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ArtRECreation
Tue, Apr 3 2007
ArtRECreation Continued On Blogspot!
ArtRECreation has moved to google's Blogger. The new blog, also has a new look! I believe the blogger system will make it easier to post and archive messages in the future. (But, just in case, all messages posted to date, will remain here on tripod.) Please visit ArtRECreation, at http://artrecreation.blogspot.com for all future updates!
Posted by B. Kenney
at 2:16 PM EDT
Fri, Mar 23 2007
Welcome to Spring!
Topic: The Artist's Studio New Season, New Look! Spring inspires some great new ideas, and it also causes us to search for ways in which to improve our already active projects. One of my constantly evolving projects happens to be my web site. This Spring seemed the perfect time to make some revisions. And I'm happy to say I've just completed giving it a whole new look! My paintings are now categorized by subject, and I believe you'll find it much easier to navigate. If you see a painting you like, you can easily view and purchase the original, or an archival print or note cards of the same image, by using the navigation links. It's much easier to purchase Gift Certificates in several denominations. I've also added direct links to ArtRECreation, and my Fine Art Products and Gifts Store at cafepress.com. In the near future, l plan to add online demonstrations, for those who might find it interesting to watch a painting develop from start to finish. I'm also anticipating adding plein air workshop information later in the year. I do hope you'll enjoy visiting, and hope you'll return to view additional paintings as they become available. As always, I love to get feedback, so please feel free to leave a comment on the blog. Oh....and please don't forget to tell your friends!
 Spring Celebration SALE! Experience the renewal of Spring with this beautiful bouquet of tulips and lillies!
Purchase from the archival prints page on my web site, or call 603-538-9542 to place your order. Offer valid for online, or phone order sales only. Have a Happy Spring..... and Happy Creating!
Posted by B. Kenney
at 4:15 PM EDT
The Calendar Says "Spring!"
Topic: Life in Pittsburg The calendars announced that Wednesday was the first day of Spring! Hoorah! I'm sure the snow is melting and the buds on the trees are beginning to pop.....somewhere, out there. Spring in Pittsburg is usually about one month behind most other places, but even so, it's always nice to hear that it's arrived! I suspect, however, northern NH may be waiting for its victory over winter a few weeks longer. Actually, we have had a couple of promising signs this week. The day-time temperatures were a bit warmer..... when the sun was out. And no major blizzards have blown through for a few days. So, yes! I'd say that Spring is well on it's way.....even in Pittsburg.
Seriously though, one true indication that Spring is near, is when the deer wintering around the house begin to congregate together. It's almost as if they're gathering to say goodbye, before they leave for the summer. This week, we've had dozens of deer browsing among the small shrubs and branches in the yard. So, I'm certain Spring is not far off. Just like clock-work, when the snow disappears, so will the deer. And when they've gone, we know Spring is here to stay. Before we know it, we'll be making maple syrup, driving through the mud, and watching robins bop around the yard. The trees will begin to turn crimson and yellow as their tiny buds soak in the warmer sun. And finally, those tulip and lilly bulbs, so carefully planted last fall, will begin to grow....determined to push back the remaining gray with a rainbow of brilliant color. Ah.....the First Day of Spring. It's a day to mark the ending of a long winter's rest....and the start of all great things to come. It's a day to inspire new energy, new ideas, and new creative projects....a day that can jump start a whole new productive season. It truly is a cause for celebration! So....how will you celebrate? What new ideas, projects, or plans do you have for the Spring? What makes this season inspirational and fun for you? I invite you to leave a comment, and tell us about it. Wishing you all the best, Brenda
Posted by B. Kenney
at 4:15 PM EDT
Wed, Mar 7 2007
Festive Winter, and St. Patty's Day Events
