Chicago Fine Arts Examiner Highlights works of 26 Artists During One-of-A-Kind Show

Earlier this year, I mentioned my work was juried into the prestigious One-of-A-Kind Shows in Chicago and New York. These extraordinary holiday shopping shows feature the best in fine art and fine craft from over 500 unique artists and designers from across North America.

Each item for sale is hand-crafted and each artist is in attendance for buyers to meet the artisans responsible for creating their work. During the show, I had some really great press which I shared earlier on my blog about my work work being selected by top Chicago designer Julia Buckingham Edleman for her Artful Living Space.

Additionally, I would like to also share this article where my work was highlighted along with some of the nation’s very artists.

To see the full feature article with all pictures, please check out this article courtesy of the Chicago Fine Arts Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-15510-Chicago-Fine-Arts-Examiner~y2009m12d9-The-rich-variety-of-original-art-and-holiday-gift-items-enthralls-visitors-to-the-One-of-a-Kind-show?#comments.


The rich variety of original art and holiday gift items enthralls visitors to the One of a Kind show

December 9, 9:43 PM Chicago Fine Arts Examiner Jessica Kronika

…The One of a Kind Show and Sale at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, a holiday shopping show featuring fine art and fine craft from over 500 artists, artisans and designers from across North America had delights for patrons of all tastes. Each item on display was made by hand, one piece at a time, and every artist represented was in attendance. Visitors supported the independent artist community with purchases of unique art gifts for Christmas. An alternative to reproductions and retail this show was the ideal place to find a wide range of art and fashion for family and friends. Media and categories included: ceramics, children's gifts, clothing, fashion, accessories, fiber art, furniture, glass, gourmet, holiday, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood. Shopping experiences were complemented by live music, fashion shows, expert presentations, gourmet cafes, bars and special events.

Breck Armstrong and Jason Weir, of Moss Studios, reclaimed metal, chain and blown glass. Sculptor Breck Armstrong, of Moss Studios, presented fine furniture and decorative items, all crafted by his team from recycled and repurposed materials. Glass work by Moss Studios collaborators, Jason Weir and David Taylor, was enhanced by reclaimed metal chain, letterpress blocks and antique film reels.

Alicia Leeke, Changing Seasons, acrylic on canvas (Pictured left). Painter Alicia Leeke’s contemporary impressionist landscapes exhibit strong color balance and big confident brush strokes. The combination of painting en plein aire and photo references gives Leeke’s work a sense of place and a dynamic of color and light which must be seen.

Kristie Hyde, silver and gold plated orchid leaf, with patina, turquoise, cendalusite and smoky quartz beads, leather cord. Jeweler and painter Kristie Hyde works in precious stones, silver and gold. Hyde’s most unusual work takes its cue directly from nature. With real orchid leaves, which the artist silver plates, then touches with twenty-two karat gold and embellishes with a patina, Hyde creates necklaces of presence and style.

Ruth Eckstein, The Good Land/Haaret Hotova, oil, varnish on canvas. Ruth Eckstein works intuitively with oil paint and a palette knife to create her alternately whimsical and politically charged works. Delicately balanced between abstraction and ambiguous figurative subjects, Eckstein’s paintings are big, bold and intriguing.

Rick and Susan Bisgyer of Ridgetop Pottery, Morning Fog series, Sailing. Vessel and open vessel, hi-fired porcelain. Potters Rick and Susan Bisgyer of Ridgetop Pottery work the landscape in sensuous turned dishes, cups, bowls and “Sailing Vessels.” Their distinctive color schemes in glaze and simply elegant forms call to mind the rich natural landscape of their home in the mountains of the Blue Ridge.

David Goldhagen, Goldhagen Art Glass Studio and Gallery & Elmer Marouch, Floating Vessel and Snail, blown glass, forged steel. Glass blower Goldhagen works with enthusiastic and playful forms and colors. In works like “Snail” and his series of “Floating Vessels” color, transparency and the grace of liquid glass are frozen. Working collaboratively with Elmer Marouch to create one of a kind stands the pods of “Floating Vessels” are perfect for wall or mantle centerpieces, inviting the eye to linger within their undulating forms.

Ed Pribyl, George Washington astride his horse, basswood, hand carved and aged. The folksy characters of basswood carver Ed Pribyl recall the history and traditions of Americana. With his creative take on characters such as Santa, George Washington and his series of “Retro People” these hand aged wood sculptures are great gifts for that special person.

