emergingartists

Unexpectedly enjoyable photography reception

2009-07-27T22:32:00.007-04:00

The artist reception at the Sun Dial last week was an unexpectedly enjoyable time. Photographs installed at the downtown Westin restaurant were chosen for the summer lull in shows. The bulk of the photography is Georgia and the Southeast coastal scenes with a somewhat painterly quality and top notch mattes and frames. Photographer Wynne Ragland wanted to have a gathering of friends to experience his work in the rotating Observation Deck, while enjoying the sunset view from the 72nd floor. He planned on a small group. It was low key; there was nothing unexpected there.

A number of the artist's friends attended and reflected on Wynne's evolution as an artist over they years. For me, it was a lovely evening, less harried than a lot of the art events I plan. A smaller event allows me the opportunitiy to relax, spend time with the guests, while appreciating the work. A couple of my friends who enjoy these things showed up. And I was surprised by two artists from the last show I put together. The conversation centered around the current show, past shows and new work as its being envisioned by the artists present. It was a mix of people, reflective, spirited conversation, as the summer sun fell from the sky and the skyline glittered around us.

The exhibit along with works by Kelbi McCumber can still be seen at the Sun Dial through August.

2009-07-20T10:53:00.003-04:00

Tonight is an artist reception at the Sun Dial restaurant in the downtown Westin. Atlanta photographer, Wynne Ragland, exhibits his Georgia & SE Coastal series. Serene, majestic photographs of the natural coast areas of the SE are installed on the observation deck of the tallest hotel in the western hemisphere. Join us to meet the artist and view the spectacular sunset, while enjoying complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

So much has occured since the last post, I will try to post more updates soon.

Telephone Factory Lofts on March 13th

2009-03-04T09:24:00.004-05:00

We are planning an art cocktail party showcasing the work of Miguel Sartori with a tenative date of Friday, March 13th. The artist's loft, at the uber-cool Telephone Factory Lofts, is the perfect backdrop for his series of abstract work, Quantum Vortex. For the love of dogs, a portion of the sale of work will benefit an animal charity (TBD).

Website

2008-08-24T20:15:00.003-04:00

A tenative website is up at www.leitchfineart.com. Also accessed at www.emergingartscene.com. When time permits,the website will feature several of the artists I work with along with more of their work. I'm also adding work of several local photographers.

Newsletter went out this evening. If you didn't receive and would like to, please email at denise@emergingartscene.com. Lots of art events in September and October!

Invitation Only Event for Japanese Artist, Masa Watanabe

2008-07-29T21:38:00.002-04:00

This is an Invitation Only Event. If you are interested, please contact me at denise@emergingartscene.com, and I will let you know if there is availability.

LeCreatif Design Gallery & Asahi Beer
Invite You and a Guest to an Art Party for
Acclaimed Japanese Aritst
Masa Watanabe

Friday, August 1st

7 to 10 PM

LeCreatif Design
Interior Design & Gallery
480 John Wesley Dobbs Ave
Suite 190
(Tribute Lofts retail space)
404-589-8212

SPACE IS LIMITED.
Please RSVP by July 30th to
denise@emergingartscene.com
or 770.328.6136

Acclaimed in his native Japan, Masa created works of Art that resounded in the Art circles of Tokyo and crossed the ocean to L.A, Detroit, and so to Atlanta where he now makes his home. "Watanabe's...art has real strenth - it is definitely statement art." [Detroit Free Press]

Curated by: Denise Leitch Jackson
Art Consultant

Monday, June 23rd, Art Party "East Meets West" at Artistry

2008-06-20T20:25:00.003-04:00

Please be our guest...for the first Monday art party at Artistry, supporting art, music and the artistic community.

