my...oh...my!

WOW!!! That's the best word that describes the new artwork we're featuring by Dana F Brooks here at the Dickson Gallery in downtown Jackson, TN starting Nov 30th thru Dec 15th!!! The 37 pieces of art arrived yesterday and the show was hung with delicate care. Color everywhere...bright bold color...wonderful splashed color everywhere...and texture...and to touch this art? Amazing. In fact, there's even a piece titled "Touch Me" which will be auctioned off in style.
So...if you haven't already made plans to attend the opening tomorrow night (Friday, Nov. 30th) from 7p-9p...You GOTTA!
Not only will we be showcasing Dana's artwork, but loads of NEW work from many other Dickson Gallery artists as well. I promise you'll find something for your gift giving needs this holiday season...and oh so affordable too! What can be better than giving the gift of art?
Join us for fine art, live saxophone, live piano, and meet Dana too! see you there...tomorrow night.
for more info visit www.dicksongallery.com

Dickson Gallery goes LIVE!

Check this out! I've been creating online audio radio interviews for about a year now (interviewing artists featured at the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art)...but there were limitation with the recording process, and it always had to be played as an archive and was never truly a live broadcast. Well, NO MORE! The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art now offers a LIVE talk radio internet broadcast via http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dicksongallery.
Listen live, you can even CALL IN and ask questions or give comments.
You gotta check this out! I've been working on uploading previously recorded interviews which will take probably about 2-3 weeks...but in the mean time the next live internet broadcast will be on Wednesday, November 28th at 10:00am CST. I'll be interviewing Dana F. Brooks as we prepare for the opening reception of her show, "Finesse: A Journey in Encaustic Art". Her work is like no other I've seen in this area or in any area for that matter!
To participate in this live radio broadcast, just click on the link above or call (347) 215-7922 at 10:00am CST Nov. 28th and we'll do the rest.
Dana has made a name for herself as a pen & ink artist, acrylic painter, and young artist teacher. She discovered a new medium and is presenting us with nearly 40 pieces of art to display and sell Nov. 28 thru Dec. 15. I've seen Dana's new collection of work and you'll not be disappointed...I promise you that! (oh, and by the way, these paintings have NEVER BEFORE been shown to the public). These her newest works can best be described as abstract paintings...some have brilliant textural qualities, some have unique realism qualities. ALL are bright colors, bold design, and you'll certainly find one to add to your original fine art collection.
To learn more about this upcoming show visit our website: www.dicksongallery.com

Authenticity...the real deal in art...

I'm a subscriber to Robert Genn's Twice Weekly Newsletter...and only discovered it thanks to one of my artists, Janie Giles Carp. I never know what Robert is going to be talking about each week, but I do know that it has to do with art...as subject I'm very interested in of course.
I contacted Robert after reading the November 13th edition...as it struck me because as a gallery owner...I've recognized that many people think there's a level of "art intelligence" and yet it's been proven to me over and over again...a "bad piece" of art can be recognized from miles away...by folks who have zero formal training. Why? Robert touches on that very subject here.
(Reprinted here by permission...Thank you Mr. Genn for your insight into this interesting subject.)

Authenticity

November 13, 2007

Dear Rachel,

In a public gallery the other day I came upon a tailored young
woman and her equally tailored mother. They were admiring a
painting by an artist I happen to know. As I lingered to see
what they were seeing, the daughter turned to me and said,
"It's the only good one in here." While I was mulling her
dangerous pronouncement, the word "authentic" slipped from her
lip gloss. She invited my agreement with her considerable eyes,
and I gave back.

She had been struck by that indescribable something that says
"quality." Beyond quality--more like "presence." The real goods
as opposed to the ersatz. It happens. Suddenly you see and you
trust. If you have an open mind, any type of art can do the
trick--realistic, abstract, a lofty installation or a practical
craft. And as creative people, wherever we're coming from, we
intuitively know authenticity is something worth having.