Michael Cole of Red Klay, Unlock the past, mixed media construction with key, brass faceplate, vintage paper collage, vintage and hand crafted wood moldings, letter press blocks. Mixed media artist Michael Cole incorporates found and recycled materials into his highly dimensional wall pieces. Within them, viewers will find paintings in acrylic of lovely landscapes paired with dynamic arrangements of letter press blocks, finely wrought handmade wood frames and an assortment of salvaged paper. Works like 1937, a piece from his “Bullseye Series”, incorporate a collage of newspapers from that year and paint.

Jacqueline Crivello Photography, selection of wildlife portraits, digital photography, with presentation formats by Tim Emerson of Duraplaq. Photographer Jacqueline Crivello presents exciting views into the wilder life, featuring wolves, wild horses and other natives of the West. Collaborating with Tim Emerson of Duraplaq, Jacqueline’s works are presented on dynamic mountings, ready to hang as the show piece of a room.

Ed Kydera, bells crafted from recycled gas tanks and metal, embellished with soldered and torch brazed designs in copper and bronze. Metal smith Ed Kydera’s original gas tank bells are recycling at its best. Featuring cut tanks, embellished with hand soldered decorations, tinted with torch brazed copper and bronze, these bells have a delicious range of sound and can be acquired with hanging cords or free-standing.

Davis Glass, Jared and Nicole Davis, hand blown transparent glass, with opaque glass powders, and sandblasted texture. The hand blown works of Davis Glass vividly recall the striations of canyons and rock formations. Created with a unique process that combines transparent and opaque glass, powders and sand blasting, these vases are elegantly proportioned, dramatically hued, and delicately textured so that when lit from below or behind they shine and glow with an inner animation.

John Flemming,hand pierced, cut, dyed and shaped rawhide, with embellishments. The expressive leather work of John Flemming includes belts and purses, bags and masks. The masks are the colorful and astounding element that stopped many shoppers at this year’s One of a Kind. Featuring hand shaped, pierced and dyed leather, these masks have been appreciated by Cirque du Soliel, and been part of costumes in a variety of theater and films.

Christopher Mosey,at front Tidepools, blown glass, at left rear and right rear, geodes, crushed and molten glass, at center, poured resin, acrylic, and inlaid gold on burnished and torched wood panels. Working with crushed and molten glass, sculptor Christopher Mosey crafts “geodes, thermal bowls, and tidal pools,” inspired by the forms and intricacies of nature.

Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki of B'os Art, industrial stainless steel mesh of varying thread counts with torch detail. With industrial grade stainless steel mesh of exceedingly finely woven construction, Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki craft silky purses decorated with captured feathers, leaves and torched iridescent designs.

Paul Pearson, hand cut and forged stainless steel, teeth, fossilized shell, precious stones, leather belts. The handsome and sturdy belt buckles of Paul Pearson involve a complex process of mosaic, found and crafted materials. Incorporating glass, sharks teeth, one of a kind cut and shaped metal backings and borders, these buckles are sought after by all, including such notables as Dolly Parton and Steven Tyler.

Gina Pannorfi, Inc, wet felted wool and silk. A range of gem tones, in wet felted wool and silk, define the original fashions of Gina Pannorfi, Inc. With ravishing sculpted profiles and delicate textured assymetrical falls, these dresses, separates and scarves promise to heighten the natural allure of any woman.

Tom Sourlis of Sourlis Glass Studio, art glass lamp, low temp fused glass with streamers, fractures and frit. Accomplished tiffany style glass sculptor Tom Sourlis has created a new style with his fused glass works. Incorporating three types of prepared glass for low temp fusing these works have a richly hued palette, subtle sculptural detail and greatly enhance the lamps for which they are created.

Alexis Silk, hand blown and sculpted glass with natural elements, hand forged metal stands, found hooks. The freehand sculpted blown glass of Alexis Silk step out of the decorative realm, making statements through the figure on contemporary concepts of physical beauty and identity. These startling glass figures with their hand forged metal stands and braces encourage inquiry and glow with the subtle play of transparency and color. Silk’s glass heads with latticework suggest the unlimited boundaries of the human mind.

Debra DeWolff, assorted jewelry, wet and needle felted wool, polymer clay and beads. The playful wet and needle felted wool and fimo or polymer clay jewelry of Debra DeWolff recall the fun of animated classics and provide a sassy dash to your holiday ensemble that can’t be beat.

Yantar, Teresa Maria Widuch, drapes and jackets, wool and suede, hardwood pin fasteners. Yantar’s own fashions, by Teresa Maria Widuch, with hand crafted hardwood pins by her son, hug the figure while draping flatteringly from the shoulder. These wool and suede jackets and shawls, round out any outfit with their strong colors, subtle and simple styling, and dynamic accents.

