August 19th, 2012

Rehoboth Art League’s 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show, Strolling the Art League, Photographer Kevin Fleming, Laura Hickman, Lynda Dashiell-Ohotnicky of Wahine Designs, Lynne McKay of Whimsical Creations, Professional Artist Martha Lechner Spak, Joy Davis Jewelry Designs, Susan Gladstone of The HappyRock Pottery Studio…Some of the Artists Exhibiting at Outdoor Show, Sunday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches

Saturday was a great day to be in Rehoboth Beach.  The weather was 82 degrees with just a few clouds.  It was the perfect day to stroll through the Rehoboth Art League’s 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show.  This is the second week-end; Sunday is the last day.

The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach.  Already plans are taking place for 2013.  The League will be celebrating its 75 years.  I remember taking my own kids for classes during the summer at the League.  June 21, 2013 is the kick off week-end.  Check the website for details and events http://www.rehobothartleague.org.

This year I decided to take advantage of the free shuttle from K-Mart on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth.  From experience, I know how hard it is to park in Henlopen Acres, where the Rehoboth Art League is located.  It was such a breeze. I highly recommend it.

You can either pick up the shuttle at K-Mart or at the Rehoboth Elementary School located at 500 Stockley St.

No hassle; the Jolly Trolley was super clean, air conditioned, and the driver had some great music playing.  We were there in no time since the Jolly Trolley traveled through the bus lane.

The traffic on Coastal Highway was incredible on Saturday, so believe me, this was the easiest way to get to the Rehoboth Art League.  The buses make the rounds; they come and go every 15 to 20 minutes.

The Rehoboth Art League looked so lively, with so many people walking around.  The property is about 3 acres.  Over 100 artists and artisans were showcasing their variety of mediums.

There were food vendors, children’ activities and music.

On Sunday the Van Williamson Trio will be performing from 11 – 1 p.m. Marv Ashby and High Octane will be performing from 1 – 3 p.m.

At Noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. there will be a pottery demonstration, outside the Pottery Studio.  On Saturday, Brenda was working on a piece.

There was also some face painting all day.

Their fig tree had fruit so I little tasting took place.

The Homestead which dates from 1743 is beautiful and tours are available, as well.

I stopped by to see my friend, Susan Gladstone.  She is a potter whose  studio The Happy Rock Pottery is located at the Celebration Mall Galleries at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

Raku is her specialty; her booth is #53.  Her tel. is 410-375-7120.  Her e-mail is the happyrock@earthlink.net.

Then, I went looking for an artist that I met last year.  Her name is Lynda Dahiell-Ohotnicky of Wahine Designs.  Her home?  Vieques, which is the island between Puerto Rico and the U.S.Virgin Islands.  She is a designer/metalsmith.  Her jewelry is handcrafted, and it is gorgeous.  To know more about her and to see what she is all about, please visit http://www.wahinedesigns.com.  Her booth is #5.

Last year I noticed the booth occupied by Martha Lechner Spak.  She is from Potomac, Maryland.  Her mediums? Fine Art, Photography, Designs.  Check http://www.marthaspak.com.

I stopped to see Joy Davis of Joy Davis Jewelry Designs, who is a Wilmington, Delaware, native and a self taught silversmith. She had very unique pieces, as well.  Her email address is jd2thesun@aol.com. You can learn more about her by visiting http://www.delawarebyhand.org/davis.shtml.

I met Lynne McKay today too.  She has Whimsical Creations.  She is an artist and interior designer.  She lives in Rehoboth Beach.  If you would like to talk to her, please call 302-381-5038.

Laura Hickman is a painter and a Delaware native with a multitude of accolades and awards to her name. She grew up in Bethany Beach and many of her paintings show her affection for this coastal, Southern Delaware town.  I, particularly love some of her Bethany Beach’s alleys.  Her travels have taken her to Italy, among other countries, where she has painted for years.  If you would like to talk to her or schedule an appointment, please call her at 302-539-0494.  Her website is http://www.laurahickmanfinearts.com.  At the League, you will find her as you come in.

Kevin Fleming, photographer.  There are not enough words to describe the talent of this artist.  His photographs are awesome!! He has traveled the world for National Geographic and has been recognized as America’s Best Observer by Readers Digest.  His studio is located at 239 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  His tel. 302-227-4994.  Website? http://www.kevinfleming.com.  He is on booth #111.

