Fifth annual Aaron Douglas Art Fair - Topeka art | Examiner.com

It's that time of year for fall art fairs. These are always enjoyable, there is usually food, fun artsy activities and best of all - original art from local artists! This weekend Topeka kicks off the season with the Aaron Douglas Art Fair: A Celebration of Community on September 25th from 10-5 at the Aaron Douglas Art Park at 12th and Lane. Admission is free.

Read More...

Fifth annual Aaron Douglas Art Fair - Topeka art | Examiner.com

Stressed? Reduce Stress with Flower Paintings in Your Rooms

I don't know about you, but just watching the news stresses me out. I found this little article that offers a little something to help make the places that you live and work a little less stressful. And I have a few flower paintings that just might fit the bill if you decide to feed your spirit and destress your rooms.

Reducing Stress With Flower Paintings By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Karlsen]Kathleen Karlsen

Can the decor in a room help relieve stress? A 1996 study conducted by Virginia Lohr and others showed that rooms and offices decorated with plants and flowers helped reduce stress as measured by decreased blood pressure and pulse rates. Researchers have further determined that there is a direct link between flowers and life satisfaction.

A study done at Rutgers demonstrated that flowers decrease anxiety, depression and agitation. Flowers also lead to a higher sense of enjoyment and increased contact with family and friends. Flowers make a home more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.

Additional research by Diane Relf of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute has shown that people communicate better in the presence of flowers or plants and they tend to eat more slowly. Others studies focused specifically on seniors and tracked improvements in memory in the presence of flowers.

By decorating your home or office with flower paintings rather than fresh flowers, you introduce flowers into your decor that will never fade. Having flowers as a permanent element into your home can be a positive influence for both inhabitants and visitors. With all of the prints and posters available today, choose a flower painting to decorate any area of your home or business is relatively easy.

Floral paintings can be used in almost every area of a home or business. Small flower paintings are perfect for bathrooms, hallways, entryways or bedrooms. Large flower paintings add cheer and color to dining rooms, living rooms and family rooms. For businesses or offices, flower paintings are traditional for waiting areas and reception areas. Flowers have universal appeal and work well in just about any decor to lower stress and uplift everyone's mood!

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is a professional artist, a freelance writer and marketing consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. For unique decorative gifts for flower lovers and an in-depth article on flower meanings, see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm

For marketing and multimedia services, please see http://www.livingartsmedia.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Karlsen http://EzineArticles.com/?Reducing-Stress-With-Flower-Paintings&id=1360834

April Shows and News

This April I have been blessed with an abundance of opportunities to show my work this month.

My big news this month is two of my pieces (left) were selected by the Art in Embassies Program as a part of the exhibition at the U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay in the U.S Embassy Residence in Asuncion. There is nothing like the honor of being recognized as an artist by a government agency.

Universal Unitarian church in Topeka will be displaying my Kansas Wildflower work in their sanctuary for the next couple of months.

The Topeka Art Guild has arranged a member show at the Fairlawn Classic Bean for March and April. Then I also have two new floral pieces in their continuing "Rites of Spring" show.

At The Collective Art Gallery, they are featuring Jeremy Mohler in "Storytelling", and I will showing a couple new pieces there this month as well.

Feminine Desert Series continues to show at Sun Resorts Tanning and Fitness at Gage Center though the busy months of March and April. So if you haven't been in to see these shows please hurry in and let the staff know what you think! Also, the floral show at Gorham City Hall in Western Kansas continues through April too.

The Mulvane Art Museum Gift Shop continues to carry many of my products as well.

All of the Topeka shows will be open for First Friday Art Walk on April 3rd. Please let me know if you have been out to see any of these events. Feedback is so fun to hear and is important to me. Details below...

I have an ongoing campaign to promote my "Stroke of Genius" game. I have had the opportunity to introduce several people to the game and have had great feedback, some which can be found on a Facebook page dedicated to the game Stroke of Genius. If you are on Facebook please check it our and become a fan. (Facebook Pages can be seen without a Facebook account, but to interact you'll need an account. Please log on and join me online and share with friends.)

I am very excited to find out that The "Artist's Way" group at the Topeka Art Guild will be playing the "Stroke of Genius" game at their meeting on April 11th. Special thanks to Cynthia Stotlar for making it part of their plans. I hope to stop in and get some photos and discover their reactions.

I also want to mention again, I joined Etsy.com to sell my various handmade products. You can find me there at LeivanOriginals.etsy.com. There you can find my new Stemware Charms sporting my Kansas Wildflower Series paintings. You can find them locally at Ice & Olives at the Thunderbird Shopping Center and The Kitchen Gallery in Fairlawan Plaza.

Other links for my social media are:
Twitter:@michelle_leivan
Facebook Profile: Michelle Leivan
Facebook Page: Michelle Leivan Original Paintings

Stroke of Genius Facebook Page: Stroke of Genius Game

Rites of Spring
Location: Topeka Art GuildEvent Dates: 4/3/2009 - 5/31/2009Reception: 4/3/2009 · 6:00 - 8:00

"Rites of Spring"
Art Guild Gallery Topeka Art Guild, Inc. 5331 SW 22nd Place Topeka, KS 66614 Phone: 785.273.7646

Member Artists reveal their own concept of "Rites of Spring"

The Topeka Art Guild has also has members showing their work in April at the Classic Bean two of my Kansas Wildflower works are also a part of this show.

Classic Bean
2125 SW Fairlawn Plaza Drive
Topeka Kansas
Phone: 785.271.5005The "Artist's Way" group will be playing "Stroke of Genius"Topeka Art Guild. game at their April 11th meeting 9 - noon at the TAG classroom.

