Greetings!
Welcome to the May 2012 spotlight on Handmade Tile Association artists and tile events from the around the United States. We feature three artists every month. links and resources (to the right) to many of the tile events, gallery shows, workshops featured around the country. You can also follow regular updates on the the Handmade Tile Association Facebook page. Click the link below and become a fan. This month is features three tile artists showing a the United States largest studio tour in the country Art A Whirl. Enjoy the spotlight.  |
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SoMi Tileworks
Kirsten Walstead
NE Minneapolis, MN
 | | Wise Acre Eatery |
As the summer art fair season approaches, Kirsten Walstead of SoMi Tileworks continues to expand her horizons. In 2011, Kirsten had the opportunity to design, create and install two large tile murals for two restaurants in South Minneapolis. Nestled nicely behind the counter of Wise Acre Eatery, Kirsten's art fits in nicely with the restaurant's fresh and local theme. And just a few blocks down Nicollet Avenue at Sun Street Breads you will find another of Kirsten's murals smiling down upon Solveig Tofte in approval as she takes the fresh bread out of her oven every morning. Commercial design continues to frequent Kirsten's 2012 calendar, but this time with a twist.
With a large scale remodel in mind, Grand Casino commissioned SoMi Tileworks to replicate some glass tiles found on their gaming floor. They were so happy with the design, that they expanded the tile to include three times the initial installation size! Kirsten will have to hurry to get the tiles shipped to the Casino in order to free up kiln space for the new mural she is in the process of designing for Dangerous Man Brewery's tap room opening in Northeast Minneapolis this fall. 
Of course Kirsten continues to design wonderful back splashes for kitchens and mosaics to hang in any room of the house. All of these are available to be seen at the SoMi's showroom in the Northrup King Building and several art fairs over the summer. But with all of her commercial work, don't be surprised to see SoMi's tileworks on your next night out on the town!
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For more information please contact
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson Street NE, #463
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612)-824-7604 · fax: (612)821-9113
email:kirsten@somitileworks.com
www.somitileworks.com
Somi's Facebook Page |
Sheryl Tuorila Fine Art Tile
NE Minneapolis, MN
 | | Zen Flow Backsplash |
The meditative process of creating tiles provides me with an artistic retreat. Working with the wet clay, cutting the individual tiles, meticulously applying glaze and loading each piece into the kiln allows time for reflection. After the tiles are made, I mindfully select each piece for my mosaics, to create balance among shapes and colors until the work is complete. My organic mosaic designs are often enhanced by the addition of fossils, sliced agates, stained glass and polished river rock.
 | | Fossil Flow #5 |
The finished artwork functions as a stopping point for the viewer, allowing them to clear their mind for a moment and allow their eyes to meander through the individual tiles and experience the journey of color and shapes. Every time the work is approached the viewer notices something new. Within the work, contemporary materials blend with natural materials to illustrate a sense of history and timelessness.
With my tiles I create unique contemporary mosaic panels, furniture and wall installations. My studio is located in the Northrup King Building #403, home to over 100 artists in all mediums. Join us for the First Thursday of every month for open studios from 5-9pm - www.northrupkingbuilding.com. Stop by during Art-A-Whirl May 18th - 20th, the huge art crawl event in Northeast Minneapolis. Visit my website - www.sheryltuorila.com or my Facebook artist page - Sheryl Tuorila Mosaics for information on classes, shows and events.
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årtist ßlock·
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Potek Glass
Malcolm Potek
 1. Jenny Lind Elementary School / 4th Grade Team - Glass mosaic project "Good Neighbors"
Malcom has spent the past 20 years as a glass artist. In 1996 he branched off to pursue work as youth educational director for a rual Community Supported Agricultural farm returning to Minneapolis as a program director for Youth Farm and Market Project in 1998.
2. Harvard Business School - in cooperation with the Mosaico Group. 900 various glass panels.
In 2000 he returned to glass full time. He has retained a unique way of connecting with students and engaging them in the very thing he loves - experimenting with color, pattern and light.
3. Private Minneapolis Residence - lit glass panel 21" x 21".Malcom is interested in working with all age groups on projects that range from one day "seminars" to ongoing public art projects. In schools, he enjoys working with art and classroom teachers toward educational goals they have for their students. Recently Malcom has also become interested in residencies pertaining to Art and healing in healthcare settings as well as in his studio.
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 Next Handmade Tile Association Meeting
May 29
Where - Northern Clay Center
2424 Franklin Avenue East
Minneapolis MN 55406
612-339-8007
Time - 6- 8:30
www.northernclaycenter.org
Discussion - Contracts
Speaker Perrie N. Heitler, Attorney at Law In private practice, focusing on assisting and maintaining long term client relationships in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, probate, estate planning, including wills and trusts, and small business organization and planning. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/perrie-heitler/a/b66/96aWe will get a tour of the NCC and find out information about having a HTA show at the center and how artists can apply to be in NCC gift shop. MN Tile Festival Postcards are available.
Sincerely,
josh blanc
Handmade Tile Association.LLC |
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Order your copy of the 2012 directory
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Need a copy of the 2012 Handmade Tile Association directory. Order your free one today. Click here
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Christine Nelson Design
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 Christine Nelson Design
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Christine Nelson, an award-winning kitchen and bath designer owns Christine Nelson Design, where she works with clients in all aspects of kitchen and bath remodeling. Her designs have won awards from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and have been featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Midwest Home and Spaces magazines.
 Inspired by color in everyday life, Nelson writes a monthly color blog, providing insight into new color trends, inspiration and tips on incorporating color in interior spaces. She also loves mentoring up-and-coming designers and teaching them about the exciting design business.
 Nelson sits on the boards of the Minnesota Chapter of the NKBA and the Handmade Tile Association is on the advisory council of Accent Elegance and is a AKBD, is a new member of the Thermador Design Council. In addition to receiving her certificate in Kitchen and Bath Design from Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn., Nelson is a graduate of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. She resides in Minneapolis and Ely, Minn., and will have a future home in Mountainair, New Mexico.
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Advertise to 16,000 tile enthusiast
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Laurie McKichan.llc
|  I design furniture to be simple, honest and direct. I seek solid shapes and lines, subtle details and harmonious proportions; furniture that looks and feels right.
 I love the process of giving concrete form to the wishes of my clients. It's wonderful to have the ability to stare at a blank piece of wood, imagine its form, and then bring it to life. It's a combination of artistry and craftsmanship; a tangible expression of aesthetic judgment! I work primarily in solid wood using a variety of traditional and contemporary construction methods. This ensures that each piece can withstand the rigors of normal use (and abuse). I also generally work with hand-applied finishes but realize that some furniture demands the use of modern lacquers.
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| MN Tile Festival | 
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The Minnesota Tile Festival is now accepting early registration for booth spaces. If you make tiles, have a tile related product or service you want to get out infront of the Minnesota Tile Festival attendeses this is the event you should be showcasing your work or services. Click here to register. Booth Space price goes up May 1st so register early!
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