Graffiti as/is Art

 "When Pigs Fly"  (above) reflects Paul Flack's feelings about life & 'wearing it like a loose garment'

 "God" tells the story of man looking everywhere for Him and the dog in the story lets the viewer know He's right here...

 "Mona" reflects Paul's less-than serious take on himself as an artist - and less-than serious take on life itself...

Paul doesn't differentiate between eastern & western religions and philosophies - rather he loves giving the viewer the peaceful serenity of all spiritual paths through enlightened images such as "The Buddha" above.

Realism with a touch of Fantasy

Mary L. Parkes (Santa Fe, NM) has unsurpassed talent - and obviously, a vivid dream life!  Just painterly enough to pull away from photo-realism - then add fairies, ribbons, bubbles, flowers floating in the air - and you have a Mary Parkes original on Linen or Board.  Although a master colorist, these latest pieces reflect a more subdued palette, leading the viewer to follow the story around the subject without interference in color.  And there's nothing "dark" or "mysterious" in Mary's subtle tones or palette - far from neutral or benign.  It's difficult to create work on a dark background using a tonal palette and still appear lighthearted, fanciful, delightful.  Difficult, but Mary proves it can be done.

Clay Fun & Fantasy

 Joan Carew's newest work is "Faces" -  Clay -  small, delicate, fabulous.

 Nicole Merkens' "She Was Never The Same" - clay -  dark and delightful at the same time. 

 Joan Carew - more "Faces"

Nicole Merkens - "Birthday Girl" and "Party Boy" - Clay

Mother & daughter (Joan Carew & Nicole Merkens) create skilled clay works (both wall sculptures & free-standing) with a unique personality evident in their body of work.  Joan's work is lighter in mood and whimsical/fanciful in essence.  Nicole's faces and forms reflect a 'darker' sentimentality - like an old soul with stories to tell if you dare to look closer.

"Peaceful Shore" 36" 48" palette knife work by Donna Thomas

Using neutrals and a knife - Donna has created a series of works that soothe and satisfy.  Hard to accomplish but well-done!  Atlanta collectors have always loved representational works - places, scenes, subjects that speak to their interests or passions.  And yet, abstracts are here to stay in the South.  In this piece - Donna gives hints and expression about a place, but leaves everything else to the viewer's interpretation.  Exactly what a 'representational abstract' is all about. 

Pop Art mixed with antiques

I absolutely love using the unexpected on a wall.  These 3 Paul Flack graffiti series paintings (each 16" x 16") of John Lennon hung vertically break up the woods & browns in this room.  A wonderful "pop" of color, fun & fabulous. 

Small Works

John Guernsey small oil paintings combined with clay and sculpture break up the books in a traditional space.

Contemporary Art - Traditional Space

The clients in these spaces choose very contemporary artwork to add interest and excitement to very traditional rooms.  The top image is a family room - stone fireplace, traditional furnishings - and a Beth Emery contemporary expressionistic painting with loads of color & "pop".  The bottom image was taken in another client's bedroom - using a Lisa Moore abstract painting of a barn over a soaring fireplace wall - mixed with French Country/traditional furnishings.  Among all the colors & things going on in that room - the painting really "shines" and updates the look, without losing the owner's love of existing pieces.

Work that makes me happy

Nostalgic or just plain delightful - I love owning work that makes me happy.  Sometimes, you can see or feel the "lyrics" in a landscape or the "music" in the mixed media.  But to actually be able to smile back at John, Paul, George & Ringo every day - now that's joy.  Susan Proctor did a fabulous job of bringing a 'wink and a nod' to the Fab Four - without being serious or too sentimental.  Really great piece.

Comfort Art

Donna Thomas brought in these beautiful landscapes - we have so enjoyed them in our space.  It's January, we're not heading to the beach or sea for a while...yet, we are able to dream.  I'm into color & vibrantcy (movement) in most of my personal art.  But everyone needs that space that soothes, that settles, that relaxes.   Donna's choice of soft palette & neutral tones provide just the "comfort food" everyone needs to dream about people, places, times gone by, travels yet to make.  The first 2 images are palette knife works, the 3rd piece is gentle brushwork. 

