Holly, Sarah and Stephanie Kellogg are showing their work in our exhibition cove this month.

The opening reception for these talented ladies will be held at A Piece of Work, Inc. located at 1619 Hill Ave, in Spirit Lake.  Refreshments will be served from 5:30-7:00pm on Friday, March 12th.
The menu for the night includes:
 
Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Yes, the famous one!)
Fresh Irish Soda Bread (Also famed!)
Warm Irish Whisky Bread Pudding (You won't want to miss this!)
Water
Iced Tea
both Red and Pink Wine
 

The public is welcome to come, to view and discuss the works with the artists.  For more information, call the gallery at (712) 336-1077, or email apieceofworkinc@gmail.com .

Avis Davis speaking last night at the reception about the work done by the students in her Jan-Feb watercolor class. We had over 30 people at the reception, and both the conversation and the food was spectacular! Thanks to everyone for making it so successful!

This is a test.

This Friday (March 5th) there will be a reception held for the participants of Avis Davis' Jan-Feb Watercolor Class. Everyone is welcome to come view the work and enjoy some refreshments!

The Digital Photo Class Reception had a great turn out, over 60 people! Here are a couple photos from the opening.

A few participants aren't pictured, but these are the lucky survivors from Dan Ruf's January Digitial Photography Class. If you're interested, the next one will be held March 27th, April 10th, 17th, and 24th. For more information or to register, call or email the gallery at (712)336-1077 apieceofworkinc@gmail.com .

Saturday the 13th was the opening reception for A Piece of Work, Inc.’s February installation of the “Classroom to the Gallery” project. Harris-Lake Park High School has seven talented young artists displaying their work this month, and their art will be hung at the gallery for public viewing until February 27th.
 
The girls who participated in the “Classroom to the Gallery” project are (from left to right in the photograph): Kari Bruinsma (teacher), Morgan Orwig, Emily Anderson, Jodi Hibma, Samantha Brueggeman, Jennifer Kruger, Katlynn Luinstra. The student artist missing from photo is Kelsey Christoffer.
 
The "Classroom to the Gallery" project is an opportunity to show area students’ work in a professional gallery. The work is on display for one calendar month, and the students may sell their work if they so choose.  The goal of this project is to give art students the chance to meet and interact with practicing artists, as well as giving them one more exhibition that can be listed on their resume.
 
Everyone is encouraged to stop by the gallery at 1619 Hill Avenue, in Spirit Lake, to show support for these emerging artists and to browse the wonderful selection of original art on display there.  The gallery’s hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday.

The winners of the Mrshmallow Man Blaster Shoot Out (from left to right): Jason Feather (MUSHIES), Macy Pullen (MINIS), Diane Lockard (TOASTED), and Kacey Krieger (MINIS 2nd Place).

Students in the class hard at work.

Students critique pictures from last weeks assignment.

Dan showing the class some pictures.

Photography by Mike Houge

A Piece of Work is excited to announce that a special exhibition of Mike Houge’s photography will be on display during the month of January.  A Reception will be held Thursday, January 14th from 5:30-7:00pm.

Mike Houge is a local businessman, born and raised in Northwest Iowa into an artistic family.  “I have always looked for the proper medium to express my artistic interests.  After trying several different mediums, I have found that my love of nature and photography seem to be the right combination.”

“My journey has led me to a collection of images from Northwest Iowa, and from the shores and woodlands of the north shore along Lake Superior in Minnesota.  I try to capture images of the locations I visit in a pleasing and interesting way with hopes that they will draw emotions and stir some feelings.”

Marshmallow Man Blaster Shoot Out

Saturday, January 30th

11:00am-2:30pm

 A Piece of Work, Inc. would like to invite you to register for the first annual Marshmallow Man Blaster Shoot Out.  The Shoot Out will take place at A Piece of Work, Inc.  Saturday, January 30 during the 2010 University of Okoboji Winter Games.

There are three divisions:

MINIS (12 & under)

MUSHIES (13-49yrs)

TOASTED (50+ yrs)

Competition will consist of a preliminary round.  Each participant will get 3 practice shots and then blast 5 live marshmallow rounds at specially designed animated targets.  The top 9 point makers in each division will move on to the final round.  Finals Participants will fire 10 live marshmallow rounds.  Shoot outs will continue until a winner is determined.

