Guttin' the Gallery....

Started on Friday...guttin' the gallery. I've been working on re-hanging artwork, hanging new artwork and simply rearranging things in preparation for this Friday's "Fabulous Friday" event at the Dickson Gallery. We're sending Summer out with a bang....with our annual end of Summer Margarita Party, in cooperation with this Fabulous Friday event "Lettin' Loose on Lafayette".
To learn more about this upcoming event at the Dickson Gallery visit: http://www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
It's gonna be BIG, as we're showcasing are MANY new photographers and the LOADS of new artwork we've gotten in recently by artists such as Ella Mae Clark, Mary Spellings, Joseph Vickery, Jai Johnson, Weldon Ball and many others!!! Come see for yourself...
Until then, I gotta get back to work...

Gallery owner's pet peeve...

It happens nearly every week. ...notoriously, someone will bring in their artwork to show me...and one of the first things I notice is that it's not signed! aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. I'm a big believer that no piece of art is complete without the signature of the one who created it glowing somewhere on the piece.
A signature means something, it means it's original, it's the artists, it's been touched by a human hand, created by an individual...NOT reproduced 'en mass in some foreign country claiming to be original art.
So..."note to self" if you're an up-and-coming artist...and you're interested in getting your work out there...pay special attention to the "finishing" of your work. Sign it! Claim it as yours! It's YOUR masterpiece...you created it...it took YOUR time and YOUR creativity and YOUR talent...so be proud. After all...I want to know who painted this fabulous piece, who turned this pottery, or who shot this photo!
until next time...keep creating!
Rachel

North to South and downtown in between...

You know...it cracked me up today...when it came up in a conversation about travelling from North Jackson to downtown, or North Jackson to South Jackson, as if it's soooooooo far. I think that's hillarious...and it's so simply a head thing. It's the traffic lights I'm guessing, the stopping and going. But let's look at it for one second from a different perspective.
What about driving around in Atlanta? Or Nashville? Or Memphis? Can you get from one part of town to another as quickly or as so MUCH more hassle free as you can here in Jackson? It pretty much takes me about 30 minutes to drive from one side of town to the other here. THIRTY!
I'm beginning to think that it's just something to talk about...like the weather.
"I had to go to South Jackson," or "I went up to North Jackson" as if it were a BIG deal. It's just something people say and sometimes it's meant dramatically and sometimes it's not.
But really...30 minutes, no big deal. ...and remember, downtown is smack in the middle. A simple 15 minute drive from either side of town, in four directions.
We've got it so easy here in Jackson!!! We just have to remember it.

Banking with artistic flair!

The impact of purchasing and prominently displaying local original artwork in corporate offices and public venues is catching on within the business community of Jackson, TN. And if you just happened to be driving by the new headquarters of the Bank of Jackson on Oil Well Road in North Jackson yesterday (August 14th), you probably were wondering what in the world was going on there. Cars everywhere, people everywhere, huge crowd!
Grand Opening Festivities...that's what that was. I've never seen such a crowd at a ribbon cutting, opening event at a bank. A testament to their reach into the community. Complete with raising of the American Flag, playing of the National Anthem, prayer and of course the ribbon cutting itself...the Bank of Jackson opened with style and charisma. Naturally, I was there to show MY support to THEIR support of the local arts. Who wouldn't bank with a firm that invests in local artists ORIGINALS?! Got that? Originals!! Not prints and not quick-slap-it-on-the-wall-and-make-it-pretty decor. ORIGINAL FINE ART from our very own community's artists!! (hopefully I'm successfully conveying how BIG a deal this is to me!)
...and the Bank of Jackson has exhibited their commitment to the Jackson art community by recently acquiring selected pieces from Dickson Gallery artists!
although...not actually hanging on their walls yet...but in their possession (some of which is still at the framers) are the following Dickson Gallery artists' work:
Harriet Sells, Janice Sumler, Tina Todd, Carl Ouellette, Laurel Smith, Gina Heathcott and Mary Spellings.
So I say all that to say, THANK YOU Bank of Jackson for your commitment to our community but especially for your commitment to the artists community! May your business, employees and clients be blessed each day by the wonderful environment you've built utilizing original local fine art.
But it wouldn't be fair if I also didn't mention that there are other corporate clients who've led the way in supporting local art as well. In the business community specifically: BancorpSouth, Commercial Bank and Trust, and Attorney Carl Seely to name a few. Onward we go into the precious world of art.

Everyday America!

