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June Issue 2004
Hemlocks Studio in Cedar Mountain, NC, Opens for Summer Class Session
Every once in a while, you encounter a place
where magic replaces reality. What at first seems to be just a
place is really a sanctuary. Turning into the drive to Hemlocks
Studio in Cedar Mountain, NC, there is an immediate presence that
surrounds you in forest quiet and peace. Coolness and evergreen
shadows replace summer's glare. That indescribable fragrance of
the mountains, fresh but musky, old and new, encompasses all the
senses. Stepping onto needle-thick, cushioned earth, among rhododendron
and mountain laurel, you approach the old Victorian home where
a gracious hospitality enfolds as the staff of the summer art
school and the guests come together under the sheltering branches
of the old-growth hemlocks.
Hemlocks Studio
On the hill nearby, next to giant boulders, is the airy, tree-top studio, where art classes are held. High in the trees, protected from the elements, the studio provides the perfect setting for creating art. Students sketch among the hemlocks, paint in the studio, then gather on the porch of the main house in late afternoon to relax and reflect on the day's work. There is no television, no distracting loudness, just creative energy in abundance.
Past students have said: "It is a mini
Penland!" "A retreat like no other." "Quiet,
lush greenery, the simple beauty of an old mountain cottage and
a retreat from downtown heat. What a gift!" "My frustrations
broke into epiphanies." "The food is as good as the
instruction and the instruction is superb." "I love
the coffee, the art, the people and most of all the imagination!
Sue Russell
teaching students to "see"
Several observations from instructors include: Harriet Goode - "What a wonderful experience - visual and consumable art - unbeatable. Thanks for the honor of being a Hemlocks instructor!" Marilyn Hughey Phyllis - "I love Hemlocks and what I have seen of Cedar Mountain: The genuine mountain feeling here is wonderful. Of course, the home, great cuisine, and studio are perfect for the location. It all fits perfectly." Monita Mahoney - "There are no words to do justice to Hemlocks - the place, the studio, the home, the hospitality - incredible." Don Andrews - "Sue & Hemlocks Studio - Thanks for all the 'behind the scenes' work and help to make the workshop a great success."
Hemlocks' classes are limited to twelve students
and open studio retreats are limited to eight. This small group
ensures the quiet concentration necessary for creating art, individual
attention for each student, and the opportunity for an intense
working experience, but one that is relaxed, intimate and filled
with energy. Hemlocks is the perfect environment for learning
about art and the art of living. Each day starts with crisp mountain
air and rich coffee.
The daily schedule at Hemlocks begins with the instructors sharing
all their secrets and expertise generously; students put their
heart into their labors. At midday, all head to the house for
lunch on the porch to enjoy fresh, simply elegant fare paired
with interesting conversation and fellowship, then back to the
studio to expand upon the morning's work.
Classes are for students of all levels, from
complete novice to experienced artists, all taught by qualified,
caring instructors. Students who are boarding stay in nearby homes
of friends or in B & B's and have evening meals at Hemlocks.
Throughout the summer there are many one-day classes: Drawing
& Design, Composition & Design, Value & Color, Beginning
Watercolor, and Realism to Abstraction. Sue Russell and Danie
Janov are the instructors for these stress-free classes, which
include all materials and lunch so come, create and have a wonderful
day.
In June, Russell offers a three-day course,
Expressive Watercolor, a path to pure expression in transparent
watercolor. It begins with elemental drawing techniques, essential
for confident painting, and ends with your own unique interpretations.
Russell believes in leaving photos, unresolved paintings and ready
made images behind, so that the experience is not to repeat but
to begin anew.
In July, Edward (Ted) Minchin, an enormously talented and productive
artist and designer, offers a five-day class, Beyond Inspiration,
an opportunity for artists to reach beyond the usual and predictable
for unique thoughts, ideas and interpretations for their art.
In late July to early August, Kaleidoscope, taught by mixed media
artist, Monita Mahoney, is a series of one and two-day courses
that can be taken individually or together as a longer workshop.
Incorporating techniques for making, preparing and using papers
creatively, including papermaking, stained & paste papers,
marbling, collage and fabric marbling, Mahoney is a creative explorer
with more tricks up her sleeve than most magicians!
The Hemlocks' summer includes two Open Studio Retreats, one in
August and one in September. Artists work independently on their
art in the company of other artists, expanding their repertoire
of thoughts and ideas.
Among the many workshop environments, Hemlocks Studio stands alone
as one of a kind.
For more information and for a brochure of the 2004 Hemlocks classes, contact: Sue Russell, Hemlocks Studio, Box 417, Cedar Mountain, NC, 28718; call 828/885-2831; e-mail (Sue@hemlocks.com) or on the web at (www.hemlocks.com).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2004 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2004 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.