Aroma of Art 2014 is here!

There is still time to donate or sponsor Aroma Of Art 2014....We will still be taking art donations until February 13, 2014 but if you want to be in the posters and all the advertisement  you should drop off your piece of art by February 8th. We will be at Taste Full Beans arranging all the wonderful donations from 10a.m. until... :)

Save the date!  Thursday, January 23th, 2013, 5:30 - 7:00 PM!

Aroma of Art 2014 starts this Thursday with the
Art Drop Off Artist Appreciation Reception!

If you are an artist who is donating to the 2014 auction, please join us for wine, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and coffee this Thursday at Taste Full Beans Coffee House in downtown Hickory, NC. 

It will be a wonderful evening of fellowship with artists, good food and drink.

Call 828-855-7688 for more information  - hope to see you there!

Taste Full Beans Coffee House Downtown
is located at 29 2nd street, NW, Hickory, NC

Art Speaks Our Language Fluently

Preparing to celebrate 10 years of grassroots philanthropy, Aroma of Art (AOA) 2012 is a unique event inviting both artists and the community to support Hickory area nonprofits.

Through the expression of their talent and creativity, artists speak fluently using a universal language-the elements of art: line, shape, form, color, texture, space and the values of light and dark.

During the month-long silent auction being held at its new location at 2220 US 70 SE Hickory, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the exhibit and place their bids.

The generous donation of original works of art coupled with the support of auction attendees makes AOA one of the most exciting and innovative annual nonprofit fundraisers in the Hickory area.Staff and residents of Flynn Home of Hickory want to take this opportunity to thank the AOA 2012 committee for being selected along with Women's Resource Center and ALFA to benefit from the 2012 auction. We encourage you to learn more about these agencies and the vital roles they play in your community.

2012 Aroma of Art committee members: Kate Tinnan; Anne Fredley and AOA co-founder, Edgar Hernandez, owner of Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse, are currently working with the benefiting agencies to promote event sponsorships and invite area artists to participate in AOA's 10th anniversary celebration.

For more information about Aroma of Art 2012 call: 828/325-0108

The Modern Metal Jewelry of Molli Koltun

Molli Koltun of Modern Metal Jewelry is one of our artists from Asheville who has donated her work to Aroma of Art for the second year. Her specialty is precious metal clay work with a background in metalsmithing and various bead work techniques.

Here are her responses to our artist interview.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

I have been creating in one form or another as long as I can remember. My background includes fine at and metal-smith classes. Since the 1990's I have been making jewelry. I was very curious about metal clay for a long time. I love the idea that metal clay is manufactured from a mixture of recycled metal objects (mainly jewelry). I took one class and was instantly hooked!

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

I simply want someone to love and enjoy the piece that they purchase, to know that they have a one of a kind piece.

What drew you to your particular medium?

I was at the point with beading that I wanted to learn something new. I love that metal clay can do things that traditional metal can't and vice versa. I love how a piece can be refined or look organic.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

I'd have to say that I really admired the work of Kate McKinnon and Hadar Jacobson. They are amazing artists and very generous with their knowledge.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

My first piece of jewelry that I made was a bracelet. I can see every flaw in it now, but people still respond to it.

What are some of your favorite projects?

I love working on pieces that evolve on their own, like my fragments neck piece. I start with one idea and it just takes a turn in a different direction.

What are you working on right now?

To the right is a picture of the last piece that I finished. I am also working on a pendant where I will donate a percentage to benefit breast cancer.

Molli Koltun has donated a wonderful earring and necklace set to the Aroma of Art auction. Bid numbers are still available at Taste Full Beans Coffee House - stop in and see her one of a kind metal work!

Wolf Song Studio

Sandi Baker is the other half of Wolf Song Studio. Sandi and JW Baker have a long history with the Hickory arts community and their artwork often reflects their love and reverence for nature and spirit. Sandi and JW both serve on the board of the Wolf Sanctum in Bakersville, NC and many of her paintings express her love for the wolves that reside there.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

I am self-taught, and I work in many mediums. I started airbrushing when I was a teenager. I was interested in vehicle graphics and murals at the time and taught myself to airbrush. I started doing work for friends immediately and by the time I was 19 I opened my own sign business. I always airbrushed and did personal fine art on the side, hoping one day to be able to concentrate solely on fine art.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

Mostly I hope to communicated on a level beyond words, to move the viewer, to inspire.