So Sunday morning...I was with a friend in a local farming community and they say to me..."do you want to experience some local flavor?" And of course, I'm never one to turn down an adventure of any kind so naturally I replied, "Certainly."
A few minutes later we pull off the road in front of a little locally owned convenience store...that barely looked opened. The sign on the front of the door cracked me up, "Sorry we're open, and now that you know, you have to come in". LOVED IT!!
I was the first through the door and the smell of grease nearly blew me over. There were 4 tables in the middle of the room, and 3 people were sitting around the table in the center. An older fella dressed in overalls, a middle-aged lady and another gentleman. Clearly by the looks on their faces...I interupted an important conversation...or at least their morning cigarette. Anyway, my friend followed me inside and informed me they could cook anything from the grill, so what did I want? I ordered an egg and cheese sandwich (which is one of my personal favorites). I immediately proceeded to the coffee maker and poured myself a cup of coffee. The pot was about 1/4 of the way full, so I wasn't too sure how this cup was gonna turn out. (You always take life into your own hands with "old coffee" at any gas station slash convenience store). I hadn't had any coffee yet at this point of the morning...so any coffee would be good. Actually, it really was pretty good...so enjoyed every sip of it while turning and taking in the full flavor of the place.
There was a small cd/stereo playing country music in the corner, a pool table to my left, and of course the usual snacks, beer and other food items scattered around. There were 3 photos on the wall by the front door that looked sort of historical and very much grabbed my attention. So I walked over to investigate them further. COOLEST PHOTOS I've seen in a LONG TIME! Turns out...they were photos of old horse-pulled wagons full of cotton lining the streets of downtown Dyersburg. I'd never seen photos of horse-drawn wagons full of cotton. I was standing smack in the middle of Cotton Farming country (in Dyer County, TN) so of course there'd be some memories of this way of living. This little convenience store provides just the service that these American farmers requires during a day's work. Food, cold drinks and a touch of local flavor.
My egg sandwich hit the spot too. Only needed to add a little mustard and it was just what I needed to help me on my way. I'm going to chaulk this up to another great adventure in the heart of everyday America.
One just never knows...keep your eyes open...you'd be surprised what you'll find.

it's in everyone....Brilliant!!

A very dear friend of mine delivered this quote to me by Nelson Mandela which now hangs prominently in my office. I was absolutely blown away by the truth of it! ....I trust it will inspire you as well. Thank you Mr. Mandela for inspiring me!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Starbucks and Coffee Art at the Dickson...

Well, it was a huge success! Special thanks to the downtown Starbucks for serving coffee to our art patrons Friday night July 27th. They were GREAT to work with...and of course, Starbucks coffee is always a huge hit!
The coffee art we have on display also drew a lot of attention. We'll leave this work on display and for sale through August 17th so come on down to the Dickson Gallery and check it out. Photography and paintings which include coffee as the medium and coffee related content. We even have coffee related greeting cards!
Thank you to the artists and art lovers alike who attended. Be sure to put August 31st on your calendar when we celebrate all things art with our annual "end of summer Margarita Party"!
for all the scoop check out http://www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Downtown Jackson and the Arts, an update.

It's here! live audio of "Artistically Speaking" hosted by Dickson Gallery owner, Rachel Dickson, with guest, Jill Mendoza, Jackson's new Downtown Development Director.
Click here to listen...
In this thirty minute audio interview you'll hear topics about who is Jill Mendoza, what's her vision for downtown, and how will the arts impact the future of downtown and Jackson as a whole.
for more information about downtown Jackson visit:
www.downtownjackson.com

onward downtown!

Photographer Carl Oullette above the fold...

Congratulations to Carl Oullette for the fabulous local news coverage he received in the Jackson Sun 2 days ago!
Take a moment and check it out:
(photo on the left by Lindsay McDonald/The Jackson Sun)
http://www.dicksongallery.com/media_jackson_sun_071107.htm
Carl Oullette joined the Dickson Gallery's in June. He comes to us from Humboldt Tennessee.
Rather than repeat any of what's been published in the article, check it out above for details on Carl's background.
From the first moment I was impressed with Carl's photography, and I knew his work would be a fabulous addition to the Dickson Gallery.
To see this images in person...stop by. We're open Tuesday thru Saturday, 11:00a to 4:00p.
Enjoy life!
Rachel Dickson

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

I'm ahead of the game. Saw one of the greatest fireworks displays to date...for me at least.
I'm currently in Dayton, Oh refereeing a basketball tournament and Sunday night in downtown Dayton on the river was a fabulous array of fireworks!! Set to music and the whole bit!!
I was moved...as patriotic music always reminds me of the sacrifices we as a country have made over the years to live the lives we currently lead.
Hats off to those of you who are currently serving in our armed forces! Thank you!!!!
and as a previous member of the United States Army...I salute you.
Rachel

Finesse...it's just a game.

