View the artwork | April 2013 Final Friday Art WalkWe have much to offer this month at Final Friday at Phoenix Gallery. We will feature two artists, James Noury and Selena Cochran. In addition to that, Rena Detrixhe will be in the Phoenix Underground and Roger Spohn will be displaying photography in the New Hampshire St. entrance. We will have live music by Michael Paull, and TCBY will be here with Mrs. Fields Nibbler cookies and coffee, as well as coupons for their store. Join us on April 26th, 5-9 p.m. Born in 1984 in Olathe, Kansas, James Noury came to Lawrence in 2007 to attend KU, seeking a degree in Sociology. During his time there, he furthered his exploration in the ceramic arts and found mentors in David Vertacnik and Marshall Maude. Since James’ graduation, he has continued to work in the Lawrence area as an independent artist, and his work has been shown locally as well as nationally. The focus of James’ work is on the creation of functional vessels that are inspired by the breakdown of human interactions and are created with the hope of guiding the viewer to achieve a working relationship with living social objects. It is this interaction that drives James to create new work. Each piece is treated with the assertion that it is individualistic in its creation, giving little consideration to the continuity of the work and focusing on the personality of each piece. Selena Cochran was born and raised in Leawood, Kansas. She began her college career at KU in 2010 where she discovered metalsmithing and immediately fell in love with it. Most of her design inspiration comes from ancient jewelry, primarily from the Egyptian and Aztec times. Geometric patterns and shapes have been, since the beginning, the basis for each piece of her unique jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is made with a variety of metals including, sterling silver, gold-filled, nu gold and brass. Selena currently lives in Lawrence and works at Phoenix Gallery where her work is displayed. Rena Detrixhe has created a piece that is a large, round table and an intricate handmade tablecloth. The tablecloth is made of thousands of seeds gathered in the Lawrence community and arranged in a lace-lace pattern on sheer fabric so they almost appear to float on the surface of the table. It acts as a representation of nature, growth, and beauty, but it also exists as a meeting place. Along with displaying the work, she is organizing a short public conversation about art and the environment that will take place around the piece at 7:00 p.m. and include various artists, students, professors, and art professionals in the Lawrence area. The conversation will last about one hour. The public component of the piece is meant to bring together people in the community to contemplate the intersection of art and nature and to simply have a conversation and share ideas. Roger Spohn spent his early years in the southeastern portion of Kansas, and from that early rural environment developed a deep appreciation for nature and the open landscape. He later became interested in larger camera formats and began to use more color photography. He now works exclusively with large and medium format equipment, and his chosen subjects are landscape, nature, and architecture. He is drawn to the State and National Parks, or to any subject that holds some geologic, historic, or purely aesthetic significance. Kansas, however, is his primary interest, and he most enjoys the documentation and artistic interpretation of its various regions and unique features, as well as its agricultural and rural qualities. He lives with his wife, Dava, in a quiet and peaceful area of Douglas County. Michael Paull is a multi-instrumentalist and composer and has lived and performed in the Lawrence area for 20 years. He has had his music played on television, radio, and in live concert, most notably in 2010 by the Topeka Symphony Orchestra in an event featuring music by Kansas composers. His next show will be at the Lawrence Arts Center on May 1st, and will include a full band, showcasing his songwriting and unique instrumental works. He is pleased to come be a part of Phoenix Gallery's series. Ed, in tandem with his wife Amy and daughter Jessica, opened the TCBY & Mrs. Fields of Lawrence, Kansas location in November 2012 at 845 Massachusetts St. The location is the first in parent company, Famous Brands International’s, network to feature all three offerings under one roof, specifically the self-serve TCBY yogurt, Mrs. Fields cookies and Mrs. Fields specialty coffee concept. 