"WHAT THE STORY DIDN'T REVEAL" opens at Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W. Cabarrus Street, Raleigh.   It features the work of artist Sys Oppenlander.  In this Trilogy Sys explores the transparency of truth and trust in human relationships and the consequences that arise if this transparency becomes obscured.  Opening reception is Friday 6-9 PM, March 2 / open Wednesdays 3-7 PM, March 2-30.  artvision@bellsouth.net / phone 919-571-3605

SCULPTING A PORTRAIT IN CLAY:

Gail Lawson (www.gaillawson.com), an accomplished clay artist, will provide basic instruction on using photos and working with a live model to complete a realistic clay portrait of the human head.  From building an armature to applying finishing touches, sculpting techniques will be emphasized in a step-by-step process to complete an anatomically correct portrait and lifelike representation of the human head.  An African-American male model will pose for 4 sessions and there will be 4 sessions working from photos of the model for a total of 8 sessions.  The eight sessions are 6:30-9:30 PM on Wednesday, April 11 and Thursday, April 12; morning session 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and afternoon session 1:30-4:00 PM  on Saturday, April 14; 6:30-9:30 PM on Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19; morning session  10:00-12:30 PM and afternoon session 1:30-4:00 PM on Saturday, April 21.  The fee is $220 for the eight-session workshop (payment can be by cash or check/money order made out to James Fatata, sorry no credit cards).  The fee covers the use of sculpting stand, portrait armature, model fee, studio facility, and bisque firing of the finished portrait.  Water-base clay will be available for purchase at the first session for $13 per twenty-five pounds bag.  The workshop is limited to eight participants and will be held at Litmus Gallery & Studios at 312 W. Cabarrus Street in downtown Raleigh.  Refunds will not be given for missed sessions.  Additional questions or to register for the workshop: artvision@bellsouth.net / 919-571-3605    

Litmus Gallery & Studios selects one artist each month to feature in its gallery.  Artists interested in being featured should email artvision@bellsouth.net expressing their interest, best phone contact number, and five (5) attached photos of their work labeled with the name of the work, size, price and medium.  All works of art entered must be for sale.  Works must be original and committed to the show for the entire exhibition period.  Litmus Gallery & Studios reserves the right to refuse any work that is not properly presented, requires special installation, or is deemed inappropriate by the Litmus Gallery selection committee.

Presentation Specifications: All 2D work must be completely prepared for hanging with wire.  Wire must not be frayed and must support the weight of the piece.  No “saw tooth” hangers may be used.  Maximum framed size cannot exceed 50” in any direction.  2D and 3D art cannot exceed 50 pounds.

Fees: Featured artist will be charged a fee of $30 to display up to five works of art.  The number accepted for display is determined by the size of the works.  The fee is due 30 days prior to month that the art is scheduled for exhibit.  The fee must be delivered or mailed to: Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W. Cabarrus St., Raleigh, NC 27601

Liability: Works are exhibited at the risk of the artist.  Although the utmost care will be taken in handling all art work, Litmus Gallery & Studios will not be responsible for damage or loss from any cause.  Submitting a work of art shall imply an agreement on the part of the artist to the conditions set forth here. 

Sales: Sales will be encouraged.  Litmus Gallery & Studios will retain a commission of 20 % on all sales.  The artist is committed to the sale price placed on the art at the time of delivery.

Delivery of Art: All art must be hand-delivered to Litmus Gallery one week prior to the month that the art is to be displayed.  Special arrangements for delivery at a different time may be possible by calling (919) 571-3605 or emailing artvision@bellsouth.net. 

Removal: Unless sold, all artwork must remain on view until the close of the exhibition.  Unsold works should be picked up between 4-7 PM the last Thursday of the month it is being exhibited or by special arrangement.

Selection: Artists selected for featuring at Litmus Gallery will be emailed the “Featured Artist Form” which must be printed, completed and mailed to: Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W. Cabarrus St., Raleigh, NC, 27601.  Once the “Featured Artist Form” is received notification will be sent to the artist as to the month their art will be featured.

Studio Spaces: $70 - $290
Call 919-571-3605 or email artvision@bellsouth.net to check on availability.

COMMISSIONING A TORSO SCULPTURE

DESCRIPTION OF TORSO SCULPTURE:

The clay torso sculpture created is a representation of the trunk of the body.  In addition, it includes a small part of the neck but not the head, a portion of the arms above the elbow, and the legs above the knees.  A client can be sculpted in either a standing, seated, or reclining pose.  If a standing pose is selected, the completed sculpture will be approximately 12 inches in height -- ideal for displaying on a coffee or end table, bookshelf, or pedestal. 

PROCESS:

It normally takes two 3-hour sessions, scheduled on different days, to complete the sculpture.  Occasionally, depending on the complexity of the pose, an additional session may be required.  During each 3-hour session the client will pose nude for 20 minute time intervals separated by 5-minute breaks.  Upon completion, the sculpture will be air-dried for several weeks and then bisque fired.  Once fired, a clear acrylic matte finish will be applied to seal the surface.  Felt will be placed on the base of the sculpture.  If a client is not available to pose in person, a torso sculpture can be completed using just photos.

SCHEDULE:   

Sculpting sessions are normally conducted during afternoons or evenings, Sunday through Thursday.  However, sessions can be scheduled at other times to fit a client’s schedule.

LOCATION:

Sculpting sessions will be held in the artist’s studio located at 312 West Cabarrus Street in downtown Raleigh.  Litmus Art Gallery and several other studios are located in the same building.

COST:

The cost of a commissioned clay torso sculpture as described is $375.00, which is due at the completion of the sculpture.  If the completed sculpture does not meet the client’s expectations or for any other reasons the client does not wish to proceed with the purchase, the client may decline the purchase without additional financial obligation.  If the purchase is declined the completed sculpture will become the property of the sculptor.  Clients will not receive any payment for the time spent posing for the sculpture. 

*Information and prices on additional sculptural options are available upon request.

SCULPTOR:

James (Jim) Fatata is an accomplished artist who specializes in figurative sculpture.  His works have been juried into numerous art shows and exhibitions.  You can see examples of his work by visiting Litmus Art Gallery and his studio at 312 W. Cabarrus St. in Raleigh, NC or by viewing his work on the web at www.litmusgallery.com or www.tristatesculptors.org.