Live An Artful Life Magazine issue 6

Artful Life Live An

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Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour

Celebrating Our 1st Anniversary!

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Artful Life

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圀攀搀Ⰰ 䄀甀最甀猀琀 ㄀㈀ ㄀ 㨀 䄀䴀

䰀䄀匀吀 䠀䄀䴀 匀吀䄀一䐀䤀一䜀 䌀漀洀攀搀礀 䤀洀瀀爀漀瘀

䘀爀椀Ⰰ 䄀甀最甀猀琀 ㄀㐀 㠀㨀 倀䴀

倀椀攀搀洀漀渀琀 䄀爀琀猀 瀀爀攀猀攀渀琀猀㨀 䈀刀䤀一䜀 䤀吀 伀一℀

吀栀甀爀 愀渀搀 䘀爀椀Ⰰ 䄀甀最甀猀琀 ㈀ ☀ ㈀㄀ 㜀㨀㌀ 倀䴀Ⰰ 匀愀琀 匀愀琀Ⰰ 䄀甀最甀猀琀 ㈀㈀ ㈀㨀㌀ 倀䴀 ☀ 㜀㨀㌀ 倀䴀

吀䠀䔀 䴀唀匀䤀䌀 伀䘀 匀䤀䴀伀一 ☀ 䜀䄀刀䘀唀一䬀䔀䰀 匀愀琀Ⰰ 䄀甀最甀猀琀 ㈀㤀 㠀㨀 倀䴀

Artful Life

Live An

™

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PUBLISHER, EDITOR Tom Neel tneel@LiveAnArtfulLifeMagazine.com PUBLISHER, ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Linda Neel lneel@LiveAnArtfulMagazine.com ADVERTISING 540-253-9797 CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Monica L. Neel, Psy.D Kim Tapper, Life Coach, ACC, CPCC PHOTO CREDITS We wish to thank the following people for the wonderful photos used in this issue.

Tom Neel

ON THE COVER

Jester 70 Years in the Business by Jeffery Hall

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SUBMISSIONS Live An Artful Life Magazine welcomes article submissions by email to submissions@ LiveAnArtfulLifeMagazine.com. Please include contact information.

COPYRIGHT 2015 Live An Artful Life Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied or reprinted without written permission from the Editor. Live An Artful Life is a registerd trademark of Live An Artful Life Inc. Live An Artful Life Inc P.O. Box 163 6474 Main Street The Plains, VA 20198

to our readers You start with a vision, and that vision becomes a reality, and that reality has its birthday. With this, our 6th issue of Live An Artful Life® Magazine, we celebrate our first year. We have learned much about ourselves. We have also met so many talented good people, with lifetimes of vision investing all their own, and we have so enjoyed sharing their Live An Artful Life realities with you!

Thinking back on the range of stories is sort of mind boggling to me as a writer. Local stories, national stories, Pixar, The Chrysler Museum, stories about metal and wood sculptors, dance, the conservation of priceless works of art, and music therapy. We’ve also done the Charleston art scene, Sarasota, stories about emerging artists, amazing designers, and Lighting The Creative Spark, and to see a vision come alive with it all, is a creative pleasure in itself.

But there are three people, all women, which I must sincerely thank from the bottom of my heart.

These three individuals have made a contribution to this effort in ways I can only hope to do justice here and now with these words.

First is my niece Dr. Monica Neel, who I’m happy to say this fall will begin her new roll as Director of Student Counseling - Goucher College. Monica is a dedicated mother, cancer survivor, has the greatest husband and is one very smart lady. Easily one of my favorite people, Monica’s a busy lady and we so appreciate her time and insights. Thank you Monica!

Next, is Life Coach Kim Tapper. Kim is a very special friend, with a very special artistic gift and furthermore, she has dedicated her life to working with not only special need individuals of all ages, she has more than dedicated her life to do so in the most creative and artful ways. Kim was a professional dancer and choreographer and still is very much hands on in this way. So what Kim offers us comes from deep within her creative spirit! Thank you Kim! Last, but as they say, certainly not least, is my wife and creative partner, Linda. I can remember first talking about this idea with Linda. Linda would tell you I have no less than two or three ideas a day, so this magazine was part of an everyday occurrence. That said, without her enthusiasm, technical and creative support, it simply would not be a reality. Soooo, thank you Linda!

In closing, you’ll see that most of this issue is dedicated to the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour and their 60 plus artists, hosting art centers and more, who all Live An Artful Life.