Two Person Show
"East Meets West on Peachtree"

Shijun H. Munns
Dewitt Thompson III

Where & When

Monday, June 23rd
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Artistry
942 Peachtree St
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
(Located across from Metropolis)
404.207.1324

Join us on Monday, as we kick off the first of many Blue Monday Art Parties at Artistry. The Upstairs Lounge is the perfect venue to showcase local emerging artists. Enjoy captivating art by Atlanta artists at this inaugural Two Person Show. Installed at Artistry through July 23rd

Valet Parking available

RSVP ENCOURAGED

Shijun H. Munns
Born in the province of Guangdong, China. Shijun is a recipient of numerous awards for her artistic achievements. Shijun seems to look back into space-time while her paintings spring forward into our time to bring us images of deep and profound souls glimmering in soft, golden light. She brings forth vivid images of life that draw us deep into thought and wonder and into a realm where we ourselves become lost in worlds full of bright color and soft light.

Dewitt Thompson III
Fresh off the design set of the most recent Tyler Perry movie, Dewitt Thompson III exhibits his popular Woman Series. He paints on large canvases with oils and mixing mediums, exploring concepts from pop to traditional.

"I Believe In No Boundries When Expressing Oneself. Art To Me Is Like Music.
Inviting,Sensual .It Evokes Emotions And Feelings."

For More Information, Contact Denise Leitch Jackson
denise@emergingartscene.com

2008-06-12T10:51:00.002-04:00

If you are reading my blog for the first time, and want the whole story, please click on the December 2007 archive. It pretty much tells it.

If you visit, please leave a comment and let me know you were here. Thanks!

KB Pollard Artist Reception at Tazza Sunday June 8th

2008-06-01T18:47:00.006-04:00

Atlanta based artist, K.B. Pollard is a self-taught fine artist, who has been painting most of her life. The works installed at Tazza are watercolor on paper in vibrant color palettes. Her vivid use of color was inspired by sunsets on St. Simons Island. It was while showing in St Simon galleries that artist and gallery owner, Paul Patterson, compared her unique style to Gaugin and Van Gogh.

Artist Reception
Tazza Coffee & Espresso Bar
Sunday, June 8th
1:00 to 4:00 pm

Location:
Berkeley Heights
1700 Northside Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-350-0800

Meet the artist, KB Pollard, and view additional works, including paintings on canvas. Wind down from the weekend with iced coffee and frappe specials at Tazza.

Tazza is a hip, new coffee bar at the intersection of I-75 and Northside Drive. Stop by after brunch, before the pool, after the park, on the way home from the lake.

KB Pollard has a portfolio of watercolor on paper in many unique color schemes to enhance any design project. She also paints vibrant flowers with acrylic on canvas.
The work can be custom framed and matted to customize the look. A light matte and frame can create a completely different look and unique original piece of art.

If you can't attend, stop by anytime to see the installation.
Please call with your interest in one of the pieces you see at Tazza or to view KB Pollard's portfolio and custom framing options. We can consult with you to custom design a piece to compliment your home or office and create a one of a kind look.

Contact:
Denise Leitch Jackson, Art Consultant
Direct: 770.328.6136

denise@emergingartscene.com

www.soarwithtazza.com

Newsletter June 2008

2008-05-28T23:00:00.002-04:00

Here are highlights from the first issue of my monthly newsletter. If you would like to be added to receive the monthly newsletter, as well as invites to local art events, please email me at denise@emergingartscene.com

Atlanta's Emerging Art Scene
June 2008 Inaugural Issue

In this issue...
Blue Mondays at Artistry
KB Pollard Reception
Coffeeshop Culture

Dear Friends:
I want to thank everyone who has offered so much support, as I've made this transition to working with artists in a field that I love. It's been an amazing journey and is only getting better.

As the art events I am hosting are growing exponentially, I will be sending a monthly newsletter to let you know what's going on around town.

All the best,
Denise

Blue Mondays at Artistry
Branding Monday nights to showcase local artists

Artistry, formerly Sweet Lowdown, has reopened with small plates and an organic menu, with the lofty aspirations to support art, music and fashion. We'll kick off the Monday night art events on June 16th. Live jazz bands will accompany the art viewings. Watch for art themes and creative takes on the traditional art show. I am excited to have signed on to curate the events. Stay tuned.