825 Massachusetts St. | Apr 26, 2013 5:00 pm - Apr 26, 2013 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | March 2013 Final Friday Art WalkOur demonstrating artists this month will be Britta McKee of Tobias Designs and Kelly Aaron. Natalie will be bringing spring themed tasty sweets, we will have hot jasmine and honey tea, and there will be live acoustic music by Stanley Unruh. Britta McKee graduated from the University of Kansas with a BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry. She strives to create jewelry pieces for all ages that are clean, organic, and inspired by natural elements. Britta loves to be outside hitting the trails and searching for junk that can be turned into beauty and tries to infuse that into her work. She incorporates textures and vibrant colors into jewelry that is comfortable and unique. Britta lives in Topeka and has her work at the Phoenix Gallery. Come by the gallery to meet Britta and see the new pieces that she has created for this art walk. Kelly Aaron became interested in mosaics about seven years ago after meeting another artist who created art from broken dishes. After taking a class from this artist, Kelly realized mosaic was the medium for her—this is medium with no rules and endless possibilities. This, coupled with Kelly's love of antiques, resulted in the creation of truly one-of-a-kind pieces incorporating broken dishes, buttons, beads, vintage jewelry, old tins, figurines, and anything else she could get her hands on. As her work has evolved, Kelly has explored 3D mosaic work and pushes the limits of 2D work by cutting out her own shapes. She enjoys collaborating with clients to create custom pieces of art for their homes or as gifts for friends and loved ones. Kelly's tongue-in-cheek style adds another unique element to her work, rarely serious and always fun. Kelly resides in Prairie Village with her husband, writer Jason Aaron, and her sons, Brendan and Dashiell. Stanley Unruh is a Mechanical Engineer and part time professor at the University of Kansas. Many of his songs are obscure covers that most people have never heard. He has written a couple and also plays a few more well-known covers, such as Beatles and Neil Young. Stanley has no band, it is just him and his Martin D35 guitar. 825 Massachusetts St. | Mar 29, 2013 5:00 pm - Mar 29, 2013 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | February 2013 Final FridayFinal Friday this month will be on February 22nd, 5-9 p.m. Our demonstrating artist will be Britta McKee of Tobias Designs. Natalie will be bringing spring themed tasty sweets, we will have hot jasmine and honey tea, and there will be live acoustic music by Stanley Unruh. Britta McKee graduated from the University of Kansas with a BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry. She strives to create jewelry pieces for all ages that are clean, organic, and inspired by natural elements. Britta loves to be outside hitting the trails and searching for junk that can be turned into beauty and tries to infuse that into her work. She incorporates textures and vibrant colors into jewelry that is comfortable and unique. Britta lives in Topeka and has her work at the Phoenix Gallery. Come by the gallery to meet Britta and see the new pieces that she has created for this art walk. Stanley Unruh is a Mechanical Engineer and part time professor at the University of Kansas. Many of his songs are obscure covers that most people have never heard. He has written a couple and also plays a few more well-known covers, such as Beatles and Neil Young. Stanley has no band, it is just him and his Martin D35 guitar. 825 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS | Feb 22, 2013 5:00 pm - Feb 22, 2013 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | January 2013 Final FridayJoin us for the first Final Friday of 2013, January 25th, 5-9 p.m. Lawrence artist Liza MacKinnon will be here with Valentine’s Day themed art. Come and try samples from Mass St. Sweet Shoppe. This would be a good time to pick out special valentine treats. We will also have local live music. For this opening, Liza has created romantic, sweetheart valentines and vintage inspired hair confections. In other seasons, she works in 2D, mostly with paper and fabric, and often with a Boston Terrier and/or a historical costume theme. Liza loves Lawrence, works at the LPL, and can be found volunteering at the Percolator or the Lawrence Art Guild. Come by and meet Liza, see her work that is always available in Phoenix Gallery, and ask her about her 5th annual