Thank you so much for reading, thank you for your support, please, please share us with friends and family.

Live An Artful Life, Tom Neel

features

6

14

Tenth Annual Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour

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also

inside

8

Mindful Living with Dr. Monica Neel "Summer Reading"

12

Life Coach

By Kim Tapper "What you look for is what you see"

MINDFUL LIVING

By Monica Neel, Psy.D

Summer Reading

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You

Living. In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown elab-

Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who

orates on this idea with exploration of the role of

You Are

courage, compassion, and connection.

By Brené Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W.

With lots of “big-concept” words like love, belonging, and authenticity, Brown makes a point

Summer reading is always an indulgence for me.

to deconstruct these words so that they are ac-

I try to alternate between fiction and non-fiction

cessible and actionable. This book artfully inter-

with an emphasis on books that I may be able to

twines sound research findings with honest and

incorporate into the therapy process when work-

playful self-disclosures and pragmatic guidance

ing with clients. A few years ago, I came across

as to how to pursue a path of Wholehearted Liv-

The Gifts of Imperfection after hearing someone

ing while embracing the gifts of one’s own imper-

rave about Brene Brown’s 2010 TEDx Houston

fection.

talk on the power of vulnerability. Since then, it is easily the book I reference most frequently in my work with clients, particularly those who self-identify as “perfectionists” or “people pleasers.” As you enter summer, perhaps this book will make its way onto your reading list.

Brown’s early research as a social scientist explored the human experiences of shame, fear, and vulnerability. What she noticed, however, was that many participants demonstrated what she identified as a shame resilience. While more thoroughly exploring those with positive outcomes, Brown saw a pattern emerge and factors congeal in a concept she coined Wholehearted 8 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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Following an introduction to the conceptual

underpinnings of Wholehearted Living, the meat of the book is an overview of ten “guideposts” to consider as one engages with the world from a place of worthiness. The guideposts elaborate on the value of cultivating authenticity, self-com-

Kristen Swanson

passion, resilience, gratitude, intuition and faith.

Further emphasis is placed on nurturing one’s own creativity, play and rest, calm and stillness, meaningful work, and laughter. After an overview of each guidepost, Brown creates opportunity for reflection through the DIG Deep exercise which encourages one to Get Deliberate, Get Inspired, and Get Going (DIG).

At 130 pages (paperback), this book can be a quick read that illuminates some fundamental ways of interacting with the world in a manner that enhances one’s life. But I’ve found it also functions like a guide, a book that can be reviewed out

Exquisite hand painted porcelain pottery

of sequence. Despite its short length, The Gifts of Imperfection is a map to a way of living. Following a quick first read, I’d encourage you to LIVE this book – take time to pause, reflect, and incoreled by each guidepost. If, after reading, you are

Live An Artful Life®

inspired to live wholeheartedly, you’ll be happy

GALLERY

to know that Brown’s newest book, Rising Strong

540-253-9797

porate with intention the behaviors that are fu-

will be released August 25, 2015!

Shop Online

Live

An Artful G A L L E R Y

Life®

Fine Art Fine Craft Made in America The Plains is a quant little town with great restaurants, located one hour west of Washington D. C., just off I-66 at Exit 31 in the beautiful Virginia counryside.

6 4 7 4 M a i n S t r e e t , T h e P l a i n s , Va 2 0 1 9 8 540-253-9797 • LiveAnArtfulLife.com 10 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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THOMAS NEEL F I N E A RT

The Piedmont’s Premier Landscape Painter

“The Balcony In Bloom", oil on canvas, 24” X 48”

One of the most collected and commissioned fine artists of the Piedmont region of Virginia, with paintings throughout America and abroad. All works are beautifully framed and locally delivered or shipped. We invite you to visit our website or call for more information.

