We were one of the lucky ones...

Severe Storms seem to have a life renewing effect on us. I find myself greatful to be alive, safe and in simply having a home.....Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who's homes were damaged or destroyed, or had family or friends killed in the recent tornadoes that ripped through Dyer County, and Dyersburg, Tennessee as well as Bradford and Newbern, TN. AND Caruthersville, MO. I'm all too familiar with the heaviness such damage creates...but rest assured...this too shall pass.
For details, images and news coverage see www.jacksonsun.com
Warmest Regards,
Rachel

Catchin' Up....aaaaah

Sign of relief...I'm catching up on things today. It's been quiet downtown on this gorgious Saturday afternoon. A few trickle through art lovers...but for the most part the wine and cheese I put out today at the gallery went untouched. But that's ok...I've had a chance to catch up on things.
Have added Jacque Hillman's jewelry to the gallery website: http://www.dicksongallery.com/artist_jacque_hillman.htm and also updated the events section among other things. Of course, I also spent some time cleaning up the gallery from last night's open house. We have probably 50 folks come through last night. It was just what I was looking for...a laid back, casual evening of fine art and fun music. The Acoustic guitar by Rob Allen was GREAT!! ...and of course, Denny Anderson rocked Lafayette Street downtown with his saxaphone playing.
If you didn't make it...you missed another great event at the Dickson Gallery. Check out http://www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm for upcoming events and be sure to join our email list so you don't forget as we know 'tis the busy season.
Happiness,
Rachel Dickson

Fine art & Fine Wine March 31st.

Don't forget...Fabulous Friday is tomorrow night at the Dickson Gallery.
"Fine art & Fine Wine" from 7p-9p.
Come enjoy our relaxed atmosphere, have a glass of wine and meet some of our artists while meadering through and looking at our newest art selections.
Live saxophone by Denny Anderson and acoustic guitar by a very special guest.
See you then!
Rachel
www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

NPR visits downtown Jackson!

Hey everyone...
Jackson downtown got some great radio coverage thanks to WKNO (90.1 fm for those of us who listen here in Jackson) the NPR station out of Memphis.
I got to meet Daryl Snodgrass & Kacky Walton and talk on the air a bit about downtown and the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art! It was great fun to participate live on the air via the Painted Lady (which was where they set up to do their live remote).
Their purpose? WKNO's membership drive time...and how COOL that they picked downtown Jackson to visit and broadcast from throughout the afternoon yesterday and today (3/29 & 3/30).
The Painted Lady of downtown was hopping both days! Lots of folks stopped by throughout the afternoon to visit and speak on the air about what NPR radio means to us here in Jackson.
If you ever have been to the gallery on a Saturday, you likely will have heard 90.1 fm playing in the background as I'm a big fan of Car Talk, What do you Know, Says You and of course my all time favorite radio program....Prairie Home Companion.
Of course, classical music and art fit hand in hand....and yes, the Dickson Gallery is now a member of the WKNO radio stations.
Special thanks to Daryl & Kacky and the other staff that made this visit to downtown Jackson a possibility. ...and for those of you who live in Memphis...come see us.
Happiness,
Rachel

We're on TV in Jackson, TN!!

We're on TV!!! If you get JEA cable here in Jackson, Tennessee...then tune in to channel 6 for "Six in the City" and watch me talk about St Baldrick's and the Dickson Gallery...
Here's a list of when this week's show is on...and let me know what you think.

3/30 Thurs. 9:30a
3/30 Thurs. 5:00p
3/30 Thurs.11:00p,
3/31 Fri. 9:30a
3/31 Fri. 5:30p

Happiness,
Rachel Dickson

ok...ok...everyone keeps asking...

All right...here's a photo that will hopefully hold everyone over until I can get a better angled shot. I've posted my "after" photo to the St Baldrick's website. Check it out...I'm amazed at just how fast the old hair is growing...after having been shaved to the scalp...it's coming back in quite nicely now. Special thanks to all of you who donated to the cause!
Watch here for more soon...
Happy and Hairless,
Rachel

brrrrrrrrrrr!

It's done. The hair is gone...and oooooooh, it's cold. Ever wonder just how much heat hair keeps in? Well, let me fill ya in...LOTS! Sitting here with a hat on and can feel the heat swarming around the top of my head.
Last night was lots of fun...we haven't finalized all the numbers just yet...but we had 12 shavees, 8 of which jumped up to the shavee stool johnny on the spot! We got lots of news coverage and thus far have raised just over $4,000 dollars!!
Thanks to everyone who participated and gave generously!
Happiness,
Rachel

