Posted April 20
Meet The Teachers
See what's happening in the classroom
5 pm - 8 pm
July 5 - Friday - First Friday Art Walk
See what's happening in the classroom
5 pm - 8 pm
July 5 - Friday - First Friday Art Walk
- Samples of Classes
- Live Demonstrations
- Samples of Classes
- Painting
- Stamping
- Furniture Chalking
- Drawing
- Sculpting
- Fiber Arts
- Writing
- Music
- For kids and adults
- Thinking of becoming an instructor? Stop by, we are here to answer all your questions.
Posted April 5
Valley River Arts Guild is Proud Sponsor for Art Walk in Murphy
The First Art Walk for 2019 is Friday May 3, beginning at 5 pm. Every year our vision is is to fill the downtown streets with artists. Each year Murphy visitors share with us how much they appreciate our efforts and show their support to all the artists.
This year, only members of VRAG will be set up in front of our gallery. We are proud to announce Kelly Kennon, is our featured Photographer the month for May, and she will be setting up out in front of the gallery on May 3.
VRAG artists and non VRAG members will engage at other downtown locations throughout the Art Walk months ahead. All artists who are interested should visit our Art Walk page for more information and to register for this year's event. This page is updated often with artists who have registered. Participating Art Walk businesses can select from the page, artists for their businesses.
The First Art Walk for 2019 is Friday May 3, beginning at 5 pm. Every year our vision is is to fill the downtown streets with artists. Each year Murphy visitors share with us how much they appreciate our efforts and show their support to all the artists.
This year, only members of VRAG will be set up in front of our gallery. We are proud to announce Kelly Kennon, is our featured Photographer the month for May, and she will be setting up out in front of the gallery on May 3.
VRAG artists and non VRAG members will engage at other downtown locations throughout the Art Walk months ahead. All artists who are interested should visit our Art Walk page for more information and to register for this year's event. This page is updated often with artists who have registered. Participating Art Walk businesses can select from the page, artists for their businesses.
Posted April 5
2019 Senior Games
April 27 - May 18
Registration for the 2019 Senior games is now open. The games begin April 27th at Tri County Community College following the opening ceremony. The games will continue for three weeks finalizing at the annual senior games banquet also at Tri County Community College on May 18. You must be a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham county to participate out local competition. Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games/Silver Art Coordinator is Jim Bent. For answers to any questions, call him at 828.835. 3202 or email him at jrbent@hotmail.com
Registration
Events
First you will need to select Cherokee Clay County Senor Games Silver Arts. Secondly you will need to accept/agree to the waiver. After that the next step is registering for an event. Select from the drop-down menu for specific sports/ Silverarts events.
Silver Arts Showcase will be at the Murphy Art Center May 7 through May 15
If you are registering for Silver Arts, you will be required to upload an image file to complete your registration. Please note they do not use this image locally so any image can be selected. You will need to select the primary category such as Visual Arts first, to select from the specific category such as "oil painting" or “digital photography”. There is also a category called Local Silver Arts. That is specifically for competition of artwork not accepted at State such as alcohol ink or gourdes. They have added a new local category for "Digital Art".
Sub category Visual Arts includes:
Sub Category Heritage Arts include:
Deadline for entering the Silver Arts showcase is May 7, 2019 by 12 noon. That is the same day they set up up for Silver Arts and last minute walk in(s) are welcome. If possible please register earlier.
2019 Senior Games
April 27 - May 18
Registration for the 2019 Senior games is now open. The games begin April 27th at Tri County Community College following the opening ceremony. The games will continue for three weeks finalizing at the annual senior games banquet also at Tri County Community College on May 18. You must be a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham county to participate out local competition. Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games/Silver Art Coordinator is Jim Bent. For answers to any questions, call him at 828.835. 3202 or email him at jrbent@hotmail.com
Registration
- You can register on line at http://torch.ncseniorgames.org
- Registration fee is still $15. A few tips on registering online. You will need a user name, password, and credit/ debit card to pay. If you have registered in the past you can reuse the same login credentials.
- Please be sure that you have a valid credit card before proceeding. Finalizing your registration requires a successful payment.
Events
First you will need to select Cherokee Clay County Senor Games Silver Arts. Secondly you will need to accept/agree to the waiver. After that the next step is registering for an event. Select from the drop-down menu for specific sports/ Silverarts events.
Silver Arts Showcase will be at the Murphy Art Center May 7 through May 15
If you are registering for Silver Arts, you will be required to upload an image file to complete your registration. Please note they do not use this image locally so any image can be selected. You will need to select the primary category such as Visual Arts first, to select from the specific category such as "oil painting" or “digital photography”. There is also a category called Local Silver Arts. That is specifically for competition of artwork not accepted at State such as alcohol ink or gourdes. They have added a new local category for "Digital Art".
Sub category Visual Arts includes:
- Sub-Categories: (Limit 3 entries per Sub-Category)
- Oil, Acrylics, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Charcoal, Pastels, Drawings, Sculpture, Photography: Digital Photography or Film Photography.
- Local competition only includes: Digital Art, Colored pencil, Gourds and alcohol ink art.
Sub Category Heritage Arts include:
- Sub-Categories: (Limit 3 entries per Sub-Category)
- Basket Weaving, Quilting(Machine), Quilting(Hand), Woodcarving, Crocheting, Knitting, Wood-turning, Tole/Decorative Painting, Jewelry, Weaving, Woodworking, Pottery(hand-built & thrown), Stained Glass, Needlework.
- Local entries only: Tatting, Needlelace, China Painting, Rugs (hooked, woven, braided), Blacksmithing and Metal Work.
Deadline for entering the Silver Arts showcase is May 7, 2019 by 12 noon. That is the same day they set up up for Silver Arts and last minute walk in(s) are welcome. If possible please register earlier.
Posted April 2
The first ever 2 day workshop was just held March 22, & 23rd at The MAC (Murphy Art Center). International workshop instructor, Nancy Nowak of Cummings, GA presented "Taking Your Painting To The Next Level", immersing her students in art with lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Nancy taught with passion as she guided students through her process. She said it takes planning to make a better painting and to focus on 3 things: shapes, values, and color temperature.
One day was spent on oil painting and the next day focused on a new layered technique I never even dreamed of....After planning the painting, Nancy continued with a preliminary sketch in pencil, next a pastel underpainting was incorporated to establish shapes and contrasts, alcohol was then applied to "fix it", then came a beautiful watercolor painting finishing with a final layer of pastel! WOW! The finished painting had such depth, vibrance, values, and movement! It was very exciting to watch it emerge. Each day students had ample time to practice and paint the new techniques they learned with a lot of individual guidance from the instructor. All the students came out feeling inspired and grateful that they could study with an artist of this caliber. Any person in any medium at any level of experience could benefit from a workshop.
Murphy is quickly becoming an art destination! Valley River Arts Guild at The MAC offers many classes in painting, drawing, 2D & 3D, music, fiber arts, writing, basketry, to name a few, all ages for kids and adults. Practicing/learning art is good for your brain, heart and soul. Workshops can lead a budding or experienced artist to new ideas, techniques, and new discoveries. These experiences add to the fabric of our experience. Watch for more workshops coming soon.
Written by Penny Johnson, Valley River Arts Guild class coordinator. For more information contact Penny at cockapoos4u@yahoo.com
The first ever 2 day workshop was just held March 22, & 23rd at The MAC (Murphy Art Center). International workshop instructor, Nancy Nowak of Cummings, GA presented "Taking Your Painting To The Next Level", immersing her students in art with lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Nancy taught with passion as she guided students through her process. She said it takes planning to make a better painting and to focus on 3 things: shapes, values, and color temperature.
One day was spent on oil painting and the next day focused on a new layered technique I never even dreamed of....After planning the painting, Nancy continued with a preliminary sketch in pencil, next a pastel underpainting was incorporated to establish shapes and contrasts, alcohol was then applied to "fix it", then came a beautiful watercolor painting finishing with a final layer of pastel! WOW! The finished painting had such depth, vibrance, values, and movement! It was very exciting to watch it emerge. Each day students had ample time to practice and paint the new techniques they learned with a lot of individual guidance from the instructor. All the students came out feeling inspired and grateful that they could study with an artist of this caliber. Any person in any medium at any level of experience could benefit from a workshop.
Murphy is quickly becoming an art destination! Valley River Arts Guild at The MAC offers many classes in painting, drawing, 2D & 3D, music, fiber arts, writing, basketry, to name a few, all ages for kids and adults. Practicing/learning art is good for your brain, heart and soul. Workshops can lead a budding or experienced artist to new ideas, techniques, and new discoveries. These experiences add to the fabric of our experience. Watch for more workshops coming soon.