Studio Tatijana, selection of works, water media, pastels. Featured artist, Studio Tatijana, brings the tradition of gestural work in pastel to new heights with her sensitive portraits, expansive landscapes and intimate still lifes. Using under paintings with water media, and striving to meet the challenges of people as a subject, these pastels are a colorful and gestural wonder that captures the subtle emotions of her subjects.

Dana Killion, Stone loop knit cowl neck top, black draped jersey skirt. The evening fashion show, Friday, December 4th, featured a range of outfits, dresses, accessories and jewelry. Some audience favorites included the draped black jersey skirt of Dana Killion, a red knit shrug by LANA, and the wool, felt, and silk hand dyed shift dress and scarf of JillLynn Ltd. LANA, gray leather woven bag, red knit shrug, knit hat, belt. JillLynn Ltd., bright wool, felt, silk hand dyed shift dress and scarf.

Dining options at the many café’s within the show floor included a range of prepared sandwiches, salads and snacks. This author found the fruit and cheese plate to be a delight to share, featuring a selection of three cheeses, strawberries and green grapes, and a selection of four types of snack crackers, and sweet raisin bread.

In addition, the event supported a cause close to Chicagoan’s hearts, with ticket sales on

Thursday, December the third and the proceeds of sales by show sponsor Votre Vu of Paris on Friday, December fourth going to Children’s Memorial Hospital. Ticket sales raised thousands of dollars, while sponsor proceeds raised $5,000 for pediatric brain tumor treatment, research, and family services as a result of our Friday sale at the One of a Kind Show-Chicago. Actual proceeds of $2,500 in sales, were doubled by CEO Harold Zimmerman, who opted to match that to make a donation of $5,000.

Votre Vu was on site with several booths on Thursday and Friday to share samples of products. This author tasted their refreshing low sugar energizing drink, “Snapdragon,” and enjoyed the rich and warm scent of the skin softening non-greasy hand lotion, “Duette.”

All photos by Carol Johnson, images sized and manipulated for article by J.L. Kronika. Wtch for Artist Profiles from this author over the duration of December and into January 2010. For more information about the One of a Kind show: http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/showoverview/ For information about Children’s Memorial Hospital: http://www.childrensmemorial.org/

For artist information:

• Breck Armstrong, of Moss Studios and collaborators, Jason Weir and David Taylor http://www.mossstudios.com/
• Alicia Leeke www.alicialeeke.com
• Kristie Hyde www.kristihyde.com
• Ruth Eckstein www.rutheckstein.womanmade.net
• Rick and Susan Bisgyer of Ridgetop Potterywww.RidgetopPottery.com
• Goldhagen Art Glass Studio and Gallery & Elmer Marouch www.goldhagenartglass.com
• Ed Pribyl www.edpribyl.com
• Michael Cole of Red Klay www.redclay.com
• Jacqueline Crivello Photographywww.JCrivello.com
• Tim Emerson of Duraplaq www.duraplaq.com
• Ed Kydera bells www.edsbells.com & www.kiderafineart.com
• Davis Glass, Jared and Nicole Davis www.jareddavis.com &www.northrimglass.com
• John Flemming www.johnflemming.com
• Christopher Mosey www.christophermosey.com
• Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki of B'os Art www.bosart.net
• Paul Pearson www.mosaicbuckles.com
• Gina Pannorfi, Inc www.ginapannorfi.com
• Tom Sourlis of Sourlis Glass Studio www.sourlisglassstudio.com
• Alexis Silk www.nogasilkartglass.com
• Debra DeWolff www.debradewolff.com
• Yantar, Teresa Maria Widuch www.yantar.com
• Studio Tatijana www.tatijana-jacenkiw
• Dana Killion, http://www.killionclothes.com/
• LANA, http://www.shoplana.com/
• JillLynn Ltd., http://www.jilllynn.com/
• VotreVu of Paris, France www.votrevu.com

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN PAINTER ALICIA LEEKE’S WORK SELECTED FOR CHICAGO ARTFUL DESIGN SHOWCASE

Two of Contemporary American painter, Alicia Leeke’s abstract landscapes were selected by Chicago Designer Julia Buckingham Edleman of Buckingham Interiors for Chicago’s One of A Kind Show and Sale Artful Design Showcase held December 2-5.

