Art-a-RITA ~ Margarita !!!

The Dickson Gallery "Art-a-RITA ~ Margarita Party" was a HUGE success. Fun was had by all this past Friday, July 28th as we hosted this July "Fabulous Friday" event downtown. We also began our Summer blow-out sale...with original fine art as low as $45! Hurray...'cause these special works are available on a first come first serve basis.
We're also gearing up for another big fine art season here at the Dickson Gallery. We've got shows booked now through January...featuring: Jewelry by Jacque Hillman, Watercolor Original Paintings by Mary Spellings, Pottery by Amanda Bain, our annual Jewelry show the day after Thanksgiving and our New Year's Eve, Eve, Eve party. ...oh and there's MUCH more too.
Be sure to keep a close eye on what's happening at the Dickson Gallery! You don't want to miss the HOTTEST art scene around!!

Goofin' around...

ok...so right after our July Downtown Merchants meeting I walked over to the gallery and opened up. While turning on the lights upstairs I glanced out the window and Lori (Jackson Downtown Development) was snapping shots of the gallery for www.jacksondowntown.com. Naturally I couldn't pass up the opportunity...so I whipped open the window and proceeded to goof off a bit...and of course, Lori snapped this shot on the left.
Things have been a bit quiet in and around downtown Jackson during June and July, not to mention Hhhhhhhot! So we've had to goof off a bit to entertain ourselves. Doesn't mean the artwork is any less than before...as we've gotten in a lot of really great pieces in the past few days and weeks.
So skip mowing the lawn ('cause we both know you'll pass out from the heat) and get on down to the Dickson Gallery. We're loads of fun here...AND we've got amazing artwork for you to add to your collection!
Happiness,
Rachel

If you've been trying to get through...

If you've been trying to get through to the gallery over the past few days and kept getting a busy signal...the problem's been solved. I've been struggling with telephone difficulty at the gallery for the past 2 weeks and finally seem to have the problem rectified. Sometimes ya just gotta love technology.
So...give us a call...731-423-9708 and we'll answer this time. ;-)

I've been away from the gallery for the better part of June. Special thanks to those artists who volunteered to help at the gallery while I was away. Lots of catching up to do now...so I'd better run.
Rachel

Fun Photos!

Hi Everyone,
I thought you might be interested in seeing a couple photos from recent events.
The photo on the left is of the jazz band Southern Comfort who set up in front of the Dickson Gallery last week for our St Jude Pediatric AIDS benefit "Fine Art & Big Hearts".


The photo on lower left is me and Wendy...my best college bud who came down to Jackson for a visit from Indiana during our Janice Sumler Opening. Here we are standing out in front of the Dickson Gallery cracking up...like we always do.

See...you just never know what sort of fine art fun awaits you at the Dickson Gallery in downtown Jackson, TN.

Tonight...an open house for "Fabulous Friday" always held the last Friday of every month. This evening will be very casual social evening complete with live guitar and of course, fine art!
Happiness,
Rachel

It's was incredible!!! Fine Art, Live Jazz and a great cause...

Wow! What a night it was Friday, May 19th!! If you missed it...you must attend next year's "Fine Art & Big Hearts" event. We will be setting the date for next year's event very soon as we compile the results of this year's (the first year) fabulous evening of live jazz, fine art and benefiting St Jude's Pediatric AIDS program.
Special thanks to jazz band leader Bob Shuttleworth and his guys who played all night...OUTSTANDING LIVE JAZZ!! (thank you band members of Southern Comfort). Also a very special thanks to Creative Catering and the spectacular array of food. The adult beverage selection was great also!
Thanks Chris Nelson for assistance in getting this event started. Thank you again to all our event sponsors listed below. I was so very pleased to myself stand on the sidewalk in front of the Dickson Gallery and feel the joy of hearing live jazz on the street in downtown Jackson linked together with Fine Art and a great cause!
Also...a very special thanks to the assistance of Pat Patrick, Holly Couch, Janice Sumler and Dana Brooks for volunteering their time and efforts to making this event such a success.
Onward to even greater things hosted by the Dickson Gallery downtown.
Happiness,
Rachel