valentine making party. Mass St. Sweet Shoppe is a candy store that appeals to everyone from the small child to the grown adult who loves to indulge in sweets. They offer a variety of chocolate, bulk candy, fresh baked goods, and a large assortment of nostalgia candy. Other items that are on their menu include ice cream, malts, shakes, and smoothies. They offer custom packaging for chocolate and candy. Very soon they will be adding gourmet popcorn to their collection of sweets. The flavors will include cheese, cinnamon, and caramel. Mass St. Sweet Shoppe is open daily from 10-9 p.m., M-TH, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 825 Massachusetts St. | Jan 25, 2013 5:00 pm - Jan 25, 2013 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | November 2012 Final Friday Art WalkWe have a wonderful lineup for you this month for Final Friday, November 30th, 5-9 p.m. Artists Robbin Loomas and Toni Brou will be here. The Heebie Jeebies will be sharing their music, and Mary Traul will be expressing her art through food. Robbin Loomas, a working photographer for over 25 years, received her BFA in photography from the Kansas City Art Institute. Working as a freelance photographer in Kansas City, then as head of photography for University Relations at KU, she now has her own photo studio, Sterling Image, in Lawrence, KS. Robbin’s images are each created differently using a combination of photography, painting and technology. After enhancing the photographs digitally, using a variety of computer programs, she prints the images on canvas and applies natural acrylics or oil paints. Toni Brou, a Lawrence artist, molds her suns from a clay-like compound and affixes them to different bases. Hubcaps are a favorite. The suns represent not only the healing power of time, but also the transformative power of art. “Working with the clay was therapy for me,” she says. “I found it very soothing to just mold it in my hands.” Brou often attaches a meditation to each piece describing the inspiration for the work. “I like it when people know the stories,” she says. “My art started as therapy for me as I worked through loss, so I hope knowing the story will help others.” Some of her suns are finding national attention. They have aired on the CBS news show “Sunday Morning.” The Heebie Jeebies are a high spirited folk music duo from Lawrence, Kansas. They love male/female country harmonies (think Gram & Emmylou, George & Tammy and Johnny & June). On their debut album, "Westerly Direction," they bow to Hank, Lucinda, Gram and Dylan, while sharing a few of their seasoned originals. Debbie Goldberg plays the flute and harmonica. Rick Frydman plays guitar. For Mary Traul, a professional chef and lifelong Lawrence area resident, creating well-balanced, fresh and innovative dishes is a form of artistic expression. Mary enjoys the creativity and challenge of selecting and combining ingredients in new and interesting ways. Over the years, Mary has lent her talents to local landmarks such as The Casbah Cafe, The Cornucopia, The Harvest, The Cathay, Free State Brewery, and Baker University. For the last 22 years, Mary has worked as a chef for a private house at the University of Kansas. 825 Massachusetts St. | Nov 30, 2012 5:00 pm - Nov 30, 2012 9:00 pm |
 View the artwork | October 2012 Final Friday Art WalkFor Final Friday this month, October 26th, 5-9 p.m., Phil Stivers will be coming all the way from San Diego, California. Don't miss the chance to meet this incredible wood artist and talk to him about his work. Jeff Dunaway of Lawrence will be providing jazz guitar music and everyone’s favorite, Pendleton’s Country Market, will be back with an assortment of wonderful foods to sample. This will be a great time to try their farm fresh foods, and it is never too early to buy some for your seasonal festivities. Phil Stivers creates his art in northern San Diego County, California. He has worked with wood for over 20 years and is a graduate of the woodworking program at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. Phil's degrees in woodworking include both cabinet and furniture making. His career with wood began with a custom woodworking and cabinetmaking business in 1994. After a brief pause in shop time in 2008, Phil began turning "in earnest" following a new passion in wood. His work has progressed to amazing and continues to wow viewers and patrons alike. 