John C. Campbell Folk School experience

RutabagAs Debbie Beyerlein, Mary Copersmet, and Elaine Hofman have returned from a week’s study at the Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. The school, founded in 1925 and modeled after traditional folk schools in Scandinavia, was begun as an educational and social mission to the people of rural Appalachia.

Today these handicrafts are still being taught, and the school, in collaboration with Western Carolina University and others, is documenting the crafts of the region. The Craft Revival movement refers to a resurgence of valuing and preserving traditional, hand-made, useful objects while providing a market for these culturally significant crafts.

"Art On Lockdown" at the Quad City Arts

Quad City Arts, 1715 - 2nd Avenue, Rock Island IL, is hosting a show of art created during the Covid lockdown last year. Some of the art references covid, naturally, but there’s a wide range of beautifully creative treats for you to see. We’re pleased that four of our RutabagAs have work in this show: Debbie Beyerlein, Kris Love, Karen Stewart-Casper, and Pauline Swanson. Good job!

The show runs from Oct. 15 - Dec. 3 at the downtown Rock Island gallery. Do go see it, you won’t be disappointed! Our friend and neighbor Dave Smith, of Smith Studio and Gallery, also has two wild and wonderful papier mache sculptures in the show.

See some, but not all, of the art: https://www.quadcityarts.com/rock-island-gallery.html

Dave Smith’s gallery: https://www.smithstudiogeneseo.com/

“Seeking Inspiration From Coffee”, by the ever-quirky Kris Love

Debbie Beyerlein did 30 small watercolor paintings. She painted one a day for 30 days. Most were inspired by her past travels.

This is Karen Stewart Casper with her lovely trees. She also paints barns and old vehicles well.

Pauline Swanson by her dramatic floral oil painting.

Debbie Beyerlein by the Art on Lockdown sign in her new jacket embellished by Karen Vroman.

New Show of Art Influencers during October

Influencers don’t just exist on social media. They are real. In real life they’re known by other names, like “mentor” and “teacher”. And their influence is profound, and lasting.

During the month of October we will display works by some of the important local mentors, accompanied by statements of how they have improved our art and impacted our lives. Every artist grows with the help of those around her, and there have been some spectacular established artists in the Geneseo area who have been generous with their time and guidance. We honor them.

The show starts with an opening reception Sunday, October 3, from 2 - 4 p.m., and runs through the end of the month. At RutabagA Gallery, downtown Geneseo.

Shirley misty trees.jpg