Winter Survival Guide – Art Therapy

Our crazy, hectic lives got even crazier overnight! Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find a balance is the reality we are temporarily faced with. Now more than ever we need to make the time to check in and be kind to ourselves (and others!). We hope you will love these resources just as much as we do. Online or in-person, we have you covered! Perfect for a family night, a virtual party, or a quiet moment all to yourself.

EASY ARTISTE

Use promo code STLOUIS25 for 25% off your order!

Easy Artiste offers paint by number kits shipped straight to your front door and shipping is FREE! Your kit includes everything you need to complete your painting – paint, brushes and even the hanging kit. They offer a wide variety of options ranging from cityscapes, famous works and even Game of Thrones. Here are a few we loved…..

Poppin’ PoppiesLucky Goldfish PairJuicy Fruit Giraffe

ANIMAL LOVER ALERT!!!!! Easy Artiste will take your photo and turn it into a custom paint by number. Yes, you can use it for humans too, but how cute is this?

SOUTH BROADWAY ART PROJECT

If pottery is more your style, South Broadway Art Project (3816 South Broadway, 63118) is offering in-studio open workshop hours and the super fun Clay Date Night (BYOB classes are also available!). Class sizes are currently limited and reservations are required so pick your date soon. Grab your kids, mom, friends or co-workers and enjoy a creative break!

SBAP is more that a pottery studio, it is also dedicated to making a lasting impact on our society through the GAP GIRLS CLUB STL. Check out all of the amazing work this local non-profit is doing and see how you can support them or get involved.

CRAFT ALLIANCE

Maybe you aren’t sure what your creative outlet is. Craft Alliance (5080 Delmar, 63108) has something for everyone, every age. This local non-profit art center, dedicated to enriching and empowering community through craft, is offering in-person and online activities and programs. Virtual options include single workshops or multi-week classes ranging from clay sculpture to embroidery. Or join them in-studio for their glass, metal, fiber, wood or clay workshops, see their latest exhibition or visit their gallery shop.

Gallery ShopPattie Chalmers Exhibit
Glass Studio WorkshopsTea Towels

Or if you prefer to be crafty from the comfort of your own couch, visit their online store. Use code “LOCAL” for free pickup!

Hang in there, and be well!

Spring Fever

One of the things I love most about living in the Midwest is getting to experience all 4 seasons. But right now I am Totally. Over. Winter. I can not wait for sunshine, Cardinal’s baseball, and less traffic on 270…. So basically the exact opposite of the current conditions in St. Louis. It is encouraging to see a few 60 degree days creeping into the forecast and before you know it we will be complaining about our allergies or how unbearable the heat is! Until we get there, here are a few things you can do right now to brighten your decor and spirits in anticipation of Spring.

SET THE SCENE

entry table with mirror and decorative accessoriesThe entry foyer is your first opportunity to introduce the overall vibe of your home to guests. This is typically one of the smaller spaces in the home so updating it is relatively inexpensive. You can use these suggestions to breathe life into your formal powder room too. For a quick fix I suggest – a new geometric or mutli-colored rug, introducing a fresh, clean scented candle or diffuser, and finishing it off with a few bright, fun accessories and a fresh floral to complete the look. Adding or switching out a piece of art with a mirror is a great way to brighten up and expand the space too!

TEXTILES & ACCESSORIES

Mixing in a few decorative pillows and accessories can make an immediate and noticeable impact. Remember we are just looking for a few statement pieces to get us through these next few weeks of Winter. Don’t dive in too quickly. The goal here is to not get overwhelmed and abandon the task. Quick fix – mix colored, patterned and textured pillows to create a look all your own, incorporate natural elements in the decor, and add a few pops of color throughout.seating area with bright and bold textiles and art

Are you counting down the days to nicer weather? We would love to know your tips and tricks that get you through these winter months. Already embracing spring decor? Show us what your favorite finds have been so far.

