Moments (and Art) to Remember
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Posts from — August 2007

In the Studio – 8.27.2007

by Alissa

It was a rough week, visiting my grandmother for the last time then attending her visitation and funeral. Needless to say, I spent more time than usual in the studio, painting and thinking.
I finished a new commission piece, Blue Flowers. I also spent some time working on a piece full of pink roses. It’s the piece I painted after I got back from my grandmother’s funeral on Friday. The size is somewhat odd, like 30" wide by 6" tall . . . but it will be perfect for the space that’s between the top of the doorway and the ceiling! I’m calling it Flowers for Alice. I’ll post a photo when I get a chance to shoot a good one.

August 27, 2007   No Comments

2 Nights, 2 Charity Events, 2 Hangovers

by Alissa

Despite the fact that I had planned on "drinking in moderation" at both the Works of Heart auction and TAP Gala, I got so caught up in the excitement each night that I enjoyed a couple of more cocktails than I should. I guess that’s the true sign of a successful charity event – enjoying the atmosphere so much that you can’t help but over-indulge on the drinks and on the artwork! Both nights were truly fabulous and raise a lot of money!

Friday night was Works of Heart for Family Service and Guidance Center of Topeka (FSGC). The event featured silent and live auctions, wine, dinner, and lots of budding young artists from FSGC. A fellow local abstract artist (and good friend), Carrie Jo Gros, and her husband Dennis were at the same dinner table as Brandon and I. We were also joined by one of the FSGC artists named Breann, along with her father and grandmother. It was fantastic to hear how much FSGC had helped their family, and how it has been such a positive experience for Breann.

My piece, Cosmopolitan brought in $350, I think . . . it was auctioned off later in the evening, so my memory wasn’t the clearest! Brandon and I also purchased "Crazy Grass" an anonymous painting created by one of the FSGC artists. I love when we are financially able to participate on both sides of the auction – donating work and buying work!

Saturday night was the TAP Gala for the Topeka Aids Project. They also had silent and live auctions, an open bar, and a buffet full of hors d’ourves. Brandon and I started the night with a pre-event cocktail (or two) at Janel Crawshaw’s house, with our good friend (and designated driver) Josh Pattie. After we arrived at the Gala, we found seats next to another one of my good friends, Mike Breneman and his date Jennifer at the table sponsored by Penwell-Gabel.

Despite placing many bids, Brandon and I didn’t win anything! My piece "Blue Flower" was auctioned off for $350. I didn’t get a chance to meet the winning bidder, but I am hoping that TAP will send me their contact information so that I can send them a thank you note.

All in all, I’ve had an outstanding (albeit, a bit painful) weekend!  I am always grateful for the opportunity to support my community through my artwork! Although Brandon and I are still operating in "poor college kids" mode; through artwork donation, we are able to make our voices heard and support the causes we love the most!

August 19, 2007   No Comments

In the Studio – 8.12.2007

by Alissa

Since I finished hanging my show at the Lawrence library, I’ve been able to put my full focus on my commission pieces again. On Monday of last week I completed a big yellow flower painting (acrylic on plexiglass, of course). Right now I’m about halfway through another piece that has lots of blue flowers.
I’ve also been working on a series of sketches for another commission series.
Next weekend Brandon and I will be going to art auctions on Friday & Saturday night. Friday is the long-awaited Works of Heart auction for the Family Service & Guidance Center at Washburn University. The event will get started at 6pm with cocktails and live music. Dinner will begin at 7:15pm, with live auction starting at 8:30pm.
On Saturday night, we will be going to the Topeka AIDS Project Benefit Auction Gala at the Ramada Inn. The festivities begin with cocktails at 6pm with silent and live auctions. I’ve never been to the Gala before, but I’m excited to go! Josh from J. & Co. Frameshop will also be going – I’m sure we will have some good laughs!

August 12, 2007   No Comments

Wine sampling at Grape Escape

by Alissa

Last night was Topeka Performing Arts Center’s (TPAC) 10th annual Grape Escape, a wine-tasting auction event to raise funds for TPAC. Brandon and I went, along with several of our friends. We had a great time and got to sample lots of different kinds of wine. I also had a painting, Deep Sea, that I had donated for the silent auction. The last time I saw the bid sheet, it was over $250.

Before we went to Grape Escape, we made a couple of First Friday stops. We stopped by Creative Art Photography & Gallery and saw a really nice show by Donna Rae Pearson. We also visited the Family Service and Guidance Center’s temporary exhibit in Westboro Mart to preview the artwork that will be up for auction at Works of Heart on August 17. It’s a really nice selection of all different types of artwork, including lots of great work by the children that participate in some of the programs that Family Service and Guidance Center offers.

August 4, 2007   1 Comment

Exhibiting in the Gallery at Lawrence Public Library

by Alissa

Last night Brandon and I ventured over to Lawrence to hang my show, "Thoughts, Dreams & Pretty Things II," at the Gallery of the public library. It’s a nice space – sort of separated from the rest of the library. I’m showing 26 paintings, with 3 new pieces on display for the first time – Paradise, Pacific Sun and Four Spring Flowers.
I had just finished framing Pacific Sun and Four Spring Flowers the night before, so I didn’t get a chance to take any photos. I’ll post some as soon as I can!

August 2, 2007   No Comments