The MINIS division will have a preliminary round from 11:00-11:45am and finals from 11:45am- 12 Noon.  The MUSHIES preliminary round will be from 12:15-1:00pm and finals from 1:00-1:15pm.  The TOASTED division’s preliminaries will be from 1:30-2:15pm with finals from 2:15-2:30pm.  The top winner in each division will receive an authentic “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man”.

“Shoot Out” rules are modeled after the strict Code of Ethics established by the Ghostbusters Team.  Shooting at other participants and eating live rounds are prohibited acts.  Each participant must have fun. 

A nonrefundable registration fee of $1.00 must be included with your registration form.  Participation is limited to the first 862 paid registrants.  Registration forms can be picked up at A Piece of Work, Inc. at 1619 Hill Avenue, or at the Winter Games website www.uofowintergames.com

A Piece of Work, Inc. is now on Facebook!

Search A Piece of Work, Inc. and become a fan. 

A Reception was recently held for students who completed classes at A Piece of Work.  The artists being recognized include: Lesleigh Wiese, Roxana Rivedal, Deb Johnson, Jami Mahn, Diane Lockard, Janice Clark, Teri Kannedy, and Jane Black.  Four students completed an Introductory Drawing Class in October instructed by staff artist, Sharon Sadusky. The Drawing Class had an underlying theme of value study and worked on various drawing techniques.  Six students completed a Soft Pastels Class in November instructed by staff artist, Irene McCoy.  The Pastels Class introduced the idea of color theory, landscapes, and florals.

The December First Friday Art Walk was recently held at A Piece of Work.  Sharon Sadusky's Artist Reception for the December Exhibition was also held during the Art Walk. 

Here are some of the highlights:

 Member Artists Ed Linhardt and his wife, and Irene McCoy enjoying the First Friday festivities.

Member Artist Dan Ruf, Gallery Owner Diane Lockard, and community member in good conversation during the First Friday Art Walk.

Member Artist Mike Houge is having a one-man show during the month of December at Witter Gallery in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Mike's reception will be Thursday, December 10th from 6:00-7:00pm. 

Congratulations Mike!

Remembrance
A special selection of paintings by Sharon Sadusky

A Piece of Work, Inc. would like to announce that a special exhibition of Sharon Sadusky’s paintings will be on display from December 1 – 31.  Her show is titled “Remembrance”.  An artist reception will be held Friday, Dec. 4 from 5:00-7:00pm.  Refreshments will be served and Sharon will give an Artist Talk at 6:00pm.

Sharon Sadusky, a native of the Lakes Area, currently resides just south of Jackson, Minnesota.  Over the years Sharon has taken a variety of classes and workshops, where she has studied with Anita Plucker, Hank Hall, Agnes Alsgaard-Lein, Yves Larouque, Johan Thunberg, and Sebastiao Pereira to name a few.  She continues to take college classes, where she can be introduced to old and new methods and materials.  Sharon believes that we need to return to the basics and that life is meant to be a life long learning experience.

“I have always enjoyed working with my hands.  My Aunt did a variety of crafts and painting and always had a project for us to do.  I would look forward all week to going to the farm for the weekend and seeing what she had planned.”

Inspiration comes from many directions. Sharon has traveled extensively on art history trips to France, Italy, England, Ireland and Egypt as well as numerous trips in the great U.S.A. Taking walks and viewing nature makes one want to try to preserve the moment.  Sharon is always eager to share this passion with others, and it is through this sharing that she keeps experimenting and trying new things.

She has had solo exhibitions at Minnesota West College, Mayo Health Center, Pearson Lakes Art Center, Carnegie Art Center, and the Nobles County Art Center.  Her work has also been showcased in many venues throughout the Midwest.  Sharon’s work can be viewed and purchased at A Piece of Work, Inc.

November Exhibition: Agnes “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lien

A special exhibition of Agnes “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lien’s paintings will be on display from November 5 – November 28. 

For over twenty years, Bobbie Alsgaard-Lien as been an Art Instructor and Gallery Director at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota.  She has received many awards and honors throughout Minnesota and the Midwest, including the Prairie Star Award, Distinguished Artist in Marshall, MN; Gene Schaar, Excellence in Painting in Worthington, MN; and Best of Show in many shows throughout the state. 

“I Still ‘COLOR’ after 45 years.  I am always curious to see what transpires.” 

