Summer Fun!

Summer Fun

14" X 19" X 14"

Just finished Summer Fun, in time for the new show at the Saxapahaw Artists Gallery, in Saxapahaw, North Carolina. Members of this cooperative gallery are the featured artists for the month of July. We'll have an opening reception on Friday, July 1, from 6-9PM. There will be wonderful art, food and drink, music, conversation, good times. Hope to see you there!

THE Second Annual Saxapahaw Holiday Open House Tour!!!

I've been so busy making art (for the Tour and Christmas commissions), I am late in posting this!

This weekend, on December 11 and 12, local artists and business people of Saxapahaw are hosting a Holiday Open House Tour. (Saxapahaw is a small village located about 20 minutes west of Carrboro and between Burlington and Pittsboro.) There'll be lots of holiday cheer, art, performances, even a tree lighting.

Here at Out of the Fire we'll have free mini classes where you'll get to play with clay and I can offer some instruction. Not as intense as our regular classes, since I'll have to circulate a bit, but you'll get to see if you like working with clay (I haven't met many people who don't), and make something wonderful. I will fire it and get in touch with you so you can pick it up. I'll even try to have it ready in time for the holidays.

We'll also have refreshments for you to enjoy while you look at art in the studio and the gallery. From one-of-a-kind sculptures (large and small) to ornaments to adorn your tree. I have to confess, I had to swipe a few to put on mine!

And, there is some garden art outside--mushrooms and toad houses, sun faces and Garden Spirits.

This winter we'll have classes at the studio, and if you sign up now, you'll get a 10% discount!

If you can't make it this weekend, don't fret--just give me a call at (336) 376-9091 and we'll set up a time for you to come for your own private tour. I'm here almost all of the time, but it's best to call ahead. Out of the Fire is on Church Road, just 3 doors down from Rt. 87, 10 miles south of the intersection of Rt. 87 and I-40. You can also get here from the Mill area, our "downtown," and from Old Greensboro Highway.

The studio is spruced up and ready for the holidays.

Here is the rundown of all of the people participating. For updates, more information and a map see our very fun interactive web site, designed by Steve Durland: www.saxapahaw.com.

See you there!

Benjamin Vineyards & Winery – Wine tastings, including our seasonal Spice Wine, and light fare. Twelve Days of Christmas Art Show featuring more than 35 pieces, representing the work of over 20 local artists. Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. 6516 Whitney Rd. 336-376-1080; www.benjaminvineyards.com/

The Bridge at Rivermill, Center for Fitness, Movement and Healing Arts – Open house, 15 min massage/acupressure sessions by donation Dec. 11 and 12 from 1 to 4 p.m., art showing and movement demonstrations Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 1647 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd Judith Brooks: 919-260-1430, Leigh Johnson: 919-619-6405; http://www.thebridgeatrivermill.com,

The Hawbridge School, a tuition-free public charter school, grades 6-12, will host an Open House for prospective students and their families as well as a Hawbridge Designs sale of student-designed silk scarves colored with locally grown natural dyes. Proceeds from the sale support the school's art department and its programs. Sunday, Dec. 12, 1-6pm, 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road. 336.376.1122 or www.hawbridgeschool.org.

Out of the Fire Sculpture Studio – Kiln opening and open studio with free mini-classes and discounts for early enrollment in winter classes. Refreshments and light fare. Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 6035 Church Road. 336-376-9091. Email: cbiles@triad.rr.com. Face book: Out of the Fire Clay Sculpture by Cindy Biles.

Paperhand Puppet Intervention is offering shows of Love and Robots Dec.10, 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30p.m. at the Community Center. Tickets and more info are available @ www.paperhand.org.

Roxy Farm Antiques – Antiques and art show by Louis St. Louis. Join us for some Yuletide cheer with locally grown wines from Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, along with homemade holiday hors d' oeuvres. Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 5768 Church Rd., (336) 264-7731.

