Art Matters-the Mint Hill Arts Newsletter

Issue: # 9

July 2009

Greetings!

Happy 4th of July!

Mint Hill Arts is starting off the summer with some good news. The Arts and Science Council has approved a grant in the amount of $6000. This funding will support the operation and advertisement of our educational programs. Mint Hill Arts is grateful for such funding in these difficult economic times. The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is a non-profit organization that serves and supports Charlotte-Mecklenburg's cultural community through grant-making, planning, programs and services to ensure a vibrant community enriched with arts, science and history. To see a full list of grant recipients, view ASC's programs or to make a donation, click here.

July Gallery Exhibit

Of Earth and Beauty

Opening Reception Friday, July 10, 7:00-9:00 pm

Exhibit runs through August 6

Mint Hill Arts' July 2009 exhibit, Of Earth and Beauty, will feature oil and pastel paintings by Virginia Dauth and a wide array of pottery by members of Mint Hill Arts as well as several other area potters.
Virginia creates her landscapes in classical to modern styles; sometimes a combination of both. She defines her style as expressive colorism, with the use of bold stroke and the pushing of intense color.

Fontaine-Fourche Sunflowers, Virginia Dauth

Twenty area potters will also be exhibiting a diverse collection of their pottery, shown for the first time at Mint Hill Arts. Styles range from traditional pottery, such as works by Walter Aberson, of Mt. Pleasant, to contemporary pieces such as those made by Lambeth Marshall of Waxhaw, as well as hand thrown and altered pieces by MHA's own Sylvia Coppola. Many different firing methods, throwing and building methods were used to created these colorful, dynamic pieces.

Landscape Pot, Lambeth Marshall

July Presentation Gina Strumpf Tuesday July 28, 7:00-9:00 pm
Our guest artist for the month of July is Gina Strumpf. Gina is a member of The American Impressionist Society, Landscape Artists International and Western NC Plein Air Painters and has mentored with nationally acclaimed artists including, Kevin Macpherson, Andy Braitman, Rebecca Schweiger, Connie Winters, and Mary Erickson, aside from studies in Canada, Southern France and Tuscany. While the familiar forms of her landscapes, street scenes and still lifes reflect that which we see in nature, Gina chooses vibrant hues and colors that bring out the excitement of their natural beauty. Gina feels a strong connection to the community and contributes her art to many fund raising affairs including the Patriots Ball and the Art with Heart Auction. Her work may be seen at Red Sky Gallery in Charlotte and Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, NC.
Spring Lane

Member Show and Reception at Presbyterian

Opening Reception, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, from 6 pm to 8 pm
Exhibit runs from June 27th through July 25th

Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the June member show. We had an impressive turnout of accomplished artwork and the gallery looked great. The timing was great as well as MHA has been invited to display at the Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews. The exhibit has been moved to the hospital lobby, which will have thousands of visitors during the exhibiting times This is an excellent opportunity for Mint Hill Arts members to exhibit their talents to the public. Please invite friends and family to help us celebrate this special exhibit with a special reception on Tuesday, July 14 from 6-8pm.

Thank You from
Mint Hill Arts

How you can help this month.

Dan Philips of Philips Electric for wiring the air conditioners and receptacles in the clay space.
Griffin Masonry for donating the outside kiln room.
Bill Litaker, David Bridge, Doc Beard, Carlos Alvarez Cotera for working on the kiln room roof and Mike Randall for welding the door hinges
Heath Edwards for changing out the switch on the kiln
Larry Elder for judging the June Show and Willa McNeil for assisting him.
Verna Hash, Anthony Bilotto, Larry Ferguson, and Luis Ardila for hanging the June show.
Verna Hash,Carol Benston, Mona Hearne, Larry Ferguson, Jim Cordle, Kevin Brown, Luis Ardila, Romie Mizell and Saga Van Atta for organizing, transporting, and hanging the hospital show.
Larry Ferguson for the new gift shop sign
Melanie Boone for re-merchandising the gift shop and Sandra Smith for helping with painting
Duck Creek Pottery for sponsoring the July postcards
Melanie Boone and Anthony Billotto for hanging the July exhibit

MHA is a volunteer-based organization that absolutely relies on the strength of its members. Your help is needed and appreciated. Please take a moment now to consider how you can contribute to our continued success. See below for just a few ideas.

*Urgent* We need people to help with the July 10 and August 14 gallery receptions and the Hospital reception on July 14. Lisa O'Connell and Kimberly Stoll have done a wonderful job all year and are taking a "Summer Vacation." Please email Lisa to help.
Air Conditioning fund MHA is in need of one more good A/C unit to keep up with the needs of the space. Your donation to this fund, large or small, will be appreciated by all this summer. Please bring donations to the desk at MHA or mail to the address at the top of this letter. Thank You!
The gallery is always in need of sitters.Our gallery hours are our connection to the public and you can help with this important function with just a few hours of your time. Email Carlos for details.

Opportunities

As a service to the community, Mint Hill Arts strives to be an information and support network to local artists of all media and a source of educational and cultural enrichment to the public. Click here to check out area opportunities for workshops, exhibits, educational programming and more.

The Mint Hill Historical Society is looking for an artist who can cut old fashioned silhouettes. Email Sue for details

Have some news? Submit ideas, accomplishments, thank you's, and events to info@minthillarts.org