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Wild Kingdoms - Bob Ransley Exhibition  

The Little Art Gallery, Cameron Village - Friday 

If you could talk to the animals, you would.  But until then, you'll settle for silent-but-heavy bonding with beastly, beautiful art by Bob Ransley.  Ransley's highly textured canvases with lively tones and hues define his large animal and flower paintings.  Bob will be at The Little Art Gallery in Cameron Village for one night only.  The reception is Friday, May 31st at 6:00 till 8:30 pm.  Come meet this extraordinary artist and see his works.

Born in 1955, Bob Ransley is a native of Troy, New York.  Spending his early years on a farm, he was no stranger to hard work.  That hard work ethic was reinforced as Bob and his brothers took their expected places in the family boat yard business on the river.

Bob's formal art training began at the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Later he attained a degree in Art Education from the University of Massachusetts.  He insists however, "I wasn't born with this talent.  I work hard every day to be a better painter."

Training, talent and hard work generally yield positive results.  Ransley collectors and admirers universally applaud his efforts.  Bob's unique style has flair of its own.  It's obvious he is having a good time with his palette knife.  He rarely lacks enthusiasm and it shows in his work.  There is a confidence exuded in the technique of every piece.  Bob admits, "Humility is not my long suit-I think every painting I start is going to be the best one ever painted."  Most people think they get a glimpse of an artist's personality in a painting.  Bob admits, "The most important way for me to learn about me is to paint.  I feel what I see.  Success for me is getting that feeling on canvas so the viewer can feel it too.

Come meet Bob Ransley at The Little Art Gallery this Friday night.  Get up close and personal and swim with the turtles, horseplay with horses, see big trunks with no baggage, or hungry hippos with appetites that just "hang-on" for forever; in this magical kingdom of animals that will speak to you... whatever your language!

Little Art Gallery - Cameron Village 432 Daniels St. Raleigh, 27605, Ph: 919-890-4111

To Bee or Not to Bee

Pottery on the Hill - 2013 Studio Tour in Chapel Hill - June 1, 2

Paint Life Grand?  What do you get when you cross an interior decorator with a cow?

    1. Double Wide Designs
    2. Trading Pastures
    3. Udderly Too Many Pillows

If you guessed No. 3, we've got no beef with you.  Perhaps it is time to accessorize with other staples ... like pottery & paintings.

This coming weekend, June 1 & 2, is the 2nd annual Pottery on the Hill Studio Tour in Chapel Hill featuring 8 potters and 1 abstract artist.  Held at the studios of Deborah Harris, Sasha Bakaric, Emily Lees and Eduardo Lapetina, you will find unique, one-of-a-kind functional and decorative pottery as well as original paintings.  Meet the artists in their studios, enjoy snacks and enter to win an original piece.  Hours: Saturday 10am - 4pm; Sunday Noon - 4pm.  Tour Map

Deborah Harris Pottery with Gillian Parke & Evelyn Ward
Deborah Harris has been a full-time studio potter since 1997.  Carbon trap Shino glazes on porcelain are  her current passion. This combination has won her several prestigious awards.  Deborah Harris Pottery Studio Address:  706 Wellington Drive, Chapel Hill; Website

Working mostly with white stoneware and muted, earthy glazes, Sasha Bakaric's pieces are typically carved or patterned around trees, circles, and microscopic cells ... the basis of all life.  These unique orbs and vases are functional as well as decorative.  Sasha Bakaric Studio Address: 103 Catesby Lane, Chapel Hill; Website 

Emily Lees with Jan Harris & Susan Luster
Emily Lees began her work as a potter in Houston, Texas.  She is attracted to the simplicity and quietness of mingei, or traditional Japanese folk art pottery, and strives to pay homage to it without replicating it.   Jan Harris owns Dragonfly Ridge Studio and specializes in unique painting techniques.  Susan Luster creates decorative and functional clay art.  Emily Lees' Studio Address:  1516 Cumberland Road;

Eduardo Lapetina - Symbolic, Abstract Painter  
This year's special guest and award winning painter is Eduardo Lapetna who's abstract art is described as  "thick, heavy, and full of color".  His canvasses explode with expression and emotion and stimulate the subconscious.  Eduardo Lapetina Studio Address:  318 N. Estes Drive;  Website

Two Lots for Sale

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary andTriangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website. 

Kenna Custom Painting is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website.

Join My Blog Simply-Refined: We are an Interior Design team that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  We have been designing and decorating homes for over 20 years.  Please call for a consultation. We can serve with a whole design package, or just consulting only...no job is too small.    

Call Zaytoun Interiors if you're finally ready to decorate or re-decorate your home or office.  What's your style?  If you're not sure, we can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home again.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

Art Week at North Hills is June 1-8 and Carnival at the Commons Friday, June 8 where there will be live music, LED performances, and fire dancing.  Also, if interested in photography, enter the Midtown Photography Competition.  For more info visit Website.  

Did You Know?  For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Please support our local businesses!  This is what the Beltline Buzz is all about.