new bunting from magpieandcake

new punting from magpieandcake, originally uploaded by Stephanie Distler.

I just ordered an 11 pennant oilcloth and chalkboard flag bunting from an etsy shop called magpieandcake. I love it!!! Such a fun addition to my artshows and 1971 Shasta Compact Vintage Travel Trailer, yaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy :)

New artist and friend out of the Pa. Wilds

Robin L. Davenport new at the Flemish House! She is well versed in the pyrography technique, burning out nature in a very detailed fashion. Robin's talent is endless as well as her spirit! These two talented artists, yes, her husband Roland is also a very talented metal artisan, in the community of Renova, Pa. visited the Flemish House today bringing a sampling of her work to show at the gallery and also her mountain man piece which is being displayed at the Ridgway Vistor's Center on Main Street during Rendezvous.

We had a wonderful time touring the building where the Flemish House is housed in Johnsonburg as well as the offerings in Ridgway such as Little Mill Creek, the Visitor's Center, Wingate Winery, Clarion River Trading Company, ECCOTA, the Shop on Main and ending with a great lunch at Jordan's Bar and Grill.

Loving life!

New Forged Heart Pendants

Making brass and copper hearts for Valentine's Day using different techniques on each one, some with wording and then each with a different German firepolished/faceted charm. Lots of hammering for diff textures along with using pliers for bending and twisting :)
Available at The Flemish House, Elk County Council on the Arts and The Shop on Main in Ridgway. I will be listing a couple on ETSY soon.
~enjoy

Forging Heart Pendants

I made some fun hearts for Valentines or any times, lol...
Love working with copper and brass bending, hammering and embellishing the metals. I will get some photos up after they go through the tumbling process today!
Love them!!

~enjoy

new Valentine brooches

this fun design popped in my brain a couple weeks back for my Valentine Day brooches this year



Here they are with the details added and before sewn and adhered together



behind the bench at the Gallery..Thanks Bill Warmbrodt for the photo


They are now finished and available in Johnsonburg at the Flemish House and The Shop on Main in Ridgway for $25 plus tax. I will put one up on ETSY too :)



I am going in today to work on some kool lariats with hearts and vintage/antique keys...funstuff

what is up at the Gallery....

The Holiday Season went grand as well as the 'Johnsonburg' Book sales in November!
We had a very successful book signing with the author along with A Community Christmas starting at the JCC where I am housed and also through out town in the same time frame.
I am now pulling down all of my decorations at home as well as getting ready for some house redos with rewiring the upstairs, painting the steps, setting up a sewing studio as well as an outside metalworking studio that will be wonderful in the summer when the gardens are there for inspiration ;)

We traveled to Galena, Illinois to visit my eldest daughter for a week and then traveled back with her to Pennsylvania where she stayed with us another week and then flew back on the 15th of December, funstuff... She is such a cute preggie! We held a baby shower for her too inviting friends and family during a very snowy, sleety, crazy day. For those of you that aren't aware..I am going to be a Grandmother for the first time!!!! She is due on March 15th the same birthday as my middle daughter Thea which is a lot of fun. Larissa's birthday is also the same month as well as my Mom ;) They are going to give birth to a girl, Ellimena Rai!

I am now getting ready for Valentine's Day and putting some new oriented, as such, items in the Gallery, Shop on Main and ECCOTA. I will also put a few things on www.stephaniedistler.etsy.com . I have some new designs and can't wait to show you!
New artists are being scheduled for the gallery as well as events, designs and inspirations!
It is going to be an exciting year!!!

new artist experience at the workbench in the GALLERY

artist Sara Gerber @ #594-0955 http://www.maecharm.blogspot.com/ will be working at The Flemish House Thursday evening 12/3 5:30 to 8:30 and then Saturday 12/5 11 to 3pm. Sara will be creating so stop by and see what she is up to :)

Bill Warmbrodt is also available during the day in his gallery Northern Exposure on the 2nd floor and mine on the 1st floor.

Contact Bill @ #335-0625 if you need to pick up a 'Johnsonburg' book, jewelry, gift items, framed lovelies, beading supplies, etc. in off hours & when Sara is not in the gallery/studio

Little Mill Creek's mustard and pepper jellies, Bill's photography, Jack Northrop's wood turnings, scarf pins, button rings, etc.


Shay Payne's 'Kin of Fire' pottery and mystical wares


Swarovski leaded crystals

my new 'Stump' bench w/ring mandrel, small vise, anvil and a stool that can rotate to each leg depending on where I will be working. It will be perfect to take on the road to shows. My Father is also helping me out with 2 larger Cherry tree stumps for the garden studio and one to have at the gallery. My good friend Shay Payne and her Father donated them!! Don is the owner of Payne Enterprises in Kane, Pa.

Holiday shopping at The Flemish House

Mae Charm Designs artist Sara Gerber






I had a book signing last evening that went exeptionally well!
Here you see the author, Dennis McGeehan, and Johnsonburgian Cindy Elmquist.

The new window dressing along with offerings from Little Mill Creek and the fab photography of Bill Warmbrodt.

I have more new artists in the gallery and will show pics later in the week...stay tuned ;)

Hey Guess What!!!

News from the Gallery:

• new artists with their lovely items such as pottery, felt Christmas trees, mirrors & chalkboards, cards, photography, jewelry, etc. etc.
• book signing on the 22nd at 4pm with Dennis McGeehan(look below)
• Community Christmas 4-8 on the 22nd in Johnsonburg and The Johnsonburg Community Center
• taking orders for custom pieces such as Mom pendants
• don't forget, I also have a nice inventory of beading supplies including semi-precious stones
• new map will be available by the holidays of local artisan shops and studios including food artisans
• two shops in Ridgway also carry 'me' ECCOTA and The Shop on Main

November 22nd, 4pm
The Flemish House Art Gallery presents
Author Dennis McGeehan
signing his newest book 'Johnsonburg'
600 Market Street
Johnsonburg, Pa. 15845

http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9780738565644
This wonderful book includes 228 photos of our town!!!

Book Description:

Johnsonburg, the “Paper City,” is situated at the juncture of the east and west branches of the Clarion River in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Its prime location guaranteed that this vibrant community in Elk County would flourish. Surrounded by trees, Johnsonburg made a living from wood. Sawmills, tanneries, and a large paper mill have dominated the lives of the Italian immigrants and other groups that settled in town. River transportation gave way to railroads, and Johnsonburg became a hub of rail carriers moving freight and passengers. Its riverside location also had disadvantages, and the history of the community is measured in flood years. Johnsonburg was frequently flooded, but the people never gave in to hard times. Today Johnsonburg is still mostly surrounded by trees, and the forests have made the area a sporting paradise. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are an important part of the modern economy.

Author Bio:

Dennis McGeehan, a college history professor and freelance photographer, is the author of Elk County, Ridgway, and St. Marys. He lectures widely on his extensive worldwide travels. A resident of Kersey when he is not on the road, he keeps busy photographing the Allegheny National Forest and the Pennsylvania Wilds.


This event is also scheduled during:

Johnsonburg Community Christmas
Community Christmas 4-8
Activities scheduled in the Johnsonburg Community Center include
artisans, soup sale, parade and Santa

Burg Days Festival fliers and vendor info forms

Burg Days Festival

The Johnsonburg Community Center in conjunction with the Bicentennial Committee and The Flemish House Art Gallery are sponsoring ‘Burg Days

on Saturday, September 26th in downtown Johnsonburg from 9a.m. To 3 p.m.

Any area business, community group, social organization/club/groups or individuals are encouraged and asked to participate. Forms are available in the JBG Community Center or the Gallery

$15 single $30 double. (Market Street and Center Street business

please feel free to set-up at your physical store,restaurant, club location

There will be a car show, Pennsylvania Wild’s display and artists, chicken barbeque, crafters, tag sale and BIG PUMPKIN contest more will be included with all proceeds to benefit the Community Center and the Bicentennial Committee.

Come join the fun!

Call Chris 965-2010 at the JCC or an artist/craftsperson

call Stephanie http://www.flemishhouseartgallery.blogspot.com/ (for updates) at 965-2873/512-1209

leave a message for more information or stop in at the JCC or Gallery.

~please respond for by Wednesday, September 16th if you are interested.Thank-you,‘Burg Days Committee

***Chris is organizing a tag sale contact her if you are interested

Artist Information Form

due September 16th, 2009

name___________________________________________________________

Business name _______________________________________________________________

Home Address________________________________________________________________

Street Address Apartment/Unit _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code

Home Phone_(___)______________ Alternate Phone_(___)____________

Are you a Juried Pennsylvania Wilds Artist? _________ medium?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are a Craftsperson what is your craft?____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Food vendor?_________what type of food do you prepare___________________________

E-mail Address(es)________________________________________________

Website Address(es) ________________________________

PA Sales Tax # (if available)________________________

How many spaces?______ $15 single space or $30 for double

Specialrequests__________________________________________________________

**The artists and crafters will set-up along Market Street , set-up starting at 7am. Please be finished and parked by 8:30am, for the event starts at 9am.

**Coffee and pastry provided for your enjoyment at the Community Coffee House inside the JCC.

***Check made out to Johnsonburg Community Center and mailed to:

Johnsonburg Community Center/600 Market Street/Johnsonburg, Pa. 15845

Burg Days Festival

Sponsored by Johnsonburg Community Center, Bicentennial Committee and The Flemish House Art Gallery

When: Saturday, September 26th

Time: 9 a.m. ~ 3 p.m.during Johnsonburg Alumni

IN TOWN

Car show . artists . PA Wilds artists and mobile display . craftspersons . food vendors . chicken bbq . tag sale w/vintage, retro and antique + everyday items . and more

Proceeds to benefit the JCC and Bicentennial 2010 Committee

Store and restaurant specials through out town including the galleries in the JCC!

Bring in the Fall at ‘Burg Days!

Upcoming 'Burg Days Event September 26th

I will post more info about the 'Burg Days Festival later tonight.
If you want an application and did not receive one you can email me
at sldister@ncentral.com and I will put it in an attachment for you.
Deadline: is September 16th
cost: $15 each space

• Pa. Wilds artists
• food vendors
• craftsmen
• tag sale tables available also for vintage, retro, collectors, antique, etc.

enjoy,
~Stephanie

NEW SHOW and reception this Saturday the 11th

A reception is being held this Saturday for a combined show featuring John Pearson's mixed media art, Bill Warmbrodt's Kinzua Bridge series and other photography on the walls of the gallery for the month's of July and August.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT
“The Label Goes in the Back” is a catch phrase for teaching children with mental retardation how to distinguish the front from the back of their clothing. It may, as we are using it, also reference how inadequate labeling is in determining the interests and abilities of Special Education students.
John, who was born with Down syndrome, enjoys much success in the very new field of digital photography. Because photographs can be taken at essentially no cost, as well as the immediacy of the medium, it is an ideal means of expression for John. From his humble beginnings as family photographer, he went on to photograph events at his high school for publication, for local club events, and school and work calendars. Eventually John found his niche as the photographer at Warren County Summer Music School . His photographs for this organization are regularly displayed during the summer program and his slide show has been used to entertain the guests at the school’s Open House and as the basis for a CD used in grant applications since 1998.
John is employed at Bollinger Enterprises, Inc., a sheltered workshop, where he enjoys being part of their full-time work force. His photographs encompass the many areas of interest in John’s life: sports, dance, music, local scenes and people.
“The Label Goes in the Back” was the title of a successful one man exhibit of digital photography, illustrations and sculpture by John Pearson at the Wright Conference Room & Gallery, Jamestown NY , sponsored by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County in the fall of 2005.
“Collaborations” was the title of a second exhibit at the Wright Conference Room and Gallery in September 2007. “Collaborations” was chosen for the show title as a way of emphasizing how important working with others was in making the show a reality. John worked with his former art teacher and interim volunteer director of the Wright Gallery, Rebecca Thomas and with a group of fellow workers at Bollinger Enterprises, Inc, a sheltered workshop. A special Brown Bag lunch was held in conjunction with the show to allow persons with an interest in the disability community and arts programming to meet and exchange ideas. This exhibit was made possible through support from the New York State Council of the Arts & the Arts Council for Chautauqua County .

• In November of 2007 John participated in an art exhibition at the Adams Gallery in Dunkirk , NY . It was a show on “Healing Arts” and featured artists from all over Warren and the Chautauqua areas.
• In April of 2009 John participated in the Community Art Show sponsored by the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute in Erie, PA , “Celebrating the Possibilities,” exploring the artistic achievements of all person.
• Most recently in May 0f 2009 Café 905, a part of the Warren Community Center in Warren , PA hosted a one man exhibit by John. The entrance to the café was turned into a mini-exhibit area for his digital photography. He created a special edition of magnolia prints which were sold to benefit the center.

John is a member of the Warren Art League and regularly shows with this group

JOHN'S NARRATIVE:
I started taking digital photographs in 1998. We purchased a Sony Mavica at the suggestion of a friend, who realized the potential impact this new technology could have in my life. He and my mom thought I would enjoy being the family photographer.
I am on my third Sony digital camera. I have the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828. I use Google’s Picasa to edit my photos. It is easy to use and it is free, which is a good thing. I like my photographs to be clean and simple. We print them at home with a HP inkjet printer. I try different papers and effects.
My photographs have brought me recognition and help people to see me as a capable person. I have made many friends through my photography. It is something I like to share.
How can I separate my disability out from who I am? I see the world as I see it. I do not know a world where I do not have Down Syndrome.
Art was important for me during my Middle and High School years. It took me outside my special education classroom and into the mainstream of school life. Eventually my photographs were used by the local newspaper and in the school yearbook. Once I got to photograph the cheerleaders. I liked that!
When I was a student at Warren County Summer Music School , I took some pictures that people liked. I became their official photographer. I learned how to work quickly and quietly under pressure. I made wonderful friends and they offered me my first paying job as a summer intern. I have just completed my eleventh year as their photographer.

