CrazyLake Art Gallery

New and exciting-art performance by Rebekah Arvin and Joe Peters

2011-10-01T08:19:00.001-07:00

For the month of October we are featuring the artwork of Rebekah Arvin, watercolorist. Her large and luscious landscapes have graced our gallery for almost a year now. Rebekah is a member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana and the Hoosier Salon, the Hancock County Art Council, the Art Association of Madison County and the Brown County Art Guild.

For Second Friday, (which is Oct. 14, NOT during Riley Festival), Rebekah will share a special art performance with us. She will paint in the gallery to the live, original music of singer/songwriter Joe Peters. Joe has done similar performances with Rena Brouwer, which can be viewed on YouTube. Second Friday reception from 6 – 9 and performance starts at 7.

Technorati Tags: art performance,Rebekah Arvin,Joe Peters,Rena Brouwer,Second Friday

Riley Festival is coming!! Are you ready?

2011-09-22T09:06:00.001-07:00

There will be much to do at the Riley Festival this year, as always, but one thing you won’t want to miss is the slate of artist’s demonstrations at CrazyLake Art Gallery. Come see the magic behind the art as our artists show you what materials they use, how they use them, and what the creative process looks like. Choose the demonstrations you are interested in, and after they are over, receive a coupon for 10% off that artists work in the gallery! Here’s the slate for this year’s festival:

Thurs., Oct. 6

5 pm – Mosaic demonstration by Lee Ann Petropoulos
7 pm – Mosaic demonstration by Lee Ann Petropoulos

Fri., Oct. 7

          3 pm – Charcoal drawing demonstration by Laine Stoker
          5 pm – Alcohol ink mixed media demonstration by Beth McAmis
          7 pm – Architecture in watercolor demonstration by Cathleen Huffman

Sat., Oct. 8

         11 am – Architecture in watercolor demonstration by Cathleen Huffman
          1 pm – Oil painting demonstration by Laine Stoker
          3 pm – Architecture in watercolor demonstration by Cathleen Huffman
          5 pm – Alcohol ink mixed media demonstration by Beth McAmis
          7 pm – Glass painting demonstration by Lee Ann Petropoulos

Sun., Oct. 9

1 pm – Mosaic demonstration by Lee Ann Petropoulos

See you then!

September featured artist–MARK LOPEZ

2011-08-31T08:51:00.001-07:00

Check out the fascinating work of Mark Lopez at the gallery this month! Mark is a photographer and digital artist whose work is truly captivating. Some of his photographs are manipulated digitally, but still capture landscapes, flora, etc. Some are amazing and interesting, but a mystery as to what they derive from. (Can you see the moon and lighted shoreline of Geist Reservoir at night in the picture at left?)

Come meet Mark on Second Friday, September 9 from 6 – 9 pm and hear about his process. While you’re here, don’t miss the INfiber exhibit

Technorati Tags: Second Friday,INfiber,Mark Lopez

The fabulous art of INfiber comes to Greenfield

2011-08-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

During September and October, CrazyLake Art Gallery and the Creative Arts Gallery will present the work of INfiber - artists whose work includes studio art quilts, wearable art, surface design, soft sculpture and art dolls, weaving, and fiber mixed media. Techniques employed include hand-dyeing and hand-painting of fabrics, discharge, printing, stamping, batik, machine and hand embroidery, and beading in both 2D and 3D expressions.

The exhibit will fill the Creative Arts Gallery (the dining area in the Creative Arts and Event Center) and the special exhibit section of CrazyLake Art Gallery.

INfiber aims to introduce and promote the aesthetic qualities of fiber and fabric-based original art to the viewing public and to contribute to the continued artistic growth of its members. Visit their website for a peek at more examples of their work on their artists page.

Be sure to stop in for Second Friday, September 9 from 6 – 9 pm and speak with some of these amazing artists!

Technorati Tags: Second Friday,INfiber

What a great idea!

2011-08-09T09:16:00.001-07:00

Your friends are getting married in a couple of months and you can’t imagine what you will get them for a wedding present. Even if they need a toaster, who wants to be remembered as the dude who gave them a toaster as a wedding present? How about…….

Original art! Help them start (or continue) a collection of original art at CrazyLake Art Gallery.

We have just begun a new website to help with that. Now couples may come in and register the art they like and have it posted on our new registry website. They then notify family and friends that they are registered with us, or send them the link directly to the website to let them know their choices. Purchases may be made in person at the gallery, over the phone, or online through PayPal's secure system. It couldn't be easier!

We have quite a number of artworks in our gallery priced well within the range of a nice wedding gift. Perhaps everyone in the office would like to chip in and get something that they know the couple will like, because they picked it out themselves!

This website isn't only for weddings - any occasion for gift giving is an opportunity to use the registry.

