PRESS RELEASE: Laura Heihn at Winding Brook Bistro in Johnson


Mind of Winter:
Landscape Paintings by Laura Heijn


Art at The Bistro will host a show of landscape paintings by Johnson artist Laura Heijn from July 9th through September 5th.

Opening reception : Wednesday, July 14th 4 to 6 pm. Come meet the artist, see her work, and enjoy hors-d’oeuvres prepared by chef Chase Vanderveer. Cash bar is available. Winding Brook Bistro, 933 VT Route 100C in Johnson.

In viewing Laura’s paintings one has the sensation of being alone out in the natural world. In the winter pictures, archetypal natural forms (trees, fields, mountains) reflect an internal experience and invite contemplation and stillness. The expansive views of spring and summer are depicted in wide, horizontal panels that offer pathways for entry into and movement through the landscape.

Laura works in acrylic on paper or panel, largely from the views immediately surrounding her home in Johnson. Her technique depends on the fast-drying quality of acrylic paint itself, which allows for changes in direction as the painting evolves. She is thus able to overlay new marks on old without a mixing and muddying of the layers, responding to the interplay of subject and painting in the moment. This approach began as a practical solution to the problem of painting outdoors in remote places, and out of a backpack on extended wilderness trips.

Though over the years her painting habits have evolved from the snapshot depictions of a traveler on foot in the landscape, to the steadier gaze of an inhabitant of one place, her paintings retain the freshness of the single moment of seeing, even as she paints her most familiar views.

Laura grew up in Massachusetts and studied art and English literature at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and at Harvard University in Cambridge. She has lived in Johnson for 17 years, where she runs a small home dairy operation and raises three sometimes-homeschooled children.

avant et aprés (before & after!)


know how our readers love these ... here's recent pics and there are 4 new pieces in shop now, freshly finished and awaiting their new home!

but here you go, to whet your appetites!

Designer Trims: Featuring Vervain's Poetry Trimmings

This beautiful setting features Vervain fabrics and trims. Mixing and matching the tones and textures achieves a beautiful space like the one you see here. Notice the styles of trim using a repeat of colorways too.


Drapery fabric:  Palemporia on Linen in Bamboo.  Drapery trim: Eliot in English Garden.
Upholstery fabric:  Venue in Harvest.  Upholstery trim: Commings in English Garden.
Bolster Pillow:  Carina in Lavender.  Trim: Carroll in English Garden.  Tassel: Kees in English Garden.
Pillows 20":  Venue in Avacado.  Trim: Frost in English Garden.
Pillow 18":  Jacapo in Plum.  Trim: Browning in English Garden.
Rectangular pillow:  Palemporia on Linen in Bamboo.  Trim: Eliot in English Garden.

 All photos courtesy of Vervain.

Interior Designers - Spotlight on Bobby McAlpine

Bobby McAlpine has recently released his new book, The Home Within Us. He also has teamed with Holland and Company to create a 25 piece furniture collection. Holland and Company are known for their gorgeous antique reproduction furniture and are well known in the southeast US. McAlpine Booth and Ferrier is an interior design company that attracts clients from across the US with offices in Atlanta, Nashville and New York. Their acclaimed work is recognized in publications that include Veranda, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, House Beautiful and many more. Below are some of the wonderful rooms from some of these publications. Go to Bobby McAlpine's website for more wonderful photos and take a look at their vast portfolio.



This beautiful room was seen in Southern Accents, October 2009.



A beautiful displayed room seen in Veranda, June 2009.

Seen in Veranda, June 2009.

All photos courtesy of McAlpine Booth and Ferrier and the respective magazines.

PRESS RELEASE: 18th Annual Group Show at Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery in Shelburne

Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery's 18th Annual Group Show, featuring David Maille and

Bonnie Acker
Elizabeth Allen
Adam DeVarney
Jeri Lynn Eisenberg
Janet Fredericks
Byron Geigel
Hal Mayforth
Janet McKenzie
Beth Pearson
Joseph Salerno
Roger Sandes
Dianne Shullenberger
Brian Sweetland
Polly Thompson
David Utiger

July 9 - August 10, 2010

Please join us for an opening reception on Friday, July 9, 6:00 - 8:00

Image: Spring Creek by David Maille 13" x 18 3/8" Oil and gilding on panel

Coming soon !