What drew you to your particular medium?

The airbrush seemed like it was just meant for me - I just knew it would work for me.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

Sign painters, usually those featured in trade magazines. I didn't have mentors as such but I always greatly admired the work of other artists. I have found almost every work of art created by other artists to be inspiring in one way or another.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

I really don't know the first piece, but I used to sit in the pasture and draw horses for hours on end. Horses were my first love and first serious subject.

What are some of your favorite projects?

Of mine? The Spirit Catchers are fun to create, and I enjoy the wide range of reactions from those who view them. I like working with the wood and painting on leather. Each one is a surprise upon completion.

What are you working on right now?

A series of wildlife paintings that incorporate gold leaf. I am leaning towards a more surreal, illusionary style.


My work is available for sale at our website, www.wolfsongstudio.com, and JW and I show our work at Taste Full Beans throughout the year as well as other locations in Hickory and elsewhere. May 15 is the Wolf Creek Rendezvous up in Banner Elk. Wolf Song Studio and other artists will be there from 10:00 to 5:00 with our work for sale.

Sandi has several pieces donated for the Aroma of Art auction. Please come by Taste Full Beans Coffee House to see her wonderful pieces and the other fantastic pieces of art up for auction through Thursday, March4 - still time to make your bid!

Throwing Pots for Aroma of Art

When Rosalie De Fini Outlaw was the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Catawba County several years ago, she co-founded Aroma of Art with Taste Full Beans owners DW Bentley and Edgar Hernandez, Jennifer Hart of ALFA and Lisa Miller of the Women's Resource Center. Rosalie has donated a piece of art to the fundraiser each year of it's existence.

The first few years she donated photography, and now she donates pottery. Jason ahs donated pottery to Aroma of Art for the past two years. This year we wanted to take it to the next level.

Oulaw Pottery donated several pieces of art, inclduing a lizard chip and dip platter and a pottery birdhouse.

During our Holiday Pottery Show and Sale at Taste Full Beans in December, Jason Outlaw asked the attending potters to throw pieces of pottery on his wheel for demonstration during the show.

Each potter donated those pieces for the Aroma of Art fundraiser. The pieces were glazed and fired by Outlaw Pottery for the event. Those potters include Roger Corn of County Line Jug Shop (Lula, GA), Amanda Dobbins of Rosylou Pottery (Hickory, NC), Jesse Rivera and is 12-year old son, Cesar Rivera (Lincolnton, NC).

The offerings of these fine potters are up for auction for Aroma of Art at Taste Full Beans Coffee House in downtown Hickory to benefit ALFA and The Humane Society of Catawba County. There is still time to get a bid number and be a part of Aroma of Art - drop into Taste Full Beans during the next week to bid on your favorite pieces.

Outlaw Pottery

Jason Outlaw and Rosalie De Fini Outlaw founded Outlaw Pottery in October 2008 and teach pottery classes for children and adults at the Newton-Conover Auditorium's NewArt school. Here is their interview for Aroma of Art...

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

Jason started throwing pots in high school and fell in love with clay art. He wanted to go to college for an arts degree, but his family couldn't afford that type of education. Instead, Jason received a work study opportunity to attend the Disney Culinary Academy and focus his creativity on the culinary arts. He worked in four-star restaurants as a sous chef and executive chef in Florida, including NASCAR and Disney - for 16 years. His ice sculptures for NASCAR and other food sculptures were one way he took his love for sculpture and used it in his culinary career. Ready to change lifestyles from the hustle and bustle of the late nights running restaurants, he moved to North Carolina near his family and embarked on a second arts career as a potter.

Rosalie grew up influenced by painters on her mother's side of the family and photographers on her father's side. She learned to paint from her artist mother who used to own her own painting business creating accessories for the Broyhill Furniture Galleries in the 1980's. Rosalie studied art photography and photojournalism at the University of Florida. After a long career in nonprofit management, Rosalie joined Jason in the pottery business in 2009.

What effect are you tyring to have on people through your art?