825 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS | Oct 26, 2012 5:00 pm - Oct 26, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | September 2012 Final Friday Art WalkFor Final Friday this month, September 28th, 5-9 p.m., jewelry artist Rachael Sudlow will be our demonstrating artist. Don't miss the chance to meet Rachael and talk to her about her work. Michael Stephenson of Lawrence will be providing jazz guitar music and, we will have food and drink for you to enjoy. Rachael Sudlow's outdoorsy upbringing in the Midwest influences her jewelry through ornate touches that speak to her love of art, nature, and whimsical themes. She has a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her designs, mostly created in sterling silver, are entirely handmade. Almost all of her work is customizable and can be created to your specifications. Sudlow was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, where she now runs her own studio while teaching metalsmithing at the Lawrence Arts Center. Don't forget to check out Lost Art Space in the Phoenix Underground also. With UN/DO Lost Art Space continues the theme of the salon style exhibition of small and mid-sized works by members of the Fresh Produce Art Collective as well as several guest artists. 825 Massachusetts St. | Sep 28, 2012 5:00 pm - Sep 28, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | August 2012 Final Friday Art WalkFinal Friday this month will feature three incredible artists at Phoenix Gallery: Gary and Sherrie Dick of Duet Designs and Cindy Buehler of Cinderelish. We are teaming up with M. Street Interiors, formally Biao Design, and Cupcake Construction Company for our food for Final Friday. What a treat it will be to sample the delicious cupcakes that the Cupcake Construction Company serves daily here on Mass Street! We will also have wine, hors d’ oeuvres and lemonade. Michael Paull will be providing music. And don’t forget to go to Lost Art Space in the Phoenix Underground. The artists will be presenting a salon style exhibition. This is not to be missed. Duet Designs jewelry reflects over 25 years of combined design experience by husband and wife team, Gary and Sherrie. Gary creates fused dichroic glass pendants, pins and earrings. Dichroic glass (originally produced for the aerospace industry) has a beautiful and unique reflective quality with exciting shifts of color, depending on the light and the angle at which the piece is viewed. Gary assembles an artistic selection of multiple layers of dichroic, iridescent and clear glass, then fuses them together at a temperature of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Sherrie selects semi-precious gem stones from around the world and whimsically wire-wraps them into pendants and earrings. She is also an accomplished artist in the mediums of polymer clay and fine silver, and often incorporates Gary’s dichroic glass cabochons into her pieces. Each hand-crafted Duet Designs item is an original, one-of-a-kind piece of fine quality jewelry. Cindy Buehler of Cinderelish began working with clay 12 years ago. She has taken classes and workshops at Red Star Studios, The KC Clay Guild, William Jewell College and Bracker’s in Lawrence. Cindy uses bright glaze colors to enhance her bold black and white sgrafitto designs. Her work is created from porcelain clay on the pottery wheel or with her original slab molds. Although some designs are similar, each piece is one of a kind. Cindy currently teaches classes and works from her home studio in Liberty, MO. Michael Paull is a very talented composer/multi-instrumentalist who teaches music lessons at the Americana Music Academy here in Lawrence. Originally from Colorado, he moved to Lawrence, Kansas a number of years ago to pursue some musical opportunities. Michael’s music has been heard on television and radio. His music has been performed in a variety of settings, including a premiere by the Topeka Symphony Orchestra. He continues to teach, compose, and perform music throughout the area, both solo and ensemble. Kansas has become his permanent home. 825 Massachuetts St. | Aug 31, 2012 5:00 pm - Aug 31, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | July 2012 Final Friday Art WalkWe are excited to have Dave Van Hee as our demonstrating artist for July’s Final Friday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. July 27th. Dave is a well-known local artist whose works include masks, ceramics and other creative pieces of art. Many of you know Dave or own some of his art, so don't miss this opportunity to visit with him. From Dave: “Now lives between two fertilizer factories on the edge of Lawrence, KS. Wears sensible shoes with good arch supports. A fallen away vegetarian, Mr. Van Hee has participated in numerous artistic and educational situations, like the time he spray painted a log orange, and some little kids were watching. His career goal is to win the lottery and buy one of those four-door pickup trucks with four tires in back.” We will have music from local Lawrence singer and songwriter Glen Thomas of E100. Glen will perform in the gallery beginning after 6:00. Don't forget that Lost Art Space will be in the Phoenix Underground for Final Friday. Come meet the artists and see their cutting edge work. Our food this month will be lemonade and cookies. 