Pictured here (left to right), the two 30 x 40 paintings, entitled, Five O’clock Shadows and Stockholm painted by Leeke adorn grey and white wallpaper Edleman chosen from Farrow and Bali’s -  The Lotus Paper collection for the wall covering. Centered in the room is a mirrored bookshelf flanked by two white leather chairs and hand-crafted, chain-link side table. Above the chairs sit Leeke’s paintings.

Edleman handpicked the works of for her space out of more than 500 exhibiting artists. According to Edleman, “The space shows customers how to implement hand-made and one of a kind art objects into their living space.”

Edleman believes “there is no such thing as 'luck' in great design." Interior spaces should be filled with the excitement of beautifully crafted environments and her "Out-with-the-boring, in-with-the-bold" style is recognizable in every space she designs.

Edleman has been praised for her design creativity in her client’s spaces and she and her firm bring over 10 years of client relationships and their happily inspired homes to the forefront of many national and local publications. Traditional Home, Metropolitan Home, Home Magazine, The New York Times, Chicago Home + Garden, and The Chicago Tribune to name a few.

The ninth-annual Chicago One of A Kind Show is a holiday tradition where 50,000 shoppers can find truly unique gifts and home décor items by North America’s best artists, artisans, and designers.

Alicia Leeke is a native South Carolinian and an avid painter whose works are highly coveted by corporate and private collectors from New York to California and Paris.

For information on purchasing one of Leeke's paintings please call (803) 429-5456, via fax at 888-429-5456, or via email at leekeka@hotmail.com. Examples of her work and experience can be viewed at www.alicialeeke.com.

Adventures in Wonderland Show This Thursday

FRAME OF MIND FEATURES "ADVERTURES IN WONDERLAND" A CONVERGENCE OF PERFORMING ARTS COUPLED WITH PAINTINGS BY ALICIA LEEKE

You may not see any daring feats or tightrope walking, but a new exhibit entitled “Adventures in Wonderland” is sure to be a crowd pleaser with its bird’s eye view of new paintings by local artist Alicia Leeke, coupled with some thrilling performance art.

Frame of Mind Sets the stage on Main Street October 8 from 6-8:30 p.m. with its Halloween edition show. Owner, Mark Plessinger is a catalyst for the arts, and the momentum for the shows have come full circle since his first show which opened with Leeke’s work over a year ago.

The two first came together in early Spring of 2008 to discuss ways to draw traffic to Frame of Mind and integrate art into business. She shared with him the names of other artists around town for future shows which later exploded into other networking ventures between Frame of Mind and The Columbia Museum of Art, The White Mule and most recently Gotham Bagel.

"For centuries artists have been coming together. Most notably in America at the Algonqun Hotel in New York City where some the great literary giants such as Gertrude Stein, Maya Angelou, William Faulkner, as well as a plethora of cabaret singers and theatrical entertainers met on a regular basis, said Leeke.” But that hasn’t been the case for the most part in Columbia until now. “It’s important to the area to have businesses like Frame of Mind build a networking bridge among companies, performing arts organizations and artists in the community, and I am seeing a lot more people recognizing the value and impact the arts have on a community -- especially in terms of quality of life and economic growth,” adds Leeke, noting that a more diverse art scene is shifting to Main Street and developing around the Museum and Nickelodeon Theater’s new home.

The theme for the show, entitled “Adventures in Wonderland” showcase newly released landscapes awash with color and movement plus a few extra surprises Leeke plans to unveil during the event. This new body of work focuses on the impact color and abstraction has on landscape painting. The artists' love of the coast extends back into early childhood where family vacations were spent exploring the woods, dunes and tides of South Carolina’s coast.

Other festivities for the evening include a contemporary dance sampling by the Wideman Davis Dance Company, a sneak preview by NiA Company, a theatrical company housed within Trustus Theatre who will be previewing their new play, and guest appearances by Belly Dancer Natalie Brown from Delirium Tribal and local Magician and professional entertainer, John Tudor.

Frame of Mind is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and is located at 1510 Main Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Other works may also be seen at the Gallery at Nonnah’s in the Vista, Tombo Grille and House Brand Furniture.

You may contact Alicia about her paintings by calling (803) 429-5456, 888-429-5456, via email at leekeka@hotmail.com or by visiting her website at http://www.alicialeeke.com/.

Leeke's Work Featured at Courtyard Art Gallery in Charleston through October 31

Courtyard Art Gallery in Charleston South Carolina is featuring the work of South Carolina artist, Alicia Leeke during the month of September.

Her show entitled "Parallel: 32, 47, 79, 56," features vibrant, colorful, abstract landscapes representing the physical longitude and latitude of Charleston, SC and other coastal areas.

