Thursday, April 23, 2009

Press Release: Grand Opening May 16, 2009

Mud Spun Arts Center adds “The Gallery” to its Artsy Offerings


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Becky Laliberte
Phone: 413-530-8883
Email: becky@mudspunartscenter.com

BELCHERTOWN, MA, APRIL 16, 2009 -- Nearing its one-year anniversary, Mud Spun Arts Center announces the Grand Opening for “The Gallery” at Mud Spun. The event, to be held at 40 Daniel Shays Highway, Suite 8, Belchertown, Mass, will take place Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Mud Spun Arts Center opened its doors in spring 2008 and has since afforded many adults and children the opportunity to learn the basics of clay building with hands-on classes and workshops. Mud Spun Arts Center Owner and potter, Becky Laliberte, began her business with the primary desire to practice her art while utilizing her teaching skills. “Working as an instructor and potter was the ideal way for me to bridge my background in art with education,” Laliberte said.

With her primary goal accomplished, Laliberte paved the way for her secondary goal - opening a gallery - by organizing an art show last fall. She invited many local artists to participate, several of whom will be showcased in “The Gallery” at Mud Spun.

Elms College 1998 alum with degrees in art and education, Laliberte has added “curator” to her resume. “I feel fortunate to be able to collaborate with other talented local artists who share the same vision,” said Laliberte. “The pieces come together to offer the conscious consumer a wide selection of individually handmade art anyone can feel good about owning or giving.”

According to Laliberte, there will be a variety of art genres represented at a wide range of price points. “The Gallery will provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase original art from a vast selection while at the same time supporting local art.”

Represented artists include: jewelry artist, Leslie Alibozek; painter Carol Belliveau; potter, Nicole Bruno; enamel jewelry designer, Donnabelle Casis; ceramic tile artist, Michael Cohen; blown glass artist, Tony Faith; sketch artist, Wayne Gagnon; potter Beth McConnell; potter Chris O’Niell; fused glass artist, Kim Rich; glass and metal sculptor, Katie Richardson; silver jewelry designer, Deanna Roux; and woodworker, Ron Shepard. Laliberte said she is open to accepting additional artists in the future.

The Grand Opening for The Gallery will be hosted by Laliberte and several represented artists. The event will include a tour of the center and gallery; introductions to the artists; and cheese and wine.
For additional information on the Grand Opening of The Gallery at Mud Spun Arts Center, contact owner and artist Becky Laliberte or visit www.mudspunartscenter.com.

ABOUT MUD SPUN ARTS CENTER - Mud Spun strives to offer experiences in art that encourage exploration, discovery and creativity. All ability levels are welcome to join us in our friendly and relaxed environment. The new gallery space will be dedicated to featuring a unique selection of fine art and original works in pottery, glass, paintings, metal, jewelry and more.

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For more info, see previous articles:
Releasing the Artist Within
Mud Spun Arts and Musical Festival

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Stunning Sea Gems Found in the Sand

A few months ago I purchased some beautiful sea glass from fellow-Etsian 808Sunshine. She resides in Hawaii and seems to be as happy as I would be if I lived in Hawaii. She searches the beaches practically daily for new sea glass and has many collections for sale on her site.

I bought a sizable amount of sea glass from her to use in some new summery designs. And we communicated quite a bit on my choices. I have to say there are few sellers who tend to their customers as 808 does. She even included many free gifts.

I told 808 about my and my daughter's unrequited love affair with the tiny sea gems. We love to behold them but they do not reveal themselves to us frequently.


Anyway, she was just so sweet. I was extra pleased to show my daughter the free little gift that was lovingly put together especially for her by a kind stranger in Hawaii (pictured above). My daughter absolutely loved it!

So far, I have only made one pair of earrings from the lot I purchased from 808 (pictured below). I plan to create a whole collection of new pieces in the coming weeks.


Enjoy this lovely slide show I found on a blog I follow called By the Sea Jewelry and Sea Glass Collecting


Find more photos like this on Seaglasslovers