Monday, December 31, 2012

Sculpture Exploration--The Art Room with Sherrie Hiller

This session is dedicated to SCULPTURE EXPLORATION using various materials and your creativity!


January 22 - February 14, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Students ages 7 - 14
3:15 pm - 5:15 pm Class Time (drop off at 3:00)
Cost for class: $240

Stop in or call to register:  (800) 255-1290 or (802) 879-1236

Instructor: Sherrie Hiller (read a great testimonial about Sherrie here!)
Location:  Artists' Mediums, Williston

The after-school program is an opportunity for young artist to explore art concepts and experience self-discovery in a supportive, nonjudgmental art studio environment through a mixed media journey, including drawing, jewelry making, painting, collage, clay, found objects, cray-pas, pastels, creative writing and more.
The class will be perfect for students ages 7- 14 years old. The schedule is for 4 weeks; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. At 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. there is an open studio of warm up exercises to get ready for class time 3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.






New Year Specials!

Welcome in 2013 with some great new additions to your studio: 
Shiva Paintsticks, Encaustikos encaustics, beautiful Belgian linen for your next painting, and so much more!  Also check our COUPON page for more deals.
Buy 2 Get 1 Free offers are for an equal or lesser value of the same brand.
These offers are for a limited time only, get them while the getting is good.
Shiva Paintsticks Buy 2 Get 1 Free!

Encaustic tins & sticks Buy 2 Get 1 Free!
Muslin bags (various sizes) Buy 2 Get 1 Free!
Canson Expressions 12x12 papers
Were 79 cents NOW 39 cents each!

Portrait grade Belgian Linen CLEARANCE Was $69.99/yd
NOW $15/ yd
These are in-store specials, no coupon required.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Art or art therapy? (A plea for the real world)


In this day of digital everything, I'd like to make a plea for a little bit of the real world.

I've had several conversations lately with manycustomers about some interesting technological developments.
 
I've been told that in an effort to reduce the use of paper, many school systems will soon have children using a tablet for every bit of school work from an early age through high school. From now on kids will e-mail homework, and have the ability to access a huge variety of technology. In essence, I am not against this. I just wish there were a bit more balance.

Another complaint I have heard several times this summer, is that many of the upcoming generations can no longer read hand written cursive, or calligraphy. I know that some of it never was legible. Still it seems a shame. Some of you may be glad, if so I'd love to hear why.

There is this wonderful new world of digital art, which puts so many applications at your fingertips that you can paint, draw, airbrush, and animate images without even knowing how to hold a paint brush. You don't even need to know how any of it happens, and you can change colors without having to squeeze out another tube of paint.

Why would you ever want to buy all those art supplies, if one tablet can do it all? Why would you ever want to do more than just push buttons? Why would you want to have to put down a drop cloth, or make a mess?

Besides, digital art can be and often is - quite beautiful.
 
I just worry that something indescribable is lost here.
 Do you remember the silky softness of finger paints squishing between your fingers.
Art can have a physical visceral edge to it, and that can be part of the process.
   The sound of scissors munching through a creamy cotton paper, the soft deckled edge of watercolor paper, or the press of your hand into soft clay.
There is a magic to it.
Old masters mixed paint from the elements and were almost considered alchemists.
 Like the block print with it's subtle variations for each pull of the print. The happy accident of a double print that gives new movement, magic, and life to an image.
  Art has the vitality of life.
The element of surprise when the translucent watercolor flows into an unexpected and wonderful shape.

The more cynical folks (assuming anyone is even still reading at this point,) will say “Of course! She's just trying to make money selling her art supplies – she has a motive here!”

You're right. I do scratch out my living from a local art store. Art inspires me and keeps me sane.  Also, I am honored to employ a few wonderful, kind and knowledgeable local artists. We try to encourage emerging artists and sell their work through the store. (The local Artists get 70% Artists' Mediums Inc. gets a 30% commission.)

 Yes, I'll encourage you to buy art, framing, or even art supplies. The truth is, art supplies don't have to be expensive. You don't have to spend a lot of money to find your creativity.
Start simple.
 First there is the pencil. It costs less than a cup of coffee, will write on most porous surfaces, it is easy to transport, and operates beautifully even in zero gravity. It will draw when the power goes out, so when your pencil breaks, you still have the art!
 Just sketch!

-Chelsea Lindner
manager
Artists' Mediums Inc.
Vermont