Freedom of expression is very important to us, and we run Outlaw Pottery in a way that allows us to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art instead of strictly functional pottery production. We love to commune with other potters and exchange ideas. There are a million and one ways to throw a pot, and everyone has something to share. As teachers at the NewArt School pottery studio, we have an opportunity to share our love of clay arts with the community. Our personal motto is "peace, love and pottery!" We have to that on a tee-shirt right away.

What drew you to your particular medium?

Clay is about feeling. You can't just look at the pot you're throwing. You have to feel it all the way through the process. Sometimes when you throw a ball of clay on the wheel and get started, it tells you what it wants to be and surprises you! Other times you know exactly what you're aiming for and set out on a path to create it. Of course, one of the best things about being a potter is that our daily uniform is muddy jeans and tee-shirts. It's down and dirty.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

Jason's first art mentor was his high school pottery teacher, Mrs. Farmer, from whom he took classes for three years. Rosalie's art inspirations come from her great-grandmother and mother who are painters and the mend in the De Fini family who are amateur photographers. We both consider every potter who shares with us a piece of our art. We have learned so much from spending time with local potters like Hamilton Williams, Gary Lee, Varian Swieter, Betty Gardner, Jesse Rivera, Roger Corn, and so many more! Each one of them inspires us.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

Neither of us can remember our first piece of art since we have been artists since we were children. However, we have a great story about the first piece of art that inspired our love affair and eventually the logo for Outlaw Pottery. On our second date, Jason asked me if I could refresh him on the tale of the Frog Prince because he had a concept in mind for a piece of pottery on which he could sculpt the frog. As an english major, I told him the tale and then read the original story to him out of my copy of Grimm's Fairytales on our third date. The story of the Frog Prince inspired a piece of pottery that Jason created as a gift fro me that we not call the "The Frogs of Grimm." A year later when Jason started Outlaw Pottery, we worked together with our artistic friends and family to create a logo inspired by that piece of pottery.

What are some of your favorite projects and what are you working on right now?

Right now we are addicted to Raku pottery! We can't get enough of this technique. Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. It is the post fire reduction stage that creates the unique look of raku pottery. The resulting patters are colors are unpredictable, as they are created thought he natural process of oxygen removal. Each piece of raku pottery is therefore one-of-a-kind. We really like the effects we can achieve with the metallic raku glazes. We purchased our raku kiln in November 2009 and have become addicted to raku firing. So look for lots of raku creations from Outlaw Pottery in 2010! Our raku pottery is for sale at our new Etsy.com online store.

Outlaw Pottery's donations to Aroma of Art are up for auction at Taste Full Beans Coffee House through the auction finale on March 4th.

More from Outlaw Pottery tomorrow chronicling the beginnings of Aroma of Art and some of the great potters donating to the auction this year.

Spencer Huffman of Pixelated Perceptions

The 2010 Aroma of Art auction features several wonderful photographers in our area. Spencer Huffman of Pixelated Perceptions is our latest artist to be interviewed for the blog. He will be exhibiting some of his work this summer at the McColl Center of Visual Art in Charlotte.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

Well, from a very young age I've always loved art and been drawn to it. It all started back in elementary school when I would sit around drawing constantly.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

If my art has any effect on people then at the very least I would hope that it just makes them think, or makes them feel something on some level. Most of my work focuses on things that people may otherwise overlook or deem as unsightly. I find beauty in the unconventional places and often find myself drawn towards old structures that have a real sense of history about them.

What drew you to your particular medium?

I got started with photography just out of a need to created something a little different. Before I picked up the camera I was painting a lot but found myself often times unable to convey my thoughts in a real tangible way. When I picked up the camera it felt much more natural and I feel that I'm able to better bring across my ideas that way.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

I think every piece of art, and every person that I have interacted with on a real level has influenced me in some way. Life is like that. Our experiences shape us and make us the people we are. My friend Moye, who is a photographer in Charlotte, was a big influence when I was just finding my niche in this art form. She just exudes a very positive and creative vibe and her talent is just unreal.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

To be honest I can't even really remember what my first piece of art was. I have done so much that it's hard to keep track of that. I'm sure it was a drawing that I did, just trying to get thoughts or images from my mind out into the world.

What are some of your favorite projects?

