The Jacksonville Center for the Arts

FloydFest Volunteers Needed

admin — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:20:08 +0000

Posted 5/22/2013

Hello to all our Friends of the Parkway and The Jacksonville Center for the Arts Volunteers.

We have approval on our volunteer opportunities for FLOYDFEST for 2013. The dates will be Wednesday the 24^th through Sunday, July 28th. This year we will be selling tickets at beer concessions only. Assignments will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis so let me know early if you have particular dates that you wish to work. Both Friends and The Jacksonville Center will share in the money but we will divide the money based on the number of volunteers for each agency. The hours are listed below. This year there are some great artists on Sunday so you may want to be present that date as a volunteer or as a ticket holder. If you work one shift you will receive a same day pass. If you work 2 shifts or more you will receive a 4 day pass to the festival. Floydfest has addressed past problems and has provided some great solutions.

This year volunteers will park in the “Charlie” lot. You will be emailed a parking pass along with your ticket. You will then be taken by the “Volunteer Bus” to the check in tent. This is where you will sign in and receive your t-shirt. We have been promised that someone will be there ALL weekend to check you in and give you your T-shirt. Volunteers will only work at the Beer Gardens selling tickets. We will be holding a training meeting at The Jacksonville Center prior to the festival. Please watch for the date of the meeting to be announced. It is strongly recommended that you attend the meeting

Please share this email with your friends who might be interested in working but let them know to apply quickly since this will go to all of the Friends Members in Virginia and North Carolina and to all of The Jacksonville Center members and volunteers. You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer. Please remember if you sign up to work and don’t, you will have to pay for any tickets that you have used or do use. We have not had this problem with our volunteers but just be aware that it can happen.

Please call Lisa Thompson to volunteer on behalf of The Jacksonville Center on (540) 745-2784
Or Marcia Ardissone to volunteer on behalf of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway on (540) 605-5811

FLOYDFEST SCHEDULE 2013-BEER GARDENS

We Need:

Wednesday
4 people—11am to 5:30pm (6.5 hrs.)
4 people—5:30pm to midnight (6.5 hrs.)

Thursday, Friday and Saturday (each day we need)
8 people—11am to 6:30p                  (7.5 hrs.)
8 people—6:30pm to 2am                (7.5 hrs.)
2 people—11:am to 5:30pm             (6.5 hrs.)
2 people—5:30pm to midnight       (6.5 hrs.)

Sunday
8 people—11am to 7pm (8 hrs.)
2 people—11am to 6pm (7 hrs.)

We are also looking for people with trucks and trailers that would be willing to work on Thursday and Sunday to transport camping equipment etc. from the parking lot to the festival on Thursday and back on Sunday. Call for more info.

Thank You for Making our May Concert a Success

admin — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:11:56 +0000

Posted 5/22/2013

An Evening of Music for Two Harpsichords

The Jax would like to thank the folks that helped make our May 11th concert, “An Evening of Music for Two Harpsichords,” a success. Without our volunteers, board, and staff concert events would simply not be possible.

We would like to thank…
Charidy Anders
Sandy Belcher
Jackie Blount
Eric Boling
Lyn Carden
Marie Daniel
Chico Estrada
Linda Fallon
Ed Fallon
Carol Fiore
Theresa Fontana
Ginny Gardner
Don George
Shannon Greene
Gloria Hilton
Mellea Mead
Zora Ott
Anna Lee Rossomando
Sally Rugaber
Charles Schulz
Natasha Shannon
Don Stringfellow
Ron Sutterer
Caroline Tresino
Barbara Von Claparede
Marie Woolum

We would also like to thank Don George for his work preparing The Jax for renovations.

2013 Featured Artist, Donna Polseno

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:58:30 +0000

Posted 5/15/2013

Donna Polseno
2013 Featured Artist

The Jacksonville Center for the Arts has named this year’s Featured Artist, sculptor, Donna Polseno. Donna was involved in the early years of The Jacksonville Center. The Featured Artist program is designed to welcome back artists that worked with The Jacksonville Center in the past and left to continue their growth as an artist elsewhere. Donna Polseno received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art from the Kansas City Art Institute and her Master of Arts in Teaching from the Rhode Island School of Design. She moved to the mountains of Virginia after graduation and has been a studio artist since 1974. She started her career creating pottery, which she continues to make today, but has diverged to a parallel career of making figurative sculpture in the 80’s.

