Fall Festival on Ponce

It was another amazing weekend at the Festival on Ponce.  We felt especially lucky to be surrounded by so much great talent in such a friendly neighborhood. Here are a few of our favorite photos:

The Thinking Artist

I recently spent some time with Patrick Dennis, owner of the Decatur Market & Gallery and one of the most creative people I know. In addition to being a successful painter, Patrick writes a regular column for Atlanta InTown and is also the co-founder and president of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, which works in partnership with the communities and cities in the metro Atlanta area to expand public access to art. The AFFPS provides emerging artists with venues and, such as the Piedmont Park Arts Festival and Sandy Springs Artsapalooza.  

  

When did your interest in art begin?

I began drawing at a very young age, but my primary interest in art was music. I've played several stringed instruments since I was 7 years old and made some recordings in my teens. I began to be more serious about art in my twenties, influenced by several artists who circulated through L.A. where I grew up. I focused on collage and watercolor for several years and had a piece accepted to a museum. After that I switched to oils, and then had my first solo show when I moved to Atlanta ten years ago.

How did your interest evolve into a career as an artist?

 

After a long career as a lobbyist I transitioned to art as a business because there was a need for more opportunities for artists in Atlanta. I used my lobbying connections to help "loosen up" the city ordinances in Atlanta and then opened a series of open air public markets. The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces was born from that in 2005. From there, the opportunities just multiplied.

What influences your personal and artistic style?

I have a beach in my head and it comes out on canvas a lot. This is a good thing because I can rarely ever get away to enjoy the real thing. Sweeping streaks of sand and sky and colors where marshes glow in the afternoon bring out the beachboy in me. I even like sand in my shoes because, like a sunburn, it keeps the beach with me that much longer. Growing up in southern California, I never though I'd live anywhere away from the ocean, hut here I am, landlocked in Atlanta. so, to exercise my memories, I recreate my favorite beaches in paint. Dog Island, Florida, Sapalo Island, Georgia, and Laguna Beach, California all take shape in my work.

Do you have any advice on how to turn a passion such as art into a career?
 

The weakened economy has weeded hobbyists out of art as a career. It's now a much more serious endeavor. Careful planning and knowing your audience make a huge difference. I also strongly recommend branding. Artists need to be identifiable

for what they do best. Customers need to know from a glance that, "Oh, that is Wade Lincoln's work."

 

What are 5 things you’re looking forward to this Fall?

Only 5? I have a million things on my mind as usual. First, the Artist Information Courses begin at the Decatur Gallery with Mark Karelson of Mason Murer on Sept. 12. Then we have the Fall Festival on Ponce Sept. 15-16 at the beautiful Olmsted Linear Park. Then, I'm managing the Artists Market for the Sandy Springs Festival on Sept. 22-23. Then, we're planning a gallery renovation at the end of Sept. to freshen our look and install new artists. After that is the next Artist Information Course with Frederic Payet on Oct. 10. Then the Chastain Park Festival on Nov. 3-4. This fall I'm also working on plans for ArtSSpring that involve a dozen different art events in Sandy Springs next April and May. And finally I'm working on fleshing out the education programs for the Georgia Foundation for Public Spaces for 2013 and seeking a supporting a grant to launch a major effort in Stone Mountain Village. These things are on my mind and I'm one busy, lucky guy.


 

Local Fare

If you're in the market for art, Atlanta is definitely the place to be this weekend! The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces is "knocking it out of the park" by bringing local art and crafts back to Midtown this Saturday and Sunday. At the Piedmont Park Arts and Crafts Festival, visitors will be able to see works by many of our Decatur Market and Gallery painters, potters, and hand crafters in one of the city's most enthusiastic art neighborhoods. The festival will offer artist demonstrations, a children's play area, a street market, as well as festival foods and beverages, and live acoustic music.  Also on the calendar this weekend is Folk Fest 2012, the world’s largest folk art show. Over 100 dealers and Folk artists will come together at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross to display Self-taught Art, Outsider Art, Folk Art, Pottery, and Anonymous Antique Folk Art. Our own Betsy Halford will be on hand with her amazing assemblages and wearable art.

Pretty Pairings

Blue Silk Ikat Pillow branca.com $239, Yellow and Fushia Spotted Silk Pillows shopfurbish.com $45, Silk Ikat Dress Gucci, Abstract Painting Sœur Bien-Aimé by  Kathy McCullen $600, Chair Madeline Weinrib, Yellow Lamp countryliving.com

Open almost any design or fashion magazine, and you're likely to spot ikat. A favorite of interior designers, these bold fabrics add an exotic touch to any room, whether on a dramatic rug or a simple throw pillow. Just as popular with fashion designers, ikat even showed up in Christian Dior's recent runway collection.  Classic and timeless, this exotic pattern looks fresh paired with with antique furniture and abstract art and adds an energizing pop of color to any room.

Keeping it Classy

REGISTER NOW for Intro to Encaustic Painting at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. taught by our own Penny Treese!

New Paintings By Rosa McMurtray

Amapolas 48 X 48 Oil on canvas

Soprano 24 X 48 Oil on Canvas

                              Oh Boy 24 X 36 Oil on Canvas

Cochina 16 X 16 Oil on Canvas

For Paint Party Friday

Best Gallery in Atlanta

Four years ago, the Decatur Market and Gallery opened its doors as a new venue for emerging artists and artisans of Georgia, and recently the gallery was recognized by the staff of GA Voice, at its third annual Best of Atlanta party.  The Decatur Market and Gallery was chosen by readers of GA Voice as the Best Gallery in Atlanta, and our own Mali Harrell was on hand to accept the award. We are very proud and excited to be voted the Best Gallery by the readers of GA Voice and want to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted!