Hmmmm...

McKinney, Texas – June 1, 2006

“THE SWEET RIDE”

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Christine Dial brings her distinctive compositional sculptures to Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte. “The Sweet Ride” will premiere at a reception on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 7pm to 10pm, and will be on display in the gallery through July 5, 2006.

Throughout her artistic career, Dial has been intrigued by shapes, colors, and textures and the manner in which disparate materials can be fashioned into a coordinated work of art. After fruitfully creating three-dimensional woven wall hangings, Dial progressed into more compositional work, combining paint with fiber and industrial materials.

“The Sweet Ride” is the third progression in a genre that has evolved over the last 10 years. In the first phase, Dial designed and successfully sold wearable art pins, using buttons, laminate, fabric, leather, paint, and vinyl.

The artist cites “The Music Box Series” as the second phase in the progression. As a solicited participant in Austin’s annual Arthouse event, Dial created “The Music Box Series” in which she evolved to incorporating more industrial materials such as chains, springs, grommets, crayons and found objects. Simultaneously, Dial began to frame these various works of the series to increase their multi-dimensional effect.

In 2005, after more than 10 years in the genre, Dial suddenly envisioned art pins and music boxes of much larger proportions. Working on a grander scale and conceptualizing the use of more colors and new materials, Dial discovered hubcaps. Quotes the artist, “There are almost as many old, unusual, and imaginative hubcaps as there are buttons.” Using table saws and drill presses, Dial shapes wood that serves as a strong backing, then laminates the wood and arranges the shapes, ultimately applying color and installing the hubcap and other unusual items to complete the sculpture.

“The Sweet Ride” is a truly unique and exciting expression of art. We look forward to seeing you at Galleria d’Arte as we proudly premier Christine Dial’s creations.

Invigorating live entertainment by the renowned The Texas Gypsies will top off the evening, along with great spirits and gourmet treats.

BACKGROUND: Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is located in historic downtown McKinney and offers a wide variety of art glass, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. Galleria d’Arte is the host of “Second Saturdays” where art galleries and other downtown businesses celebrate the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food.

Galleria d’Arte hours are Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sundays and Mondays by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call the gallery at 469-742-9509.

More from the weekend:

Had a great weekend, shot some great stuff with some wonderful people and still had time to get a airconditioner and attic fan in....more to follow

Newest addition to the studio...LOL...the dartboard...

Storms...big storms...night before last here in our area - 3 people dead and 10 seriously injured - long night for Careflight people...serious devastation in parts of Anna, Westminster, and Pilot Point...tornado was a jumper - F3...reminds us all how Mother Nature can reverse our lives and humble us at will...you have to feel sorry for these folks, not only because of the loss of life and property, but also because these are rural communities without the same early warning system sirens those of us who live in metro area have at our disposable...no warning=loss of life almost every time...

“TEALE WE MEET AGAIN”

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is proud to welcome back renowned contemporary artist JD Miller. Join us on Saturday, May 13 from 7 to 10pm as we debut Miller’s newest creations in “Teale We Meet Again.” The full exhibit will be on display in Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte through June 7, 2006. Galleria d’Arte is especially pleased to count Miller as one of its permanent artists, with a number of his works on permanent display.

A long-time friend and mentor to Carrie Garner, JD Miller returns to Galleria d’Arte in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of art. Experience Miller’s emotional explosion of sculptural oils rich in light, form, and color which create a unique mood and a signature ambiance.

JD Miller was the featured performing artist at MPAC’s hugely successful “Black and White Gala” on April 1, 2006. Miller created “McKinney Water Lilies” (20” x 24”, unframed) at the MPCA gala, and this painting will be a featured work in “Teale We Meet Again.”

Miller’s reputation has increased dramatically in recent years as recognition of his oil sculpting technique has become widely acknowledged by both artists and collectors alike. JD Miller is represented not only at his Reflection FineArt gallery in Dallas’ Arts District and at Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte in McKinney, but also in fine art galleries throughout the United States.

Miller resides in Dallas, Texas where he contributes to diverse community and charitable activities. Counted among his many beneficiaries is the LoveLife Foundation, co-founded by Carrie Garner. LoveLife Foundation is an organization for at-risk children. Garner devotes much of her time and energy to many charitable endeavors such as the LifeLife Foundation and the Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra.