Take a look at our new Registry. Tell your friends!

Two reminders!!

2011-08-02T12:36:00.001-07:00

Two things are coming up soon – summer is busy and everyone has their minds on other things, but don’t miss out on these two opportunities!

The deadline to sign up for the watercolor class by Donna Arnold (The Wonder of Underpainting) is Saturday, August 6. See examples of her work here: http://www.darnoldartist.com/ Donna has planned a wonderful class for us – one to help you overcome the fear of the pristine white watercolor paper! Sign up by August 6 with your $30 deposit to ensure your place – class total cost is $60 with a $10 materials fee.

GREEN ACRES, our tribute to tractors and other staples of farm life will be hung on August 11. There is no entry fee for this show, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to exhibit your work.

Technorati Tags: Donna Arnold,The Wonder of Underpainting,Green Acres,exhibit

August featured artist–Steve Smith

2011-07-30T09:23:00.001-07:00

CrazyLake Art Gallery will feature the art of Steve Smith for the month of August. Steve paints in oils, mostly landscapes and still life. His style is realistic but soft, attempting to capture a feeling of time and place. Steve has studied at the Indianapolis Art Center, Herron School of Art, the Taos Institue of Arts and the Stutz Art Center.

Steve's travels have provided much inspiration, particularly Europe and the American Southwest. He enjoys painting en plein air on trips to the Southwest and around Indiana. Steve maintains a studio in the Creative Arts and Event Center in Greenfield, and is a member of the Hancock County Arts Council, Indiana Plein Air Painters and Hoosier Salon. A reception for Steve will be held on Second Friday, August 12 from 6 - 9 pm.

Steve painting en plein aire near Scottsdale, Arizona.

Congratulations to Mark Leslie!!!

2011-07-28T07:50:00.001-07:00

Our own Mark Leslie has won not just one, but TWO awards in the Indiana State Department of Agriculture photo contest, including First Place in the Agritourism category!

We are so proud of Mark, and pleased to see him get the recognition he deserves!

See the rest of the winning photos here:

2011 Photo Contest Winners

Green Acres is the place to be!

2011-07-12T13:14:00.001-07:00

Hope you are all enjoying your summer! Summer in central Indiana is a great time to celebrate (and maybe even chuckle about) our agricultural heritage. We are compiling an informal exhibit of the farm life for August – we would especially love to have anything tractor related, but if you don’t have a tractor to share with us, anything farm related will do.

There are no awards for this exhibit, but no entry fee either! However, we are asking that you send in a photo of what you would like to exhibit for approval and planning purposes. Please include approximate dimensions as well. Send to la@crazylake.com and plan to visit the exhibit on Second Friday in August (the 12th)!

Deadline for entry – August 5.

A little inspiration…….

Green Acres is the place to be!
Farm livin’ is the life for me!
Land stretchin’ out so far and wide
Keep Manhattan just give me that countryside!

New York is where I’d rather stay
I get allergic smelling hay
I just adore a penthouse view
Dahling I love you but give me Park Avenue!

Be-Zazzled

2011-07-01T08:18:00.001-07:00

Carmen Hurt, our featured artist from June, has set up a store at Zazzle. I’ve heard of Zazzle before, but never checked into it – it has some wonderful options for merchandising your art. Take a look at Carmen’s page, give her products a rating, and consider whether this might work for you as well!

Carmen Hurt (Indyrtist) on Zazzle

July Featured Artists–Joan Webb, fiber artist, and Jim Webb, woodcarver

2011-06-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

Joan Webb is a fiber artist who resides in Greenfield, IN. Joan has dabbled in various art forms but fiber art has been a constant throughout her life. After raising three children she decided to pursue her artistic interests that had been put on hold. Joan has dabbled in both acrylic and watercolor painting as well drawing, but her favorite art medium is fiber art in the form of art quilts. Most of her creations also utilize fabric she has either painted or hand dyed for use in her work. Sometimes the fabric is dyed or painted with a particular idea in mind, and other times the fabric inspires the creation.

Pink Lilies was inspired by pink hand dyed fabric gradations. Moonlight and Roses was created using a discharge technique on black fabric and was created for the Art In Bloom contest held at the Crazy Lake Art Gallery in April of this year. This piece won the People’s Choice Award.

When painting on fabric, sunsets are a favorite inspiration. Joan has photographed sunsets from Maui to Ireland. “Lonesome Trail” is an example of work using hand painted fabric inspired by a sunset. Sunsets are not the only subject of her photographs. Recently Joan entered “Glorious Lilies”, a piece inspired by a photograph of an orange lily from her back yard. Glorious Lilies was actually printed on four pieces of fabric, sewn together, quilted, and embellished using a technique known as thread painting. Glorious Lilies received an Honorable Mention in the Secret Palace, Secret Garden contest.

