LY N D O N Vol 4 #2
H O U S E
A R T S
C E N T E R
N E W S L E T T E R
A FACILITY OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Fall/Winter 2008/2009
Lyndon House and GMOA Collaborate
Biggest Award and a Scottish Festival Too!
By Jenny Williams
By Claire Benson, LHAC Director
Many patrons of the Lyndon House Arts Center also frequent the Georgia Museum of Art, which will be closing for approximately two years for expansion and renovation. And, since the announcement of the Georgia Museum of Art’s closing, its staff has continuously fielded one question: What will the staff of the Museum do while it is closed? One logical answer was to turn to the Museum’s partners in the Athens art scene, the Lyndon House Arts Center.
You remember in the last newsletter, I reported to you that we were writing a nomination for the National Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award. We not only accomplished that task, but we won the award. It is the second national award we have won. The first being the Highsmith Award from the American Library Association which was presented to ACC Library last year.
The Museum will break ground in March of 2009 and is scheduled to reopen in early 2011. During that time the museum’s staff plans to bring GMOA programs and exhibitions to various venues around the state and country. In July of Photo: Shannon Williams this past summer, the staff of the Museum and that of the Lyndon House came together to discuss the LHAC being one of these venues. After a great brainstorming session, it was decided that the museum and the LHAC would collaborate on a number of events over the course of the museum’s closing. On February 22, 2009, the museum will host one of its “After Hours” events at the LHAC in celebration and in support of the LHAC Annual Juried Exhibition. The Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art will host this event in conjunction with the Lyndon House Arts Foundation in an effort to bring the two groups together in one fabulous afternoon affair. Membership promotions for both groups will be offered, giving patrons the opportunity to become involved in both organizations. (continued on page 10)
Both awards are for our three-year partnership program with the library: Bridging the Gap Family to Family; Athenian – Mexican Cultural Exchange and Learning. The program was made possible by a $260,000 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Nancy Lukasiewicz and I went to Baltimore in October to receive the award where we were honored at a reception and were presented the award the next morning in front of an audience of 3000 people. We shared the stage with keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Forging ahead with our next projects, we have added a wonderful event for January 24, just before Juried Exhibition time. The Thistle and Kudzu Scottish Society of Athens wrote an event proposal that we just could not turn down. We are joining in partnership with them and ACC Library to present Athens’ first Scottish Festival. We will immerse ourselves in the culture of Scotland for a (continued on page 5)
ArtiFacts Staff Editor Madeline Darnell Graphic Designer Van Burns Writers Pamela Adkins-Ramey Claire Benson Celia Brooks Madeline Darnell Nancy Lukasiewicz Caroline Self Dale Wechsler Jenny Williams Photography Shannon Williams
Buzz Ward gives children printmaking experience with Antique typesetting blocks at the 2008 Harvest Festival
Lyndon House Arts Foundation Board of Directors Tim Brown Co-President Lanora Pierce Co-President Irene Dodge Secretary Mary Beth Justus Treasurer Pamela Adkins-Ramey Rinne Allen Joshua Bienko Van Burns James Carter Cathy Dailey Madeline Darnell Dana Downs Marie Gayeski Eric Krasle Leslie Lawson Jessica Magnarella Matthew McKinney Ken McLeskey Amy Miller Montu Miller Erika Perry Justin Pettigrew Sam Pittard Rachel Sleppy Dan Smith Dale Wechsler Nora Wendl Don Williamson Jenny Williams
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Spotlight
Ron Evans By Dale Wechsler 2006 marked the 10th Anniversary of the founding of the Ware-Lyndon Historic House Advisory Committee which supervised the period rehabilitation and furnishing of the Ware-Lyndon House. Ron Evans served on this committee and was appointed its Chair in 1995. In this role he acted as liaison for the project. In the coming year, as we approach the 10th Anniversary of the Grand re-opening of the Lyndon House Arts Center and the renovated Ware-Lyndon House Museum, it just seems fitting to throw the spotlight on one of the many people who were instrumental in driving this unique and ambitious project to fruition. While Ron is a reluctant spot-lightee, he is anxious to speak for this historic house and credits many people with the accomplishment of this project, particularly Lamar Dodd, W. Robert Nix, and the late Ronnie Lukasiewicz, whose exceptional leadership and vision of a community-serving arts center had been Photo: Shannon Williams the driving force that made this unique facility possible; but Ron’s care, knowledge and aesthetic that he leant to this project is on display in the magnificent renovations and furnishings of the Ware-Lyndon House. Ron is known in Athens not only as the owner of Kudzu Graphics but also as a local historian and antiques collector extraordinaire. He owns Evans Antiques and specializes in American antiques from the antebellum period of 1820 to 1860. In 2002 Ron was awarded district and statewide commendation as "Volunteer of the Year" from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association for his extraordinary work. He is also known as an advocate for the preservation of the historic character of downtown Athens and its unique and endangered residential neighborhoods. Not only has he served on the local Historic Preservation Commission from 1989-97, but he also served as Vice President of the founding LHAF Board of Directors from 1992 - 94 with Dan Hope as the founding President.
