Art Exhibit Opening at Bistro in Ruston Aug 3

I'm so excited to finally be able to share all the details about this art show. This is what was posted on the NCLAC's facebook event page. I'll be posting photos the first week in August.
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On Wednesday, August 3, from 5-7 p.m., the North Central Louisiana Arts Council (NCLAC) and 102 a Bistro will present “Sifting the Exotic and Familiar,” an exhibition of recent work by regional artists Julie Crews, Melanie Douthit, and Jan Thibault.

Their works, while distinctly different, still complement one another, and while each of these women has a unique style, they share a passion for the creative process.

About painting, Douthit said, “I love the limitless possibilities that can be achieved through letting go and stepping ‘outside the lines.’”

Similarly, Thibault said, “Painting is a joy filled journey involving color, energy, and spirit that transcends everyday life. All can be abandoned to allow creativity to flow.”

Crews said that the advice and sometimes “rules” she gains from teachers and other artists influence her, but at the same time, she added, “Sometimes I paint and ask myself, ‘What rule can I break? Will I be successful?’ and I measure my success through my experience of the process and product. Did I smile, or did I stamp my feet and cry during the process? Was the product disappointing or in the end, was it beautiful?”

The artists will attend the reception honoring them Wednesday, so as you enjoy wine and appetizers, ask them about their work and what inspires them.

Afterward, stay and have dinner. Since it opened in April 2009, 102 has built a reputation as a place to experience great art and great food. More than just a restaurant, 102 is a unique cultural experience.

102 A Bistro is located at 102 N. Monroe Street, Ruston, Louisiana.

If you are interested in purchasing a work in “Sifting the Exotic and Familiar,” look for NCLAC’s Executive Director Leigh Anne Chambers at the reception, contact NCLAC at 318-255-1450, or stop by the Dixie Center for the Arts Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at the Bistro.

Best Artist in the Delta - FINALIST!!

I've so badly neglected my blog in the past month or so. I have some exciting things going on.

First of all, I'm a finalist for Best Artist in our regional "Best of the Delta" voting. There are just a few days to vote. If you would like to vote, the link is:
Best of the Delta

My category is on page 6 or 7 (when the completion bar is at 89%). You do NOT have to vote in each category. There is a slide bar on the right of the voting page that you can move down until you see the "next" button.
(thank you)

My daughter and I entered some art in the Louisiana Peach Festival last month. We both received an honorable mention on one of our paintings. Hers was an elephant. Mine was the "Intellectuals" fish painting. It's one of my favorites. For now its on my mantle.

My most exciting news is that I was invited to participate in a three person art show in Ruston, Louisiana at an upscale restaurant, 102A Bistro. I'm working on pieces for that show this week and next. I can't wait to share all my new work.

Thanks for stopping by and please don't forget to vote for me for Best Artist. I'm thrilled to be a finalist1

Children's Art Class

I taught an art class for children last week at the gallery. I haven't done that in years and for three years my daughter kept telling me to. The local newspaper came out and took photos. Here is the link to the slideshow.

Art with Melanie Douthit

Thanks for stopping by!

June Art Crawl

We had a wonderful art crawl last week. We had a steady stream of visitors in the gallery. I tried to sneak away to visit a neighboring gallery and ran into some old friends who came out for their first art crawl. It was awesome!

The artists at Mystic Art Gallery went with a summer theme for the crawl, and did their own spin on flamingo art. We had everything from feathers abstract art to trailer-trash flamingo art. That's what makes it fun! I did another Alice in Wonderland piece (with a flamingo) and a huge pink flamingo piece called "Paradise Is..".





We had several street artists set up outside the gallery and had a booksigning by a local author. Visit my facebook page to see more paintings. I completed a dogwood floral and a mermaid (thanks to the new pirates movie). Catching my breath for now and then will work on some commissions. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

I'm a cover girl!

I almost forgot some fun news. The editor of my old hometown newspaper asked me and my artist friend (also from the same town) for pics and bio to include in their visitors and newcomers guide. We were both thrilled that they wanted to include our information in the publication. My friend called me about two weeks ago when she saw the first image of the guide posted online, and my art was on the cover!



This is THE FIRST time I have had a painting on the cover of a publication. They were generous with the space they gave me and my friend/artist, Jane Campbell.

I'm heading to UPS to ship some paintings out tomorrow. One to the east coast, one to the west coast. Spreading some joy across the country.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

Gallery Grand Opening

Just wanted to post a few photos from the Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Mystic Art Gallery last week. We gave away 8 door prizes, plus two books autographed by local author Annmarie Sartor. Thanks to everyone who came out!

Grand Opening of Art Gallery

The gallery has been open for one month and we have our Grand Opening scheduled this week. The mayor of West Monroe, Dave Norris, will be there to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony. If you are in the area, please come!

Mystic Art Gallery Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Blessing
Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 4:30pm-7:30pm
229 Trenton Street, West Monrooe Louisiana (Antique Alley)

We will have live music, door prizes, food and lots of art!!

Thanks for stopping by!