I really like shooting fine are photos and getting out there and finding new locations that entice my eyes. I also enjoy working with models because that brings a whole new set of challenges and possibilities into the mix. If you and the person you are working with are on the same page then you can really create some powerful images.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I'm just creating, enjoying, and learning. I try to get out and shoot as much as I can. I feel like being creative helps bring some sort of balance to my life. I am also going to be exhibiting some work at the McColl Center for Visual Art in Charlotte starting in July and I'm working on getting some pieces together for that.

Spencer Huffman's donation to Aroma of Art can be viewed and bid on now through March 4th at Taste Full Beans Coffee House in Hickory, NC.

Messing Around with Clay

David Bellar is an amazing potter. Here is a wonderful essay from him about his beginnings as a artist. Please take some time to visit his website to read more and view his one of a kind pieces.

"There have been many fun things to cross my path. Too many."

"One day, the opportunity to work casually with clay presented itself. "I can do that", I thought. I remember playing in the muddy muddy creek as a kid. I had also been exposed to a ceramic studio early in my life. There was very little mystery there. It all made such good sense so the approach was one of confidence. So it was a girlfriend who demanded that with my construction expertise, I should put together a space for her to pursue her new found interest in pottery. "Sure darlin', whatever you want." I have to admit, the hobby was a lot of fun. There were plenty of reasons to continue trying, learning, building and reaching until it occurred to me; I need to vent artistic. Who knew?"

"I knew nothing about it, not necessarily a bad thing. I started looking around. I recalled a certain piece my mother owned. A small plate with two lizards cozied up. I thought it was a masterpiece. I was inspired. I also had a vague idea of the work being done locally in clay. These were the forms I new, therefore the forms I would try to emulate. I see now that for all I have accomplished, laziness was truly my strong suit."

"Aside from keeping my inquisitive eyes open, making a probingpest out of myself, attending the odd master workshop and basically wanting to limit my failures, I have struggled to learn the medium all by myself. My "problem solving" attitude is a reliable ally. I figure I can do anything I want to do. Keyword..."want". I am sad for those who have allowed themselves to be defeated. Those who say they "want" yet deny themselves the experience mostly due to a learned version of fear."

"I am currently taking full advantage of the weak economy to take a break from pottery in favor of catching up on some long neglected chores. The building of a new and improved pottery studio with kiln as well as the development of a radical new design for a piece of studio pottery equipment heads the list."

"Life is short. Try it. Take it a day at a time. Keep a positive attitude. Control your fears. What's the worst that could happen?"

"More ramblings here....
www.potterycarolina.com"

David Bellar's work is currently up for auction for Aroma of Art at Taste Full Beans Coffee House in downtown Hickory, NC.

Maria Headrick of Mosaics by Maria

Maria Headrick, another of our delightful artist donors, is giving us a glimpse into the world of her artwork. See below her interview and view some pictures of her engaging mosaic pieces.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

Ten years ago I found a book on Mosaics in the public library and instantly fell in love. I began making items for my home, then to give as gifts. I was part of an online community of mosaic artists and I began to sell hand cut stained glass tiles for use in mosaic work to other artists. The following year my online retail mosaic supply business was born - Mosaics By Maria .

I continue to create and sell my own art while providing other artists products and advice for their own mosaic work.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

I love how mosaic work refuses to be rushed. Every piece must be carefully chosen and laid. There is a meditative quality to mosaic work, you must get into a rhythm. I also fell in love with the variety of gals, mirror and tiles available to work with.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

Early in my career I was lucky enough to be mentored by Sonia King and Laurel Skye, two mosaic teachers who have since become revered in the mosaic world. They are both gifted teachers and have published books on mosaic techniques.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

A mosaic mirror with an Egyptian design. I was inspired by a stained glass panel I had seen at an art show.

What are some of your favorite projects?

My favorite project to date is a mosaic guitar. I also love some of the birdbaths I have created. There is something wonderful about taking an ordinary object and making it into a piece of art!

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on a series of 6" X 6" panels that are reminiscent of small tapestries or rugs. I am having fun trying new color and tile combinations and the challenge of working on such a small surface.

I recently opened a studio in the Harris Arcade, suite #103. We have a mosaic gallery, supplies and classes.

Please come and see Maria's work up for auction at Taste Full Beans Coffee House and Gallery.