"Science, math and art often go hand in hand," notes Leeke. This show explores Charleston from its different vantage points as well as other wetlands areas in the State. Sites on display include the Little Pee Dee River, Jekyll Island, Mount Pleasant, and Cherry Grove. The show will be on view through September 30.

The Gallery is located at 149 1/2 East Bay Street in Charleston, South Carolina.

Don’t Miss Viva La Vista This Upcoming Saturday!

On Saturday September 12, several resident artists at the Gallery at Nonnah’s will be on hand to discuss their art at the Gallery during the Congaree Vista’s Viva La Vista food Festival.

This signature event, takes place in the heart of the Congaree Vista in downtown Columbia, South Carolina and spans four city blocks including parts of Gervais Street and runs from Lincoln to Senate Streets.

The event kicks off Autumn with a Taste of the Vista’s best restaurants, live music and libations. Resident artists at Nonnah’s include: Bonnie Goldberg, Ingrid Carsonm Edie Biddle, Jan Fleetwood, Betty Mandell, Alicia Leeke, Donna Rozier, Michele McNinch and Christy Lekeup.

New Works Expolore Color and Light

Alicia Leeke imagines landscapes in a unique and colorful light. In her new paintings at Tombo Grille in Columbia, South Carolina she intertwines brushstrokes and imagination to develop brilliant landscapes with bountiful movement in this large works series.

The "New Works" show opened in September and is ongoing throughout 2009. Her work is one of three artists on display at Tombo Grille which is located at 4517 Forest Dr # 6 in Columbia, South Carolina and replaces the work of Blue Sky. Call for hours (803) 782-9665‎.

Third Annual Palette to Palate to be held May 15-17 2009

The Village at Sandhill has partnered with The Cultural Council and Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce to hold the Third Annual Palette to Palate Event Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, 2009.

This three-day art event will take place at Town Center Commons and will include live entertainment, art demonstrations, and the annual Taste of the Village event.

Palette to Palate Event Hours:
Friday, May 15: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: Noon to 6 p.m.

Schedule of events:

Art: On view and for sale from over 25 of the area’s best known and admired artisans including work by local artist Alicia Leeke.

Music: Friday, May 15: Island Close By – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: Fatback & The Grove Band – 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: Coolie G & Lion Soul – 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Taste of the Village: Friday, May 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., sample specialties from Village at Sandhill restaurants and beverage places. Just purchase sampling tickets for $1 each at the on-site ticket booths.

Village at Sandhill is located at Clemson Road and Two Notch Road in Northeast Richland County and is owned and managed by Kahn Development Company.

“Celebrate the Faces of Sandhills” Art Gala

The 5th Annual Sandhills Art Gala and sale will be held April 24, 2009 from 6:30 – 10 pm and features the work of over 50 South Carolina artists.

According to Gala Coorinator Powers Strickland, this year’s event is being extended with a sneak preview prior to the Gala Opening on Friday night, which is complete with a silent auction, cocktails and hors d' oeuvres. In the past the event was only held one night, but has become so popular by art buyers that is it being extended with an “Encore” of select works on Sunday, April 26th from 3-5 pm.

Highlights from this year’s exhibit include jewelry by Cindy Saad, mixed media works by Sam Compton, sculpture by Greg Fitzpatrick, photography by Howard Hunt, and paintings by Michael Storey, Leslie Pierce, Marcello Novo, Page Morris, Claude Buckley, Rob Shaw and many others.

The mission of Sandhills School is to provide a successful learning environment for students who learn differently and who benefit from evidence-based, multi sensory instruction. Sandhills School is a resource to the community for information about language-based learning differences and ADD/ADHD.

Pictured are two of Columbia, S.C. artist Alicia Leeke's miniature paintings "Ladies with Hats" and "The Messenger" which will be available for purchase during the exhibition.

To purchase tickets or additional information, please call (803) 695-1400.

Congaree Art Festival Features Art Demonstrations and Sale Saturday, April 25, 2009

The South Carolina State Museum will host their fifth annual Congaree Art Festival in conjunction with Columbia, South Carolina’s Artista Vista celebration Saturday April 25, 2009.

Attendees can observe demonstrations plus purchase paintings, pottery, mosaic compositions and more. Collage and mask-making workshops are also being offered as part of the State Museum’s celebration of art.

“Thursday Afternoon,” a recent painting created Columbia, South Carolina artist by Alicia Leeke, will be just one of many pieces of art exhibited during the event.

“Approximately 25 artists will be selected for this event, which will provide access to artists for the public, and a venue for artists across the state to meet, exhibit, demonstrate and sell their work,” said Paul Matheny, art curator for the State Museum.

