This year I donated "Paradise" to the Family Service & Guidance Center’s Works of Heart Art Auction. The auction took place Friday night, August 21 at Washburn University’s Memorial Union.
The night was very successful! Lots of money was raised, and all of the young artists had a great time.

Make plans for a night on the town next Friday, August 1st, in Topeka!

 

Not only will there be some special features on display at the First Friday Art Walk, but there’s also Grape Escape 2008 – A Toast to the Arts! And both events feature an original Alissa Sheley acryilc on plexiglass painting!

I’ve donated a tryptic piece called "Fiesta" (pictured left) for Grape Escape, where it will be auctioned off to benefit the Topeka Performing Arts Center. The event itself is a ton of fun, with all attendees getting the opportunity to sample over 100 different varieties of wine from all around the world and snack on finger foods provided by local caters and restaurants. I attended last year’s event and had a wonderful time!

You can also get a preview of some artwork that will be up for bids at this year’s Works of Heart on Saturday, August 22, benefiting Family Service & Guidance Center. The preview will be on display at Warehouse 414, where you’ll be able to see my "Paradise".

We’re moving to a new location and adding staff … well, sort of!

As of the end of of July, my studio will no longer be located at 2320 SW Eveningside Drive. We’re packing up and moving to a much larger home located in southwest Topeka, where I will have a large room for my studio with tons of natural light! I’ve spent the last few weeks making arrangements and slowing packing all of my art supplies in preparation for the move.

You might be wondering what motivated the change of location. Well, it was a little more than wanting additional natural light … it’s also to accommodate the growing A-Sheley Studio family. In early 2009, my husband and I will be having our first child!

Check back to see updates on the new studio setup. Look for photos, and hopefully some new paintings … as soon as I’m able to get settled in.

This year’s 5th Annual Concealed Revealed Art Auction brought in a record amount of funds raised for the YWCA Battered Women Task Force, over $6,000!
The Greenwave Electric, Inc. guys showed up in full force to support the charity, and set off quite a bidding war. They ended up as highest bidders on my painting, Sun Valley. I think that piece will be the perfect fit for their office – they are all about being environmentally friendly with their electrical services business.

Gee whiz, I don’t think a person could possibly ask for a more beautiful day than Sunday at Lawrence Art in the Park! The sun was warm and bright, and people were out in the masses taking in the rays and enjoying the artwork.

I’m not sure what the other artists experienced, but I thought the turnout was great! My booth was hopping, with people streaming in and out all day. I know, this photo doesn’t exactly show the crowd . . . Brandon said it was one of the few times he was able to snap a shot without lots of  people in the way, passing by on the sidewalk in front of my booth.

In the end, I sold two pieces and got a couple of contacts for potential commission work lined up. It turned out to be a pretty successful Sunday!

Don’t miss this year’s Concealed Revealed Art Auction this Saturday, April 26, 6:30 pm at Warehouse 414!

This year’s auction benefiting the YWCA Battered Women Task Force features original artwork created by over 50 local artists, including some of the women and children staying at the task force shelter.

Along with my piece, Sun Valley, you will have the opportunity to place bids on artwork of all mediums – paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry. Click here for a sneak peak of what’s in store!

Even if you’re not in the market for a new piece of artwork, come out to enjoy the comradere and the atmosphere. There will be complimentary beer, wine, finger foods and desserts, compliments of Daddy Cakes, Henry T’s Bar & Grill, New City Cafe and Tara’s Catering.

Tickets are available in advance for $15 or at the door for $25.

Click here to purchase tickets online.

What do you get with 27 tubes of paint and 11 young artists?

Lots of messy fun … and some pretty great artwork!

With aprons and lots of paper towels, creativity soared on Thursday, March 8, at Family Service and Guidance Center. I spent the evening with eleven young artists, teaching them how to paint using acrylic on plexiglass.

After a quick lesson, they set off creating their own masterpieces – landscapes and flowers, tributes to their favorite sports teams and even one to Picasso.