The Art Guild Gallery, located in the west end of Fairlawn Shopping Center, Topeka, KS, is staffed by volunteer members. It is free and open to the public.

The Collective Art Gallery 3121 SW Huntoon St. Topeka, KS 66604-1662 ph: 785.234.4254

New Hours!
Tues-Fri 10:30-5:30PM, Sat 10:30-3:30PM

Shown Left: Apollo in Delphos Facing the Morning Sun one of my pieces showing this month at the Collective.

The Collective Art Gallery presents:
"Storytelling" by Jeremy MohlerJeremy Mohler is a professional illustrator whose work has been featured in comic books, on album and book covers, text books and trading card games. He earned his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute. See more of Jeremy's work at www.jeremymohler.comOpening reception is scheduled for Friday April 3, 2009, 5:30-8:30PM in conjunction with the "First Friday Art Walk!"Show runs through April 30, 2009.The Collective Art Gallery has joined Facebook! The Collective Art Gallery on FB

Featured Artist

Location: Unitarian UniversalistFellowship of Topeka
Event Dates: 4/3/2009 - 6/30/2009

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka

4775 SW 21st StreetTopeka, KS 66604785-272-9233

Sun Resorts Tanning and Fitness

Location: 1301 Gage Topeka, Kansas

Show Extended! Event Dates: 1/2/2009 - 4/30/2009
I continue to have a solo show of my Feminine Desert: Paintumentary at Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness, open for First Friday Art Walk March 6, and April 3, 2009
This show has also spurred the completion of my second self-published book Feminine Desert: Paintumentary, available online under my "Book" link on my website.

Wildflowers Invade Western Kansas
Location: Gorham City Hall
125 Market StreetGorham KS 67640
Event Dates: 12/1/2008 - 4/30/2009

This month my Kansas Wildflowers are invading Western Kansas! Several pieces will be on display and for sale in Gorham City Hall through April 30th. Ok, so I know the mayor - that's how it happens! If you get a chance to stop in say Hi! to Mayor Martinson for me!

For more about Gorham Kansas go to http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Gorham

March Newsletter

March certainly is beginning to prove the adage "In like a Lion..." I have been blessed with an abundance of opportunities to show my work this month.

First of all I am the featured artist at the Topeka Art Guild for the month of March. I am very excited to be exhibiting a number of my Kansas Wildflowers. The Topeka Art Guild has arranged a member show at the Fairlawn Classic Bean for March and April. I have submitted work for this show as well. Then I have two of my figurative abstracts in their continuing "Art of the Abstract" show.

At The Collective Art Gallery, they are featuring all member and associates in "Out of the Box" and the show at Gorham City Hall in Western Kansas continues through April of this year and a number of my products are available at the Mulvane Art Museum Gift Shop.

There is a couple of show extensions, Flower Power 2 at SouthWind Gallery is extended through March 10th. And due to positive response of her customers, I was asked by Christine at Sun Resorts Tanning and Fitness to extend the Feminine Desert Series through her busy months of March and April. So if you haven't been in to see these shows please hurry in and let the staff know what you think!

All of the Topeka shows will be open for First Friday Art Walk on March 6th. Please let me know if you have been out to see any of these events. Feedback is so fun to hear and is important to me. Details below...

Not only do I have my paintings available, I continue to develop new products. One brand new product is my "Stroke of Genius" game. I have been using my new social media addiction to promote this new venture. I announced it just last Sunday and have had wonderful response to the game. I have a Facebook page dedicated to the game. Stroke of Genius if you are on Facebook please check it our and become a fan.

Facebook Pages can be seen without a Facebook account, but to interact you'll need an account Please log on and join me online and share with friends.

One last thing, I joined Etsy.com to sell my various handmade products. You can find me there at LeivanOriginals.etsy.com. There you can find my new Stemware Charms sporting my Kansas Wildflower Series paintings. You can find them locally at Ice & Olives at the Thunderbird Shopping Center and The Kitchen Gallery in Fairlawan Plaza.

I am Looking forward to seeing you online and in the galleries in 2009!
Michelle

Other links for my social media are:
Twitter:@michelle_leivan
Facebook Profile: Michelle Leivan
Facebook Page: Michelle Leivan Original Paintings

Featured Artist
Event Dates: 3/6/2009 - 3/31/2009Reception: 3/6/2009 · 6:00 - 8:00 Art in Abstract
Location: Topeka Art Guild
Shown Right: "Memories of Smoky Hill" one of my pieces showing this month as Featured Artist for this month at the Guild.

Still Running:
"Art in Abstract"
Art Guild Gallery Topeka Art Guild, Inc. 5331 SW 22nd Place Topeka, KS 66614 Phone: 785.273.7646

Member Artists reveal their own concept of "Art in Abstract"

The Topeka Art Guild has also arranged this month for members to show their work in March and April at the Classic Bean two of my Kansas Wildflower works are also a part of this show.

Classic Bean
2125 SW Fairlawn Plaza Drive
Topeka Kansas
Phone: 785.271.5005

The Art Guild Gallery, located in the west end of Fairlawn Shopping Center, Topeka, KS, is staffed by volunteer members. It is free and open to the public.

The Collective Art Gallery
3121 SW Huntoon St. Topeka, KS 66604-1662 ph: 785.234.4254

New Hours!
Tues-Fri 10:30-5:30PM, Sat 10:30-3:30PM

Shown Left: Apollo in Delphos Facing the Morning Sun one of my pieces showing this month at the Collective.