Mignonne Décor has secured an off-site art & workspace for our furniture renovation services. Located in the artsy enclave of Magnolia Street in Oakland, clients will soon be able to schedule time to preview upcoming stock pieces as well as consult with Johnelle on their design projects.

Our popular design and furniture revamping services have outgrown our boutique space and we felt it was time to expand into a separate area dedicated to the ongoing projects versus our finished pieces on offer in the boutique.

Johnelle Mancha, proprietaire, was just featured as a "Stylemaker" in Sunday's SF Chronicle's home section...Her unique design vision was highlighted and, whether you are looking to update one piece of furniture, have a room in your home ... or a business / retail space in need of transformation ... Johnelle can help bring your vision to life.

Read more about Johnelle HERE at SFGate.com.

Kitchen Before and After! Atlanta Showhouse 2010


Before: Kitchen renovated in 1993. See new kitchen below!


After:  WOW!!

Design Galleria took this great kitchen that you see in the before photo and made it into a "WOW" kitchen in the second photo. Believe it or not, this kitchen was renovated in 1993 and was then renovated by the same company, Design Galleria for the 2010 showhouse.  Even though the before kitchen was nice and still worked for modern families, this was to be a showhouse and it needed to wow you! I think they live up to the reputation because it sure wowed me! Enjoy!

All photos courtesy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine. They have a great blog too!

Study of the Cheshire




Cheshire Kabuki

New Prints





Fermob: Beautiful and Practical Outdoor Furniture

Fermob is simply stated outdoor furniture that comes in a large array of bright and beautiful colors! This company from France sells throughout the US and also can be bought from your interior designer. I am lucky to have one of the divisions here in Georgia and use it frequently for my clients for indoors as well as outdoors. Each collection comes in 24 luscious colors including new colors such as turquoise and peony. Some of the eleven collections are aluminum and some are steel, but they are all coated with the same colors in a durable paint system developed by Fermob. You have many choices of styles from modern to traditional! See some of their wonderful photos below and some of the examples of the bright colors available!

Rendezvous Collection - Table #9530 in apple green ; Chairs #9502 in lemon, carrot, fuschia and verbena.



Bistro Set #6311 in a multicolored chair and peony.



Charivari Bench #1025.

Dune Lounger #1323 in stripes (three colorways available).

More choices can be seen at the Fermob site, see what beautiful colors and styles are available! Great for children's rooms too! Photos courtesy of Fermob.

Art Serve


Just stumbled across this great resource for artists- the Art Serve. Check it out to join the Michigan Cultural Data Project or see if there are some Regional Meetings going on near you to learn policy information and resources to ensure that arts count!

My TOP TEN Favorite Interior Design Blogs!

Below are the blogs I love to visit the most and thought I would share them with you. Link over to each, maybe there is one here you did not know about! Of course I had to place my blog on the list as I visit it everyday!

My TOP TEN favorite design blogs:

The Designer Insider - Great products many of you do not know exist unless you hire an interior designer! See what's new in the world of interior design. Real photos from wholesale showrooms around Atlanta.

Apartment Therapy - So much information, great ideas even if you do not have an apartment!

Design Sponge - Doesn't everyone check this blog?

Vicente Wolf - Answers questions from other designers or readers. Great photos from his own projects.

Miss Mustard Seed - Love "Furniture Fridays"! Great furniture pieces are shown, new and old.

Cote de Texas - French style ideas and nice large photos. Takes a minute to load but worth it!

Kravet  - This blog, Inspired Talk, blogs about what's new with Kravet and there is always something new!

My Romantic Home - Beautiful photos for the romantic style. A great feature is "show and tell" Fridays.

Desire To Inspire - This blog features all different styles of design with great photos from around the world.

Coco Cozy  - A nice format and features very stylish homes with great photos.

These blogs are not in any particular order and are just my favorites for one reason or the other. Not to hurt anyone's feelings, but we all strive to find that perfect blog that interests us the most. So comment here and list your favorite blog with a link too!

