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.

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!

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 (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.

Happy Holidays from HeartlandArts.Net. Read on for a rundown of the Shopping in the Hills event that took place November 27-28, and all about December art events in the Heartland.

Shopping in the Hills 2009

We hope you were able to make it to the second annual Shopping in the Hills. It was a fun event with art and fine crafts and jewelry for sale in the relaxed atmosphere of the wineries. There was live music and open houses at the wineries. For shoppers looking for an alternative shopping experience on Black Friday, this was the place to be.

View pictures of Shopping in the Hills event.
View the Shopping in the Hills product catalog.

Thanks to all the artists and the event co-sponors: Blue Sky Vineyard, Von Jakob Vineyard, Anthill Gallery in Cobden, and the Southern Illinoisan.

December Art Events

Visit the HeartlandArts.Net Calendar online. You can even add an event.

Anthill Galley and Vintage Curiosities - Off The Wall Group Artist Holiday Exhibition
When: Nov 21 – Dec 20, 2009
Where: Anthill Gallery and Vintage Curiosities, 102 N. Front St., Cobden, IL
Description: Unique Holiday-season gift ideas - artwork, fine crafts and jewelry by 32 southern Illinois artists. The shop will be open Thursdays through Sundays, from noon to 6:00P.M. More info: http://www.anthillgallery.com

SIU Holiday Craft Sale
When: Dec 3 – 5 2009
Where: SIU Student Center Hall of Fame and International Lounge, Carbondale, IL
Description: 75 Regional Craft Vendors Thursday-Friday :10am-5pm Saturday: 9am-4pm Cost: Free More info: http://www.siucstudentcenter.org/craftshop/

Art Reception for Wil Maring
When: Thu, December 3, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Rustle Hill Winery, Carbondale, IL
Description: Most people in Southern Illinois recognize the name Wil Maring as one of our most talented and successful musicians. She has toured internationally as a singer/songwrit er/instrumental ist and has a discography that includes three solo CD's and four with her former band Shady Mix. Now, having finished a BA in Fine Art, and an MA in Anthropology/Mu seum Studies at SIU, Maring returns to the visual arts after a 20 year hiatus. She will unveil 14 oil and watercolor paintings this Thursday, December 3rd at an opening reception for her show at Rustle Hill Winery.

Marings subject is the Southern Illinois landscape, primarily Union County. Maring spent her youth here and was inspired by the natural beauty of the forest, lakes, bluffs and hills. The evening's entertainment will be provided by renowned guitarist Robert Bowlin. Bowlin is a two-time National Fingerpicking and Flatpicking Guitar contest winner and has been a band member with legendary artists like Bill Monroe, Maura O Connell, Kathy Mattea, the Osborne Brothers, and many more. Maring and Bowlin have been recently combining talents to create beautiful original acoustic music which straddles the fence between bluegrass, folk and country music. Bowlin will play a short show from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, featuring pieces from his critically acclaimed solo CD “Six String Soliloquy”.

Please join us for an evening of art, music, nature, wine, food and kinship, for these are the things that make Southern Illinois special. More info: http://www.rustlehillwinery.com.

Main Street Art Gallery - Deck Your Walls
When: Dec 4, 2009 – Jan 9, 2010
Where: 237/239 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, IL, 62025
Description: Main Street Art Gallery Presents Deck Your Walls . . . And Your Walls With Local Color! Opening Reception Friday, December 4th, 2009 6-8pm Exhibition December 4th - January 9th, 2009 Featuring Artists: Nancy Davis, Kathy Kamm, Jill Kettler, Liz Krinsky, Elizabeth Parris, Sarah Shoot, David Yates. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS! 618-655-9999 http://www.beadit-art.com

Art Over Easy 5 - Art Auction and Gala
When: Fri, December 4, 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Where: Surplus Gallery, 432 S. Washington, Carbondale, IL
Description: The School of Art & Design Great Food, Drink, Music and Art. Featuring artwork by the School of Art and Design Faculty, emeritus, grad students and alumni, well as community artists and special work by the Landscape Alumni Connection's plein-air class.