For more details follow the weekly/bi-weekly events at www.emergingartscene.com
www.artistrylife.com

KB Pollard

Artist Reception
at Tazza Coffee & Espresso Bar
*End the weekend with
Iced Coffee and Frappes*

Sunday, June 8th
1:00 to 4:00 pm

Berkely Heights
1700 Northside Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-350-0800

View the installation of KB Pollard's framed watercolors and exhibit of new works. Atlanta favorite, KB Pollard, is self-taught, with her own artistic style and unique blend of color palattes. Contemporary and decorative, the work can be custom framed to compliment your design space.

Everyday culture/Disintegrating Culture
Artists: Brandi Smart and Betty Franco Handmacher

West Egg Cafe
1168 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318

June 9th to August 3rd
Opening Reception June 22nd

Brandi Smart's intelligent take on the coffee shop culture of modern day allows her to study color and gesture without overwhelming the viewer. Betty Franco Handmacher's abstract oils reflect her heritage as a Spanish Jew with pieces based on her disintegrating culture, as well as celebratory pieces.

Dagmar Bruehmueller Art Party at Tongue and Groove

Party goers and art lovers mingled at Tongue and Groove on May 16th, sipping drinks and tasting from the small plate menu. The focus was on the large canvases aligned around the room, strong enough to stand out in the midst of T&G's renovations.

I've since heard from a lot of people who love Dagmar's work and recognize her talent and originality. The strength of her work is evident, and her work will continue to increase in value. I think it is profoundly interesting that in coming from Brazil, Dagmar found inspiration in the Fulton Cotton Mills and Atlanta history. You more often hear it the other way around. Dagmar is heading to Chicago for the summer on June 12th and taking her work with her. If you are interested in seeing her work at her studio before then, please let me know.

Art ConsultingComplimentary Consultation by Appointment: I consult with clients to learn more about their taste, interest in art and the design of their space. Based on my recommendations, I bring art work on site for approval.

My strengths lie in building and maintaining long term relationships with individual and corporate clients based on understanding their needs and valuing their trust.

To schedule an appointment contact:
Denise Leitch Jackson
Direct: 770.328.6136
denise@emergingartscene.com

Collectors Corner: Commit
From "Nine Tips for Photography Collectors" by Kris Wilson, May 22, 2008"

"The difference between someone who collects and someone who doesn't collect," says W.H. Hunt, cofounder of Chelsea's Hasted Hunt gallery and a 35-year collector himself, "is committing. You like a picture, you've got the money, buy the damn thing. Commit."

Dagmar Bruehmueller Contemporary Fine Art Exhibit: Friday May 16th

2008-05-11T18:47:00.003-04:00

Denise Leitch Jackson, Fine Art Consultant Presents
Dagmar Bruehmueller Contemporary Fine Art Exhibit

Please be our guest for an evening of art showcasing Brazilian artist, Dagmar Bruehmueller. Join us at Tongue & Groove for an art party, featuring new works inspired by The Stacks at the Fulton Cotton Mill.

Join us for an Art Party at Tongue & Groove. Enjoy complimentary light appetizers and cash bar. Small plate menu will be available for purchase. **Complimentary valet parking at the door. RSVP for guest list to denise @emergingart scene.com.

Where & WhenTongue & Groove
2420 Piedmont RoadLindbergh City Center(next to Taco Mac and Lindbergh Marta Station)404-261-2325
Friday, May 16, 2008
8:00PM-10:00PM

Rooted in the rich culture of Brazil, Dagmar creates balance between serenity and the strength of independence. Serenity is reflected in the use of circular harmony and warm rich tones. Independence is represented by brilliant contract and division of space. Within this balance flows a sensual tension from a subtle fusion of strength and feminity. Inspired by specific moments that she finds awesome and profound, Dagmar infuses her work with the responsibility and positivism that she sees and feels in the world.

Select work of Dagmar Bruehmueller can be viewed at www.bruehmueller.com.
Contact Denise Leitch Jackson at 770.328.6136 to preview or for more details.
Direct: 770.328.6136

What Happened Next

2007-12-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

Okay, what happened next was they closed the mortgage office where I had my day job. Coming back from the dentist on Monday afternoon, my manager stepped into my cubicle and said we were closing, right then and there. We boxed up our personal effects, turned in our laptops and keys. There was a security guard in our lobby, as everyone left. The next day the news was out that the company had laid off 3150 employees, closing all the Atlanta loan centers and many more offices nationwide.