This point in the history of Lyndon House Arts Center gets quite interesting. The Arts Center programs were originally located in the historic Ware-Lyndon house. The upstairs served as classrooms and the downstairs was gallery space, with offices in the dining room. The success of the Arts Center clearly demonstrated the demand for such community-based programs and in the mid 1990s the LHAF Board spearheaded the expansion of the Arts Center, and renovation of the historic house, on the SPLOST IV tax package. Thanks to Dan Hope, the LHAF, and other volunteers organized several fundraisers, including a show, planned by Celia Brooks, with Richie Havens at the Georgia Theater. Enough money was raised to hire Kress Cox to do the conceptual plan, architectural rendering and narrative of the vision of the Arts Center that went on the SPLOST proposal. The six million dollars in SPLOST funding made the expansion and renovation project possible. As Ron explains, the budget was still tight and could not provide for the contracting of a professional consultant to help with questions of what, exactly, to do with the new house museum, now that the exhibits and classes would move into the adjoining new wing. Maintaining historic accuracy of furnishings, and making sure the adjoining facility complimented the historic structure were concerns. The Committee researched the history of the house and came to the conclusion that the downstairs rooms should be designated heritage rooms – the Entrance Hall, Double Parlor and Patron’s Hall would be a mid-1800s tribute to the Ware family era and the Side Rooms and 2nd Floor Hall would be a midto late-1800s tribute to the Lyndon family era. All F.F. & E. funds (furniture, fixtures and equipment) were used to buy historically accurate fixtures such as mantels, gasoliers, rugs, door hardware, etc. Additionally, the Committee with the LHAF raised money and solicited donations of furnishings and other decorative objects. Here Ron’s knowledge and interest in antiques from this period paid off; and
Ron credits Jim Carter, a Committee member, as their primary resource for knowledge about the period styles of the two families. This knowledge and a sense of aesthetics again paid off when the committee was presented with code requirements that made it necessary to install a mechanical elevator in the house. The architect’s drawings placed the elevator in the Entrance Hall. Ron’s tone and expression as he explains this clearly demonstrates the extent to which this would not do. So thanks to Ron, the House Committee, and the Project User Group it was decided that the back downstairs bedroom would serve as the location of the elevator where it would be less obtrusive. This room would also serve as the interpretation and exhibition space for memorabilia from the families of the original owners, other prominent families and various artifacts from life in Athens during this era. This alternative, however, leaves the house with no room interpreted as a bedroom. Here Ron explains that the project is still a work in progress. He expresses hopes that someday the house will have at least one room upstairs interpreted as a bedroom. Other projects on the strategic list that are not complete include a formal garden in the front and the removal Photo: Shannon Williams of modern mechanical elements in the dining room ceiling with the addition of appropriate ceiling treatments there to complement the painted panels. The work on the faux graining of the interior doors upstairs continues thanks to a matching grant of $1900 from the Watson-Brown Foundation and the Lyndon House Arts Foundation - and to Gwen Edwards who is doing the graining work to match her work already completed downstairs. Meeting with Ron to discuss this article reminded me it was just over ten years ago when my husband and I first met Ron – in the Lyndon House, in fact - soon after moving back to Athens. He came by our booth at an antiques show in Atlanta where we set up every month in those days. He was interested in a display case we had – for the memorabilia room, of course. When we delivered the case to the Lyndon House, the last plaster work was drying, and painting and other finish work was in progress. The great pieces of furniture were gathered in huddles waiting patiently for another go in another room in another era. Ron showed off the Belter parlor set, the faux graining and the view of Athens and the piedmont from the North side window in the (continued on page 11)
Gallery Shop News By Celia Brooks A big THANK YOU goes to all our artists participating in the black and white themed exhibit on display this autumn in the shop. We have received many compliments from customers and shop patrons, who have remarked how sophisticated the shop looks! Our biggest news of the season is “Deck the Walls”. The Gallery Shop will expand into the lower atrium gallery and the Ronnie Lukasiewicz gallery for the holiday season offering original wreaths, garlands, ornaments, candles and cards created by local artists and crafters. In addition a dazzling selection of pottery, wood, glass, paintings and photographs, jewelry and scarves, books by local authors and music by Athens musicians are available for customers seeking to stimulate our local economy as well as those wanting to give the most unique gifts.
A wide variety of hand-made items are available in the Gallery Shop at Lyndon House Arts Center
Opposite: Ron Evans, Chairman of the Hisoric WareLyndon House Committee, conducting a tour for school children during the 2008 Harvest Festival
We have items that will delight even the most budget conscious shopper. Some great ideas for those on your list include: hand-turned wooden wine bottle stoppers or an elegant writing pen, Christie Moody’s fused glass pendants are truly one of a kind. For those wanting eco-friendly items, our mother and daughter green industry entrepreneurs, Elisabeth and Suzanne Reeves re-use materials to create beautiful and functional items such as scarves, hats, handbags, bottle holders and pet beds. Elisabeth has created some darling cactus pincushions and decorative pins priced at $10 and under. In addition to Visa and MasterCard we are now accepting Discover as well as cash and checks. Unsure of what to give? Gift certificates are available. The Visual Arts Guild of Athens welcomes new members: ceramic artist Sylvia Godlas and photographer Franklin Myrick.