I've always thought that authenticity wasn't an add-on but the
best effort of an authentic person. This person may have acute
powers of observation or an eye beyond the ordinary. You can
sometimes tell the authentic by seeing something else nearby
that isn't. In a way it's sad that people will actually pay for
this vacuum. Intuitively or unconsciously, finer eyes see
virtue beside subject and rendering. As I said, it's
indescribable. "Casual, confident, understated, refined," may
be words these eyes use. Some simply feel an underlying ego
force or the power of intended design.

Folks with finer eyes are not always authorities or critics.
They may be quiet ones who think and feel for themselves.
Neither schooled nor influenced, they may have deep pockets or
shallow. Maybe they're just adept at spotting phonies or have a
distaste for the artificial. What's left is what we sometimes
call "taste."

A good looking fellow came by--blue suit, striped shirt, shiny
green tie. Perhaps the boyfriend--he brought the ladies' coats.
After some encouragement, he too looked long and hard at the
painting--up close, like a lawyer examining evidence. "There's
less to this than meets the eye," he said. Perhaps unknowingly,
he was quoting Tallulah Bankhead. We've illustrated the
painting in question at the top of the current clickback. See
url below.

"I get it," I said to myself as I left the gallery, "No matter
what anyone thinks or says, 'authentic' is still a matter of
opinion."

Best regards,

Robert

PS: "He is only an eye, but my God what an eye." (Paul Cezanne
was speaking about Claude Monet)

Esoterica: Think of what authenticity isn't: poor conception,
faulty rendition, bluff technique, crudity, lack of feeling,
failure of understanding, overworking, grandiosity. Yep, one
small passage may have more authenticity than one great
thundering opus. Furthermore, what about the joy of just doing
it? Writers to the twice-weekly letter often tell us how
important it is to simply enjoy the work. But what about that
good-looking guy in the blue suit, or the canny Tallulahs of
this world? Does authenticity exist?

If you think a friend or fellow artist may find value in this
material, please feel free to forward it. This does not mean
that they will automatically be subscribed to the Twice-Weekly
Letter. They have to do it voluntarily and can find out about
it by going to http://www.painterskeys.com

Dickson Gallery artists who crack me up...

There are a couple of gallery artists who really crack me up due to their sense of humor. Most of them dry humor, some of them come up with stuff that makes you nearly fall out on the floor. One of these artists stopped by the gallery today, Tina Todd. She's recently quit smoking, and her life has pretty much been tied up in the good, bad and ugly in staying on the "quitter" side of the fence and staying off of the "oh my god, I need a cigarette now" side of the fence.
She is the photographer who took the shot on your left of the New Southern Hotel, here in downtown Jackson. This sepia version was created specifically for the new headquarter branch of the Bank of Jackson on Oil Well Rd on the North side of town. (The New Southern Hotel is steeped in history...and of course is located downtown on Baltimore Street. It's now home to the downtown Starbucks, Subway, Marquerites, the Property Tax Assessor's Office and housing for quite a few also on its upper levels). So anyway, Tina specifically dogged me for not attending the annual Celtic fest held on the grounds of Casey Jones Village this past weekend. For which now I'm kicking myself for not attending, due to the fact that she named some of the bands that played and described the event in its entirety. (I LOVE celtic music...and don't really have a good reason for not attending.) Which leads to my final point...we were looking at her gallery page on the internet where she's posted photos from the Celtic Fest...and then, she brought attention to her "my weight loss adventure- photog phitness" gallery. That title alone cracked me up...but the photos and comments found therein were enough to make any sane person roar. So I challenge you...go check this out...I promise you'll smile...cheer Tina on...and possibly join her in her efforts. http://www.pbase.com/ttodd/my_weight_loss_adventure
See...artists do have real lives. Many of which would make you roar with laughter to hear just how down to earth they really are...
I could type for days here about all the other happenings at the Dickson Gallery...but thought I'd give it in spurts...so until next time.... Rachel

"Art-o-ween" is Tonight!