So I've found a new great fun thing. Golf. What a tricky little game. But tests so many skills on so many levels. Focus, Form, and Finesse. Like any game...there's an art form to this one too. Actually, I believe there's an art form to just about anything. But the game of golf being a new discovery to me...fun, fun, fun. I get it now. Which I can be heard to say...until you do a thing...you usually don't get it.
I also get that golf is therapeutic. Just as painting, photography, pottery making, and any other form of art. I think somehow this must be related to the fact that everything else doesn't matter while we're engaged in it. Distraction from ourselves? Maybe...regardless...I'm gonna learn this game...or at least spend more time trying.
Happiness,
Rachel

These are a few of my favorite things...

Summer! It's officially here...and as I type this I have to contort my arm precariously as I have a wrist brace covering my left hand. (thank goodness as I'm right handed). Reminds me of another summer...although I didn't type much the summer of 1995. Why the reminder? Because the same wrist was in a brace for a completely other reason. A climbing accident. Anyway, seems I've reinjured that previous injury or something similiar to it 12 years after the fact. Not too bad...if I do say so myself. That is that it took me 12 years to arrive here...as active as I am...I've impressed myself that I've lasted this long. So sporting this brace...when asked I usually smile and say "It's a boxing injury." Just to see what people's reaction is...that's been fun.
The real truth...was playing basketball last week and got knocked down. Apparently I landed funny and poof...that familiar deep achy sorta pain. Manageable...haven't had to take anything for pain...as I hate that stuff anyway. But maybe I need to increase my calcium intake for a while.
In the mean time...loving Summer! Always have...probably always will.
Also want everyone to note the updates to www.dicksongallery.com.
Pay special attention to the personal "thank yous" that I've posted there. I don't think I can say "thank you" enough to the people in my life who've been such a HUGE help here lately. Seems as if things keep getting more complicated...and at the same time...the right people show up at the right time to pitch in. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Just another reminder that we are not alone....thank goodness for that. I can't think of too many fond memories in my life that don't include at least one other person...and most of the time there's three or four.
Here's to those people! Those of you who make me smile...or whom I can make smile.
Happiness,
Rachel

Summer Art Camp with Ms. Dana

So for fun the past two days I've stopped in and visited Ms. Dana's Summer Art Camp. This week (June 11-16) she's got the little ones, 5 yrs old to 7 yrs old. How cute is it to see these little guys wearing their art frocks (oversized t-shirts to protect their clothes from getting paint all over them) painting with watercolor and acrylic. Yesterday they all were working on painting their very own "Starry Night." ...and the conversation while they're painting? Very entertaining.
Two of the little ones even brought their pet crawdads with them and had them sitting on the table next to them in the little bowl of water.
Next week Ms. Dana will be hosting art camp for 8-12 yr olds. It's not too late to sign up, just call her or to learn more visit www.danafbrooks.com.
Ms. Dana's Summer Art Camp is held at Main Street Art Studios located in the lower level on the Ned McWherter Center at 314 E Main St downtown.
Fun for all!
Rachel

Where has the time gone?

So Summer is basically here. In my memory banks...pretty much summer season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Could be my past life in the tourism industry...could be my memories as a kid that school pretty much was letting out around Memorial Day and going back in around Labor Day if not before.
ahhh, yes....summer. Warm air, green grass, snakes, the smell of skunk in the air, the need for COLD drinks, lotsa sunburn (ooooh the sunburns I've had), laying full out in front of a fan, thunderstorms, vacations that involve sandy beaches and rolling waves, and I always shed some extra weight during the summer (guess that was because I was outside so much more) and of course, garage sales.
So...yes, I've been prepping for this years garage sale. Dontcha just hate all that accumulated crap? I've got boxes of it...starting the pricing process tonight. Sale starts at 7a Saturday. Interested in adding to your treasures? Pay a visit to Bldg 14, Apt 6 at Post House North here in Jackson, Tn on Saturday June 2nd. Sale ends at 11a or when the stuff runs out...whichever happens first...oh, and some of this stuff is from my cleaning out the storage rooms of the gallery. Amazing what one can accumulate!

Packed House!!

Well, for those of you who attended...you're well aware we had a packed house last night (Friday night, May 25th)! Thank you to YOU for attending our annual Art-A-RITA Margarita party!!
Once again the Dickson Gallery secret Margarita recipe was a HUGE hit. (We might just auction it off to the highest bidder on ebay...interested?)
Anyway...we'll post photos soon so you can see just what a time we had in case for some reason you weren't able to attend.
Full house, fine art, and the Dickson Gallery...can you go wrong with that?
Peace,
Rachel

Blues Harmonica and Margaritas?