Joan’s husband of 40 years, Jim Webb, is joining her in the July exhibit. Jim is a woodcarver specializing in walking sticks and whimsical tree houses carved from cottonwood bark from Alaska and Canada. Jim started carving a few years before retiring from the Indianapolis Fire Dept. after 33 years of service. Since his retirement, he has devoted more time to his art. Together Jim and Joan make up the team—Stitches and Sticks.

Please join us on Second Friday, July 8 from 6 – 9 pm and meet Joan and Jim. The Secret Palace, Secret Garden exhibit will still be up as well.

Technorati Tags: Second Friday,Joan Webb,Jim Webb,fiber art,quilts,woodcarving

Music from Secret Palace, Secret Garden

2011-06-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

In case you couldn’t make the performances this past weekend, here’s a little taste of what you missed. This is one piece composed in response to the poem Secret Palace, Secret Garden by Timothy Burns of Maine, performed by Raw Brass and with improvisational dance by Dana Hart and Sierra (sorry I don’t know your last name!) of Sacred Ground Dance Troupe. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Secret Palace Secret Garden,Sacred Ground Dance Troupe,Raw Brass,poem

Opening reception and Second Friday, June 10

2011-06-11T14:05:00.001-07:00

June featured artist Carmen Hurt with her work.

Early in the evening, before it got very crowded

Judge Gretchen Ten Eyck Hunt discussing her choices with Angela Mickler.

Gallery assistant Beth McAmis with her work.

Gallery Director Lee Ann Petropoulos getting advice from Scott Weiler

A dangerous crowd….

The reading of the poem by Carolyn Nicole Phillips

Technorati Tags: Secret Palace Secret Garden,Carmen I. Hurt,opening reception,Second Friday

Carmen I. Hurt, Internationally Unknown Artist

2011-06-07T10:32:00.001-07:00

CrazyLake is thrilled to have Carmen as our featured artist in June. Her vibrant abstracts are rich and lively, bold and modern. She is conversant with many media, including drawing, painting, writing, sculpting, woodworking and photography. Since 2006 Carmen has concentrated on her paintings, working mainly in oil.

Carmen is very active in the Indy arts community. She is a member of the Indianapolis Arts Council and of IDADA (the Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealers Association). Carmen is on two committees with IDADA which are instrumental in keeping the downtown arts scene alive in Indy. She is also a resident artist at The Art Bank on Mass Ave. in Indianapolis.

Be sure to visit the gallery on Second Friday, June 10 from 6 – 9 to see her work and visit with the artist!. The opening reception for Secret Palace, Secret Garden takes place that evening as well.

Technorati Tags: Carmen I. Hurt,Internationally Unknown Artist,Second Friday,Secret Palace Secret Garden

New Artist! -- Gretchen Ten Eyck Hunt

2011-05-31T12:21:00.001-07:00

We are so excited to have Gretchen join CrazyLake as a member artist! Gretchen sold her first painting at the age of 12, and participated in her first professional show at the age of 14. She has worked in the fine arts for most of her life. You may remember Gretchen’s work, Colorful Spring which was chosen as the Best of Show winner for Art in Bloom.

Gretchen is a very versatile artist (although she calls it “schizo”), in that she works with many different media and in many different styles. Even so, she has a well-developed body of work for each.

Gretchen has installed a series of amazing and unique works for her first display at the gallery. These highly textured pieces have twisted fabric applied to the canvas.

In addition, Gretchen is the judge for the upcoming exhibit, Secret Palace, Secret Garden. Be sure to put June 10, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm on your calendar for the opening reception.

Technorati Tags: Gretchen Ten Eyck Hunt,twisted fabric,manipulated canvas,Colorful Spring,Art in Bloom,Secret Palace Secret Garden

Second Friday Fun

2011-05-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

If you missed last night’s Second Friday, you missed out on a great time.

Featured Artist Kim Estes with her display.

Judy Richey, from Art on the Square in Greensburg, IN with one of her pieces in the exchange exhibit.

Judy Glore, also of Greensburg’s Art on the Square, with one of her watercolors.

CrazyLake intern and artist Robert Hofmann with groupie Rebecca Kramer.

And some random crowd photos……..

Technorati Tags: CrazyLake Art Gallery,Kim Estes,Robert Hofmann,Second Friday

New Artist–Jan Broaddus

2011-05-03T14:05:00.001-07:00

Our newest artist is Jan Broaddus from Fishers, IN. She began taking workshops and classes after raising her children, and now works in watercolor to create lovely florals and landscapes. She also has a charming series of “Beach Babies”, portraits of children at the beach.

Jan also creates custom pencil sketch portraits, and works in acrylics and oils.

She is a member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana.

