Bakersville, NC

"Contiguous" Exhibit at Crimson Laurel Gallery

On July 1, Crimson Laurel Gallery in Bakersville, North Carolina presents three exhibitions featuring five of the finest ceramic artists in the country.  The featured exhibition is "Contiguous...Ceramic Sculptures by Cristina Cordova and Jerilyn Virden" with a showcase exhibition,  "What's in a line...Ceramics by David Eichelberger and Tom Spleth". The CLG online exhibition is "Ceramic Sweets and Small Works...Ceramics by Jason Bige Burnett."

Cristina Cordova's provocative new sculptures are haunting yet beckon those who come upon them to look closely and try to understand their suffering and longings.  Through the primary vehicle of the figure, she is in constant search for a presence.  These new works will include materials never before seen in Cristina's sculptures. 

Jerilyn Virden looks to primitive objects that have a contemporary relevance.  She pares down forms and exaggerates isolated elements, thus accentuating their sense of generosity and strength. Jerilyn will also be introducing new surfaces and forms for this exhibition.

David Eichelberger is captivated by the dialogue in his work between simplicity and complexity.  He uses clean, graceful lines to capture qualities he finds in the organic world. This will be David's first exhibit of post-graduate work. 

Tom Spleth's slip cast porcelain cups are made complete with tiny script capturing select and provocative messages. Tom will also be showing his vase forms that are recognized for the simplicity of their truly unique forms. Combined, these two artists demonstrate the importance of the "line" in ceramic design.


New works by Jason Bidge Burnett, aka Cakeboy, involve print processes and visual narratives that are simultaneously personal and universal. Jason's new forms both investigate multiple surface techniques and explore imagery that is influenced by the glitz and glam of carnivals, pop culture, and commercial design.

These exhibitions will open on July 1st and remain through August 31st.  Artists reception is at 6 pm on July 16th..  Each exhibition will be available online on July 1st.  For more information call 828-688-3599 or online at www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com.

Charlotte Holland Exhibit at Anita's Atelier

Anita Connelly of Anita’s Atelier announces an upcoming Special Exhibit of watercolors by Charlotte Holland of Bakersville, NC. 

Charlotte received a B.A. degree in Fine Art and Education at University of South Florida, followed by masters level classes at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota.  She taught art in the public school systems in Florida and Pennsylvania and for many years worked as a commercial artist in Orlando, Florida. 

In 2005, Charlotte and her husband Jim retired to Bakersville where they are enjoying their grandchildren and where she has been able to pursue her dream of painting in watercolor.  She is a member of the Blue Ridge Art Guild and feels that it is “good for the soul to live among such beautiful vistas where the ever-changing beauty of the days and seasons offers endless inspiration for the artist.” 

The public is cordially invited to attend and meet the artist on June 26, 2010 at 6 p.m. at Anita’s Atelier, 14 N. Mitchell Ave., Bakersville. NC.  Refreshments will be served.  For further information, you may reach Anita at 688-1717.

Rhododendron Festival: June 18 & 19

 

For the 64th consecutive year, the community of Bakersville, NC will celebrate the blooming of the Catawba Rhododendron atop Roan Mountain.  This year’s NC Rhododendron Festival features all the signature events that have made it one of the premier summer destinations in the NC mountains.

The celebration begins Friday the 18th of June with the Jr and Sr scholarship pageant, beginning at 7 pm at Bowman Middle School Auditorium, followed by street dancing on N. Mitchell Ave.  The Wiseman’s band will be providing great bluegrass music.

Saturday will feature tours of the mountain and gardens, a 10k run at Gouge School (7:30 registration), arts, crafts and food on the Creek Walk (you can fish in Cane Creek if you wish ), Rhododendron Cruiser’s car show at Bowman Middle athletic field, tours of local art attractions, Dellinger’s Mill open to the public, the Ducky Derby at 3pm, and the finals of the scholarship pageant 7pm at Bowman Middle Auditorium followed by more street dancing from 8pm until….  Participants in the car show will “cruise in” to Helen’s Drive-In late Sat afternoon and remain there thru the early evening.

One important note about the mountain: the US Forest Service is doing extensive renovation to the parking and restroom facilities at the Cloudland site and has kept the mountain top closed to the public.  The top and gardens will be open to the public from Monday, June 7th, through Monday, Jul 5th. The bloom on the mountain is on track to coincide with the Festival and promises to be the wonderful pink extravaganza we’ve long celebrated.

For more information about the Rhododendron Festival, please visit our website.