“Donna Polseno is one of Floyd’s original professional career artists,” said Dennis Ross, a Jacksonville Center board member. “She has been an early leader in the development of Floyd’s art culture, and of The Jacksonville Center. As this year’s featured artist she continues to help maintain and build the local community, even as her national and international scope widens.”

Donna envisions multiple art lectures for 2013-2014 as The Jax’s Featured Artist. Her first lecture, “An Evolution of Sculptural Work”, will be held on Thursday June 6, at 6pm. During her inaugural lecture, she will lead the audience on a tour of her sculptural artwork using slides, starting with where she came from to where she is going next as an artist. Donna will socialize with guests after the lecture and light refreshments will be served.

Donna has shown her artwork in major galleries all over the country. She was included in the “21st Century Ceramics in the US and Canada” traveling exhibition in 2003. She has received two National Endowment of the Arts Grants and a Virginia Museum Fellowship. Essays about her work have been published in many magazines including two articles in “Art & Perception” (most recently “Potter’s Space & the Earthbound Goddess” by Wayne Higby), several in “Ceramics Monthly”, and most recently in “Studio Potter”. Donna is in several books about pottery and sculpture including the cover of “Sculptural Ceramics” by Ian Gregory. Donna has been a presenter at several National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts conferences (2009 panel “Potters/Sculptors, Sculptors/Potters”), a resident at the “Archie Bray Institute”, honorary chair of the Kansas City Art Institute artist’s auction, and a juror for the American Crafts Council. She has taught many workshops and summer programs at schools including Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Crafts, Alfred University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Long Beach Foundation, and Anderson Ranch Art Center.

Internationally she has been an invited participant at a symposium in Izmir, Turkey, has taught twice at an exchange program in Jingdezhen, China, and has taught for many years at La Meridiana- International School for Ceramics, in Italy, as well as, showing her sculpture in the annual “Concreta” exhibition in Certaldo.

Locally, Donna has been teaching ceramics at Hollins University since the inception of the ceramics program in 2004. At Hollins she has also created “Women Working with Clay”, an annual symposium. She is currently serving as the adjunct curator for ceramics at the Taubman Museum.

Woman with Vessel
By Donna Polseno

Last Chance to Purchase Raffle Tickets

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:01:41 +0000

Posted 5/14/2013

Last Chance to Purchase Tickets for Natasha’s Catered Dinner for Ten

Tickets are still available to receive a catered, four-course meal for ten from Natasha’s Market Café, but only until Saturday!. A limited number of tickets are being sold and a winner will be selected on Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. at Natasha’s Market Café in Floyd.

Tickets are $25 each and are sold at Natasha’s and at The Jacksonville Center, or by calling Linda Fallon (540.239.6048) or Virginia Neukirch (540.553.2086).

The winner will receive a fully staffed, four-course dinner for ten in his/her own home (in the Floyd, New River Valley, or Roanoke area). Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to receive a personal meal from Natasha for your next dinner party.

Proceeds from the ticket sales directly benefit Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival, bringing 10 days of Classical Music to Floyd, May 30-June 9, 2013.

For more information on the Festival or to purchase a Festival Pass for all 12 concerts, please visit:
www.VirginiasBlueRidgeMusicFestival.org or email: vbrmusicfestival@gmail.com

**The Jacksonville Center is the non-profit sponsor of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival**

June 2013 Meet the Artist Reception

admin — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:53:39 +0000

Hayloft Gallery
11th Annual New Works Exhibit

On Saturday, June 15 from 5pm to 8pm, The Jacksonville Center for the Arts will host a Meet-the-Artist reception highlighting the Hayloft and Breezeway Gallery exhibits. The Hayloft gallery exhibit, Chiaroscuro, will feature artwork using the Chiaroscuro style. Chiaroscuro was developed during the Renaissance and opened the doors to a plethora of powerful art with strong contrasting light and shadows. The Breezeway exhibit will feature the artwork from students at Floyd County High School.
There is no admission fee to receptions or exhibits although donations are accepted.

