Copper Blog

CAC Teen Apprentices

This past week we had the opportunity to have the Teen Apprentices from the CAC stop by our studio for a guided tour. This was both the first time we opened our studio to a group of students and the first time we were placed in a teacher role. Needless to say, we were a bit nervous but excited to have young eager minds take part in what we have worked so hard at creating over the past few years.

As most students in a new and unfamiliar place they were a bit shy but it only took us asking a few questions to get them to start talking art. We learned that they were painters, sculptors, passionate drawers, and all of them loved the idea of using recycled materials, a staple in the creation of Copper Art Designs. After learning each student’s strengths and weaknesses we moved our discussion to the gallery which quickly turned to a wonderful brainstorm session. We were able to help provide insight and ideas for their upcoming art event that is completely planned and put on by the students themselves.

Through out the afternoon it became apparent that there really is a desire and need for more art in our area. Our high school students are searching for any outlet where they can be creative, learn techniques, and show off their ideas. We were happy to grant them a safe haven for the evening where they could talk freely about the abstract and absurd, even a bit of the classics for good measure.

We hope this is only the beginning of sharing our passion for art with students and fellow artists alike. The Teen Apprentices showed us there is a pulse still beating at the center of our community. It is asking for collaboration, it is begging to learn and share, it wants to feel cultured and loved and we plan to help in any way that we can.

The Teen Apprentice Program will host their event on Friday, May 28th at the CAC. The event will be centered around their own artwork and will also include an open mic, live bands, Guitar Hero on the big screen, and an art raffle. It is sure to be a good time, one that you don’t want to miss, or in their words it is certain to be EPIC!

-Douglas

Blog of the New Year

As the sound of the new years bells slowly settle in the back of our heads our hands and minds are fighting the frost to keep art alive. This year we plan to take a new approach to our blogging. We will still keep up with our traditional posts showing off new copper work and updates about shows and events. Though, we want to focus on not only the art that we create but the art that is created in our community by friends and new acquaintances alike as well. As our fiends at AltDaily [altdaily.com] seem to point out on an almost daily basis, Hampton Roads is in need of a sustainable artist community!

Not that we are lacking talent and people with a sense of culture rippling through their veins, it is just not big enough yet. So in hopes that we can keep ourselves creative and inspire those around us we will be posting our attempts at poetry, short films, musical experiments, more artist documentaries, and various 2D artwork. If you have a project that helps us to think or question or that just simply allows us to take a step back and appreciate all the sights and sounds around us please let us know about it.

Stay tuned for what we, and what you, come up with!

Let’s not let the area go stale this winter, until we meet again,
-Douglas

Gallery Central: The Artist Hang Out

Recently it has come to our attention that there aren’t many artist outlets in Virginia Beach. Sure, the typical laptop laden tables are always open at Starbucks but for those who are tired of sitting by themselves wondering where all the other creative people are we have an answer.

This summer we want to start hosting evenings for the arts. Discussions, good music, films and even exhibitions of our friends and new acquaintances work. The young contemporary art scene needs to come to life in the area and we hope we can become one of the catalysts. So, if you are looking to expand your thoughts or knowledge of the arts or show off your ideas and art work get in touch with us and we will let you know what is happening around the gallery.

- Douglas