Open Studio for Members on First Thursdays

Members over 21: The Krasl invites you to join us on First Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm for a little creative kicking back. We will hold an open studio night for members to come, bring your own refreshments, bring a project you are working on, whether it is a drawing, painting, print, or even your knitting! Come and join the fellowship of other artists who want to socialize, mingle, and just be motivated to work. There is no charge, and no organized class.

Please call 269-983-0271 to RSVP for the next Open Studio on May 1.

At this first meeting, we will talk about whether the group would like to get a model, or just work independently. Perhaps when the weather is nice, we might work outside... Let's talk!

Kathee

Have a Happy Easter!

Today is Good Friday, and so begins the Easter weekend with more snow predicted. Our quilt exhibit, Rooted in Tradition, closes on April 6, and the new show opens April 11 with a reception from 5:30-7:30 pm. This show is a trio of three exhibits by three different artists: Kerry Binnington, Dale Threlkeld, and Paul Stankard. Kerry will be showing her drawings of area sculptures. Her pen and ink drawings are wonderful for their detail.

Dale Threlkeld will be presenting some new work in this exhibit, all brightly colored, oil on canvas. Some are quite large, but all are breathtaking.

Paul Stankard's work is in glass. Most are paperweight-like orbs and cubes that contain organic-looking images inside also made of glass. Striking in their beauty!

Our new curator, Tami Gadbois, will be coming on board soon, and we are all very excited.

Beginning April 1, the Krasl will be open on Thurday evenings til 9 pm. First Thursdays of the month will be a special open studio night for members over 21--to come and work on their favorite art projects and enjoy the fellowship of others. No experience necessary!

Have a happy Easter,

Kathee

Tablescapes: Krasl's Winter Fundraiser

This year's theme is South of the Border. That means that you will arrive at the Krasl the evening of Saturday, February 23, at 5:30 pm, decked out in all your turquoise jewelry and matching attire, and be met with a fabulous time! The first thing that you will notice is that glass of sangria in your hand. There will be no better time than this on a cold Saturday evening! Pretend you are in Santa Fe, but wear your fur!

There will be festive tables arranged by some of the area's finest decorators, caterers, and restaurateurs, who will compete amongst themselves for the now-coveted “Krazzie Awards” for best decorator and best food. Participating decorators, designers, and restaurateurs include Bloomie’s Etc. (winner of a Krazzie two straight years in a row), The Krasl Shop, 165 Catering, Art & Interiors, CM Gifts, Crystal Springs, Floral Brook Florist, Form, Copper Roof, Paddiwacks, Absolutely Angela's, Bit of Swiss, Classic Catering, Clementines, Grande Mere Inn, Kilwins, Pump House Grill, Schu's, Tabor Hill, The Establishment, The Livery, and Timothy's.

A cash bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks will be open and hearty hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be provided by the area’s premiere restaurateurs and caterers. Local pianist Daryl Smith will provide musical inspiration to guests as they wander through every studio and gallery of the Krasl Art Center to visit artists demonstrating and selling their original work. Artists who will demonstrate their artforms include Pam Kirkham, Christina Root, Jerry Sirk, Jon Hook, Monty Kirk, Vicki Cook, Tom Hurst, and Brooks Bouwkamp.

Patrons will also be able to bid on fine, original work at the silent art auction. Many pieces of work have been received already, and there is more coming in. Work has been donated by Krasl faculty and staff--even me!

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the artists and Krasl’s educational programs. Proceeds from Tablescapes support on-site and outreach educational programs in area schools, hospitals, and social organizations like the YMCA and Salvation Army. Many participating artists work at the Krasl and are also affiliated with The Box Factory, Chartreuse, and New Arts Territory in Benton Harbor. Tablescapes is a chance for guests to learn more about the Krasl and its numerous programs and to really help your community.

This is a Krasl fundraiser: $50 members/$60 non-members; $250 for a block of 6. Call 983-0271 for tickets.

Parties Galore at the Krasl!