The Hayloft Gallery Exhibit, Chiaroscuro, is sponsored by The Bank of Floyd.

Chiaroscuro Exhibit, May 24 – July 20, 2013

admin — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:12:22 +0000

Watchful by Patricia Bevan

The Jacksonville Center for the Arts presents its Chiaroscuro Exhibit. This Hayloft Gallery exhibit begins May 24^th and will be on display through July 20^th. A Meet the Artists reception takes place June 15^th, 5-8pm.

Chiaroscuro, (chi•a•ro•scu•ro), was developed during the Renaissance and opened the doors to a plethora of powerful art with strong contrasting light and shadows. Artists will define, redefine, or interpret this time honored classic.

The exhibit will include over 45 pieces of artwork from the following artists: Charlotte Lou Atkins, Patricia Bevan, Stephen Bordeaux, Charlie Brouwer, Jennifer Philips Carpenter, Audrey Caywood, Aileen Fletcher, Rick Cooley, John Crow, Gigi Gaulin, Fred Jones, Sidra Kaluszka, Darcy Meeker, Amanda Morrison, Ann Shank, Helen Shaw, Marsha Slopey Paulekas, Gretchen St. Lawrence, Howard Wenger, Joli Ayn Wood, Leia Thompson Wood

“I am delighted with the work submitted for this themed exhibit,” said Leia Thompson Wood, Director of Education and Gallery Programming. “The artists’ that submitted artwork pushed their understanding of chiaroscuro and created wonderfully varied interpretations.”

This exhibit is sponsored by:

Studio Artist Feature – David Oakes

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:10:58 +0000

David Oakes and student Hunter Crawford

The Jacksonville Center welcomed David Oakes as a studio artist in March. Everything from jazz to traditional music can be heard coming from his studio by center visitors during his lessons and rehearsals.

David Oakes grew up in Richmond, Virginia and began playing classical guitar in 1964. He attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1978 as a classical guitar performance major. He studied privately and in master classes with Jesus Silva as well as master classes with Andres Segovia and Pepe Romero.

David taught guitar at Greensboro College, Winston Salem State University, and Appalachian State University before moving to Los Angeles in 1985.

After moving to Los Angeles, David worked as a studio musician, performer, teacher, composer, and arranger. As a teacher, David taught full time for 25 years at Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood where he wrote much of the curriculum and also helped to train many of the instructors. He also taught at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music as an adjunct assistant professor in the Studio Jazz guitar department from 1992 – 2006.

David has also written and published three books on guitar pedagogy in the areas of reading music to classical and finger style techniques and contrapuntal improvisation that are currently in print with music publishers Hal Leonard and Mel Bay.

Since moving to Patrick County, Virginia in April of 2011, David has immersed himself in the traditional and bluegrass music of southwestern Virginia. David is currently teaching guitar, banjo, and mandolin at The Jacksonville Center for the Arts and performing regularly at Natasha’s in Floyd. David serves as Board President of the Floyd Junior Appalachian Music program (Floyd JAMS), for which the center is a non-profit sponsor. This afterschool program, offered at Floyd Elementary School, is now in its second year of programming. David also serves on the board of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival.

For more information concerning private instruction, please contact David at 276-930-1141 or
davidoakesguitar@centurylink.net.

New River Valley Polymer Clay Guild – No May Meeting

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:26:54 +0000

April 25, 2013

The The New River Valley Polymer Clay Guild will be celebrating Spring Break next month and will not be holding their May 11 meeting.

The next meeting will be at The Jax on June 8, 1-4pm.