The Collective Art Gallery presents:

"Out of the Box"Members and Associates present their work on the theme "Out of the Box"Opening reception is scheduled for Friday March 6, 2009, 5:30-8:30PM in conjunction with the "First Friday Art Walk!"Show runs through February 28, 2009.

http://collectiveartgallery.org/

Flower Power 2
Location: SouthWind Gallery at Framewoods of Topeka
Event Dates: 1/16/2009 - 3/10/2009Reception: 2/6/2009 · 6 pm - 8:00 pm

Show Extendend!
SouthWind Gallery http://southwindgalleryoftopeka.com/
785.273.5994 3074 SW 29thTopeka KS 66614
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 4pm
Sometimes working at a gallery has it's advantages - I am showing two new works at SouthWind Gallery at Framewoods of Topeka in the Flower Power 2 group show. The show features floral works by regional women artists. I am honored to have my hung work with all of these excellent artists.

Feminine Desert: Paintumentary

This will be open March 6th during March's First Friday Art Walk.
Sun Resorts Tanning and Fitness

Location: 1301 Gage Topeka, Kansas

Show Extended! Event Dates: 1/2/2009 - 4/30/2009
I continue to have a solo show of my Feminine Desert: Paintumentary at Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness, open for First Friday Art Walk March 6, and April 3, 2009
This show has also spurred the completion of my second self-published book Feminine Desert: Paintumentary, available online under my "Book" link on my website

Wildflowers Invade Western Kansas
Location: Gorham City Hall
125 Market StreetGorham KS 67640
Event Dates: 12/1/2008 - 4/30/2009This month my Kansas Wildflowers are invading Western Kansas! Several pieces will be on display and for sale in Gorham City Hall through April 30th. Ok, so I know the mayor - that's how it happens! If you get a chance to stop in say Hi! to Mayor Martinson for me!

For more about Gorham Kansas go to http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Gorham

Stroke of Genius Game
A wacky creative drawing card game, conceived, designed and handmade game by Michelle Leivan.
Declare yourself an Art Genius!
Learn More!


Kansas Wildflower Stemware Charms
Jewelry for your Wine Glass!

Kansas romance in its finest form can be found with these stemware charms featuring a print of a wildflower from the Kansas Wildflower Series, handmade, dated and signed by artist Michelle Leivan

Brighten your next wine tasting, luncheon or dinner party with these beautiful Kansas Wildflower Charms for stemware. Sets feature six different images creating a festive way to individualize glasses. Included is a gift envelope for gift giving convenience.

Available on LeivanOriginals.etsy.com
or

A variety of set styles
Available Locally at:

Ice and Olives
Thunderbird Shopping Center
3627 SE 29th St # 104

Topeka, KS 66605

785.215.8460


The Kitchen Gallery
Fairlawn Shopping Center
5331 SW 22nd Pl., Ste 26
Topeka, KS 66614
785.273.6436

Memories of Smoky Hill - 20x16 Acrylic on Canvas

I grew up around the middle of the Smoky Hills. Named for the "hazy" appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills provide a transition between the mixed-grass prairie and the short-grass prairie of the plains. The area flows through the middle and covering the western two thirds of Kansas and overlaps the western edge of the beautiful Flint Hills. The Smoky Hill River Valley covers the north and south of I-70 from Abilene west. It was a beautiful place to grow up. For more about the Smoky Hills: http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Extension/smoky/places.html
And the Smoky Hill River Valley http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/ka/history-travelers.cfm

In the well drained hillsides of the Smoky Hills can be found wild Echinacea often referred to locally as “snake root.” (not to be mistaken for White Snakeroot - Eupatorium rugosum a poisonous.) The locals meant Echinacea angustifolia - Narrow-leaf Coneflower which could be dug up in the cow pastures and sold for cash at a broker that very day, it was like picking up nickels, dimes and quarters. A body could dig for an entire day and make about $100. At the time the new age herbal movement was in its infancy and the whole process of collecting it seemed mysterious as to why they were buying it… the stuff wasn’t sold on the Wal-Mart pharmacy shelves as it is today. Nonetheless, the plant got us through many a tight spot through our college years for which I am forever grateful. This is one of the reasons I frequently paint the purple coneflower. There is such a personal connection for me that is deeper than just the simple beauty and grace of the plant.

This current piece reminds me of the popular Tuscan Style Décor with a twist of Kansas, which leads me to think about Italy and wines… talk about the beginning of a romance!

When you grow up in a place and have become accustom to what the landscape offers, you can find yourself out of sorts when you drive down a road you haven’t bothered driving in a while and as you pop over a hill, there is suddenly a sample of Italy where there once was flowing acres of wheat. A few months ago I was pleasantly surprised to discover the vineyard and winery that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, just 3 miles north of Salina on Old 81 hwy. It had been years since we traveled that road. It was common in my childhood to drive Old 81 as family once live along that highway. That day we discovered this “new” feature we didn’t have time to stop in and have a taste.

This weekend, finally we had an opportunity to try this fine Kansas Product. We located a selection at Lakeside Liquor Store at 29th and Croco, Topeka. We selected the “Czech Red” This long-time popular wine from Smoky Hill Vineyards is crafted from a blend of several grapes. "Czechoslovkian style" means it is a sweet wine created to yield an abundance of fruit flavor. The wine's brilliant cherry red hue invokes thoughts of the palette of color found at many area festivals celebrating the heritage and cultural diversity in Kansas. Light-bodied and sweet, it is great with hamburgers fresh of the grill. Enjoy it served at room temperature, or chilled to bring out the full fruitiness of the wine. Yep they nailed it. Yummy! http://www.kansaswine.com/

All this talk of the Smoky Hill Wine and Flowers reminds me that I haven’t mentioned my new set of products in my blog. Kansas romance in its finest form can be found with these wine glass charms featuring a print of a wildflower from the Kansas Wildflower Series, handmade, dated and signed. They are like jewelry for your wine glass, but they also serve the purpose of marking your glass at a party because each set of charms features six different images making it easy for identification.