Well, were you among the 200 or so people who crowded into the Krasl for the opening reception last Friday? If not, you really missed a great party! Tabor Hill wine, Panera sandwiches and cookies. Gosh!

Well, you will have another chance. On February 15th, Friday, 5:30-7:30 pm, we will have a reception to celebrate the opening of the Quilt Show. Rooted in Tradition: Art Quilts from the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum will run from Feb 10-Apr 6. Free admission. You have no excuse now. Same great food, same great wine.

There is an art talk and workshop that goes with this exhibit on March 1. See our web site for details, or call us at 269-983-0271. Both will be presented by fabric artist Ellen Anne Eddy.

If you are busy on February 15, I understand. But you will have to make it up to me by coming to our 5th annual winter fundraiser, Tablescapes: South of the Border on February 23 from 6:30-9:30 pm. This event will feature some of the best area decorators and artists, displaying and selling their work, and you will get to participate in the silent auction of artwork.

A dozen or more tables will be decorated with miniature landscapes. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of Sangria at the door, and hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be provided by the area’s premiere restaurateurs and caterers. Don't let this one get by. $50 members/$60 non-members. See you there!

Member Show Up!

I hope to see you all at the opening reception for the member show this Friday, Feb 18 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The curator, Bill Tourtillotte, finished the hanging yesterday, and the labels are up. He and co-juror Jackie Welsh choose 100 out of the 200 submitted, and the show looks great. They will speak at 5:45 pm about how the work was chosen. It really is a very pleasing mixture of ceramics, jewelry, photography, oil painting, watercolor, collage, and other mediums. I am really happy with the outcome! Many of the Krasl faculty have work in the show including Jon Hook, Vicki Cook, and Brooks Bouwkamp. Do come and see their outstanding work. The show will run from January 18 through February 3.

I really want to see this become an annual show, and will work toward that. This first year, we will award first, second, and third place awards, and I promise to push for good cash awards next year! Next year we hope to spread the word about this show to Indiana and Illinois, as well as the rest of Michigan well ahead of time.

The Krasl Art Center is located just 35 minutes from Niles, Michigan, and probably about 45 minutes from South Bend, Indiana. And it is certainly worth the trip up to Lake Michigan no matter what time of year. The sights are spectacular. You can find directions on our site at www.krasl.org.

The Holidays: Are they Really Over?

It is hard to believe that the holidays are almost over. If you celebrate for a few more days yet before you take down the tree, then I hope being back to work doesn't cramp your style!

Exciting things are happening at the Krasl Art Center. The 'Toon exhibit is being taken down and crated and we are preparing to receive work for the Krasl Members' Show underwritten by our own Krasl member Carolyn Dorgelo. Thanks, Carolyn! Between Jan 6-11, we will be greeting members, filling out forms, and readying the pieces for jurying.

The opening reception is Friday, January 18 at 5:30 pm. At 5:45 pm there will be a short Art Talk by Jacqueline Welsh & William Tourtillotte, co-jurors and curators of the show. You won't want to miss this discussion of the artwork included in the KAC member exhibition. Free and open to the public, as usual. It will be a nice break from the cold weather and snow we've had in St. Joseph to get together for a little wine and cheese (Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Panera Bread, and music provided by Dorothy Trachte.) and some good music on a Friday night.

Hope to see you there!

Kathee

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Krasl staff!

From the Krasl Art Center staff, please accept our good wishes for a wonderful holiday with your families and friends.

There are still some openings in the kid’s holiday classes, the gift shop is still open for last minute shopping (and 75% off on Christmas items), and the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluf Patron Program gift certificates are still available. Please call for information—269-983-0271.

We will see you next for the Friday, January 18th opening reception for the Member's Show, from 5:30-7:30 pm (entries are due Jan 11).

Our January hours: Monday–Thursday & Saturday, 10–4 pm; Friday 10–1 pm; Sunday 1–4 pm. The Krasl’s galleries will be closed from Jan. 2–Jan. 17, 2008 but the office will remain open.

Ta-ta!