The Art of Derfla

Another in our interviews with the donating artists to Aroma of Art - Kent Paulette, a.k.a. Derfla.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

When I was really young I took art lessons here in Hickory with Beth Marvin. She helped ignite my creative spirit early on. Instead of a lemonade stand, my brother and I had an art stand where we sold our drawings. I continued to enjoy art throughout my elementary and high school years.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

I like to bring people's attention to how they feel on their darkest and brightest of days and how to reconcile the two. I paint at the intersection of love and suffering.

What drew you to your particular medium?

Living in Hickory I had the pleasure to see Andrew Thomason's paintings around town. I saw that he used oil paint to create a really thick texture and I decided to give it a try.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

I mainly find my inspiration from great thinkers in music and science. Early on, the beat generation turned me on to some wild ideas. I also enjoy reading books about theoretical physics and books on how our brains think and form consciousness. The one painter who has inspired me most is Brion Gysin. He was a friend of William S. Burroughs and together they cut-up words in order to cut-up reality itself.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

The first painting on canvas that I did was near the end of high school. It's a cubism-inspired piece called "The Sex of Wrestlers". I was drawn to cubism thought my interest in theoretical physics. The two changed how I viewed space-time and our relation to it and to each other.

What are some of your favorite projects?

I always love to paint people best. I'm drawn to the strong emotions of love and suffering. As far as my technique, I am most pleased when I am able to give complete control over to a process that allows the painting to come to life organically.

What are you working on right now?

I've been experimenting with water-based mediums lately. It's been fun working with thin paints and letting them drip. This process creates a lot of movement and I've taken advantage of that by painting women dancing. Movement has always been a passion of mine so I'm pleased to find a medium that suits it so well.

The two paintings by Derfla pictured here and one other of his are up for auction at Taste Full Beans Coffee House through March 4, 2010.

Vickie Jo Franks

Vickie Jo Franks is a first time donor to Aroma of Art. She is a retired art teacher, having taught in several school districts for over 30 years. Her work is currently on display at the Gaston County Public Library in Gastonia, NC. Her work has been shown at the Hickory Museum of Art, Kathleen's Simply Irresistible Gallery in Tryon, the Sea and Sounds Gallery in Manteo, NC, the Cleveland County Memorial Library and Frame Masters Gallery in Shelby.

Vickie Jo uses recycled materials to create her folk are images. She has a deep reverence for nature and creation and her work is a reflection of her passion. The messages in her work reflect her sincere beliefs in human stewardship of our planet, promoting the spay and neuter of pets, rabies prevention awareness including World Rabies Day and the Alliance for Rabies Control and anti-littering campaigns. An article about her was recently published in the Charlotte Observer.

Below are her responses to our artist interview questions. We are proud to have her participation in Aroma of Art.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

I grew up in a rural place in North Carolina and spent a lot of time outside. Being close to nature taught me an appreciation for animals , trees, rain, the beauty and wonder of small and large creation. My family was very resourceful and creative, making things with out hands and repairing broken things ourselves. We are a family of readers with many books and encyclopedias at our disposal, including the magazine "Popular Science". I participated in every art and craft event offered. The media I use reflects the positive influence of parents, community, especially women's craft and handwork, with an emphasis on the creative use of materials and appreciation of nature.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

The work I create will cause people to appreciate nature, enabling people to make past, present and future connections. When experiencing my work people will know the beauty and wonder of a leaf, a bird, a flower, a purple sky. People will understand that subduing the earth does not man destroying everything and each other.

Who were your mentors, inspiring artists, as you began to discover art?

Family and community members who were creative, resourceful and appreciated art and craft forms inspired me in my work. Native American potters and basket weavers were also an early influence. I am also inspired by cartoons, particularly the work of Charles Schulz and his story of early rejection. I appreciated the work of Jackson Pollack as a child and was disturbed by the attempts to discredit his work by showing that animals could paint like him. Later in the classroom I was inspired by the collage work of Romere Bearden who showed the artistic possibilities, even when conventional art supplies are limited.

What was the first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

Family trips to Washington DC to visit family were filled with visits to historical places. My cousin Mickey was an excellent artist. As a child of five I thought he was a genius. I decided to see if I could draw. I looked out the window, saw a fire truck and drew it.