Topic: Local Events If you'll be traveling to the north country over the next few weeks, you might like to check out some of these festive winter, and St. Patrick's Day events. Irish music, interesting art, and lots of fun! GNWCA presents Intimate Concert & Dessert Series Fridays, March 16 & 30, April 6, 7pm Le Rendez-Vous Bakery Colebrook (603) 246-8998 The Great North Woods Center for the Arts presents “Winter Warmers” an intimate concert & dessert series. March 16 - “Fondly Folk” will feature The Folk Tree, with renderings of folk songs made famous by the likes of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Peter, Paul & Mary and other artists of the 1950s and ‘60s. March 30 - “Mostly Mozart” with wind and string instruments playing the starring role in a night of classics. April 6 - “Tickled Ivories” featuring the piano with music from a variety of genres. The ticket price of $12 includes choice of dessert and beverage. The dessert service will begin at 6:30pm, with the show to start at 7pm. Tickets available at Lazerworks Radio Shack on Bridge Street, Colebrook. Tickets will be available at the door by chance on the evening of the show. Connecticut River Art Group presents "Visual Impressions" Through early May Great North Woods Interpretive Center Route 3, 2 miles north of Colebrook Village (603) 237-5390 The Connecticut River Art Group is currently sponsoring "Visual Impressions," a collective exhibition of paintings by six of its members. New paintings will be displayed on a rotating basis. Artists currently exhibiting at the Interpretive Center are: Judi Calhoun, Cindy Elkins, Patricia Klinefelter, Rita Lee, Deborah Sargent and Brenda Kenney. Winter Events, Workshops & Classes at The Mount Washington Throughout Winter Season The Mount Washington Hotel Route 302, Bretton Woods (603) 278-8940 or (800) 314-1752 Daily, 10-11am & 3-4pm - Historic Hotel Tour Meet at the Grandfather Clock Saturdays, through June 2, 3-4pm - Watercolor Classes Sal Contreras introduces you to the art of watercolor painting. Reservations required; $25 per person. Friday & Saturday, March 16 & 17 - St. Patrick’s Celebrations Friday, 4:30-6:00pm & 9-10pm - Irish Concert Enjoy festive traditional Irish music, song, dance and storytelling performance with Reaganta. Performing on the harp, penny whistle, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and bodhran, Réagánta will bring you back to the old sod with their rousing reels, jigs and hornpipes, soulful ballads and energetic dancing. Conservatory Saturday, 10-11am - Irish Dance Lessons Join Regina Delaney, accompanied by Claudia Altemus, as she teaches Ceili (group dancing), Set and a step dance or two. All ages are welcome (but the wee ones will need adults with them). Ballroom South Mt Washington Valley Snow People on Parade Through late March http://www.mwvevents.com/SnowPeopleOnParadePhotos.html
Have fun! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Posted by B. Kenney
at 10:27 AM EST
White Mountain Art Related Events
In keeping with this week's article, and for those who may have an interest in learning more about the White Mountains of NH, or the White Mountain artists, here are a few events of interest. For a full list of events taking place around the north country, please check out the events calendar courtesy of the Arts Alliance of Northern NH at this web address: http://www.aannh.org/artsnorth_calendar.php Old Man Kickoff & Winter Lecture Series Motor Coach Trip to Museum of NH History & Tuck Library Tuesday, March 20 (deposit deadline March 8), 7:30am–5:30pm Departures from Glen & Conway to Concord (603) 356-8462 We will visit the Tuck Library in the morning for the Photography Exhibit: New Hampshire, Then & Now. We have also scheduled a free, guided tour of the State House at 10:30am for those interested. Lunch: 12noon–1:30 on your own. Restaurants within walking distance. 1:30–3:30pm – NH Historical Society Museum Special Exhibit: Consuming Views: Art & Tourism in the White Mountains, 1850-1900 Depart Concord approximately 3:30 and return to MWV. Cost for motor coach and gratuity for the driver: $35 based on 25 people, additional people will lower the per person cost. Maximum number of attendees is 35. $20 deposit is requested no later than Thursday, March 8; balance due by Saturday, March 17. Admission to the Museum is free of charge for Carroll County residents. Tuck Library has no admission charge. Please make check payable to: Valley of the Red Hat Dolls, and mail to: PO Box 825, Glen, NH 03838
Posted by B. Kenney
at 9:05 AM EST
Mon, Mar 5 2007
"Consuming Views", Past & Present
Topic: The Artist's Studio If you ever have the opportunity to drive through the White Mountains of N.H., on a clear winter's morning when the sun is just rising on the eastern horizon, you will certainly find the fleeting views of the rugged snow-capped slopes an awesome sight. Tinged in pinks, and purples, the soaring ridge lines peek above the trees, illuminated against the brightening blue sky. It's a sight that can only be described as breath-taking. On Feb. 28th, I was fortunate enough to have seen these amazing views while traveling south on Rte 3, to meet fourteen other NHPleinair artists at the Museum of NH History. While gazing at the majestic mountains in all of their grandeur, I couldn't help but feel exhilarated and excited about the trip that still lay ahead....a journey back into an artist's world, as it was in the nineteenth century.
