The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art

#$x%!$x!!!!! until June 3rd

2008-05-22T18:46:00.002-05:00

Well, if you've driven by the Dickson Gallery lately you might have noticed the scaffolding and related construction going on to the building next door. Upon my return from vacation I was greeted with the news that the gallery will have to close temporarily for required structural repairs that have surfaced due to the construction next door. yeah. Did I say yeah?
So...until June 3rd as best I can figure, the gallery will be temporarily closed for these repairs. But...BUT...do not fret, please do not fear...the artwork is safe and sound and can still be purchased through our new online store. Click here to view and purchase our artwork online.
Rest assured...me? I'm fine...I'll be fine. The artwork will be fine, the gallery will be fine...all will be well. So long as you don't forget about us during this time...all will be well.
and yes, please visit us on the web for the latest greatest at www.dicksongallery.com
happiness and dust free,
Rachel

aaaah draweth nigh....

2008-05-08T15:40:00.003-05:00

The ocean is calling...and I must answer.
So...please note that if you were to attempt to enter the front door of the gallery on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week you'll notice a note on the door referencing vacation. Tuesday May 13th and Wednesday May 14th the gallery will not be open. HOWEVER, you can certainly purchase artwork through our online store. just go to www.dicksongallery.com and click on the "online store" link to check it out. The gallery will be open on Thursday May 15th and resume with normal gallery hours.
Just felt the need to give everyone a heads up. It's a perfect time to take a break and rejuvenate. We've all got to refill right? until then...onward with the arts!
Happiness, Rachel

Art on the RADIO!!!

2008-04-30T13:49:00.002-05:00

This morning's radio show was great fun! For those of you who don't know, I now host an online radio show called "Art Speak." And on this morning's show I interviews avant-garde, mixed media artist Amanda Dolan. (see amandadolan.com) A super fun artist! We had a great time talking about her most recent show at the Ward-Nasse gallery in SOHO titled "Call me Crazy."
We also talked about things like what inspires her to paint, how she landed her first show at the Ward-Nasse, what it was like to attend the acclaimed Art Expo in NYC a few months ago and much much more. The interview lasts about 45 minutes...and it's available to listen streaming online.
To listen to the show click here.

Next week's show airing also on Wednesday morning at 9a I'll be interviewing Jai Johnson as we discuss the latest, greatest trends in art sales on the internet.
until then...
Rachel

Bling, pop and zing!

2008-04-23T16:59:00.003-05:00

ok...so I've been prepping the gallery all week for the upcoming jewelry show here at the gallery opening on Friday (just in case you didn't know). and can I just say...WOW!
The upstairs in quickly becoming a beautiful gallery of delectable fine art jewelry...and the prices! OH the PRICES!!! super affordable jewelry at it's best...made by hand by Jackson area artists!
It's oh so gorgeous...and will make the perfect gift for yourself, your girlfriend, your coworkers, your sisters, your mothers (just in time for Mother's day), or your shopping buddy, your favorite person or just whoever you feel like gifting with great jewelry!
Be sure...be SURE you don't miss this event. The doors open at 7pm this Friday, April 25th!
see you there!
Rachel

learn more at www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

It's time for a change...how about some fine art jewelry?

2008-04-21T14:57:00.002-05:00

Well, I've returned from my birthday in the woods. A bit sunburned but my cup is full...thanks to being surrounded by nature all weekend.
But now it's time to gear up for the Dickson Gallery's next BIG DEAL!
Join us for our 4th Annual Venus Soiree April 25-26! A fine art hand-crafted jewelry show featuring jewelry by Jai Johnson, Jacque Hillman, Patricia Twilla, Libby Lynch and Beth Patterson.
Don't let the "fine art" part fool you! We have very affordable jewelry available this weekend at the Dickson Gallery. Hand crafted jewelry for as little at $10!! That's right...you TOO can own a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a necklace from the Dickson Gallery for as little as 10 bucks. You can't get this just anyway ya know. :-)
The opening reception will be held Friday, April 25th from 7:00p-9:00p. And thanks to the gallery next door there will be live music in the street too! So be sure to join us downtown this Friday night for Fabulous Friday at the Dickson Gallery.
for more details visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

It's my birthday and I'm LEAVING!