What are some of your favorite projects?

My work is a reflection of my time spent connecting with nature in the garden. I use my work to encourage the community to participate in rabies reduction advocacy including World Rabies Day and the Alliance for Rabies Control. I also participate in the annual Great Back Yard Bird Count promoted by Cornell University. I also work on advocacy for wild horses in NC.

What are you working on right now?

I am completing some work in progress while continually scouting exhibition opportunities and marketing venues for my work. My husband, Ronnie, and I take road trips to find places around the state that are appreciative of folk art. I work on several pieces at a time. One piece, "God Bless America", a quilt/collage/assemblage piece I plan to have completed by May for the Hickory Museum of Art 9th Art on the Avenue.

Wolf Song Studios JW Baker

Another of our artists for Aroma of Art is JW Baker. Along with his wife Sandi baker, they run Wolf Song Studio, where they create their amazing portraits.

Below are JW's repsonses to our artist interview.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

I started my career as a professional finger-painter at the age of 4 - things just sort of took off from there. I have since branched out into other mediums.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

Good art should evoke a reaction - ideally (from my perspective) it should be a positive reaction. I like to think of painting as storytelling in that as the Artist you seek to share a unique perspective to educate or make your audience aware of some aspect of your subject they may not have considered. For example, with the wildlife art, ideally it is to make the viewer consider the subject not as "just an animal" but rather as a fellow inhabitant of this Earth we both share.

What drew you to your particular medium? How did you get started in your medium?

That's difficult to answer in that I consider myself a "mixed media" artist. I combine acrylics and oils for effect, and use the airbrush and conventional paintbrushes, again for effect. Each lends itself uniquely to specific presentations. I originally started airbrushing because it lent itself well to working larger with greater ease and also it opened up the possibilities of putting art on unique substrates; the foremost of which for me personally was wearable art.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

I didn't have any mentors being a self-taught artist. My inspiration from other artists was initiallyu from the comic artists fo the day, formeost being Jack "The King" Kirby, Joe Kubert, Samuel J. Glanzman and Barry Windsor- Smith. Later inspirations would be Frank Frazetta, Roger Dean, Brian Froud and Alan Lee.

As I began to work as a full-time 'working artist" I was very fortunate to have two mentors in how to live and make your living as a working artist. Both of these individuals are friends and their work has been a great inspiration - Mike Segal and Dee Morris.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

I can't specifially remember that "first piece of art". I suppose it would be those finger-paintings that I would consider my first artworks, as art has always been my best means of expressing myself, and I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. It's hard to remember a day that I wasn't doing something creative during some par (if not all) of the day.

What are some of your favorite projects?

Creating art to benefit the various wildlife rescue and rehab places over the years has always been rewarding. When I was in my early 20's I used to work for the City of Clearwater with a good friend of mine, and we donated our time and talents (he is an excellent musician and sound engineer) to benefit a summer theatre project for young people interested in theatre. I used to design the sets and he did all the stage lighting and sound - that was fun.

What are you working on right now?

Continuing on in my "artistic journey"...

Aroma of Art Artist Alex Reeves of Reevo Studio

For another in our series of interviews with our artist contributors, we posed some questions to Alex Reeves of Reevo Studio about his work.

What is your background and how did you get started in your medium?

I am a resident of Hickory, NC and I grew up in upholstered furniture manufacturing. I've spent a lot of time merchandising fabric and frame combinations for manufacturers and I still do so today. I started painting when I understood a project to pain the interior of a house. In doing so, there were many angles and niches in the walls to where I could contrast colors and more interest to them. During that same week, my daughter had a project to complete and we went to the craft store. There I saw an oil painting kit for 50% off. I purchased it, painted a tree by a stream and my daughter did not believe that I had painted it. I thought I was onto something and have been painting ever since.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

That you don't have to be pigeon holed into something everyone wants to think you are. With the freedom we have in America, we can be whoever we wish to be and express abilities and talents without fear of repression. This a gift, to be able to pursue what is fun and interesting.

What drew you to your particular medium?

I really enjoy oil paintings and oriental rugs. Trying to furnish your homes with these items can get expensive. I bought a few paintings and found I liked impressionistic landscapes. seascapes and buildings. I really studied the finished product of them and tried it on my own. I work primarily with oils but occasionally water color as well.