ThomasNeel.com • Studio 540-364-4401

Life Coach

By Kim Tapper What you look for is what you see. If you ex-

like days are just passing you by. But when you

pect to see something go wrong, you can be sure

see something new, meet a new person, hear a

you will find things that go wrong, things to crit-

new perspective, drive home a new route, travel

icize or things below par. If you look for some-

to a new city…suddenly your whole energy shifts.

thing hopeful, you will begin to see elements of

Artists do this daily. They seek out the new. They

hope or things that symbolize it all around. The

look for the unseen perspective. They look to

lens through which we view the world is just that,

the moment, the color, the emotions to capture

a lens. Change the lens, point it towards some-

them and suspend time, to transport us out of the

thing else, magnify a different piece of the picture

mundane and into the magnificent, the whimsi-

and you have an entirely different perspective,

cal, and the emotional realms beyond the intel-

perhaps a whole different potential reality. That

lectual trappings of our minds. Artists help us

is what artists do. By focusing on different ele-

all look beyond the surface. They help us change

ments, highlighting different angles, artists offer

our lens.

new perspectives for all of us to explore. Through

All art can offer this, but getting a chance to

the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour we not

step into an artist’s studio to see how and where

only get to discover local talent, but many draw

they work, creates an intimacy between you,

their inspiration from elements right here at

them, and the art. It’s as close to walking a mile

home thus offering us a chance to see our own

in someone’s shoes as you can get. In my expe-

backdrops through a new lens. What a gift!

rience, talking to the artist about what inspired

There is much talk in our world about the need

them or how they created this particular piece

to slow down, be mindful, be present. We drive

deepens my appreciation in every sense. Initially

the same roads each day and everything blurs

it might have just been an interesting birdhouse

together, days blur into weeks and weeks into

or a beautiful painting to me, but after hearing

months. Unless you take the time and have a

that each birdhouse was created for a person they

practice of slowing down and becoming an ob-

knew who was going through cancer, or that this

server, you might be one of those people who feel

particular painting was made over the course of

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three years, every morning at sunrise, my lens

would you treat them if you viewed them as your

shifts and I am suddenly there with them on their

teacher? Through this lens, what do you make of

porch at sunrise, hearing the birds chirp and

their actions now?

watching the colors change before my eyes. That

In our fast paced world it’s not easy to take the

sure slows me down and helps me appreciate the

time to change the lens through which we look at

present moment! It also helps me see things I

people and circumstances, but I encourage you

may not have seen before. After hearing the sto-

to try it with one person or through one piece of

ries, I now watch the birds play in their birdhouse

art this week and see what happens. Use the peo-

with more attention than I did before. I appre-

ple and the art that surrounds us to drink in new

ciate their song and I connect their sound to the

possibilities for ourselves and for our world – this

people I love – it’s become a prayerful time for

is what living an artful life is all about.

me. Meeting the artist definitely changed my lens and evoked a much deeper experience.

You do not have to be an artist to change your lens and your interaction with the world. Try this simple exercise: think of one person that you struggle with. Think of all the things you typically say and feel about them. Now, imagine this: what if this person is doing the best they can?

What if they are just barely surviving every day due to difficulties they face in their life or inside their mind? What if you knew that each day they struggled just to get up or they live in a horrible situation and are doing their best? How does that change how you view them? Now picture the same person but change the lens again and this time, imagine they are your teacher. No matter what their age or place in your life, imagine that they have been placed here to teach you. What lesson(s) do you have to learn from them? How

“Behind The Label”

By Kim Tapper

Available online at A Place to Be and Mascot Books

Tenth Annual Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour

By Tom Neel

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What do you get when you combine the cre-

and all of those brand names you might imag-

ativity of sixty three artists and artisans, thir-

ine. If this wasn’t enough, it’s also home to a well

ty five locations, ten years, a handful of mostly

blossomed wine industry, with the state being the

small villages, two hosting arts centers and one

fifth largest in the nation and now it’s even sprin-

half of a county? Well, you get the Western

kled with micro breweries and distilleries too.

Loudoun Artists Studio Tour

But Loudoun has natural

[WLAST] of course. Come

scenic beauty as well and a

with me then, on my recent

good level of culture and ar-

journey through this hal-

tistic endeavor in the way of

lowed ground of Northern

galleries, The Sporting Li-

Virginia, via a route paved

brary and Museum to the

in all things handmade in

south, The Loudoun Sym-

America.

phony Orchestra, The Tal-

About an hour west-north-

ly Ho Theater in Leesburg,

west of our nation’s capital,

Franklin Park Arts Center in

bordered to its north by the

Purcellville and The Round

Potomac River, lies a rolling

Hill Arts Center, WLAST’S

green county so very rich in

spiritual center located in

the Commonwealth’s histo-

Round Hill.