Saint Louis Artist – Chad M. Lawson

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black-white-and-gold

 

GET FAMILIAR

Chad M. Lawson is a true creative soul living and working in downtown St. Louis! Chad is best known for his beautiful abstracts done on salvaged wood doors and his mixing of oils and acrylics to create unique textures and movement. Painting on a hard wood surface can pose quite a challenge but he has mastered the skills to do so. Each piece of art is striking, layered, and begs the viewer to take a closer look!

yellow

black-and-white

 

BE INSPIRED

Chad finds inspiration in literature and music. Part of his process is to work on a few pieces at a time while listening to a specific musical artist or genre. The type of music influences the intensity of each stroke. One day he might add strong graffiti-like elements while listening to hip-hop and the next day add precise, delicate lines while listening to his favorite cellist.

sankofabird

The sankofa symbol is another important element of his work. Based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward and its head turned backwards, sankofa signifies the wisdom in learning from the past to ensure a strong future. You can see elements of this symbol in several of his works (see below)!

 

SHOW ME MORE

Want to see more?! Chad currently has pieces on display at the Cortex as well as Whitebox Eatery! Be sure to visit his website to see more of his amazing creations.

collage

Chad is currently working on a collection investigating the journey and challenges within the adoption and adoptee narrative.  The collection features the adding and subtracting of layers, movement, and color in the search for identity, be it past or present. This work will be revealed at his February 2017 show.

Chad is also writing a book on growth for both ones art and building lasting relationships with clients. He draws on his over twenty years of curating his own work and others, with what would these days be called “pop-up” shows. Chad started doing this in the mid 1990’s in Miami, then St. Louis, and San Francisco. The book will also contain advice and questions for both new and established artists to help them better structure their time, finances, and resources. Be on the lookout for it early next year!

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Photos from my studio visit with Chad!

Viewings by appointment only.

chadmlawson@gmail.com | www.chadmlawson.com | @chadmlawson

Saint Louis Artist – Ted Collier, Ted Collier Fine Art

ted collier

GET FAMILIAR

If you don’t know who Ted Collier is, you really should.  Best known for his abstract acrylic paintings on canvas and signature circles he refuses to be defined by one style or medium.  An avid outdoorsman and fisherman, he is inspired by the patterns he observes in nature as well as the space his art will occupy.  Ted is an artist in every sense of the word. His passion and intensity are infectious and he happens to be a super cool guy!

ARTIST EVOLUTION

A lot has changed for Ted Collier in the past 5 years. The story goes something like this- boy meets girl, girl encourages boy to pursue his life long passion, boy listens to girl (good boy) and leaves his career in commercial real estate, boy and girl get married, open a restaurant (Katie’s Pizza & Pasta in Rock Hill), and boy achieves international success.

GRATITUDE, DRIVE AND FOCUS

Ted Collier is proof that with enough hard work and determination your dreams can be achieved. His new 2,500 square foot studio/gallery space in Creve Coeur is a far cry from the corner in the auto repair shop he was painting in just a few years ago. Today his art is featured in countless private collections in Saint Louis, Switzerland and Australia to name a few. Ted is also experiencing commercial success. Most recently he was commissioned by Nordstrom to create 18 pieces for their Los Angeles Flagship Store and Vancouver, BC stores. He is truly humbled by all the support and encouragement he receives. Lucky for us that only fuels his artistic fire. The sky is the limit for this Saint Louis artist and I personally can not wait to see what his future holds. #stlproud

Ted Collier Fine Art is located in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Viewing is by appointment only. Prepare to be inspired!

Ted Collier Fine Art | Saint Louis, MO 63132 | 314.803.7727

www.tedcollierart.com

UNINTENTIONAL ART

I recently visited Ted’s studio and while we were viewing and discussing the available pieces I couldn’t help but notice the paint splatter on his black boots. I joked with him that the splatter on his boots even looks like a piece of art. When I told him I was going to mention them in the blog he sent me a photo. Guess what? Even the photo he sent me of the paint splattered black boots looks like a piece of art!!!

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Ted Collier in action | aforementioned boots