825 Massachusetts St. | Jul 27, 2012 5:00 pm - Jul 27, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | June 2012 Final Friday Art WalkJoin us on June 29th, from 5-9 p.m., for this month’s Final Friday. Felicia Roth will be our demonstrating artist. Felicia is an award winning artist, jeweler and poet. Her amazing work includes hand painted jewelry, modern and impressionistic paintings, cards and books. Felicia will have copies of her latest book of poems on hand for signing. These would make a wonderful gift for friends or family! Come out and visit with Felicia and see the work of this multi-talented artist. This month you will have one last chance to hear Wes Samms live at our gallery. Wes is moving and he is one of the highlights of Final Friday so come in and hear his beautiful music one more time! Think summer! Come in and sample a light summer cake, lemonade and lemon cookies. 825 Massachusetts St. | Jun 29, 2012 5:00 pm - Jun 29, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | May 2012 Final Friday Art WalkThe Final Friday Art Walk this month will be on May 25th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Our demonstrating artist will be Brian Horsch. Brian has been creating hand built and thrown ceramic sculpture since 2008. His work tends to focus on human and animal forms, both real and imagined. Many of his pieces are functional with human or animal accents, while others are purely decorative. Prior to his interest in clay, he was carving sculpture from various hard woods. Brian currently lives close to nature near Stull, Kansas. Food will be provided by Hurtz Donut. You may have seen Hurtz Donut at the Lawrence Farmers' Market with their handmade custom donuts. Wes Samms will be providing live music. 825 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS | May 25, 2012 5:00 pm - May 25, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | April 2012 Final Friday Art WalkFor this month’s Final Friday Art Walk our demonstrating artist will be Jenny Brown. Jenny is a Lawrence artist whose repertoire includes leather and metal. Her company, J. Ellen Bags, is known for its raw and unique style of leather bags, watches and bracelets and is sold in boutiques throughout the southwest. Jenny also creates handmade jewelry crafted from the finest materials. We will have live music by Wes Samms and food, including burnt ends, BBQ meatballs and homemade vanilla ice cream, provided by Oakley Creek Catering. Oakley Creek is a family owned and operated full service catering company located in Lecompton, KS. They have been in business for over 15 years and cater small and large events from Wichita to Kansas City. 825 Massachusetts St. | Apr 27, 2012 5:00 pm - Apr 27, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | March 2012 Final Friday Art WalkJoin us on March 30 from 5-9 pm for an all bee inspired spring Final Friday. Laura Ramberg will be our demonstrating artist with her nature and bee inspired art. Food will be catered by Sugar Pie, Honey Buns and it will all be made with honey, including honey bee cookies. Karen Pitts of Simply Bee Massage will be offering free chair massages. Richard Bean will be here with his local honey and honey products, and Wes Samms will be providing music. Laura Ramberg has been a practicing artist working in the Lawrence area for over thirty years. Laura’s art emerges organically from the rhythms of a life grounded deeply in nature. She often draws inspiration for her creations from her dreams as well as the dreams of others. She works primarily with organic materials such as stone, wood, clay, and bronze. She considers the larger purpose of her art to be serving and creating community. To that end, Laura has had work commissioned by a number of schools, churches, businesses, and private homes. Her major local projects include the restoration of the Douglas County courthouse, the crucifix of St. John’s church, and the restoration of the State Capitol building in Topeka. She holds a B.