They are currently sold locally at Ice & Olives at 29th and Croco, Topeka and online at my new Etsy.com shop LeivanOriginals.Etsy.com.

Sweet Tweets! New Twitter Fan!

I joined Twitter several months ago. There was some buzz about the application and how cool it was. Well, as I spent a couple of days tweeting the whole business just didn’t make sense. I had 3 followers and didn’t know who to follow myself… it was just so foreign to me. Why does anyone what to hear what an obscure artist is doing during the day? Ok, I just wasn’t getting it.

Then fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with Chad Manspeaker and Joshua Dieker with Mixed Media (a new Topeka company offering their experience with Web 2.0 and website development.) They had worked in our local elections as Nancy Boyda’s campaign management. They used Obama’s campaign model by utilizing social media to enhance her constituency outreach.

What an eye opener. He made it really simple, tweet about yourself, use the search tool to find people in your area to follow or people who have similar interests and watch your circle grow. Also, he introduced me the integration of Twitter and Facebook if they find you on one application they will probably seek you out on the other.

He also explained how it’s changing the entire concept of marketing back to the oldest most original concept of marketing – by word of mouth (or should I say by stroke of the keyboard) and friends recommendations. The only difference is that it goes at light speed rather than plodding along via Pony Express. He wasn’t kidding.

To keep from being intimidated I didn’t want to grow too fast, just a steady growth so that I wouldn’t get overwhelmed and this is exactly what I got. It’s amazing! In just a couple of weeks and maybe 3 hrs total of poking around, I have 47 followers on Twitter, many whom I don’t know but have found my tweets interesting and I have found their tweets interesting as well. On Facebook, my friends have grown to more than 42 (and not all from my personal solicitation) from around 5 many local people who have access to the galleries that I show in and many who I know but haven’t been in touch with for years. My circle includes many from the local media circle as well. The best news of all is that my website gained 171% in activity from last month. People are starting to find me online and it is literally growing on a daily basis.

Between Twitter and Facebook if used properly can launch your online presence from obscurity to a targeted, interested, friend base. Now, I am not even going to pretend to know all the ins and outs of either application, because I am still learning. My strategy is simple. Use Twitter and Facebook in tandem to enhance my online presence and drive traffic to my site.

Facebook has several perks for artists who participate: just take a look at their Statistics. http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics
Specifically for artists, more than half of their 150 million users are outside of college and their fastest growing demographic is people over 30 years old…. This adds up to educated people who have the funds to buy art. Many people who are on twitter own the high end phones with internet services. If they have those kinds of toys, logic follows they can also afford fine art. Just take a look at those stats on the site and see how that plays into a marketing goal for the artist.

Next, not only did I have my profile on Facebook, I also created a “page” about me and my artwork. These can be found at the bottom of the page under “advertising.” Creating a “page” is completely free and then you can add applications to them as well. With “devices” turned on and the Twitter application added to my Facebook profile, I can update my status on one and catch both systems in one sweep, even from my cell phone. Also, I discovered that I can RSS (really simple syndication) my blog to pick up my blogs as notes for both my page and my profile. What a time saving applications! No more cutting a pasting my blog so that all of my friends can find it!

A local group of Twitter fans started to gather in the evenings at “Tweet Ups” where you can actually meet fellow Tweeters in real life. What a fantastic opportunity to rub elbows with those interesting people! I have planned a “Tweet Up” for SouthWind Gallery in Topeka where I work, it is a preview opportunity for the tweeters to get together, enjoy new art (some of which are mine) and get to know each other. All in building bonds across the area. (If you are interested take a look at my events on Facebook “Michelle Leivan” or follow me on twitter @michelle_leivan)

Finally, one final thought – people buy art from artists they connect with, either the art itself connects or they know the artist and therefore enjoy the artwork even more through the relationship connection. The advent of the Web 2.0 creates the “conversation” era for the information age. The web is no longer a simple tool to find or present information, now we can make connections, social interactions! Share and have conversations with people across the world. It’s just simply amazing! Isn’t life Tweet!

Twining Touch

20"x16" Acrylic on Canvas

Twining Touch features two pale purple cone flowers (echinacea pallida) depicted in a loving private embrase with their petals and stems. They seem to have found a space of their own that can not be disturbed by the outside world. It remindes me of the longing for my husband's touch while he was deployed and the bliss of his gentle touch when he arrived back home.I think we all need these tender caresses from a loved one just to remind us we are among the living.



This is the second piece that will be place in the "Flower Power 2" show with SouthWind Gallery of Topeka. This show opens January 16th and runs through February 15th the Artist Reception is on February 6th during the First Friday Art Walk.

New Year News! What a way to Begin

I have had a very eventful and successful Holiday Season, I hope that the Holidays found you well and ready for a Happy New Year!

It is amazing what can happen unexpectedly. One of my goals I've created for myself is to have new work with each new show at The Art Collective and at The Art Guild of Topeka and to add at least one new place to exhibit my work each month. Well, thankfully, this has turn out fairly simple for the first two months of 2009 so far. I have shows in Western Kansas at the Gorham City Hall, and Eastern Kansas at SouthWind Gallery, and Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness in Topeka. Details below...

Please let me know if you have been out to see any of these events. Feedback is so fun to hear and is important to me.

Wow! What a great way to kick off the New Year! and hope to see you in the galleries in 2009!

Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness

Location: 1301 Gage location in Topeka, Kansas
Event Dates: 1/2/2009 - 2/28/2009
Reception: 1/2/2000 · 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

I will have a solo show of my Feminine Desert: Paintumentary at Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness, opening First Friday Art Walk and running February of 2009.

