What Is a Story Slam?

       What is a Story Slam? It's a open mic storytelling competition, focused on telling five minute stories based on a given theme. One of the more well known story telling literary groups is The Moth, but slams are going on all over the country in places like ours. We'd like to put something like this together here at the Artists Hand. We currently host a Lit Night here for local writers, the last Friday night of the month. How about story telling on another Friday night of the month?
   What would that look like for us? How do we get the word out? Would you like to be a part of the conversation?  Having been to Moth Story slams in Pittsburgh, I know this is great fun! If you think you'd like to be a part of the conversation contact the gallery, sandyt@the artistshandgallery.com. If you're interested in learning more of the basics check out http://massmouth.ning.com/forum/topics/story-slam-rules-pr-what-is or http://themoth.org/about/programs/the-moth-storyslam

Sandy

HEIDI McCLURE

         Heidi lives in the mountains of rural Indiana County in a log cabin that was built by hand by her husband and herself. Her art and jewelry are created in this tranquil setting, surrounded by nature that inspires her. Heidi’s creations reflect the colors, patterns, and designs that she can see every day in the woods surrounding her studio. Her work will bring you in touch with NATURE. Experience tranquility and peace through her eyes.

            The influence of Heidi’s work is transparent: from the luscious greens to deep blues to vibrant yellows, it is clear that nature is at the root of her inspiration. The beads of Heidi’s ankle bracelets reflect the beauty of river rocks while some of her necklaces express woodland motifs. Both instances give Heidi’s jewelry a very organic and natural feel, and certainly provide the viewer and wearer with a tranquil connection to the earth.

Betty Hedman

Potter

Betty is the owner and operator of Smicksburg Pottery, in Smicksburg, PA. She has been an active member of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh since 1986. She has a degree in Fibers from Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA, and completed her Masters in Ceramics at IUP. Betty teaches ceramics throughout the region and nationally.

Casserole $72

Betty uses a flame, kiln atmosphere, and salt or soda as the elements that intimately intermingle with her pots to give them the warm rich colors and surfaces she desires. As evidenced by her latest work, her pots are her canvas.

Dress Mugs $35/Ea.

Dress Vases $32/Ea.

Stop by the gallery and see Betty's work up close, as well as the work, of over fifty local artists and artisans.

Mark Altrogge

Mark is a local painter, born and bred. His father JJ Altrogge had a profound influence on his current work and was his painting partner for the last few years. Mark and wife Christy are the parents of five children and grandparents of four.  Mark got his bachelor'degree in Art Education in 1972 and his Masters in 1979 from IUP. He is heavily influenced by the work of Vincent Van Gogh and the European Expressionists.

Cattails $590

Detail Cattails

Cattails is an excellent example of Mark's use of complementary colors and dabs of color. The painting evokes memories of life on the water, the sound of peepers in the evening, and summertime.

Crimson Woods $325

Blue Birches $350

Mark's work is a symphony of rich color and rhythmic brushwork. 

Stop into the gallery and get to know it in person, then take one home for your own.

We also represent many other talented local artists, stop in and ask about their  stories. Don't forget when you buy art at The Artists Hand you are supporting the work of independent artists and artisans.

J. R. Sherburne; Resident Potter

J.R.'s formal background in ceramics began in 1974 with an apprenticeship program at Berea College in Kentucky, culminating in a Bachelor's Degree. He was also very active in the Kentucky Department of Humanities Artist-In-Resident Program, working primarily in rural school districts. He completed his M.F.A. in Ceramics from IUP in the spring of 2008. J.R. is currently the resident potter at the Artists Hand, where he can often be found throwing pots, or trimming and assembling his famous mugs.

Walk by the Gallery any day and you will see J.R.'s rack of mugs in the corner window. Ranging in price from $12 to $18 these are by far the most popular ceramic item we offer. They fit well in the hand and look great there! There's a size for every coffee drinker, and if you don't drink coffee they are excellent for tea, hot or iced, as well.

In addition to his mugs, J. R. also has several other ceramic items in stock. His Faerie Lantern (above) is a summer favorite. Designed to hold a votive candle, two or three of these set outside add an aura of mystery to your evening porch sits. Stop in and check out his bowls, garlic jars, and other ceramic ware, at reasonable prices.
Don't forget we carry the work of six other local potters as well, so stop and find a little something special for yourself or as a gift.