Artfull Escapes Announcement

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:19:08 +0000

April 22, 2013

The Jacksonville Center and Floyd Virginia Lodging Association
Partner to Create Artfull Escapes

The Jacksonville Center for the Arts is partnering with the Floyd Virginia Lodging Association to create a new vacation program entitled ArtFull Escapes. The programs main propose is to increase tourism to Floyd County from the surrounding region during the weekdays. It evolved from brainstorming sessions on how to increase participation in classes at The Jax by out of town visitors and has been in the works for more than a year.

“The Floyd Lodging Association is excited to partner with the Jacksonville Center for the Arts with a new package showcasing the unique classes and lodging that the two organizations can provide for people visiting the area,” said Derek Wall, Manager of Hotel Floyd. “Visitors interested in the arts should take advantage of this opportunity for a hands on experience and a unique lodging destination offering anything from small cabins and B&B’s to larger inns/hotels with local art and furniture. Floyd has it all!”

ArtFull Escapes is geared toward a group of four people. These people could be friends, family or co-workers, who are interested in a creative group learning experience in beautiful rural southwest Virginia. The program is comprised of a one or two day class at The Jax chosen by the group, a lodging voucher that can be used at participating Floyd County lodging establishments, coupons and discounts to various local shops and eateries, and a gift certificate to a wine tasting at Chateau Morrisette.

Classes that may be taken are part of The Jax’s OnDemand class offerings and are all taught by local. Class choices include: Felted Scarves, Hot Glass Beads, Stained Glass, Ceramic Sculpture, Wood Turning, Blacksmithing, Shibori (Japanese Tie-Dye), Papermaking, Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel, and Polymer Clay.

Participating lodging establishments are Ambrosia B&B, Beaver Glen B&B, Bella La Vita Inn, Blue Ridge Real Estate, Hotel Floyd, Inn The Hollow, Mountain Rose Inn, Mountain Song Inn B&B, Tuggles Gap Restaurant and Motel, Oak Haven Lodge, Stoney Meadow Inn B&B, The Room Upstairs at Bell Gallery, and Woodberry Inn. Other businesses participating in ArtFull Escapes by offering discounts and coupons are: Bell Gallery and Garden, Chateau Morrisette Winery, Dogtown Roadhouse, Harvest Moon Food Store, On The Water in Floyd, and Winter Sun Clothing.

CLICK HERE for more information about ArtFull Escapes.

City of Galax Public Art Committee Announces Artist Opportunity!

admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:47:29 +0000

City of Galax- Public Art

Phase I- Bass Fiddles throughout City of Galax

Call for Art

March, 2013

The City of Galax Public Art Committee announces Phase I of the City’s Public Art Project and invites artisans to submit proposals.

The committee is made up of representatives from The City of Galax, Galax City Council, Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, Department of Tourism, The Arts Council of the Twin Counties, The Galax Downtown Association and community advocate and Gallery Owner.

Phase I of Public Art in the City of Galax includes nine (9) six-foot bass fiddles, cast in Fiberglass strategically placed throughout the City of Galax to provide a narrative of the City’s history and culture, heighten visitation and an awareness of all there is to see in Galax. Each fiddle will be artistically designed with acrylic paint, mosaic tiles, or the like. Artists’ design submissions will be selected by citizens of the Twin County community. In their absolute discretion, the Public Art Committee and the City of Galax have the right to reject or exclude any submission.

Call for Art: Artisans are encouraged to submit design entries to communicate the values of the City. Artistic interpretations of the community will be created by the artisans on one of nine bass fiddles strategically placed throughout the City in highly visible public outdoor places. It is the intent that every piece will be fully accessible and accessed. Artists are welcome to submit site-specific entries, for the list below. Site specific entries are not guaranteed for designated site, however. Entries must not exceed 24” x 36”. Entries must include an artist statement as well as a resume. DEADLINE: May 15, 2013. Submission must be postmarked by this date and may be sent to: Chestnut Creek School of the Arts (CCSA), 100 North Main Street, P.O. Box 417, Galax, VA, 24333. Questions may be directed to Chris Pollins-Shackelford, Executive Director (276)236-3500. chris@chestnutcreekarts.org

Digital entries will be accepted, but there are restrictions which are the responsibility of the submitter. Receipt of digital entries must be acknowledged by email within 72 hours of submission. If receipt is not acknowledged within 72 hours, it is the responsibility of the submitter to inquire within the time frame. Digital entries will be printed on 8.5” by 11” ordinary paper and will be displayed un-matted and un-mounted.