About the Series:

"Feminine Desert: Paintumentary" is a series of paintings and prose based on the perception duality many young women present to the world. The conflict of the independence they believe they portray versus the true co-dependency they actually exhibit to the world, a contradiction they are too often unable to recognize.

Each piece is dominated by abstract human figures. The pallet used allows expression of the human form in a multicultural, non-ethnic specific tone, capturing the universal aspect of humanity. Notable the use of color creates a striking contrast to the expected outcome in portraiture.

The Inspiration:

As young women I watched my sister-in-laws struggle with co-dependency issues. I believe many young women, including myself, at some point in our lives have a tendency to please others and are eager for self sacrifice and believe we are happy if the people in our lives are happy with us.

My in-laws and I spent many evenings in long discussions about their relationship choices and their desire to define themselves through other's eyes. I ached to witness their lives filled with disappointment and tough affairs of the heart. I sought relief and turned to my art to sort out my own anguish I began painting the series.

One evening I was nearly done with the current twenty pieces and I had another long night talking about relationship disillusionment with one of these young women. During the drive home I mulled over the long debates. I found my inspiration to complete the series. As soon as I got home, in a flurry of creativity wrote all of the accompanying prose for this series. What developed was an intricate intertwining of imagery, prose and use of anagram within each title to create a message which mimics the complexity of co-dependency. I hope that the message will encourage women of all ages to find love within and discover their inner freedom and beauty.

Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness

The imagery, commentary and call to action that Feminine Desert presents is for young women to find love within rather than seeking approval from others. The message encourages the seeking of inner beauty which will only enhance the great looks the customers reap through Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness' services.

This show has also spurred the completion of my second self-published book Feminine Desert: Paintumentary, available online under my "Book" link on my website.

Wildfowers Invade Western Kansas

Location: Gorham City Hall

125 Market Street
Gorham KS 67640

Event Dates: 12/1/2008 - 4/30/2009

This month my Kansas Wildflowers are invading Western Kansas! Several pieces will be on display and for sale in Gorham City Hall through April 30th. Ok, so I know the mayor - that's how it happens! If you get a chance to stop in say Hi! to Mayor Martinson for me!

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Gorham



Flower Power 2

Location: SouthWind Gallery at Framewoods of Topeka

Event Dates: 1/16/2009 - 2/28/2009
Reception: 2/6/2009 · 6 pm - 8:00 pm

http://www.southwindgalleryoftopeka.com/

785.273.5994
3074 SW 29th
Topeka KS 66614

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 4pm

Sometimes working at a gallery has it's advantages - I will be showing two new works at SouthWind Gallery at Framewoods of Topeka in the Flower Power 2 group show. The show features floral works by regional women artists. I am honored to have my hung work with all of these excellent artists.

Which opens January 16th with the artist reception on February 6th during February's First Friday Art Walk.

The Collective Art Gallery
3121 SW Huntoon St.
Topeka, KS 66604-1662
ph: 785.234.4254
HOURS: Wed-Fri: noon-4 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
or by appointment.

The Collective Art Gallery presents:

"NEW ART FOR A NEW YEAR"

In honor of the new year, the Collective Member Artists are mounting a group exhibition, featuring new work by each one such as pictured piece "Ophelia" by Michelle Leivan.... (yes it's uninhibited self promotion here.)

Opening reception is scheduled for Friday January 2, 2009, 5:30-8:30PM in conjunction with the "First Friday Art Walk!" Show runs through January 31, 2009

Gates and Portals

Location: Topeka Art Guild
Event Dates: 12/5/2008 - 1/31/2009
Reception: 1/2/2009 · 6:00 - 8:00

Art Guild Gallery
Topeka Art Guild, Inc.
5331 SW 22nd Place
Topeka, KS 66614
Phone: 785.273.7646

"Gates and Portals"

Member Artists reveal their own concept of Gates and Portals to bring us into the New Year! Artist Reception Jan 2, 2008. The Art Guild Gallery, located in the west end of Fairlawn Shopping Center, Topeka, KS, is staffed by volunteer members. It is free and open to the public.

I am trying to contain my excitement because this month and continuing my work will now be available in two local galleries.

As an artist it is imperative to get your work seen. So I regularly pursue new venues for my artwork. This month I have acquired two new spaces. The Topeka Art Guild and the prestigious The Collective Art Gallery here in Topeka. Both places will have samples of my current work but they will carry different series.

The Topeka Art Guild will carry several pieces from my "Kansas Wildflower Series" and The Collective will display my newest "Celestial Correspondence" series.

Fresh off the Easel
This Month at The Collective Art Gallery Topeka.
3121 SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS 66604 - 785.234.4254
Hours: Wed-Fri 12-4 p.m. Sat 10-2 p.m and First Fridays 5:30 - 8:30 (July First Friday is on June 27th)

From My Celestial Correspondence Series
Quiet Vigilance 24"x24" Acrylic on Canvas.
Comforing Dreams 24"x24" Acrylic on Canvas.

You can both of these on my most recient posts.


Now Showing!

Kansas Wildflower Series
is at The Topeka Art Guild this month.
5331 SW 22nd Place, Topeka, KS 66614 - 785.273.7646 Hours: 11 AM - 5 PM, Wed - Saturday and First Fridays 5:30 - 8:30 (July First Friday is on June 27th)

Several pieces from my popular series is available this month at the Topeka Art Guild. I believe we can officially say that I have invaded Topeka's art community!

In the Top 3 --- Thanks!

