The Studio: a funky gift shop and gallery created by Melissa McCarthy, artist and bon vivant. 50 Canal Street, Laconia NH. 603.455.8008. Regular hours Wednesday - Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-3. Special events monthly; see calendar for updates. Every Tuesday at The Studio Local Outbreak, a great music program records live - check out http://ipmnation.com/local-outbreak for information!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Second Annual Holiday Open Studio
It's that time again - Holiday Open Studio! This year there are lots of great alternative gift ideas for Secret Santas and stocking stuffers - don't give another scented candle! Super duper friend of the Studio, Jim Tyrrell is playing in the afternoon, and we'll have goodies all day long. The featured exhibit at The Studio is the New Hampshire Women's Caucus for Art signature small works show, "6x6". All the work is 6" square, and all of it is priced at $66, a great deal for an original work of art by a New Hampshire woman artist. Come spend some time at The Studio this Saturday afternoon from 10-6pm, hear some wonderful music, see some wonderful art and meet some wonderful people, too!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Futon Friday
Futon Friday is my answer. It'll be after Thanksgiving, and I am NOT setting foot in a retail establishment, and I have a futon, a tea kettle, stacks of books and heat. If you need some relaxation, feel free to come by and join me. If you're not in the neighborhood, plan your own Futon Friday.
I'm looking at it as an opportunity for reflection before the madness of December sets in, a chance to list the things I'm grateful for - it's a LONG list! - and an activity detox.
[The Studio is a Nap Institute of America certified SafeNap zone. No judgment is passed, and quiet snoring is acceptable.]
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wallowing Wednesday
But we all know that some days that just doesn't cut it. For whatever reason, regardless of our intent otherwise, The Universe doesn't go our way, and we usually put a smiley face on anyway and Bravely March On.
I propose that this Wednesday, today, October 6th 2010 and the first Wednesday of every month hereafter be designated "Wallowing Wednesday". We can allow ourselves, for however much time we need in that 24 hour period, to wallow in the unfairness, whether real or perceived, of life in general, our lives in particular. Whatever will allow you to fully appreciate the crap of life, the meanness of others, the line at the coffee shop, the person who cut you off in traffic, the Every-Effing-Red-Light-Between-Home-And-Destination-When-You're-Already-Running-Late...whatever it is that brings out your inner cranky, tantrum-disposed child: allow it. Tears? Fine. All day weepies? Fine. Five minutes of uncensored anger? Fine. A quiet day under a blanket with tea and a journal, or a good book, or a bad book? Be my guest.
My point is, that ignoring the fact that we don't always feel all sunshine and lollipops does a disservice to the fullness of Really Living. Today, I've got a to-do list that runs almost a full page, some Big Tasks, some little ones, but I'm giving myself both the time and the permission to wallow for a bit...then I'll crank some tunes, hula hoop for 5 minutes and get over it. Let me know how your Wallowing Wednesday goes.
Friday, September 24, 2010
500 Days Countdown
Art available for (the equivalent of) 500 pennies, 500 nickles, dimes and quarters... it's been interesting to see how that works out, and fun, and a reminder that a lot can be accomplished in 500 days....
500 minutes is 8hrs 20 minutes of fun, art, music and celebration of 500 Days at The Studio -- see you there on November 13th!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Irreverentia; New-ish Works at The Studio
"Faith without works is dead."
Since I began creating art, my faith has infused my work, whether I intended it or not. The large mixed media pieces on the wall were done after 9/11, but are not explicitly “post-9/11” pieces. The sculptural “Fear” piece is recent, and questions whether fear makes us invisible – how much can we hide behind fear?
“Irreverentia” is an on-going exploration of the lives of saints, and, as the title suggests, is not a serious study. I read stories of the lives of saints as research, then create my own interpretation of them, with my tongue firmly lodged in my cheek. I see a clear difference between disrespect and irreverence. While the former is often mean-spirited and sometimes ill-informed, the latter has both humor and respect, and it is this that I hope viewers will take away.
I explain to people that I am a “practicing Catholic” because I am not very good at it. Both my art work and my sense of humor are deeply a part of this practice.
(Image of "Defective Children" by Annette Mitchell)Friday, September 17, 2010
Bellydancing Details
Belly Dance Basics- A Beginner level class
You will be learning the basic moves/dance vocabulary used in cabaret style belly dance. You will learn how to execute the moves using the correct muscles to give your dance a “tight” look and to prevent injury. Veil work may be covered (space dependant). Music / Beat structure, in relation to your dance, will be touched upon. Basic zill rhythms will also be covered.
Pre-registration & payment to hold your place is required as class space is limited. To register please call Melissa at Dragonfly Botanicals-603-934-3961 or mail your payment to Melissa Morrison/Dragonfly Botanicals, PO Box 102, Sanbornton, NH 03269 . Thank you for understanding.
Place: At “The Studio”, 84 Union Ave Laconia NH. Above the “Too Good to be Threw” Store.