Come to the gallery and check out Jan’s beautiful originals, and her large selection of matted prints.

Technorati Tags: florals,watercolor,Jan Broaddus,pencil sketches,Watercolor Society of Indiana

The “Green” Art Exchange

2011-04-24T16:50:00.001-07:00

And now for something completely different………

CrazyLake Art Gallery will host a selection of works from the artist members of Art on the Square in Greensburg, Indiana during the month of May. At the same time, Art on the Square will host selected works of artist members of CrazyLake Art Gallery in Greenfield, Indiana. A reception will be held in both galleries to celebrate this outreach of artistic communities: in Greensburg on May 6 from 4 – 7 pm, and in Greenfield on May 13 from 6 – 9 pm.

Stop in on Second Friday, May 13 to see the talented work of Greensburg artists, and the amazing Kim Estes, our featured artist for May!

Technorati Tags: Greensburg,Art on the Square,Judy Glore,Kim Estes,Second Friday,art exchange

Coming in May–featured artist Kim Estes

2011-04-19T10:10:00.001-07:00

CrazyLake Art Gallery will feature oil painter Kim Estes in May. Kim is equally comfortable with realism and abstract/surrealistic work. From a portrait of Lady Gaga (complete with bling!) to her series of works based on photos of deep space, the study of light, color and depth permeates her work. Her command of realism is exceptional, often leaving the viewer unable to believe it is a painting.

Kim has the ability to bring anything to life and her creations utilizing the impasto technique are remarkable. Kim specializes in the medium of oil and continues to develop her skills, always evolving and ever inspiring her audience.

Kim began her studies with graphic design at Grand Canyon College in Phoenix, Arizona and transferred to fine arts and Ball State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After college she worked in oil paint and bulletin enamels at an outdoor advertising company in Indianapolis, Indiana. During her time with the company she painted many wall murals, landscapes, floral images, and portraiture. In the first ten years of her career she specialized in hand painted billboards. When technology superseded hand painted media for advertising, she supported herself by installing the printed billboards.

Ten years later she is starting over, back to painting full time and fulfilling her lifelong dream. Kim has won Honorable Mention at the Anderson Center for the Arts in October 2010 and People's Choice Award at the Anderson Center for the Arts in November 2009.

Technorati Tags: featured artist,Kim Estes,oil painting,CrazyLake Art Gallery

Exhibit catalog from Art in Bloom

2011-03-25T18:34:00.001-07:00

The catalog is now available on Blurb.com! You can preview the whole thing here.

Art in Bloom by Lee Ann Petropoulos | Make Your Own Book

There is no rest for the wicked…

2011-03-16T09:07:00.001-07:00

We had a marvelous opening for Art in Bloom last Friday night!

Nearly 50 gorgeous florals are hung here in the gallery until April 23, but we can’t sit and rest on our laurels – time to get busy on the next one!

CrazyLake Art Gallery is producing an exhibit in June called Secret Palace, Secret Garden. The idea for the exhibit came from a local fiber artist (Joan Webb) who thought it would be fun to have an exhibit/challenge where we start with an image, and ask all the participating artists to produce something inspired by that image. Instead, we decided to start with something non-visual (a poem) and ask visual artists to produce a response to that. It can be a representation of a section or line of the poem, an expression of the metaphor, whatever comes to mind for each artist.

If anyone out there in blogland is interested in entering as well (deadline is not until May 13!), you can download the prospectus at CrazyLake.com or email la@crazylake.com Those of you who already have a prospectus, this is just a reminder to be sure you don’t let the deadline sneak up on you!

Technorati Tags: Art in Bloom,Secret Palace Secret Garden

What are YOU doing Friday evening?

2011-03-08T16:35:00.001-08:00

Boy Howdy, you’d better not miss Friday night in downtown Greenfield! At CrazyLake we have the opening reception for Art in Bloom from 6 – 9 pm, which will knock your socks off, and Sandy Hall’s featured artist exhibit (which is jam-packed with a fantastic array of different subjects, styles and genres). What’s more, Sandy is also curating the Teacher’s as Artists exhibit in the Creative Arts Gallery (opening reception also this Friday) that brings together some amazing art from art educators from around the state.

In case you are from the 20th century and didn’t see the sneak peek of the Art in Bloom exhibit on Facebook or Twitter earlier today:

Coneflower catmint – copyright Amanda Warner Fruits

Check out our Facebook page (and click “Like” if you haven’t already!) and check us out on Twitter for a daily peek until Friday.

Coming soon – Art in Bloom!!

2011-03-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

Art in Bloom, our new exhibit of floral art, will open next Friday, March 11 with a reception from 6 – 9 pm. We have some really fabulous pieces from artists around the region.

Be sure to stop by Friday the 11th and cast your vote for People’s Choice. Some lucky artist will be awarded $50 based on your votes!