Zero Day...6pm

I have mixed feelings at the moment...it's 10:00am Friday March 17th. Today being the day --"off with the hair" happens. I don't have mixed feelings about losing my hair...no, that's not the issue. It's this dad-burn disease cancer that mixes my feelings. I've lost my grandfather and my aunt to cancer...and another more distant relative...not to mention a neighbor and now a very good friend is dealing with this ugly disease.
I'm confident that if you don't already know someone who's struggled with cancer...you will and I'm thrilled to be doing something about it! I'm a doer...and when someone you know is diagnosed with cancer of any kind...it hits you in the gut and sends you into a talespin of "what can I do to help?" Most of us are forced to simply sit by and watch to process...and PRAY that the fight is not lost to this cruel beast we call cancer.
So tonight...is more my way to stand up to this disease...after all...we must start somewhere in working toward a solution. So why not start with the children?
Curesearch is a great place to start...they are the organization where the bulk of funds raised by tonights event (St Baldrick's-Jackson, TN) will go to. Check them out...www.curesearch.org
AND it's NOT too late to donate to the 'cause (having my head shaved in support of childhood cancer research) go online to http://www.stbaldricks.org/ShaveePhoto.asp?SolNumber=15327471 to donate on my soon to be bald head's behalf now.
ONLY 8 more hours and it's "off with the hair me boy" on this a lovely green St Patrick's Day!
If you live here in Jackson, Tennessee or the surrounding area...come on out and participate in this unique St Patrick's Day celebration. Join us at Lola's Bar & Grill downtown Jackson (217 W Main St)at 6:00pm...also enjoy the music by Celtic Band "Kula", the Grove, Peter Moon and of course, 45South. for more information visit www.dicksongallery.com
...and down with cancer!! blah.
Rachel

Rachel's Going bald for Childhood Cancer Research!

The photo on the left is me getting shaved on behalf of childhood cancer research on St. Baldrick's Day 2005. Well, I decided to do it again! How much is one's hair worth anyway? A life?
Soooo, join me and many others as we get brave and go bald, Friday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day), downtown Jackson at Lola's Bar & Grill at 6:00pm.
My goal is to raise $1,000 of which I've met $300 thus far. SOOooo, I need your help. If 14 of my friends donate $50 then I'll have met my goal. To learn more about this event click here...
and you MUST, MUST, MUST attend this event Friday night. Not only will there be head shavings for a GREAT CAUSE (the St. Baldrick's Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research), but also headliner band 45South, Celtic Band Kula, and much more! ...and of course to make a donation on my bald head's behalf click here.
PLEASE don't let my bare, naked head be a bad hair day.
Rachel

30 seconds or less?

You may have heard ...the Dickson Gallery has summed it up in 30 seconds or less. An audio clip of who we are, what we do, and why...all scrunched into this little snippet of audio.

Click here to listen...

Art Display at First Tennessee in North Jackson

First Tennessee Bank (Jackson, TN) and the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art (downtown Jackson) invite you to view a selection of artwork created by West Tennessee artists on display March 9th thru March 20th at the First Tennessee Bank located at 325 Oil Well Road. The opening reception was held Thursday evening, March 9th from 6:30p-8:00p. Special thanks to First Tennessee bank for generously giving away a gift certificate for a piece of artwork. Congratulations Nancy!
Be sure to stop in and show your appreciation to First Tennessee for being the first bank in the Jackson area to host an art show...and of course, you'll want to view the artwork too.

"ketchup"

WOW! Lots has been going on...and many of you who might not have made it to Roy Elmer's art opening may be wondering how that all went.
Roy's show went quite well. The evening weather was in our favor and it was a gorgious evening! Many folks came out as a pre-Mardi Gras party as the downtown Mardi Gras party officially began at the conclusion of Roy's opening reception Friday evening.
Roy got some wonderful exposure...and many were thrilled to have met him and learned what a down-to-earth guy he is.
Saturday proved also to be a great day. Then Roy packed up what remained and he and Dee headed off for New Orleans on Sunday in preparation for their departure with "Barge Across America"...being that Roy Elmer is their resident artists for their tours.
All in all...was another great art event here in downtown Jackson.
more to come...
Rachel

Sleepless in Seattle...and Feb 24th.

Was at the gallery until 1:30a this morning printing and cutting invitations in fear that the incoming bad weather might kill power...also knowing that invites had to go out today anyway. After a few hours sleep and a trip to the Post Office...all's well. They're on there way...
Not much traffic out today due to the snow/sleet/ice we got overnight...in fact there's all but three cars downtown at the moment. One of which is mine...but gives me a chance to do some much needed catch up today.
As you may know...we're making final preparations for another art opening coming up this next Friday, Feb 24th from 7p-9p. Presenting Roy Elmer...and extraordinary watercolorist.
Click here to learn more about this coming art show.
hope to see you there...
Rachel
P.S. Stay tuned...wait until I tell you about the up coming St Patrick's Day celebration downtown.

LIVE AUDIO!

Last weekend I (Rachel Dickson) had the privilege of being interviewed on "Community Focus" a local radio program that aired on AM 1390, Rock 92.3 FM, and Eagle 104.1 FM. Turned out to be a lot of fun!
Now ANYONE can listen in as I speak with host Ron Haney about Downtown Jackson, coming events, the Dickson Gallery of fine art, how I got started with the art gallery, why I chose downtown, myths about art galleries, various stories about folks who've visited the gallery and much more.
This is now a streaming 30 minute audio interview...Check it out!!
click here to listen now...