"Consuming Views: Art and Tourism in the White Mountains 1850-1900", is a collection of thirty-seven paintings by thirty-two artists, who lived in or traveled to the White Mountains during the later part of the nineteenth century. The exhibit is currently on display at the Museum of NH History, and was co-curated by Roger E. Belson, and John J. Henderson. The exhibit includes work by some well-known artists like Benjamin Champney, Thomas Hill, and Jasper Francis Cropsey, as well as several lesser-known artists such as Erdix Tenney Wilson, a photographer and painter who lived in Lancaster, NH. Roger met our little group of plein-air artists in the lobby, and proceeded to expertly guide us through the exhibition, from one amazing painting to another. In pointing out particular styles, or specific subject matter the artists were known to have included in their paintings, Roger personally introduced us to each of the artists, and drew us back into their creative world.....one that existed between 100 and 150 years ago. It was a time when people traveled for several days, by train, by stage coach, and by horse back, to reach the grande hotels, and explore the summits of the White Mountains. A time when an artist would have hiked to distant passes, and climbed undeveloped ridges in order to capture the essence of a spectacular view in a sketch book, or on a small canvas.
It is estimated that 400 artists were known to have painted various regions of the White Mountains during that time. More than 100 of these artists were women. They traveled and worked throughout the region from the Saco Valley, to the Conways, to Bartlett, and Jackson, through Crawford and Franconia Notch, to Jefferson, Randolph, and Gorham. Several artists worked as an "artist in residence", living and working at one of many grande hotels scattered among the mountains. The Profile House, the Crawford House (hmmm....where have I seen that name before?), and the Glen House, were only three of the huge establishments built to accommodate guests visiting the region. The resident artists worked to capture the scenes of the area, selling them to vacationers who wanted to return home with a remembrance of their trip. Though creative, the White Mountain artists were business men and women, and there's little doubt their primary goal was likely set on making a living. However, through their expert renderings of the time, they also became significant historians, providing bits of visual information for everyone who lived after them. Their amazing work succeeded in capturing images that have become windows to their era.....a way for us to visually look back in time, and to learn. More importantly, they've provided us a way to see how far we've come, and where as humans, we fit into the vast scheme of things. As I wandered among the paintings produced by these talented painters, so many years ago, framed in enormous and exquisitely carved gold leaf frames, I felt awed by what they had been able to accomplish. Later, as I drove home, through Franconia Notch, and adjacent to the Presidential Range, I felt grateful for their contribution, and I searched again, for those images they had captured so long ago. The trip made me realize how similar our worlds are, and yet how different the times. The brilliant peeks of the mountains still glowed in the setting sun. The ridge lines remained the same, rising, steadfast in form, bathed in lavendars, golds, and pinks. Yet, we no longer ride by in a Concord Coach, enjoying the time to admire the approach. We wiz past, in sports cars, and SUV's, on paved highways, with little time to catch but a fleeting glance of what was, and still is. It is astounding to consider the historical events, and the changes that have taken place.
Over the past few days, I've been reflecting back on my many trips through the mountains, and my trip to Crawford Notch and Bartlett last spring, and it has occured to me, how important our work as artists really is, even today. No work of art can be considered insignificant, when it is considered the only record of that precise and precious moment in time. As artists, we are all recorders of history, whether we render a work in crayon, or by means of the masters.....whether we create from what's there, or invent our own interpretation......whether we create with words, paint, music, or dance.....whether we are old, or young, or whether we even have what is construed by others to be talent. Our work IS significant. It is a reflection of human sustenance and existence, a factor that defines man-kind. Over many thousands of years, it has been a profession that has contributed explicitly and completely, to where we've been, where we are, and where we will be. The enormity of our task, is dwarfed only by the significance of what we do.
