We're almost ready to BOOOO you...

ok...so if you don't already have plans to come downtown tomorrow night...You NEED to!
There's much going on here it is in a nutshell Friday night October 27th:

Jackson's Professional Business Women
presents Dinner and Halloween Walking Tour Downtown
Dinner at 6:30pm , Guided Tours begin at 7:30
Bakers Rack (Dinner)
205 East Lafayette, Downtown Jackson, 423.2234
7:00-9:00pm

Dickson Gallery presents "Annual Fall Pottery Show & Sale" by potter Amanda Bain
Dickson Gallery of Fine Art, 118 East Lafayette Street, Downtown Jackson
7:00pm- 9:00pm

Lola's Bar & Grill
Costume Contest and featuring music by The Peter Moon Band
9:00pm
Lola's Bar & Grill, 217 West Main, Downtown Jackson, 422.1159

And by the way, did I mention we'll be having pottery for as little as $8.00 dollars?!!
Christmas is right around the corner...and if you're sporting a costume that makes carrying your purchases all over town a bit challenging...no worries, we'll be happy to hold your purchases for you until you can pick them up later.
So come downtown donned in your favorite Halloween wear! It's gonna be a fa-BOO-lous time!

I'm heading to the hills...

ok... It's time...for me to take a break. Sooo, Saturday, October 20th the gallery will be closed. Hope this won't pose an inconvenience to anyone. Don't worry, if you have an art emergency, I've posted a number on the gallery door you can call.
Next week is going to be SUPER busy as I make final preparations for the October 27th and 28th Pottery Show and Sale so 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.
No worries, the gallery will reopen on Tuesday at 11am, because we're also starting new hours as of next week.
Tuesday thru Saturday 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Until then....happiness!!
Rachel

Come early and claim your piece quick!

Attention pottery collectors!! We're getting ready to host our first annual fall pottery show and sale here at the Dickson Gallery. Put it on your calendar...you'll not want to miss this one...for sure! Join us for the "meet the artist" opening Friday, October 27th from 7:00p-9:00p. We'll have nearly 100 pieces of functional, stoneware pottery on display and for sale Fri. Oct. 27 at 7:00p through Sat. October 28th at 4:00pm. BUT...make a note of the fact that these pieces are going to sell very quickly. Prices range from $15-$95 dollars...and remember...pottery makes for FABULOUS GIFTS!
For more information regarding this special Dickson Gallery show and sale visit: www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Live audio interview w/Potter Amanda Bain...

Here's a special sneak peak. Last night I interviewed Amanda Bain...this audio clip lasts about 30 minutes. Amanda is one of our potters here at the Dickson Gallery and has a show opening October 27th running thru to Oct. 28th.
Listen here as Amanda describes the differences between wood-fired pottery and electric-fired pottery, the glazing processes, what is thrown pottery, and is all pottery food safe...and much more!
You'll even get to hear just how candid this conversation is as the dog barks in the distance...(Amanda was standing outside at the start of the interview).
Enjoy...! Click here for the streaming audio version of this audio version of "Artisticly Speaking"-w/Amanda Bain.

Art-O-Ween?

oooooooooooooo! Hard to believe that it's October...let alone that Halloween is right around the corner. The next big event here at the Dickson Gallery and downtown will take place October 27th. I'll be listing more details soon, but as a preview of things to come:
October 27th from 7p-9p Opening night for Amanda Bain's Pottery show! ...and yes, we want you to come in costume! In addition, some of you may know the stories regarding our Downtown Ghosts. This year a Walking Tour will be hosted by the Professional Business Women's Association of Jackson. This too takes place on Friday night, October 27, 2006. Dinner is also available at 6:30p by reservation at The Bakers Rack. The ghost tour begins at 7:30 p.m.

Dinner is garden salad, chicken alfredo over noodles, steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes, assorted desserts, tea, fruit tea and coffee. Dinner seating is limited to 80 people.

Dinner and the tour is $35.00 per person; the tour only is $25.00 per person. You may call to reserve them, and follow with a check by mail with the tickets to then be mailed to you. The number to call is 423-2234. Susan Sumner is handling the tickets.

It will be an entertaining evening, so make your plans now. 15 tickets have already been sold to the ghost tour and dinner without publicity, so don't wait too long to get yours!!!!!
So start planning your costume, reserve your tickets for dinner and be sure to visit the Dickson Gallery throughout the evening. You're gonna LOVE Amanda Bain's Pottery...and fun will be had by all!

