CHAIRish 2012: Artist Spotlight, Janet Skinner

Whooo? Whoooo? Who is our latest artist spotlight?  Why, it's Janet Skinner, who had our young, sweet children in mind when creating this one-of-a-kind owl bench!

 

Janet originally heard about CHAIRish through the Herron Alumni Association, who has been an invaluable partner to The Villages! 

 

She states:

 

"Since learning my husband I will be new grandparents this coming January, I have been paying close attention to children’s room designs. I have seen so many adorable designs with owls I just could not resist the temptation to create some whimsical owls for the bench I had selected to paint...my hope is that it will bless its new environment with smiles for years to come!"

 

 

 

Janet started painting as a hobby when she was a young adult. At 35 years of age she enrolled at IUPUI Herron School of Art and Design and received a B. F. A. in Painting in 2001.  She now works from her second story studio space, Skinner Fine Art, at the Creative Arts and Event Center, 2 West Main St., Greenfield, IN. She works primarily in oil, watercolor and pastel in a contemporary-impressionist style.

 

We think Janet's owl bench is precious.  Do you know someone that would love this bench, too?

 

 

 

CHAIRish 2012: Artist Spotlight, Ashten Houpt

 Another of our fantastic artists, Ashten Houpt, has created another unique masterpiece for us this year.  This "Zebra Chair", which is wood burned and has two zebra heads on the back, is quite a work of art.  It was a little tricky getting the chair to Ashten's studio, as you can see below, but she made it work.  (Thanks for your dedication, Ashten!)

 

She said she wanted the challenge of creating a zebra stripe that wasn't a traditional black and white.  We think these beginning pictures below look awesome - you will be awed by the final product!

 

 

 



Ashten also did the popular "Giraffe Chair" back in 2009, which also featured two giraffe heads on the back.  Both chairs are nostalgic for Ashten, who remembers being a child and experiencing the joy of seeing these beautiful, exotic animals at the zoo.  Her "Giraffe Chair" went for a whopping $550!   

 

 

Do you think the Zebra Chair could do the same?  Use the comments section below to tell us how much you love the Zebra Chair and your best guess at what it might raise for The Villages!

Ashten Houpt is a senior at Herron School of Art and Design, studying in the Integrative Studio Practice program and mainly focusing in Book Arts and Printmaking.  She has always had an interest in art and has been taking classes at Herron since she was in 7th grade.  She will graduate this year and hopes to attend graduate school to continue her studies in Book Arts and eventually enter academia as a professor.
 



CHAIRish 2012: Artist Spotlight, Ann King

 

Ann King has been creating chairs for CHAIRish since 2008 and this year she is donating "A Little Extra Love" for our fundraiser.  She is a resident of Zionsville and has chosen a koala to be featured on this stool to represent the time she spent living in Australia.  She shared with us that she was inspired by a poem written by her daughter.  Her creative philosophy reads:

 

"I try to represent the positive and negative pull in everything I create.  One of my writings states: 'To dwell on what happened in the past or on what might have been -- brings bitterness and despair.  Dwell on what might be -- for hope and purpose.'  I let the viewer choose which he or she sees highlighted in the work."

 

 



The saying reads: "Even though you have all the love you could ever want from me,
here's a little extra love to keep you company."

Ann has been involved with helping abused and neglected children in a variety of ways since
1981. She understands that there are many causes to care about in Central Indiana but feels that  many of the problems have been caused by the person needing help.  Children have not caused themselves to be abused or neglected and it is our job to step in and offer our assistance the best way that we can.

Ann's has studied at the Indianapolis Art Center with Paul Sweany, Jean Vietor and Sandy Ezell, among many others.  She has also participated in workshops with national artists such as Judi Wagner and Joan Rothmeral, as well as local artists, such as Rob O'Dell and Henry Bell.  Her artwork has been accepted in the National Abstract Show, Midwest Exhibit, and Indianapolis Art Center, among others places.  She has received several Honorable Mentions and Best of Show in Metalsmithing.

Tell us what you think of Ann's stool.  Isn't it adorable?  Do you know someone who would love to see that in their home?

 

 

CHAIRish 2012: Artist Spotlight, Beth Ann Ferguson

As we gear up for our CHAIRish event on November 9th, we want to put a spotlight on some of our hardworking artists.  We've asked them to provide us with chairs in progress, as well a statement explaining their vision for their piece.  This week Beth Ann Ferguson gives us a sneak peak into her two chairs. 

Your Journey Starts Here (Child’s rocking chair)

Life is a constant movement. With every second passing there is always something shifting and creating movement. Every moment is different somehow and it is impossible to repeat the same thing twice in life unless you can reverse time to the moment in which something occurred. With everything you do in life you must think of how you want that moment to be for you. Your free will gives you the chance to make that choice. This is your one life to live from being born to the moment you are no longer alive. What direction will you take?  Your journey starts here....                                                                                        

 

Inspire the Journey (Adult rocking chair)

Children are so pure and learn from their experiences. Children grow physically, mentally, and emotionally at a rapid rate in comparison to adulthood. I appreciate children for how they are. I am inspired by them. I have the fortunate opportunity to have my own children and work with them daily. I strive to motivate them to care about themselves, what they can do for others, and accomplish great things in life. I hope to give them all the best out of life. The best I can give is my love.

