BlueFrogArts

Blue Frog Owner Inspired in Peru

Deb Skinner, pictured January 2007, atop Waynupicchu Mountain with an aerial view of Machu Picchu in lower left corner. Click on the image so you can see the ruins of Machu Picchu better:)

Our frequent customers may have noticed I haven't been working in the Blue Frog on Saturdays lately.  I took a trip with the Graceland University SIFE team and went to the Sacred Valley of Peru.

I was phenomenally impacted by the experience - the beautiful people, the ancient ruins, and the fine artisans that filled the local markets.  Inspired is an understatement.

If Machu Picchu, Peru, or friendly artists interest you, stop by the gallery and look through my photo album! 

Transform Your Home With a Mural

This mural is by Deborah Skinner, the owner of Blue Frog Arts, and is in a local couple's home.  The painting was done for the clients' new grandson's room.  It is a specific row of beautifully twisted and gnarled red bud trees on College Avenue in Lamoni. 

When these trees bloom each spring, they are often discussed by those who are tuned in to natural beauty.  The strength of the chocolate brown ancient tree branches balanced with the young fresh petals makes quite a bold statement.  For the mural, I used the first several redbud trees, softened the pallette, and placed them in a pastoral setting, rather than in town. 

The effect was transformational.  It invites the vistor into the room from the hallway, evokes a sense of calm, and expands the boundaries of the room to beyond the walls and into the cool distance. I'm pleased with the result. 

How would you begin a mural project?  This couple was inspired by a mural I had done several years ago of Cherry Blossom trees.  I thought the clients had chosen excellent subject matter, as I have been impressed by the beauty of these trees for years. 

I visited their home and photographed the room and the wall where the mural was to be painted.  I produced several preliminary sketches in colored pencil and met with the couple.  From that discussion, we finalized the details of the mural and set a date for production.  The mural took approximately one day to complete.  Voila - it is done!

Custom original artwork is done by several artists at Blue Frog Arts:  Deb Skinner - portraits or any subject matter in pencil, watercolor, or murals; Myrna Morris - watercolor; Helen Caples - porcelain and pastels.

Would you like to be an artist?

It is easy to learn to draw, paint, or create - when you break it down into simple steps.  All you need is a good coach, time, and some art supplies.  Let us help you find your Coach!  Blue Frog Arts has several professional artists on staff who offer beginning painting classes, one-day workshops, and private lessons.

Gift Certificates for art lessons make an excellent Christmas present for the aspiring artist in your life - or for yourself!

Elizabeth Knotts is pictured left.  She is offering a beginning adult drawing class on January 6th from 10am - 2pm, and Youth Drawing on January 13, from 10am to Noon.  Her next painting class is Saturday, February 3rd, from 10am to 5pm.  The topic is Landscape Watercolors.

Myrna Morris is offering a watercolor class February 17th from 10am- 5pm.

George Knotts is offering a Color, Drawing, and Design class on Saturday, December 23rd form 9am- Noon.  He will offer this class again January and in February.

Priscilla Eppinger is offering a class on Beginning Knitting on January 11 and 18 6-8pm. She is offering another knitting class in February on Knitting in the Round.

Rebecca Abarr is offering a Basketry Class on January 27th, from 10am-5pm.  She'll offer another class in February.

Helen Caples is teaching a porcelain painting on Wednesdays, February 21st and 28th from 7-9pm.  The subject matter will be fruit on a plate.

Sign up in person or on the phone (641) 784-6827.

What the heck is a Gourd Head?

I knew you'd ask eventually.  A gourd head is someone who creates beautiful or useful objects using gourds as a medium.  We have two gourd heads at the Blue Frog who have taken their gourd efforts to an artful level.  The first is Jan Meng, of Oucha (prounced oo-chee), Oklahoma, and Sandy Maxa from Lennex, IA.

Jan makes stunning gourd light fixures for artful ambient light, as well as beautifully painted nature inspired gourd bird houses.  My favorite in the Blue Frog now, depicts a juicy sliced canteloupe and on top of the rind is a tiny little green tree frog - you just can't miss.  For an excellent photographic sampling of Jan's work visit the Jan Meng Photo Gallery by Crystal Rolfe.

Sandy Maxa's gourd vessels have been influenced by traditional art from around the world.  Some harken back to Africa, while others look more Native American.  Several in the Blue Frog now have intricate weaving around the mouth of the gourd of waxed linen cord.  The patterns and the detail in the weavings are a perfect compliment to the organic shape of gourds.

I had the opportunity to visit Jan Meng's studio called "The Hungry Holler" this past summer and was  soooo inspired when I left.  Her green thumb goes beyond gourds and fills the gardens that surround her home.  You have to be ready for the unconventional, though.

Jan's husband and fellow artist, Marc Meng, has built beautiful recycled art sculptures from the chain of bicycles that go high up into a tree and back down, to the iron work by the gate, and even a towering wind sculpture made of industrial fans.  It's definitely worth the trip. 

Marc Meng is the artisan who makes the beautiful hand carved wooden spoons now at the Blue Frog.  Look for his signature HH on the handle. Always witty, Marc considers himself a Zen Spoonmaster.  Visit the Hungry Holler website to see some of his artwork.

Stop by the Blue Frog and check out our Gourd Heads' art work at our upcoming One Year Anniversary Party, Saturday, December 23, and enjoy special pricing on select works of art, free gift wrap, fun people, and refreshments.

Happy Birthday Blue Frog Arts!

Yes, can you believe it?  One year has flown by- yet it feels like we've always been a part of Lamoni.  Swing, by if you're in town - make it a road trip if you're not - you won't be disappointed.

We've adjusted our December hours to help out the working folks:  Noon to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Our One Year Anniversary Party will feature specially priced items, free gift wrap, fun people, and refreshments!  Hope to see you there this Saturday, December 23, Noon to 7pm!