2008-04-17T14:42:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's true, come tomorrow (Friday, April 18th) I'll be another year older. Amazing, flat out AMAZING how fast a year goes. And even though another year has gone...it was chucked FULL of adventure, beauty, change, wonder and so much more.
So...in honor of my turning the page on another year towards my personal advancement...I'm taking the day off. The gallery will be closed Friday, April 18th in honor of this wonderful day.
I'm going camping this weekend in an effort to absorb some nature....relax a bit...and be on top of it again by next week. Just in time for our big "Venus Soiree" fine art jewelry show.
The gallery will be open on Saturday 4-19 during regular hours...THANK YOU Jai Johnson for helping out!
In the mean time, as you prep for Spring cleaning and renewal in your home and workplace, consider purchasing an original painting, a piece of pottery or a selection of jewelry to brighten up the space that surrounds you. I PROMISE it will be GREAT!
also, be sure to check out our new online store... go to www.dicksongallery.com
happiness, peace and sunshine!
Rachel

Hole in the wall.

2008-04-08T12:43:00.003-05:00

Progress. It's ALL progress!
So I pull up to the gallery today, and can't help but notice that the front of the first level of the building next door to the gallery is GONE! you can see straight thru to the back wall.
Construction...or destruction...whichever. The building next door has sold, and has been undergoing renovations for a couple months. It's pretty much down to it's shell now.
I was standing on the sidewalk in front of the gallery talking to one of the construction guys when from rubble on the ground he picks up a small group of papers and hands it to me. No doubt whatever this was, was old! It had that "old" look to it...the paper was soft, and many pages had holes in them.
It was a checkbook...and the only handwritten thing in it clearly reads April 6, 1915!
Now that's REALLY strange. Almost 93 years ago to the date!!! Holy Smokes!!!
and then I found myself wondering...who lost their checkbook, and how odd that it surfaced over 90 years later. I have this checkbook sitting on my desk next to me, and am wondering if the gallery ghosts have been wandering around looking for this very checkbook. I've noticed that since they've been working on the building next door, the gallery "activity" has increased.
I've done my best to assure whoever these ghosts are that all will be well soon and they'll LOVE their new home in building next door when it's completed (as I think they used to hang out over there more than here previously).
So...a bit of history has surfaced today...from the hole in the wall next door.
Who knew? Just another step in the face lift of downtown Jackson.

rain rain rain makes the grass grow and all things greener...

2008-04-03T16:52:00.004-05:00

One thing that's GREAT about rain...is one sure can get much accomplished indoors!
...and good things continue to happen in downtown Jackson. For those of you who don't know, Euphoria Salon is now open (as of TODAY!!) in what was the le Diva's building across the street from the Gallery here on Lafayette Street. I stopped in and visited with them to check it out and welcome them all to the neighborhood. Now I'm not much of a pedicure, manicure sorta gal...but I can see that to have such treatment...ESPECIALLY in their new place. Oh my goodness!! Nothing but wonderful. And funny thing...Kat Semrau, owner of Art Under a Hot Tin Roof was the first to have a pedicure in their new space. I took a quick tour of the building to see what they've done to the place...and also to get a sneak peak of their services...doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out...top notch! You MUST visit them...SOON! (I probably should mention they also do hair...which I have very little of right now...so I won't be needed a cut or style for a while...but they certainly would make me look like a rock star based upon what I saw there today).
...and of course, our next big deal here at the Dickson Gallery is our 3rd Annual Venus Soiree (fancy term for fine art jewelry show). Featuring art jewelry by Jacque Hillman, Jai Johnson, Libby Lynch, Patricia Twilla and Holly Couch. And just in time for Mother's Day no less...
The big preview party for the Venus Soiree will be held April 25th from 7p-9p.
check it out on the web for all the artsy details at www.dicksongallery.com
until then...onward with the arts and downtown!
Rachel

Last night was FABULOUS!...Friday for sure...