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@ Lyndon House LHAC Staff
Exhibitions & Events By Nancy Lukasiewicz
Claire Benson LHAC Supervisor Nancy Lukasiewicz Art Exhibition Specialist Caroline Self Art Education Specialist Celia Brooks Arts Preparator Shannon Williams Program Leader
Lyndon House Arts Center presents continually changing art exhibitions which feature the broad range of works by practicing local and area artists in a variety of media, styles and concepts. From traditional to avantgarde, works by professional, novice, young or elder artists can be seen in Lyndon House Arts Center galleries. Some exhibitions are theme presentations, some are competitions, and some are targeted to a specific media or a local patron’s collection. Children visiting the galleries must be accompanied and supervised by an adult for the safety of the artwork and for artwork content. Lyndon House Arts Center welcomes proposals for future exhibitions - call 706-613-3623 (ext.226) with ideas.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 12 noon - 9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Visual Stories November 21, 2008 – January 20, 2009 Reception Saturday, December 13, 2008 2-4 p.m. Eight artists are at a time in their life when they want to share their stories based on the experiences, emotions, thoughts and values each person has assimilated along the way. These artists have found expression through fiber, photography, clay, painting, drawing, mixed media prints and the written word. The artists invite viewers to recognize their own stories as they view these works. Artists include: Margaret Agner, Becky Aiken, Diane Barret, Carole Chalmers, Madeline Darnell, Carol Downs, Catherine Hartley, and Mary Padgelek
Deck The Walls November 25 – January 10 For the holiday season the gallery shop will extend into the Lower Atrium Gallery with a holdiay market. Area artists who create seasonal gifts and decorations have been invited to participate by offering wreaths, garlands, ornaments and other seasonal decorations for sale. All items are original and hand-made and are for sale. There is easy parking in the LHAC lot and patrons enjoy the satisfaction of buying local!
Holiday Open House for Historic House Museums Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open House reception held in conjunction with three other historic houses in Athens, the ChurchWaddel-Brumby House, the Taylor-Grady House and the T.R.R. Cobb House. The Ware-Lyndon House will be decorated with traditional holiday decor of the period, Mid-to-late 1800s, featuring displays of live greenery. There will be an ongoing historical play presented by Rose of Athens Theatre. Light refreshments will be served.
Brown Bag Docent Lecture The First Emperor of China - Terra Cotta Army: A Story Hidden for More Than 2,000 Years Tuesday, January 6, 12:00 noon Lecture given by a High Museum docent. Free and open to the public. This event is sponsored by the Athens Area Arts Council.
Make It A Day On Not A Day Off Monday, January 19 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
For The Love of Labels: The Art of Designer Ready-to-Wear November 21, 2008 – January 20, 2009 An exhibition featuring items from UGA’s Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection housed at the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors. It will explore ready-to-wear creations by celebrated fashion designers. Included are pieces ranging from a 1920s Coco Chanel and a 1930s Mariano Fortuny “Delphos Gown” to a 1970s Halston dress and Frankie Welch’s “Peanut Dress”, a souvenir print created to celebrate Jimmy Carter’s presidential inauguration. Other designers represented in the exhibition include Claire McCardell, Lily Pulitzer, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta. Pauline Trigere, and Mary McFadden.
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This is the slogan for the day of service cosponsored by numerous community organizations in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year volunteers will work on many different community-wide projects in the morning and then celebrate in the afternoon at Lyndon House Arts Center with music, remarks by community speakers and hands-on art activities for the whole family.
Thistle & Kudzu Scottish Festival Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. An exploration of Scottish culture and heritage (musical, literary, culinary, social-historical, artistic, dance), with a special focus on the contribution of Scotland’s most famous poet – Robert Burns, consisting of a series of educational and participatory activities during the day for families. An evening Robert Burns dinner is a ticketed event.
34th Juried Exhibition February 22 – May 9, 2009 Reception Sunday, February 22, 2 - 4 p.m. A professionally oriented art competition open to Athens area artists working in all visual media. This exhibition promises to be a wide range of high quality artworks in a variety of media, styles and concepts – something for everyone to love. The public is invited to attend the open house reception.
Art Rocks Friday, February 27 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. An annual celebration of Athens Arts presented by the Athens Area Arts Council. A fundraiser for Athens’ artistdesigned bus shelters. Contact Valerie Alderidge at 706-549-8992 for more information.
Period Decorative Arts c. 1840 1890 & Athens History Museum Ongoing in the historic Ware-Lyndon House This two-story brick house represents a blend of the Greek Revival and Italianate styles and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interior furnishings showcase period decorative arts of the mid and late 1800’s. Museum quality memorabilia in the Historic Display Room highlight significant aspects of Athens history.
LHAC Library Resource Room A part of SPLOST IV and joint partnership between the Athens-Clarke County Library and Lyndon House Arts Center, LHAC’s Library Resource Room provides an arts related research collection of publications, including art history and artist biographies, business and law for artists, art education curriculum and methods and studio art techniques. Resources are available during operating hours on a reference room basis. Book donations are welcome. Open during operating hours.
Scottish Festival (continued from page 1) full day of activities including traditional clothing, genealogy, clans, history of Scots in Georgia, the language, art, Robert Burns literary contributions, music, dance, athletic games, hands-on art making, Scottish food and multimedia presentations. Morning and afternoon events are free and open to all. In the evening there will be a ticketed dinner. If you would like to volunteer to help let us know by calling 706-613-3623 or email clairebenson@ co.clarke.ga.us.
Monthly Art Meetings at Lyndon House Arts Center Visitors and artists are invited to attend programs at meetings of these art organizations. Free for visitors, but membership dues are required for monthly attendance. For more information call LHAC at 706-613-3623 Lyndon House Arts Foundation, Inc. Meets Quarterly P.O. Box 187 Athens, GA 30603, lhaf@bellsouth.net Athens Area Arts Council Third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. www.athensarts.org Athens Area Porcelain Artists Second Friday of the month at 10 a.m. 706-548-4808 Athens Area Woodcarvers For info contact Ken Calkin, 706-546-8037 Athens Art Association First Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. www.athensart.org Athens Fibercraft Guild Second Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. 706-769-8573 Athens Lacers For info contact 706-769-4058 or cajingle@bellsouth.net Athens Photography Guild Third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m 706-369-1997, www.athensphotographyguild.com Casa de la Cultura Every Friday at 10:30 a.m., 706-543-0138 Classic City Woodturners For info contact Lou Kudon, 706-743-5213 Cotton Patch Quilters Second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. 770-725-1305, www.cpquilters.org Key Women Third Saturday of the month at 12 p.m. Ladies’ Garden Club First Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. 706-549-4569. Printmakers Cooperative Every Saturday at 10 a.m. Teen Cartoon Illustrators’ Club Second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 5:30 p.m., 706-613-3623. Visual Arts Guild of Athens Meets as needed. 706-613-3623 x224
If you have any information that you would like to see included in the next issue of ArtiFacts, please email: lhaf@bellsouth.net 5
Art Bytes By Par Ramey and Celia Brooks The Lyndon House Arts Center and its Foundation Board would like to welcome the Georgia Museum of Art staff to our facility as they await a lengthy renovation and construction process of their building. Please read our front page partnership with GMOA story by Jenny Williams for more details.
