Fire Threatens Local Art Gallery 
and STUDIO

It's been a while since I have blogged but over the past few months the studio has been undergoing a metamorphosis.  Actually, I guess it could be compared to a Phoenix rising out of the ashes......literally.  Most people who have visited the studio and gallery know that we have an apartment above us.  On March 15th, 2015, the apartment above A Creative Art STUDIO had a kitchen fire.  No one was home that day but I was told that the electric burner had been left on and a fire broke out in the kitchen.  We were lucky in so many ways in that we were open and were able to discover the fire, the fire department arrived very quickly and our damage was limited to some smoke, soot and water from the hoses.  All the water came down the middle of the building instead of down the walls which were covered with Denton's beautiful artwork.  In the beginning it was thought that we would only be closed a few days for repairs. but now a few days have turned into a few months.  My son was able to put together this video taken on the day of the fire.  Check it out.
Video:  Fire Threatens to destroy part of the Historic Denton Downtown area

We are extremely grateful to our wonderful Denton Fire Department and their quick response and measures that saved our art.

Beautiful Gift to the City of Denton

Last January we finally got to get a mural on the side of our building. Since opening the studio in 2009, I have always wanted a public piece of art that all could enjoy. Mick Burson, UNT student, artist and general all round wonderful person was the person to do it. With lots of paint, a very tall scaffold and nerves of steel for heights, Mick carefully primed, laid out the design and painted this incredible piece of art. His friend, Chris, wanted to learn from Mick about painting murals and was a great help through the whole project. The mural took three days to complete. (Did I mention that I thought that it would take a few weeks?). Watching Mick and Chris paint the mural was like watching dancers on the wall. As the colors unfolded I knew that this would be a gift to the City of Denton that many people would enjoy. Thank you Mick, Chris, Bill, Ann, Gi Gi and all who helped this dream become a reality.

Bead Class

Recently I taught a class on basic beading at the studio. I have always loved beads and their beautiful bright colors remind me of stained glass. One great advantage of working with beads is that you have something portable to take with you where ever you go. In the first class of basic beading the students learned some basic wirework and beading techniques and made some beautiful beaded necklaces and earrings. Pictured are some of the students modeling their creations. In the second class students learned to make a bracelet using a basic wirework technique and a bracelet using stretchy cord. The secret in using stretchy cord is to tie a good knot and use a dot of glue on the knotted cord. The last class in the series involves making a pendant using collage and stained glass techniques. First the students created a small collage using paint and images, then sandwiched their creation between two pieces of glass using lead free solder. The pendants are reversable with an image on both sides. Lots of fun to make and wear.....Robin

Industrial Street Bash

A Creative Art STUDIO had a booth at the Industrial Street Bash in Denton in early June. The weather was hot, Hot, HOT but the day was still enjoyable. I took a sampling of art to the Bash so that people could become familiar with some of the items at the studio. The music was great. Boxcar Bandits kicked off the celebration, but I was glad to get some air conditioning at the end of the day. My secret to survival on this hot day: a scarf filled with ice around my neck and lots of water!

Beautiful Stained Glass

Recently I did a commission job for a couple that lives in a log cabin near the Oklahoma Border. This stained glass was to be installed in a home bar that would be backlit and the design was to have a Native American flair. The stained glass took about three weeks to complete and is now in it's new home. I loved working on this window and found such joy each day looking at the beautiful colors.

Happy New Year, 2011

Happy New Year everyone. The studio had it's own new year celebration on January 7th. As you can see by the photos, top hats were required. Fritz Schwalm performed at the studio for the very first "First Friday" of the New Year. What a wonderful evening. Fritz's has a wonderful voice and played music enjoyed by all. Linka Behn and Kerry Boutell demonstrated their amazing art techniques and we had the most wonderful crowd in attendance. Good food, great music and wonderful conversations. Can't beat that!

Getting Ready for the Holidays

I love the holidays. I guess I always have. I have always loved the smells of the special foods that are prepared, the bright colors of the decorations and lights and the change of the seasons from warm to cold. All this week I have been preparing for this busy week of activity. I have been working hard on custom orders of stained glass, and finally tonight I was able to begin to make some stained glass Christmas ornaments for the tree at the studio. I cut out a small forest of tree ornaments and hope to be able to get them made before Thursday's Holiday Lighting Festival in Denton. I've got my Wassail recipe in hand and am ready to make the spicy concoction. Polly Maynard and the Childbloom Ensemble will be performing in the studio from 6-7. The next day will be First Friday and Alex Riegelman will be in the studio. Two events in two days. This will be fun.

First Friday with Glen Farris

Glen Farris played at the studio for the November First Friday Denton. This is his encore performance in the studio and it was a treat to get to hear him play again. Glen plays the guitar and harmonica and does a wide array of music. His friend, Doug Burr, joined him for a song and they sounded amazing together. Great Music and Art and wonderful people to visit with.....what could be better. Check out the photos from the evening.