Dates: Tuesdays-Sept 21 to Nov 9 ( an 8 week course)
Time: 6:45 pm to 7:45ish pm
Cost: $80.00 or if you pre-register & pay prior to the first class it is $ 75.00
Student Equipment Needs: Comfortable clothes to dance in. A hip scarf. Bare feet are preferred but ballet slippers are acceptable. Student zills maybe needed (will be discussed at 1st class)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
So far, so good.
My new-found energy for being in the studio is paying off, and the week began with a commission for a calligraphic piece for the local synagogue. I ended up having to re-work it a few times, and just when I thought it was ready for the client to take, he found a spelling error in a name that was mine, and another that was his in the original correspondence. In re-doing it, though, I was able to add an additional element which pleased him, and solve a couple of "technical difficulties", which pleased me. It's been a long time since I've been in the studio for days in a row really working at art, and this is giving me heart and a much-needed boost of art energy!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
New Day Dawning
Now I'm ready to stop listening, to start again, again, to figure it out, to boldly go, etc., etc. There is an exhibit up a few blocks from The Studio, a window front display in an attorney's office, that's a wonderfully well-thought-out and provocative conceptual piece. No flowers. No loons. No sunsets. No kidding! And it gives me such a feeling of hope!
So, where do I go from here? Next month I'm showing some of my own conceptual work at The Studio. I have an appointment to talk with another artist about showing his work with its fantastic "street art" aesthetic. I'm curating an exhibit at another gallery of the "A Book About Death" show that was in New York City last year and is in the permanent collection of MoMA. And then?
I have no doubt that The Voice will be persistent, and no doubt that some days I will be tempted to listen. But I hope that my own triumphant "YES!" and "YES!" again will drown it out, make it a hoarse whisper, easier and easier to ignore.
And I hope to keep you posted!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
It Might As Well Be Spring
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Catching Breath
I am overwhelmed. I have a huge, wonderful space, and all sorts of swimmy, unfocused ideas for using it. I've had classes and workshops, some ongoing, and it's great to have that energy there. My town is ripe for change, and I can help effect it, but I am plagued by fear and self-doubt, and that can be paralyzing. I feel...I feel...
I feel the same way I did as I approached the 9-month mark of my pregnancies. Excitement, fear, joy, grief, uncertainty, pride. The only thing certain was that change was imminent, and that nothing would be the same again.
So in these last days of winter, I am catching breath, gathering strength, and wondering how this birth will be.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
That Covers It
The current show at The Studio, "That Covers It: Album Cover Graphics as Art" is getting a steady flow of visitors, and Jeff Milroy, the curator and collector is doing a wonderful job promoting and publicizing it. There is an opening reception on Sunday January 31st, with music, food and beverages - come and enjoy!
Classes continue in Tai Chi, Yoga and Belly Dancing; call for more information (603-455-8008). February will bring some additional workshops and classes, and I will keep you posted. Send an e-mail to thestudio84@gmail.com if you want to be notified of upcoming events. Cheerio!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
That Covers It
The exhibit is fascinating, visually stunning, and may bring back memories. At least one person has seen it and remembered having one image or another on a t-shirt. There will be a reception on Sunday January 31st from 1-4pm; Jeff will be on hand to play some music from the rest of his extensive collection, answer questions, and share in the good times that are inherent in an artist's reception, or in this case, curator's reception! It's an amazing concept for a collection, and I hope you'll come check it out. Call 603-455-8008 for winter hours, or come by for food, drink and music on the 31st.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Birth of a (Procrasti)Nation
Monday, January 4, 2010
Intentionally Left Blank
My take on it is that sometimes a good day is full of productivity, creative energy and purpose...and sometimes a good day is spent in pajamas with tea and a book. If you leave the definition and the possibility open, a good day is always attainable.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Here's Hooping
Now I wonder if maybe that wasn't the best thing for me. After years of being concerned with an office job involving lots of detail, and "search and rescue" missions that I took on regardless of whether or not it was specifically "my job", I am trying to explore "macro-managing". Not to say that attention to detail isn't a good thing from time to time; I know how to do that. But I need to learn to see larger pictures, let go a little, enjoy process without trying to control the product too much.
So today there was a Hula Hoop making workshop at The Studio, half a dozen ladies spanning 3 generations, playing, laughing, working...and about 3 turns into applying the tape I realized that I didn't have to create The Perfect Hoop, just my perfect hoop, and suddenly released myself into what I was doing instead of thinking that every turn of the tape was a life-or-death matter. I had a wonderful time, re-learned how to work my body in a way that I hadn't done since I was a child, and remembered that breathing and laughing are as important to what I want to do in the New Year as my lists and carefully laid plans had been before they were...um...thrown out.
Now I am thinking that loosening a little, laughing a lot and letting some things go is what I need to remember to keep 2010 on the right track. Here's hooping!