Written by Penny Johnson, Valley River Arts Guild class coordinator. For more information contact Penny at cockapoos4u@yahoo.com
Posted April 1
Introducing April's Artists of the Month
Introducing April's Artists of the Month
3D Artist - Diane Gardner
As a little girl I believed my dolls came to life at night and I searched my grandma's rose garden for the entrance to fairyland. I loved to make "houses" from Queen Ann's lace, ferns and grasses.
I started collecting antique dolls about the time my boys left home, which led me to reading doll magazines. There, I saw my first Original Art Doll and promptly said to myself "I can do that", bought a bar of polymer clay and started sculpting.
Thirty years later I still enjoy the thrill of taking a block of clay and turning it into a face! My dolls are all one of a kind, I use no molds. Each finger, toe, face, is lovingly made by hand. I use children's books for inspiration and my mantra is FAIRY TALES COME TRUE.
I am a dedicated member of the Valley River Arts Guild where I also sell dolls, from life size Santas to tiny fairies. I accept commission work also. Images of my pieces are shown below.
Dianne Gardner
760.974.6583
rosie091504@gmail.com
As a little girl I believed my dolls came to life at night and I searched my grandma's rose garden for the entrance to fairyland. I loved to make "houses" from Queen Ann's lace, ferns and grasses.
I started collecting antique dolls about the time my boys left home, which led me to reading doll magazines. There, I saw my first Original Art Doll and promptly said to myself "I can do that", bought a bar of polymer clay and started sculpting.
Thirty years later I still enjoy the thrill of taking a block of clay and turning it into a face! My dolls are all one of a kind, I use no molds. Each finger, toe, face, is lovingly made by hand. I use children's books for inspiration and my mantra is FAIRY TALES COME TRUE.
I am a dedicated member of the Valley River Arts Guild where I also sell dolls, from life size Santas to tiny fairies. I accept commission work also. Images of my pieces are shown below.
Dianne Gardner
760.974.6583
rosie091504@gmail.com
Painting Artist - Sharol Caley
Sharol Caley was born and raised in Washington, Pennsylvania, just southwest of Pittsburgh. In 2014, she and her husband, Tom, retired and moved to Murphy, NC to be closer to their only son Brian, their lovely daughter-in-law Amy and their only grandson, Ty.
Sharol knew she enjoyed art from the fifth grade. During her thirties, she took her first official art class at the Washington Art Association. There, she took several classes, always preferring to experience new mediums. She won several first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons in the Washington Art Association’s yearly art contests. She has also taken ceramic classes and Ukrainian egg decorating.
Sharol has been instructed in oil, acrylic, watercolor and charcoal and is self-taught in pen and ink, pastel chalk and most recently, colored pencil. She does not teach. She has completed three commissioned pieces and enjoys a challenge, but prefers to create art for pleasure. Images of Sharol's pieces are shown below.
Sharol Caley was born and raised in Washington, Pennsylvania, just southwest of Pittsburgh. In 2014, she and her husband, Tom, retired and moved to Murphy, NC to be closer to their only son Brian, their lovely daughter-in-law Amy and their only grandson, Ty.
Sharol knew she enjoyed art from the fifth grade. During her thirties, she took her first official art class at the Washington Art Association. There, she took several classes, always preferring to experience new mediums. She won several first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons in the Washington Art Association’s yearly art contests. She has also taken ceramic classes and Ukrainian egg decorating.
Sharol has been instructed in oil, acrylic, watercolor and charcoal and is self-taught in pen and ink, pastel chalk and most recently, colored pencil. She does not teach. She has completed three commissioned pieces and enjoys a challenge, but prefers to create art for pleasure. Images of Sharol's pieces are shown below.
Photography Artist - Joe Alesink
Joseph Alesnik is a well-known photographer in the Bahama Islands. He has been capturing the majestic beauty of the Bahamian sloops for almost 20 years.
His pictures have appeared in the Nassau Guardian and the Exuma Island Breeze newspapers. Hotels, gift shops and restaurants in the Bahamas feature his Regatta sailing sloop photos.
He recently has been splitting his time between the Bahamas and Murphy, North Carolina where he is capturing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains through his photography. Joe's email is Bahamas6@yahoo.com See below images of Joe's work.
Joseph Alesnik is a well-known photographer in the Bahama Islands. He has been capturing the majestic beauty of the Bahamian sloops for almost 20 years.
His pictures have appeared in the Nassau Guardian and the Exuma Island Breeze newspapers. Hotels, gift shops and restaurants in the Bahamas feature his Regatta sailing sloop photos.