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of Kansas. In 2007 she was awarded the Imagination & Place Environmental Award. In addition to being a full-time practicing artist, Laura has taught art at the Douglas County Youth Services for over twelve years. She is also a beekeeper, gardener, naturalist, mother, yoga instructor, and dancer. Don’t miss this honey bee inspired spring Final Friday at Phoenix Gallery! 825 Massachusetts St. | Mar 30, 2012 5:00 pm - Mar 30, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | January 2012 Final Friday Art WalkJoin us on Friday, January 27th from 5-9 p.m. for this month’s Final Friday Art Walk. Our demonstrating artist will be Liza MacKinnon of MacKomics Studio. Liza is a local artist, mother and Boston terrier wrangler. A “skimmer” (vs. a “diver”), she dabbles in a multitude of mediums. From fabric and accessories to assemblage, illustration and printmaking – all are equally fascinating. She is known locally for her greeting cards and annual Valentine-making open house weekend. Liza teaches and creates out of her home-studio on Tennessee Street as well as the Lawrence Arts Center. We will have savory samples for you from Sweet Tooth Catering and there will be live music by Wes Samms! 825 Massachusetts St. | Jan 27, 2012 5:00 pm - Jan 27, 2012 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | October Final Friday Art WalkWe are very excited to have two demonstrating artists at our October Final Friday Art Walk (28th, 5-9 pm). Marci Blank of Th'red Head textiles will be here with award winning shawls, shrugs, scarves and many other handmade items. Meet Marci and visit with her about her work that is a must for fall and winter wardrobes! Our other well-known artist for the evening will be Lawrence artist Toni Brou. Most of you know her by her wonderful suns that shine through our gallery windows, but you also may have seen her suns on the CBS Sunday Morning show! Toni is a multi-talented artist who also creates cards, boxes, silk scarves and many other art pieces. Get ready for fall during the Art Walk by tasting food and samples from Pendleton's Country Market. They always have wonderful autumn treats to try! From pickled veggies to delicious dips, their local foods are not to be missed! Don't miss this Final Friday Art Walk at the Phoenix Gallery. We look forward to seeing you! 825 Massachusetts St. | Oct 28, 2011 5:00 pm - Oct 28, 2011 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | Final Friday Art Walk - August 2011We have another great Final Friday lined up for you. Our August demonstrating artist is Cindy Buehler of Cinderelish Pottery. She is an amazing artist who began working with clay 12 years ago and uses bright glaze colors to enhance her bold black and white sgrafitto designs. Her work is created from porcelain clay on the pottery wheel or with her original slab molds. Cindy currently teaches classes at Red Star Studios and works from her home studio in Liberty, Mo. The Phoenix Gallery carries many of Cindy's unique, functional designs, so stop in and see her. Food will be provided by Backdoor Bakery. Backdoor Bakery is inspired by local produce, finely crafted libations, diverse flavors and a healthy respect for food. They were fortunate to be introduced to baking with local and organic ingredients long before it was hip and trendy. Using the highest quality ingredients from Fair Trade Valrhona organic dark chocolate, and organic Madagascar vanilla to locally sourced Red Tractor Farm eggs, Heartland Mill unbleached organic flour, Iwig Dairy, Blossom Trail Bee Honey and more, they employ handcrafted techniques in small batches to ensure the freshest and most delicious baked goods. Stop by and experience the wide variety of taste sensations that they delight in preparing. 825 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS | Aug 26, 2011 5:00 pm - Aug 26, 2011 9:00 pm |
View the artwork | Final Friday Art WalkWe have a fantastic Final Friday art walk lined up for you on July 29th at the Phoenix Gallery! Local Free State Glass artists Dick Rector and Jim Slough will be here with beautiful work! They will be glad to answer questions and show their newest work. Dick and Jim are amazing glass blowers and we are proud to have them in our gallery! Pendleton's Country Market will be here with wonderful foods and samples to try. If you have never met them at the Farmers' Market or tried their great foods, you are in for a treat! 825 Massachusetts St., Downtown Lawrence | Jul 29, 2011 5:00 pm - Jul 29, 2011 9:00 pm |