While I could see the disbelief in the eyes of my colleagues, I felt relief. I so want to move forward with my new venture. I thought I’d have a little more time with this job to develop my business on the side. Now I have a choice to make: to take another job in the interim and continue to move forward or to take a leap of faith and fly solo.

Amazingly, I made a rapid decision today and bought a laptop. Doesn’t everyone lose a job and make a major expenditure. Psychologically, it’s an investment in the art business more than anything else, and something I can’t move forward without. After finding a deal on an IBM Thinkpad on Craigslist, I met the seller at his condo lobby. He’s a graphic designer, so I’m getting Creative Suites in the deal. It has not only PhotoShop but Dreamweaver and other foreign software, which I am told will help me with the website I will eventually have for the artists’ work.

I’ve been in touch with several art connections today, but at the same time, I have mortgage clients, recruiters and brokers calling. A mortgage broker friend told me I have a job if I want it. In fact, when I said I appreciated the option, he said, for me it's an option, for him it's an open offer. So I have decisions to make. It’s almost the holidays, so I hope to take a little time.

Support for Me, Art and Zimbabwe

2007-12-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

I have been getting so much support with this project. When I posted a bulletin on myspace that I started this blog, I heard from one of my dance friends. She does marketing consultation on the side, and offered her services when the time comes.

Another dance friend told me about a holiday party at Lagerquist Gallery on Sunday, so I made a point to stop by. The exhibit was not what I expected, but I am still thinking about it, so it had its effect. It was centered on a church’s young life mission trip to Zimbabwe to visit orphans. There were a couple of photographers who took amazing colorful photographs, mostly of the children, but also of village life, animals and landscapes. The photos of the children and the elderly were the most moving. Several artists had done paintings based on different photographs that they chose. The proceeds were to benefit the orphans. The gallery also had a number of artists donate pieces, which were then sold at a discount, not something you normally see. I thought these might be random works left in the artists’ inventories, but I did hear one artist saying that she did a piece specifically for the benefit.

Those in attendance were mostly family and church members. But it struck me at how diverse art can be. And what meaning it can add as it documents our lives. On first glance, it was not the abstract art I am most drawn to. Yet I am still envisioning the solemn upturned faces and shining eyes of the children in those photos, which is an important message at this holiday time of year.

Found: Art Agent in Atlanta

2007-12-09T12:50:00.001-05:00

I went to an After Hours event for the Buckhead Business Association (BBA). It was an early evening event at the Gallery Residences, a brand new upscale Novare condo, on Peachtree Street. I made a number of good connections and one amazing connection.

Talking with Monica, Novare’s Event Planner, I told her I was starting a venture as an art agent and would be doing art parties. She said she had someone I should meet, and pointed out Shawn. She thought Shawn was doing something with contemporary art or artists.

So I made my way over, but was sidetracked by someone I knew. Shawn was being flanked by several people who wanted to talk with her as well. Before I could introduce myself, Monica was talking with Shawn and telling her about me. We were both excited to meet.

She is doing something very similar. With a business background and a passion for art, similar to mine, she’s getting established here. Like me, she had not been able to find another art agent in Atlanta. But she thought that two of us working together could make more of an impact on the Atlanta art scene than each of us individually.

We had a few minutes to chat and plan to meet soon. She introduced me to Albert, her interior designer friend, who is planning a number of upcoming art parties. I left the party on my way to a friend’s birthday on a tremendous high. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Domain Name

2007-12-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

I went to a Jelly friday. It’s where people who work from home meet at a coffee shop to work alone together. With a great turnout, I’m not sure if anyone got a lot of work done, but I learned some things. It was a great place to ask about the best of the net.

I learned about twitter, although not sure when I’ll have a use for it. I was told google loves twitter. As I aspire to some day show up on internet search engines, I got one. I don’t have a website yet, so it’s a ways away.

