My Top 10 Reasons to go to the Artclectic Art Show

Pinkney Herbert's art: bold and vibrant

I begin this post with full disclosure; I co-chaired Artclectic a number of years ago and loved it so much that I signed up to co-chair it another year.  Everything you will read in this post today is biased, it is totally based on my opinions.  Wait a second…. isn’t that what a blog is supposed to be, your thoughts and opinions?

I do have some definite opinions about art having been a collector of local art since I arrived to town about 20 years ago.  I have works of Anna Jaap, Sterling Strausser, Bruce Mathews. Kem Alexander and Brody Vincent, most of which were acquired from Artclectic or other local art shows.

So with some self-appointed credentials under my belt, here are my 10 reason why Artclectic is a MUST GO DEAL:

Reason #1:

Full disclosure.  All three of my daughters attend University School of Nashville and this is a major fund-raiser for the school and its programs. USN’s  commitment to art is next to none, and since I was an art fiend in high school, I like that idea.  Also, perhaps in my wildest dreams, a successful Artclectic may lead to less tuition increases.  I know, keep dreaming!

Reason # 2:

Artclectic is a juried show so most of the bad landscapes and still lifes of pears & florals were given a thumbs down. Only the best of the best is allowed at this show.  It makes a huge difference in your art experience when you get to see 50 great artists versus tons of average ones.

Reason #3:

If you want to buy a large piece of art, it is a great opportunity to find an artist that will MOST LIKELY be in a gallery next year.  Artclectic does a great job introducing new artists to local galleries.  I bought a wonderful Brody Vincent a couple of years ago only to find he is currently represented by LeQuire Gallery.  Good for him and good for me, as I did save some money by buying directly from him.

Reason #4.:

I COMPLETELY love the featured artist this year, Pinkney Herbert.  His work will command a room and I adore his sense of color.  Another plus for Pinkney is that he is from Memphis and he knows my old high school boyfriend.  I think I may like Pinkney better than the old boyfriend but that is a different story and maybe even another blog.  No, I did not put any of my  jewelry on exboyfriend jewelry.com!

Pinkney Herbert is the featured artist at Artclectic

Reason #5:

Artclectic’s community party of Friday night rocks!  I invited my girlfriends a couple of years ago and had to drag them out because the margaritas were free.  It is a $10 ticket with food and drink, great music and a casual atmosphere.  This year Whole Foods has generously donated ALL the food.  It is TRULY a community party because of Artclectic’s proximity to Music Row and Vandy.

Reason #6:

Artclectic is free on the weekend and if you have small children or large ones, know that I have always found the show to be incredibly educational.  The artists love the show because the school does a wonderful job of feeding them, so they are basically happy campers.  If you ask them about technique or process, they will gladly engage you or your little tike!

Reason #7:

Artclectic offers many types of art from ceramics to jewelry.  I don’t know about you, but I am a little cash poor these days even though the stock market is on the increase.  If you are not looking for a major painting or can’t afford one at this time, it is nice to know there is a great pair of earring or a wonderful pair of itsy-bitsy concrete shoes waiting for you to snap up.  With that being said, I do plan to purchase another pair of concrete shoes from the amazing and wonderful Kem Alexander, the goddess of concrete.

concrete boots by Kem Alexander

Reason # 8:

Ok, I admit this is kind of a stupid reason but I love to dress for art shows.  It is an incredible opportunity to deck out in your most Bohemian attire with outrageous shoes and jewelry.  No one gawks, no one opens their mouth.  You just get to BE.  How Zen.

Reason # 9:

I have spied through some sleuthing around a new and incredible artist named Ian Kessler-Gowell. He is a great example of a “find”- so to speak – with a wonderful whimsical eye for ceramic glass.  Another incredible find is Alizah Greenberg, a new artist to the show and USN Mom.  As a mother of four children and a dog, her jewelry is filled with passion and love.

Footed bowls by new artist, Ian Kessler-Gowell

Necklace by Alizah Greenberg

Finally:

And the number #1 reason to go to Artclectic or the final reason, whichever way you read the list, is to consider how important art is to our world.  Art captures both the beautiful and the disturbing, sometimes in one breath, but ultimately art is created by real people with real inspiration.  What a fantastic way to celebrate creativity, invention and beauty.

Artclectic
2000 Edgehill Avenue

Community Party
Friday, October 23, 6-10PM
$10 at the door. Light fare by Whole Foods, beer and wine

“Best cheap date of the year”
Open to the public – Free
Saturday 11AM-7PM
Sunday 11AM-3PM
www.artclectic.org

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