Prints by Women and Urban Garden

Opening on Friday, November 28 (5:30-7:30 pm) are Prints by Women, and Urban Garden. Prints by Women showcases 100 years of printmaking by American and European women from the Georgia Museum of Art. Featured are lithographs, etchings, drypoints, woodcuts, linocuts, silkscreen prints, and stencil prints made by the likes of Mary Cassatt, Käthe Kollwitz, Berthe Morisot, Mary Nimmo Moran, and others who we consider to be among the best of women artists of the past. I was giving a short talk about prints before the show was hung, and suddenly was so taken by seeing these prints so close up, I could barely finish the sentence! If you like drawings, the lithographs and some of the etchings will delight you, as they reproduce exactly the drawn image.

Urban Garden, a collection of sculptural works by Michigan artist and educator Albert Young, is a fabulous exhibit of metal and glass sculptures. Some pieces are fabricated, others are made using found objects, but all are striking. Young will give a brief talk at 5:45 pm at the KAC.

A Kid’s Art Workshop will be offered during the reception on Friday, November 28, from 5:30–7:00 pm, where children will explore printmaking techniques in the studio while you enjoy the reception. This workshop is free for members and $10 per family for non-members.

Immediately following the reception, at 8:00 pm, Young will give a (free) demonstration at the Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor. Water Street Glassworks is a non-profit dedicated to teaching glass blowing, and is a fabulous place to visit. You can make your way through their gallery and shop to the catwalk where you can watch the glass artists work!

And don't miss the special art talk: On Thursday, December 4, from 6:00−8:00 pm, the KAC will present an Art Talk: Mary Cassatt, a Feminist? Join KAC curator, Tami Gadbois, for a discussion on how Cassatt’s lovingly rendered images of mother and child speak to or against feminism. Printmakers Anne Vandermolen and Kathee Kiesselbach (me!) will demonstrate basic printmaking techniques. This talk is free for members; $5 for non-members.

See you there!

HollyMarket Nov 8-13; Preview Party Nov 7, 5:30-7:30 pm

HollyMarket is gearing up and everyone here is getting excited to see the work of 103 participating artists. We have many artists returning, and some new added. Everything from ceramics, gorgeous jewelry, hand-tooled leather purses and bags, paintings, baskets, wearable art, painted furniture, and more will be ready for you to purchase during HollyMarket. And if you want to get a sneak peek, just come to the preview party the evening of Nov 7, where, for $15, you will enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres, music, and first dibs on purchasing the artwork. A half-dozen or so artists have been invited to come to the preview to talk to guests about their work.



The fabulous exhibit Text as Art will come down on Nov 3 to make room for HollyMarket, so be sure to stop by before it closes. The next exhibit opens Nov 27.



Soup'sOn, the luncheon that runs during HollyMarket, will be in operation from Nov 10-13 during the lunch hours of 11:30-1:30 pm, and is sponsored by Harbor Shores this year. Come by and shop, buy a bowl of soup and some bread, and relax at the Krasl for a little while as you watch people come and go.



It's gonna be fun! If you'd like to volunteer to help, and we do need more volunteers, call Danielle at 983-0271. Bring a friend!



See you there!

New Krasl Art Center Logo

The opening reception and unveiling last Friday night was great fun. The whole place was packed. Two lucky attendees won new Krasl mugs with the great black and red logo on the front. The giftshop also has new Krasl items: a fabulous journal with foil-stamped logo on the front in black and red foil (very snazzy!), and a sketch pad that also has the new logo embossed on the black front cover. Come by and pick them up for Christmas gifts! You could have all your shopping done by Thanksgiving!

Don't forget our HollyMarket juried fine art and fine craft show and sale to be held from November 8-13 at the Krasl. If you want to come to the preview party the Friday before, show up at 5:30 pm on November 7 and for $15 you will have wine, hors d'oeuvres, music, and first dibs on purchasing the artwork and crafts you see displayed that evening. During the weekdays of HollyMarket, you can purchase homemade soups, breads, or other goodies to eat on site at Soup'sOn--a luncheon offered only at HollyMarket. See you there!

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe we are sliding into fall already. Especially since I have only been on the beach four times this summer. [note: New Years resolution #1]

Lots of news to share: This Friday, September 12 from 5:30-7:30 pm, we are hosting the opening of our new Text as Art Exhibit. This show features artists who do fine art and use text in their work. Some notable names are Harry Borgman, Scott Covert, Ed Fella, Craig Mitchell Smith, René Ricard, Jenny Holzer, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert Rauschenberg, Glenn Ligon, Fab 5 Freddy, and Barbara Kruger. Some are local, some are New York artists. Guest curator Craig Smith will give a little talk at 5:45 pm.

BIG NEWS OF THE SEASON: The Krasl will unveil its new logo at this show! Right after the talk by Craig Smith, artist Harry Borgman will unveil the logo he has designed for the Krasl. You will really enjoy this exhibit. Come by and have a little wine, a little to eat...have a little fun. We'd love to see you.

Drop in for the Family Art Party on Sunday, September 14, from 2:00-4:00 pm.
It's free for members ($10 per family for non-members). Designed to go with the new exhibit, you can enjoy a word-find through the galleries. Create original artwork using text and mixed media.