Featuring...Mary Spellings now thru October 13th.

Presenting, MARY SPELLINGS now thru October 13th at the Dickson Gallery. The opening reception was held Friday, September 29th but the show will go on for the next 2 weeks! So if you missed the opening...you can STILL see these amazing watercolor works.
Mary Spellings has been painting since 1972 and when asked why she’s chosen to paint primarily with watercolor she replied, “…Because it’s more spontaneous. Watercolor is an exciting medium and lends itself to my personality.”
Her workhorse paintings and farm machinery pieces truly depict her growing up experiences on the farm. But Mary also loves to paint historical settings which is why she’s painted “The Downtown (Jackson) Malco & Paramount Theatres”, “The Greyhound Bus Station,” the “Steel Fab Building,” and many others like it. “I like the beauty of the old architecture. It’s like a treasure you don’t see in the new architecture.” Mary said.
We've have over 30 of her original works mostly done in watercolor and there's also a few pastel pieces. MANY of these pieces are brand new, never before shown to the public!
Want to learn more about Mary Spellings?
Click here to listen to an audio interview where Mary talks about the national awards she's won, her first painting...and much more.
To learn more about upcoming events at the Dickson...visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

It was a HIT!!

Well, the 2nd annual "Vino & Van Gogh" event was a hit. We transported over 100 pieces of art to the North side of town and had great attendance, saw some fabulous support of the West TN Cerebral Palsy Association, and sold some original artwork (and some specially hand painted wine glasses) all benefiting a very worthy cause. I was especially thrilled to see WBBJ tv there (see http://www.wbbjtv.com/goodcompany/Vino%20&%20Van%20Gogh.htm for photos they took)...the event was mentioned on the 10 o'clock evening news. The Jackson Sun was also present and took lots of photos and Jackson VIP magazine was there too. All in all, it was a stellar evening in support of a very worthy cause. Very special thanks to the CP center for allowing us to host such an event.
Premier Place Catering left no one wanting for amazing hors d'oeuvres (as always), and great customer care throughout the evening.
Party Mart outdid themselves providing the wine for the tasting. I found some new favorites myself!
Thank you to those of you who attended.
Now the gallery is all prepped and ready for an art opening Friday evening at 7p, featuring Mary Spellings...more details on that tomorrow.
Happiness,
Rachel
www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Progress!!!

All right!! The artwork for tomorrow night's "Vino & Van Gogh" wine tasting and art show is now all delivered to Premier Place on the North side of town. (thanks to the gracious help of Jai Johnson, Jenna Cagle and her husband, Julia Humphreys and Pat Patrick!!) Needless to say the walls of the gallery downtown are looking a bit bare...as we have over 75 paintings, a selection of pottery AND jewelry up there.
I'm getting excited about this year's benefit...Looks like we're going to have a bigger crowd than last...AND we've got some AMAZING artwork that will be on display and for sale throughout the evening. ...and yes, a portion of the evening's sales will be donated to the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Association.
...also...invitations are in the mail as we speak for next Friday's opening here at the gallery featuring the watercolor works of Mary Spellings. THAT's going to be a great show too!
LOTS going on...here in the art world in Jackson, TN.
learn more by visting... www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
Gotta run...loads to do...
Rachel

wooooooheeeee!

So sorry the gallery blog has been quiet here lately. SOOOOOoooo much going on!! I'm feveroushly preparing for 2 shows at the same time! aaaaahhhh!
Saturday, Sept 23rd at 7pm we're hosting "Vino & Van Gogh" a wine tasting at art show benefiting the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Association, and next Friday night is the opening for Mary Spellings show here at the gallery!
WHOA! The details are many...and the time to get 'em done is few. But thanks to the help offered by many of our artists...I'll think we'll pull it off.
Stay tuned for more about all that...
and check out www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm to see what all the fuss is about.
Happiness,
Rachel

It's HUGE!!!!

ok...so if you missed the grand opening reception at Carolina Avenue Salon last night...you missed a good'n! A PACKED HOUSE was the result and this hip new salon shined in the spot light! From 6:30p-9:00p last night...Carolina Avenue here in Jackson, TN hosted a wine and art reception blending the fun of a salon and the fun of original fine art into one. It truly was dazzling and the compliments abounded regarding the ambience of the place. Candle light, jazz music, wine and fine art coupled with the upbeat personalities of the Carolina Avenue staff, and artists represented by the Dickson Gallery made for a GREAT evening!
I'm excited to see how the merging of these two creative worlds together will positively effect Jackson's growing love and appreciation of original art!
Stop by Carolina Avenue (located behind China King Buffet at the corner of N. Parkway and the 45-bypass) and check out the art...and while you're there...get your hair and nails done!

whew...took a bit of work...but it's AWESOME!!

