Saturday, July 20, 2013

Attend an Artist Workshop with Ned Mueller

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the Master!

Ned Mueller Workshop – a signature event of the OPA Western Regional ExhibitionWednesday and Thursday, September 4-5, 2013

Ned Mueller, OPAM, is an accomplished and highly respected artist, and has been painting for more than 50 years. He is a graduate of the prestigious Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles. He has participated in many of the major invitational shows in the country, including the "Artist's of America," "Great American Artist's Show," "Prix de West," "Oil Painters of America," "Pastel Society of America," "The Northwest Rendezvous Show" and the annual "Plein Air Painters of America Exhibition." 

Ned coaches you and explains techniques during this workshop at the Garden House at Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas. Your artwork(s) may be a portrait, figure and/or landscape, indoor or out. You may use whichever medium you prefer and may paint from a photo reference or plein air at the location. You will need to bring supplies including an easel, drop cloth, brushes, etc. Prepare to be photographed or videotaped. We've told the media about this mass of artists that will be converging on Lake Shawnee. Hope to see you there.

Artist Workshop details 
Date: September 4 and 5
Time: 9:30 a.m.  to 4:30 p.m. 
Lunch provided.
Enrollment limited. Sign up today!
Cost: $250.00 

How to enroll in this workshop:
Fill out this online form
You may pay with credit card over the phone.
Call us at 785-273-5994.
Payment must be received at the time of enrollment. 


Why wouldn't you want to paint with Ned?!
Ned shows in some of the finest galleries in the country, has won numerous awards and is included in many fine art collections. He is a member of the Plein Air Painters of America, California Art Club, Northwest Pastel Society, Puget Sound Group of Northwest Painters, Northwest Rendezvous Group, and the American Society of Marine Artists. Ned has been designated as "Master Artist" status with the Oil Painters of America and has been invited to show in the 2013 Autry Masters Show, considered the top Traditional/Impressionist show in the country. 

Ned continues to challenge himself to grow artistically and is asked to jury regional and national art shows. He loves to teach and share his many years of knowledge and experience and is in demand to teach classes and workshops nationally and internationally. Ned is the 2013 Juror of Awards for the OPA Western Regional Exhibit, showing at SouthWind Gallery from Labor Day to Oct. 26.
          
 Related links
Hotel Info (group discount given at Capitol Plaza Hotel);

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Coming Soon: Missouri Valley Impressionists Society Juried Exhibit and Sale

Well, well, well, how time files. It seems just like yesterday that things got wild here at SouthWind, as an exhibit of bird art by Susan Rose flocked in – as well as some bird sculptures by Joyce DeCastro Volmut. The flock will fly the coop soon so come visit us at 29th and Oakley.

SouthWind Art Gallery's next big exhibit will open May 3. Be wow'ed by the talent of the Missouri Valley Impressionists Society (MVIS) artists. The best of the best from this group of talented artists will be for sale at the MVIS 2nd Annual Juried Art Show. Stephen T. Johnson, of Lawrence, will jury the exhibit. Johnson is a versatile artist known for his award-winning children's books "Alphabet City" and "A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet."

Enjoy some nosh, mingle and chat with artists May 3 at First Friday ArtWalk.

"Fixing Up" by Richard Sneary | 1st place, 2012
MVIS was organized to promote the appreciation and development of Impressionism in and around the Missouri River Valley region. Members hail from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Artist members work in a variety of media. MVIS is one of the few organizations in the Midwest that embraces the method of painting en plein air (outside painting). The organization hosts a number of plein air paint outs each year. Learn more about the organization on its website.



Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Wait 'Til You Hear about the Oil Painters of America Exhibit!

Something big is coming to Topeka! Oil paintings from some of the best artists in America come to town in September. SouthWind Art Gallery at Framewoods, 29th and Oakley, will pack its walls for the Oil Painters of America (OPA) Western Regional exhibit and competition.

This event is sure to interest art enthusiasts from all over the country and is the “biggest event we’ve done in a long time,” said Gary Blitsch, Art Director. More than 100 paintings, focusing on realism, will be available to view and purchase.

You are among the first to hear about this fine art experience. Plan now for Friday, Sept. 6 when awards will be handed out, and you will have a chance to mingle with artists from all over the western half of the U.S.

While most of the works shown will be part of the OPA competition, the exhibit will also feature ten to 15 signature pieces by OPA Masters, artists of who have achieved the highest acclaim and whose works are not part of the competition.

 The opportunity to host this show has really excited the staff at SouthWind Art Gallery. We hope the excitement is catching! It’s great recognition for the community as arts town, and it certainly will be a can’t-miss opportunity for any art collector.

Oil Painters of America was founded in 1991 and its membership is at 3,400 artists. The OPA Western Regional is an annual art competition of artists who reside in the western half of the U.S., Mexico and most of the Canadian providences.

   
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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Saturday, October 20, 2012

Phone-in Audio Tour of Topeka’s Civil Rights Sites

Topeka has so much history that it’s hard to know it all. I’m certainly no local history expert. I do consider myself a lifelong learner, and as such I’m excited about a recently launched Audio Tour about the people and landmarks that were central to city’s role in the civil rights movement.

