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Blowing Rock Historical Society’s “Artist in Residence” Program Offers “A Cornucopia of Artistic Talent”

A Judy Meyler Fine Art Oil Painting

June 5, 2012. Elliot Daingerfield, Blowing Rock’s noted 19th/20th century artist, the most prolific NC artist and original Edgewood Cottage owner, would smile if he could see the intense artistic activity surrounding his Cottage. Local “painting ladies,” potters, mixed media artists, fiber artists, a photographer and colored pencil painter diligently prepare for Blowing Rock Historical Society’s Third Annual “Artist in Residence” program beginning June 28.

Set aside time every week- June 28 to August 21. Then, pack your lunch, put out your cat and go savor an incredible variety of High Country artistic talent at Edgewood Cottage in downtown Blowing Rock. 

Those selected for Blowing Rock Historical Society’s 2012 “Artist in Residence” program offer a cornucopia of artistic talent and include: potter Bob Meier and crew, Anne H. Welch, Kincheloe, Mary Ann Baggstrom, sister’s Norma Farthing Murphy and Laura Farthing Brown, Lisa Pepper and the Skyland Painters: Elaine Berry, Sarah Gilley, Elaine Heinl, Nell Kline, Carol Meetze-Moates and Judy Meyler.

Closed Wednesdays, Edgewood Cottage opens 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Sundays then noon to 6 p.m. Each artist or artist group features their work a week and will be available to discuss their work. 

June 28 to July 3, Artist in Residence Alumni: tapestry artist Sandy Adair, oil/watercolorist Peggy Carlson, potter/fiber artist Kate Colclaser, watercolorist Gale Champion, oil/sculpture/plein air painter Ted Eikman, photographer Doug Holstein, colored pencil painter Bob Stevens and textural expressionist Ineke Thomas will feature their excellent and diverse work.

July 5 to 10, Doe Ridge Pottery Gallery, owner/artist/potter, Bob Meier will display outstanding ceramic objects found in his Boone gallery. Since 1978, Bob has created functional as well as decorative object oriented work including large vase forms, wall pieces, lamps, sinks and custom commissions. Six other widely diverse potters from Doe Ridge Pottery will also be featured.

July 12 to 17, Anne H. Welch, mixed media artists says “Good art seeks to spark a connection between the artist and the viewer.” Anne encourages her students to “think outside the canvas,” she says. “I strive to communicate how I feel about what I see, rather than simply create a literal record of it. I’m no longer afraid to color outside the lines.”

July 19 to 24, Kincheloe, a mixed media professional artist since 1976 has work in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. An exceptionally versatile artist, her life size “Orchestra” series paper sculptures of musicians are so delicate and finely wrought they look almost porcelain. Her paintings are colorful, full of movement and they truly sing.

July 26 to 31, Mary Ann Baggstrom, an acrylic “realist” specializing in wildlife, flowers and landscapes brings nature alive. Painting since the 80s, Anne moved here in 2006.

“I have never lived in an area that so inspires me to observe and paint as do the views and wildlife in the High Country,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll never run out of subjects to paint.”

August 2 to 7, Sisters Norma Farthing Murphy and Laura Farthing Brown, painters 20 and 55 years respectively, come from a long time local family and grew up under the influence of a mother and grandmother who painted. Both noted artists, Norma’s work is represented locally at the Art Cellar in Banner Elk. They will offer small oil paintings held privately for years as some of their work for sale.

August 9 to 14, Lisa Pepper, whose local family dates back nearly 200 years, found her joy in oil painting. With a background in weaving, sculpture, beadwork, pottery and framing, Lisa creates paintings around whatever makes her happy. She feels one never stops learning and growing. Her learning process has been enlightening, sometimes frustrating but an essential part of her growth. Lisa continues experimenting with various styles.

August 16 to 21, The Skyland Painters, six accomplished “plein air painters” offer incredible diversity and skill in their group show. 

Sarah Gilley, acrylic and water media artist, with an incredible eye for color, paints in a primarily expressive style and finds her inspiration in nature. Her newest volunteer project, the “Daniel Boone Native Gardens” will be her inspiration for most of her work in this show. Her work’s peacefulness and softness will draw you in.

Carol Meetze-Moates is a watercolorist whose bold brushwork and use of light and shadow are masterful.

“My painting is not always representational, but rather expressions of the subject or scene,” Meetze-Moates said. “Taking liberties with color and choosing interesting subject and shapes are the methods I use in striving to capture the feeling of the subject, rather than a description.”

Judy Meyler, an impressionist works exclusively in oils. Her brushwork is vibrant and flowing with color and texture. Subject matter includes portraiture, specializing in children and animals, still life, landscape and cityscapes. She seeks to capture the beautiful vistas and landscapes of the Piedmont and NC Conservancy regions.

Water colorist Nell Kline, known for her realistic depictions of nature, is a native of New Orleans. Don’t miss her excellent watercolor “Monarch with Coneflower.”

“I love the challenge and spontaneity of watercolor,” Kline said. “Watching the color mix and mingle with the pigments as I apply them is sheer magic.”

Elaine Heinl, has had an incredible artistic journey.

“About 10 years ago, I began to study oil painting,” Heinl said. “I felt a need to express my own vision and wanted to share the beauty I saw in nature. This brings peace into my art work and into my life. Painting has become my spiritual release and gift I can share with others.”

Elaine Berry, an eclectic artist, lives on a farm with a “crazy number of animals.” Fibers, ceramics, pen and ink, watercolors, acrylics and oils are her mediums. Elaine loves the spontaneity of painting on location also works from photographs. Applying several colors to the canvas at a time so each color retains its integrity is magical says Elaine.

This exhibit concludes the Historical Society’s 2012 “Artist In Residence” program. Visit historic Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock often June 28 to August 21. The event is free and located at the corner of South Main and Chestnut Streets. The Cottage, closed on Wednesdays, is open every other day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Sundays when it is open noon to 6 p.m. Free parking is available at Visitor’s Center behind the Cottage. Don’t miss this incredible display of local talent.

For more information, contact Sandy Adair at fibredesign@charter.net or 828-264-0259.