What's happening at HeartlandArts.Net

You may have noticed some changes recently. We're transforming the way the newsletter works, and we closed the Studio. We have limited resources but we're striving to keep it going, and the Calendar is still up and running! So please keep visiting the Calendar as we do our best to keep southern Illinois arts alive on HeartlandArts.Net. Thanks!

Darshan Boutique opens inside Town Square Market

The Southern Business Journal
BY ROB CROW, THE SOUTHERN thesouthern.com | Posted: Sunday, February 13, 2011

CARBONDALE - A front corner of one of Carbondale's most well-known markets is now home to the wearable works of several Carbondale artists.

On Saturday, Darshan Boutique had its grand opening. The boutique is inside Town Square Market, at 106 E. Jackson St. in Car-bondale, and features products that are almost all handmade by local artists.

A group of artists formed a collaborative in downtown Carbondale, and Darshan Boutique now holds the fruits of their labor.

"We've worked together for quite some time, and we all just kind of started making clothes," said Terry Hickey. "It just kind of happened, and we realized that we wanted a store for them."

Seven local artists form the core of the group, and they are now able to share their work inside the market. The boutique offers handmade clothing and accessories such as scarves, earrings, hand bags and hand warmers.

Several items, such as some of the handbags and hand warmers, are made from recycled clothing.

"There's not a good-quality, unique clothing store in Carbondale. You have to go to a big city to find something like designer stuff, or something different," said Andrea LeBeau. "So, if we can't find it, we have to make it."

While discussing the boutique, three of the involved artists started joking about some of the other items they could create and sell - only to realize that's how many of their handmade products actually started.

"You support each other, you inspire each other, and you expand each other's experiences," said Karine Gabrini.

Town Square Market, which focuses on locally grown and sold goods, was more than happy to have the boutique inside its walls, LeBeau said. And the artists are more than happy to be there.

"Right here, this is perfect for us, and this meets our needs," Gabrini said. "In the future, if this grew and we need our own space, sure, that's always a possibility. But right now, we're thrilled to be here, and have a place where we can make a little boutique."

rob.crow@thesouthern.com

618-351-5080

Upcoming Art Events

Photo Exhibit: Insurance Wives, Insurance Guys
When: May 7 – Jul 4, 2010
Where: Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 E. Jackson, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901
Description: Photo Exhibit: Insurance Wives, Insurance Guys: Dad's Photographs: 1958-1982. Photographs by Frank M. Wendt Jr. Curated and Printed by Gregory F. Wendt.

"Journeys" Exhibit
When: Mon, June 7, 5:30pm – Fri, July 30, 6:30pm
Where: The Gallery Space, Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro, IL 62966
Description: Journeys by Linda Austin, Kathy Belletire, Marilyn Codding Boysen, Renee Mavigliano. Reception: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm.
For more information about the artist contact: MCED Firm at 618 565 8000 or email: hernandez@mcedfirm.com.

Historic Structures & Machinery V
When: Jun 15 – Jul 31, 2010
Where: Tower Square, Marion, IL
Description: Biennial Historic Structures & Machinery V will be presented at the Little Egypt Arts Centre on the Tower Square in Marion IL from June 15 through July 31. This is a juried show and prizes will be awarded.
For further information, contact the art centre at 618 998-8530, mgrafics@midwes t.net or Kris Killman, President at killman@mchsi.com.

5th Annual Tay-Sachs Benefit
When: Sat, June 19, 10am – 8pm
Where: Blue Sky Vineyards, 3150 South Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
Description: Blue Sky vineyard is hosting the 5th Annual Benefit Concert in honor of Elise Ryne Rochman to raise money for funding the on-going research needed to find treatments and a cure for Tay-Sachs Disease. All proceeds from admission, raffle, auction, food sold outside, and one-third of all wine sales will go to Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation and National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association. There will be a silent auction, raffle, and several bands have agreed to donate their time and talent for this event. $5.00 entrance fee, glass included. Children (15 & under) free.
More info: (618) 995-WINE, http://www.blueskyvineyard.com/

Ste. Genevieve 4th Friday Art Walk
When: Fri, June 25, 6pm – 9pm
WhereSte. Genevieve, MO
Description: Monthly Art Walk Continues in 2010 on the Fourth Fridays. Fourteen art spaces and artist-owned studios, within a 3 x 3 block area of the downtown historic district, are open each month for an Art Walk from 6 - 9 pm on the Fourth Fridays, except during holiday season when they are held on the third Fridays. Most of the art venues serve a refreshment to guests on the Art Walk, as well as offer openings of new exhibits.
More info: http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com/

Art Around the Square
When: Sat, June 26, 6pm – 10pm
Where: Town Square, Carbondale, Illinois 62901
Description: The Historic Town Square Coalition will host the Annual Art Around the Square event this coming June 26, 2010 Beginning at 6pm, local businesses will host local and regional artists, provide hors d'oeuvres, and open their doors to art-lovers of all ages. Music, photography, print, sculpture and more will fill the Town Square until 10 pm. New this year, a free concert featuring Mel Goot and The Southern Illinois Jazz and Blues Workshop will be open to the public from 7-9 pm across from the Town Square Market. This event has become a well-loved tradition for young professionals and families alike.
For more information, or to get a flyer with participating businesses and artists, contact Sue Mills at 618-924-0797or visit http://www.artaroundthesquare.com.