If you're interested in going to see this exhibit, it will be on display at the Museum of NH History, through May 6th, 2007. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. The museum is also open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 through October 15, and in the month of December. Admission: $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for seniors; $3 for children 6-18, with a family maximum of $17. Children under 6 and members of the New Hampshire Historical Society are admitted free. New Hampshire Historical Society Website, http://www.nhhistory.org/ If you can't get there in person, you might enjoy visiting the online virtual exhibit @ http://www.nhhistory.org/cv/ This site includes all of the paintings displayed in the "Consuming Views" exhibition. More information about the White Mountain artists can be found at http://www.whitemountainart.com/ This site includes autobiographies of the artists, and several of their paintings. It features a searchable database, which allows you to browse by location, artist, etc. You can read more about NHPleinair, and our trip to the museum on the NHPleinair website @ http://www.nhpleinair.com/outings/outings2007/feb07/consumingviewstrip.htm Look for additional articles featuring some of the White Mountain artists, and information about the subjects of their work, to appear under "Historical Tidbits" in future postings here on ArtRECreation. Here's a little teaser...... What happened to the Willey Family? And where did all the hotels go?
Until next time, Happy Creating!
www.cafepress.com/brendakenneyart
Posted by B. Kenney
at 12:01 AM EST
Updated: Mon, Mar 5 2007 3:47 PM EST
Sat, Feb 17 2007
Catching Up on the Last Six Months!
Topic: The Artist's Studio Time passes so quickly sometimes, that several months can wiz by without your even realizing how long it's been. I have intended to post several things over the last six months, but I have been so actively involved with other events and activites, time just seems to have gotten away from me. Winter, however, is a good time to catch up on things. It's a time when the world tends to slow just long enough to assess where we've been, where we are at, and what lies ahead. Where I've Been......
Several things have happened since August. The fall months were filled with several arts related events, including the Littleton Chamber of Commerce Art Show, and the Fall Festival of the Arts "People's Choice" show, in Lisbon. It was a pleasure to have had my work exhibited among so many other talented visual artists at both of these shows. One of my more recent paintings titled "Spring Hearth" was awarded an Honorable Mention, at the Lisbon show.
I completed one additional painting not previously posted here at ArtRECreation. "Grandma's Roses" was also part of the Lisbon show, and features an antique oil lamp etched with the image of a delicate rose. A bouquet of pink roses and yellow carnations lay at the base of the lamp. All are resting on an intricately crotched doily, with a rose pattern. This painting is currently on display at the Ammonoosuc Artists Gallery, in Littleton, NH.
In October, several of my archival prints were also accepted at the Artisan's Workshop, in New London, NH. The gift shop carries a wide variety of fine gifts and artist's prints, and sponsers several area events throughout the year. In November, I had the privilege of displaying three of my original paintings at the "My Favorite Things" exhibition and sale, sponsered by the Artisan's Workshop, and held at the New London Inn.
Last fall I became a member of the Connecticut River Art Group, (CRAG) a cooperative group of artists living and working in northern Coos county and southern Canada. Members of the group have been meeting periodically to discuss their current work, and to network on possible marketing strategies and show venues. There is more information about the group, and its current and/or future events below. Aside from the painting events, I was also busy with another artistic endeavor, from September until the end of November. The Pittsburg Players, performed their high school musical "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers". I was invited to help with the musical as one of the music directors, and must say, it was truly a fun and rewarding experience. Through the many scheduled rehearsals these talented students worked at perfecting their performance, while I received several more memories to add to my long forgotten moments on the stage. Thanks to all involved, the end result was outstanding, and was performed before sell out audiences. It was well worth the time spent away from my painting.
Where I'm At........ Although the past several weeks have been spent away from the easel, I have been busy with art related activities. Most of them are related to the book keeping end of an art business, so I will refrain from boring anyone with those particular details.