ry. It’s a county that has al-

Now looking at a map of the

ways been prosperous and

county, one might say that

important. Today this still

Loudoun looks sort of like a

holds true, with shinning de-

square in which the neigh-

mographics, backed up by a

boring state of Maryland has

solid service economy, tech giants like Verizon

taken a big bite out of its top right corner. The

and one of the nations busiest international air-

bite nearly hits the county’s seat and navigation-

ports - Dulles.

al center of Leesburg, located on the north/south

Loudoun is a county with good schools and hos-

route of 15, and the east/west route of 7. My

pitals, resorts, top golf courses, homes from small

travels and the WLAST are then basically west

to very large, a wonderful cross county bike path

of this center. Using Purcellville as a reasonable

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place to insert your big red push pin into a map,

favorite artists directly throughout the year. In

the tour expands in all directions from there. East

other words, by all means take the tour, but don’t

to Leesburg, north to Lovettesville and the Poto-

let the tour become your only time to visit!

mac River, west to Bluemont and south nearing Philomont.

This is the tour’s 10th Annual birthday. Beginning with just a dozen artists and a lot of ded-

While the way around

icated hard work, it has al-

might at first appear like a

ways been a team effort and

plate of spaghetti, it’s easy

one thing that was consistent

driving, and with Round

throughout my time visit-

Hill Arts Center and Frank-

ing with artists, was a strong

lin Park Arts Center [only a

sense of community. These

couple of miles apart] host-

are people who like and sup-

ing over a dozen of the art-

port each other and it was a

ists, and another 15 of the

pleasure to experience. The

actual studios hosting at least

other thing that bubbled up

two artists each, one can see

was that many have children

a lot and there’s something

and very much include them

for everyone. WLAST’s web-

in this lemonade stand ap-

site [wlast.org] ,with both a

proach to doing business. I

great map and full color artist

mean nothing bad by that

list, makes it easy to choose

comment either. On the con-

by route or by interest, be it

trary, I love it. This is the root

paintings, pottery, weaving,

of commerce and a wonder-

sculpture, ceramic, wood-

ful lesson for children. Things

turning, glass, photography, jewelry, fiber art and

handmade at home and sold.

more. Each artist is listed with examples of their

Just think, you can take a scenic rural drive, meet

work, their website and address, their stop num-

artists and even often their family, who through

ber on the map and ton’s of info. WLAST has de-

their personal creativity have made something

veloped their website to allow you to chart your

beautiful with their own hands. You not only see

path in advance and to keep in touch with your

where and how they work, you can in many cases

THE BIRTH OF WLAST Every great idea has a spark and that spark first ignited in Jeanne Niccolls. Niccolls has lived in Loudoun since 1980. She was the Executive Director of the Loudoun Museum from 1980 to 83 and then went on to work for the Fairfax County Park Authority managing their collections. Jeanne shares, “ I starting thinking about retiring and what am I going to do?”

As a consultant for collections, Niccolls always loved artwork, particularly craft, but she was an art history major and loved painting too.

In 1994 she moved to Round Hill where she attended one of potter, David Norton’s early open houses. Having had some experience visiting studio tours and now coming to know David, she thought a studio tour made sense and said to herself, “Wouldn’t that be fun!”

So she went to the Round Hill Arts Center and spoke with the Executive Director at that time, Hope Paynes and she asked, “Has anybody ever thought about doing a studio tour?” Hope replied “Yes, but they didn’t have anyone to organize it.” Well that is all it took and she brought in Jeff Stern, who at the time was the Manager of the new Franklin Park Arts Center, and also Beth Wilson at that time, the President of Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center, a non profit which Jeanne Niccolls still serves as a board member today.

That was 2004 and they planned for an entire year before the first studio tour. They worked very hard putting things together and Jeanne recalls them saying, “What if we give a party and nobody comes?” [laughter] But with a small budget and a simple brochure, art enthusiasts did come and it grew.

By the third year they invited artists to help organize and Jeanne credits jeweler and graphic designer Liz Hall, with coming up with the idea of creating a informative booklet, allowing them to also sell advertising. That was a winning idea and Jeanne further credits Liz with essentially branding WLAST, including creating its artistic hand logo. Along the way Visit Loudoun began supporting the tour through a marketing leverage fund grant which she says they have been really fortunate to have. Jeff Stern also suggested a passport, which also helps them understand where people are coming from and today WLASTS maintains a large mailing and email list.

The tour itself is not a non-profit, rather it operates as a partnership, and while the tour really just encompasses the western part of the county, there are guest artists from all over the county who join in. The rule is an artist must live and work in the county. Its planning committee of about eight, meets monthly. All have tasks, IT, design, etc. and Jeanne passed the lead roll to the very capable Amy Manson, who is now the Chair and also an artist.

