Inaugural TALES, TRICKS & TREATS held at Tolleson Park

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council hosted the first annual TALES, TRICKS & TREATS at Tolleson Park last Saturday night.  The family event featured storytelling, art projects and trick-or-treating. Over 500 people attended.

The featured storytellers for the evening were Greg Garrison and Bean and Bear.  Garrison performed in the “spooky mansion” that was created by the SACC Theatre Committee.  The committee also created the “Lost Souls” cemetery.   Bean and Bear entertained the younger children with fun stories that put a smile on everyone’s face.

Abrakadoodle Atlanta presented a skeleton art project and Jitterbug Performing Arts offered face painting and balloon artists. The featured food truck for the evening was Freckled & Blue with a custom menu for the event.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the 1000 square foot chalk art venue and the trick-or-treat stations around the park.

Volunteer Lee Sanders was named MVP of the event. He built the set props and led the activities for the entire day. Special thanks go to the Charyn Darby foundation for sponsoring the event.

Plans are already underway for the 2017 TALES, TRICKS & TREATS.

Successful Art at the Fountain Concludes

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council is thrilled to have introduced fine art to the Fall Jonquil Festival. The inaugural ART AT THE FOUNTAIN at the Jonquil Festival was a BIG SUCCESS! The fine art sales exceeded $7,500. The art was incredible. Our army of volunteers exceeded ALL expectations and hundreds of children were engaged in the art activities we organized.

Thank you, JRM Management and Charyn Darby Foundation, for your generous sponsorship of the event!

PRESS RELEASE: Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council Presents “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council will introduce fine art to the Fall Jonquil Festival on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.  The signature fine art addition to the festival,Art at the Fountain, will be located in the circular fountain plaza on the Village Green in front of the Smyrna Public Library and the Smyrna Community Center.

Jeff Jones, President of the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council says "we're thrilled to be adding a fine arts attraction to the Jonquil Festival. This reflects the demands of the community for more fine art offerings.  Many of the artists who will be exhibiting are local fine artists who have exhibited nationally. It's great to be able to showcase our local talent in our own neighborhood."

The presenting fine artists represent a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, pottery, photography and sculpture. Featured artists will have art on display and for sale.  “En plein air” fine artists will be conducting educational demonstrations “in the open air”.  Three creative family activities will be presented – art education for children, 60-square foot community art painting project, pencil sketching workshop – to engage festival attendees with fun art experiences led by skilled artists.

Featured Fine Artists:
Aida Arias, Ida Beth Barner, Stacey Brown, Jerry Deeds, Katy Lockhart, Jenna Mason, Sue Pezely, Demone Phelps

En Plein Air Fine Artist Demonstrations:
Deb Cook, Paula Landry, Freedom Rodriguez, Steve Stoichev

Family Arts-Related Activities:
Art Education Workshops by Abrakadoodle Atlanta (SAT & SUN)
Community Art Painting Project by ArtServ (SAT & SUN)
Pencil Sketching Workshop by Kevin Rucker (SUN)

Jones also says “we presented the fine art concept to JRM Management, the festival organizers, earlier this year.  They have been enthusiastic supporters as we developed and implemented our plan.  We are very grateful for their support and honored to be their partner for this event.”

Visit the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s website at www.SmyrnaACC.org for complete information on the artists and workshops. 

Smyrna Artist Kevin Rucker to Teach Pencil Sketching Workshop at "Art at the Fountain" at the Jonquil Festival

Smyrna artist Kevin Rucker to teach free Pencil Sketching Workshop at "Art at the Fountain" at the Jonquil Festival on Sunday, October 23. 

Kevin’s remarkable, imaginative illustrations have gained this award-winning Atlanta artist an enthusiastic following. Kevin creates illustrations that appeal to traditionalists and modernists alike. As Kevin says, “Art evokes emotion. When I am creating, I am at my best.” Originally from New York, Kevin began his formal art education with a degree in Commercial Design and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree (with a minor in Visual Arts) from the State University of New York at New Paltz. After moving to Atlanta in 1996, Kevin earned a degree in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Atlanta, achieving many honors as a student. He was then invited to join the faculty as a 2-D and 3-D animation instructor.