However, I do have some exciting news. I've also been busy behind the scenes, setting up and preparing a new online store front at cafepress.com! Several of my original paintings are now available on dozens of quality products, such as coffee mugs, tile accents, wall clocks, keepsake ornaments, apparel, and more! Please take a moment to visit my new online store at www.cafepress.com/brendakenneyart . Please take a moment to browse, and let me know what you think. And should you be interested in purchasing a particular product with a certain image which is not already available, please let me know. I'll be happy to add it to the store.
As always, art collectors interested in purchasing an original piece, or an archival print, will still find those items available on my web site, at www.brendakenney.com .
CURRENT RETAIL LOCATIONS: My original paintings, archival prints, and note cards, may also be purchased at these north country retail locations: Moose River Lake and Lodge Store, St. Johnsbury, VT : Original Oil Paintings Ammonoosuc Artists Gallery, 111 Saranac Str., Littleton, NH : Original Oil Paintings, Matted Archival Prints, Framed Prints, Miniature Framed Archival Prints, & Notecards Artisan's Workshop, 195 Main Str., New London, NH : Matted and Framed Archival Prints Tall Timber Lodge, 609 Beach Rd., Pittsburg, NH : Miniature Framed Archival Prints, & Notecards Lakeshore Crafts & Collectibles, 11 Beach Rd., Pittsburg, NH : Miniature Framed Archival Prints, & Matted Archival Prints Directly from the artist....... call (603)-538-9542 or Email bkenney@ncia.net to arrange for pick-up or delivery in the Pittsburg, Colebrook, Canaan, VT areas.
CURRENT EXHIBITION: The Connecticut River Art Group is currently sponsering "Visual Impressions", a collective exhibition of paintings by six of its members, at the Interpretive Center on Rte 3, in Colebrook, NH. The center is located in the rear of the rest area building, north of the Colebrook village. The exhibition will be in place until the first of May, and new paintings will be displayed on a rotating basis. Artists currently exhibiting at the Interpretive Center are: Judi Calhoun, Cindy Elkins, Patricia Klinefelter, Rita Lee, Deborah Sargent, and myself!
What Lies Ahead....... You may recall that one of my paintings titled "The Old Waterwheel", had been the subject of my posts in Historical Tidbits last summer, along with "Old Home Crawford", the farm where the water wheel is located in Guild Hall, VT. I have some interesting news to relate about the subject, and hope you'll enjoy reading the posts under that topic over the next few weeks. My calendar is filling quickly with various exhibitions, shows, and plans for plein air outings. Bartlett, and Lisbon, in May; Canterbury in June; Bethel, Pittsburg, and Maine in July; Pittsburg, Colebrook, and Canterbury in August; Littleton, Lisbon, and Plymouth in September. If all goes together as planned, I will try to post events as they approach, and do hope you'll stop in to say "Hello", if you are in the area. I also have some other ideas in the works, including possible plein air workshops, and online demonstrations. These are still in the planning stages, so I'll wait on the details for now. But, please stayed tuned! It's sure to be a fun ride, over the next several months. Art has a unique way of embellishing life's unpredictable rollercoaster of a timeline. Special thanks, to the many people who have helped me in my artistic endeavors over the past year. And thanks, for reading ArtRECreation! Happy Creating! Brenda
Posted by B. Kenney
at 1:41 PM EST
Updated: Sat, Feb 17 2007 5:34 PM EST
Wed, Aug 16 2006
Pittsburg Old Home Day
Topic: Local Events Pittsburg will celebrate its annual Old Home Day this coming Saturday, August 19th, 2006. The festivities will be held at the town park this year, next to the Farnham Memorial Methodist Church. Events have been planned throughout the day, as follows:
It should be a fun day for all! If you're in the area, please stop by my art display booth and say hello. See you there!
Posted by B. Kenney
at 1:13 PM EDT
Wed, Jul 19 2006
Free Public Performance of "The Belle of Amherst", by Renee Bucciarelli.