Who were your mentors and inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

Stephen Brooks, Joe Lafone, Elise Starnes, Toni Carlson and Kate Worm are people I know who are artists. These are great individuals who learned their craft over time and are very good at what they do. Some of them are people I grew up with and that gave me the confidence to try painting myself.

Andrew Braitman, Birger Sandzen, George Inness, Van Gogh, Monet and David McCraig are artists whose techniques I enjoy studying. I'm a self taught artist so I pick up techniques from current articles, magazines, the Internet and books that relate to painting.

What are some of your favorite projects?

I spend a lot of time in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Mountain landscapes and local scenes are what I enjoy painting the most, mostly outdoor settings with lots of color and heavy textures.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on two commissioned paintings, one of a fisherman in a boat on a lake and another of an old farm setting in Burnsville, NC.

Alex's work is currently on display at Taste Full Beans Coffee House

Call for Art for Aroma of Art 2010

We want to thank all of you for your past support of Aroma of Art silent auction. Now in its 8th year, this annual event brings awareness and funds for ALFA and the Humane Society of Catawba county.

It's that time of year to request donations of art from all of our wonderful artists for February 2010's  auction.

The Kick off will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, and the Finale will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30p.m. Bidding will end at 6:30pm that evening. The art will be on display at Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse throughout the month of February. 

Donations of art can include: oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture or jewelry from local and national artists.

Art may be dropped off January 13, 14 & 15 at Taste Full Beans from 5:00p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Or shipped to Taste Full Beans 29 2nd Street SW, Hickory, NC 28601 (please arrive on or before January 15, 2010)

For more information about the event or to confirm you will donate, please contact Edgar or DW Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse at 828/325-0108 or email at tfbcoffeehouse@hotmail.com.

Aroma of Art is Heating Up!

Yes, its that time of year when we begin planning the annual fundraiser called Aroma of Art, bringing together artists and local non-profits in a celebration of great artistic talent and community service.

This event takes place at Taste Full Beans Coffee House in downtown Hickory, NC.  The event features art from local Hickory artists and surrounding counties, with some art coming from Asheville, Charlotte and eastern NC.

The opening ceremony starting the bidding will be Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  The closing finale when final bids on the donated art will be taken, will be Thursday, March 4, 2010 form 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

We are looking forward to a wonderful event, to gathering together the many talented artists that will donate and display their work, and to reaching a goal of raising $10,000 for our most worthy non-profits!

Our call to artists will go out early November.  If you have any questions or want to help, please call the coffee house.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone again in January!

Aroma of Art Finale Photos

WRC Director Lisa Miller, ALFA Director Jenn Hart, and HSCC Director Jane Earnest thank TFB, sponsors, artists, and the community for suppporting the month long event.

Aroma of Art Devotees! The pictures of the finale are here. It was a wonderful evening and here are some pictures to view for those of you who were not able to attend. It was a very busy and enjoyable evening as you can see.

Many of the donating artists came to enjoy the evening. Bidders had a chance to meet with the artists to learn more about their coveted items. As it came down to the wire, bidders staked out their claims as they waited for the end of the bidding.

AOA is an event that fosters community. The event brings together artists and all those interested in supporting the efforts of hard working local agencies for and evening of fun, great conversation, art and great food!

We hope to make next year's event and even greater success than this year's, and we hope all of you will come and join us throughout the event next year to support our local agencies that do so much to make Hickory a great place for everyone and our local artists that so generously give to make the AOA auction a success.

The Finale was a Great Success!

I think it is safe to say that a good time was had by all! Although it was a rainy evening, we had a good turnout. Many came anticipating winning their favorite items, and it was with much enjoyment that I helped people find their winnings to take home.

I am enjoying getting to know more people involved in the Aroma of Art auction and met several of the artists that donated their work this year. It was wonderful seeing faces from last year's event, new faces of artists donating their work for the first time and first-time visitors, curious as to what Aroma of Art is all about.

The food was not only delicious, it was beautifully displayed in the front room of Taste Full Beans Coffee House. Thanks so much to L&L Catering for the amazing spread!