Sandy Hall - Featured artist for March!

2011-02-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Sandy Hall, Studio 12A, is the featured artist in the CrazyLake Gallery for March. An art educator at Greenfield Central Junior High, she states, "My show is a smorgasbord of subjects,
media and techniques. You will definitely see variety. I love to create works that tell a story or express my love of contrast and
color." The meixia, inlaid glass was fabricated in China in 2004. Acrylics are here favorite painting medium. Her latest project involves creating pencil drawings of her the grandchildren. She is the organizer of the Teachers As Artists Show in the Creative Arts gallery. Sandy Hall encourages you to support the efforts of teachers who inspire, educate, and engage students in creative art making.

Santa Fe Hollyhocks, from the Art in Bloom exhibit

Sandy won the People's Choice award in our Small Packages show last November, and has work in the upcoming show Art in Bloom beginning March 11. Please join us on March 11 from 6 to 9 for Second Friday and the Art in Bloom reception.

Coming attractions!

2011-01-24T11:31:00.001-08:00

It just might seem as if we’ve gone AWOL, but the truth is….well, it’s been January. Has been all month. There is really no cure for January, except hibernation and lots of hot chocolate. However – that’s a perfect environment for incubating ideas for upcoming excitement!
A little sneak peek of the February featured artist: Shari Jardina, wildlife photographer extraordinaire. Her photos of wolves are captivating for the individual personalities they capture, and the landscapes are gorgeous. Her feature exhibit will present a selection from her solo show at the Holiday Park Nature Center in 2006.

Next on tap is the Art in Bloom exhibit. We can’t wait to see the entries on this one! Show us how you relate to flowers and floral art – your unique perspective is what will make this exhibit a smash. The exhibit will run from March 11 through April 23 with opening reception March 11 from 6 – 9 pm. Entry deadline is February 11, 2011.

And the Plein Air group kicks off their 2011 season on April 2. Why not be a part of it? These folks paint in some of the strangest places (Indiana Gourd Show, anyone?) This particular group of people is a fun-loving and welcoming group and they’d love to have you join them. Tag along and paint, draw or photograph, laugh, and maybe even learn a little at their paint outs (tentative schedule listed here – click the Plein Air Schedule tab above).

And last, but certainly not least: we have a new artist, Loretta Wray. Her ceramics have beautiful proportions and yummy glazes. See more examples of her work at her website.

Childhood Dreams and other fun things…

2011-01-06T13:47:00.001-08:00

We have SO many exciting things on tap. Next Friday, January 14, is Second Friday. On that evening we will be holding a reception for Childhood Dreams, the Aboriginal Dreamtime project by Greenfield Central Junior High students with Sandy Hall and Jaydene O’Donoghue. If you haven’t seen the write up in the Daily Reporter, check it out – there are some great interviews with the kids who participated. Here’s a link to the PDF archive of the paper – the article begins at the bottom of the front page.
In addition to the school exhibit, we will be featuring the art of the Plein Air Painters in 2010. This small group of local artists gathered at various locations in the county to paint, sketch or photograph the scenery and architecture. The Plein Air Painters will begin posting a schedule of dates and times here on the blog – as soon as the schedule is ready you will be able to click on the tab above to find it. New members are always welcome – contact Cathleen Huffman at cathleen@crazylake.com or pick up a brochure at the gallery to find out how to become a part of this fun-loving group.
Of course, we’ve mentioned the Art in Bloom exhibit coming up in March. We’ve had a tremendous response to our call to artists already. And next week we will send out the prospectus for something totally new and exciting for us……..a collaborative project coming up in June.
The Small Packages exhibit is still up until Saturday – if you considered one of those darling small artworks, but put it off and forgot about it, hurry in before the exhibit comes down.
Hope everyone had a wonderful time over the holidays.

Art in Bloom–a new juried exhibit at CrazyLake

2011-01-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

Plans are afoot for the next juried exhibit at CrazyLake Art Gallery – Art in Bloom. Scheduled for March 11 – April 23, 2011, Art in Bloom will feature the many facets of florals in contemporary artwork: evocative still lifes, precise botanical studies, lush floral landscapes, extreme close ups – bring us your unique perspective on the subject. Artwork may be 2D or 3D, but no larger than 30” in any direction.
I’m testing a new document hosting website, so hopefully you will be able to download the prospectus and application directly in your preferred format, Word doc or PDF. Click on the Prospectus tab above and scroll to the bottom to test that, or you may email me at la@crazylake.com and I will send you one.
Looking forward to seeing all your entries!