The final touches are being put on the gallery as we speak in preparation for tonight's "Art-o-ween" Halloween Costume Party Art Show and Sale. What better way to embrace fine art than to look at wearing your own creative version of yourself?
The photo above is a sampling of the characters who showed up at last years costume party ...exhibiting what fun they were having! So come one, come all tonight to the Dickson Gallery, (Friday) October 26th from 7p-9p. We've got some fabulous new art to show you!
For more details visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

I can tell....

it's a show week. You'd think I'd a figured this out by now. I've been doing shows since what?...November of 2004? Still, show weeks always come out so crazy!
So started off with a bag this morning...Tuesday of the week we here at the Dickson Gallery are hosting our annual "Art-o-ween" Halloween Costume party.
...and yes, if you were to walk into the gallery right at this second...you'd find art sorta scattered about everywhere.
I just finished re-displaying Jacque Hillman's jewelry, re-displaying the front window, rehanging new paintings throughout the gallery and so forth. Still lots to do...always how it works on show week. Mainly because the other weeks of the month are filled with "other" art gallery stuff. ;-)
nonetheless...somehow...I love it! LOVE it!
so how's that for a somewhat-rant? Or maybe not so much as a rant...as a here's life-in-the-day-of-a-gallery-owner on show week.
Gotta run, the annual ghost-walk hosted by dn English is getting ready to start over at the Farmer's Market here in downtown Jackson. I've missed that for the past 3 years...and I'm NOT going to miss it this year!
happiness,
Rachel

Lane Homecoming Parade Downtown Oct 20th!

Hey everyone...it's nearly here....the BIGGEST parade held in downtown Jackson each year is nearly here....the Lane College Homecoming Parade!
Saturday, October 20th from 9:00am until 1:00pm.
Tons to see and do, so come on downtown and line the street. Fun will be had by all.
Here's the route for this year's parade:

South on Hays

West on Jackson St

onto Bishop St

South on Church

West on Deaderick St

South on Highland

East on Main

to Rothrock Stadium

PLEASE NOTE: Highland Avenue between Deaderick and Main Street AND Main Street between Highland and Royal Street will be closed off for the parade from 9:00am until approximately 1:00pm.
To get to the Dickson Gallery during parade route hours approach us from Royal Street to Lafayette.
Parking will be very limited on the street until after 1:00pm as thousands of people descend upon downtown. I suggest using the JEA, Carnegie or United Methodist Church parking lots and walking...it's great exercise...and anyone can use a little more of that.
Gooooooooooo Lane! Football game scheduled to start at 2:00pm.
for more info visit: http://www.lanecollege.edu

Happiness,
Rachel Dickson

WHOA NELLY...!

Wowsas, time is fleeting by....LOADS have happened since my last post...so here goes my attempt at catching us all up.
Carolina Avenue Salon is now featuring a new fine art show by Dickson Gallery artist Don Hickey. They are located at 365 N Parkway, Suite 100 (right off the 45 By-Pass behind King China Buffet). Be sure to stop by there and check it out. Don paints predominantly in oil and with an impressionistic style. I think you'll like what you'll see.
Be sure to also check out the newest additions to the www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm page. Fabulous Friday, October 26th is heading our way. We're hosting "Art-o-ween" our annual Halloween Costume Party Art Show Sale.
Halloween Extravaganza will once again feature downtown businesses handing out candy for eager trick-or-treaters on Saturday Oct 27th from 1p-3p. Just look for the balloons floating outside participating businesses.
Dana F Brooks and her unique art medium in abstract will open at the Dickson Gallery, Friday night, November 30th from 7p-9p. Be sure to join us for this distinctive show: "Finesse."
We're also working on some super-cool things to add to the Dickson Gallery vast array of services online at our website and also on site at the Dickson Gallery...so be watching for that.
until then....onward for the arts and downtown Jackson!

For details on this and more...see www.dicksongallery.com

short term memory...