Enjoy, relax, and have a good time!!

And how about dinner?

Crabs from Jimmy Lynn’s located on Rt. 1 in Lewes and corn from Freeman’s….my favorites!!

August 8th, 2012

The Happyrock Pottery, Susan Gladstone, Potter, Rehoboth Beach, Throwing, Centering, Opening and Shaping, The 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art and Craft Show, Rehoboth Art League, Two Week-ends!!, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches you should stop by the Rehoboth Art League located at 12 Doods Lane, on Saturday, August 11th and on Sunday, August 12th.  Or, Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th.  It is the 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art and Craft Show.

Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

There will be over 120 selected artists.  The location is the historic 4 acre shady campus and beautiful gardens.  Food, Music, & Entertainment. Children’s activities, as well.

Free parking and shuttle service.  $5.00 entry free per week-end.  For more info., please call 302-227-8408 or visit http://www.rehobothartleague.org.

My friend, Susan Gladstone, is a potter.  She will be one of the exhibitors at this outdoor show.  Her booth is #53.  Please stop by and tell her I sent you.

Susan is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, but she is making Rehoboth Beach her home.  The Happyrock Pottery is located at the Shops at Celebration Mall at 20 Baltimore Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 410-375-7120.

Her specialty is Raku pottery which has small cracks that turn black.  These are made by the deposits of carbon in them, turning them black no matter what color of clay used.  The final product is so unique.

Watching Susan work was so relaxing.  As a professional she made it look so easy.

From throwing the moist lump of clay….this is what goes next.

Susan will have small pieces also at the show.  The hands of a potter…..

Have a good one!!

August 24th, 2011

The Happyrock Pottery, Susan Gladstone, Potter, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches, Throwing, Centering, Opening, Shaping

I met Susan Gladstone last year.  She is a potter located right here in Rehoboth Beach.  The name of her company is called The Happyrock Pottery.  Her studio is in the shops at Celebration Mall on 20 Baltimore Ave.  Tel. 410-375-7120.  She does not have a website yet but if you see something on this post, please giver her a call, email her at thehappyrock@earthlink.net.   Or, better yet, visit her studio.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had never seen Susan’s pottery.  She told me that she had been a potter for 40 years.  Giving it her full attention for about 16 years. 

Susan is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.  For many years she was a member of Baltimore Clayworks.  This is the region’s only cultural institution dedicated solely to the ceramic arts.  Now, she is part of the Rehoboth Beach artists’ community.  She is a welcomed addition to our area.  I think you will love her pieces.

I decided to visit her studio.  It is so funny because what is now called Celebration Mall was the original Epworth Church.  Many years ago they had a great pre-school.  One of my sons attended for several years; great lasting friendships were made then.

There are several artists located in the Celebration Mall.  I am glad I stopped by because I had no idea.  Different and very impressive. 

Her studio is where my son’s classroom was located.  It really brought so many memories.  But, I was there to see her work with her hands.

I am in awe and amazement to see someone shape a lump of clay into something as beautiful as some of her pieces.

The Raku pottery has small cracks that turn black.  These are made by the deposits of carbon in them, turning them black, no matter what color of clay used.   The final product is unique.

Susan was working on a “vessel” or bowl when I got there.  She made it look so easy.  She did a little bit of trimming and then exclaimed:  It is not centered.  I don’t like it.  She picked it up and started kneading it just like bread.  She was starting all over again.  Here are the pictures from that first start when the term used is “throwing”.

Susan threw that moist lump of clay on a bat.  A bat is an accessory.  Okay, Susan, if you say so.  A lot of people just use the wheel head instead.

Susan found the “center” of the clay by moving a thumb across the lump until no more friction was felt. 

Then, the next step was the opening.  Susan’s thumbs kept working the clay and stopped very close from the bat. 

The sides are pulled up and then the process of “shaping” the vessel or bowl begins.  This shaping continues for some time until the desired thickness is obtained.

Susan has Raku pottery, as well as wood fired pottery.

She also has plenty of very affordable pieces that are, obviously, made by hand and no two are alike.  Different sizes and colors; the minis were beautiful.

She is also a member of the Rehoboth Art League.  That’s where I first saw her pottery.

I learned a few things.  I hope I posted them correctly.  If not, I will never hear the end of it. She’ll let me know.

Have a good one!!  Talk to you later….