Braided Rugs Can Be Modern

Many of you think that braided rugs are not in style anymore or you relate them to your grandmother's style of decor. But the new braided rugs are unique with many different weaves and colors that are available. Look at our example below of using a braided rug in a modern kitchen. I love the color it adds to the space and as always it wears like iron!


For purchasing, contact The Designer Insider.

Currently...

This year has been busy and the beginning of summer has been really busy for me as an artist... so I can't complain, it is a good busy.

Currently I am working on my art installation for the upcoming Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan that will take place from September 22 to October 10th where I will be showing in the Grand Central Market & Deli on Monroe Street. Here are some pictures of last year's artists at Art Prize:



I am also finishing up some new etchings for upcoming shows in Upstate New York for September. Currently I am framing some prints for a show for "Seven West Michigan Printmakers" to open on July 8th at the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts. Right now I have a showing in Montague's "Book Nook" bookstore/cafe, as well as Muskegon's Mia & Grace a hip and happening restaurant:

I am also working on a couple signs for organizations in the local community, as well as some side projects and updating my online shop at Etsy.

PRESS RELEASE: Anarchy and two other shows at Studio Place Arts in Barre

Studio Place Arts announces: Three New Shows starting June 22

In the Main Floor Gallery: Anarchy - Artists express their views on anarchism in a show that includes paintings, assemblage, photographs, sculptures, collage, video, and stone carvings.

In the Second Floor Gallery: Not Just Childs' Play - Inspiring Art from Barre Students

In the Third Floor Gallery: Detours by Angelo Arnold & Jason Baldwin

Exhibit Dates: June 22 - July 31, 2010
Reception: Friday, June 25, 5:30-7:30 PM

Special Event: "At Work in the Bridal Industry," a poetry reading by Nadell Fishman on Sunday, July 18 (7-8 PM). The SPA galleries will be open before and after the presentation.

Anarchy at SPA
The "Anarchy" show involves 13 artists and a selection of photographs, paintings, encaustics, collage and stone carvings that explore anarchism. For example, Peter Schumann of Glover, leader of the Bread and Puppet Theatre, created a large, mural painting in black latex paint tones called Popul Vu, that occupies the entire wall in the rear of the main gallery.

LALI of West Pawlet carved a slate relief work that honors the feminist anarchists of the Spanish Civil War. Larry Bowling of Charlestown, MA is displaying 2 collage and encaustic pieces: One incorporates Emma Goldman's mug shot taken at her arrest and the other depicts Oscar Wilde's gay rights activism and his roots in anarchism. Heather Pipino of Montpelier assembled
a large-scale painting on layered cardboard that depicts different forms of anarchism.

The "Anarchy" exhibit coincides with Barre's Heritage Festival at the end of July. Barre has a deep connection with the Italian anarchist movement. For example, anarchist Luigi Galeani resided in Barre and served as the editor to one of the most important anarchist newspapers in the country, Cronaca Sovversiva. For a recent article on Galeani by local historian Paul Heller, see The Times Argus website.

While viewing the Anarchy show at SPA, visitors are welcome to peruse books on the topic, graphic art of the Industrial Workers of the World (the Wobblies), and historic photographs, which are on loan by the Aldrich Public Library and the Barre Historical Society.

SPA Gallery Hours: Tues-Fri: 10AM-5PM, Sat: Noon-4PM
NOTE: SPA will be closed on Sat., July 3, 2010

Image: Branded, collage and encaustic by Larry Bowling


PRESS RELEASE: Klara Calitri at The Art House in Middlebury

Klara Calitri's love of nature and an irrepressible joy of color is reflected The Enchanted Garden, on display July 9 - August 7 at The Art House in Middlebury’s Marble Works. Calitri's delight in diversity is featured in a selection of monotypes, paintings and sculptures, including her widely-collected ceramic fountains and bowls. One of Vermont's most beloved artists charms us with her vibrant celebration of life.

OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY JULY 9, 5-9 p.m. Featuring music by Thea Calitri Martin, principal French Horn of the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra, Meredith Martin, vocalist, and Fred Haas, renowned jazz musician. Complimentary refreshments. Coincides with Middlebury's Arts Walk.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Mary Swanson: mary@arthousevt.com (802) 458-0464
Visit www.arthousevt.com for additional info & directions

PRESS RELEASE: UnAltered at FLYNNDOG in Burlington







Flynndog presents UNALTERED: A pure unadulterated and non thematic very mixed media group exhibition brought to you by the artists and writers of *Alter(ed) Ego.

Opening Reception on Friday, July 2nd - 6 to 8pm

The show runs July1 thru July 26th. The gallery is open 7am-7pm, 7 days a week

FLYNNDOG is located 208 Flynn Ave. Burlington,Vermont www.flynndog.net

Image: Oil painting by Wendy James

Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market!

The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market along with the Atlanta Area Rug Market is gearing up for the July market, one of the most popular buying markets in the country. The dates for these markets are July 14th through July21st and features over 4,000 showrooms. This is the debut for all of the new lines, new designs, new products and new resources for 2011. This will be an exciting new opportunity to meet with three top well known professionals in the industry.

This photo depicts the Candler Twin Bed by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair Furniture.

Special presentations at the market:

Jonathan Adler - He is one of the top designers in the country and is also the lead judge on Bravo's "Top Design". Learn how to keep up with new market trends and ideas while staying true to your own view of design.

Suzanne Kasler - This celebrated designer will give you a behind the scenes look into her design process and how to become inspired for each project. Her new book "Inspired Interiors" is a must see and read for all inspiring designers.

Olivier Blanchard - This presentation will cover the basics of social media and its benefits to your business and how to improve your search engine optimization. Learn why social media is worth your time and how to use it effectively.

See you at the show!

Kravetsmart Carpets! In Stock Carpets From Kravet

Kravetsmart rugs and carpets includes a beautiful collection of in stock carpets and rugs made of wool and viscose that are hand knotted in India. Luscious colors that offer a soft luxurious feel combined with durability and superb craftsmanship. The rugs below are available in seven standard sizes, three designs and two price points depending on the content. Below are the collections Lunaire, Shimmer and Vogue.

Lunaire comes in 6 beautiful colors: Bronze, Citrine, Opal, Peridot, Platinum and Quartz. Below is the Bronze in a hand knotted 55 knot count carpet.




Shimmer comes in 8 luscious colors: Beige, Blue, Chocolate, Gold, Green, Ivory, Olive and Sienna. Below the first photo is the Blue and the second photo is the Sienna. Hand knotted in 80 knot count carpet.











Vogue comes in 6 beautiful colors: Beige, Cola, Gold, Green, Ivory and Seafoam. Below is the Seafoam in hand knotted 80 knot count carpet.

 All carpets are sold through Kravet and your interior designer. See more at the Kravet website and check their blog, Inspired.talk.

Designer Fabrics: Galbraith and Paul

Galbraith and Paul is a trade company that brings a special hand to textile design where the patterns are hand blocked and printed in Philadelphia on linens, velvets and silk. All of the designs are printed using fabric paints that are permanent and lightfast. The designs are print to order so custom combinations are also easy to do. They offer 30 patterns, 8 grounds and over 100 colors that will make your fabric perfect for your client. These fabrics are available to the trade through specific showrooms throughout the US, see some of our favorites below! Above: This pattern, Birds, comes in 3 different colorways on upholstery linen and two colorways on white linen. The fabric shown is upholstery linen in Pumpkin.



This pattern, Pizzelle, has standard colorways on upholstery linen and on cotton/rayon velvet. The linen comes in 5 colorways and Baby Blue is shown above. The velvet blend comes in 5 colorways.

A favorite pattern, Poppy, comes on upholstery linen in 3 different colorways, shown here in Pear.



 This beautiful pattern, Fern, is on upholstery linen in 5 different colorways, shown here in Sage.

A great modern styled pattern, Zinnia, comes in 3 different colorways on upholstery linen. The color shown is Sky.



A favorite pattern, Spring Garden, looks modern and traditional at the same time. This pattern comes on oyster linen in 3 different colorways and in 2 different colorways on white linen. Shown above in the Marigold colorway on oyster linen.



Creating a custom fabric.