The exhibition will take place from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday at the State Museum which is located at 301 Gervais Street.

Resident Artists Present New Works at Gallery At Nonnah's During Artista Vista 2009

Columbia's biggest art walk is being held this Thursday, April 24 from 5-9 p.m. in the Congaree Vista area and is an event you won't want to miss.

Approximately 14 businesses will open their doors to showcase hot new artwork by artists from across the state for this one night event. Of special interest this year is the S.C. Philharmonic which has partnered with Whit-Ash Rug Gallery and will be showcasing new painted violins during the event; and new works created by the resident artists at the Gallery at Nonnah's.

Nonnah's is a popular spot during Artista Vista because there are so many artists on-hand to discuss their work in person. Not only that, but Nonnah's serves a great late-night dinner menu which wouldn't be complete without their famous Bananas Foster.

The Gallery At Nonnah's will feature mixed media, watercolors, acrylics, photos, abstracts, landscapes and still life by artists Edie Biddel, Ingrid Carson, Jan Fleetwood, Bonnie Goldberg, Alicia Leeke, Betty Mandel, Marcia Murry and Michel McNinch. Works are on display throughout the year for viewing and works change constantly.

Nonnah's is located at 930 Gervais Street in the Vista in Columbia, South Carolina.

About Face Group Presents Art Salon During Turner to Cézanne Gala

On April 18, 2009, attendees of the Columbia Museum of Art’s Soiree du Soleil can purchase local art from members of the About Face Art group who have created a special atlier as part of the evening's festivities.

The “Art Salon” is being held in conjunction with the Museum’s exhibit “Turner to Cézanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum Wales.” During the evening, Gala attendees will step back in time and meet with French Impressionist artists dressed in period costumes, visit their studios and be able to purchase works from the area's best artists for this one-night only event.

Throughout the evening, guests will delight in French baguettes, berets, Beaujolais and music, plus Champagne with a drop of Absinthe. The exhibit, which is on view for the first-time in the United States, showcases the personal collection of Gwendoline and Margaret Davies who began collecting art after receiving heir inheritance from their late grandfather David Davies

The two sisters collected French works from 1850–1914 as well as a smaller number of English works. The extraordinary collection they amassed was later bequeathed to National Museum Wales and includes the most important names in the Realist, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist movements.

The exhibit provides a fresh insight into the story of European art from J.M.W. Turner to Paul Cézanne and celebrates the legacy of two pioneers of modern art. The collection is exceptionally strong in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works and includes masterpieces by, among others, Cézanne, Corot, van Gogh, Monet, Daumier, Manet, Millet, Pissarro, Renoir, Turner and Whistler.

Turner to Cézanne features 53 stunning works of art, seen together in the United States for the first time. Some highlights of the exhibition are Renoir’s famous La Parisienne, which was included in the first show of Impressionism in 1874, a Monet Water Lilies, and van Gogh’s panoramic Rain–Auvers, painted during the last week of the artist’s life.

Exhibition Credit: The exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts and National Museum Wales. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. National Museum Wales: National Museum Wales, located in Cardiff, runs seven national museums in Wales and celebrated its centenary year in 2007. The art collections encompass both the fine and applied arts, from antiquity to the present. The museum is renowned for its internationally acclaimed Impressionist collections, bequeathed to the museum by the Davies sisters.

The paintings above, Meracages and Wisteria, by artist Alicia Leeke will be just two of over 100 paintings available for purchase during the event.

Get Ready to Bid on Painted Violins April 23-24, 2009

The South Carolina Philharmonic’s Painted Violins fundraiser makes a grand return April 23-24, 2009 and features 23 artists and new creations during Artista Vista.

This year’s event will feature traditional painted violins, plus the new addition of the Full Symphony which includes a painted cello plus other creations assembled from pieces of violins, guitars, drums, bows, a cow bell and other clever materials used to create these musically-inspired works of art.

The artwork will be on display at Whit-Ash Rug Gallery (919 Gervais Street) during Columbia’s Artista Vista Arts Celebration and auctioned off to raise money for the SC Philharmonic. Bids are accepted from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 23-24. Additionally, bids will also be accepted for posters and limited-edition coffee table books that feature the art from the past three years of Painted Violins.

Painted Violins is once again presented by lead sponsor PHT Services, Ltd. and chaired by area artist Lani Mustard Stringer.
The event’s main sponsor is PHT Services, ltd., with additional support from the Congaree Vista Guild, Musician Supply, Mustard Graphics Studio, Snelling Personnel Services, Star Music, photographer Les Stringer, TPM and Whit-Ash Rug Gallery.

