2011 Art | Everywhere

I love Norfolk's annual Art Everywhere Show! Who doesn't love a chance to take art out of the closed in feel of a typical museum and turn it into a lively, interactive, open air gallery? When I attended last year, I loved seeing all the empty store fronts transformed because of and into works of beautiful art! Walking under the sunny sky, feeling that much loved summer breeze, and strolling between the architectural backdrop of Granby Street added so much to the experience of viewing art. Hey--there's a reason why people love open-air shopping and browsing so much!

Another reason why I love the idea of Art|Everywhere is the fantastic female artists that are selected and featured! Take a look at some of the recent pieces from Amanda Page Stevens (which I love!) and you can get a feel for the innovative creativity that will soon transform Granby street! Her use of using recycled/repurposed materials to 'drive [her] creative process' along with stains from coffee, wine and even cucumbers and ash creates a very ethereal and organic feel for me.


Then there's Ariel Moreland's anticipated piece "Utterance for the Captives" as featured on arteverywhere.net. The piece, a blend of performance art + installation is "a call to action for our city's compassionate people to speak up against Human Trafficking". The piece is inspired by her support for the A21 Campaign, and using art as voice for those who do not have one is something we fully support and promote at Phem (see Melissa Traister's interview)! See more of Ariel's work at her website.

Cece Wheeler, a current Associate Professor of Art at Thomas Nelson Community College, will also be featured! Her current work "examines the complexities of feminine identities and domestic boundaries". I'll be sure to get some photos of her work at the show for a review after all is said and done at Art|Everywhere. In the meantime, why not head over to her blog? Her floral photograms are amazing! (image property of Cece Wheeler)

Another really fascinating artist you have to catch on Art|Everywhere's opening night is Diana Laurel Caramat. My favorite works are her 'worn gallery' series, which is just brilliant and fascinating! I love art that makes you look twice, and makes your thoughts race with equal parts excitement and awe. Her work does just that for me and I can't wait to see what she showcases on opening night. Get to know her work here.

I'd love to talk to you all about all these amazing female leads, but I'll wrap it up with Heather Bryant and Elyse Lovelace's collaborative "City in the Sea" submission. Head over to their site Bird On A String to see their latest post on setting up the exhibition. Don't you want all those whales on your home windows!! Oh, and don't forget to say hello as you gaze! Heather happens to be the nicest gal ever (and she makes a mean seed bomb, as I figured out at last year's show prep for Renewal)!

(image property of Bird on a String)

There are so many more amazing female artists to be featured at Art|Everywhere! Be sure you check them all out over at Art | Everywhere.

until next time.....