This morning I did an internet search for my key word "Five Element Tarot" and "5 Element Tarot" and in just a short 24 hrs. I managed to get ALL TOP 3 positions out of 91,800 on Google and within the TOP 3 out of 1,130,000 on Yahoo! Some feat considering there is a world of competition out there!

In case you don't know, positioning on these sites are due in part to activity. So that means, dear readers/viewers you have put me at the top! Not that easy of a feat! THANKS!

This project is catching fire and that's great news! I'm so excited about this news. So please keep tuned in and we'll have fun!

Five Element Tarot Introduction - Folly

The site is redesigned, the video is done, now you can enjoy watching the creative process in action. My new series Five Element Tarot re-concptualizes the traditional concept of an ancient game. It is speculated that our familiar everyday playing cards derived from these images from as far back at ancient Egypt.

Here I explore the fantastic symbolism which when studied gives you insight to the global consciencenous of the human condition. Please join me! and Let the Journey Begin with Carefree Abandon!

Five Element Tarot Introduction - Folly



Add to My Profile | More Videos

Video Blogging

What I have been doing this year so far? I am holding my own feet to the fire! I discovered a post forum online about art on the web and video blogging is really awsome for the visual artist. You will be able to seek a peek into my studio and creative process without leaving your computer chair! I got really energized. about the possibilities and it seemed a perfect medium to get the word out about what I'm doing here.

I have spent almost every waking moment in the last few weeks preparing to create my video. I have a digital camcorder (bought it when my son was young and has mostly been used for family videos) also 3 or 4 years ago I invested in Studio 9 a video editing program (bought it to edit family videos to send to my husband who was deployed during that time.) With that program I can do Chroma screen (like they use for the weather maps on the news) and picture in picture. I also needed good lighting, had a couple of halogen work lights on stands... they hadn't been used in so long some of the contacts rusted... had to fix those... So now I figure I am tech set up.

I also am relearning and expanding my knowledge about the software and trying to get the green screen to work like I wanted, creating the green screen (tried to paint a background at first, 57" square, didn't work, found $1 yard bright green material, stretched it over the canvas and presto) redesigning my website to highlight the series, creating associated products with cafe press, shopping for masks (I was thankful for Mardi Gras season!) and buying 3 new domain names and getting them redirected to go to my curent website. (maskedartist.com - maskedmuse.com - 5ElementTarot.com)

So, now I'm ready to actually do the video of myself talking about my art and my "masked muse" - on this week's agenda! (working Monday-Wednesday and Friday then family event this weekend--- I guess that leaves me with Thursday! Whew, can hardly wait!)

I have decided to use a suggested "masked artist" idea... with a twist. I think I'll present my artwork in a conversational style but I will have the "Masked Muse" using picture in picture and the green screen to add in comments to myself and animate the aspects of the pieces. I think the muse can be a funny addition and I think it will be fun for you and myself to see the process of creating this series. I will do my best to entertain.

I do not have a video of myself painting my first few pieces because I've already painted them so, I wanted something else that would be fun. I found a free animation program online called "CreaToon" and was able to easily animate my first painting into an introduction segment. This was fun! Again the learning curve, but the program isn't difficult to learn.

Once I get these processes down it will be easier and less time consuming? (fingers crossed) At this point I can make no guarantees as to how often I will blog - my hope is to have a minimum of 2 a month, around the 1st and the 15th.

On my previous posts I have linked you to my intro video with no sound yet...I'll add sound when I edit the whole video and my first painting "Folly."

I also believe there is a huge number of people out there that will find interest in this subject as well, I hope to share this process with as many people as I can. I have noticed a growing surg of public interest in the last few years of esoteric and mystic concepts, especially online.

For my finale will be printing the deck and offering them for sale to my loyal fans. I truely believe all of my skills and knowledge over the years seem to have lead me right to this project.

I would love to hear what you think and please ask your friends to join the party!

Five Element Tarot

With the advent of this new series I just wanted to take a moment and explain the "Five Element Tarot" where it came from and a few words about my inspiration. I have pondered creating a series of paintings featuring the Tarot for years. I find the iconography and the history within the card images intriguing. To study the images and their traditional messages is like looking into the global conscientious of the human condition. My previous work with the figure as can be seen in my "Feminine Desert" series combined with my more current work with the "Kansas Wildflowers" series seemed to be preparing me for this very project.

My husband introduced me to Piers Anthony’s “God of Tarot” upon finishing the wonderful novel I was hit with an epiphany. It wasn’t necessarily the story itself but the index where a conceptual 100 card tarot is described and listed as noted and use by the story’s main character and the “Holy Order of Vision”. The set defined by the author uses 5 elemental suits with the conventional 14 cards, and 30 triumphs or Major Arcana cards, creating 100 cards for the deck instead of the traditional 78 cards.

My imagination was captured and I was awed by the simple promise of possibilities with the additional cards. The table of cards and their meaning presented by Piers Anthony created was just the beginning of my inspiration. While studying the potential presented I found that I disagreed with some of his definitions and so have made the concept my own with a few changes in the original schema. This is in no way is intended to discredit the author. I was simply uncomfortable with his a few of his cards for my on needs. I will get to my interpretations and discoveries as I paint them.

I know that there is complex symbolism that connects the traditional set of 78 cards such as The Major Arcana and the Tree of Life via the Kabala. I will argue that that concept is maintained through the pip cards. But I am not really here for argument what is important to me is the Fool’s journey and the trials and tribulations we all face universally and traveling with him through my art and see if there was anything I could glean from this mission. So, if you are a hard core traditionalist this deck and voyage may not be for you. But for the adventurous spirit please join me; let’s begin by jumping off a cliff!

Here is a brief overview of the differences between the traditional tarot deck and my newly inspired deck.

