Barn swallows have made a nest in the corner of my future studio. They have been so busy gathering sticks for their new home that I hate to break it to them that they will eventually have to move outside. We also have a wood chuck that is enjoying the sandy surface with his paw prints tracking the interior. Things are moving fast in spite of the torrential rains. All of Gregg’s earth moving last week slid down the hill.
Barn Swallows Nest
Gregg and I visited our work in progress, creative getaway this weekend. Gregg is there everyday but I haven’t seen it since it was a hole in the ground. I will have to say I was in awe, scared, not sure we deserve it, thrilled and excited all at the same time. When you actually execute on a dream it can be a bit surreal. Literally we will be perched in the tree tops. Amazing light, views and peacefulness will surround us. I’d say from the photos we look pretty darn happy.
Marilyn in front of future studio window
Gregg in awe of the view and cool breeze
Guys at work
View as you walk in the front entrance
View from my studio
Studio view looking towards the East
It’s been a long week but things are moving forward on our creative space. It’s been raining on and off again for two weeks which has slowed things down. I’m very exciting to see the framed walls going up. 
Opening Reception
Saturday, June 5, 7-10 pm
Show Runs
June 5 – July 4, 2010
3011 West 50th St, Minneapolis (612) 925-2400
Please join me for a special evening of art, food and entertainment. Saxophonist Bill Lang will be perched on the roof, appetizers prepared by Corner Table Restaurant and 10% of the sales from this show will benefit Art Buddies , a program which pairs creative mentors with kids from low-income families.
There will be over 20 artists featured including several pieces I will have on display. A great variety of Minnesota artists, mediums and price points.
Marilyn Stevens, Absence of Transparency, 2009
I’ve finally finished the piece that I started earlier this year. What can I say, I got sidetracked with a new job. Thanks to my friend Zac, I was able to add the perfect phrase of text. It’s off to the framer since it will appear in Gallery 360’s ten year anniversary event in June.
Marilyn Stevens, All Your Beauty, 36w x 44h, 2010
We visited our Wisconsin creative space building site this weekend. Although both Gregg and I are very excited, our reasons are very different. Gregg wanted me to see the rocks he had collected for later landscaping, where he planned to store the wood and how he was going to use his bobcat to clear out a nice landing. I on the other hand wanted to stop and take pictures of the hundred plus horses in the pasture across from our land and take photos of what my art studio view will look like from above! It’s all good.
Gregg's Man Toy
Rocks Collected from Site
Horse Farm Across From Us
Future View From My Art Studio
It’s finally happening. The heavy equipment has arrived and we are starting to move the earth. We are in the infancy stages of building our dream creative space. I know these photos are probably not that exciting but they represent a monumental step in this journey. The beginning…
Diamond Bluff, WI, 2010
Please join me at Gallery 360 where owner Merry Beck seamlessly combines art, design, fashion and craft into one inspiring retail event. I was thrilled when I met Merry and heard about her vision for the trunk show. It is the perfect venue where my art can be a backdrop with fashion. I have three pieces in this show and hope to be part of their 10 year anniversary event next month. I would love to see you.
Martha McQuade
Marilyn Stevens, Letting Go of the Words, 2009
Spring Trunk Show Event
Thursday, May 13, 6-9 pm
Featured Clothing Artists: Martha McQuade, Kimberly Jurek, Liz Plambeck & Heather Hambrecht
20% off Sale
Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 16
Gallery 360
3011 West 50th St
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10-6, Thurs until 8, Sunday 12 to 5
Gallery 360 is a contemporary retail gallery located at the corner of 50th and Xerxes in Southwest Minneapolis. Opened by owner Merry Beck in the summer of 2000, this neighborhood gallery is situated amongst an eclectic array of independently owned boutique shops. With exhibitions rotating every six weeks, Merry Beck and her staff are able to recreate the space with an ever-changing collection of local and national talent. The gallery’s tag line “art in every degree”, sums up the extensive variety of fine art and handmade product available within. While representing traditional art media, such as painting, photography, and sculpture Gallery 360 is also known to take an offbeat approach by offering contemporary art jewelry, locally designed fashions, and multi media window installations.
We haven’t broke ground yet and Gregg and I have already started discussions on “what if we build this creative space and don’t have any new ideas?” “Or money?” Nothing like two Virgos getting together to worry and obsess about stupid things we can’t control. Then we snapped out of it and started talking about all of the possibilities. My dreams include events featuring local chefs, musicians, artisans and artists. Gregg has visions of more equipment, tools and things that require more storage. This is part 2 of what I’m certain will be many interesting twist and turns in the unfolding of our dream creative space.
We worked with the Minneapolis, architectural firm, Altus to create our new space. We have followed Tim Alt on several building projects over the last several years and have always admired his firms modern aesthetic, use of materials and ability to integrate design naturally with the land and individuals who live there.
Our land site has some very challenging issues given it sits on the side of a hill. Altus was able to guide us with thoughtful placement of the home fitting it into the landscape and taking advantage of the best views and optimum light. Our goal was an emphasis on natural light, easy movement from indoors to outdoors and from creative space to living space. We are so excited with the results which features loft like flexible spaces, high ceiling and lots of windows. Our favorite is a huge rooftop deck over a portion of the shop in the back.
East, front view
First floor, wood shop and art studio
Gregg with land permit
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has brought in internationally known environmental artist Patrick Dougherty to create a one-of-kind work inspired by the Arboretum itself.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. May 13
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum visitor center, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chanhassen
Admission: $10 for Arboretum members, $20 for nonmembers
To register: Go to www.arboretum.umn.edu and click on “Learn pages.”
Ongoing: Dougherty also will be on-site 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily through May 21, except for this Saturday and Sunday.
Webcam: To see progress on the “Big Build,” go to the Arboretum’s website.
More info: For more on Dougherty’s work, go to www.stickwork.net.
* Sortie de Cave Jardin des Arts, Chateaubourg, France, 2008. Photography: Charles Crie. *
As reported by a staff writer at the Star Tribune today, the “Big Build” has begun.
Renowned environmental sculptor Patrick Dougherty this week is gathering raw materials and inspiration at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for his newest creation: A giant and unique outdoor “stick” sculpture that he will assemble over the next three weeks during his “Big Build residency.”
Through May 22, Dougherty and a group of volunteers will collect and weave together tree saplings and forest thinnings into a vision inspired by the Arboretum itself. Dougherty is expected to use about five truckloads of willow branches and tree samplings in the creation, according to the Arboretum.
Dougherty, who lives in Chapel Hill, N.C., will be accessible to the public during the build. “An Evening with Patrick Dougherty” is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. May 13 at the visitor center, when he will present a visual tour of other art installations he’s created around the world and share his personal story about how he developed his art form.
The photos and content of this blog are the property of Marilyn Stevens. Please respect copyright laws and request permission for usage.
