Aren't you adornable?

Necklaces, bracelets and ear rings by Steph Brouwers 

remain on display and for sale through the end of April.

Her monster necklace is loaded with amulets, talismans and positive juju.

Bobbi and Kelley came up with the frame and fabric concept

for the purpose of display and Steph ran with it. 

Over in the display case are freshly minted 

rings and things by Kelley Naylor Wise.

 A gorgeous druzy and silver necklace 

with matching ear rings by Kelley.

International Trade 2

Some of the Artist Trading Cards made by folks who came by last Friday's opening for Steph Brouwers, made by Wade, Darion, Bobbi, Jess, Jay, Kelley, Micah & Jessica.   These and others will be travelling back to Belgium as trade for her students' ATCs. Thanks to all the participants. Enjoy your art.

We had so much fun with this project that we decided to do it again soon.  We might trade with Steph's students again or we might just trade among ourselves, but stay tuned and we'll let you know when the next ATC workshop will take place.

Steph flies out of Little Rock tomorrow morning, but her jewelry will stay at the gallery through May 4th.  Prices range from $20 to $250.

360 on 16

Steph and Kelley visited this morning with Deedra Wilson on Fox16's Good Day Arkansas to tout the new jewelry.  The open reception is tonight from 6 until 10.  Rural War Room will be spinning some European sounds in Steph's honor.  Come by to see (and maybe buy) what Steph (and Kelley) have been working on lately.  Très décoratif!

International Trade

Steph Brouwers has arrived stateside and we have been in awe of all the wonderful wearable art she has made for the upcoming show.  Each necklace is like a museum dedicated to world travel.  Beads of ceramic, wood, glass and stone from Africa, Europe, China, and India all mixed in with bone and shell and fabric and feathers…  And that's just for starters.

Steph doesn't just make art, though.  She teaches art.  Her students are teenagers; 13, 14, 15 years old.  They're represented in this show as well, with ATCs.  What are ATCs?  Artist Trading Cards.  They have several things in common with each other. 1.)  All are 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  2.) All are unique works of art.  And, 3.)  They not sold, but traded.  Here are nine of them.

Now, if you would like to obtain one of these beauties, all you need to do is make one of your own.  Your creation will travel back to Belgium with Steph and be presented to the student who made the card you adopted.  It's that simple.  

You can make your ATC at home and bring it to the opening Friday night.  Or, you can come prepared to create your ATC at the gallery.  We will have card blanks on hand, as well as markers, crayons, collage materials, scissors, glue and assorted sundries.  You can even bring in your own raw materials, but all you really need to provide is your imagination. Consider it an experiment in international trading relations.

Steph Brouwers' Jewelry Show and Workshop

Our next show is titled "Inner Visions: Wearable Art" and features jewelry made by Steph Brouwers.  Steph is a good friend of ours who lives in Olne, Belgium, where she teaches art, sculpts, makes beads and constructs jewelry.  If you asked her what she does (and you'll get a chance to), she'd simply say she makes things.

We will be posting more pictures of her necklaces, bracelets and earrings in the coming week, but right now I just want you to:

1. Mark your calendar for Friday, April 5th.  That's the date of the opening of the five week show.  The time is set for 6 pm to 10 pm at Gallery 360, 900 S. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock; and,

2. Consider signing up for her talisman workshop held the next day, Saturday, April 6th, from 2 to 5 pm at the gallery.  Participants will learn the significance of amulets and talismans, become familiar with the wonderful world of polymer clay and create a talisman for themselves.  Clay and tools will be provided.  Students may wish to bring findings such as earwires, clasps and cords.  They are also encouraged to bring in damaged costume jewelry or special fragments they may like to incorporate into their creations.  The cost of the class is $35.  Register by calling (501) 663-2222.

Bobbi Nesbitt has posted an interview with Steph over on her This Is Arkansas blog, along with pictures and more about the exhibit.  Also, check out Steph's own blog.  And Pinterest. Oh, and tune in Channel 16's 'Good Day' program next Friday morning at 7:45 am.  Steph and Gallery 360's resident artist Kelley Naylor Wise will be discussing jewelry making with Nichelle Sullivan.

Last Days for YOSEMITE

Tim O'Brien's re-discovered photographs of Yosemite circa 100 years ago continues through Saturday, March 30th. The Idle Class blog writes about the project here.

Our next exhibit opens April 5th and features the jewelry of Steph Brouwers.  More about that in the coming days.

VOV March 15 - 19

Our friends at the Art Church suggest you check out 

all the doings in Hot Springs over the course of the next five days.

Go to the festival site for more details.  

Scroll down to read about all the great workshops.

Everett Gee is especially excited about the Pat Moriarity comix workshops.