Now is the time to call your local artists about dates and times for their Holiday House, seasonal celebrations and Christmas sales. Take advantage of the bargains you can receive locally without having to pay mailing fees. Some places to call: Aurum Studios, Ltd. - 125 E. Clayton St. Athens, (706) 546-8826. Bendzunas Glass and Pottery – 89 West South Ave., Comer (706) 783-5869. Blue Bell Gallery – 89 East North Ave, Suite 1, Comer (706) 783-4665. Charles Pinckney Designs – 380-B Meigs St., Athens (706) 614-6114 Elements Art Supply – Shoppes at South Millege, Athens, (706) 546-1310 Good Dirt – 510 North Thomas St. (706) 355-3161 Chappelle Gallery – Watkinsville, GA (706) 310-0030 Happy Valley Pottery – Farmington, GA, (706) 769-5922 Flinn Family Pottery – 1276 Hull Rd., Athens, GA 30601 R. Wood Studio – 450 Georgia Dr. Athens, (706) 613-8525 OCAF Holiday Market – Begins Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Watkinsville (706) 769-4565
Photo: Shannon Williams
Juana Gnecco demonstrates in the LHAC clay studio for children and adults attending the kickoff event for The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and LIbrary Sciences and Arts Midwest.
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Don’t miss the annual Athens Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights on Thursday, December 4th at 7 p.m. in Downtown Athens. The theme for this year’s parade is “Through The Eyes Of A Child!” Georgia Made Georgia Grown is dedicated to furthering knowledge about the arts, crafts, and products grown and produced exclusively in Georgia. This group has begun developing art/craft loops in northeast Georgia and has produced informative color brochures to showcase local art and artists. Conversely, locals who want to learn more about their city and state will also find the art loops great family outings. These self-guided tours based on the loop maps can start at any point since they all loop back into each other. The participating artists’ shops, restaurants, farms, nurseries, and bed and breakfasts in each area will be highlighted in the brochure with a photo of the wares or business and a brief description, directions and contact information to help explore the trails. Look for the Lyndon House Arts Center, Visual Arts Guild, Par Ramey Watercolors, Athens Welcome Center, Masada Leather, Terrapin Brewery and Athena Gallery and Gifts all comprising this Georgia HeritageArt Loop brochure available at locations around Athens and through the Georgia Department of Tourism. Support local art and artists!
The Studio Group – Nov. 20 - 23, Chase St. Warehouse #3. Thurs & Fri 5 - 9 p.m; Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m; Sun 12 - 4 p.m. LHAC Gallery Shop – Tues & Thurs 12 – 9 pm; Wed, Fri & Sat 9 am – 5 pm Nancy Roberson, Connee Flynn and Jean Gibson have their holiday exhibition at the Oconee County Library during the month of November. Rush to see their exciting works. Perry McCrackin is busy painting new works for a number of shows in his future, like the November exhibition of his recent works in oils at Big City Bread; his December booth acceptance at the Holiday Market at OCAF in Watkinsville; and a January 2009 exhibition of his works at the Ambiance Salon on Prince Avenue. Stop by and say hello to Perry. Hampton Fine Art Gallery welcomes everyone to its 10th Annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 20, 2008 starting at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome and the attire: DENIMS TO DIAMONDS. See an exhibition of new art, meet the artists while enjoying music and light refreshments. Director Fran “RainDance” Hampton and her entire artistic family Cameron, Lisa and Jerry send out the invite. Located at 115 East Broad St in downtown Greensboro, GA. For more information, call (706) 454-2161 orwww.artistcameronhampton.com. (Continued on page 12)
Winter Class Schedule
CALL 706-613-3623 TO REGISTER!