Second Friday–R. Jesse Marlin reception

2010-12-07T10:46:00.001-08:00

Don’t miss the reception for R. Jesse Marlin this Friday, December 10. His work has been seen at prestigious festivals such as Penrod and the Covered Bridge Festival in Bridgeton, IN. Bob will be on hand to discuss his gorgeous photography from 5 – 9. And for a sneak peek:

Chris Schaefer will also be coordinating another Christmas ornament project that evening, so bring the whole family.

And don’t forget, the Small Packages exhibit is still going on – that perfect “one-of-a-kind” gift you’ve been looking for is just waiting to be discovered!

3D Artists–we’re looking for you!

2010-11-30T17:23:00.001-08:00

CrazyLake Art Gallery has grown into a richly diverse space for exhibiting artists. We represent painters in oil, acrylic and watercolor, photographers, sculptors, and mosaic artists. Styles run the gamut from traditional oils to mixed media to abstract digital photography. But we’re not complete. We need some show stopping 3D art! Do you have some? Let’s talk!

Stop in the gallery anytime Tuesday through Saturday 11 to 5, or call 317-477-2787.

Featured Artist for December–R. Jesse Marlin, photographer

2010-11-26T14:27:00.001-08:00

Bob is a photographer with a phenomenal eye for the perfect moment. Not only are his photos beautiful to look at, they make you yearn to be there, where that photo was taken, at that very moment. His pursuit of perfection has led him to some extreme behavior – for example, spending several frozen mornings at Eagle Creek Park waiting for the fog and light to produce just the exact effect he envisioned.

Bob’s work reproduces beautifully on canvas as well as photo paper. Come by the gallery during Second Friday on December 10 to meet the artist and hear the stories behind the photos. If you can’t make that, be sure to come in some time during December to see this beautiful work.

People’s Choice–Log Jail at Riley Park, Sandy Hall

2010-11-20T08:35:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Sandy! Her watercolor Log Jail at Riley Park received the most votes in the People’s Choice Award balloting last night at the opening reception for Small Packages.

And if you missed the event – here are a few pics to show you what a good time you missed.

Good food and wine…

Best in Show winner, 88s by Cary Benbow

New Artist! - Jeanne Zeigler

2010-11-16T18:02:00.001-08:00

Jeanne is a phenomenal artist and silversmith with a studio on the second floor in our building. We are so very excited to share her silver jewelry with you! Stop by the gallery and take a peek at her original designs, and delicate filigree work.

Jeanne received a BFA in painting from the University of Rhode Island, but she equivocates about exactly when she received it. She worked as a graphic artist, photographer, ceramicist, mother, Buddhist monk and freelance writer before settling into metal smithing seven years ago.

Her jewelry work was accepted in two juried shows at the Indianapolis Art Center, winning a beading award the first year and the Best of Jewelry, Enameling and Fine Metal Smithing the next. She has also exhibited at the Fogg Gallery and at Dave Dale Designs Fine Art Gallery. Just this year, she was the only jeweler invited to show the at the Eiteljorg Museum’s Spanish Market in Indianapolis!

Take a look at some fine examples of her jewelry here, then pop in the gallery to see how amazing they are in person!

And just in case you were wondering, yes, indeed, she has some paintings entered in the Small Packages exhibit which opens Friday!

Second Friday fun…

2010-11-13T08:18:00.001-08:00

Last night was the opening reception for Jennifer Meeker, featured artist for November here at CrazyLake. A few pictures….

Jennifer discussing her work.

Public discussion series–Larry Rudolech

2010-11-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 10 at 7 pm.

CrazyLake Art Gallery is proud to announce that we are beginning a series of public discussions centered around the exhibits in the Creative Arts Gallery here at 2 W. Main St., Greenfield. The purpose of these public discussions is to promote a free exchange of ideas about the art, the techniques, the concepts behind the art, the stories behind the compositions, etc.

Our first public discussion will present the art of Larry Rudolech, an award-winning Hoosier oil painter, on Wednesday, November 10 at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 - come peruse the art and help us choose 3 pieces to discuss. This is not a lecture (although there will be some background on the artist).

Hope to see you there!

Jennifer Meeker, November’s featured artist

2010-11-01T17:14:00.001-07:00

Jennifer Meeker, who is slated to graduate from Herron School of Art in December, will be the featured artist for November. Her photography and ceramics are centered around the theme of the interactions between man and nature. She has used stop motion video, and superimposition and complex organic processes in her photography to explore her theme.

Her ceramics sometimes incorporate patterns from nature, and sometimes refer to manmade objects that represent some of man’s most damaging effects on it.

Jennifer will be on hand during the Second Friday event on November 12 to discuss her work, and conceptual art in general. If you can’t make the Second Friday, be sure to stop in sometime during November to see her work.

Small Packages deadline nears.