I asked about the best place to set up an attractive and customizable blog, and learned about wordpress. I also got advice on registering a domain name, still godaddy. I learned about the basic, inexpensive hosting services: dreamhost, pairlite, bluehost.
While checking out all the sites, I saw that my blog name emergingartscene was available as a .com name. I was told: buy it, so I did. It seemed a bargain at $10.

Craziness

2007-12-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

How crazy is this! I sent my mom an email this morning to let her know I had set up a blog, and she might enjoy keeping up with what I’m doing. She emails back that she’s not able to pull it up, and she’ll try again later. And then she says that one of the owners of the condo where she works was an art agent. He has some marketing ideas for me and wants to share some copies of contracts. If you’ve read my last post, how amazing is this. My mother!

Coaching

2007-12-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

I have spent the better part of this last year asking people if they knew an art agent I could talk to. I thought for sure someone would know someone already established in this capacity. I would ask for an informational interview, or in a best case scenario, offer to intern with them. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel, just apply my eye for art and trends with my relationship skills. Lo and behold, there was no such person, at least not in Atlanta.

Just last night, I had an artist address me, saying, “As my agent, you….” So the fact that I’ve gone from there to here, amazes me. Once I started taking action, things started falling into place.

Over the summer, I met Patricia Varley (www.patriciavarley.com) in Aspen, and didn’t find out until the day I was leaving, and we exchanged business cards, that she is not only a motivational speaker, but a business and life coach. Well, I feel my life is about the happiest and most balanced it’s been in a long time, but I knew I could use some dedicated business coaching. So when I got home, I shot an email off to Patricia.

While she is on the road a lot, she is available to coach by phone. We spent an initial session determining what I was looking for in a coach, and she sent me some questionnaires to complete. I’d already done a lot of pre-work on my own in the last couple of years, writing out what’s important to me, what I think my purpose is, so the questionnaire came easy to me. When completed and we met by phone for our next session, I was encouraged by how much Patricia seemed to like my writing. And the exercise seemed to tie together a lot of the things I’d been thinking about recently and my reasoning for looking for an art agent to apprentice with.

There wasn't going to be a mentor, and I wasn't going to be an apprentice. I was going to figure this thing out on my own. Patricia was invaluable in listening, coaching, encouraging, and most importantly for me, the matter of paying for sessions made my self imposed deadlines very important. I was motivated to get the most out of my investment in myself.

So at the end of each session, we covered what my tasks were and when we would meet next. And as my newfound coach pointed out, when I started taking action, things just started happening.

New Venture with the Arts

2007-12-05T12:23:00.000-05:00

I've never thought specifically that I wanted to start my own business. I've gone through life working at jobs, mostly banking and finance related. Over the years, I've enjoyed some aspects, like developing new business and building relationships. I'm good at gaining trust and uncovering needs, and then maybe selling what it is that's needed. But I have become bored with analyzing other people's financial affairs.

Jobs have been a necessity, and I have made the best of them. However, I find I get most passionate and excited about the things I do outside of my job, or maybe as an aside to my job. Over the course of this blog, you may get tired of seeing certain words: passion, passionate, excited, so I apologize upfront. Yet I definitely get excited about certain things, like art, dance, literature.

I once wrote for a magazine, did interviews, got paid and was so energized. I did some local television, a people and places talk show, where I would find my own guests and interview them. This was not paid and on a guest host basis, but it was exciting. Planning lots of events, galas for the American Cancer Society, Chamber Business Expos, and chairing silent auctions for the Keith Brooking Childrens Foundation have been compelling. I love to travel and am always making extraordinary connections. Likewise, I love to dance, contemporary jazz. And one of the things I'm really passionate about is my love of contemporary art.

I think in this fast paced global media internet world, we need to keep supporting the arts and artists. We support football, basketball, golf, video games, the wii and countless other activities and the players involved. I want to find ways to help more people appreciate visual art and all the brilliant things that man and God create. For I think that the arts add depth and meaning and joy to this world that would be sorely missed if they were lost. So somehow this passion of mine for the arts is evolving into my own business, and I wanted a forum to share this journey.