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!