That new salon I've been talking about...it has such a warm, incredible feeling inside now! (not that it didn't before...just that now with all the artwork on display throughout the salon...it's amazing!)
Carolina Avenue is located behind China King Buffet at the corner of North Parkway and the 45-ByPass. Their actual address is 365 N. Parkway Suite 100, but don't go by what Mapquest says...because they're putting it across the bypass from where it actually is located. ...anyway...this salon faces the By-Pass and can best be described as being across the street from Gary Mathews Auto Dealership. Been hunting a new do? Then call 'em and book an appointment with one of their amazing stylists! 731-660-5616.
The festivities begin on Thursday at 11:00am when Carolina Avenue will be having their official ribbon cutting. Followed by a radio remote from 1:00p until 2pm by 107.7 Star fm
That's gonna be a lot of fun! Then the opening wine and art reception will be held from 6:30p until 9:00p. You really MUST come see all this for yourself. Who'd a thunk it...ANOTHER art gallery location in Jackson, Tennessee!!
For more information about this event visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
See you there!
Rachel

It's begun....!

The hanging of artwork over at "Carolina Avenue Salon" began today. (Special thanks to Janice Sumler who came to the gallery and ran the shop while I was transporting and hanging artwork this morning). so...it's begun. The newest addition to the Dickson Gallery family....Carolina Avenue. They're a new, cool, hip salon in town owned by Carolina Taylor. (She too is cool and hip...which I think is why the salon is such a cool place too). Anyway, as I was hanging various artists work over there this morning...what fun it was to hear and see the stylists and various clients who were present comment and enjoy their new artwork display!
In fact, one of my artists...Nancy Burleson, walked in and has been a long time client of Carolina Avenue. What fun for her to see her own work on diplay in this salon now!
I'm amazed at how the energy of a place changes upon the hanging of original artwork. And of course, I'm excited to attend next Thursday's (September 14th) grand opening wine/fine art reception being held there from 6:30p-9:00p. Hope you'll come! want the details? see www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

You don't have to check here any more...

Yep, it's true. Thank to one of my artists...Jai Johnson...I learned of a new service called Feedblitz. Scroll down a little bit and on the right hand side of this blog you'll see an email sign-up box. If you sign up...you'll receive an email when we add something to our blog here. TOTALLY COOL!!! Means you won't have to remember to check here any more. YEAH!!
So sign up today. Don't worry, you're email isn't going to be blasted with spam...I promise! All you'll get from signing up here is an email about 4-6 times a month listing updates to the Dickson Gallery blog.
Happiness,
Rachel

Extemporaneous addressing party...

As you can imagine...there's a lot going on around here. Today's task is to address and stamp LOTS of post cards for the upcoming grand opening reception for the new, cool, hip salon "Carolina Avenue" coming up September 14th. (read more about it here). Addressing post cards is always fun...believe it or not. So today...I decided to see what sort of additional help I might find for this daunting task. It usually takes me about 3 hours to address these...but hoping for one hour or less tonight...depending upon how many folks can help. Yes, yes, I know it's Friday...and yes, I know it's the Friday of Labor Day weekend. But I also know that there are many people like myself who have no plans and are looking for something fun to do tonight. Sure beats sitting at home on the couch!

Packed House!

The much awaited photos are here...Dickson Gallery hosted an opening reception for Jacque Hillman, jewelry artist. The event showcased Jacque's jewelry created from computer parts, the power of copper and precious stones. Shown here on the left, left to right: Jacque's great niece, Kara Waddell, artist Jacque Hillman, and Jacque's youngest daughter Lea Waide.
The evening was full of energy and excitement over the reveal of Jacque's newest works. Her work will be on display throughout the remainder of the week (September 1st.) Jacque's jewelry is best viewed in person...so come on down to the Dickson Gallery, 118 E Lafayette St, downtown Jackson.