So the spark of one has created the light of many, and Jeanne Niccolls is slowly moving towards other areas where she feels she can help promote the arts in Loudoun County and oh, Loudoun be lucky you have her!

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learn from them if you wish, and in the process

here’s a little taste of my ride through the country-

hear wonderful stories about their work and their

side and enlightening visits with these wonder-

lives. In our made in China infused world, what

ful Loudoun artists who really do Live An Artful

could possibly be more refreshing?

Life! If you visited the tour this year, I’m sure you

Being the tour’s 10th year, I made it a point to

will again! But if you haven’t, please by all means

speak with not only some of the founding artists,

let these introductions offer a warm invitation for

but also some of those who have more recently

doing so in 2016 … if not before.

been juried in. That’s right, there is a juried process which keeps WLAST fresh and alive. So

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Please tell them Live An Artful Life Magazine sent you!

DAVID NORTON 18005 Kullgren Road, Round Hill

When WLAST was getting off the ground, David generously contributed his mailing list of 2,500 names from his own past shows and even today, 10 years later, David says through his own survey, 70% of the people that visit have never been on the tour before. It shows that if you are just hearing about WLAST for the first time here, you’re not alone. It continues to grow, reaching new audiences far and wide.

David has tried it all and he says nothing has been as good as inviting his customers to come

David Norton is a pottery artist of many years.

26 years ago, well before WLAST was born, Norton started his own studio open house. If not for this and WLAST’s founder, Jeanne Niccolls visiting one of those earlier open houses, the Western Loudoun Studio Tour may never have been. Norton and many artist friends had already also been successfully experimenting with group shows at his studio on his wooded property outside of Round Hill. David can recount even renting a bus to bring folks up his long gravel driveway to keep from having a traffic jam getting to the 14 parking spaces around the studio.

Norton has also kept a studio gallery at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria for the last 35 years and he and his wife Brenda make the most of both worlds. He is in Old Town each Saturday, while Brenda keeps the home studio open.

where he creates his pottery. This is a constant theme of contentment found among many artists you meet on the tour. He says, “Somebody told me that the best thing you can do for yourself as an artist, is to create an environment for yourself that you want to be in more than anywhere else and all of that other good stuff will fall [into place] and that’s pretty much what I did.”

JILL EVANS-KAVALDJIAN and

for 8 years. Jill invited Amy Manson, a potter and

AMY MANSON

transplant of Charlotte, NC., to join her 5 years

38615 Morrisonville Road, Lovettsville

ago. Jill says, “I met Amy at Gateway Gallery [a co-op gallery connected to Round Hill Arts Center] we are part of that co-op and we got along very well. We have similar sensibilities and we were on a committee together.” Jill sights that she had been thinking about the benefits of inviting a guest artist to join her. The tour can be very busy with just one person and inviting Amy was really a win, win, as their work compliments each other and both would be on hand to help each other.

Jill and Amy even admit in laughter after working with each other so long now, just how well their work compliments each other’s even tonally.

Without even talking about what each will bring

While they actually have separate studios, this duo teams up for the tour at Jill Evans-Kavaldjian’s wonderfully converted garage studio. While the artistry of the duo may be second only to their close friendship, it is imperative for me to state that both also hold key rolls in the organization of the arts in Loudoun, with Amy Manson acting as WLAST’s Chair and Jill as the Program Director for Round Hill Art Center and President of the Loudoun Arts Council.

Jill Evans-Kavaldjian is a painter, printmaker and photographer, who has been doing the tour

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to the show, they seem to be reading each other’s mind. You can just tell the two are having a lot of fun, which I’m sure translates to their visitors in a big way.

The partnership has worked wonderfully and Jill states,“ I would never go back and so, my advise to artists starting this is find a good partner.” Jill’s husband helps too and she says, “ We call him the shameless commerce division! He handles the sales, wraps pottery …” Just another indicator that while the tour is about art, it is also about friendship and family.

