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.

DAVID YOUNG

         David Young received B.A. and M.A. degrees in English at Kent State and a Ph.D. in English at Ohio State. He began teaching in the English Department at IUP in 1968. In 1961, his wife, Beverly, suggested buying a camera to take snapshots—an event which was to change his life. He became an avid photographer with a number of exhibits in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1978 he was invited to join the Communications Media Department at IUP to teach photography, a position he held until his retirement in 1989. His works are in museums and private collections and his involvement with photography continues, mainly in the rapidly evolving field of digital photography.

        David’s piece above, entitled “Oyster Mushroom,” is a strikingly beautiful example of the potential of digital photography. As opposed to capturing an image through the exposure of light onto film, digital photography provides immediate results as well as the ability to manipulate the image. As in “Oyster Mushroom,” the stark white of the subject has been dramatically contrasted with the black void of the background, thanks to the effects allowed by medium. This framed piece is available for purchase, and David has several other pieces, including "Iris" and "Red Teapot," at the gallery, each just as vivid and beautiful.

MAY EVENTS!

The weather is warming up in Indiana and so are the events at The Artists Hand Gallery in May! We have everything from music to poetry, photography and children’s classes. Take a look at what’s offered this month below and make your way to the gallery to see the latest art.

Rock for Dove Fundraiser

Saturday, May 3, 6-9pm

Come to the gallery to support the fundraising efforts for Dove Bright, an Indiana teen diagnosed with a rare paralysis. Tickets are only $5 at the door, and there will be semi-acoustical entertainment by William Forrest, Coastal Remedy, and Remaining Green. All funds will be given to the Bright family. Find more information on our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1445115499063152/

Children’s Make & Take Workshops

Saturdays at 10am and 12pm! Art classes for children 6-13. $20 per child. Call 724-463-8710 or stop in to register!

May 10—Corey Lim will be with us this week to show how to paint and stencil personalized tote bags

May 17—Corey will be back to lead a lesson in multimedia using printmaking, collage, and drawing techniques

May 31—acclaimed artist and educator Xiaojie Zheng will be here to give a lesson in the art of paper folding: create simple and beautiful origami pieces!

Downtown Jam

Thursday, May 8, 6-8pm

The Westsylvania Jazz and Blues Festival will hold its final jam session! Bring your axe and come play! Or come to listen…Any and all ages/skill levels welcome!

 

“People, Places, and Things: Revisiting the Traditional Watercolor” Opening Reception

Friday, May 9, 6-8pm

The opening reception of Marion Grelle’s exhibit of her beautiful watercolors! Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will be shown from May 6-May 31.

Shutter Group

Wednesday, May 14, 7pm

The photography group will hold its monthly meeting. All are welcome!

Photography Class

Saturday, May 17, 3pm

The last class of “A Series of Talks by Ron Juliette” will meet to explore the question “You’ve Taken a Picture, Now Can You Make a Photograph?” $35 per person/$20 for students. Call or stop in to register! 

Westsylvania Jazz and Blues Festival

Saturday, May 24

The Jazz and Blues Festival will be held in Indiana! Come out for great music and a great time!

 

Lit. Night!

Friday, May 30, 6-8pm

Our espresso bar will host its monthly Lit. Night for local writers! Poetry, prose, and performance

welcome. BYOB!