There will be a Family Concert (piano recital and performance) at the Krasl on Sunday, September 21, from 2:00-5:00 pm by The Children’s Academy. That should be fun.

On Sunday, September 28, from 2:00-3:00 pm, stop by the Upton Arboretum in St. Joe for If Art Could Dance. Join the Citadel Dancers and the Junior Citadel Dancers as they bring sculpture to life! The newly installed sculptures at the Arboretum inspired choreographer Elizabeth Andrews to create an imaginative outdoor sculpture/dance performance for all ages. Meet at the sculpture Sandcastles: What Dreams Are Made Of, in the Upton Arboretum at the north end of State Street. The roaming performance will begin at 2:00 pm and lead you through the Arboretum.

On Monday, September 29, FALL CLASSES BEGIN! Go to the Krasl web site at www.krasl.org to download the class list. It is spectacular! I'm taking the Beach Glass class...

So you can see we are even busy in September. After all those special summer events (Art Fair on the Bluff, Concours on the Bluff), you'd think we'd be too exhausted!

So, see you on Friday!!

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff--Three Days and Counting!

This is my first Art Fair here in St. Joseph. It is amazing how much energy is floating around. In the office, they said to me, "Welcome to your first Art Fair!" The whole town is excited. The restaurants, hotels, shops, galleries, and all the Krasl members and volunteers are psyched. Everyone is wearing Krasl Art Fair t-shirts, hats, carrying bags, etc.

I was a judge for the art fair this year, and will be an on-site judge Saturday, July 12 as well. I am looking forward to going around with my assistant to meet each and every artist. I hope I can get to everyone in the 8.5 hours allotted. I want all the artists to feel appreciated, and I want to see their work! I'm wearing my best walking shoes for sure.

I hope to see you there--with 70,000 of our closest friends :o)

Krasl Art Center Summer Art Camps!!

It's summer in St. Joseph, and you know what that means: walking the beach, picnics, lunch under the umbrellas at area cafes, fishing on the pier, walking out to the lighthouse, looking for shells and beach glass. Sigh. It is really here, and I am taking full advantage of it. And so is the Krasl Art Center.

Our famous Krasl Summer Art Camps begin on Monday, July 14, so get your kids registered. This year, the theme is Art Olympiad. We will have some great classes, a chance to learn a little about Chinese culture before the real Olympic games begin, and a chance for you to leave your kids to have a little safe fun while you get the girls and head for the beach! Ah, I remember when my kids were little, it was such fun to grab those few hours of fun. If you work, extended care camps are available at limited times.

Mini camp for ages 4-6; Full Day Camp for ages 6-12, and teen summer studio for ages 12+ is offered. They will participate in such things as ceramics, drawing, sculpture, painting, drama, experimental art-making and at the same time get a global perspective on the arts. Call 269-983-0271 for information! Go to the web site at www.krasl.org to download the whole summer class brochure. Click on Summer Art Classes on the front page.

Open Studio for Members on First Thursdays

Members over 21: The Krasl invites you to join us on First Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm for a little creative kicking back. We will hold an open studio night for members to come, bring your own refreshments, bring a project you are working on, whether it is a drawing, painting, print, or even your knitting! Come and join the fellowship of other artists who want to socialize, mingle, and just be motivated to work. There is no charge, and no organized class.

Please call 269-983-0271 to RSVP for the next Open Studio on May 1.

At this first meeting, we will talk about whether the group would like to get a model, or just work independently. Perhaps when the weather is nice, we might work outside... Let's talk!

Kathee

Have a Happy Easter!

Today is Good Friday, and so begins the Easter weekend with more snow predicted. Our quilt exhibit, Rooted in Tradition, closes on April 6, and the new show opens April 11 with a reception from 5:30-7:30 pm. This show is a trio of three exhibits by three different artists: Kerry Binnington, Dale Threlkeld, and Paul Stankard. Kerry will be showing her drawings of area sculptures. Her pen and ink drawings are wonderful for their detail.

Dale Threlkeld will be presenting some new work in this exhibit, all brightly colored, oil on canvas. Some are quite large, but all are breathtaking.

Paul Stankard's work is in glass. Most are paperweight-like orbs and cubes that contain organic-looking images inside also made of glass. Striking in their beauty!

Our new curator, Tami Gadbois, will be coming on board soon, and we are all very excited.

Beginning April 1, the Krasl will be open on Thurday evenings til 9 pm. First Thursdays of the month will be a special open studio night for members over 21--to come and work on their favorite art projects and enjoy the fellowship of others. No experience necessary!

Have a happy Easter,

Kathee

Tablescapes: Krasl's Winter Fundraiser

This year's theme is South of the Border. That means that you will arrive at the Krasl the evening of Saturday, February 23, at 5:30 pm, decked out in all your turquoise jewelry and matching attire, and be met with a fabulous time! The first thing that you will notice is that glass of sangria in your hand. There will be no better time than this on a cold Saturday evening! Pretend you are in Santa Fe, but wear your fur!

