Art Up Front Street welcomes new artist Ree Katrak!

Ree Katrak has a rich history of art-making and art involvements. We are thrilled she is joining us at Art Up Front Street. Her work is adventurous, fresh, and abstract. Her enthusiasm is genuine. We love her good energy ... and her art .... and look forward to working with her. Welcome, Ree!

From Ree:

POINT OF VIEW

My work is an affirmation—or expression—of my own curiosity and delight in looking and seeing.

Looking at a landscape, an arrangement of objects and, not only interpreting what is seen, but also experiencing the moment of seeing: "Oh, that’s there—ah, ha!"

Not what it means, but simply the experience of it.

For me, art is about being awake, remembering you are alive. It is a celebration of all of one’s experiences—the dark times and the bright times; when we feel suffering, and when we feel liberation.

—REE HALL KATRAK

Art Up Front Street welcomes Womenade Friday, March 22, 5 to 8p for TGIF

Friday, March 22, 5 to 8p

So fun to share time with an organization that does such wonderful things for community. 

Join us all at Art Up Front Street for TGIF...a little happy hour with light bevs and apps, a free painting demonstration by Rose Bryant, plus hear a little more about what Womenade does for so many in need. 

Part of the goal of this "social" is to bring people together to help Womenade maintain awareness.... just in case we ... or you ... may know someone or a family who needs a little help. 

Of course, we will have art, our usual TGIF happy "hour" with our TGIF organizer (Anne Kenny), 

a FREE painting demonstration, 

and possibly a few more surprises.... maybe a drawing for the finished painting? 

Stop by, we would love for you to meet a few members from Womenade 

PLUS we would just love to see you :-). We are very low-key here... bring a friend.

Art Up Front Street business session for artists. MICHELLE BAKER, Tuesday, March 19

Hello artists! This evening is for you.
Michelle Baker, Cross-Discipline Creative is talking details of her journey ...
Ask her questions, discover her motivations, learn how she has grown her art business.
This is sure to be a wonderful and inspirational evening.

Sign-ups by email are required... there is limited space. artupfrontstreet@gmail.com

Cost: $20

Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 6:30-8:30.

To see some of Michelle's work, take a look at Rockin' Chalk  PLUS take a little peek inside her studio process HERE

Michelle Baker: 

Cross-Discipline Creative

Michelle Baker is a cross-discipline creative. Combining skills in fine art, graphic design, multimedia production and marketing, Michelle is a prolific designer, illustrator and Brand Strategist. A consultant to commercial clientele and a mentor to independent makers, artists and designers, Michelle’s passion for purposeful alignment between art, and commerce drives her ability to help others present themselves with intent and impact.

Illustrator & Designer

Michelle is the founder of an online shop and studio called “Rockin’ Chalk.” In under 3 years, her experimental Etsy shop featuring food and beverage illustration became a 6-figure business. As people discovered her design work through social media, Michelle found herself working on projects for regional and national brands like NH Wedding Magazine, 603 Brewery, Torani Syrups, Jersey Mike’s, Cavender’s and Yerbae Sparkling Water.

Presenter, Mentor & Founder of MAD HAT Creatives

From speaking events and workshops to podcasting and online courses, Michelle uses many methods to deliver educational, inspiring and action-oriented content that is pertinent to the personal and professional development of visual design professionals.

Centered on topics relating to the business aspects of creativity, Michelle offers advice and insights on topics like monetizing creative skills, selling and licensing art, balancing creative passion and burnout, philanthropic alignment,  personal branding, self promotion, and best practices to help artists thrive in the modern maker market. Her Podcast  “HAT CHATS” debuts on Amazon, iTunes and Anchor on March 1st.

For updates on local events and community connection, join the MAD HAT Creatives Merrimack Valley & Seacoast Group on Facebook and follow @MADHATcreatives on Instagram.

_________________________________________________________

ARTISTS!  We look forward to seeing you.  Sign-ups are required by email. 

Art Up Front Street... Figure Drawing, Thursday, February 7, 6p to 9p

Thank you to artist Laura Harper of Artful Harper Studios for organizing this well-received program again for 2019. This year is going to be great! Please, email us to sign up. 

artupfrontstreet@gmail.com

 

"Spheres & Lines" Rose Bryant exhibition and reception February 22, 4 to 9pm

"Spheres & Lines" 

by Rose Bryant

Opening night & Reception: Friday, February 22, 4pm to 9pm.