2008-03-29T11:33:00.004-05:00

Last night (March 28th) was Fabulous Friday downtown and more importantly our "FAVR" sell-ART-bration, where we celebrated our 3rd birthday (having been in business for 3 years now). And "FAVR" of course standing for "Fine Art and Vinyl Records." Yes, I said vinyl records...and we had some great ones spinning last night at the gallery (thank you Kiersten for spinning for us).
Was a great birthday party or anniversary party, whichever way you want to "spin" it. We featured lots of new amazing artwork, served some killer chocolate cake, of course wine and cheese, and one of our artists even made sushi out of rice crispy treats and fish gummies. (those were a HUGE hit...thanks Janet Guptill for your food creativity). We also played various (super fun) vinyl records on our record player, and announced and presented the Dickson Gallery 2007 Artist of the Year.
We definitely felt quite appreciated as a gallery last night. The event was well attended by many of our gallery artists (thank you Pat Patrick, Pat Findley, Steve Betts, Steve Parrott, Janet Guptill, Cheres Pennington, Mary Spellings, Weldon Ball, Vickey Race, Jacque Hillman, and Tina Todd for attending!) and all of our community supporters! We received lots of fun gifts! Thank you ALL for those...I've got our new jazz collection cd playing right now in the gallery (thank you Chuck Hatfield!)
...and the press was there in force too. WBBJ TV covered Fabulous Friday in general on the "Live at 5" spot, The Jackson Sun and VIP magazine was both there to cover the festivities as well. SPECIAL thanks to them for getting the word out about the great things going on in the arts and downtown.
We also announced and presented our 2007 Artist of the Year Award winner last night. CONGRATULATIONS to the 2007 Dickson Gallery Artist of the Year winner....Weldon Ball!
so...check out what's on the Jackson Sun today about last night.
click here to see photos in the photo gallery submitted by Jackson Sun Photographer Amanda Herron.
until next time! ...onward for the arts!
Rachel

Hard to believe....we're THREE!!! and we're sell-ART-brating!

2008-03-20T18:33:00.003-05:00

We're calling it "FAVR" for Fine Art and Vinyl Records. Yep, that's right...we're showing favor to our artists in a sell-ART-bration of our third birthday. We're THREE!!!
Join us Friday night, March 28th from 7:00p-9:00p as we break out new artwork by artists such as Weldon Ball, Jai Johnson, Harriet Sells, Vickey Race, Anthony Roberts, Nancy Burleson, Yvonne Brown, and MANY MORE!
...and this is the PERFECT opportunity to dig out your favorites from that vinyl record collection you've been hanging onto. Yep, you heard that right, bring your favorite vinyl record and we'll play it along with other's favorites throughout the evening...as we sell-ART-brate the fact we've made it to THREE! Hard to believe it's been three years already...and whew...a lot has happened in the world of Jackson art in downtown since then! So save the date, March 28th and please join us. oh and we'll also be presenting the award for our 2007 Artist of the Year that night as well....you definitely don't want to miss that.
until then,
Rachel Dickson

You might have been hearing...

2008-03-12T14:14:00.003-05:00

...about my having my head shaved this coming Monday (March 17th). Yes, it's true. The hair is coming off on behalf of Childhood Cancer Research for an event called St. Baldrick's Day. I have the privilege of being the organizer for the Jackson, TN event again this year.
I've set a goal for our event to raise $5,000 and we're well on our way. My personal goal is to raise $1,000 and I'm working feverishly toward that end. If you have a family member or friend who has suffered from this terrible disease you can donate in their honor too!
Click here to donate for this worthy cause.
Join us, Monday, March 17th at 5:00p, Buffalo Wild Wings on Vann Drive here in Jackson. It's gonna be loads of fun...come watch and support such a worthy cause.
Rachel

NEW!! Dickson Gallery launches online store!

2008-03-10T15:17:00.003-05:00

Yep, it's true! You can now buy Dickson Gallery Art at our online store! We're adding paintings weekly and will soon be adding pottery and jewelry selections.
We've partnered with a company called ecrater to provide this special service to our customers all over the world.
Affordable, fine art from the Dickson Gallery, now available through: http://dicksongallery.ecrater.com/

a big hit!