Saxapahaw Artists Co-op is having an art show with sales of works by local artists at the Co-op Gallery, located next to the Saxapahaw Post Office. Justin Johnson, award-winning local jazz and blues guitarist, will be performing on Saturday. He will be playing originals from his recently released album "Stream of Blues," as well as Christmas arrangements from his brand new Christmas album, "Justin Time for Christmas." You can check out his music at www.JustinJohnsonLive.com. 1610 Jordan Drive, Saxapahaw NC 27340. The gallery will be open on Saturday Dec 11 from 12- 8 PM and on Sunday from 12- 7PM. Contact Suzanne Connors (336) 693-4606 for more information.

Saxapahaw Rivermill will feature a Showroom Open House of the new Rivermill Lofts and Marketplace (next to Rivermill Salon) and mill tours, on Dec. 11 from 2-6 p.m.

Saxapahaw United Methodist Church Open House Sunday Dec 12 from 2:00-5:00 with Music, hot cider, and cookies, followed by the Annual Christmas Family Night Program from 5:00-7:00 pm with children's skits, music, soups and sandwich dinner. Non-perishable food and toy donations for the local "Food Pantries" and "Toys for Tots” are welcome. 5624 Church Road. (336) 376-3630.

Victory Calls Stables will have an Open House. Location: 3316 Sax Beth Church Road. For more information and times, call 336-376-8505; or see www.victorycallsriding.com.

Getting to Saxapahaw:

From Chapel Hill/Carrboro take HWY 54 West, approximately 13 miles. Turn left on Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road. From Hillsborough, take Orange Grove Road to HWY 54 W to Sax-Beth Church Road. From Mebane, take Mebane-Oaks Road to HWY 54, travel across to Sax-Beth Church Road. From Burlington, take I-40 to exit 147 toward Pittsboro approximately 10 miles. Turn Left onto Church Road.

THE FIRST Annual Alamance Studio Tour!

So far, I have not found a way to make art and keep up with things that need doing in the house, like laundry (cooking has been fairly regular), and keeping up with the social media to network and market my art. So thank you, readers, for checking in and know that if it seems I've quit writing, it probably means I'm in the studio. I have several new pieces--even have some pics.

Pathos, the first in my newest body of work.

Clay, slip, terra sigillata, underglazes.

Don't worry, they're not all sad!

I will post more soon.

These days, I've been preparing for the first annual Alamance Studio Tour, to be held at studios throughout Alamance County. Thirty-nine artists from the Alamance Artian's Guild (http://www.alamanceartisans.com/) are participating. Several are sharing a studio, and the studios are located close to each other--some almost clustered, so you can see a lot of art in almost every medium you can think of, without traveling very far. Since I've been a member of the Guild (when it started about 5 years ago), I've been amazed at how many talented artists we have in this area. And so many in Saxapahaw--and I didn't even know about them. And, I learned of even more as a result of helping with the organization of the Tour.

Also, in each cluster, there is a great restaurant--so you can shop, eat, and shop some more! The famous General Store is a mile away from my studio in Saxapahaw, NC (#22 on the tour). Seriously, there is no pressure--we hope you will stop by and see what we've been up to!

I'll have my garden art, several big sculptures, including new work. So new that some may still be in progress--you can rush clay only so much. You'll get to see them in various stages of creation. I don't know about you, but I love behind the scenes stuff!! I feel like I'm being let in on a little secret.

This newest work is a departure--perhaps a little edgier than previous work, and has received great reviews from hubby and my photographer, Jason Dowdle.

So come to the Studio Tour! It's a scenic, relaxing drive--Saxapahaw is a jewel in a beautiful landscape. It really is another world out here. You'll see artists in their natural habitat (well, most of us will clean up our studios a bit for you--there's natural and there's a company ready!).

Dates and times:

Saturday, October 16: 10AM - 5PM

Sunday, October 17: Noon - 5PM

For more information and a downloadable map, see http://www.alamancestudiotour.com/

You can also find us on Facebook: Alamance Studio Tour

We have a gorgeous brochure--email me at cbiles@triad.rr.com with your name and snail mail address, and I'll send you one.

I look forward to seeing you there!

The FIRST EVER Saxapahaw Holiday Open House!!!

On Saturday, December 12, I will be joining other artists and entrepreneurs in Saxapahaw for the FIRST-EVER Saxapahaw Holiday Open House!