He recently has been splitting his time between the Bahamas and Murphy, North Carolina where he is capturing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains through his photography. Joe's email is Bahamas6@yahoo.com See below images of Joe's work.
Posted March 24
April 2019
"Teacher of the Month"
Sheryl Bessette
I love watercolor! I realized that it has been such a gift that I wanted to share it with as many interested people as I can. I found that I could fall back on my career in teaching and apply similar techniques to teach others to paint. Instructing step by step enables each student to complete a lovely painting even without previous painting experience. It’s exciting to see people leave my classes with completed paintings that can be hung! I look forward to sharing this magical medium with many in the days ahead.
For answers to any questions, please call 828.835.8978 or 828.360.4893 or send email to paintinwater2@gmail.com. Samples of her work are shown below.
April 2019
"Teacher of the Month"
Sheryl Bessette
I love watercolor! I realized that it has been such a gift that I wanted to share it with as many interested people as I can. I found that I could fall back on my career in teaching and apply similar techniques to teach others to paint. Instructing step by step enables each student to complete a lovely painting even without previous painting experience. It’s exciting to see people leave my classes with completed paintings that can be hung! I look forward to sharing this magical medium with many in the days ahead.
For answers to any questions, please call 828.835.8978 or 828.360.4893 or send email to paintinwater2@gmail.com. Samples of her work are shown below.
Posted March 24
Congratulations to VRAG member Ann Thompson
This painting, titled "CHAOS", was accepted into the 2019 Festival of Arts, sponsored by the Cumming First United Methodist Church. The exhibition opened with an Artist/Patron Gala Reception on March 23rd and will remain open until April 6th. Galleries are open to the public from noon until 8 pm daily at the church, located at 770 Canton Highway, Cumming GA
Ann Thompson, GWS
Oil, Watercolor and
Mixed Media Painting Artist
706 896 3727
Congratulations to VRAG member Ann Thompson
This painting, titled "CHAOS", was accepted into the 2019 Festival of Arts, sponsored by the Cumming First United Methodist Church. The exhibition opened with an Artist/Patron Gala Reception on March 23rd and will remain open until April 6th. Galleries are open to the public from noon until 8 pm daily at the church, located at 770 Canton Highway, Cumming GA
Ann Thompson, GWS
Oil, Watercolor and
Mixed Media Painting Artist
706 896 3727
Posted March 23
Nifty Fifty Fine Art Sale
Special Event Promoted by the Valley River Arts Guild
Announcing the 2019 fundraising event benefiting this year's Student Art Show. Unique pieces of art, all priced $50 each, will be on sale at The Murphy Art Center (MAC) beginning April 5. Art pieces are generously provided by members of the guild. Sale ends on this year's First Friday Art Walk on May 3.
Everyone is invited to a "Sneak Peak" reception on Friday, April 5 beginning at 3 pm until 6 pm. Refreshments will be served. For answers to any questions, please contact Dianne Gardner at 760.974.6583 or rosie091504@gmail.com.
Student Art Show organizer is Cherokee County Art Council's Director, David Vowell. This annual show will be held April 5 until May 4 in the Cherokee County Arts Council's Gallery. The awards reception is scheduled for May 3. Entry deadline is April 3.
Nifty Fifty Fine Art Sale
Special Event Promoted by the Valley River Arts Guild
Announcing the 2019 fundraising event benefiting this year's Student Art Show. Unique pieces of art, all priced $50 each, will be on sale at The Murphy Art Center (MAC) beginning April 5. Art pieces are generously provided by members of the guild. Sale ends on this year's First Friday Art Walk on May 3.
Everyone is invited to a "Sneak Peak" reception on Friday, April 5 beginning at 3 pm until 6 pm. Refreshments will be served. For answers to any questions, please contact Dianne Gardner at 760.974.6583 or rosie091504@gmail.com.
Student Art Show organizer is Cherokee County Art Council's Director, David Vowell. This annual show will be held April 5 until May 4 in the Cherokee County Arts Council's Gallery. The awards reception is scheduled for May 3. Entry deadline is April 3.
The Valley River Art Guild is comprised of dedication volunteers who work hard to keep the Guild looking beautiful. Each month the store windows are changed out with fresh artwork. There are four large rooms filled with local art by local artists. Shoebooties, a local restaurant downtown has 30 framed pieces of Guild artwork hung in the hallway.