St. Genevieve Christmas Walk Weekend
When: Dec 5 – 6 2009
Where: St. Genevieve, MO
Description: The Ste Genevieve Christmas Walk weekend is scheduled for December 5 and 6th with a holiday parade on Saturday at 11am; followed by free pictures with Santa and free horse drawn carriage rides; choral Christmas concert, strolling carolers, free classical guitar, free historical lecture, free string quartet, live nativity scene, Art Guild Art Show and sale and much more both days. For more information contact the Welcome Center at 573-883-7097.

Christmas Art & Wine Fair
When: Sun, December 6, 11am – 5pm
Where: 1602 Sioux Dr., Marion IL, 62959
Description: Over 5 unique crafters at the Williamson County Pavillion. Wine tasting and sales. There will also be giveaways, Christmas music and Santa. Cost: $1 admission More info: http://www.visitsi.com, 618 993 2657.

Sale at the Studio - Luca Cruzat
When: Dec 11 – 12 2009
Where: Studio 1001, 1001 Chestnut St., Murphysboro, IL
DescriptionArt work made by Luca Cruzat, artist printmaker. Friday 11th 12:00- 4:00pm and Saturday 12th 10:00am- 2:00pm or by appointment More info: http://www.lucacruzat.com, 618 521 5713, cruzat.luca@gmail.com Cost: Free.

St. Genevieve Art Walk
When: Fri, December 18, 6pm – 9pm
Where: St. Genevieve, MO
Description: More info: http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com/

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2010.

Kind regards,
HeartlandArts.Net

The 2nd Annual Shopping in the Hills, at wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, is coming up on November 27-28, 12-5pm Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Art fairs will be taking place at Blue Sky Vineyards and Von Jakob Vineyards, as well as solo shows at other wineries, and ongoing permanent shows and other happenings. Be sure to bring your friends for a unique holiday shopping experience!

Preview products in the Catalog. Print off the Shopping in the Hills Flyer for all the details.

Admission is free. Shopping in the Hills is sponsored by HeartlandArts.Net, Blue Sky Vineyard, Von Jakob Vineyard, Anthill Gallery in Cobden, and the Southern Illinoisan.

Great holiday gifts, and a good time with a glass of wine, music and friends! We hope to see you there.

Artist Lineup (tentative - subject to change and additions - check back!)
Blue Sky Vineyard - Makanda

Blue Sky Vineyard - Makanda, Pavillion building
Ken Burnside - Oil paintings
Margie Parr - Jewelry and knitted items
Stephanie Richardson - Pet collars (Sat. only)
Michael Seltzer - Photography
Andrea LeBeau - Paintings and painted clothing (Sat. only)
Shema Jamaluddin - hand-knitted items, proceeds to For Kids Sake
Paul Sanders - Gemstones and jewelry (Sat. only)
Tom Horn - Copper and fused glass sculpture and pendants
Cheryl Owen - Equestrian Art
Mary Patterson - Jewelry
Liz Beck - Fiber Art
Shawn Cluck - Copper and glass sculpture (Sat. only)

Von Jakob Vineyard - Rt 127 Alto Pass
Diane Sember - Quilts, wall hangings, hand knitted and denim (Fri. only)
Leann Gehm - Rugs, table runners, scarves
Biki Chaplain - Paintings
Rob Lorenz - Pottery (Sat. only)
Sharon Wittke - Folk art
Eldon Benz - Photos, drawings, giclee prints, sculpture
Jason Stroud - Jewelry
Cleta Shirley - Photography
Melodee Thomas - Twig/rustic/bent willow furniture
Ron Thomas - Copper sculpture and garden accents
Nancy Young - Paintings and knitted items
Ruth and John Lipe - Soaps and lotions, wooden wine accents


Artist George Ions will have a solo show at Orlandini Vineyards. Tom Horn, Janet Althoff and Jurhee Veach have their permanent exhibit up at Starview Vineyards.

Ordering Custom Work from Artists

Have you ever considered contacting an artist for a special project or gift? You might be surprised at the many ways artists can fill requests to make an event, interior decorating project, or gift-giving occassion extraordinary. Click on the photo album below to view hand-made feather wedding bouquets by artist Marilyn Boyson, wedding dress by textile artist Rhonda Curtis and hand painted by Andrea LeBeau, with custom pendant by Chad Goodpastor. Artists are standing by for your special projects. Contact Amy at heartlandartsnet@gmail.com or call (618) 713-2896 for more information.