Jill Evans-Kavaldjian's studio with guest friend/artist Amy Manson

ANTONIA WALKER 15502 2nd Street, Waterford

place when she first moved here by reminiscing, “He wore stripped overalls and while he sold nails and things, he also had a barber chair and some-

Artist painter Antonia Walker, moved to Wa-

times I would walk by the building and he would

terford from Washington D.C. in 1977 and has

be giving a haircut at eight o’clock at night. He

been in her current studio at 15502 2nd Street in

talked up a storm, he talked and talked and talk-

Waterford since 2007. The building used to be

ed.” I could tell it was a fond memory.

a hardware store and still offers the character of

While Antonia is a life long painter, she has

those by gone days when everything was simpler.

done about half of the 10 years the tour has been

Antonia mentions the nice old man who had the

going on, this due to changing studio spaces over

tions and she asked if he too was an artist?

When he simply replied that he indeed was, his friend said, "Why don’t you tell her what you really do?" He said alright and he told her he was the Illuminator for the Queen.

Antonia laughs in saying, “The Queen, you mean -the- Queen, the one we all love, that queen? ...Helen Mirren?” Antonia is too funny. While yes, a lofty artistic position to be sure, on that day, simply a person enjoying WLAST and little checking finds he may have been Andrew Stewart Jamieson, indeed the Queen’s Scribe and Illuminator.

The tour is an important part of Antonia’s year, something she plans for, along with the Waterford Fair. She has customers that come every year and re-visit through the year. In my follow up with her Antonia mentioned having a lively weekend, meeting visitors from Austria, Germany, England and even Russia and Iran. She also mentioned the the years. She says the tour is a lot more orga-

important point of visitors not only enjoying the

nized today, but even in its first years a lot of peo-

studio tour itself, but the tour allowing them to

ple came. She shares, “You meet all kids of people

take in the County’s beautiful landscape and his-

you would not meet otherwise, different ages and

toric architecture as well.

backgrounds, nationalities, a lot of people from D.C. and even abroad.” The steady crowd keeps her and her assistant busy the whole weekend.

Antonia talks about one day a man with a British accent was asking her really good painting ques24 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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Upper right - Antonia uses sketchbooks to record her ideas for future paintings. When she travels she always has a sketchbook handy to jot down colors or what the light is like.

Lower right - Studio gallery ready for tour with works of all sizes.

ANTONIA WALKER FINE ART

“Cloud Dance” Oil on Linen, 30” X 24”

AntoniaWalker.net Studio: 540-882-3811 AFWclive@aol.com Waterford, VA

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While Loudoun County as experienced amazing growth it still has its scenic beauty.

KRISTEN SWANSON

doing this [the tour] for nine years, so my life,

WHITE HOUSE CERAMIC STUDIOS

the structure of my year, kind of rotates around

16 E. Pennsylvania Ave, Lovettsville

June.” She then is also part of a fall show with other Lovettsville artists called the Catoctin Hol-

Kristen Swanson is an energetic ceramic artist

iday Art Tour. Kristen mentions that, “It’s really

living and working in the village of Lovettesville.

quite a little enclave of artists here in Lovettsville.”

Her expansive home based studio not only acts as

In preparation for the tour Kristen cycles

a personal studio, but as a busy class workshop,

through months of throwing [the term for mak-

and her gallery for the tour as well. On this week-

ing the pottery] and then surface work or paint-

end, photographer Ken Sullins joins her utilizing

ing it. She’s also one of the tour’s examples of a

the front porch of Kristen’s home.

full time professional artist who balances creating

Kristen shares that hundreds of people come

wonderful works of art, while also teaching oth-

through her studio, which is basically non stop

ers of all ages. She even spoke of the New Jerusa-

for the two day tour. Her mother helps out and

lem Church, who was celebrating their 250th An-

sometimes buses even stop with groups. “I’ve been

niversary, who came in groups with their pastor

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and made 200 porcelain ornaments. Kristen also shares having 160 students through her studio in April. It was a really a big month and almost double that of a more usual month, but as she says, “I love teaching and I’m good at it.”

Let’s also not forget giving back. Kristen also help spearhead Loudoun Empty Bowls to help the hungry in Loudoun County. It’s easy to tell that Kristen is very content with her life and where she lives and works. She says, “It’s perfect, it really is.”

Entrance to Kristen's studio and above right, Kristen (right) with another happy cusotmer.

JEFFERY & LIZ HALL 39331 Rodeffer Road, Lovettesville

This artistic duo of tour veterans has much to offer and have offered much. My previous mentioning of Liz Hall’s WLAST contributions tells she’s been onboard with the tour in a big way from early on and the couple’s farm just south of the town of Lovettsville, has been a favorite stop for many.