Thanks to all of the artists who donated so generously to the auction - it could not be a success without you! Thanks to all of the volunteers who served in a wide variety of capacities, from food and drink servers, to all who helped with the checkout process. We truly were a crack professional team! And thanks especially to Edgar and DW of Taste Full Beans for being the hosts with the most! Thanks too to Lisa Miller of the Women's Resource Center, Jennifer Hart Dockey of ALFA and Jane Earnest of the Humane Society of Catawba County for coordinating such a smooth ending to the evening.

Pictures of the event will be posted soon, and the links to the artists will stay up so that you can keep up with all that's new.

If you bid on some items but did not make it to the finale, please stop in this week at Taste Full Beans Coffee House or call to see if you are a winner. There were several items not claimed as of the close of the finale, so many of you have wonderful art waiting for you to take home.

Aroma of Art Finale - Join us at Taste Full Beans for the Auction!

The Aroma of Art silent art auction comes to an end on Saturday night, February 28 beginning at 5:00 PM. Proceeds benefit three nonprofit groups, ALFA, Humane Society of Catawba County, and the Women's Resource Center. Taste Full Beans in downtown Hickory is hosting Aroma of Art, and the public is welcome to come and bid on the beautiful fine artwork, pottery, jewelry, photographs and woven pieces. All you need to do is to come into Taste Full Beans and get a bid number. The photographs shown here, titled "Trees", "Cheers!" and "Straws", are by Cindy and Sam Tallman and are part of the Aroma of Art auction.

Each of the three groups receiving funds from AOA support a variety of needs in Western North Carolina that directly benefit the people in our community. You can show your support for all non-profits by attending the AOA finale and taking home some beautiful artwork.

Lisa Miller, Executive Director of the Women's Resource Center says, "Proceeds from AOA will directly support local women going through difficult transitions - including unemployment, divorce, illness, and mental health issues. In 2008, WRC staff and trained volunteers responded one-on-one to 716 requests for help. These requests came from Catawba, Burke, Caldwell, and Alexander counties. Community donations can help an unemployed woman receive professional clothing, laundry detergent to wash clothes, and a $10 gas card to help her get to her interview and back home."

Executive Director of ALFA, Jennifer A. Hart, tells us, "Funds raised from Aroma of Art will be used to support the ongoing mission of ALFA, specifically to provide life-saving services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and to provide free and confidential HIV counseling and testing services to an eight county service area. Funds can provide co-pays for expensive medications and treatments or support ALFA's food and hygiene pantry. Funds will also be utilized to purchase UniGold HIV antibody tests. With just a prick of the finger, results can be read in just ten minutes. We thank Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse for recognizing the critical need for HIV/AIDS awareness and compassionate support in our community!"

"With the funds raised through Aroma of Art, Humane Society of Catawba County will be able to rescue 15 or more homeless animals. We will be able to spay/neuter, perform a complete medical exam with tests, give vaccinations, provide shelter and feed and groom these animals while we work towards finding them a Forever Home," says Jane Earnest, Executive Director of HSCC.

The finale begins at 5:00 PM with hors d'oeuvres, wine and coffee provided. Bidding ends at 6:30 PM with check-out following immediately.

If you don't already have a bid number, there's still time to get one at Taste Full Beans. Taste Full Beans is located in downtown Hickory at 29 2nd Street, NW, Hickory, NC 28601. Form more information, call 828-325-0108.

Cry of the Wolf

This is another fine offering from our friends at Wolf Song Studio. This painting by Sandi Baker is titled "Nala" . I am a big fan of both Sandi and JW Baker's work and have one of Sandi's paintings hanging in my home.

Their talents combine with paint and canvas to create images of nature that are truly extraordinary. This image of Nala looks like she will step right out of the painting!

Treat yourself to a visit to Tastefull Beans for good food and drink, and the experience of seeing the Baker's work along with all of the other wonderful artists on display.

Remember, everything is being auctioned off for charity and the bidding will end at the finale on Saturday, February 28th at 6:30 PM. The evening starts at 5:00 PM and will feature finger food, wine and other beverages and lots of good conversation. Hope to see all of you there!

The Bright Glow of Silver

Here are two more beautiful offerings from one of our artists....Earrings and Necklace of Opalite by Jessi Eurich. See her link under AOA Artists Online. You can see these and other wonderful auction items at Tastefull Beans in Hickory.