You might think we're crazy...but you're gonna LOVE THIS!!! I promise!! We've booked blues harmonica extraordinaire, SHINE to play live blues for us at our "Art-a-RITA Margarita" fine art celebration on Friday night, May 25th from 7p-9p.
He's played here at the Dickson before...and everyone RAVED about the music. Soooo, we've invited him back...just in time for this fabulous event here at the Dickson Gallery.
So yep, time to don that cocktail shirt you've been dying to wear, and get on downtown. Perfect opportunity to check out our newest work by Janice Sumler, Dana Brooks, Don Hickey, Roy Elmer, Dean Hamilton, Pat Patrick and many others!
You'll also want to check out our new photographers fabulous work!! Help us welcome Don Harris, Tina Todd and Cathy Coleman to the Dickson Gallery fold.
more details...no problem, visit www.dicksongallery.com

Cocktail shirts?

We're gearing up for our 2nd annual "Art-a-RITA Margarita" party this coming Friday, May 25 from 7:00p-9:00p. And apparently I'm successfully stumping people as to what a cocktail shirt is...the official "Art-a-RITA Margarita" party wear. So here's my personal definition: A comfortable button-up, collared shirt, with any number of various embroidery decor on it, also comes in a variety of colors. For some fun samples see:
http://www.shushans.com/havanashirt3.html
...and by the way, no, cocktail shirts are not required. ...and yes, there's no charge to attend this FABULOUS FRIDAY-ingly COOL event, but donations will be accepted in support of the art scene downtown.
So don your favorite cocktail shirt and enjoy fine art at the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art, 118 E Lafayette St, Downtown Jackson on May 25th from 7p-9p.
For all the details visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

TAB with Kacky Walton!?

I remember as a kid drinking TAB out of those big glass bottles. Remember those? Those glass bottles that you returned to the grocery store and got a credit for the next 8-pack you bought?
So last week when I walked into the WKNO-fm radio station in Memphis and was offered a TAB I couldn't resist!!!
ok...so I was there for a radio interview for "Checking on the Arts" and what FUN it was to be drinking TAB and chatting with Kacky Walton at the same time.
Sometimes I think I'm crazy...because such little things I find so amusing. By I did tell Kacky I sooo was gonna blog about that. Drinking TAB at WKNO-fm in Memphis was certainly a highlight of my week. Not to mention how AWESOME National Public Radio and specifically WKNO and their staff are...they're just COOL people!!

It's the Art-A-RITA Margarita Party!!! May 25th!

Happy Art-a-Rita - May 25th!!
We're ringing in the Summer in Dickson-Gallery-of-Fine-Art-Style with our very own MARGARITA PARTY. Please join us for a night of fine art and fun during this month's Fabulous Friday celebration where downtown businesses stay open late for you to experience the art & culture of downtown Jackson, TN.

Join us at the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art
downtown Jackson, TN
Friday, May 25th
7:00p-9:00p

Presenting a Friday evening of margaritas, fun and fine art with Dickson Gallery artists in downtown Jackson. Don your favorite Cocktail Shirt and join us for this Fabulous Friday Summer Party!

We'll be featuring our newest gallery artists, photographers Tina Todd, Cathy Coleman, and Don Harris. Don't miss it!!
There is no charge to attend, but donations in honor of art downtown will be accepted.
for all the details visit: http://www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

woops...just jokin...

So hey, guess you figured it out if you tried to tune in this morning (May 17th at 9:00am) Obviously we were JUST JOKING about the air date being today at 9:00am. HAH! ...no really, due to a scheduling update..."Checking on the Arts" will actually air on Friday, May 18th
which clearly means you get a second chance to tune in!!
How often do we get second chances anyway?

Dickson Gallery to be featured on...
radio segment "Checking on the Arts"
May 18, 2007
9:00a Central Time
(*obviously not May 17th as we first published)

...tune in or listen online.
Tomorrow May 18th, Dickson Gallery owner,
Rachel Dickson will be featured on a little radio segment
called "Checking on the Arts" on the Memphis/Jackson NPR
station WKNO 90.1 fm. If you live in the Jackson, TN area
tune in to 90.1 fm tomorrow morning at 9:00a Central Time
or you can listen live online by clicking here
http://www.wknofm.org/ListenLive.html and
then click on the appropriate link.
Rachel will be talking all about the arts
in downtown Jackson, the
upcoming Shannon Street Blues Festival and
of course, the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art.