Why is it that I seem to forget the work involved in prepping the gallery for a show? After nearly 3 years of shows...you'd think I'd remember!
This morning...if you'd have walked into the gallery, you'd a thought an art bomb hit the Dickson Gallery. Stuff was everywhere...but after a full day of moving, hanging, relocating stuff, merchandising, etc etc....it's getting there. (still lots to do...but come Friday evening...we'll be ready)
My back is screaming, "Rachel, you MUST remember in the future what it takes to prep for these things!"
Hauling pedestals up and down the stairs, cleaning, climbing up and down ladders, lifting paintings, hanging paintings, moving pottery and on and on....it's close. ...and we're 2 days out from showtime! (I've decided that I could definitely have my own reality show...about preparing for gallery shows...I guess just so long as I don't "vote myself off the island" all will be well.)
But one thing is certain...this Friday night the gallery will be packed...and art will be sold. The Jacque Hillman jewelry show is a Dickson Gallery staple. ...and I've been fortunate enough to see a glimpse of Jacque's newest collection that will be on display and for sale Friday night, Sept 28th from 7p-9p.
You must must must attend this show!!! ...and of course, there will be other great regional art on display too! From photography, to pottery, to paintings, to everything in between...put this one on your schedule! ...and don't delay...because the "red dots" will be flying (red dots means sold).
for more info see www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm
see you there!
Rachel Dickson

Dickson Gallery owner Rachel Dickson interviews artist Jacque Hillman!

Rachel Dickson loves to ask questions and learn from people so how fitting when she decided to incorporate streaming audio interview sessions into her passion for downtown and the arts.
In her most recent addition of "Artistically Speaking" Rachel talks with Dickson Gallery fine art jeweler, Jacque Hillman. Listen and learn how Jacque got started, where she gets her vision, why computer parts, copper and semi-precious stones, how does the healing properties of her jewelry work and much much more.

click here to listen online now!

Don't forget we're the opening reception for "Reconfigured 07" is coming up on Friday, September 28th from 7:00p-9:00p! I promise you'll not want to miss this special show! Onward to the arts and downtown Jackson! ....Rachel

to learn more visit www.dicksongallery.com/events.htm

Presenting Jacque Hillman!

The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art
presents “Reconfigured ‘07” by
Jacque Hillman ~ Sept 28-Oct 13

Incorporating selected parts from obsolete computers, the healing properties of copper and precious stones, Jacque Hillman creates one-of-a-kind art jewelry. “I saw what was inside computers and thought it was beautiful. I also thought about all that copper being dumped into landfills. I wanted to do my part in saving the environment.” Jacque said. Her work is so unique with such broad appeal you’ll not want to miss this special evening at the Dickson Gallery, Downtown. Come early! We’re expecting a sell out of these highly sought after jewelry pieces.

*Opening Reception
Friday, Sept 28, 7:00pm—9:00pm
w/Live jazz performances

*In cooperation with “Fabulous Friday” Sept. 28th! Live music on the street! Join us for a “night on the downtown!”

Jewelry Show continues thru Oct 13th
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

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

Margarita Party was Awesome!

ok...so I've realized that LOTS has happened since my last post. (and thank goodness for trail mix since I'm working late tonight).
The "Art-a-RITA Margarita" Party was a blast! Many, many people came thru the gallery last Friday night! Hard to believe that was a WEEK ago already. My how time flies!
It was a great evening of fine art (showcasing our many new artists and are GREAT new selection of artwork!) and the gallery's special recipe margaritas were once again a big hit, and of course the live music outside on the street was outstanding (thanks 2 Rare Gems and the Downtown Tavern).
Thank you to those of you who attending...and hopefully those of you who could not will attend our next big, great, fabulous event on fabulous Friday.
So what's coming up you might ask? We're showcasing Jacque Hillman's jewelry for the 2nd year in a row for her very own solo show once again. Last year was gang-busters and this year we're expecting even more. Jacque set record sales last year and I've seen samplings of her newest work for this year's show and I personally GUARANTEE you will not be disappointed!
The opening preview party is set for Friday, September 28th from 7p-9p! Don't miss THIS one!
I'll be adding details and photos to the website very soon.
until then...thank you for appreciating art!
Rachel
for more info see www.dicksongallery.com

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!