2008-03-10T15:14:00.003-05:00

Well, the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art hit another home run with our "Nothing but Nude" art show opening held on Friday, Feb. 29th.

People's Choice Award:
"3 of 7" painted by Jay Meeks.
Best of Show:
"3 of 7" painted by Jay Meeks.

Special thanks to all of you who've attended the show...and as a reminder this show continues through Friday, March 14th at 4:00p.

Hey, take note of our next event here at the Dickson:
"R & R" - Retro Art and Records.
to learn more visit: www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Media mahem....

2008-02-29T10:45:00.002-06:00

Well it's nearly zero hour as we continue to put the final touches on the gallery for the "Nothing by Nude" opening tonight.
I was on 101.5 fm this morning talking with Steve and Greg during the 7:30a segment. What a hoot they are about our art opening tonight. The only time 101.5 and any of their staff has said anything about any of our shows....figures it'd be the nude show. But how perfect! Press is press!
...and to keep the anticipation in the air about our opening at 7p tonight...I'm the gallery doors will be locked until then (7:00p)...we've had a few folks come through this week checking to see if they could catch an early glance...all of which have had nothing but GREAT, raving reviews about the pieces selected.
"Best of Show" has been chosen and that ribbon will be awarded to the deserving artist this evening, and the People's Choice will be chosen and awarded tonight as well...thanks to the votes of those who attend tonight...so come one, come all...it's gonna be a night to remember in downtown Jackson Tennessee here at the Dickson Gallery.
for details about this show and other upcoming events visit: www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

"Nothing but Nude" ~ Opening Tonight (Friday 2-29) at 7:00p-9:00p

We're live on eplus TV 6! Tuesday at 2p cst!

2008-02-25T12:16:00.003-06:00

Hey Dickson Gallery fans!!! Tune in tomorrow via the internet at 2p CST for "Six in the City" a local tv talk show about all things Jackson and Madison County. I'm gonna be on the show talking about our upcoming "Nothing but Nude" art opening. This is a one hour show with multiple segments. Not sure which segment we'll be put into...but hey, watch the whole show...who knows what all little fun tidbits you'll find about our fair city?
Tune in via the internet by going to www.eplustv6.com
Airs at 2:00pm CST and then replays multiple times throughout the week via local tv station JEA Eplus TV6 and also on the internet it will be archived for viewing there again later too.
OH!!
onward for the arts!
Rachel
for more details about the upcoming "Nothing but Nude" show visit www.dicksongallery.com

Cnn.com video states "Art as an investment"

2008-02-20T17:42:00.003-06:00

CNN's Christine Romans takes a look at an "off-the-wall" investment that could be "Right on the Money."
Click here to watch video clip.
CNN.com posted this interesting video referencing the value of owning artwork as not only being a potentially wise investment but also talks about the beauty of owning art.
"Art is an enjoyable thing to invest in," says Michael Moses co-founder of the Mei Moses Fine Art Index and www.artasanasset.com
see for yourself...click on the image to the left to view this video.

Dickson Gallery artist Jacque Hillman's tv debut!

2008-02-20T14:25:00.003-06:00

Congratulations is in order to Dickson Gallery jewelry artist, Jacque Hillman. Tennessee Crossroads, a Nashville Public Stations contribution to Tennessee artists and artisans featured a segment recently showing Jacque's work.
It's exciting to watch Jacque's work blossom in the short time we've been representing her work here in her hometown of Jackson, TN.
To view this segment online simply click on the image to the left or click here.

Lookin' good!

2008-02-16T11:45:00.002-06:00

We're well underway in our "gear up" for the Dickson Gallery's next art opening "Nothing but Nude" Feb 29-Mar 14. Yes, we're hosting Jackson's first ever all nude fine art show...but taking careful precaution to ensure all the artwork is very classy and tastefully presented.
Entries are all but in, selections are being made, artwork will be delivered next week, the show will be hung on the walls the following week just in time for the opening on Friday night, February 29th.
I'm excited, the artists are excited, and I have faith that the community will also embrace this yet another great art experience at the Dickson Gallery.
for all the details see www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
(oh and tornado recovery is well underway, those effects are working towards putting the pieces back together.)
happiness,
Rachel

Here's a photo of that nasty booger!