Live entertainment by the Quentin Hope Trio, great fare and spirits will make

May 13, 2006 an evening to remember.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte has a wide offering of art glass, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’ Arte is located in downtown McKinney on the square at 100 E. Louisiana Street. In conjunction with this celebration, a number of other downtown businesses extend their hours and celebrate the arts on Saturday evening.

Galleria d’Arte hours are Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sundays and Mondays by appointment only. To schedule an appointment please call the gallery at 469-742-9509.

As it turns out I have to much time on my hands this morning!...The family always thought it was strange that I could carry on a three person conversation with myself, and even more astounded that it made sense...hehehehehehe...

Art Under Glass – Art For The People is a newly formed sidewalk Gallery located at 1900 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Dallas. Located next to the classic Majestic Theater the “NY style sidewalk gallery” utilizes the ground floor window space of a downtown building awaiting development to provide a venue for local visual artists. The Grand opening and sidewalk reception will start at 8:00 p.m. May 12th. Continuing conversations and a sharing of libations will follow at the O Bar. Viewing of the over 150 pieces is free. Work includes a major photographic presence as well as original works on canvas and 3 dimensional pieces. Work will rotate on a regular basis. Artists interested in having their work shown in this unique setting may contact Kenny Smith for consideration in future rotations: artunderglass@mac.com

Preparations are underway for the "Art Under Glass" project which will debut in downtown Dallas sometime in early to mid-May...further info provided as it becomes known...

For those that missed it we had a small Immigration Reform march in McKinney late Sunday afternoon...

http://www.pbase.com/gulchdog/immigration_reform_rally_mckinney_tx_9_april_2006

Someone said they spotted Elvis outside the Galleria d'Arte in McKinney Saturday night...can you imagine that?...




All I can tell you for sure is there were a lot of folks enjoyin' themselves...

McKinney, Texas – March 24, 2006

LONG LIVE THE KING!

Roger Nitz brings his Elvis-inspired creations to Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte. These colorful expressions of art stimulate your senses while piquing your sense of adventure.

“Long Live the King” premiers on Saturday, April 8, 2006, from 7pm to 10pm. The exhibit lasts through May 10, 2006.

Live entertainment, great fare and spirits will make this an evening to remember. Elvis himself has promised to join the fun. You simply can not miss this one-of-a kind art show.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte has a wide offering of art glass, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’ Arte is located in downtown McKinney on the square at 100 E. Louisiana Street. In conjunction with this event, several other galleries and downtown businesses will also host shows and celebrate the arts on Saturday evening.

Gallery hours are Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sundays and Mondays by appointment only. To schedule an appointment please call the gallery at 469-742-9509.

We are moving along...got the railing up today...

Those of us at the Gulch have our priorities straight:



When the s**T goes down, I want lucid, coherent, clear thinking people around me.

Thats why I'm against democrats and republicans.

We had heaps and gobs of rain this weekend, not as bad as some areas and certainly it was needed so we will not complain...

From a walk in town the other day...

Trees blowin' in the wind, Waitin' on the storm...

We had a storm or two blow thru here yesterday so I took the opportunity to try and learn to shoot weather with a digital camera, not a great showing, but a really good learning experience...

The legend and famed Life photog, Gordon Parks, died today. A true legend. A pioneer in every sense of the word. He will be missed. It is strange sometimes how hearing someone's passing surprises you. This is one of those times. It seemed he would live forever- always a constant beacon of humanity.

http://www.pdngallery.com/legends/parks/

Trey and Ashley have been here for a couple of days, which has in turn given us opportunity to do some more testing in the studio...

McKinney, Texas – March 1, 2006

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is pleased to present “Feel the Beat” featuring award-winning Dallas artist Michael Longhofer. The exhibit premiers on Saturday, March 11, 2006, 7pm-10pm with live entertainment, spirits, and fare.

Mr. Longhofer’s paintings range from contemporary cityscapes and landscapes to figure studies. His style of painting is realistic, and his technique has been coined as “painterly” because of his reminiscent style to that of the old masters. Perspective, depth, and value are the key components of Mr. Longhofer’s work as well as his use of color to create the illusion of light that sets the mood of the pieces. The artist has recently broadened his repertoire to include abstracts and hand-painted, decorative wooden boxes.

