Posted February 20
Introducing March's "Teacher Of The Month"
Since retiring from her Nurse Practitioner career and moving to the Georgia Mountains, Joyce now shares her enthusiasm for painting and crafts by offering group and private classes. Her classes are designed to be fun and easy for beginners, as you learn basic techniques. She strives to inspire students to continue painting and to enjoy the creative process by being fearless and playful.
Joyce is a landscape watercolor artist who loves to paint outdoors. She leads a local plein air painting group including artists of all media. Joyce paints with a representational impressionist style using transparent watercolors. Her works may be seen at ArtWorks Gallery in Hiawassee, the Murphy Art Center, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Classes are held at these locations also.
Painting with alcohol inks and rag rug weaving are additional creative pursuits Joyce enjoys. She applies colorful ink to a variety of surfaces such as Yupo paper, ceramic tile, glass, and silk. Her “evening craft” is up cycling fabric into mats and rugs using a method called “twinning” on a loom frame. Visit her Facebook page “Joyce Clair Art” for notices of upcoming classes and plein air painting outings. Joyce's email address is clairjoy@hotmail.com.
Joyce has been painting watercolors for 30 years. She first took drawing and photography classes at the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D.C. Then she began weekly watercolor classes for two years with Dr. Morris Green, Maryland College of Art & Design. Joyce attended workshops with well-known watercolor artists Frank Webb, Zoltan Szabo, Skip Lawrence, and Tom Lynch. Her watercolor works are influenced by the watercolor master, Ed Whitney (1891-1987).
Introducing March's "Teacher Of The Month"
Since retiring from her Nurse Practitioner career and moving to the Georgia Mountains, Joyce now shares her enthusiasm for painting and crafts by offering group and private classes. Her classes are designed to be fun and easy for beginners, as you learn basic techniques. She strives to inspire students to continue painting and to enjoy the creative process by being fearless and playful.
Joyce is a landscape watercolor artist who loves to paint outdoors. She leads a local plein air painting group including artists of all media. Joyce paints with a representational impressionist style using transparent watercolors. Her works may be seen at ArtWorks Gallery in Hiawassee, the Murphy Art Center, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Classes are held at these locations also.
Painting with alcohol inks and rag rug weaving are additional creative pursuits Joyce enjoys. She applies colorful ink to a variety of surfaces such as Yupo paper, ceramic tile, glass, and silk. Her “evening craft” is up cycling fabric into mats and rugs using a method called “twinning” on a loom frame. Visit her Facebook page “Joyce Clair Art” for notices of upcoming classes and plein air painting outings. Joyce's email address is clairjoy@hotmail.com.
Joyce has been painting watercolors for 30 years. She first took drawing and photography classes at the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D.C. Then she began weekly watercolor classes for two years with Dr. Morris Green, Maryland College of Art & Design. Joyce attended workshops with well-known watercolor artists Frank Webb, Zoltan Szabo, Skip Lawrence, and Tom Lynch. Her watercolor works are influenced by the watercolor master, Ed Whitney (1891-1987).
Posted February 6
Meet Our Teachers Event Hailed a Success
Ten of our talents art instructors set up exhibits and demonstrated their talents during our recent Meet Our Teachers event. Below are a few images from the event.
A few highlights from the event include, three new classes were registered, two new teachers signed up and one new guild member joined our ranks. One of the new classes is a music class. Check our Classes page often for easy registration information and details on each and every class. The MACkey Mouse Art Club page is also updated often for all things artful for our communities' youth.
Meet Our Teachers Event Hailed a Success
Ten of our talents art instructors set up exhibits and demonstrated their talents during our recent Meet Our Teachers event. Below are a few images from the event.
A few highlights from the event include, three new classes were registered, two new teachers signed up and one new guild member joined our ranks. One of the new classes is a music class. Check our Classes page often for easy registration information and details on each and every class. The MACkey Mouse Art Club page is also updated often for all things artful for our communities' youth.
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Betsy Henn Bailey
Betsy has some kids classes upcoming. Visit the MACkey Mouse Art Club page for more information. |
Tim Ford
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Penny Johnson and Carmen Haynes
Penny is the Education Committee Chairman. Check out the Classes page for all upcoming adult classes. |
Posted January 21
Introducing "February's Teacher of the Month"
Nancy Feinman Nowak earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Cleveland Institute of Art in 1981, where her main interests were Enameling and Oil painting. After owning both a calligraphy and printing business, she rededicated herself to her art. Striving to evoke an emotional response and awareness to the everyday beauty that surrounds us, Nancy paints in the representational style with an impressionist flair. Nancy offers workshops and classes in pastel, focusing on landscapes.
She is a Master Circle member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, a Signature Member of Pastel Society of America, a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society, and a Member of Excellence in the Southeastern Pastel Society. Nancy serves on the Board of The International Society of Pastel Societies. Originally from New Jersey, Nancy now resides in the Atlanta, GA area with her husband Don and dog Beaux. When not painting or working, you can often find her at the golf course or curled up reading a good book.
Introducing "February's Teacher of the Month"
Nancy Feinman Nowak earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Cleveland Institute of Art in 1981, where her main interests were Enameling and Oil painting. After owning both a calligraphy and printing business, she rededicated herself to her art. Striving to evoke an emotional response and awareness to the everyday beauty that surrounds us, Nancy paints in the representational style with an impressionist flair. Nancy offers workshops and classes in pastel, focusing on landscapes.
She is a Master Circle member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, a Signature Member of Pastel Society of America, a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society, and a Member of Excellence in the Southeastern Pastel Society. Nancy serves on the Board of The International Society of Pastel Societies. Originally from New Jersey, Nancy now resides in the Atlanta, GA area with her husband Don and dog Beaux. When not painting or working, you can often find her at the golf course or curled up reading a good book.