Registration Begins November 19
Children & Teen Classes and Workshops Class Young Artist I & II Painting for 6 - 8 year Olds Woodworking for Teens Teen Painting Class Introduction to Pottery
Dates Jan 14 - Feb 18 (6 Wednesdays) Jan 15 - Feb 19 (6 Thursdays) Jan 15 - Feb 19 (6 Thursdays) Jan 13 - Feb 17 (6 Tuesdays) Jan 13-Feb 17 (6 Tuesdays)
Instructor Staff Bricelyn Strauch Heike Müeller Jim StipeMaas Juana Gnecco
Teen Cartoon Illustrators’ Club
Age 4-6
Cost $0.00 - $35.00* / $41.00** + $5 lab fee 6-8 $0.00 - $52.00* / $62.00** + $5 lab fee 10+ $0.00 - $52.00* / $62.00** + $6 lab fee 12+ $0.00 - $51.75* / $62.00** 10 - 13 $0.00 - $69.00* / $82.00** + $30 lab fee 13+ $4.00 for pizza and soft drink each time
Jan 8 & 22, Robert Brown Feb 5 & 19, Mar 5 & 19 *Dependent on Scholarship eligibility ** Non - Athens / Clarke County residents Please note: Teens may take adult classes with permission from the instructor. Teens wishing to enroll in an adult class should contact the Education Department at 706-613-3623, ext. 225
Classes for Adults Class Beginning Textile Surface Design Intermediate Textile Surface Design Beginning Quilting Charity Quilting Bee Chair Caning & Seat Weaving Beginning to Intermediate Pottery Printmakers’ Cooperative Drawing the Figure Introduction to Drawing Techniques Face and Figure: Drawing & Painting Studio Oil or Acrylic Painting Basics Painting with Charles I Painting with Charles II Thursday Painters Mitered Box in Cherry Woodworking for Women Jewelry - Filigree Digital Photography Demystified Oil Portrait Workshop
Registration date: November 19 until class fills Dates Instructor Tuesdays, Jan 13 - Mar 3 Jennifer Borg Wednesdays, Jan 14 - Feb 18 Jennifer Borg Wednesdays, Jan 14 – Feb 18 Anita Heady Wednesdays Thursdays, Jan 15 - Feb 19 Mitzi Campbell Tuesdays, Jan 13 – March 5 Ahmed Q Fridays Wednesdays, Jan 14 - Feb 18 Bricelyn Strauch Thursdays, Jan 15 - Mar 5 Bricelyn Strauch 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Thursdays, Jan 15 - Mar 5 Charles Warnock Tuesday, Jan 13 - Mar 3 Charles Warnock Tuesday, Jan 13 - Mar 3 Charles Warnock Ongoing on Thursdays, call for schedule Saturdays, Feb 14 & Feb 21 Heike Mueller Saturdays, Feb 24 & 31 Heike Müeller Tuesdays, Jan 13 - Mar 3 Courtney Poole Tuesdays, Jan 20 - Mar 10 Chad Osburn Jan.10 & 17 Leah Mantini
Cost $165 / $193** + $30 lab fee $165 / $193** + $30 lab fee $124 / $145** FREE $62 / $72** + $20 lab fee $138 / $161** + $30 lab fee Students share expenses $110 / $129* + $20 lab fee $110 / $129** + $20 lab fee Students share expenses and in setup $110 / $129** + $3 lab fee $110 / $129** $110 / $129** FREE $90 / $105** + $40 fee to instructor $90 / $105** + $40 fee to instructor $83 / $97** + $25 lab fee $84 / $97** + $10/week lab fee TBD
** Non - Athens / Clarke County residents For more information, please go to www.accleisureservices.com/lyndon.shtml, call 706-613-3623 or look for the Leisure Services Winter Program Guide
Lyndon House Arts Center is operated by the Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services as a center of excellence for the benefit and cultural enrichment of youth and adults. Festivals, art classes, workshops, gallery exhibitions, art meetings, special events and historic house museum aim to provide area citizens with a positive experience in the visual arts, encouraging them to appreciate the arts and to develop their creative talents.
Organization Spotlight
Athens Photography Guild By Par Ramey Members of the Athens Photography Guild are easy to identify. Look for a camera that’s almost an extension of their arm slung over the shoulder of members as they arrive every third Thursday for their monthly meeting at the Lyndon House Arts Center. Tony Amdur is seen as the person most responsible for the founding of APG at the Lyndon House Arts Center, with his professionalism and commitment to ensuring members have access to quality speakers who bring valuable information to these camera enthusiasts. Franklin Dee Myrick II is the president of the guild and personally uses a Nikon D60. He has a backup in his Fuji Finepix s5700. Myrick said novices should buy the best camera one can afford. “Get a camera that performs the way you want it to. You need to learn to control the camera, not the other way around,” Myrick said. “You need to understand what you can make your camera do and be able to look at your images and know how they were created.” Myrick says there’s an advantage to attending an art school where you can gain “technical” knowledge. “Besides that aspect, you learn how to critique and take criticism. You learn composition. I don’t feel you HAVE to go to an art school,” Myrick said, “however, I do feel that you need training in some way.” Myrick attended the Art Institute of Atlanta where he majored in photographic imaging. He is proudest of his photo of an “Alligator Eye” and said in order to get the shot he got up to within 6 inches of the gator. Sherrie Pruitt is another member who says she loves her 40D Canon digital. Pruitt switched to digital because she could still use some of her equipment from a standard Canon camera she owned. However, Pruitt has a different take on attending a formal art school. “It’s great if you can do it but if you don’t have the passion or the creative eye, school won’t help much,” said Pruitt. Pruitt said one of her favorite shots is of the Revenel Bridge in Charleston, SC. “I shot it as my husband drove me across the bridge in our open convertible,” she said. Pruitt said she recently sold another favorite shot, “Who says I’m Crabby,” taken in May of two ghost crabs posturing to fight.”