(As told to and witnessed by John’s mother) spearson1@atlanticbb.net

Basic Metalsmithing Workshop

WHERE: Flemish House Art Gallery
600 Market St, Johnsonburg, PA
DATE: August 8, 2009
TIME: 9am-6pm

Lunch break from 1-2: pack your own or visit restaurants within walking distance

In this workshop, the student will learn to turn sheet metal into a wearable work of art. Students will become skilled in basic metalsmithing techniques such as sawing, piercing, forming, stamping, and cold-joining. Proper tool usage and materials will be covered. In addition, the instructor will demonstrate how to create unique stamping tools.

A wearable one-of-a-kind pendant will be created in this one day session.

WORKSHOP FEE: $65.Tool kit: $55

-Payment for tool kits due by July 20.

-Payment for workshop due on or by class date.

Please mail check or money order to:

Bobbi Shaffer, 410 S. State St., DuBois, PA 15801.

INSTRUCTOR: Bobbi Mennetti Shaffer

Bobbi is a Master of Fine Arts candidate in her final semester at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major focus in jewelry and metals, and a minor focus in ceramics. Bobbi has taught workshops on other topics as well, including drawing and flower arranging. To view her work, please visit http://www.bobbimennettishaffer.blogspot.com/

To register, please email your name and phone number by July 20 to:
bobbimennetti@yahoo.com

For questions please call Bobbi at 814-591-8891

Tool kit will include:

• Jeweler’s Saw & Blades
• Set of Needle Files
• Set of 4 Jeweler’s Hammers
• Bench Pin and C clamp
• Metal Sandpaper & Steel Wool
• 1 piece of 3x3” Copper
• 1 piece of 3x3” NuGold (Brass)

In addition please bring:

• Dremel Tool* with assorted bits including small drill bits
• Sharpie Marker
• Paper & Pencil for sketching
• Scissors
• Rubber Cement
• Old wood cutting board
• Safety glasses
• Assorted Beads, Thread, & Beading Needle (optional)
  * An extra DremelTool will be available

Johnsonburg Farmer's Market Start date :)

FARMER'S MARKET STARTING

Market will start on Wednesday July, 8th 3 to 5pm

we are approved once again in the Municipal Parking lot

across from the JBG Senior Center on Rt. 219

See you all there for FRESH produce, baked goods and that something different!!!!!

Summer Fun at the Johnsonburg Community Center

Chris or Jesse 813.965.2010 or Steph at 814.512.1209

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Starts June 15th til August 7th for 8 weeks
10-2PM

Day Camp
will include a physical activity 10-11, swimming 11-12, lunch 12-1 and then a themed activity 1-2
Themes:

East End Playground
MONDAYS ONLY
Mondays w/ basketball and tennis along with other activities

Johnsonburg Community Center
Tuesdays the arts
Wednesdays discovery
Thursdays cooking fun

Free to all!
(Come all days or pick and choose according to your schedule)
***Please make sure you bring a towel, swimming suit (except week 3)
and a bag lunch every day for the Day Camp except days we will be cooking!!!!!

photography . art trading cards . jewelry .collage . mosaics . cooking . artshow . music . games . swimming . discovery . community . find out

Open Mic JULY 30TH 6-8 pm

July 30th next OPEN MIC
Here are some photos from April's and May's:

March's was in the 3rd floor ballroom of the JCC with guests Oliver and Krysta

poetry . music . improv . readings

------------------------------------------------

Gallery revamping as always, lol

Spreading the supplies through out the gallery, now even in the sitting area of the gallery. Great spot to have an intimate class or just sit and create/chat.

vintage buttons, Czech Republic firepolished beads, pincushions, needles, Nymo thread, pearls and poodles :)

Now on Facebook

I have been listing the gallery on facebook this past week including finding *friends*, listing events, starting groups and overall getting lost and not finding my way out for hours :0)
My eyes, my eyes, craziness!

Here is THE badge:


I have found school friends that I have not heard from in years, art contacts local and not so local, a way to get in touch with the local population(other than flooding their email boxes with jpegs and stuff...), etc. etc.

A book club was also found as well as a group about Surviving the Halton Hilton, lol...
Crazy stuff can be had in the hills of Pennsylvania.

Flemish House Facebook

ACEO Event Page
talked about in the below post

Art on the Edge, life as art
An artist community started to bring all facets of art together.Meetings are in studios, galleries, homes, gardens, schools, businesses and more!!!!

Contact Info
Email: eccotadirector@windstream.net
Website: http://www.eccota.com/
Office: Elk County Council on the Arts
Location: 237 Main Street Ridgway, PA

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS GROUP!!!!!!!!

In Gallery

ACEO show traveling to Elk County Council on the Arts for the month of July and then a trade will take place in August.

SUPPLIES for the bead embroidery artist and the jewelry artist +

Many types of stones available such as:

Ocean Jasper, Agate varieties, Labradorite, Quartz, Amazonite, Adventurine, etc.

Along with Czech beads in many shapes and sizes!

New pendants have arrived!