Posted January 21
Introducing "February's Artists of the Month"
Introducing "February's Artists of the Month"
3D Artist of the Month
Gail Bymun
I first began sewing when I was 6 years old. My mother taught me how to make clothes for my Barbie dolls and I was hooked! I continued sewing through my school years, designing most of my wardrobe clothes, evening gowns and eventually my wedding gown.
After college came family and career – no time for additional hobbies. Years passed and now my husband and I are happily retired from the corporate world and living in our dream home here in the north Georgia mountains. Once again I have time to pursue my love of the art.
Today I am a member of the Murphy North Carolina Valley River Art Guild, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, the Blue Ridge Fiber Arts Guild. I also have an established online business – GailsQuiltCreations – which is showcased on Etsy.com and
at my own site.
In addition to this, I have participated in multiple craft shows in the north Georgia mountains region. My work includes quilts and wall hangings of all sizes, plus smaller items for the kitchen, infant/toddlers, and home décor, all of which I personally design and sew myself.
Gails Quilt Creations on Etsy
Gails Quilt Creations Website
For answers to any questions, please email Gail at gail.bymun@gmail.com
Painter of the Month - Sheryl Bessette
I have always been intrigued by the softness exhibited in a watercolor painting. This interest led me to a beginner watercolor class in 2008 and I have been enjoying this magical medium ever since.
My paintings and style have become an expression of how I see God's beautiful creations whether they are the mountains, trees, flowers or animals.
Watercolor lends itself to a loose style, allowing the pigment to flow and the colors to blend almost magically. It is what I love most about this medium!
“I paint because it gives me great joy and I hope to share that joy with the viewer.”
Sheryl Bessette
Sheryl also has a background in teaching which she believes has enhanced her ability to teach others to paint in watercolor. She teaches classes at VRAG, TCCC and her home studio.
For answers to any questions, please call 828.835.8978 or 828.360.4893 or send email to paintinwater2@gmail.com.
I have always been intrigued by the softness exhibited in a watercolor painting. This interest led me to a beginner watercolor class in 2008 and I have been enjoying this magical medium ever since.
My paintings and style have become an expression of how I see God's beautiful creations whether they are the mountains, trees, flowers or animals.
Watercolor lends itself to a loose style, allowing the pigment to flow and the colors to blend almost magically. It is what I love most about this medium!
“I paint because it gives me great joy and I hope to share that joy with the viewer.”
Sheryl Bessette
Sheryl also has a background in teaching which she believes has enhanced her ability to teach others to paint in watercolor. She teaches classes at VRAG, TCCC and her home studio.
For answers to any questions, please call 828.835.8978 or 828.360.4893 or send email to paintinwater2@gmail.com.
Photographer of the Month
Jim Allsopp
Jim has had an interest in photography since he got his first 35 mm camera
when he was in college.
Originally from Chicago, Jim now enjoys hiking and exploring here in the Smoky Mountains, and he travels extensively throughout the country. Jim’s emphasis is landscapes and nature.
He is a retired meteorologist and amateur astronomer who always has an eye to the sky, and also loves beautiful skyscapes and astrophotography.
Jim Allsopp
Jim has had an interest in photography since he got his first 35 mm camera
when he was in college.
Originally from Chicago, Jim now enjoys hiking and exploring here in the Smoky Mountains, and he travels extensively throughout the country. Jim’s emphasis is landscapes and nature.
He is a retired meteorologist and amateur astronomer who always has an eye to the sky, and also loves beautiful skyscapes and astrophotography.
Senior Friendly Classes
NEW For 2019
New senior friendly classes are now being offered at The MAC (Murphy Art Center) on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
We recommend preregistration. The MAC is located at 33 Valley River Ave., downtown Murphy and is wheelchair accessible. If transportation is needed, please call Cherokee County Transit in advance at 828.835.4548.
Check the Classes Page for upcoming Senior Friendly Classes
NEW For 2019
New senior friendly classes are now being offered at The MAC (Murphy Art Center) on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
- Classes begin at 10 am and end at 11:30 am.
- The artist members of the Valley River Arts Guild want to reach out to all seniors of our community and offer an art experience at an affordable cost for seniors.
- Our goal is to offer enriching experiences at a level seniors are comfortable with.
- Price and size of class will depend upon the teacher and will vary each month.
- For answers to any questions contact Penny Johnson, at 828.494.7403 or email her at cockapoos4u@yahoo.com.
We recommend preregistration. The MAC is located at 33 Valley River Ave., downtown Murphy and is wheelchair accessible. If transportation is needed, please call Cherokee County Transit in advance at 828.835.4548.
Check the Classes Page for upcoming Senior Friendly Classes
Posted January 3
Did We Happen To Mention - We Won Second Place?
The 2018 Murphy White Lights Contest was judged by Mayor Ramsey and Janet Ramsey
Below is the Large Display Category Winners:
Below is the Small Window Display Category Winners:
Did We Happen To Mention - We Won Second Place?
The 2018 Murphy White Lights Contest was judged by Mayor Ramsey and Janet Ramsey
Below is the Large Display Category Winners:
- 1st Place – Western Carolina Real Estate
- 2nd Place – Bistro 29
- 3rd Place – Chevelles
- Honorable Mentions
- Market Place Antiques
- Lotsa Memories
- Valley River Brewery
- The Hackney
- Honorable Mentions
Below is the Small Window Display Category Winners:
- 1st Place – Gallery 26
- 2nd Place – Valley River Arts Guild
- 3rd Place – Pinch
- Honorable Mentions
- Black and White
- Country Pets
- Farm Credit
- Turner and Turner
- Honorable Mentions
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.