2010-10-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

Entries are beginning to come in for the Small Packages exhibit. You won’t want to miss this! Some really fantastic artwork has been submitted already. Don’t forget the entry deadline is November 5, and that we have two awards to give out, one for Best of Show ($50) and one for People’s Choice ($25). The People’s Choice award will be chosen by ballot from opening reception attendees. Be sure to come to the opening on November 19 from 6 to 10pm and cast your vote!

A busy season ahead.

2010-10-19T15:28:00.001-07:00

We have lots of goodies planned for you to look forward to! On November 12 for Second Friday, CrazyLake Art Gallery is pleased to present Jennifer Meeker, our featured artist of the month. Jennifer works in ceramics and photography, with a conceptual theme of the interaction between man and nature. She will be on hand to talk about her work, and wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, so be sure to put that on your calendar.

The following Friday, November 19, is the opening reception for our first juried exhibit Small Packages. You’ll hear more about that in the upcoming weeks, but briefly, this exhibit will feature small art (6” X 6” or less) by artists from all over. This reception is open to the public, so be sure to stop by and see the creative ways these artists pack a lot of creativity into a little package (and maybe pick up a perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gift)!

And……. we are starting a new public discussion series! Beginning with the upcoming exhibit by award winning Hoosier artist Larry Rudolech, CrazyLake Art Gallery will host a public discussion at the Creative Arts Gallery. We’ll have more on that later too, but look for a date in mid-November.

One more thing…..we could really use your help getting the word out about what we’re doing here. If you could share our blog on your Facebook page or Twitter that would be a great help. Also, please tell your friends to sign up for our newsletter (sign up box in the sidebar on the right). Thanks for your help! Together we can all make Greenfield a tremendous ‘arts destination’.

Catching our breath after the Riley Festival!

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The Riley Festival was hopping this past weekend! Friday night, in fact, there were so many people in the gallery most of the evening that people were bumping into each other! Saturday was a little calmer but steady, and Sunday a little slower yet, but we were excited to see a few sales over the weekend.

The community mosaic came heartbreakingly close to being finished – two very small sections to finish, maybe a half an hour’s effort, then it’s ready to grout. We had 101 people work on it since we began in September!

I can’t wait to show you how different it will look after it’s grouted!

Laine Stoker – October’s Featured Artist

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An Adventure in Painting

Fine Art Paintings filled with light, color, and meaning

Elaine Stoker is primarily self taught in the use of oils, watercolors, pastels and acrylics. She is now concentrating on perfecting her skills in oil painting.

She enjoys painting plein air landscapes and light-filled still life sets in her studio. She is involved with the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce and the coordinator of the Chambers Art Gallery. She is associated with The River House Art Colony. Also, she is a member of the Greensburg Art Gallery.

Recent accomplishments include: First in Oil and Best of Show in the Martinsville Plein Air Paint Out 2009, Second Place at the First Brush of Spring Plein Air Paint Out in New Harmony 2010, and an Honorable Mention at the Will Vawter 2010 and Rising Sun Exhibit 2010. She was also accepted in the Indiana State Fair Professional Division 2010 and sold her painting at the show. She is a member of the Hoosier Salon, the Art Council of Greenfield, and the Indiana Plein Air Painters.

Stop by the gallery in October to see the range of her talents!

New Artist – Kim Estes

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You may have seen Kim’s work in the front gallery at the Creative Arts and Events Center earlier this month. Kim’s work is fantastic, fun, often large scale (as a former billboard painter, painting a small canvas must feel like trying to sew Barbie Doll clothes!). This week, Kim joined CrazyLake Art Gallery, and we are thrilled to have her here!

Kim’s work is wonderfully detailed, with an eye for unusual perspective. Her mixed medias are richly textured, and Mounds Bark incorporates actual tree bark as a design element.

Our favorite here in the gallery, though, is her triptych Indiana Corn.

Stop by the gallery soon to see this beauty in person!

Coming soon, a new exhibit, and of course, Riley Festival!

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We’re proud to announce our first juried exhibit at CrazyLake Art Gallery! Beginning November 19 and running through January 8 we will present Small Packages, an exhibit of small original artworks perfect for holiday gift giving! There is no better “one of a kind” gift than a piece of original art, so be sure to watch for more info on this exhibit coming soon.

A little furniture rearranging has given us a fresh new look. We’re preparing for the Riley Festival, and making room for some live painting demonstrations, as well as work on the community mosaic. Be sure to stop in to contribute to the community mosaic – bring a friend…..and their kids…..and your in-laws……and your coworkers…..and yes, even crazy Uncle Ernie. All ages are welcome to participate (please be sure young children are well supervised when they approach the table).