“Feel the Beat” will be on exhibit through April 5, 2006.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte also has a wide offering of art glass, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’ Arte is located in downtown McKinney on the square at 100 E. Louisiana Street. In conjunction with this event, several other galleries and downtown businesses will also host shows and celebrate the arts on Saturday evening.

Gallery hours are Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; by appointment only Sundays and Mondays. To schedule an appointment please call the gallery at 469-742-9509.

Doing things the old fashioned way...

There must be some sort of mistake here...the sun is actually shining out there...

Demolition on the darkroom to rebuild it for the long haul has started...and with any luck at all we will be printing again in about two weeks...you know how it is up here at the DPS North Campus...we just can't leave things be...LOL...but pretty soon we will have a space with much more efficient use of the space, and easier to print in and clean up as well...

Winter Storm Watch

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
337 AM CST FRI FEB 17 2006

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR NORTH TEXAS FROM
THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON NORTH OF A
LINE FROM TEMPLE TO GROESBECK TO PALESTINE. A QUARTER
INCH OR MORE OF FREEZING RAIN POSSIBLY MIXED WITH SOME
SLEET IS EXPECTED OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEKEND...

.A STRONG ARCTIC COLD FRONT HAS MOVED ACROSS ALL OF
NORTH TEXAS AND TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN NEARLY STEADY
OR SLOWLY FALL THROUGHOUT THE DAY. FREEZING
PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN THIS EVENING IN
THE NORTH AND SPREAD SOUTH THROUGH THE NIGHT. PERIODS
OF FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND
WITH TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF AT LEAST ONE QUARTER OF
AN INCH. AS THE DEPTH OF THE COLD AIRMASS INCREASES...
SOME SLEET WILL MIXWITH THE FREEZING RAIN ACROSS
NORTHERN PORTIONS OF NORTH TEXAS SATURDAY INTO
SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

THE GROUND TEMPERATURE AT THIS TIME IS VERY
WARM BUT BRIDGES AND OVER PASSES WILL ICE QUICKLY
PRESENTING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO DRIVERS.
HOWEVER...ROADWAYS WILLINITIALLY REMAIN ICE FREE
FOR A FEW HOURS LONGER...UNTIL THE GROUND COOLS
SUFFICIENTLY TO SUPPORT ICE ACCUMULATION.

TXZ094-095-104>107-118>121-123-130>134-141>145-171745-
/O.CON.KFWD.WS.A.0001.060218T0000Z-060220T0000Z/
FANNIN-LAMAR-COLLIN-HUNT-DELTA-HOPKINS-TARRANT-DALLAS-ROCKWALL-
KAUFMAN-RAINS-ERATH-HOOD-SOMERVELL-JOHNSON-ELLIS-COMANCHE-MILLS-
HAMILTON-BOSQUE-HILL-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...BONHAM...PARIS...PLANO...GREENVILLE...
COMMERCE...COOPER...SULPHUR SPRINGS...FORT WORTH...ARLINGTON...
DALLAS...ROCKWALL...TERRELL...KAUFMAN...FORNEY...EMORY...POINT...
EAST TAWAKONI...STEPHENVILLE...DUBLIN...GRANBURY...
OAK TRAIL SHORES...GLEN ROSE...CLEBURNE...BURLESON...WAXAHACHIE...
ENNIS...MIDLOTHIAN...GLENN HEIGHTS...COMANCHE...DE LEON...
GOLDTHWAITE...HAMILTON...HICO...CLIFTON...MERIDIAN...
VALLEY MILLS...HILLSBORO
337 AM CST FRI FEB 17 2006

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS
EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

Ms Dillard was kind enough to grace our studio for a few hours yesterday...and we appreciate it...

Spring cleaning...under the watchful eye of the beast...

February Meeting of the Dead Photographers Society:

We will have a meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday February 19th - please bring 2 or 3 photos to share and discuss. Also, please e-mail me any topics you would like to discuss regarding technique, supplies, or other learning/sharing agenda items you would like to know more about.


1334 Centerville Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218

Work continues on the gallery space this week...