2008-02-08T09:41:00.001-06:00

Customers in Jackson, TN from Montreal, Quebec, Canada took this shot from a cell phone as the tornado approached Jackson on Feb. 5, 2008. They were staying at the Old English Inn. This photo was submitted to the Jackson Sun by Keith Mosley.
The most incredible photos though are the aerials taken by Andrew McMurtie, photographer for the Jackson Sun as he rode along yesterday morning in the black hawk helicopter that carried Governor Phil Bredesen around to view the aftermath. Also on the aerial tour was Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and FEMA Director David Paulson.
To view some pretty amazing photo galleries of the damage from this ugly tornado that blasted Jackson on Tuesday night visit: The Jackson Sun's Photo Archive.

How you can help...tornado recovery efforts in Jackson, TN.

2008-02-07T15:48:00.000-06:00

There's been a lot of inquiry by folks wanting to offer assistance towards the recovery efforts here in Jackson to Union University students, Jackson area residences who've lost their homes and so forth. MANY people have lost their homes in and around the I-40 area.
Here's some resources, contact information that will be helpful.

Union University's Recovery website: http://uurecovery.blogspot.com/
(there's now a 24hr Call Center to learn where to go and how to help)

also...the Red Cross is also a leader in the recovery process. Donations can be made to
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
Jackson Area Chapter
1981 Hollywood Dr, Jackson, TN 38305
731-427-5543
redcross@aeneas.net

Also to keep abreast of ongoing updates see: www.jacksonsun.com

Again, we here at the Dickson Gallery received no damage and are all fine...
Thank you to the many of you who've called and emailed inquiring as to our wellbeing.

Sincerely,
Rachel Dickson

The day after, we're counting our blessings!

2008-02-06T16:33:00.000-06:00

Many, MANY friends and family members have been contacting me via email and by phone about the tornado(s) that hit Jackson, TN last night (2-5-08).
I'm counting my blessings today...that's for sure!
We here at the Dickson Gallery send out our thoughts and prayers to those who've lost their homes, experienced damage to their cars, and have belongings blown all over town. I've talked to all of our member artists who I knew might have been in the path of that nasty thing last night. Many spoke of "smelling its breath" it was so close. But miraculously, Dickson Gallery artists are all here uninjured and have little if any damage. Untold numbers of Jacksonians don't have homes, don't have cars, and I'm sure you've heard of the damage at Union University and the surrounding residential areas.
For official, up-to-date, play-by-play details of the aftermath progress Union has put up a blog site to keep everyone informed as to how we can help...
see: http://uuemergency.blogspot.com/
see: http://uu.edu/
For the best local coverage of what's where, who's who, and what's been effected check out the Jackson Sun's website: www.jacksonsun.com
To see reader submitted photos of just how much damage and to see just how powerful nature can be see (which is what the photo above came from) : reader submitted photos here
Thankfully, the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art is unscathed...and I'm fine as well. I have a whole new respect today for storm shelters! They might not be the most comfortable things...but heck, comfort goes out the window in such times. You also learn what's truly valuable in life during such times.
Most of the damage occurred just North of I-4o across a pretty wide path through the middle of Jackson.
Thank you to all of you who inquired as to my personal status! It has meant a lot!
I'm certainly counting my blessings today...and note to the wise, when you hear the tornado sirens seek shelter immediately. I know I certainly respect that sound...not to mention the sound of snapping trees.
sincerely,
Rachel Dickson

#58 Put Art in Your Life!!