Exhibit runs February 22 through March 16

Regular hours: Tuesday, Wednesday 10-7 and Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-4.

By appointment on Sunday & Monday

"Spheres & Lines" exhibit by Rose Bryant explores abstract shapes and bold color.
Bryant's vivid color has always been a reflection of happiness, tranquility, and energy.

In this series she explores her color in themes of circles, orbs, spheres, lines and soft straight edges.
Most of the work featured in this exhibit is of larger format such of 24x24" to 40x40" plus combinations of other sizes.

Her abstract work in this series is reminiscent of landscape, space, and atmosphere ... remaining largely untitled to allow the viewer's interpretation to form freely.

Art Up Front Street, 120 Front Street, Exeter, NH is 

in Uptown Exeter near the rail. 

The storefront street-side gallery is easily accessible. 

Free parking is available on the street. 

Contact the gallery by phone 603-418-6286 or email artupfrontstreet@gmail.com.

Deb Wheeler-Bean offers the third in a series of "reclaiming your creative self"

The SPRING session starts April 3! 

Reclaiming your Creative Self

By Deb Wheeler-Bean, Educator, Artist

spring (April/May)

Do you think you’re not artistic? Do you feel anxious when asked to participate in an art activity? You’re not alone – I estimate 85% of the adults I know (& that’s a conservative estimate) believe they suck at art.

This is not true! Art making is taken away from us by a culture that promotes perfectionism and competition. And that happens early in our lives – often by the time we enter 3rd grade.

This course is designed to address these misconceptions while

learning the value of play in creating art.

I will use my 3rd, 4th and 5th grade lesson plans to open up the child inside – rediscovering the joy in art making and reclaiming your creative self!

Spring Session will include relief printing, hand casting & Blue Dog pastel paintings.

Dates: WEDNESDAYS April 3, 10, 17, May 2 (2019)

Each session will meet at Art Up Front Street/120 Front Street/Exeter, NH 03833
$200/4 week session (materials included)
WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm – 8:30pm 

come play with me!

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." -Picasso

Contact Deb Wheeler-Bean directly by email to sign up. 

word.uproar@gmail.com 

Happy New Year and happy creating.

Art Up Front Street... Anne Kenny Reception. Thank you for coming!

What a great night for Anne Kenny's "Industrial Quilts" reception! So many lovely conversations. Anne displayed past show histories and numerous publications in which her work has been featured. Her exhibit looked amazing and will be up until December 22. If you couldn't make it out last night, drop by during regular hours. We would love to show you her work and describe her process to you. 

We are a very easy stop on your way to downtown.... just look for the gray building with the poppy murals on the side. Enjoy the pics!

Holiday "Heartstrings" Open Mic Thursday Dec 13, 7-9

A night of music, poetry, prose & deep thoughts.

FREE and open to all ... share your thoughts and words... but participation is not a requirement.

This is the first "Heartstrings" open mic here at Art Up Front Street! Laura Harper, of Artful Harper Studios, and friends have organized "Heartstrings" many times in the past and are now bringing this lovely expression of heart to Art Up Front Street.

Bring an instrument, your poetry, a written thought, or a visual piece with dialogue.... anything from the heart.

Holiday "Heartstrings"

Open Mic

Thursday, December 13, 7 to 9pm

FREE and open to the public

Winter warmers and light appetizers served

Come and kick back with us..

we want to hear what you have been thinking about

 
 
 

NATASHA STOPPEL's Social Media Workshop for artists! January 15 + 22, 2019

We are so lucky to have Natasha Stoppel of "Artist Explores the World" here to lead our conversation about social media and how artists can benefit from the MANY formats that exist.

Natasha has backpacked to other countries, blogged, vlogged, illustrated, photographed, and video-produced. She is a constant on social media formats. Her Youtube channel is highly viewed. She attends and facilitates workshops on travel vlogging with other vloggers in attendance. 
In the first class night of her Social Media for Artists, Natasha will give an overview of the different vehicles, what she uses, and an introductory process for Instagram, youtube and facebook. She will talk about the best uses for each format and how they can benefit your directions. There will be time for questions and answers. You may be given small sample assignments to prep for the activity in the second class.

In the second class we will adjust and adapt what we have learned from the previous week to perfect our own approach to our own art marketing. 