David is working hard at his new table : )

New Artist – Mark Lopez

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The most recent addition to CrazyLake Art Gallery is digital artist Mark Lopez. Mark began tinkering with his photography on the computer about 3 years ago, and found an entirely new dimension for artistic expression. By using selections from photographs he has taken, he uses a kaleidoscope computer program to turn the images into abstract expressions that resemble fractals. Mark sometimes begins with digital images created on the computer rather than photographs to input into the kaleidoscope program, and also will combine photographic images to create seamless new scenes. Be sure to stop by the gallery soon to see Mark’s work.

Progress on the community mosaic

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This is the community mosaic after last week’s Second Friday event. We’ve had 16 people work on it so far. We’ll be working on it in the Gallery during Riley Days, so be sure you stop in and help out!

Also, we have a couple of new artists coming in soon – as soon as their work is up we’ll let you know here so you can come in and check them out!

Second Friday fun

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It was such a hoot watching everyone’s response to the community mosaic tonight! It probably looked a little daunting because so little had been started. Most people stood around and watched for a bit, and many said something along the lines of “oh I couldn’t – I’d mess it up”. After assuring everyone that there’s LOTS of room for interpretation and they don’t need to worry about messing it up, they would say “ok, I guess I could try a few”. Twenty minutes later they were still gluing! I told you it’s addictive!

Some pics from the participants tonight…..

Sprucing up for the Second Friday event this week!

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There’s always going to be something that needs to be done. That’s life, I guess. But we’re getting a lot of them done this week! How exciting to see so much come together so fast!

Our little paint splatters from the Attack the White event last year were touched up today by Evan Hunt. Evan’s work made such a difference – the paint splatters weren’t noticeable from a distance, but now that they’re gone, everything looks so much cleaner.

We also did some rearranging this week. Moving the displays to different areas helps keep the look of the Gallery fresh.

David works in his newly uncluttered desk space!

And in moving and rearranging, well…….accidents happen, right? I was trying to be a good Samaritan and put a painting back into its frame where it had come loose. Didn’t notice that one of the framing points was on the wrong side of the glass, and…………

Well, some days are better than others, right? I needed to get some glass cut anyway, so I ordered a new piece of glass for the frame. Brought it back to the studio and guess what…it didn’t fit! It was about 1/8” too large both directions! Arrgghh! The odds of cutting that off with an old, cheap glass cutter are zilch to nil. Thank goodness I had a glass grinder! And now John Schaefer’s painting is back in its happy home…..

All’s well that ends well. Right?

Right?!?

Well, just about the time I was feeling rather aggravated with myself for making my job harder than it needed to be, I received a beautiful gift. One of the artists on the 2nd floor, J. P. Cox, who is also a gallery artist, presented me with an original piece of his work – of the Guardian Dragons series. I happen to like his work very much, not only for it’s graphic novel quality, but the feeling of “everything will be alright” that it gives. The heroes will win, a very David vs. Goliath scenario, very heartwarming. It’s proudly displayed in my studio. Thanks so much, J.P.!

Don’t forget to stop in the gallery this Friday evening between 5 and 9 pm. This month’s theme for the artwalk is Chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate? We’ll have a little treat for you, and BIG project for you to participate in! We will begin the community mosaic Back Home Again in Indiana. You can help make the mosaic – add a few tiles or a bunch, and when it gets displayed after it’s finished, everyone who worked on it will have their name listed with it.

See you there!

Artists’ Open House

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Well, if you didn’t make the Artists’ Open House last night, you missed a great party! The food was good, the wine flowed, and conversation was just as interesting and sparkling as I had hoped. Well, really, when you get a bunch of artists all in the same room, that’s sort of a given.

Deborah Smith providing an impromptu dance for the camera…

Shari Jardina enjoying the refreshments

Mark and Nancy Leslie debating the finer points of displaying art

The new directors entertains Sandy Hall with a little pantomime

And let’s face it, it’s just NOT a party ‘til someone puts on the 3D glasses…..

Ahhhh. Much better.

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Clean, but looks a little lonely. Stop in and say hello!

A chair, a chair, my kingdom for a chair…

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The move is accomplished *pant, pant* furniture and artwork is moved, *pant, pant*, 8 crates of glass and 3 crates of grout and thinset carried in *pant, pant*. And now the real work begins.

Finding a place to put everything (that I will later remember to look in when I want it) is a little overwhelming.

And the help is sitting down on the job.

Guess I’d better get busy - right after we find the screws that hold my chair together!

cha cha cha changes….

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CrazyLake Art Gallery is changing, improving, moving forward to bring you a unique art experience in central Indiana. One change……our blog, a new way for you to connect with what’s happening in the gallery and help you stay informed with all the events and exhibits. We’ll even give you a peek at what is happening behind the scenes. We’ll post pictures and videos from receptions, Second Friday events, festivals, and even some of the daily life scenes that make this such a special place. Follow along, and share us with your friends, because this is ~