(Image coutesy of Artist Alicia Leeke and will be auctioned off during the 2009 Painted Violins event.)

To view images of the 2009 Painted Violins please visit http://scphilharmonic.com/calendar.aspx?event_id=21 and come to Artista Vista to bid April 23-24th.

McKissick Museum Spring for Art Exhibit on View through May 9, 2009

McKissick Museum is hosting the 2009 “Spring For Art” show and sale featuring works by 50 of Columbia’s best local artists with strong South Carolina ties through May 9, 2009.

“Spring for Art!” is an invitational exhibition and sale of works by artists on themes reflecting South Carolina with a portion of proceeds directly benefiting the museum.

“Many of the works have already been purchased including a pair of landscapes by Alicia Leeke and Michael Story, a miniature by Stephen Chesley and works by Eileen Blythe,” said by local businessman, Mike Doran of Fontenay Fine Art, Rugs and Antiques.

McKissick Museum is now in its third decade of collecting, research, exhibitions and public programs. The Museum was established: to serve as a general University museum and to engage in education, research, and collections development as well as campus and public service.

Hours of operation are: Monday - Friday, 8:30
am - 5 pm and Saturday, 11 am - 3 pm.

Light the Way art benefit Opens March 5

Several local artists are teaming together to support Columbia's Homeless Transition Center by donating art for the Light the Way Art Benefit to be held March 5, 2009.

The one night sale is being held at HoFP gallery at 2828 Devine Street in Columbia, South Carolina and will have over 100 works of art for sale. Works range in price from $150 to $1,000. Art purchased during the event can also be taken home that same evening.

Light the Way, now in its seventh year is cosponsored by Midlands Interfaith Homelessness Action Council. Participating artists include Christy Aiken, Khaldoune Khalid Bencheik, Eileen Blyth, Pam Bowers, Ethel Brody, Eddie Bryan, Nancy Butterworth, Ingrid Carson, Jeremy Carter, Anastasia Chernoff, Eleanor Craig, Robert Crainshaw, Heidi Darr- Hope, Colin Dodd, Toni Elkins, Marion Etheredge, Claire Farrell, Jim Finch, Pat Gilmartin, Bonnie Goldberg, Mana Hewitt, Ann Hubbard, Judy Hubbard, Howard Hunt, Roger Hutchison, Karen Jamrose, Judy Jarrett, Alicia Leeke, Susan Lenz, Barbie Mathis, Meg McLean, Michel McNinch, Regina Moody, Pat Parise, Rachel Parker, David K. Phillips, Renee Rouillier, Cindy Saad, David G. Smith, Laura Spong, Keith Tolen, Candy Waites, Nini Ward, Barbara Welles, Charlene Wells, Mike Williams, Ellen Yaghjian, David Yaghjian, and Don Zurlo.

The event is being co-sponsored by Beth Shalom Synagogue, House of Frames and Paintings, Mouse House and Morganelli's.

For more information about Light the Way contact Voncille Williams at 799- 2881 or email Ltwwithmusic@ gmail.com.

Artist Alicia Leeke Announces Website Redesign

Columbia, S.C. – Alicia Leeke announces the launch of her redesigned website, www.alicialeeke.com. The new site segments her work into four categories and allows viewers to preview new works easier.

“The new design gives my patrons a wider selection of works to choose from than what was previously available, and segments the work into Landscapes, Cityscapes, and Monotypes plus a special Prints and Cards section,” says Leeke.

All of the images found on the site are available as signed, limited-edition prints. Select greeting cards and her most popular pints are also available on the greeting card and print page.

In January 2009, she released her new “Abstract Landscape” series with rave reviews in the marketplace. She is currently working on a new series of Cityscapes for launch mid-year.

Patrons are drawn to her robust use of color and gentle distortions of linear perspective and comment on the positive visual response that is evoked when viewing her paintings.

About Alicia Leeke

Alicia Leeke started her artistic studies at Columbia College under Steven Nevitt. During her sophomore year she vacationed in Paris and visited the Louve, where she fell in love with impressionism and the work of noted artists: Mondrian, Lautrec, Degas, Manet, Monet, Renoir and later, Utrillo. She also visited her most inspiring spot in France, Montmarte.

She later developed an interest in the Fauves and their use of intense black lines which became the model for her post-impressionistic style. While Leeke prefers to paint landscapes and quaint street scenes she also strives to capture the essence of every-day events, converting ordinary scenes into lively images.