2008-01-28T10:38:00.000-06:00

I'm a HUGE Tom Peter's fan. In fact, when it comes to business progressive thought...this is the guy I turn to for information. He's a business-info guru! And at the same time, he's not touting rhetoric that we've all heard over and over and over. He understands staying "ahead of the pack" in how one runs they're business, department and even themselves.
So...every now and then, I go to his website to see what the latest greatest mind-blowing thoughts are...low and behold I found a .pdf titled "Tom Peter's 100 Ways to Succeed/Make Money" -item #51-75. So I clicked there and low and behold I smiled when I read #58!!!! Here's a guy who studies all facets of business everyday. Talks to hundreds of fortune 500 CEO's and Execs...travels all over the world speaking to thousands upon thousands weekly...and yet...READ what he rights as NUMBER FIFTY EIGHT!!
Click here to download the .pdf and see for yourself. (scroll down to see #58) I love it when I find business people whom I respect...and they validate my own ideas. LOVE THAT!!!
So I'll go ahead and say it here...if you don't have art in your place of work, where you live, and where you play...you're missing the boat. We ALL need inspiration around us to keep us pushing towards that person we're working to become!! Let it be ART!
happy inspiration! ...oh and check out www.tompeters.com and be prepared to be inspired!
Rachel

The next big thing!

2008-01-16T18:15:00.001-06:00

Yep...it's time...for our second annual pottery show!
The opening reception for this super cool "all things stoneware" show and sale is Friday evening, January 25th from 7p-9p. Promise you won't want to miss this. I'm excited to say...I was able to hand pluck (right out of the artist's studio) some of the pottery that will be available to purchase at this show...and I also promise...if you love pottery...or just like it...you'll NOT be disappointed.
I was speaking with someone recently who I knew really loves pottery...and he said, "why is it that potters think we want the same color and design in all of our pottery? Isn't that the fun of having pottery? That each piece is unique and different?" Of course, I had to agree! I LOVE LOVE LOVE earthy pottery...so guess what we got for this show...just for YOU? Yep, you guessed it...earthy pottery. Hence the name: "From the Earth." So put it on your calendar...and I'll meet you here, in our very own downtown Jackson Tennessee. Friday night, January 25th at 7p. Don't be late...cause they're gonna go fast! need more info see www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
Happiness, Rachel Dickson

Hurray for the arts!!

2008-01-07T13:47:00.000-06:00

I just found out something of interest to me...and if you're an art lover...you'll likely be interested in this too. December 26, President George W. Bush signed an omnibus appropriations bill for FY 2008 that includes $144.7 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This represents an increase of $20.1 million over the 2007 funding level of $124.562 million.
Who KNEW??!! Haven't seen this one in the mainstream media...but...there it is!
Check out what the NEA had to say about it by click here:
http://www.nea.gov/news/news07/Budget2008.html
In owning and operating the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art...I've come to learn the value of the arts in our everyday lives...at work, at home and at play.
Onward for the Arts!

Marketing Miracle Phrases...how I use them!

2008-01-07T13:11:00.001-06:00

One of the very important things I do here at the Dickson Gallery is marketing and promotion of our gallery artists, their artwork and of course gallery events. Writing press releases and coming up with "marketing jargon" for each and every one of these can be very challenging and time consuming. Until...I found this neat little tool I'd spend countless hours toiling over how to get across what I was attempting to promote. WOW! What a lifesaver/timesaver this little gem has proven to be over and over again.
Marketing Miracle Phrases was originally an e-book that one of my artists put together years ago when she was faced with the very same challenges...recreating sales lingo for items she creates. But now it's spiral bound! Jai is one of the most marketing minded artists I know...so who better to have compiled this book. The best part? It's only $19.95 and it's now spiral bound so you can refer to it over and over and over.
SOooooooooooo well worth EVERY penny!! I promise you that. This isn't one of those scam things...that you throw your money at...and you toss in it your trash can the next day. Oh no...this one's a keeper!! So if you recognize the value of having every word count in your marketing efforts...you'll purchase this book.
go see for yourself...I promise THIS is worth your taking a second to check it out.
www.MarketingMiraclePhrases.com
I have used this invaluable resource over and over an over in writing radio commercial ad scripts to post card mailers promoting gallery events to website copy. I'm very pleased with the built in value of this little gem...and I'm confident you will be too. Thank you Jai Johnson for seeing the need for this tool and putting it together and making it available for the rest of us!