I also have the opportunity to teach art to students in their early teens. I think of how I can make a difference in their lives daily. Sometimes I take moments out of the scheduled school day to just listen to their thoughts, ideas, achievements, and frustrations. I hope to give them the opportunity to grow and change for the quality of themselves and for the future adult they will become. I am very thankful to have a hand in inspiring young minds for our future generation.  And my journey continues…      

 

What do you think about the progress of Beth Ann's chairs?  Are you an artist that can relate to the process by which she creates and forms the chairs to represent her vision?  If not, isn't it interesting to see how an artist can take an idea and bring it to life? 

 

 

Staff Highlight – Melissa Padgett

Melissa Padgett is a program manager for The Villages’ Healthy Families Lawrence County office. She works with at-risk parents to provide a loving and nurturing environment for their children. Melissa has been with The Villages for almost 5 years. We recently asked Melissa a few questions about her job working with vulnerable children and families.

The Villages: Why did you choose a career in child welfare?

Melissa: I really believe that we make the greatest positive impact in this world by supporting our families. I believe that the most critical and vulnerable time is in early childhood, where education has its most profound impact. And I truly love babies, and believe they are the most precious thing on this earth

The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had in the last year?

Melissa: It is always in hearing the successes, and even the smallest accomplishment that our staff makes with families. A baby is thriving, a mother is comforted or validated, or a parent is successful and enjoys being a parent.

The Villages: What can the community do to help you, and The Villages, better serve vulnerable children and families?

Melissa: First smile-- share a smile, it doesn't take anything to affirm someone in the parking lot or at the grocery store especially someone you don't know or doesn't look like you. For those that can, be politically active, we desperately need safe, affordable child care in this state. For those that can volunteer a few hours at a school or community center- or at The Villages we always have filing and office work to do. And donate if you can…we always need diapers!!!

The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you work with?

Melissa: To reach our highest potential, whatever that is and have a level of quality of life that gives each of us some peace--- defined by self worth and/or simple daily pleasures- enjoying a story, a smile, a sunset or a warm breeze.  It's all easier said than done, isn't it?

The Villages’ Kids CHAIRish our Guest Artists

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s CHAIRish the Children Artists.  The Villages is working with many returning and some new artists for the November 9th event.  There are 38 artists contributing over 40 pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork and furniture.  Event guests will have the opportunity to bid on these unique and beautiful pieces on our online auction and at the CHAIRish the Children event!  This will surely be a year you do not want to miss.

Drum Roll Please…Introducing the 2012 CHAIRish the Children Guest Artists

Chris Bowman, Adult Chair
Don Briggs, Photography
Mary Campbell Maher, Youth Chair
Andy Chapman, Hand-crafted Chair
Dinny Cochran, Adult Chair
Scarlett Cramer, Artwork
Rae Marie Crisel, Ceramics
Kathy Cunningham, Stool
Elizabeth Angela Ferguson, Adult & Child Rocker
Brittany Ferguson, Adult Chair
Terry Gocking, Adult Chair and Bookcase
Pamela Hacker, Adult Chair
Toni Hall, Children’s Chair
Dan Henne, Artwork
Ashten Houpt, Adult Chair
Ann W. King, Step Stool
Judy Krebs, Children’s Table & Chair Set
Lawrence North High School Art Class (teacher: Ms. Sarah Senff), Children’s Chairs
Emma Meyers, Step Stool
Fran Prince, Adult Rocker
Jane Roberson, Children’s Chair
Shelley Savini-Kroger, Children’s Chair
Sandy Schimmel, Adult Chair
Melissa L. Scott, Bench
Sarah Senff, Child’s Rocker
Vicky Shaffer White, Adult Chair
Christy Shriner, Doll Chairs
Janet Skinner, Bench
Melinda Spear-Huff, Adult Chair
Sharon Strecker, Stool
Julia Fish Thompson, Artwork
Susan Van Huss, Adult Chair
Courtney Wesemann, Child’s Rocker
Katrina West, Adult Chair
Robin Zelenka, Youth Chair

We will have regular updates about CHAIRish the Children including sneak peeks of the chairs, stories about the guest artists, and much more!  If you are interested in being added to the CHAIRish the Children email list so you’re the first to know about all things CHAIRish sign up now.


Important dates to remember:

Online Auction Opens – November 1
Online Auction Closes – November 8
CHAIRish the Children Event – November 9, Indianapolis ArtsgardenTickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door

Chopper Drop FORE The Kids

The Villages’ Chopper Drop FORE The Kids is part of the 15th Annual Golf Classic, a fundraiser which supports The Villages’ mission of championing families for children. For only $50 per golf ball you’ll have your chance at winning up to $20,000 from this unique and exciting fundraiser to help support the children The Villages’ is privileged to serve.

At the Golf Classic, up to 2,000 golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter above a specially designed hole on the driving range at Broadmoor Country Club. The eight (8) golf balls that land closest to the hole will win cash prizes. Chopper Drop winners will be announced at the end of the Matt Breman Memorial Awards Reception and Silent Auction.
Think about this...if you bought a $50 Golf Ball you'll not only enter for a chance to win (hopefully) $20,000 but you'll also help a Villages' child.  Look at some of the stuff we've done with $50 for our kids:

• A 2-month bus pass for a Villages’ youth to get to school and work
• A “Lifebook Kit” for a child to document the important moments in his or her life.  (Kit includes: camera, scrapbook, stickers, etc.)
• A “New Parent’s Baby Care Package” for an at-risk parent preparing for their child.  (Package includes: diapers, infant sleepers and toys)
• And MUCH more!

Get your Golf Ball today while supplies last and enter to win some money...AND help a vunlerable child at the same time.  Here's a simple online form you can fill out to get your golf ball today.