There will be festive tables arranged by some of the area's finest decorators, caterers, and restaurateurs, who will compete amongst themselves for the now-coveted “Krazzie Awards” for best decorator and best food. Participating decorators, designers, and restaurateurs include Bloomie’s Etc. (winner of a Krazzie two straight years in a row), The Krasl Shop, 165 Catering, Art & Interiors, CM Gifts, Crystal Springs, Floral Brook Florist, Form, Copper Roof, Paddiwacks, Absolutely Angela's, Bit of Swiss, Classic Catering, Clementines, Grande Mere Inn, Kilwins, Pump House Grill, Schu's, Tabor Hill, The Establishment, The Livery, and Timothy's.

A cash bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks will be open and hearty hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be provided by the area’s premiere restaurateurs and caterers. Local pianist Daryl Smith will provide musical inspiration to guests as they wander through every studio and gallery of the Krasl Art Center to visit artists demonstrating and selling their original work. Artists who will demonstrate their artforms include Pam Kirkham, Christina Root, Jerry Sirk, Jon Hook, Monty Kirk, Vicki Cook, Tom Hurst, and Brooks Bouwkamp.

Patrons will also be able to bid on fine, original work at the silent art auction. Many pieces of work have been received already, and there is more coming in. Work has been donated by Krasl faculty and staff--even me!

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the artists and Krasl’s educational programs. Proceeds from Tablescapes support on-site and outreach educational programs in area schools, hospitals, and social organizations like the YMCA and Salvation Army. Many participating artists work at the Krasl and are also affiliated with The Box Factory, Chartreuse, and New Arts Territory in Benton Harbor. Tablescapes is a chance for guests to learn more about the Krasl and its numerous programs and to really help your community.

This is a Krasl fundraiser: $50 members/$60 non-members; $250 for a block of 6. Call 983-0271 for tickets.

Parties Galore at the Krasl!

Well, were you among the 200 or so people who crowded into the Krasl for the opening reception last Friday? If not, you really missed a great party! Tabor Hill wine, Panera sandwiches and cookies. Gosh!

Well, you will have another chance. On February 15th, Friday, 5:30-7:30 pm, we will have a reception to celebrate the opening of the Quilt Show. Rooted in Tradition: Art Quilts from the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum will run from Feb 10-Apr 6. Free admission. You have no excuse now. Same great food, same great wine.

There is an art talk and workshop that goes with this exhibit on March 1. See our web site for details, or call us at 269-983-0271. Both will be presented by fabric artist Ellen Anne Eddy.

If you are busy on February 15, I understand. But you will have to make it up to me by coming to our 5th annual winter fundraiser, Tablescapes: South of the Border on February 23 from 6:30-9:30 pm. This event will feature some of the best area decorators and artists, displaying and selling their work, and you will get to participate in the silent auction of artwork.

A dozen or more tables will be decorated with miniature landscapes. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of Sangria at the door, and hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be provided by the area’s premiere restaurateurs and caterers. Don't let this one get by. $50 members/$60 non-members. See you there!

Member Show Up!

I hope to see you all at the opening reception for the member show this Friday, Feb 18 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The curator, Bill Tourtillotte, finished the hanging yesterday, and the labels are up. He and co-juror Jackie Welsh choose 100 out of the 200 submitted, and the show looks great. They will speak at 5:45 pm about how the work was chosen. It really is a very pleasing mixture of ceramics, jewelry, photography, oil painting, watercolor, collage, and other mediums. I am really happy with the outcome! Many of the Krasl faculty have work in the show including Jon Hook, Vicki Cook, and Brooks Bouwkamp. Do come and see their outstanding work. The show will run from January 18 through February 3.

I really want to see this become an annual show, and will work toward that. This first year, we will award first, second, and third place awards, and I promise to push for good cash awards next year! Next year we hope to spread the word about this show to Indiana and Illinois, as well as the rest of Michigan well ahead of time.

The Krasl Art Center is located just 35 minutes from Niles, Michigan, and probably about 45 minutes from South Bend, Indiana. And it is certainly worth the trip up to Lake Michigan no matter what time of year. The sights are spectacular. You can find directions on our site at www.krasl.org.

The Holidays: Are they Really Over?

It is hard to believe that the holidays are almost over. If you celebrate for a few more days yet before you take down the tree, then I hope being back to work doesn't cramp your style!

Exciting things are happening at the Krasl Art Center. The 'Toon exhibit is being taken down and crated and we are preparing to receive work for the Krasl Members' Show underwritten by our own Krasl member Carolyn Dorgelo. Thanks, Carolyn! Between Jan 6-11, we will be greeting members, filling out forms, and readying the pieces for jurying.

The opening reception is Friday, January 18 at 5:30 pm. At 5:45 pm there will be a short Art Talk by Jacqueline Welsh & William Tourtillotte, co-jurors and curators of the show. You won't want to miss this discussion of the artwork included in the KAC member exhibition. Free and open to the public, as usual. It will be a nice break from the cold weather and snow we've had in St. Joseph to get together for a little wine and cheese (Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Panera Bread, and music provided by Dorothy Trachte.) and some good music on a Friday night.

Hope to see you there!

Kathee