Liz, a popular jewelry artist, who is also known

by Lizards Jewelry, offers one of a kind pieces in gold and silver using unique stones and polymer clay. Her work is truly multi-material, whimsical, highly creative and unique. Liz’s husband Jeff, is a notable and talented sculptor, having earned many public and personal commissions.

Jeff worked for over a decade with master sculptor Frederick Hart who is known for his “Three Soldiers” seen at the Vietnam Memorial.

A visit to their studios shows is something to see, offering many life sized notable figures, expressive works of all kinds, including this issue's cover, and a vast array of Liz’s art to wear!

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Jeffrey Hall outside of his studio speaking with a visitor.

Inside the studio of Liz and Jeffrey Hall.

"Jester"

by Jeffery Hall Sculpted from brick clay Dimensions: think lifesize Can be displayed inside or outside Now available at Live An Artful Life速

Gallery

540-253-9797 LiveAnArtfulLife.com 32 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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Located with the Round Hill Art Center you'll find Gateway Gallery, an artist's cooperative who represents many of the tour's artists.

ROUND HILL ART CENTER

Artist Penny Hauffe was sharing a moment

35246 Harry Byrd Hwy.,

with Raleigh Hilt (12), the daughter of fellow

Round Hill in the Hill High Marketplace

artist Meredith Hilt, and our conversation revisits a theme of artist’s children helping with the

Artists - Liz Cresap, Penny Hauffe, Meredith Hilt, Mary Kenesson, Stephen Loya and Jeff Miller

tour and in the process learning about creating handmade things, setting up the show and even

As one of two hosting art centers, Round Hill

handling inventory. It’s one way Raleigh can also

Art Center would most likely be considered the

earn her allowance and what could possibly be

spiritual home of WLAST. The art center is a

better than young people learning about business

non-profit arts education organization, offering

in such a hands on way.

a variety of classes for both children and adults,

Penny herself, while a professional artist and

and also hosts camps, art related parties and space

resident of Loudoun County, lives more east and

rental. Also found at RHAC’s location is Gate-

so she has participated in most of the tour’s ten

way Gallery, a co-op gallery and gift shop where

years, but at various hosting locations. Along with

several WLAST artists regularly show their work,

artwork sales, the tour is one way those in need of

and there’s the new Artists’ Loft studio space just

art instruction find Penny who offers classes as

opening.

well. One of Penny’s methods is being the type of teacher who adapts to her students style rather than have the student having to adapt to hers.

Penny has a humorous personality too, a lot of fun!

New comer, artist and illustrator Steve Loya, was enjoying his first year on the tour. Steve has been an art teacher at Seldens Landing Elementary School towards the eastern part of the county for 15 years. He offered an interesting perspective of the county’s growth via his school population explosion from 300 his first year, to its peak at 1200 four years ago. Because of Steve’s imaginative style he seems to attract a wide range of

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ages for his work. He offers items priced so even children can afford them and he shared that he had already sold to enthusiasts from 3 years old to 80! Good job Steve!

Left - Steve Loya. Above - Inside Round Hill Art Center. Below - Inside Round Hill Art Center with Liz Cresap fused glass, Mary Kenesson jewelry and Meredith Hilt jewelry, shown speaking with customers.

years. Elizabeth shares that “The original dream behind starting FPAC was to help grow local performing and visual arts.” The tour brought 700 people through the arts center last year and more came for 2015.

FRANKLIN PARK ARTS CENTER 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Artists - Jan Blacka, Simon Bland, Anne Block, Karen & Stuart Helble, Alice Power and J. Riley Stewart.

The converted barn at Franklin Park acts as a year round arts center, with both its theater and gallery space always in use. Much like the Round Hill Art Center, for the tour it provides an open gallery for a half dozen of the WLASTS artists who may not have visitable studio space, but still wish to participate. Elizabeth Bracey - Franklin Park Arts Center’s Manager, explains, “We are sort of the hub in terms of providing the booklets and some basic information, helping people to figure out where to go from here.” Though WLAST is a partnership, the park’s non profit branch, Friends of Franklin Park, has provided a support system of its own to the tour. It’s a wonderful arts related relationship, that has served both well for many 36 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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Spending some time speaking with Anne Marshall Block and Simon Bland, just two of the artists in the bustling room, you understand how the tour is important to their livelihood. It allows collectors to have personal time with them and visa versa. It’s a very personal way of doing business, one where you can ask an artist about their process and what inspires their creativity.