Topic: Local Events
As benefit to her hometown's Great North Woods Center for the Arts, Ms. Renee Bucciarelli will perform "The Belle of Amherst", July 22 at the Monadnock Congregational Church in Colebrook, NH. In addition, the Center for the Arts committee will host a special reception featuring the paintings and poetry of artist Viola Sutton, whom Bucciarelli first met as her first grade teacher. "The Belle of Amherst" production, directed by Deborah Wright Houston, features Renee Bucciarelli, a critically acclaimed New York actress hailing from Colebrook, New Hampshire, as the quintessential 19th-century New England poet, Emily Dickinson. An exhibit and tea showcasing Mrs. Sutton's work, will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by Ms. Bucciarelli's performance at 7:00 PM. The event is free to for the public, though donations to the Great North Woods Center for the Arts are welcome. For more information about the production, please visit http://www.fraj.com/belleofamherst/production.html Learn more about Viola Sutton by visiting http://www.fraj.com/belleofamherst/sutton.html
Posted by B. Kenney
at 6:40 PM EDT
Tue, Jul 18 2006
Remembering the "Spring Hearth"
Topic: The Artist's Studio With all the heat and humidity we've been experiencing the past couple of weeks, it is hard to imagine the cooler days earlier this spring, when we longed for summer. I remember that transitional season, when the tulips and the lillies were in bloom, and when a fire in the wood stove was still necessary for brisk early mornings. That lingering memory was the inspiration for my latest painting, entitled "Spring Hearth". I remember, about May, it was warm enough to let the wood stove rest, and I had wanted to bring a touch of spring inside the house.
So, I went to the garden to collect some of the flowers growing there, and I arranged them in a glass vase, which I placed on top of our cool wood stove. Their brilliant color was all that was needed to warm the room that particular morning. And the fragrant blossoms uplifted our spirits as well! Having completed "Spring Hearth", as the dog days of summer quickly lumber by, I can't help but wonder what July and August will inspire for paintings this fall. Perhaps, in October, I will recall a hazy sunset, and an image of the mist rising off the Connecticut River, where the water is so much cooler than the air. Perhaps, in November, I will remember purple rumbling storm clouds, pushing away the heat, leaving behind streaming sunlight, and the faded glow of a rainbow. I've often heard the paraphrases, "It's important to live in the moment", or "You should take the time to stop and smell the flowers".....(which in this particular case, happened to be tulips and lillies!) How wise was the first person to have said that! One never knows when a simple memory of your past, will become an inspiration for future moments.......and the cycle goes on. Til next week, Happy Creating! "Spring Hearth", 16 x 20 Oil on Canvas Also available in archival prints, and notecards.
Posted by B. Kenney
at 3:51 PM EDT
Updated: Wed, Jul 19 2006 5:33 PM EDT
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Now, through Easter, receive 20% off on any size "Spring Hearth" Archival Print! 
Perhaps, aside from finding a way to support themselves, the White Mountain artists did understand the significance of what they were able to accomplish. But, if not, perhaps we can. Thank goodness, artists like Samuel Lancaster Gerry captured the profile of the Old Man, rising above Profile Lake, in 1886. And thank goodness, his remarkable painting has been preserved and included among the many "Consuming Views" of yester-year, for us to enjoy. He could not have known the Profile would no longer be a part of the NH landscape today. But, then again, only a few years ago, neither did we. Digital images, photographs, and the like, may withstand time, but will they last 150 years? It's hard to say. It's also hard to imagine how many of OUR consuming views will have changed during the next 150 years. I for one, am grateful for the many artists who are still out there, capturing our moments in history....just doing what they do.
In October, I received an surprise email from Prudential Verani Realty, in Londerry, NH. As supporters of the arts in NH, the company works in partnership with NH artists, featuring a chosen piece of art work which is published on their associate postcards, and sent to approx. 20,000 households in central and southern NH. I am pleased the company chose to feature one of my paintings "Anticipating Grandma's Pie" during the month of November. The company also displays the various chosen pieces of art on their web page at 
December was filled with orders, preparations for Christmas, and the completion of commissions. January became a much needed breather, and a time for contemplation and preparations for the upcoming exhibition season. 