Bobbie’s work has been on display in throughout the country.  Most recently, in Vermillion, SD, as part of the University of South Dakota Alumni Exhibit.  A few of her other recent exhibitions include: Remick Gallery, Windom, MN; Nuance Gallery, Beresford, SD; Gallery 180, Tuscon, AZ; Nobles Co. Art Gallery, Worthington, MN; Octavia’s Haze Gallery, San Francisco, CA; University of Wisconsin, River Falls, WI.  Bobbie is also a member of SMAHC, the Rural Arts Initiative/Blandin Foundation, and the Nobles County Art Center. 

The new anthology,

Knee High by the Fourth of July

More Stories of Growing Up in and Around Small Towns in the Midwest,

is now available.

A follow-up to the popular anthology, Walking Beans Wasn't Something You did With Your Dog, this new volume contains 33 true stories by Midwest authors, about rural living and down-home experiences.  A great winter read!

Book Signing

with Member Artist, Dan Ruf

@A Piece of Work, Inc.

Saturday, Nov. 14

1:00-2:00pm

Sunday, Nov. 15

1:00-2:00pm

 A Piece of Work, Inc. would like to invite the public to take an Art Walk during First Friday in Olde Town Spirit Lake Friday, November 6 from 5-7 pm .  The Art Walk brings the public into two unique art galleries, A Piece of Work, Inc.. and Art on 16th, in Olde Town Spirit Lake to see exceptional original art.  View one-of-a-kind artwork created by local artists and enjoy refreshments by Diane Lockard and wine, compliments of Little Swan Lake Winery.

Many of the Member Artists at a Piece of Work, Inc. will be at the gallery to meet. Member artists include Hillcrest Forge, Perry Polson, James Olivari, Dan Ruf, Deb Paxton, Ed Linhardt, Jr., Bogenrief Studios, Lynn Hunter Swan, Kelli Farrar, Avis Davis, Anita Plucker, Glenda Drennen, Jolene Nichols, Mike Houge, Irene McCoy, Curiel-Reynolds School of Visual Arts, Sharon Sadusky, Judy Hemphill, Jill Winders, Holly Kellogg, Kari Hagan, and Gary Hastings. 

A special exhibition of Agnes “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lien’s paintings will also be on display during First Friday.  Bobbie’s work can be viewed from November 5 – November 28. 

First Friday

at A Piece of Work, Inc.

Wine Tasting Compliments of Little Swan Lake Winery

Friday, November 6

5:00 - 7:00pm

Over 300 trick-or-treaters came through the doors of the gallery on Halloween.  A Piece of Work, Inc was one of many of the downtown Spirit businesses to participate in the day’s festivities.

The Spirit Lake First Grade class currently have their Snakes from Art Class on display at the Gallery.  There are nearly 80 snakes in different shapes, and colors.  Each one is labeled with the artist's name and titled (by the artist).  You can only imagine what a First Grader would name their snake :-)

The snakes are on display through Saturday, Oct. 31st.

Dan Ruf Accepted into Competition

A Piece of Work, Inc is excited to announce that Member Artist Daniel Ruf has recently had his work chosen in a Showcase Competition.  Only the top 250 of 3,250 images submitted are included in the showcase.  Ruf’s selected piece is titled ‘Canada Geese in Spring Snow, Hottes Lake near Spirit Lake, Iowa’.

According to Ruf, nature photography is as much about marketing as it is about getting out into the countryside to ply ones craft as a photographer.  With the digital age the competition has increased greatly along with the tools and learning curve that come with new technology.  In recent years the business has become fast paced and ever changing requiring all photographers to keep abreast of the digital medium and the direction that fine art photography is headed.

Mr. Ruf’s work has recently been accepted into the Showcase Competition of the North American Nature Photography Association www.nanpa.com and will be included in their 2010 “Expressions” catalogue.  This important selection involves a jury of some of the top nature photographers in the world, all of whom have diverse backgrounds in exhibition, publication, research and teaching.

Since retiring from farming, Mr. Ruf’s work has found its way into numerous private collections around the country as well as publications such as Our Iowa magazine and the 2010 Our Iowa calendar.  He has been involved with a number of local artist organizations and is presently exhibiting at A Piece of Work, Inc. in Spirit Lake, Iowa; Cornucopia Art Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota; and CR Gallery in Milford, Iowa.