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fine technology. It happened to be when Canon beat Nikon to the marketplace with a camera in this range. Since then, Canon and Nikon trade out positions, a game of one-upmanship to see who is first with the most. There is not much difference between the two but I will stick with Canon because I like what I have and already have an investment in Canon lenses. There are other decent brands on the market but with Canon/Nikon there’s no gamble; you can’t go wrong. For point-and-shoot cameras there are lots of options among manufacturers.” Weber said his philosophy has always been to focus on the image, light and composition. “The camera should function as an extension of the mind and eye,” said Weber who said he does not have formal art/photographic training. If one is starting out with a penchant for commercial photography – yes, get formal photographic training through a school offering photographic technique with art appreciation. But realize that all the technical skills and training have little value if a sense of art escapes the photographer. Weber has been taking photos since pre-teen years and in his work as a journalist. Weber says his black and white offshore sailing image of Ted Turner helming an ocean racer is one of his favorites. Another is of a Georgia sea island scene in color that almost looks like a watercolor though was not retouched. “Both were shot with basic camera adjustments and “worked” because of angle of camera, lighting, composition, and effort to be in the right place at the right time.” Stefan Eberhard, makes his living as a researcher at the University of Georgia’s Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, and has been a member of APG since its beginning. He said photography is a serious hobby for the last 20 years. His first serious camera was a Nikon N70, a wonderful middle of the road film camera. “I also purchased two zoom lenses and a macro lens. Then the digital age came upon us and I got my first digital camera, a small Nikon point and shoot. I fell in love with digital photography because you can be more creative. He said he learned all he knows about photography from books, workshops, friends and the web.” Eberhard has now added another Nikon D300, a 12 megapixel semi-pro SLR he couldn’t resist putting “under my Christmas tree.” His favorite photograph is of Samantha, his 11 year old daughter in a swimming pool. [Water Goddess]. It was selected by PARADE Magazine for its weekly snapshot contest. “Wow, talking about bragging rights,” Eberhard said. “The magazine is included in every major Sunday paper in the country with a total circulation of 32 million.”
John Weber, a stalwart around the Lyndon House, enjoys membership in APG. Weber said he currently uses a Canon digital camera and offers his comparison/ contrast between companies for novices.
Chris Mitts’ email address includes the words “photo addict”. Mitts can’t remember a time she wasn’t taking pictures. She feels one doesn’t necessarily have to attend art school but can “learn by doing and have some mentoring.”
“For years I used Mamiya medium format and Nikon 35 mm film cameras,” he said. “I switched to digital when Canon came out with a moderately priced camera with
“However one comes to this place is ideal,” Mitts said. “Photography has been grounding for my sanity through troubled times.”
“I started with Canon and have stayed with Canon,” Mitts said. “It’s not a matter of quality of lenses and equipment - Canon, Nikon and others are all on a par. “It’s a matter of familiarity and ease of use for me. The camera becomes an extension of myself and I handle it without thinking - focusing on the image I want to create. Nikon makes a good point & shoot for about $300 if someone is looking for a gift.” One of Mitts favorite photos is of a hand printed B&W magnolia and another at the Hampton Gallery which has her mouth watering color peaches on canvas. Patricia Thomas loves to talk about photography. Thomas said she’d suggest that a person interested in photography purchase either a Nikon or Canon camera. She said she started with a Canon AE-1 but added a couple of Nikon film cameras with metal bodies she uses when hiking. Thomas said for those thinking of purchasing a camera, “you need to use it not just at holidays.” Thomas also has a Nikon 200 digital camera. “I’m struggling to make that transition.”
photography part-time. However I hope to get a website and get some photographs out there. I am thinking of doing something on the homeless (documentary). APG member since February, Sally Ross bought a Nikon D60 just this year. Up from the point and shoot Sony that she loves “I can now shoot in RAW and get much higher quality photos. But I also love having a point and shoot for walks when I don't want to carry lenses. My husband loves that I’m doing this and is a big help in the business end. ”No art school here! I've taken courses in Elderhostel and OCAF, but I have lots of passion and, they tell me, an eye,” Ross said. “This year I decided to make a business out of it and have done pretty well. I continue to learn, experiment and grow as a photographer.” Ross said members have been incredibly supportive, “I've had coffee with one, gotten a 2-hour lesson in RAW from another, chatted over several lunches with another, and gotten to know everyone's work! It's a
Members of the Photography Guild welcome visitors to the Photography Studio in the Lyndon House during the Full House Expo
Thomas said she thinks attending art school and majoring in photography might be an advantage. “This would expose you to lots of great talent and to help you develop your eye,” she said. “If you dropped ten photographers out of an airplane in downtown Detroit they would all photograph different things. Of course a person can learn on the job and attend workshops to develop the skills needed to become a photographer. I have a master’s degree in psychology and work in addition, so photography is a part-time gig for me.” Thomas feels Walker Evans is the greatest photographer in the world. “He photographed raw emotion. All eyes in his photography are like the windows of the soul. He found simple people in the city and in the country just going about their daily lives.” Photo: Shannon Williams Thomas said as a result, she enjoys “just picking out a town and driving there just looking for simple folks. But you have to train the eye. “My best photograph was a homeless man sleeping on a park bench in central park. The bench is made out of grapevines and it is a perfect black and white which I love. I have some photographs that I have sold in the past for example: B-w infra-red hand colored horse drawn carriage in central park won second place at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon. I have also sold some cemetery shots of Andersonville (civil war) that are b/w. I work full time as a therapist and I am only doing
wonderful give and take! Very helpful mentoring for me, a beginner, from folks who have been at this a lifetime! I'm awed at their experience, willingness to help, and their work!” She feels her best shot is “Blue House: Portovenere, Italy.” A really rainy day, with incredibly changing skies with the only camera she had on hand – a Sony 5 megapixel, 12 optical zoom. Ross will have an exhibition of her works at the Grit from Nov. 23 – Dec. 14 and another at the Last Resort, Dec. 28 – Feb. 2. “Things are moving,” she said. 9
Thanks to our Donors to the Gypsy Market Raffle Elements Art Supply, S. Milledge Avenue, gift certificate valued at $50 and a hardwood mannequin. Five and Ten, an exquisite meal by Chef Hugh Acheson with this gift certificate valued at $50. Herbal Bath Basket by Par Ramey Town and Gown Players, 2 tickets to every show in the 2008-2009 Mainstage season. R. Wood Studio, one of a kind signature piece by artist Rebecca Wood and two $20 gift certificates.