Whew...my apologies for such a long delay in posting here. LOTS been going on. Since our last art opening April 29th...we've been preparing for a spectular event to be held tomorrow night from 7p-10p..."Fine Art & Big Hearts" benefiting St Jude's Pediatric AIDS program. Special thanks to the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation for partnering with us in hosting this event.
Also a very special thanks to our many sponsors!! Namely, Allegra Print & Imaging, Modern Stationer Bella Mèlange Int., Robert's Jewelers, Scott Chiropractic Clinic, Cadillac - Saab of Memphis, Bolivar Salvage & Auto Parts, Druie's Used Cars & Auto Parts, le Diva's, and PJ Signs.
Today I went to Memphis to be on "Checking on the Arts" with Kacky Walton live on WKNO (NPR) radio fm 90.1. What fun! It was such an honor to be asked to speak about the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art, this special event and also speak about the great things going on in downtown Jackson, TN. Hope you can join us tomorrow evening!! It's going to be spectacular. For more information see www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Absolutely FABULOUS!!!

Last night was the big art opening for Janice Sumler's "The Spirit of Summer". Can I just say...? WOW! What a great crowd, great live music by Tom Price (thanks Tom!), art sales and another fabulous event downtown at the Dickson Gallery!
Very Special Thanks to Pat Patrick, Harriet Sells and Janice Sumler for helping to make the opening such a success.
If you missed out...no worries...(although you missed a fun time)....the show will continue through May 12th...so come on down and see these newest works by Janice Sumler.
Also...click here to listen to an interview with Janice and myself regarding Janice's experiences as an artist...what she likes to paint, who is her mentor, her experiences in France, and much more!

More Radio!!

Hey there!
We've got a new radio spot on the air announcing the details of our upcoming fine art show with Janice Sumler: "The Spirit of Summer" Click here to listen online...

Also...yesterday we recorded an interview with Janice Sumler (where she talks about her early days as a painter, her painting experiences in Paris, and much more) on "Community Focus" a Jackson, TN 30 minute radio show that will air live tomorrow morning (Sunday, April 23) at 10:30am. We will soon post the show at www.dicksongallery.com so you can listen online any time.

Happy Weekend!
Rachel

It's FRIDAY!!

Hi everyone,
Whew...lots going on here at the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art. Between Jackson Downtown Merchants meetings, Jackson Downtown Development Board meetings, Small Business Advisory Board meetings with the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, preparation for Janice Sumler's upcoming show, planning/preparation for the upcoming "Fine Art & Big Hearts" St. Jude Pediatric Aids Benefit to be held here in May...we're having fun and staying busy!
Soon we will be posting a page on the website all about the St Jude Fundraiser. We'll link it off of the dicksongallery.com homepage.
A little later today...we'll be in the radio studio over on "Radio Road" with WTJS AM 1390 recording an interview with artist Janice Sumler which will air here in Jackson over the weekend. We'll link to it off of our website sometime the beginning of next week. This'll be lots of fun...Janice is a great person and her art experiences are tremendous. I think she's been in the art business nearly as long as I've been alive...and of course she's an amazing artist!
Stay tuned to the Dickson Gallery...we're sure to have the painting you've been looking for to begin or complete your collection or that room you've been working on in your place of work, home or play.
Happiness,
Rachel

Our Next Greatest SHOW!!

Introducing "The Spirit of Summer" an exquisite fine art show April 28 - May 12, 2006 with opening meet the artist reception Friday evening, April 28 from 7:00p-9:00p (in cooperation with Fabulous Friday Downtown) complete with live music by acoustic guitarist by Tom Price.

AND....the first 25 in attendance the night of the opening (April 28) will receive a free art print signed by the artists!

We welcome you to experience these newest works by Janice Sumler and select the one that’s right for you. Year’s from now, you’ll tell yourself “thank you”! Here's your opportunity to start your collection. Please join us!

Click here to learn more about Janice Sumler and this fine art show...

Happiness,
Rachel

We're featured...!

Special thanks to the Tennessee Arts Commission weekly e-news for dicksongallery.com being chosen as the "website of the week" during the week of April 3rd!
To learn more about the TN Arts Commission visit http://www.arts.state.tn.us/ and be sure to sign up to receive this weekly e-newsletter by clicking here .
Happiness,
Rachel Dickson

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