January 15 and 22, 2019. 6p to 8p.
The two night class is $40. 
You must bring your phone (and a laptop if you have one).
We will have other screens here for testing your content and activity.
Sign-ups are by email to artupfrontstreet@gmail.com. 
10 person maximum. 

Should be a fun and informative class!. Don't worry... any boo boos can be fixed :-). Once you get the hang of it, you can use your new skills for art marketing. YAY!

Entry to the studio for the evening is through the front or through the back LEFT side door. Parking is in on the street or in the back lot accessed by the LEFT side driveway. (not the neighboring parking lot on the right side of the building, thank you,)

Thank you, Natasha Stoppel of Artist Explores the World!

Here is a fun link to a youtube video produced by Natasha!
https://www.facebook.com/ArtistExplorestheWorld/videos/257918844865402/

Anne Kenny. Art OPENING reception Friday, December 7, 4 to 8p

Art up front street studios and gallery presents Anne Kenny 

December's Featured Artist. 

Wonderful contemporary "Industrial Quilts" made of wire, metal, mesh and upcycled computer parts. Stunning original, handstitched creations.

Join us and meet Anne at a special winter holiday reception Friday, December 7 from 4 to 8.
Take a look at this FACEBOOK VIDEO about Anne Kenny and her work by Natasha Stoppel.

"My Industrial Quilts have been influenced by industry and technology both aesthetically and conceptually. The methods and materials I use in my quilts are nontraditional. The repetitive format and industrial materials are used for their standardized, manufactured appearance. The Amoskeag Textile Mill history in New Hampshire and the "mill girls" continue to inspire my work.

I try to emphasize the contrasts between machine-made and hand-made objects. I attempt to make reference to both industrial and post-industrial mechanization while retaining the personal and expressive aspects of traditional quilt making. The contrasts of machine-made versus hand-made are designed to complement each other, yet provoke the controversy surrounding the way things of value are made.

The quilt is a very personal image to me and by working with unconventional materials in this format I am better able to make references to the world I live in. Art parallels progress, modern industry, and invention. These influences create new forms of expression and aesthetics. I am exploring these forms and new ways of seeing. My quilts are suggestive of a new aesthetic which combines traditional and nontraditional quilt 

making."

In addition to her "Industrial Quilts", Anne will also have recent abstract landscape paintings on exhibit. 

Her work will be in this show through December 22.

Kenny's work is in the following 

Permanent & Individual Collections:

Museum of Arts & Design NY 

Currier Museum of Art NH

Fidelity Investments NH MA

Lowe's Corporate Headquarters NC

SAS Institute Inc. NC

Teleglobe Washington DC

PSNH Corporate Lobby NH

American Tung Oil Co. NY

BBDO Advertising Group MI

PC Connections NH

The Rosenberg Group MD

Taylor Group NH

National Telephone Co-op MD

City National Bank LA

Grant Hill NBA Athlete 

Wheaton College MA

Art Up Front Street is very proud to be showcasing Anne's work for this reception. 

Please note, parking is only on-street or in the left back lot (not the right side of the gallery). Enter through the front door or the back left door.

Looking forward to seeing you! 

art up front street "WINTER TWINKLE" special in December

For 6 days in December, on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 to 7, we celebrate the season with art. 

Enter our front gallery, enjoy a holiday treat, a hot beverage, and plan your gift giving with tempting art "specials" (specials available on WINTER TWINKLE days only). 

The gallery will be aglow with color, beauty and delicate light. 

Live painting "in-progress" each 
Tuesday and Wednesday all day 
....you can take a quiet break and watch the artist work. 

Bring a friend or two. It's a lovely day or night out plus a fabulous way to unwind.  

WINTER TWINKLE

Tuesday and Wednesday

10 to 7

December 4+5, 11+12, 18+19

Regular hours are Tue, Wed 10-7, Fri, Sat, Sun 10-4

holidays, closed

Thank you for coming!

Thank you for coming to our Open Studios this past weekend. What a great time we had. There was a steady stream both days of old friends, new friends, art purchasers, and art lovers. It is always great to have you in our space. With out you, what would we do all day :-)!

Part of the joy of you being here is hearing the excitement you have for our work. We love knowing who you are giving it to, where you will be hanging it, and why it speaks to you. The stories you bring keep our brushes moving. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 

Be sure and tell your friends about us... or bring them by for a tour. Have some tea. Soak up the color.

Thank you again....