Artists Festivals Fill Lyndon House By Madeline Darnell September 20 was a beautiful early fall Saturday and artists swarmed like yellow jackets in and out of the Lyndon House. The occasion was two events that dovetailed so well, it may become a new Lyndon House tradition to have them together in the future. The festival day began in the morning with the second annual Gypsy Artists Market; and the Full House Expo kept the fun rolling throughout the afternoon. The evening ended with a buffet where artists from across a wide variety of disciplines had the opportunity to visit and try something new to most -- felt making, taught by Jennif Chandler. The Gypsy Artist Market was the second annual fundraiser of the Lyndon House Arts Foundation, an organization that supports the operations and programs of the Lyndon House. Unlike many local artists’ markets, the Gypsy Artist Market is just as it sounds. For a very small fee, any artist can set up a table, throw down a blanket, or display their art for sale however they
“It’s a great event, full of treasures and bargains, and fun for individuals and families” described Lanora Pierce, one of the organizers. “The auction especially helps us raise money for the Lyndon House.” In the afternoon artists presented live demonstrations in woodturning, quilting, printmaking, pottery, porcelain painting, photography, oil painting, metalsmithing, floral design, lace making, glass bead making, and more in the art studios and various areas of Lyndon House Arts Center. “There was a steady flow of people of all ages who came to see the demonstrations,” said Nancy Lukasiewicz, Curator of Exhibitions at LHAC. “Artists seemed to enjoy the pace because it gave them time with each visitor to demonstrate their project and answer questions.” “The Expo is also a unique opportunity for the public to learn about all fifteen Full House Arts organizations, in one place at one time,” Lukasiewicz added, “and hopefully the organizations will recruit some new members.” The Expo is an event associated with Full House, an annual exhibition of works by over one hundred fifty artists who are members of fifteen arts organizations which call Lyndon House Arts Center home. The exhibition is an intriguing cross-section of visual arts in our community encompassing a wide range of media, styles, and traditions. The artists come from a variety of jobs and range in age from thirteen to eightysomething, each involved in their own way with self-expression and the enjoyment of creativity.
LHAC/GMOA (continued from page 1) The most significant aspect of the LHAC/GMOA collaboration will be an exhibition organized by the museum’s curator of American art, Paul Manoguerra and placed on display at LHAC. From August 8 through October 24, 2009, works by renowned self-taught artist R.A. Miller, now in the private collection of Mr. Carl Mullis of Atlanta, will be on view at the Lyndon House Arts Center. Lord Love You: Works by R.A. Miller from the Mullis Collection will feature approximately 75 paintings, drawings and whirligigs by Miller.
Photo: Shannon Williams
Renegade Printing by Brent DeRevere, Lyndon House Arts Foundation custom T-shirts.
choose. There is no pre-jury requirement. This makes for an unusual array of art from emerging artists, families doing an art project to sell together, to some of Athens’ finest.
Don Williamson, owner and operator of Winterville Frames, a frame, a custom cut rag mat and assembly of artwork.
Also, at the Gypsy Artists Market, visitors can buy raffle tickets and win art supplies, beautiful art by some of Athens’ most noted artists, and a host of other items generously donated by the area’s supporters of the Lyndon House. (See left for donors)
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The Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art and the education departments of GMOA, which have collaborated with LHAC before, hope that this exhibition will open the door for future collaborative initiatives. Both organizations are excited about the opportunity to host several programs and events at the Lyndon House Arts Center in conjunction with the exhibition. These programs will include an opening reception hosted by the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art, 5th-grade tours, docent-led tours for the general public, a Family Day and senior outreach programs. The Museum’s patrons and staff hope to continue to work with LHAC after the reopening of the new and improved Georgia Museum of Art. “The Lyndon House is among the best community arts agencies in the state of Georgia; we are excited that we have the opportunity to join them as partners in serving our communities,” said GMOA director, William U. Eiland.
Lyndon House to MAP Its Future By Madeline Darnell The Lyndon House Arts Center as an organization of staff, instructors, associated groups and supporters, including the Lyndon House Arts Foundation, will soon undergo a self study as the major part of the Museum Assessment Program (MAP). “Lyndon House is already functioning very well,” explained Stuart Miller, who directs the Arts Division for Athens Clarke County. The MAP process will point the way to future growth and service. Lyndon House received a grant to implement this study from the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS). The process, which will culminate with a peer review and a comprehensive report will be conducted during its 10th anniversary year and will be completed by 2010. “Everyone who has a stake in the operation can be involved,” Miller explained. Once a peer reviewer for MAP, Miller has seen the benefits of this process first hand. “It is effective as a process for museums to get a big picture of themselves as well as look at details of everyday operations. Anytime an organization takes time to assess what they do, it is beneficial.” While many users of the Lyndon House don’t think of the Arts Center as a museum in the traditional sense, Miller explained that MAP has a category for “non collecting museums” which fits the community arts centers. Referring to both the process and the report, Miller described it as “a good tool to help guide the ship.” It is also a preliminary step to apply for accreditation, which is a prestigious seal of approval for future funding. The report from MAP will establish what steps LHAC needs to take if they want to qualify for accreditation. The report will also dovetail in timing with the Athens Clarke County Leisure Services Master Plan, which is currently in development. The self study will commence the first of 2009 and will take about six months. The self-study encompasses all aspects of Lyndon House operations, from exhibit preparation to financial management. Once the selfstudy is complete, a museum professional from an arts center similar to Lyndon House is selected to provide a follow-up assessment. This individual will examine the self study and then visit LHAC for two days in order to ask questions of staff and see the facility first-hand. They will then draft a final report intended to give Lyndon House an impartial and objective view on the status of their current operations and cite areas for improvement. The Museum Assessment Program initiative has a variety of implications for Lyndon House. “The self-study process will give us the chance to review and discuss our internal procedures and activities and how we deliver services to the public,” explains Claire Benson, Lyndon House Director.
