Shaking off the snow induced restlessness with the numerous outdoor art affairs starting in April. The fastest growing reason to come out of hibernation is the Annual Open Studios Tour. Participating local artists open their home studios to the public for a walking or riding tour between studios, creating one of the most personal and edifying experiences possible for art lovers. For those who like the scenic, Floyd is hosting art events and workshops into May, that coincide with the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are looking for more of a night time experience, catch the free Art by Night limo and go to the Market Gallery. They are having an interactive drawing experience coinciding with their Draw, Sketch, Design Special feature. No matter what you decide to do get out and get moving.
1) Event: Art by Night Special Feature
Location: The Market Gallery
Downtown Roanoke
23 Salem Avenue
Date/Time: Thursday April 1st 5-9pm
Draw, sketch and design the night away at the Market Gallery during this months Art By Night Gallery Tour. There will also be drawing materials and an art board setup for participants and passers-by. The interactive art is in conjunction with Artist Ann E. Hale as the featured artist for the month of April. Her drawings and drawing implements will be exhibited in a multifaceted approach to garner interest to art makers of all ages. Additionally, Ann Hale will be available for impromptu instruction on Thursday, April 8 from 10-5:30pm (paper and materials provided). The display of her work and implements continues through May 1. Art By Night is a monthly regional event. The Market Gallery exhibits contemporary fine art, photography, and pottery by 25 regional artists. Gallery hours are from 10-5:30, Tuesday though Saturday. For more information call (540) 342-1177 or visit www.marketgalleryroanoke.com.
2) Event: The 10th Annual Open Studios Tour
Location: Throughout Roanoke
Date/Time: Saturday April 24th 10am-5pm
Sunday April 25th 12-5pm
The Annual Open Studios Tour is easily one of the can’t miss art events of the year. This implausibly wonderful event is a perfect occasion for a leisurely family walking or riding tour of Roanoke, while stopping at several artists home studios allowing the way. The different locations are grouped together to support walkers and riders who may only want to stay in one area or see all of Roanoke. Brochures with maps will be available starting April 1 at The Market Gallery, Studios on the Square, Gallery 108, The Taubman Museum, Southern Graphics and many other popular retailers all over the Roanoke Valley. The map is also available online at http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com and can be mailed to you by calling Mary Bullington at 540-904-2828. Artists’ studios will be clearly marked with signs and banners.
Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to visit the inner sanctum of South West Virginia’s most renowned artists while experiencing Spring time in the Star City. For more information visit http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com or contact one of the contributing studios.
3) Event: The Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary
Location: Virginia and Parts of North Carolina
Date/Time: Throughout the Month
This year is the 75th Anniversary of our beloved Blue Ridge Parkway. Join us on an extraordinary journey through the stories of this remarkable route and the region through which it passes and experience its many offerings through out the year including several special art events and opportunities. A quintessential stop for art along the Blue Ridge Parkway is Floyd. The weekly Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store is a community gathering point that attracts national visitation, while showcasing and selling fine arts and crafts from throughout the region. Additionally, the Jacksonville Center for the arts is a wonderfully energetic hub for regional and explorative art. They are hosting several art workshops coinciding with the 75th Anniversary and the Art and Craft of Three Dimensions showcasing crafts and fine arts from area artist throughout April. This exhibit celebrates the works of artisans in the New River Valley, from sculptors to jewelry makers, wood carvers to blacksmiths and more. For more information visit http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org, www.jacksonvillecenter.org, or http://www.floydcountrystore.com.
4) 16 Hands Studio Tour in Floyd and Montgomery County
16 Hands Studio Tour featuring finely crafted pottery, woodworking and jewelry made by eight local and four visiting artists. May 1st and 2nd, 2010. Hours: Saturday 10 am-5pm. Sunday 12-5 pm Location: Five Artists homes in Floyd and Montgomery County. Artists include, Stacy Snyder, Silvie Granatelli, Brad Warstler, David Crane, Richard Hensley, Donna Polseno, Ellen Shankin, and Josh Copus. A map and more information can be found at www.16hands.com
5) Jane Duncan Stogner Exhibit at The Little Gallery at Smith Mountain Lake
Art has always been a focus and great passion in Stogner’s life. She paints subjects that are sophisticated, yet have universal appeal. Her paintings celebrate the natural beauty of the mountains and lakes of rural Southwest Virginia. She has won numerous regional and national awards and recognition. She has achieved an excellent reputation as a gifted and talented professional artist, and a respected educator and leader within the arts community. Her works are in many national and international private and corporate collections and public institutions. Jane’s show will be alongside her husband Joe Stogner, who has taken up wood turning. Saturday, April 10 from 1 – 3 p.m., demonstration and discussion. Show runs April 3 through April 30. Find out more information at www.thelittlegallerysml.com
6) “About Face” Exhibit by Stephen Jernigan at Art Pannonia
Art Pannonia presents “About Face,” oil paintings and ceramic figures by modern expressionist, Stephen Jernigan. The exhibition runs from March 31 to June 1. A “Meet the Artists” reception will be held on Friday, April 2, 5 – 7pm in the Art Pannonia gallery. www.artpannonia.org
7) Revelle Hamilton Exhibition at Gallery 108
Bedford artist Revelle Hamilton is the guest artist for April at Gallery 108. Her watercolors will be on display Apri1 1st thru 30th with an opening reception Thursday, April 1st, 6-9 p.m. during Art By Night. 108 Market St., downtown Roanoke. www.gallery108.biz
Barry Wolfe Exhibition at Signature 9 Gallery
Barry Wolfe is a local photographer who has exhibited at Signature 9 Gallery since we opened in 2004. His photographs are taken locally and on his many travels to places like Africa, Egypt and South America. He has a keen eye for composition and his photographs often focus in on everyday objects that are seen in a different light. Barry will be the featured artist for the month of April and will be on hand Thursday evening April 1st 5-9PM to talk about his artwork. www.signature9gallery.com
9) “Souls: A Moment in the Infinitum” Claudio de Franko Exhibition in Rios Penthouse Gallery in New York
Opening Ceremony on Sunday May the 2th, 2010 at Rios Penthouse Gallery 10 Fort Washington Ave. New York, NY 10032. Curator: Jose Reyes. Your presence is requested, come! Closing Reception: May 30th. “Un Pedacito del mundo”.