OCTOBER 1 - 31
Special Exhibition of work by Glenda Drennen
Glenda Drennen is a native of South Dakota and a former public school music teacher.  She earned her BFA in applied flute and music education at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.  Glenda currently resides in LeMars where she creates paintings in her home-based Watermark Studio.  Her love affair with watercolor began over twenty five years ago.  She has earned signature membership in both the Iowa Watercolor Society and the Watercolor Honor Society-Watercolor U.S.A. in Springfield, Missouri.  Many of her award winning paintings hang in private and corporate collections across the United States and abroad. 

"Early on I painted strictly traditional, transparent watercolor on paper. The paintings were quite controlled, realistic compositions. But I soon felt the need to paint more energetic compositions with surprises both for me and the viewer. I wanted to make better use of the transparent quality and unpredictability of this exciting medium. Old habits are hard to break. It is hard to "let go" and sometimes feel out of control. It took some time - 25 years to be exact. But with experience and willingness - even courage - to try new techniques and materials, my work has evolved into a strong personal painting style that is both more abstract and subjective."

An artist reception for Glenda Drennen will be held Thursday, October 8 from 5:00 - 7:00pm at A Piece of Work, Inc. in Spirit Lake.  Refreshments will be served and Glenda will give an Artist Talk at 6:00pm.  Her work will be on display from October 1 - 31.

UPCOMING EXHIBTIONS
NOVEMBER 1 - 30
Special Exhibition of work by Agnes (Bobbie) Alsgaard-Lien

DECEMBER 1- 31
Special Exhibition of work by Sharon Sadusky

First Friday Includes Art Walk & Irish Minstrel Band on Sept. 4
A Piece of Work, Inc. and Art on 16th invite the public to take a final summer Art Walk and enjoy the Irish Minstrels Band during First Friday in Olde Town Spirit Lake on September 4 from 5-8 pm. The Art Walk brings the public into two unique art galleries in Olde Town Spirit Lake to see exceptional original artwork and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Other Olde Town Spirit Lake shops and several restaurants are open for business for this monthly evening of food, fun, free entertainment, and, of course, art!
The award winning and highly entertaining Irish Minstrels Band will perform from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Hill Avenue.  They present a variety of fun, traditional tunes from the pubs of old Ireland with never a dull moment during their show.  The public is invited to enjoy this informal concert and come and go between the shops, restaurants, and the performers. Please note you will need to bring your own chairs if you want to sit outside for the music. 
The Irish Minstrels Band is part of the summer First Friday music series supported by the Olde Town Spirit Lake merchants group.  
Many of the member artists at a Piece of Work, Inc. will be at the gallery to meet. Member artists include Lynn Hunter Swan,  Kelli Farrar, Ruth Beardsley, Avis Davis, Anita Plucker, Glenda Drennen, Michael Houge, Ron Heiman, Perry Polson, Hillcrest Forge, Inc., Irene McCoy, Daniel Ruf, Tony Curiel, Bogenrief Studios, Sharon Sadusky, Robert Ten Cate, Judy Hemphill, Holly Kellogg, Jill Winders, Ed Linhardt, Jr., Carol Herden, Richard Ahrenholtz, Jolene Nichols, James Olivari, Deb Paxton, Kari Hagan, and Gary Hastings.
Art on 16th will also have many of the gallery artists available that evening. Art on 16th features remarkable local art by Bogenrief Studios, Danielle Clouse, Avis Davis, Dennis Dykema, Kathy Evert, Shelagh Gamble, Anita Gilbert & Anthony Vodraska, Hank Hall, Lou Hargens, William Lieb, Jill Olson, Anita Baedke-Plucker, Torrey Proctor, Dan Ruf, and Brad Travis.
A Piece of Work, Inc. is housed in the 1921 Walker Motor Company building located on Hill Avenue in Olde Town Spirit Lake, Iowa.  The Gallery is now showcasing the original works of 30 regional artists.  Hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces of art are available for viewing and sale in a wide assortment of art mediums.  The Gallery is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Saturday.  For more information call 712-336-1077 or visit www.apieceofworkinc.com.
Art on 16th is Hank Hall’s creative laboratory on 16th Street in Olde Town Spirit Lake in the former Joe Lieb wood-working shop built in 1948. A career teacher and master artist, Hall teaches a variety of youth and adult art classes and sells the work of sixteen local artists, including his own one-of-a-kind clay and mixed media pieces.  Art on 16th is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am – 1 pm, and by appointment. For more information call 712-330-6006 or visit www.hankhallarton16th.com.