Original Art

One of the best gifts I ever received that I have treasured for more than 30 years - a 9" x 12" original impressionism landscape.  It was probably $100 or less - all my sister could afford for a Christmas present at that time.  It hung above my sofa in my first home - and yes, it was dwarfed by the wall, the beat-up couch, and the huge expanse of gold shag carpet.  But - I still have that painting today.  It has been moved from house to house, room to room - now it hangs proudly in our powder room - for all to enjoy who visit long enough to use the restroom!  Although I've received and purchased larger, more expensive pieces to showcase throughout my home - that one piece got me started on the road to buying original artwork.  A piece that was lovingly created by 1 person (not a factory).  A beautiful reminder of the part of the country I no longer live in (Kansas wheatfields).  And that piece got me into galleries (all price points, all genres) to search for more meaning in my home and on my walls. 

Art is one of the few purchases you're likely to enjoy for the rest of your life - and it'll remind you of all those wonderful places, times, moments and interests for years to come...

Originals - small & large

 Lindsay O'Keefe (North Carolina) creates small wonders from precious stones in earrings for young and young-at-heart!  $25.00 each - great originals for holiday giving.

Lindsay's more ambitious works include this Swarovski bead & crystal necklace - gorgeous!  We love having Lindsay O'Keefe's delicate pieces in the gallery

5 Charities hosted Hope for the Holidays - Fun for All !!!

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

We're here at the Art House preparing for Hope for the Holidays - tonight, 6-9!  The tent and lights are shaping up to look amazing, and the artwork adorning all the walls is simply spectacular!  Please come tonight, bring your friends, and enjoy all that this event has to offer!

EVENT TOMORROW!

Hello, one and all!  Tomorrow is the Art House's biggest event of the season, Hope for the Holidays!  Hosted by Kim and Lamar Chesney, the event is looking to be a huge success!  20% of everything sold will be going to various charities who work with homeless and impoverished children in Atlanta.  The event begins tomorrow evening and goes all through the weekend, but the cocktail party is only for Thursday evening and it is not to be missed!  Food, drinks, entertainment, and best of all - art!  Visit our website for the full details, and we hope to see everyone there!

An Exciting Week!

Hello everyone!

This week we are preparing for our BIG December event - Hope for the Holidays!  This will be our biggest charity event yet, so it's something not to miss!

This time of year, during the Holidays, it is important to remember that not everyone has what they need - especially and including children.  Hope for the Holidays is an event sponsoring homeless and needy children in Atlanta!  With art, food, entertainment, and friends, it should be an evening to remember and a wonderful time!  The event is THIS Thursday (the cocktail party) from 6-9, continuing Friday and Saturday inside the Art House!

For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit our website: http://www.thearthouseatlanta.com/

We hope to see everyone there!

Winship Fundraiser a Success!

Last Friday, November 4th, the Art House hosted a fundraiser for the Friends of Winship and we had a great time!  An even bigger crowd than we expected turned up to explore the gallery and enjoy music and cocktails.  Pictures to come soon - keep checking back here!

Finished Designer Portfolio

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Friends of Winship Event Tonight!

Our event tonight will benefit the Friends of Winship, dedicated to supporting Emory's Winship Cancer Research Center!  After completely revamping the gallery, we're beginning to prepare for the holiday season with gift items and with new art! So stop by tonight to check out not only our cocktail and hors d'ouevres selection but also our newest art works.  6-9 PM @ The Art House Atlanta!

Art House Update!

Coming up next week on November the 4th, the Art House is hosting another of our charity open houses!  Therefore, we are rearranging our gallery so that our visitors get to experience new art each time they visit.  The sponsored charity is the Friends of Winship, who support Winship Cancer Institute at Emory.  As Georgia's only cancer center recognized by the National Cancer Institute, Winship is among the nation's elite cancer treatment centers.  The Art House will be donating 20% of purchases to Winship!  Come along and enjoy good food and good company while supporting a worthwhile cause! 

Event, Friday, October 7th

Recently here at The Art House we had an event in honor of Atlanta's Photography month!  Over 250 people attended, definitely a successful evening!  In coordination with that event, we chose to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month as well and donate 20% of the proceeds from the evening.  The event was absolutely spectacular, and I've included some photos featuring Richie Arpino and Ilia Varcev's works - please enjoy!  For more, look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnaway/sets/72157627720532599/ for some great photos of the night!