Kevin went on to a distinguished career as a Graphic Artist, Illustrator, and Creative Director. The quality and creativity of his work has attracted numerous public and private commissions, with past clients including Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, and Visa. As an artist, Kevin has won numerous excellence awards and produced illustrations that have had global influence. Working as a commercial designer for over 20 years has now afforded him the opportunity to pursue his creative passions full-time.

Kevin reflects: “…I have considered myself extremely lucky to have had such talented and patient art teachers and invaluable opportunities to make a living doing what I love. I feel very privileged that God has given me such a gift. Of course, I give Him all the credit.”

http://kmrucker.com/

SACC Volunteers Keep Smyrna Beautiful

Thank you SACC volunteers for participating in the Fall Great American Cleanup on Saturday October 15.  The quarterly event is sponsored by Keep Smyrna Beautiful and volunteer groups clean their designated mile of roadway.  Our mile (actually 1.2 miles) is located on the east side of Atlanta Road from Creatwood Trail to the Smyrna Community Center.  Volunteers work the mile in 3 sections: Community Center to Spring Road, Spring Road to Brawner Park and Brawner Park to Creatwood Trail.

Our next quarterly clean-up is scheduled for January 21, 2017 at 8:30 am.  Meet at Brawner Hall at 8:15 am.  Children are allowed to volunteer.

Deb Cook to Demonstrate En Plein Air at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Deb Cook will demonstrate en plein air at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd. 

Deb Cook is a native Atlantan who has loved the creative process for as long as she can remember. Deb holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia and an MEd from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Deb is primarily a self-taught artist who has taken delight in many classes and workshops since the first one she took at the Atlanta School of Art. Deb has taught art to children at church camps, Pace Academy and to adults in classes at the Drawing Room Gallery. Her current focus is figure drawing but she enjoys painting nocturnes, landscapes and environmental portraits in pastels and acrylics. In 2013 Deb’s series, Smyrna Sanity, was displayed at the Smyrna Library. She enjoys painting plein aire during the yearly Smyrna Clean and Beautiful Garden Tours. Currently, Deb’s work can be seen at the Drawing Room Gallery in Nest Home and Garden in Smyrna.

Artist Statement: Art is a natural outlet for me. I am intrigued by the common, every day occurrence in life. Capturing the moods and feelings in my daily life and the unusual experiences from my travels is a delightful challenge. Nature and the quirkiest aspects of life are always an inspiration. Whether it's finding something to paint that reminds me of a childhood memory, something cherished or something of beauty always brings joy to me.

Local Artist Sponsors "Art at the Fountain" Community Art Project at the Jonquil Festival

Local artist Freedom Rodriguez is donating the art supplies for the “Art at the Fountain” Community Art Project at the Jonquil Festival on October 22 and 23. Enjoy his art. Thank you, Freedom!

Freedom Rodriguez is a native of New York City. He studied animation and illustration but is mostly a self taught artist. He has a passion to integrate his art and faith to share God's truth, beauty, and goodness. Currently, he is creatively investing in Cobb County communities with life-empowering art programs.

Visit www.artserveint.org to learn more.

“Art at the Fountain” will Feature Community Art Project at the Jonquil Festival.

The Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council will introduce a Community Art Project at the Jonquil Festival to engage festival attendees in a creative art exercise. 

The large composition will measure 10 ft wide x 6 ft tall and be comprised of sixty 12” x 12” squares that form an image when brought together. An artist table will be adjacent to the display with 8 stations prepped for painting.  Each station will have an easel, water cup, paint brushes, and palette filled with paint. 