KOWABUNGA!!!

WHOA...what a HUGE event last night turned out to be. There were so many people in the gallery last night...at times you could only move single file thru the room. What a night! Jacque Hillman's jewelry was a big success...we sold nearly 50 % of the entire collection...roughly 20 of the 45 pieces on display. Not to mention the commissions she also received! ...AND Senator Don McLeary and Representative Jimmy Eldridge were in attendance among MANY other notables!! The buzz around town now about the Dickson Gallery has been cranked up a bit as it was another very exciting evening downtown and especially with the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art. I'll be posting photos of the evening here very soon...
Thanks to ALL of you who attended and I trust you'll truly admire the pieces of original art that many of you added to your personal collection last night.
Here's to many more evenings of fellowship & fine art at the Dickson in the near future.
Happiness,
Rachel Dickson
www.dicksongallery.com

Ping-Pong anyone?

ok...so for those of you who know me...knows that ping-pong has a very special place in my heart. I LOVE the game! ...so much...I could stop everything and play right now. But I don't have a table...in fact, there's only one person in Jackson that I know has a table...so game time is a bit limited as you can imagine. What I don't understand...is WHY doesn't any of the local pool halls have at least ONE ping-pong table?
The more people I talk to about it...the more ping-pong players I meet. I think there's a "hidden community" of die-hard PP players here in Jackson. Will SOMEONE please host ping-pong tournaments?
hmmm, would pp and art go together? Maybe I should get a pp table at the gallery and host my own tournaments. hmmmm?
In the mean time, this week is "prep for the party" week. Yep, it's that time again. Totally re-do the gallery for the art opening Friday night ("Fabulous Friday" downtown) and show on Saturday. Lots of hard work ahead...but always worth the effort. Then starting next week we're prepping to hang a show at a new salon in town "Carolina Avenue" and then on to the wine tasting and fine art show at Premier Place benefitting the West TN Cerebral Palsy Association. for more info about Dickson Gallery upcoming events see www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm . Come October...I'll be ready for a good ping-pong game!

Just how much spam do we have to take??

I think it's becoming epidemic...and the anti-spam laws haven't helped any. I bet I get close to 100 spam emails in a day. As I figure out how to "bounce" more and more of it back...the numbers I think are holding steady. But geez, really. Do we have to endure this crap? I found the cartoon on the left at www.spamusement.com who cleverly has create cartoons such as this one spoofing actual subject lines of spam email. Guess we might as well laugh about it...cause it's not going away. So in the mean time...I'll just keep deleting, blocking, and black listing (woops here's comes another spam as I'm writing). I wonder if these actually sell any product? Worse things have happened. I'm confident everyone trips and stumbles their way thru gobs of email in their inboxes each day. oooh for the days of valid email in the inbox. What year was that? 1997?

"Reconfigured"---It's coming August 25th!!

Dickson Gallery presents,
Art Jewelry byJacque Hillman:
August 25-26, 2006

PREVIEW RECEPTION
Friday August 25th, 2006
7:00p-9:00p
(w/LIVE music by Tom Price)

For more information visit:
www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Local Elections...Friday...and roll 'em...

Is it just me...or do some days just feel like a roll of the dice? Also seems as if the entire world is in a state of change and flux...well, duh! Of course it is...and always has been. But, at least in my world...it especially seems unstable. Maybe it's just me....
Local elections and the State primary's were held yesterday. I'm especially thrilled that all that is behind us at least for a while. Signs, signs, signs everywhere...radio spots, tv ads and newspaper articles about who's better at this or that...or worse...but all it really boils down to (at least in my mind) is who we individually decide is best for the job...and then let the chips fall where they may. I'm just glad it's over. Now...shall we move on and improve our corner of the world?
I'm a big believer in "show me"..."be a living example" of what you say you're all about...don't just talk. I'm sick of talk!! Shut up already and show me. ...and I'd say that yesterday was the end of "talk" I hope and the beginning of "do", "be", "lead".
...and I'm also happy it's Friday. Not that I have the weekend off...as the gallery is opened on Saturday...just that the world seems to be generally happier on a Friday.
So, maybe it's not a roll of the dice...maybe it's a state of mind? I do know...that what's done is done...and the only guarantee is this moment...this second we each have right now! So we better get out there and do those things that have been eating at us for years...cause we might not ever get the chance otherwise.
Happy Friday,
Rachel