Joanne Schilk won the first place award in watercolor during our art show this past week.  You can stop by and see everything until July 13th.

The Your Work ‘08 opening was great.  We loved seeing so many artists and art lovers in attendance.  I heard such wonderful comments about the caliber of work that was presented.

 For those that couldn’t attend, the work will be up on view and available for purchase until July 13th.  We will post awards later today.  Most of the artists who won awards were in attendance, but there were a couple who were missing in action.  We’ll try to reach them later today.

 Above you will see the piece that won, Best in Show.  It is “I Like Tears in the Rain” by Jeff Hulligan.  It’s a mixed media piece, reverse painting on glass, and an ink wash in the background.  The judges went crazy for this piece, and Jeff was so gracious about his award.

Peggy Spaeth from Heights Arts wanted to thank all of the businesses and artists who donated items for the auction.  Things were so crazy that she’s not even sure how much was raised yet, but she will say that it was “A LOT!”  We truly appreciate everyone who donated and bid on the items, because Heights Arts has done so much for our community that we wanted to help support them as well.

 Looking forward to next year!

Your Work ‘08 launches at 6:00PM tomorrow!

 Live auction items to benefit Heights Arts include items from Appetite Deli & Bakery, On the Rise, Coventry Cats, MOCA, Mint Cafe, Bodega, Fast Eddie’s Chop Shop, the 2009 Cleveland International Film Festival, InSpiral Motion, Lolly the Trolley, Chief’s Auto Wash, the Trattoria, Tommy’s, Pentagon Gallery, Clayworks, Diamonds Floral, Vidstar, and MORE!!!

Also, all customer will receive 20% off the entire store during the event (cannot be combined with any other sale or discount).

 Can’t wait to show you what YOU have created!!!

 And, oh, boy, will there be food.  I’ve been baking for a week!!

Don’t forget the opening is this Thursday from 6-9PM.  We’ll have food, awards, the charity auction, and live music.

Call the store with any quesitons.

Here is another piece that will be up for auction to benefit Heights Arts at our Your Work ‘08 Opening Reception on Thursday, June 26th from 6-9PM.  This piece is done by our own artist, Jose Estrada.  The image measures 20″x30″ and will be framed and matted.  There is no minimum on this piece.  It would be great for anyone’s game room!

 Can’t wait to see you on Thursday! 

Here’s an example of what is in store for everyone at our opening reception for the Your Work ‘08 Show on Thursday, June 26th from 6-9PM.  This is a piece by George Kocar.  Click the painting for more information about this wonderful artist.  This piece will be up for bidding during the Heights Arts charity auction with a minimum bid of $100.  I’ve purchased George’s work before, and $100 opening bid is a bargain for work of his caliber.

So, don’t forget to join us for Your Work ‘08 Art Show and Charity Auction on Thursday, June 26, 2008 from 6-9PM.  There will be live music and an opportunity to meet your fellow artists and community.  And, don’t forget that last year, our spread of food was legendary!

 See you then!

There are just a few days left to drop off your work for the art show.  You have until Saturday at noon.  Since we’re just a few pieces shy of giving out the awards, we’ve extended the $5 entry fee, so no one has to pay the late entry fee of $10.

 Please be sure that your piece does not measure more than 17inches in any one direction, including the frame.   Call the store for all other guidelines.

Friday is the absolutely, positive deadline for Your Work ‘08. You must bring your work into the store by Friday at 8pm, or you will miss out on the opportunity to win great awards and have you work seen by lots of people.

Email us at store30@utrecht.com for the prospectus or with any questions.

Drop off your work this weekend for our annual show.  Entry fee is $5 per piece through Sunday.  Afterward, it’s $10 a piece for late entry next week.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity.  Last year, over 200 people attended the opening reception, with about 1,300 people seeing the work for the 10 days that followed.  This year, even more people will know about the event due to the charity auction with Heights Arts that will be held the same night.

Great businesses like Pentagon Gallery, Chief’s Auto Wash, Bodega, Diamond’s Flowers, Vidstar Video Rental, the Trattoria, 2009 Cleveland International Film Festival, Coventry Clay Co-op, InSpiral Motion, Mint Cafe and more have donated items for the auction.

 Great artists have also donated pieces for the auction to benefit this wonderful organization. 

Wonderful awards will be given out in many categories, including a Best In Show award of a $150 Utrecht Gift Card. Did we mention the food?? Last year, we had a great spread. It will be a great night!  Plus all participating artists will be mailed a kit with promotional postcards and coupons as a thank-you for participating.

 Come in today or tomorrow with your work.  If you haven’t received the entry guidelines, please call before bringing in Your Work.

The Painting Social was great fun.  Though, most claimed to be novices at painting, I highly suspect that they had some experience based on how they were painting.  And, to answer the comment from Jennifer, yes, we will be doing this again.