ArtServe International will provide the easels, table and chairs for the stations.  Additional chairs will be available for overflow if necessary. The cost to participate is $3 per square.  Set aside some time when attending the festival to paint and have some fun!  

Thank you, Freedom Rodriguez and ArtServe International, for sponsoring this great addition to “Art at the Fountain”.

Abrakadoodle Atlanta to Promote Art Education at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Abrakadoodle Atlanta will promote art education at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22 and 23!

Children of all ages will have a chance to create a framed piece of art and learn about a famous artist named Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky. A nominal fee will be charged and a percentage will go back to the Smyrna Arts Council Fund to create public murals in Smyrna. We hope to see you at the festival!

Abrakadoodle engages kids with creative art classes, fun themed summer art camps, holiday art camps, art parties and special events such as art activity days, school art assemblies and other programs. Abrakadoodle brings Academic Art Programs to Charter Schools, Private Schools and Public Schools. Voted "Best Art Class to Inspire Your Child's Inner Picasso,” Abrakadoodle has inspired more than One Million Kids around the world. 

Why Should Kids Have All The FUN?

Abrakadoodle has new programs for adults - Art Splash. Join us for adult art classes, adult art workshops and adult art events. Whether you are looking for a Girls' Night Out or a Couples Painting Workshop, a special activity for your upcoming convention, a team-building program or just want to join an existing class, we have what you are looking for.

https://www.facebook.com/AbrakadoodleATL/

Paula Landry to Demonstrate En Plein Air at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Paula Landry will demonstrate en plein air at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd. The date and time will be announced next week.

Paula Landry is a pastel artist living and working in Smyrna, Georgia.  After many years of teaching art in the Cobb County School District, she has spent her retirement years focusing on expanding and exploring her own artistic skills. With a BFA in Art Education  from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s  from the University of Georgia, Paula has studied and has shown work everywhere from France to the small towns of the Southeast.  Paula’s portraits and landscapes reflect the vibrant colors found in the Georgia landscape.  She is often commissioned for her informal child portraits.

Enjoy Paula Landry’s art on Facebook before the Jonquil Festival! 

https://www.facebook.com/PaulaLandryArtist/

Steve Stoichev to Demonstrate En Plein Air at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Steve Stoichev will demonstrate en plein air at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd. The date and time will be announced next week.

Steve Stoichev's passion for creating art appearing recognized in a very early age . He was only 4 years old when he desperately clay figurines for his first exhibit.

Steve was born in Sliven , Bulgaria , EU, a very picturesque city with rich cultural life and traditions. He is multimedia artist. Self taught in many aspects, he developed a very distinctive style in any  of his art creations. As a fashion designer he developed a  company in high fashion for years in Europe. It was a very creative investment full with much success.

He's worked with textile design, sculpture and he is most recognized impressionism. Steve developed a technique of painting to be a joy for the eye and to be touched if the audience is disable to see . He thinks it is not fair that sometimes art cannot be accessible to everyone.

Steve exhibits in two continents and his art is displayed in private and business places. He has lived in Smyrna since 1998 with his wife and three children.

Demone Phelps to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Demone Phelps will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Demone Phelps is originally from Buffalo, New York but spent the real growing years in Dayton, Ohio. Now Atlanta has been his home for the past 26 years. Since his early childhood, drawing, crafting and building has always intrigued him. Demone's ability to draw was evident well before attending structured art classes in grade school and college. "I come from a very musical and creative family. My father, brother and I are musicians, as well as several cousins and uncles. I was exposed to music and art early on, but by my early 20's, art began to dominate." His appreciation for aart - in all forms - has exploded in recent years. Trips to New York, Paris and Rome are filled with visits in and out of museums and galleries. Demone has spent extended time in Paris and Moscow, which he says has been an unparalleled experience. Among the artists that catches his eye are Mark Lague, Liz Gribin, Sidney Carter, Harry Ally, and Maxwell Parrish. "Art, like jazz, allows you to be free. When the sky's the limit, you can express your heart's desires. That's what art does for me."