THE EMPORIUM OF ORIGINAL ART FEATURED IN OKOBOJI MAGAZINE!
 There was a great article about the Emporium in the August 2009 of the Okoboji Magazine.  If you did not receive a copy in the mail, they are available at Chamber of Commerce offices and a number of businesses.  The article does a good job of giving the history of A Piece of Work, Inc., the wide variety of art works available, and the fact that our customers literally come from all over the world.
 
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
 As crews of independent contractors make their annual deliveries of the 3 or 4 completely different telephone books to your homes and businesses, make note!!  The cover of the August 2009 - 2010 Colorlyne Northwest Iowa Regional Directory features Member Artist Daniel Ruf's "Beautiful Iowa".

A PIECE OF WORK ,INC. CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY

A Piece of Work, Inc. would like to invite the public to its 1st Birthday Celebration Saturday, July 25. Events are planned throughout the day from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm! Starting at 9:15 - 11:15 am, join us for a PLANEAIR SOARING SAIL. The idea is to create a work of art on a piece of paper and fold that paper into a paper airplane. Every 15 minutes the airplanes will be lifted to the roof of the building and launched. It's a great activity for families and people of all ages. Watch your piece of work take flight! There will be BIRTHDAY CAKE & beverages served from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, as well as artist demonstrations throughout the day. CURIEL REYNOLDS SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS will be doing a glass fusing demonstration from 12:30 - 2:00 pm. CRVA is located in Spencer and offers instruction in jewelry and glass bead making, stained glass, silver cqasting, and many more unique arts. IRENE McCOY will be demonstrating soft pastel landscape drawing from 1:00 - 2:00 pm; since moving to Iowa in 1997, she has been drawn to the natural beauty of the landscape. Irene is a local artist who works in watercolor and soft pastel. PERRY POLSON will be doing a wood turning demonstration from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Perry is located a short drive away in Spencer and uses and recycles local natural wood for his works. SHARON SADUSKY will demonstrate drawing techniques from 2:30 - 3:30 pm. Sharon lives just north of the Lakes Area and works mainly in acrylic, watercolor, and graphite. She has traveled throughout the US  and overseas and that influence can be seen in many of her works. AVIS DAVIS will be demonstrating watercolor techniques from 3:30 - 4:30 pm; Avis is also a local artist who uses watercolor as her primary medium.  Her work has been exhibited throughout the state of Iowa.

"Portraits Of Olde Town", Spirit Lake is now on permanent display near the front entrance. This massive door has been rebuilt and displays the top 12 entrants to the Portraits of Olde Town contest. It was unveiled in a grand fashion during a St. Patrick's day event. The opening was well attended and many folks had a great time. Stop in and see the 9' x 4' door to experience it first hand. 

During the GRAND OPENING on July 26 we held an art contest. The First Annual 2" x 3" Mini Masterpieces Art Competetion turned out to be a lot of fun... over 40 original art pieces were created... prizes were awarded and everyone had a good time.

To see all of the winning Masterpieces click here

We have had a great response the first fifteen days of being open. Thank you for that everyone. The question everyone is asking is WHAT ARE GOING TO DO WITH THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING? If you haven't been by or don't know the Spirit Lake area the front of this building is a GLAZED BRICK (photo). It's pretty awesome. The building was built in the 1910’s and this brick isn’t made anymore.  AND... the wood you see attached to the front is connected with concrete bolts and glue. While this may be good for attaching wood to brick it is VERY BAD for detaching wood from brick. The bolts tend to rip apart the brick from the inside and the glue rips off the glaze.

So we are still trying to figure out the best way to keep as much of the original brick front as possible. We’re still talking about it with some engineers about how to best accomplish this. It will be a while before the front changes significantly but we will try and do a little here and there… maybe cut away the wood that’s not a threat to the brick. So just be patient and it will look fantastic.

AND … if you or anyone you know is a MASTER BRICK LAYER and can tell us how to UNGLUE wood from glazed brick please call me.

Peace

Chad

Gallery Director

We are now open... so stop in and look around. We have had a couple of artists commit to some alcoves and we always welcome more. Come in for a tour and sign up to receive an invitation to the GRAND opening.

Email me with any questions info@apieceofworkinc.com

Here is a sneak peek of one of the hallways and some of the alcoves. There is brown craft paper on the floor to protect it from paint splatter. Shhh... don't tell anyone you've seen this.

We started painting the alcoves today and they look great. Middle Grays, Lite Grays and Sage Green.