All photos courtesy of Galbraith and Paul. The fabrics above can be ordered through your designer or The Designer Insider.

PRESS RELEASE: Dennis Murphy at Blinking Light Gallery in Plainfield


Less is Enough
Blinking Light Gallery to Feature Special Exploratory Chapter in the Art of Dennis Murphy

When longtime Plainfield resident Dennis Murphy suffered a stroke some three years ago that left him unable to create his art in the usual way, he turned to less usual means. The Blinking Light Gallery will present a collection of Dennis’s new oil pastels and digitally enhanced photography from July 1 to August 1, with an artist’s reception Saturday, July 10 from 2:00-5:00.

As Dennis explains, “This is not a standard exhibition of fully completed works. I’ve been very engaged in finding out what I can do, substituting other media for those I used to work in.” He’s ready to show his progress to friends and the community, and to share his vision that Less is Enough – the title of his show.

For Dennis, exploring unusual means of artistic expression is not unusual at all. He may be most widely known as the musician, composer and instrument maker whose fascination with Javanese music led to his role in the creation of the first North American gamelan. (A gamelan is an Indonesian musical ensemble, rooted in the islands of Bali and Java, featuring a variety of xylophone-type instruments, gongs, bamboo flutes, and plucked strings. Locals know that Dennis has hosted The Plainfield Village Gamelan for many years at his farmhouse. The group will provide a bit of live music at the July 10 opening. In addition to his art, photography and gamelan work, Dennis has also composed pieces of chamber and choral music, and he’s written plays -- some of which feature a unique system of language of his own invention.

The Blinking Light Gallery is located on Main St. just off U.S. Route 2 in the village of Plainfield, Vermont. Hours of operation are Thursdays from 2 to 6 P.M., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. The goal of the arts organization, founded in 1999, is to promote and sustain the creative work of regional artists through a cooperatively-run, community-centered organization. For more information about the Blinking Light Gallery, call (802) 454-0141 or visit www.blinkinglightgallery.com.

PRESS RELEASE: Annual Exposed! Sculpture Exhibition in Stowe

Helen Day Art Center announces the 18th annual Exposed! outdoor sculpture exhibition. The exhibition is curated by UVM sculpture professor Meg McDevitt, and features over 20 individual works by artists from around the region, extending from the Helen Day Art Center to Stowe Kitchen and Bath and Chittenden Bank on the Mountain Road, and on the Stowe recreation path. A marquee event on Stowe's summer calendar, the exhibition attracts an estimated 75,000 visitors during its annual 3 month run. This year's exhibition includes works by regional and international artists, including Nadine Faraj (Canada), Joel Fisher (England/ USA), Kenji Endo (Japan), among others.

The Opening Reception is Friday, July 9th at 5pm., featuring the artist-led Walkabout tour of Exposed! During the Walkabout tour, the majority of the artists attend and share reflections on their work. This year’s artists include Leila Bandar, Jon Black, Tyler Buswell, Mireille Clapp, Kat Clear, Chris Curtis, Tom Douglas, Kenji Endo, Nadine Faraj, Joel Fisher, Rob Hitzig, Bruce Hathaway, James Irving, Harlan Mack, Jordan Pratt, Peg Smith, Piper Strong, Denis Versweyveld, and Catherine Ward.

Image: Artist Nadine Faraj strength-testing the steel skeleton of Haven, in her studio. (Completed piece is Haven, 2010 steel reinforced concrete, 5'x7'x4' )

John Saladino: The World's Interior Designer

John Saladino is one of the most respected interior designers in the world and is often referred to as the designer's designer. His work is always layered and he was one of the first to incorporate architectural fragments into minimal spaces. In the late 1960s he was already creating rooms with polished surfaces such as stainless steel ceilings. His latest book is Villa, which features a stone house ruin that was discovered in the California Hills. This beautiful home has thick stone walls, tiled roofs and exposed beams. This is a home you would expect to find in the Tuscan countryside, not sunny California! John Saladino found this house to be a lifetime opportunity to create his dream home. Beautiful photos and the true story can be found in his latest book, Villa. See below two photos from this wonderful home and then click over to his website to see more and to learn about this great designer.


 See more at the website, John Saladino!

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