Top left - Ann Block.

Bottom Left - Simon Bland.

Above - Karen Helble speaks with visitors.

Bottom - J. Riley Stewart speaks with customer about his photographs.

Right - Alice Power and Jan Blacka.

GEOFF & LORI DEMARK

was that I want my kids to see this, I want them

511 South Nursery Ave., Purcellville

to be part of it.” The kids watched them work and became part of what they were doing. These are life lessons kids never forget and just another offering that the tour provides for both its artists and patrons.

Geoff and Lori DeMark are both parents, Loudoun Public School art teachers [he at Woodgrove and she at Harmony] and they are both working artisans. On this first day of the

When leaving the DeMark’s home, I had a very

show, Stop 27, both are busy with visitors. Their

nice conversation with a couple of those art lov-

two car garage studio and gallery for the day,

ing patrons, Mildred Porter and Martha Martley,

showcases Geoff ’s pottery and Lori’s jewelry.

who came from Ashburn. It was at least their

This is their second year with the tour and it

forth year of visiting the tour. I could tell the tour

turns out during my time with them was very

was something they looked forward to doing to-

good, with the duo offering a little something for

gether each year. Both had already purchased the

everyone. Geoff tells me, “It’s been fun.” Their

work of their favorite photographer Susan Breen

kids are eleven, nine and seven years of age and

and love visiting the studio of Jeffery Hall.

Geoff shares that, “My main motivation last year 38 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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DANA B. THOMSON & MARY CHAMPION 131 South 29th Street, Purcellville Dana and Mary are both painters who used to display their work at a group studio in Leesburg before moving to Dana’s home studio in the town Purcellville. Dana’s home provides a charming stop, with a stone path leading you into her well manicured yard. Her delightful studio is fun to see and filled with her colorful paintings, and Mary’s tranquil landscape paintings were nicely tented and displayed in the garden. During my visit, both were busy helping customers and I wanted to ask Mary for next year’s tour, if she will be at her new studio located in the same building as the Round Hill Arts Center? We’ll have to wait and see!

JUDITH THOMPSON 19965 Lincoln Road, Purcellville

son has to offer.

Judith Thompson has a fun approach to the tour, making visiting fun. One year she took several paintings, wrapped them in brown paper and offered collectors to choose whichever one they wanted, sight unseen, for just $50. and they loved it. Judith, also gives art instruction and is a good person to source for those looking to expand their creative horizons.

Tour veteran and whimsical painter Judith Thompson, was likely the most southern based studio on this year’s tour, but most certainly worth the visit. Her wooded lot and studio seem storybook and it’s only fitting, as her colorful work is rich in fantasy. She shares that she has had more traffic this year than ever and this is her ninth tour.

She keeps larger work on display, but also specially creates smaller works of art for the tour which allow an enthusiast to begin collecting while seeing the greater depth and vision Thomp40 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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The Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour

site stays active year round and so you art lovers

has so many more artists to meet and so much

should too! There, you will find direct contact

more art to see. The map on page 17 can also

information and examples of the work for each

be found on WLAST’s website and shows them

of the 2015 artists.

all and I wish I could have met them! But the

The planning of next year’s 2016 tour has al-

artists introduced to you here are a splendid rep-

ready begun. So mark you calendars and take

resentation of the full group. The actual studio

Dad along, as it is once again on Father’s Day

locations remain as such year round, but even

Weekend! See you on the tour! By the way, if

the art center guest artists are available to vis-

your county is contemplating a tour of its own,

it after the show closes. Most of them just don’t

I’ll just say, this is how it’s done. Congratulations

have the space to accommodate large numbers

WLAST, happy 10th birthday!

of tour visitors or cars at one time on the day of the show. I’m sure however, any would be happy to meet you during the year. WLAST’s web-

THE LAND

Beneath My Feet

By Tom Neel

This book celebrates the unique character of the Virginia Piedmont through the eyes of artist, Tom Neel.

Play Video Purchase Book Online

LINDA NEEL

The passion for pattern and color

Contemporary Fine Art

“Lines And Spaces” Mixed Media, 20” X 33” X 1.5”

Available at laMusa Art And Design Studio

laMusaDesignStudio.com 202.537.5000

LindaNeel.com ~ Art@LindaNeel.com ~ 540-364-4401 43 | Copyright Live An Artful Life Inc

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