Complementing each painting is a robust combination of dry brush painting techniques to create texture. She manipulates acrylics to capture the thick rich texture of oils and mixes a palette full of rich reds, vibrant oranges, shocking blues and sharp white accents.

You may contact Alicia about her paintings by calling (803) 429-5456 (Studio at Edinburgh) or via email at info@alicialeeke.com. Visit http://www.alicialeeke.com/ for more information. Media inquiries should be directed to media@alicialeeke.com.

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Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition adds New Art Show, New Artists for 2009

Now in its 27th year, SEWE is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation and attracts 35,000 visitors to enjoy world-class original art, diverse exhibits, interesting presentations and lectures -- not to mention good old Southern hospitality.

New to the show this year is the “Nature’s Beauty” exhibition of original-only works, held at the Charleston Marriott Hotel on Lockwood Boulevard. The show features 45 select artists with a wide variety of works for purchase during the three-day event. Notable works include abstract landscapes by Alicia Leeke, pelicans by Jim Rowland, cranes by Jennifer Black, florals by Karen Hagen and striking wolf photography by Scott Ian Berry. There was also a not-to-be-missed demo by painter Marty Biernbaum who showcased textural painting.

At this show you’ll find watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography.

Fine artist Alicia Leeke launches 2009 designs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta, G.A. – With an eye toward 2009 consumer trends in home entertaining and renovation, artist Alicia Leeke is introducing a new line of contemporary landscape paintings that reflect current color marketing groups. Featuring comforting tones such as violet, plum, fuchsia, watery blues, grays, - and optimistic yellows and oranges- Leeke has produced investment-quality original landscape paintings on canvas, as well as prints.

Professionally trained in a variety of fine art media, Leeke blends the old and new. She views art as a medium for the painter to actively experience and express oneself through creative experimentation. Her art begins, transcends and evolves and that is why her landscape paintings are the hot ticket item in home décor. “Her art will withstand the test of time because it is original and her versatility is unlike anything else on the market. Not only that, her art exudes happiness and is full of optimistic bright colors and that’s what consumers are buying,” said Mike Doran, owner of Fontenay Fine Art, Antiques and Eclectic Interiors in Columbia, South Carolina.

Historically working in series, her paintings have embraced a variety of concepts. Previous series include Figure Studies, Ballerinas, Divas, Architecturals, Landscapes, Cityscapes and Abstracts. Her new landscapes complement 2009’s trends and afford you one-stop shopping with an artist whose talent captures multiple styles.

Here are a few trends and ideas to keep you ahead of the game when selling her art:

· DIYers. A continuing - and growing- need is for DIYers (Do It Your-selfers) to renovate their homes for entertainment purposes during tough economic times. They have a strong sense of fulfillment in selecting - and owning - unique design elements. This means we will see continued buying from empty-nesters who want to spruce up their new homes as well as urban professionals who want investment-quality wall art. They desire to improve their kitchens, halls, boudoirs and dining rooms...themselves.

· Home Staging. Anticipating improvement in the residential lending sector, consumers prepare to compete strongly when listing their existing home in a market flooded with foreclosed and long-listed properties. Some homeowners, builders and real estate agents are buying art for the walls, and rugs, followed by a few simply placed pieces of furniture in an effort to add value to their once vacant property and sell the house more quickly.

· Going Green? More than a just a trend, expect a demand for more botanicals and organics associated with landscapes, such as water, earth, and bright plant inspirations.

· Punch it Up. “Punch” color, strategically placed through art, can distinguish an otherwise mundane environment – and increase the perceived value. Leeke’s art adds distinctive punctuation and cohesion to a room when paired with subtle background in wall color.

· A Touch of the Exotic. Also complementing home décor this year are items that are exotic with influences from India and the Orient. Rich purples, reds, oranges and yellows serve as the punch for walls, sofas and tabletops. Leeke’s new landscapes work beautifully with both Contemporary and Eastern-inspired design palettes.

“Art is the one thing that can change the entire look of a room dramatically, because it is a personal decision” says Todd Collins, owner of House Brand Furniture. He goes on to compliment Leeke for works that are “vibrant with color” and employ “great use of material.”

Collectors as far as way as California, New York and Paris agree.

Innovative products at Fine Art By Alicia Leeke (F.A.B.A. Gallery) include original works on canvas and paper, fine art giclees (framed and unframed), greeting cards and mouse pads. Also available are monotypes, commissions and works on paper and special sketches of buildings and homes.

Examples of her work and experience can be viewed at http://www.alicialeeke.com/.