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/.