Pomona Winery Semi-Permanent Exhibit of Tim Francis and Roberta Elliott
When: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010
Where: 2865 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona, IL 62975-2317
Description: Two artists on semi permanent display: Wood turnings by Tim Francis and wrought iron work by Roberta Elliott of The Velvet Hammer, Ltd.
More info: http://www.pomonawinery.com/, pomonawinery@hughes.net

Starview Vineyards Permanent Art Exhibit
When: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010
Where: 5100 Wing Hill Rd. Cobden, IL 62920
Description: The works that are on display are all for purchase and are unique, one of a kind creations that are reflections of the artists' unique perspective. Juhree Veach (http://www.jkvphotos.com), photographer; Janet Althoff, mosaic artist; Thomas Horn, copper and glass sculpture.
More info: http://www.starviewvineyards.com/

This blog has moved

This blog is now located at http://heartlandartsnet.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://heartlandartsnet.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Photos from Monarch Studio Opening

In case you missed it, here are some photos from the Monarch Studio opening this past Saturday in Cobden.

Monarch Studio February Opening

An estimated 300 people were in attendance. Congratulations to the artists and the gallery owners for a great show!

It was also nice to find out that Anthill Gallery is open again; be ready to spend a few of your hard-earned dollars. They have great stuff, ranging from the owners' art (stained glass and photography) to vintage toys. Yellow Moon was also in high gear on Saturday night with live music. It was quite a night for Cobden!

Monarch Studio Opening Saturday in Cobden

Cobden now has a trio of fine art venues, with the opening of the Monarch Studio this Saturday, February 6th.

The Gallery is run by two women whose families have lived in the area for generations. Longtime friends, gallery owners Jamie Plemon and Jenni Holly Eck looked around for several years for a spot for their gallery/art studio. Opportunity knocked for them when the Keith Cotton Photography Studio relocated to Peoria. They took over the space, which has existed for a long time now in dedication to the arts, in November.

"It was offered to us and we thought, if we don't at least try it, we'll hate ourselves forever," was how Ms. Plemon put it.

Ms. Eck has a photography business of her own called A Different View Photography, and Ms. Plemon is an art education major. They plan to offer shows as well as art instruction in the summer.

The opening show this Saturday features artists Rhonda Rhinestone, Textiles (photo of one item of her work previously featured on HAN), Andrea LeBeau (www.andrealebeau.com) on Paintings and Encaustic Art, and Tim Heath, with a display of 3D wall hangings and sculptures that combine wood, metal and glass. Jewelry by Jason Stroud and Janice Plemon will also be on display.

I got a first glimpse of the show last night and the color, warmth, and multidimensional textures offered a captivating massage for the eyes that I didn't really want to stop; I intend to return. Southern Illinoisans are fortunate to have such a variety of talented local artists and a growing number of fine art venues.

But don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself. The opening is tomorrow night, February 6th, 6-9pm. The address is 102 S. Front Street, just down the street from Anthill Gallery and Yellow Moon Cafe. Call Jamie Plemon at 833 9446 for more information.


View Larger Map

For Kids' Sake Art Show and Fundraiser Starts Today

FOR KIDS' SAKE ART SHOW (Flyer, pdf)
The 10th Annual Fundraiser For Kids’ Sake Art Show, a silent auction to support schools and orphanages in Bangladesh, is being held at the Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 East Jackson St. The auction runs from November 10 through December 11, 2009. The auction ends at the Closing Reception, Friday December 11 from 6pm to 8pm, which will include live entertainment and delicious hors d’oeuvres. The fundraiser has over 140 pieces including artwork by children from Bangladesh and Southern Illinois, as well as professional artists. The silent auction also includes products and services donated by local businesses such as, weekend getaways and theatre tickets.

For Kids Sake sponsors fundraising events which support over 3,000 children in Bangladesh. 100% of all proceeds from the Art Show will benefit orphanages and schools in Bangladesh.
For more information, contact Shema Jamaluddin at (618) 529-5044 or forkidssake@dayemi.net.