The Public Art Committee and the City of Galax have the right to reject or exclude any piece from display at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts.

Submitted entries will be displayed from May 20, 2013 to June 15, 2013 at CCSA and members of the community will be invited to vote on their favorite designs. Final Design winner(s) will be announced on June 21, 2013 based on People’s Choice votes and in keeping with the standards of the City of Galax and the Public Art Committee. The Public Art Committee will determine the winning entries’ locations and communicate the final assignments in the artisan contracts. Winning artists will have six months or by January 3, 2014 to complete their work and deliver it to vendor selected by the Public Art Committee for polyurethane coating. Winning artists will be given $1,000 to include their time and materials. Pieces will have polyurethane professionally applied in Galax to protect the work. This will be done by the Public Art Committee once designs on the Bass Fiddles are complete and before being permanently installed. Each Fiddle will include a plaque commemorating the artist who has designed it as well as a rubbing as part of a trail map being designed by the department of tourism.

Final site locations will be determined once winners are selected. At present, public sites under consideration for placement are the following:

1. The Crossroads Rural Entrepreneurial Institute

2. Felts Park

3. Galax-Carroll Regional Library

4. Jeff Matthews Museum

5. Mountainview Park

6. Harold Snead Public Safety Building

7. Galax Municipal Golf Course

8. Galax Farmers Market

9. Oldtown Street at the future site of Chestnut Creek School of the Arts Woodworking Studio

More information on the possible sites can be found on line at www.chestnutcreekarts.org www.chestnutcreekarts.org/city-of-galax-public-art-project-call-for-art

History and description of the City of Galax: Named after the native woodland plant with heart-shaped leaves, the City of Galax was incorporated in 1906 when the Norfolk and Western Railway extended the railroad line to Galax Station. The railroad was a lifeline for furniture and mirror manufacturers, the mining industry, textiles, lumber and farmers. In 2003, textile and furniture plants in southwest Virginia, which had been the bread and butter of the economy, were closing and going overseas. The economy in the region looked bleak. The City of Galax, a community of 7,000 residents, lost more than 1,200 jobs in a short period of time. The reality of growing unemployment in a distressed regional economy stimulated the need for economic diversification. The City of Galax and community leaders decided to reinvent their economy highlighting traditional music and visual arts as a vital component of the renewal. This creative economy is based on the artisans and musicians who have been a part of the community for generations. Their creativity is an economic driving force for the future. The objectives of the revitalization are to support regional economic development; encourage activities that diversify the economic base; enhance entrepreneurial activities; develop a highly skilled, competitive workforce; and provide training and technical assistance to citizens engaged in economic development.

Galax is designated as the World Capital of Old Time Mountain Music and the home to the Old Fiddlers’ Convention. This year, the second weekend in August will mark the 78^th anniversary of the event. Besides the Fiddlers Convention, Galax has the increasingly popular Houston Fest, a music festival named after young volunteer firefighter and musician Houston Caldwell who died at the age of 18 in 2010. Galax is also home to Smoke on the Mountain, the state barbeque championship, and to the Leaf and String Festival. All these events, along with outdoor recreation and the natural scenic beauty of the New River Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway make Galax a popular destination. The area is rich in Appalachian history and home to innumerable musicians, luthiers and artisans. Bands and musicians from the area are world renowned and travel internationally to teach.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown Galax is the home of Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, a community art school which offers classes and events year-round. Classes are offered for all ages and skill levels in traditional music, heritage crafts and contemporary arts. Chestnut Creek School of the Arts has two locations downtown and the school is working toward establishment of a fully outfitted wood working studio providing classes for instrument building as well as furniture design and fabrication.

Additional information on the area available from:

City of Galax, Virginia www.visitgalax.com

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts www.chestnutcreekarts.org

New River Trail State Park www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/new.shtml

Blue Ridge Parkway www.blueridgeparkway.org