Leaded Stained Glass Class

Leaded Stained Glass construction uses the more traditional method of stain glass assembly in that the pieces of glass are joined with strips of lead came that have been soldered at the intersections. Traditionally leaded stained glass window designs are somewhat simpler in nature when compared to designs for Tiffany stained glass. When given the choice, I tend to prefer the Tiffany or copper-foil method but whenever I do make a leaded window, I enjoy the more physical nature of building. Recently the leaded stained glass class at the studio completed their projects. I have to say that they did a great job and the students in the class enjoyed getting to know each other while working in the studio. Check out their beautiful projects....Robin

Lots of fun in Acrylic and Collage Class

The Acrylic and Collage class has come to an end but the students had lots of fun. Acrylic painting is a quick dry paint and perfect to use as a medium when doing a collage. Collages are fun to make but can be quite the serious art. If you were unable to make it to this class, keep an eye on the class calendar because it will be offered again after the holiday season. Check out what the students did in this class!

Acrylic and Collage Painting

Kerry Boutell is teaching an Acrylic and collage painting class at the studio and the students are having a lot of fun. Acrylic paint is a fast drying paint containing pigment suspended in acrylic polymer or plastic. Many of Kerry's paintings are Acrylic with collage and I think it is helpful to get to see the finished artwork of the teacher. There is no place better to paint than in a studio gallery with beautiful paintings. Check out the pictures of the class. The next class Kerry will teach will be a Day of the Dead, dia de muertos that begins in October.

First Friday Denton with Simone Nicole

Simone Nicole played at the studio on the First Friday in August. I would have to say that it was was an absolutely wonderful show. Simone has been singing since she was 14 and after performing with a band for a couple of years she decided to go solo and do some of her own music. We look forward to her coming back this fall and performing again in the studio. Be sure and check out her myspace and her website. www.simonenicole.com. Check out the photos of the evening........Robin

First Friday Denton, August, 2010

We are busy getting the studio ready for First Friday Denton. Back by popular demand, Gregory Conlin will be at the studio doing sketch portraits from 5-9 pm. The portrait requires a 30 minute sitting and the cost will be $30. Be sure and come hear the music of Singer-Songwriter Simone Nicole. She will be performing her own music at the studio starting at 7 pm and we look forward to having her appear. Want to hear a preview of her music. Check out her website http://www.simonenicole.com/ Music, art and friendly folks, I am ready for Friday to roll around.......Robin

Art Show

A Great time was had by all at the Sizzling Summer Art Show. We had a wonderful turnout and if you got to come, no doubt you got to enjoy the wonderful artwork from both our veteran and new artists. I think this is the best show yet. It was quite a spread with food provided by Sweet Basil, the artists and friends. Vanessa Helvey and David White kicked off the celebration with both cover songs and original songs written by Vanessa. The Boxcar Bandits then took the stage and performed an amazing set. Gotta love those Boxcar Bandits. A new addition to this opening was the opportunity to have your portrait done by Gregory Conlin and not only could you have your portrait done, but watch him in action. He will be back at our next First Friday in case you didn't get the opportunity to have your portrait sketched. Didn't get to come? Here are a few photos........Robin

Sizzling Summer Art Show

Wow, is all I have to say today about our Sizzling Summer Art Show. Yes, it is Sizzling somewhat outside. After all, it is Texas, but I have to admit our Summer Art Show is also a Sizzler. We are busy hanging our beautiful show and preparing for Saturday. Our artists have brought in beautiful works and we have added several new artists to our gallery since the last show and I think you will enjoy getting to see their work. Click HERE for a short article about our opening on Saturday. Since the information was given to the paper we have added several other new Artists. Crystal Nelson's beautiful collage works, the paintings of Mariko Frost who was featured in the Texas National, 2009, Jennifer Leigh Jones, who in 2009 was Awarded as being one of The New Dallas Nine Artist’s in D Magazine, and new artist Joshua Rackley. I am so looking forward to hearing Vanessa Helvey play and sing and tap my feet to the "have to love em " Boxcar Bandits.......Robin

Return from the Windy City

Recently I got to take a quick trip to the Windy City. I spent a lot of time visiting other art galleries, charming towns in Michigan as well as a quick trip to Wisconsin. On my final day in Chicago I got to ride the train into the city. Getting out at Union Station was quite the treat for me. Like an ant, I followed the stream of people to a street level. I had traveled with my parents to Union Station when I was very young on the Santa Fe Railroad and I remembered that as a child the station alone seemed like a small city. Walking very quickly, I made my way to The Art Institute of Chicago where I saw the incredible collection of masterpieces. Rooms filled with Monets, a huge hallway filled with Rembrants as well as getting to see Picassos and Van Goghs. Beautiful enamel works, sculptures and metalworks as well. What a treat to get to visit the Institute. Of course, one day was by no means enough to see everything there but I did see as much as I could until my brain was on total art overload. Just a few pictures to share some of the sights....Robin

First Friday Denton, June 2010

My favorite day of the month is quickly becoming the First Friday of the month. At the studio, the work tables are pushed back to make room for the music and fun. Last first Friday Adam Cline and Joel Dreistadt performed for the biggest first Friday crowd that we have had. Also known as the group White Gorilla, these experienced musicians filled the studio with some rock, some folk and shared many of their original songs with the crowd. Adam and Joel had been playing together for four years and prior to forming their duo, were busy traveling around the midwest with another group. With Adam, singer-songwriter, on his guitar and Joel playing percussion, the crowd checked out the beautiful art, visited with friends and listened to some of Denton's local talent. What a great evening. If you missed it, you can check out the pictures and put First Friday Denton July on your calendar....Robin