Enjoy his art before the festival at: http://demonephelps.com/

Ida Beth Barner to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Ida Beth Barner will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Ida is the Co-Chair of the Brookhaven Arts Festival.  Her biography and artist statement will soon be posted.  

Enjoy her art before the festival at: https://www.facebook.com/watercolorsbyidabeth/?fref=ts 

Aida Arias to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival.

Aida Arias will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Since I was a child, drawing and painting were a favorite pastimes of mine, a box Crayola would keep my hyperactive little self, quiet and focused for hours. And I would not even need paper, there were plenty of walls to draw on and siblings take the fall for my creative mischief! And believe me, there are some pretty good family stories on the subject.

On a serious note, my mom was the creative parent, and my dad, a lawyer was the intellectual and nature lover. Mom was the interior designer by education, and stay at home mom who took art classes like oil painting, porcelain, decoupage and paper and metal embossing. She would enroll me and my two siblings in pottery and painting classes over the Summer break. Probably for the creative benefits for us, and for her own mental sanity! We were a handful!

Anyways, creativity was modeled at home and encouraged as a pastime, and  an important part of school work. Growing up in Puerto Rico, one of my fondest memories  is painting banners for my school’s field days. No white, flat bed sheet was safe from being sewn together to become a several stories long banner supporting my class in the school’s field day. No brush or even house paint would be out of boundaries to be used or mixed to suit the colors of our designs.  I loved the time spent painting, talking and bonding with my school friends.

It still holds true for me that the best and most enjoyable time spent time with friends, I have had it while painting banners, scrapbooking, making mixed media and taking art classes with them.  I love the friendship and sense of community that forms around people while making art, sharing family news, discussing the weather and latest news; and mostly encouraging each other’s process and art.  Making art is a vulnerable process where you are constantly making choices, solving the problem at hand and questioning “Is this good enough? Am I a good enough artist?  Friends (and teachers whoa also become your friends) get you through the doubts and encourage you to go on and keep growing as an artist. So when I moved to Atlanta in 2015, the first thing I did was sign me up for some art classes. I have been lucky enough that the Spruill Center for the Arts has some great teachers and a rich course offering.   I have found my community, made new friends and every day continue to grow as an artist.  

hese days you will find me taking art classes in the workshop style and others more educational and technical.  I continue to make Mixed Media Showboxes, which I discovered while scrapbooking for my girls, and painting things that remind me of Puerto Rico, people and things of a time gone by, and selling them at local art festivals in Atlanta.

Enjoy her art before the festival at:  http://www.aidaariasart.com/

Stacey Brown to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Stacey Brown will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Visual artist Stacey Brown, currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia offers an eclectic collection of original paintings for the contemporary art lover. Born and reared in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, his artistic journey of discovery began with aspirations for a career in graphic design. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, he embarked on a successful ten year career in his chosen field, but something was “missing” in his life. That something “missing” drew him to his paint brush, and he decided to pursue his true love, fine art.

His passion for the arts has led him to a successful career as a full-time artist, expressing himself through acrylic paintings on glass, and watercolor on paper. He remains visually aware of his surroundings by incorporating colors that correspond with current contemporary trends, as well as remaining in tune with his roots with traditional landscapes, and urban neighborhood scenes that exude keen observations of everyday life.

He has been a featured artist on the nationally syndicated radio talk show host Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage Cruise, and his work is in the private collections of Verizon Wireless, Nationwide Insurance, and Liberty Bank and Trust. Most recently he created original murals for the Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, and Farm Burger Buckhead Restaurants, both located in Atlanta. Discriminating art lovers throughout the country and abroad collect his eclectic and contemporary art, which has led him to emerge as a visionary artistic talent for the 21st century.

Enjoy his art before the festival on his website. 

Jerry Deeds to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Jerry Deeds will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Artist Statement: My interest in photography was sparked at an early age by my father, who shot portraits with a 4x5 camera.  Later, I seriously began photography in college, while working at a photo shop in downtown Atlanta; and met many pro photographers who mentored me.