I continue to be amazed at all of the things you can do in our small town--from the Saturdays in Saxapahaw music event and Farmers' Market (www.rivermillvillage.com), to Oktoberfest, to volunteering at Paperhand Puppet Intervention (did that one day-much fun!), to eating at our Country Store (amazing food!), to visiting Benjamin Vineyards (great wine and art exhibits, too!), taking canoe rides, visiting our wonderful Roxy Farms Antiques shop (and meet the most wonderful Roxy herself!), spending the night at the gorgeous River Landing Inn--or attending their art receptions (complete with terrific food and live music), taking movement and dance classes, taking a class here at my studio, and many other things.

So we are hosting this Holiday Open House Tour to let people know.  Grab a friend and come on out.  You'll be able to share in holiday festivities, see demonstrations, taste local wines, attend free classes and other activities, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.  All within a community of a few square miles.  Amazing!

To date, businesses and artists and their offerings include: 

Benjamin Vineyards & Winery - Winetasting, including seasonal Spice Wine and two new dessert wines, Twelve Days of Christmas Art Show featuring more than 35 pieces, representing the work of over 20 local artists. 6516 Whitney Rd. 12 noon - 5 p.m. 336-376-1080. http://www.benjaminvineyards.com/

The Bridge at Rivermill - free movement and classes from 9:30-10:30a.m. and 2:00-4:00p.m., acupressure sessions, available by donation from 1-4 p.m..  1647 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd., www.rivermillvillage.com, www.metaformmovement.com, www.leighbrown.info, 919-619-6405, 919 601-1282 or dblondiedancer@aol.com.

Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. - Guest Appreciation Day: potluck, gear swap and free paddle trip. RSVP requested. Saxapahaw Community Center. Noon-5:00p.m. 336-260-6465, info@hawrivercanoe.com  .

The Hawbridge School, a tuition free public charter high school, will feature an art exhibit and the launch of its student-run microenterprise, Hawbridge Designs.  A wide variety of student-designed silk scarves, photo greeting cards, recycled art works, and large art pieces will be available for purchase.  Proceeds from the sale support educational programs.  Prospective students and their families are especially welcome from 2-4 pm when the school's music ensemble will perform.  1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd., 1-6 p.m.  336-376-1122 or www.hawbridgeschool.org.

Out of the Fire Sculpture Studio - Clay hand building and sculpture demonstrations, free mini classes. Visitors will be able to create their own masterpiece, leave it for firing and pick it up at a later date.  6035 Church Rd. 10a.m.-5 p.m.  336-376-9091 or www.cindybilesblog.blogspot.com/. 

Paperhand Puppet Studio -exhibit of large puppets used in their productions.  1-4p.m.  Saxapahaw Community Center. www.paperhand.org.

River Landing Inn - coffee, tea, Christmas cookies and snacks, exhibit of quilts by Violet DeKnikker. 5942 Whitney Road Graham, NC 27253. 12noon to 4p.m. (336) 376-1502 or matt@riverlandinginn.com.

Roxy Farm Antiques - A Dickens Christmas Carole Open House! Fine southern antiques, including primitives, baskets, quilts, hats, vintage photos, brass candlesticks, tree ornaments from Mexico, and much more. Tiny Tim, Scrooge and the Ghosts from Dickens', A Christmas Carole, will be singing Christmas carols. Join us for some Yuletide cheer with locally-grown wines from Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, along with homemade holiday hors d' oeuvres. 5768 Church Rd., 10a.m.-6p.m. (336) 264-7731. 

Saxapahaw Artists Co-Op - wide range of unique items for holiday gifting 10a.m. – 6p.m.

Tour Maps are available at numerous locations throughout Saxapahaw.  Tour locations will be well marked and numbered. 

Getting to Saxapahaw:

From Chapel Hill/Carrboro take HWY 54 West, approximately 13 miles.  Turn left on Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road.  

From Hillsborough, take Orange Grove Road to HWY 54 W to Sax-Beth Church Road.  

From Mebane, take Mebane-Oaks Road to HWY 54, travel across to Sax-Beth Church Road. 

 From Burlington, take I-40 to exit 147 toward Pittsboro approximately 10 miles.  Turn Left onto Church Road.

 

I'll post updates as I hear about them, or you can call Benjamin Vineyards & Winery (336-376-1080) or check their website:  http://www.benjaminvineyards.com/.