LHAC staff and members of the Lyndon House Arts Foundation Board also benefit from having an independent assessment of how we do business.” Nancy Lukasiewicz, Curator of Exhibitions notes. “The outcome of the MAP project is a final report that affirms what we are doing well and encourages us to build on these successes. Just as importantly, it identifies areas for improvement and recommends steps to help us achieve a higher level of performance.” Miller expects that the MAP project will have an effect on Lyndon House’s relationship with its audiences and funders. “My experience has been that the objective nature of the MAP assessment and its attention to detail lends credibility to an institution’s request for support. It also will positively impact the ways that we engage our visitors and program participants at Lyndon House and in community outreach.”
Ron Evans (continued from page 3) gallery. He talked at length about many details of the restoration with my husband, who works in restoration of antique furniture and building restoration. The grand opening was not far off at that point and the excitement was evident in Ron’s descriptions. Ten years later my recent visit with Ron at the WareLyndon House revealed to me that his excitement has not diminished and he still refuses to allow the story to center on himself. He mentions throughout our visit the hard work of the LHAC staff, Jim Carter and the other House Committee members, Janet Clark and Harriett & Bob Nix - and two members who are descendants of the Lyndon family - Burke Hodgson, and Anita Sams Holton. Burke Hodgson’s mother, Edward S. Lyndon’s granddaughter, had a scrapbook which proved to be a valuable primary resource.
Opposite: Bricelyn Strauch drawing with chalk and demonstrating sidewalk art during Full House Expo
Throughout our conversations, Ron has made it clear that he was part of a group effort led by the vision of Ronnie Lukasiewicz and Dan Hope. Ron explains their vision as it was back in the 1990s, of the Ware-Lyndon House museum as the heart of the Arts Center. People would come, perhaps, to see the house museum but also encounter works of art in the galleries in all their state-of-the-art glory – and, vice versa. An art lover, for instance, coming to see an art exhibit could experience unexpected inspiration from wandering through the magnificent dining room and contemplating the murals and painted textures throughout. “I believe it is the synergy between the new wing and the historic house that makes this one of the most unique and successful community art centers in the country,” Evans adds. It bears mentioning here the tragic irony that Ronnie Lukasiewicz never actually saw the opening of the expanded Lyndon House facility. He passed away just months before the Grand opening. But the evidence of Ronnie’s leadership and dedication is present throughout the facility and the house, so it is appropriate that the Ronnie Lukasiewicz memorial gallery be situated at the juncture between the Ware-Lyndon House Museum and the new wing. As Ron Evans explained to me during our visit, “It was all Ronnie.” 11
Call for Artists
ArtBytes (continued from page 6)
34th Juried Exhibition The 34th Juried Exhibition is a professionally oriented art competition open to Athens area artists working in all visual media. A non-refundable entry fee is charged for submission of 1-3 works. Actual works (no slides or CDs) must be delivered as listed below and entry forms will be available at that time. For more information or to receive a guidelines flyer call (706) 613-3623. Entry Days: Thursday, January 29 from 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Friday, January 30 from 10:00a.m. – 4:00 pm. FIRM FINAL DEADLINE: NO SUBMISSIONS AFTER 4:00 p.m. on JANUARY 30 Exhibition Dates: February 22 – May 9 Gala Reception: Sunday, February 22, 2 – 4 p.m.
The Athens Area Arts Council has put a call out to artists for the second selection of public art proposals for bus shelters. Go to their website to find out more about You, Me & The Bus II. Mark your calendar to attend Athens Area Arts Council – Celebrate the Arts, Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Lyndon House Arts Center. This group throws a great party. What’s “Art in the Air”? It’s a contest to celebrate and display the work of local artists on billboards in Athens. Winning entries will appear on billboards in and around Athens Clarke County beginning in January 2009 and will be rotated periodically during 2009. Applicants must be a resident of or employed in Athens Clarke County. So start looking up at ‘Art in the Air. This is a collaborative effort between Athens Clarke County Leisure Services and Fairway Outdoor Advertising.
How You Can Help Please consider making a donation and becoming a partner in the Lyndon House Arts Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation and donations are tax deductible. Simply fill out the attached form and mail it along with your check. If you would like to volunteer to be on a Foundation Committee please contact Celia Brooks at 706-613-3623 x224. Name
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Please make your tax- deductible check payable to Lyndon House Arts Foundation and mail to Lyndon House Arts Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 187 Athens, GA 30603
Lyndon House Arts Center 293 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 www.accleisureservices.com 706-613-3623
in being a volunteer J Iatamtheinterested Lyndon House Arts Center
___Artist $20 ___Individual $25 ___Family $35 ___Contributing $50 ___Sustaining $100 ___Patron $250 ___Benefactor $500 ___Corporate $1000 ___Endowed Scholarship Fund $_____ ___Ronnie Lukasiewicz Education Fund $_____ ___Other $_____ Thank You
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATHENS, GA PERMIT No. 211
Lyndon House Arts Center is a facility of Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department and is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The GCA also receives support from its partner agency, the National Endowment for the Arts