What a SHOW!

Wowsas! For our first ever fine art jewelry show at the Dickson Gallery...I have to say...it was a success. 7 jewelers under one roof what quite a feat...but judging by the positive comments from crowd and electric energy created by the artists, the live music and the art itself...WOW!
Special thanks to the MANY artists who made this event come off with such smoothness.
Pat Findley, Jai Johnson, Pat Patrick, Julia Humphreys, Dana Brooks, Jennie Mitchell, Harriet Sells, Holly Couch and also to Marianne Cox who jumped right in and helped things run smooth. Also special thanks to member artists who attended and brought those scrumptious goodies!
(I so hope I didn't leave anyone out! Please forgive me if I did...as there were so many people who made this event a success.)
We also received some press coverage by the Jackson-Today, and the Jackson Sun.
I'd have to say over all...a great night of fine art in downtown Jackson!
Happiness,
Rachel

Only 7 more hours!!!

whhhoooaaaa! We here at the Dickson Gallery are feverishly making final preparations for the Venus Soiree fine art jewelry extravaganza this evening (Fri. January 27th from 7p-9p). The gallery is gorgeous, the jewelry is stunning and it's going to be an incredible display of the areas finest jewelers!! Our fine art jewelers are so excited they can hardly stand it!
If you're in or around the Jackson, TN area you MUST attend tonight!
for more details visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
Got lots to do ...See you tonight!
Rachel

THANKS PAT FINDLEY!

whew...spent the entire afternoon beginning to re-design the layout of the gallery in preparation for over 300 pieces of jewelry arriving for our Jewelry show Friday & Saturday. It's 8:30p Tuesday and there's TONS to do. The gallery looks TOTALLY different with what we've done thuse far...Thanks SO much to Pat Findley for helping me this afternoon. (Couldn't have gotten near as much accomplished without her help). I just hope we have enough surface area ready for all this great jewelry to be displayed in the way it deserves.
So I'm prepping for a lot of "flying by the seat of my pants" over the next 3 days. Seems to happen a lot in the art gallery business. But it's hard to prepare a gallery when you don't even have all the jewelry you're supposed to be displaying yet...I'm getting ahead of myself a bit...but want to be as ready as I can come show time.
I'm expecting a HUGE crowd of folks as jewelry is such a unique form of art that everyone can afford! I always seem to stress out about making sure everyone has a good time AND finds exactly what they're looking for...so I'm gonna call it a day and head home so I can get back at it fresh in the morning.
More soon...
Rachel

Jewelry show preparations!

I'm here at the gallery today for the "countdown" to our next fine art show Friday and Saturday, January 27-28. The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art will be hosting our first ever fine art jewelry show! We're excited to be the first gallery in the Jackson, TN area to feature the work of jewelry artists Jai Johnson, Libby Lynch, Julia Humphreys, Amanda Bain and Holly Couch and their fantastic jewelry...and in such a scale.
YES! SIX fine art jewelry creators with a vast array of distinctive jewelry in Friday-Saturday Show. We're expecting to have over 300 pieces of jewelry to choose from! The opening reception will be Friday, Jan. 27 from 7p-9p. Live music will be performed by flutist Cynthia Wise Clark throughout the evening on Friday. The show will continue through Saturday, January 28th until 4pm. For more information check out our events page at dicksongallery.com/events.htm

First Friday Forum Downtown

I just returned from the First Friday Forum meeting of 2006, where Jackson City Mayor Charles Farmer presents his annual address regarding the past and present of Jackson, TN. He had very solid things to say about downtown Jackson and the City of Jackson as a whole. Overall a great reporting of the progress in 2005.
I also bumped into Mary Bearden (Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Corp.), and she met me with much enthusiasm regarding the coming year...a testament to the progress and plans in the works. Rest assured....GREAT THINGS are going to happen in 2006!
....to the future!
Rachel

If you missed it...

ok, so if you missed the "Jazz it up" celebration here at the Dickson Gallery...you missed a goodin'! WHOA! The jazz played by "Southern Comfort" led by Bob Shuttleworth was OUT OF THIS WORLD! ...and that was inside the gallery. Step outside and you were blown away by the BIG sound of Denny Anderson playing saxaphone out on the side walk. People were dancing up the street to Denny's wonderful sound! The Carriage rides were driving right past the gallery and would stop for a moment to hear him play.
It was such a pleasure for me to drift around and simply experience the evening myself. Everyone who attended had a sort of energized excitement throughout the evening too. Special thanks to the guys of "Southern Comfort", Denny Anderson and the artists (Pat Patrick, Janice Sumler, Harriet Sells, Jai Johnson and Pat Findley) who pitched in to create a night not soon forgotten at the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art!
Happiness,
Rachel