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is proud to present “The Art of Spiritual Devotion” featuring guest artist Kimm Lanus. The exhibit premiers on Saturday, February 11, 2006, 7pm-10pm.

Ms. Lanus creates her masterpieces in the perspective of many different religions and nationalities as to promote a sense of world unity. “I paint with the intention of sharing that which moves thru me rather than that which is created by me” says the artist.

Ms. Lanus’ paintings are crafted on tin and wood in the old retablos and Italian style of painting. All pieces are sealed for longevity, and each piece is framed in the time-honored gothic European tradition. Ms. Lanus’ collectors include ABC anchorman, Sam Donaldson and President George W. Bush.

The gallery also has a wide offering of pottery and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’ Arte is located in downtown McKinney on the square at 100 E. Louisiana Street. In conjunction with this event, several other galleries and downtown businesses will also host shows and celebrate the arts on Saturday evening.

Visit Galleria d’Arte on line at www. carriegarner.com.

Although we have not had a bad winter here I am anxiously awaiting the return of spring...and all the opportunities that it brings...

Another found object from the shed area this morning...

Early ...

With North Texas being under a "fire ban" for a good number of weeks because of lack of moisture in the area we decided to go to the North end of Lake Lavon this AM and see what we could find. I have lived in the D/FW area for a goodly numbers of years off and on, and do not ever remember seeing what I saw this morning...although I am sure it has happened before...






The bottom line here is that we need some rain, and quickly!

Something different...

Work on the Gallery/sitting room area continues this week...had an interesting idea the other day, now lets see if I can pull it off...pics to follow...

Still clickin' along here, and getting things done...but having trouble getting motivated after the holidays...

Mark it on your calenders:

Carrie Garner's Galleria d' Arte
Celebrates the New Year with

"Intersecting Pathways - A Collaboration"

Please join them as they welcome mixed media artists Lois Thompson and Susan Hanson, and jewelry artists Inga Adams and Agnes Williamson..

The celebration and live entertainment start at 6pm - 9pm
Saturday January 14th, 2006
100 E. Louisiana Street
McKinney, Texas

For more information go to:
www.carriegarner.com

Trying to get the studio area from this




To something akin to its former state today:

This week, among other things, we have been working on the laundry room area, finishing out a wall, trim and the like...white trim will just not work in this room...so we are trying to keep the colors warm...

The Gallery/Sitting area transformation is coming along pretty well, not 100% complete yet but it won't be long now...










Another week and should be good here!

As we sat and watched the fire in the firepit tonight this sort of came to mind:

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

And so this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over, and a new one just begun. And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun, The near and the dear ones, the old and the young. A very Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear. And so this is Christmas, for weak and for strong, For rich and for poor ones, the war is so wrong. And so happy Christmas, for black and for white, For yellow and red ones, let's stop all the fight. A very Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear. So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over, and a new one just begun. And so happy Christmas, I hope you have fun, The near and the dear ones, the old and the young. A very Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear. John Lennon Wishing you all a prosperous and enjoyable Holiday Season! Don, Kiran, and Roxie

Roxie's Failure

The protector of the house, Roxie the boxer dog, has failed to keep a vermin armadillo from getting in and chewing up part of our dishwasher...we discovered this sad crime when we started the dishwasher and water went everywhere...personally I think "Grinch" has paid us a visit...LOL...Its the Holiday Season so "Murphy's Law" is in effect...

Moss on the trees out by Cheneire Bayou...northern Louisiana...

Back from Louisiana and ready to go back to work on the house...

The expected weather event in Dallas did not really materialize as bad as it could have...parts of town were hit harder than others, and Dallas is virtually shut down this AM with school closings and the like, but here in McKinney all we got was a dusting, and most of that was sleet, not snow...so the roads are treacherous. Wind chills here this AM are in the 0-minus 10 range, actual temp is about 16 right now...another happy day in north Texas...

Well...I guess a weight control program of some sort is in order here...

Work on the house continues this week as we wait to see if this "winter storm event" is going to materialize or not, but my guess is that I should not hold my breath since the moisture part of this deal is coming from the south...of course I have been known to be wrong before...LOL...

The first good front of the season has arrived and "wufless" dog has assumed her position of responsibility until its over...