Important figures and historical places, including Brown v. Board, are featured in the Audio Tour. Just dial (785) 338-4041. (Mom! Dad! Now’s the time to encourage those kids to play on your phone.) The messages are short and interesting. Some sites have additional automated phone prompts – more facts to feast on! Get in the car (or on your bike) and roll through the city on a historical fact-finding mission. The weather is great for it!

pastel painting by Michael Duane
Capital Storm and Sunflowers by Michael Duane
While you’re out and about, take in some Topeka art. It's not an official stop on the tour, but there's always something to see at SouthWind Art Gallery, especially right no. The current exhibit pairs particularly well with local history. “Paint Topeka” showcases works from a plein air competition that sent about 50 artists into the streets to paint scenes of the capital city. See how artists depicted the Statehouse, which I learned was constructed in 1866. (Thanks Audio Tour!) Pick up a coffee table-style book to commemorate your trip and continue your learning at home.

Oh, I almost forgot. This post would not be complete without mentioning the awesomeness the of John Steuart Curry murals on the second floor of the Statehouse. "Tragic Prelude" is the centerpiece of the mural. It depicts John Brown, Bible in one hand and rifle in the other. The tour says it's one of the most recognized depictions of the abolitionist in the world. Definitely a must-see.

People like John Brown and Mamie Williams, whose story is also featured in the Audio Tour, sound like ancient history to young kids growing up today. (Just made myself sound old, didn’t I? Ooops.)  Even for adults, with all the modern day distractions, it’s easy to forget the city is home to some pretty substantial historical milestones. We shouldn’t, be forgetting that though. Now there’s a cool new way to learn or further understand some of the city’s ties to the fight for civil rights.

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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Friday, October 5, 2012

First Friday Nosh

I love First Fridays in Topeka, and many others have just as much fun as I do while out ArtWalking. We enjoy it for a variety of reasons. We love art (obviously) as well as hanging out with friends and by chance meeting an artist or two. One common agreement among First Friday-goers is the FOOD at the galleries is a must –almost as much as the free wine is. Have a nibble and maybe a little more while the ArtWalk takes you somewhere.

Hopefully it takes you to SouthWind Art Gallery, 29th and Oakley, to see the "Paint Topeka" exhibit before it's too late. The show will have you seeing Topeka in a whole new light. It features regional painters and works created from last April's plein air competition. It comes down at the end of October.

Also if you frequent SouthWind Oct. 5 and most First Fridays, you may remember the hummus that's part of the spread. MMMmmmm. A couple of people have asked me for the recipe now so I figured I would share it here.

So, enjoy. I hope it turns out as good as mine, and I hope you turn out for First Friday at SouthWind.

Hummus
Blend ingredients together in a food processor until at desired level of creaminess.
1 T garlic (or 4 garlic cloves)
3 T lemon juice
13-19 oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
2 T. tahini
3 T. olive oil
2 T h20
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. cayanne
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 roasted red pepper


 

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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Monday, September 24, 2012

Paint Topeka Gives Student Artist Taste of

Isabella Reed didn't think waking up before dawn on a Saturday morning sounded like fun. Yet some how Isabella's art teacher convinced her to scout out a spot in the capital city one brisk spring morning to paint. She was among 70 artists participating in SouthWind Art Gallery's "Paint Topeka" plein air competition.



The teen began painting her freshmen year when she took art class to improve her grade point average. Her art teacher Tiffany Pryor soon saw potential in Isabella's artistic talent. (The Highland Park teacher also has a painting in the exhibit.) She taught Isabella to see her own potential and helped her gain confidence in herself as an artist.

Her watercolor in the "Paint Topeka" exhibit has sold, but you can still see it at SouthWind Art Gallery now through Oct. 28, along with dozens of paintings that show a slice of life in Topeka. The exhibit features a range of artistry and features some of the best names in the region, like Debra Joy Groesser, Michael Duane, Cally Krallman, David Vollbract, Barbara Waterman-Peters and Becky Drager – mighty fine company for 17-year-old Isabella Reed to be in.

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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Saturday, September 8, 2012

A Capitol Wren: "We Just Had to Have It!"


This here is a story of opportunities you just can’t pass up and how a series of those opportunities created meaning for a couple of Topeka citizens.

 First there's Naomi Cashman, a Topeka watercolor artist in SouthWind Art Gallery’s current “Paint Topeka” exhibit. If you’re in Topeka or have ever been, you’ve probably seen Cashman’s work: one of Topeka's landmarks, the wren at Huntoon Park.

The wren was constructed in 1932 for WREN radio. It was perched outside WREN in Tonganoxie, Lawrence, and then finally moved to Topeka. The radio station closed, so the bird had been in storage and needed repainted; Cashman and a friend were just the crew for the job. “He asked me if I would help paint it with him, and I jumped at the chance,” said Cashman, who used to sculpt and paint waterfowl. That was in October 2002.

When she heard about SouthWind Art Gallery’s “Topeka Paint-out” plein air competition, it was only natural to return to Huntoon and Topeka Boulevard to paint the wren, this time as a watercolor cityscape with the Capitol in the background. It had been 10 years since she painted the wren with her friend, now deceased.

While beautiful and bright, her work, titled "A Capitol Wren," an 18”X22” watercolor, didn’t earn a judge’s award; it did, however, win over Frank Chaffin, and as it turns out, that is more meaningful.

“We just had to have it. It will go in the studio,” he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled. I’m in disbelief I got to buy it, especially being painted by the woman who painted the wren.”

Chaffin had just re-launched WREN radio station, an oldies station housed in the Lazy Toad at Fairlawn Plaza Mall. "A Capitol Wren" had the nostalgic factor the general manager was looking for.

Cashmen is one of 70 local and regional artists represented in the “Paint Topeka” competition. Come in to SouthWind Art Gallery, 29th and Oakley, and see the show now through October.



Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com
Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   
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