Art in Life

For more upcoming art events, view the HeartlandArts.Net Calendar. Some more November events:

Plein Air - Ken Burnside
When: Oct 19 – Nov 28, 2009
Where: 1825 Murdale Shopping Center, Carbondale, IL (map)
Description: Series of regional plein air paintings by Ken Burnside 9:00am-5:pm M-F Saturday 9:00am-1 Noon Central Showcase Gallery
Cost: Free
Contact: burnsidekenneth@gmail.com

Tree Mend Us Community Art Project
When: Nov 4 – 7 2009
Where: Carbondale, IL (map)
Description: Tree Mend Us - Community Roots Art Project The Carbondale Park District and Green Earth Inc. are sponsoring an Art Exhibit of both adult and children’s works that illustrate the effect the storm had on the environment. Woodwork, photography and literature will be recognized. On November 4-7, 2009 there will be a show of the children’s exhibit at the Civic Center. Visit www.cpkd.org For details and download of application. Call Kathy Renfro with questions – 618-529-4147 Email: info@cpkd.org.

Mural Party!
When: Fri, November 6, 4pm – 7pm
Where: 601 Tower Square, Marion, Illinois 62959 (map)
Description: It's time to party! The Little Egypt Arts Association is throwing a party at the art center located on the Marion town square. It's our way of celebrating the most unique and beautiful mural in Southern Illinois being finished. The party starts at 4:00 PM and finishes up, well, when it's over. Come on over and check out this beauty! Confirmed artists: Twenty five muralist who painted on mural.
Cost: Free
More info: Kris Killman President Little Egypt Arts Association killman@mchsi.com, 618-993-5405

Arts and Crafts Festival
When: Sat, November 7, 9am – 3pm
Where: 16th & Pine St, Murphysboro (map)
Description: Unique, original and hand-crafted arts, crafts and gifts; Bake Sale, Hot Lunch. Free parking. Nov. 7-9a.m. to 3 p.m., 16th & Pine St, Murphysboro, IL
Cost: Free
More info:618-687-2235 or pontiac@egyptianpontiac.com

Best Wishes,
HeartlandArts.Net

October 7, 2009, Carbondale, Illinois - Art Around the Square, the free event provided the Carbondale Town Square businesses from 5-9pm on Friday, will feature new artist work and even some new businesses.

At the Treehouse Artist Studio above the Town Square Market, 6 artists are participating.

R. Michael Fisher will present 10 New Works of mixed media, entitled: RENDURANCE: TEACHERS series. Danielle Konings will be showing her recent photographs and sculptures.

Andrea LeBeau will present some of her Encaustic Art. Encaustic means "burn in", known as hot wax painting, a technique developed many thousands of years ago. The technique involves colored waxes which are melted, applied to various surfaces and allowed to cool. Encaustic is a media which evokes sensations and emotions of transformation. Working with this media opens a door to a timeless zone.

Bob Streit will run a slide show from his locally produced film, Under These Same Stars-- the Celadon Affair. The slide show will run on a large screen computer accompanied by music from the sound track by Streit, Dennis Stroughmatt, the Peacocks and Les Petit Chanteurs.

Gregory Wendt will show recent photography, digital media and watercolor paintings, as well as photography by his daughters, Kamila, Layla and Reyhana, aged 9, 7 and 5.

Cale Cornelison will perform improvisational guitar throughout the event.

Two new business additions to the event are the Dayemi Health Center and Dayshift.

The artists that will be showing for the Dayemi Health Center include Hilary Chandler, Mike Faris, Josh Shearer and Sandy Stevens. They are all displaying paintings. The Dayemi Health Center is at 210 E. Jackson St.

The Dayshift, located on the above the Cellar between Paul Hampton Photography and the Practice Pad, is a transplant from the Makanda Boardwalk. It is a venue for over 20 artists featuring a variety of unique creations.

Owner Mary Lynn Schroeder said about the event, "Art Around the Square is an exciting oppurtunity for Dayshift to officially debut to the Carbondale arts community. We feature over 20 different local artists in the shop, and are very excited to be able to share the stage with the many talented people involved in Art Around the Square."

More information about the event, incuding a printable map, is available at www.ArtAroundTheSquare.com.

Media Advisory

Members of the press are welcome to attend the event and interview the participating artists and business owners. For more information please contact Amy McMorrow, 618 713 2896.