Five elements: ♦-Earth; ♠-Air; ♣-Fire; ♥-Water and -Spirit (I chose a 5 petal flower for this new suit) This envelopes the 5 suits each with the traditional 14 cards 1-10, Page (Maiden), Knight, Queen, King.

My Major Arcana set will include each of these 5 elements within the painting.

The 30 Major Arcana Cards

0 Folly-Fool
1 Skill -Magician
2 Intuition -High Priestess
3 Action -Empress
4 Power-Emperor
5 Memory -Hierophant
6 Choice -Lovers
7 Precession - Chariot
8 Emotion - Desire
9 Discipline - Strength
10 Nature - Family
11 Chance - Wheel of Fortune
12 Time - Sphinx
13 Reflection - Past
14 Will - Future
15 Honor - Justice
16 Sacrifice -Hanged Man
17 Change - Death
18 Vision -Imagination
19 Transfer -Temperance
20 Deception -Devil
21 Revelation -Lightning Struck Tower
22 Hope/Fear -Star
23 Lunacy -Moon
24 Triumph -Sun
25 Reason -Thought
26 Decision -Judgment
27 Wisdom - Savant
28 Completion -Universe
∞ Unknown - Ghost

You will notice that there are some slight changes in order from the traditional cards and numbers. None of these are set in stone until I paint them, well ok set in canvas. I would be pleased if you felt strongly that I was off on any of these to please comment. This is all part of the journey.

I anticipate that this project will take at least a year to complete. So I invite you to join me in this exploration. Come let's jump off the cliff together!

Free 2008 Calendar

Happy Holidays to all of my faithful readers! I have designed a 2008 calendar including 12 of my paintings from the past year and famous quotes on creativity that I hope will entertain and inspire you. Please click on the link Free 2008 Calendar on my website to download the entire calendar as a PDF (2.5MB) and you can print it on your own printer.

The only thing I ask is if you download it let me know how you like it with a post here.

Enjoy!

Art in the Aaron Douglas Art Park

I was honored to be the featured artist in this year's Aaron Douglas Art fair. It sometimes is amazing what an all volunteer committee will come up with. They had not only placed my "Windswept" artwork on the posters and t-shirts in full color they had also produced an outlined version of my artwork and placed it on t-shirts for the kids in the art tent to color for themselves. It was quite humbling to think that my artwork would have the opportunity to inspire young artists. To the left is a young artist sporting his own creation and his brother wearing the full color printed design. I was moved to see all of the young people in their t-shirts.

For the second annual event, the fair was blessed with absolutely wonderful weather. The crowd was large and appreciative which makes the experience for the artists exciting. Quality artists selected for this event which is a testimony to the serious intentions of the Topeka Turn Around Team to provide worthwhile event for the community at large and to be involved in the growth of the art awareness in Topeka. It was a very successful day and I would suggest to all art lovers to mark their calendars for next year's event which promises to be even better as this project grows.

Art fair brings 'glimmer of light to neighborhood'

By Angela Deines
Special to The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, September 09, 2007

Bright colors, the smell of barbecue and the sound of music filled the air Saturday as the Aaron Douglas Art Fair celebrated its second year in central Topeka.

The event, planned by the Topeka Turnaround Team, featured established and first-time artists and musicians who displayed their talents at the Aaron Douglas Art Park between S.W. Lane and Washburn, north of Dillons on S.W. Huntoon.

Lacey Keller, 21, co-chairwoman of the art fair committee, said it is important to keep the fair at the same location as the Aaron Douglas mural site at S.W. 12th and Lane and in that part of central Topeka.

"I think the biggest thing is the energy it (the fair) gives to this part of the community," she said. "It's just a great way to celebrate Aaron Douglas' commitment to this city, and we want to keep that nice homegrown feeling."

The late Topeka-born artist has been called "the father of African-American art" and the "tastemaker" of the Harlem Renaissance.

Andrea Billings-Graham, 25, an art fair committee member, grew up near S.W. 11th and Washburn. She said she is delighted the art fair is taking place in an area of Topeka that most people have written off.

"This gives a glimmer of light to this neighborhood," she said. "I'm just so happy it's here."
Longtime Tennessee Town resident Barbara Leal, 82, said the art fair showcases the Douglas mural and the other positive changes that have taken place in the central Topeka neighborhood.
"This neighborhood is perceived as being unsafe," she said. "But there's something about music and art that really pulls people together, and you can see that here today."

Karen Hiller, chairwoman of the art fair committee and a member of the Topeka Turnaround Team, said committee members envisioned the fair to feature "diverse and emerging artists" and highlight Douglas' artistic contributions to black heritage.

"It (the fair) really took off from the mural project," she said. "It's about bringing the park alive and bringing Aaron Douglas to life."

Seventeen local artists displayed their work at the fair, along with performances from local musical groups.

Retired surgeon Dr. Mark Saylor, 65, who has displayed his paintings only with the Topeka Art Guild, was a first-time exhibitor at the event.

"I got personal encouragement to do so, so I decided to do it," he said. "It's a beautiful day, what more can I say?"

Maxine Bermudez displayed her artwork at last year's fair when there were only a handful of fellow artists showcasing their work.

She said she was glad to see more artists this year at the family-oriented event. "I can see this growing every year," she said. "This is a community of talented people here."

Local artist Michelle Leivan's artwork depicting a Kansas sunflower was the featured art piece of Saturday's event. The oil painting has been on display in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' appointments secretary's office at the Statehouse but was brought out for those attending Saturday's event to view.

Having exhibited at the art fair last year, Leivan said she was honored to have the sunflower piece chosen as the featured piece this year.

