Art from 40 Artists all under One Artistic Roof

If you’ve never been inside the FiftyForward Martin Center, here’s an opportunity to indulge your artistic side and enjoy the rustic stone and wood beauty. On Nov. 4-6, the center will open to the general public for its fifth annual Martin Masters presents Zoe’s Gallery of Friends, an art exhibition and sale featuring works from more than 40 local artists.

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Beginning with a preview party on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5-7:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres and a chance to preview the art and meet and greet the artists, including featured artist Susan Goshgarian McGrew. Tickets to the event are $30 per person.

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Then on Friday Nov. 4 from 12-7 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 5 from 10-3 p.m., the event will open free to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Named after the late Zoe Wells, one of the annual event’s founding members and long- time art enthusiast, the three day event has consistently drawn over 600 people. Through art sales and preview party tickets, the Martin Center hopes to raise funds to support programs and operating costs.

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This year’s featured artist is Ken White Ken has been involved with the communication arts as a graphic designer, design firm owner, illustrator, and fine arts painter. The company he founded, White plus Associates, was featured in Communication Arts Magazine, CA, and Idea Magazine, Japan. He has guest lectured at the UCLA School of Advertising and Design, the Art Center

College of Design, Pasadena, CA, as well as many Art Director Clubs throughout the United States. He attended the University of East Tennessee, the Art Center College of Design, and Chouinard Art Institute, Los Angeles. He taught graphic design at UCLA Extension, and at Otis Parson School of Design, Los Angeles. Working in oil, pastel, charcoal and various mixed media, he approaches his subjects intuitively and emotionally, rather than simply intellectually.

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“The most challenging aspect of making a painting is the process of creating an illusion of the illusion of nature. When I succeed, it is one of the most gratifying things I can experience.  “The theme of a painting is not as difficult to unravel as in, say, a novel, because the painting is right there in your face—exposed, as it were, instantaneously seen. It is the subtext of abstraction, texture, brush technique, color, and symbolism that add to the painting’s complexity and mystery. Some call it magic, or even alchemy. For a painting to be experienced and to live beyond itself depends on the viewer’s sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding—which causes the painting to be emotionally felt, as the artist intends.”

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Everything you need to know about The Martin Center

·   The Martin Center is a private, non-profit providing services and programs to help people 50+

stay active and healthy as they age.

·   Membership age ranges from 45 to 96. Under 50-year olds are associate members.

·   Membership dues are $90 per calendar year with a one time $25 joining fee.

·   Located on 5.6 acres, the Center offers classes as varied as Pilates, tai chi, yoga and programs for

writers, genealogy searches, musicians, wine enthusiasts, avid readers, card and board game

lovers and budding artists as well as an on-site massage therapist.

·   There is a large active men’s group.

·   Many of the programs and activities are free.

· Free community based forums offering support and resources for Adult Children with aging

parents

·   The Center is a popular site for civic group meetings, reunions, birthdays, weddings and

receptions.

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Here’s what you need to know about Martin Masters presents Zoe’s Gallery of Friends:

·   The fifth annual event will be held at Fifty Forward Martin Center, 960 Heritage Way, just off

Concord Road near I-65 in Brentwood.

·   Thursday Nov. 4 preview party from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30

·   Friday and Saturday Nov. 5-6 Exhibition and Sale 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. free to the public

·   Over 40 local artists’ work will be available for sale

·   Prices will range from $5 to $10 for note card reprints of some paintings to more than $1,000 for

original works. Giclee (reproductions of originals) will be in the $25-$30 range. There will also be

bins or unframed art that will give the consumer the option to frame elsewhere.

·   Form of payment will be cash, check, MasterCard or Visa.

·   Wear comfortable shoes – all on one level carpeted

·   Parking is free. Plenty of handicapped parking available.

·   For more information, call (615) 376-0102 or log on to www.themartincentertn.org.

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Tips on Collecting Art

·   Set a budget.

·   Buy what you love. Can’t say it enough. Buy what pleases you.

·   If possible, meet the artist. If possible, take a picture with the artist to save as a keepsake.

·   It may be obvious, but know what you’re buying. Is it a reproduction? An original? A signed copy?

·   If you’re buying for a particular spot in your home, know the dimensions you need.

·   If you’re looking for a particular color range, bring fabric swatches with you.

·   If you fall in love with a piece but the price is not in your budget, ask if the artist has any other

pieces.

·   Ask if there is a copy of the artist’s biography. Half the fun of collecting local art is learning who

the artist is and what inspired him/her to create a piece.

·   Make sure that you have the proper size transportation and packing materials to take your art

home. You’ll probably need blankets to protect it. Note: Sometimes artwork cannot be picked up

until the end of the show.

·   You should ask for a bill of sale and letter of authenticity if it’s a limited edition.

·   If possible, sign up on the artist’s email list to learn about upcoming shows.

(Source: www.art-collecting.com)