In the past 40 years. I have delved into many aspects of photography, including portraiture, advertising, model portfolio and my current passion and focus, fine art.

Much of my subject matter is from travels in Europe and the United States.  My greatest satisfaction is being able to find art in places that most people pass by, to find art in everyday things and places, and the detail that could make a work of art.

The art aspect of my photography began to accelerate when my wife, Gail, took over the presentation part of the business.  Her skills as an interior designer took the art to a new level, with her framing and matting matching perfectly to the artwork. She began photography ten years ago and has produced many wonderful images that we sell in our shows.

We have been in many art shows at various malls and art festivals, as well as occasional one artist shows.

https://www.facebook.com/jerry.deeds

Katy Lockhart to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Katy Lockhart will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Katy Lockhart is a functional potter and ceramic artist located in Smyrna, Georgia.  Her exposure to creativity began as a child in rural south Florida, toddling around the yard while her parents milked the goats and tended to their rare tropical plants. Katy found beauty in the animals and native vegetation and noticed the patterns when nature was  observed at close range. 

Her experience in clay began in grammar school and later at the ceramics department at the University of Florida.  She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Florida in 2000. Katy's interest in clay on the potter's wheel blossomed while attending classes at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody in 2001. She immediately felt a connection with the fluidity and intimacy of the medium and launched her home based studio, Firefly Studios, in 2004. Her work has been featured at numerous boutiques and festivals in the Atlanta area.

http://www.ohhappyphotography.com/single-post/2016/02/10/Katy-Lockhart-Firefly-Studios

Jenna Mason to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Jenna Mason will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Jenna Mason is a wife, mother and career woman who resides in Kennesaw, GA.  She grew up in Athens, GA as the middle child amongst three girls.  Always a bright young woman with a creative spirit, she studied art in high school before attending Georgia Tech where she studied Chemistry.  In addition to spending time with her family and her art, Jenna also enjoys reading, playing tennis and cooking – especially baking. 

Jenna's professional career started in Cincinnati, Ohio with Procter & Gamble and also includes other successful organizations like UCB Pharmaceuticals and Medallia.  Although she has enjoyed much success in corporate America, Jenna has always struggled with fitting in with the traditional corporate culture and enjoys having a creative outlet.  Painting allows her to focus her mind and escape from her wonderful, yet hectic, life.

Jenna's comes from a family of artists, most notably her Nono (maternal grandmother), who is her inspiration.  Her work is also inspired and supported by her amazing husband, four beautiful children and her lovable cats.  She paints a variety of diverse subjects including beautiful flowers, birds, boats, fishing lures, sports, and also does custom pieces upon request.  She hopes her paintings will bring you as much joy in viewing them as they have brought her in creating them.  

https://www.facebook.com/jmasondesignsonline

Sue Pezely to Exhibit at “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival

Sue Pezely will exhibit at the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council’s “Art at the Fountain” at the Jonquil Festival on October 22nd and 23rd.

Sue Pezely has been a resident of Smyrna, Georgia resident for 18 years.    During the past 2 years, she has developed a popular print portfolio of watercolors of local Smyrna historic sites, as well as landscapes of travels from both her friends and herself.

Sue has maintained a passion for art throughout her life especially in the areas of drawing, painting and photography – while also maintaining a career in IT (Information Technology) as a Program Manager.  She studied at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC and participated in several printmaking shows there.  She enjoys creating images that invoke a warm, emotional connection for the viewer.    Her pastel work has won awards in Foley, Alabama and Covington, Georgia.  Several of Sue’s pastel and watercolor prints are featured at The Nest Home and Garden Gallery in Smyrna, and are also on display at the Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood Restaurant.  

Website: giclee prints distributed through www.fineartmarketplace.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pezelystudio

Contact: pezelystudio@gmail.com