Angela Deines is a freelance
writer in Topeka. She can be reached at amdeines@aol.com.

SouthWind Gallery 15 years; 50 Artists

SouthWind Gallery Celebrates 15 Years With 50 Artists

Posted: 9:09 AM Aug 13, 2007
Last Updated: 9:09 AM Aug 13, 2007
By WIBW 13 News

It may be hot outside, but there’s a very cool art exhibit going on at SouthWind Gallery in Topeka.

In honor of their 15th Anniversary, SouthWind Gallery and Framewoods of Topeka are celebrating with an exhibit of works by more than 50 artists!

The exhibit, “15 Years; 50 Artists”, opens at SouthWind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th Street, Topeka, on August 13, 2007 and runs through September 15, 2007.

SouthWind’s list of featured artists for its 15th Anniversary show reads like a “who’s who” among Kansas artists.

Included in this prestigious exhibit are nationally-known artists Roger Shimomura, Ernst Ulmer, Stan Herd, Hugh Greer, Stephen Johnson, Jim Hamil, Jonathan Knight, Judith Mackey, Kim Casebeer, Phillip Hershberger, Anthony Benton Gude, and Kwan Wu. The impressive list includes many other well-known artists: Bev Amudson, Phil Epp, Louis Copt, Mike Savage, Barbara Waterman-Peters, Joan Parker, Doug Osa, Jerry Gaddis, Kevin Sink, Dana Hassett, Judith Lennox Sabbatini, Janet Bailey, Lila Bartel, Carol Bradbury, Barry Busch, Donna Carrington, Daniel Coburn, Delores Purdy Cocoran, David DeArmand, Steve Denny, Michael Duane, Wilbur Elsea, Hartzel Gray, Louise Brock Hamilton, Mike Henry, Hobart Jackson, Apollonia Jamison, Cally Krallman, Lois Kruse, Michelle, Leivan, Scott Lennox, Todd Matson, Esther May, Linden May, Nicole McClure, Stan Metzger, Ed Miller, Beverly Nichols, Gary Ozias, Ed Pointer, Johnne Richardson, Matthew Richter, John Roush, Deb Schroer, Clay Stauffer, and Mike Walsh.

In addition to the exhibit, a “Featured-Artist Reception” and unveiling of the featured artists’ works will be held daily at SouthWind Gallery August 13 – 17, from 4:00- 6:00 p.m., with the featured artists of the day present for the event. The public is invited to attend any or all of these receptions.

Featured Artists Reception Schedule:

Monday, Aug. 13: Judith Mackey; Barbara Waterman-Peters; Esther May; Linden May; Michael Duane; and Deb Schrorer.

Tuesday, Aug. 14 : Hobart Jackson; Stephen Johnson; Steve Denny; Phillip Hershberger; and Bev Amudson.

Wednesday, Aug. 15: Dan Coburn; Lois Kruse; Joan Parker; Mike Walsh; and David DeArmond.

Thursday, Aug. 16: Kim Casebeer, Cally Krallman; Doug Osa; Lila Bartel; and Mike Henry.

Friday, Aug. 17: Stan Herd, Beverly Nichols; Gary Ozias; Carol Bradbury; Donna Carrington; Hartzell Gray; Anthony Benton Gude; and Louise Brock Hamilton.

Successful Artist Reception at Vintner's Cellar Kansas City Mo.

We had a lot of fun at the Vintner's Cellar Artist Reception with Art at Work.

Vintner's Cellar's Owner with customers at the bar.

I the reception of my pieces was extremely positive and I sold 3 pieces over the course of the evening!

I wish to specially thank these two art lovers for adding my artwork to their collections.

Jennifer, proud owner of "Looking for My Sunshine" and "Summer Heat"

Marni, with her new acquisition, "Coaxing the Shy Susan"

I was delighted that my friends and collegues from SouthWind Gallery traveled all the way from Topeka to attend the reception.

Thank You everyone for the warm welcome to Kansas City MO.

Artist Reception July 18, 5-8 pm

This is a really cool concept for an artist reception. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, July 18, 5-8 pm, Vintner's Cellar, Kansas City, (13011 State Line Rd, KCMO, 64145, 816-943-1711). Art at Work will be showcasing the work of Dan Smith (European travel photography), Kathy Patton (abstract lacquer pieces), Michelle Leivan (impressionist wildflowers), and Dale Jamieson (naturescape photography). Stop by for wine (by the glass), cheese and crackers, and visit with our artists. Take this opportunity to see how wine is made at Kansas City's only microwinery and purchase a bottle of wine featuring a custom label with original artwork by one of these four artists.

To find out more about Art At Work go to:

www.artatwork-kc.com

Updated Biography

Inspired by the native wildflowers of the rolling flint hills of Kansas, Michelle Leivan has expanded her exploration to the floral form. Hiking in the luscious meadows and along the rustic roadsides Michelle delights in photographing each floral sighting with anticipation of interpreting each with her expressive and distinctive impressionistic style. Her bold pallet and energetic paintings weave philosophical and intuitive compositions for modern contemplation of nature. Several of these new pieces have been honored by being selected to hang in the Kansas capital building, including Governor Sebelius’ conference room.

Educated at Fort Hays State University, Michelle Leivan has been distinguished as the featured visual artist at the Kansas River Valley Art Fair, Topeka Jazz Festival and has been nominated for the Kansas Governor’s Artist Award. Michelle has participated in one person shows and exhibits at the Manhattan Arts Center, Art Council of Topeka, True Art Gallery and Topeka Performing Arts Center. She has also exhibited in several juried competitions on the internet and in Soho New York. Her work is represented in the Ellis County Historical Archives as well as in several corporate and private collections.