Number Nine Reason to visit Artist Alley today is the fabulous photographic styling of Cassie Butler. Cassie is Carol Butler's lovely daughter (See Reason #10!) And Carol and Cassie may be the first Mother-Daughter artistic team in Artist Alley History.

The Number Ten Reason...

The number ten reason to visit Artist Alley today is the amazing work of Carol Butler. Carol's creations are diverse to say the least, and here you'll find two images of her pet portraits.

Best of all, there's still plenty of time to commission one of these for Christmas gift giving!

The Top Ten Reasons...

I, the one who is so pitifully sporadic about my online adventures, am going to try something different tomorrow.

Since we've just added the work of ten new artists to Artist Alley this month...and we'll be featuring them and their work at our First Friday Opening tomorrow night...I thought that I'd provide you with day-long a visual depiction of "The Top Ten Reasons To Attend our First Friday Opening in August".

These posts will take place tomorrow. Each post will feature the work of one of our ten new artists. The first post will be placed at around noon, and the other nine will follow throughout the afternoon. Whether or not you're able to attend our opening in person, I promise that this eye candy will be good for your soul.

So, please stay tuned here and on our Facebook Page; share us with your friends and family; and definitely let me know what you think!

Oh What a Month!!!

Oh what a month!!! August has brought more fabulous artists and artwork at one time than we've ever experienced at Artist Alley. We're filled to the gills with all of this North Carolina artsy goodness, and I'm really looking forward to sharing it with you in person.

If you're out and about this Friday, August 6th from 5 - 9, we'll be hosting our First Friday Opening featuring all of our newest artists. I hope to see you here!

Phil Rukse: June's First Friday Featured Artist at Artist Alley

As June's featured artist, Phil Rukse, from Charlotte, North Carolina will be joining us from 5 - 9 for tomorrow's First Friday Opening at Artist Alley.

In discussing his work and his inspiration, Phil explains, “My life's journey has been to capture the beauty and color of the great season of Autumn.” The photo here doesn't begin to do it justice. Working primarily in acrylic paints and watercolors, Phil has achieved this goal with flying colors. (No pun intended!) Phil also accepts commissions, and his paintings are exhibited in galleries, businesses, and private collections.

Tomorrow's First Friday Opening promises to be a real treat. We'll be welcoming visitors, from 5-9 p.m., and delectable refreshments will be served.

I hope to see you then!

May Flowers ... The Floral Photography of Vickie Rounds

In case you haven't noticed, at Artist Alley, we have a thing for North Carolina Art and North Carolina Artists! Our artists reside from The Mountains to The Coast and from The-Middle-of-No-Where to The-Center-of-The-City. We're also blessed to have a number of local artists who share their talents with us as well.

Vickie Rounds is one of them. In fact...Vickie is extremely local, and she lives within a few blocks of Artist Alley. This photo of Vickie's work doesn't begin to do it justice. In person, each of these pieces is so vibrant and detailed that you feel as if you could step right into the flower. And while they're amazing individually, all together, their look is almost indescribable.

In addition to the quality of Vickie's work, one of the most incredible elements of it to this wannabe gardener is that each and every one of these photographs was taken in her own yard! For local gardeners, she's also willing to capture the beauty of their gardens through a custom photo session.

Whatever your skill level as a gardener or a garden-lover, I do hope that you'll have a chance to view these beauties in person sometime soon!

Hope to See You Tomorrow for The Shindig!

March Mixed Media Madness Opens at Artist Alley!

We have quite a weekend in store for you at Artist Alley! And the fun begins on Friday when The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will grace us with their presence. I love every event that we host; but when these artists descend on The Alley, the word "Opening" is defined in a whole new way.

What do you get when you combine twenty-five Mixed Media Artists...a list of twenty-two random, unrelated, and downright unusual items... and a bottomless reserve of creativity?

Your guess is as good as mine!

Last year's First Annual Kit Challenge, was one of the most memorable of the year at Artist Alley, and I feel confident that this year will uphold the same tradition.

I hope to see you in person for March Mixed Media Madness... The Sequel!!!

Are You Curious Yet?!?!?!

The Palustris Festival!

Have you heard the buzz about The Palustris Festival ?

The inaugural Palustris Festival is being held right here in Moore County, North Carolina, from March 25th through March 28th. The festivities will include over 100 affordable events at various venues throughout our community. At Artist Alley, we've planned an opening for Friday night and another for Saturday afternoon.

(I promise that these will be events that you won't want to miss, and I'll post more about them soon!)

For now, be sure to visit The Palustris Website for details on all that's happening.

Saturday, March 13th, at Artist Alley

Please join us on Saturday, March 13th from 12 - 4 for "Second Saturday with Jayce Cade". Jayce creates under the names of Jari Custom Leathers and Fox and Hound Accessories.

She'll be be available to discuss her jeweled creations and the meanings behind many of the gemstones that she includes. She'll also be presenting a mini leather studio workshop where visitors can see work in progress. She'll be demonstrating hand carving and hand construction techniques too.
Hope to see you here!

Duck...duck...chicken?!?!?

'Tis the season for bird-themed artwork at Artist Alley! These photos were taken in front of the gallery today.

• Duck and Chicken by Angela Cummings-Thompson
• Gourd Birdhouses by Jan Graindorge
• Seusical Flowers by John Amero
• Funky Windchimes by Robin Webster
• Cedar and Stone Bench by Gary Bowers.