Downtown ArtWalk

In 2012, the Downtown Charleston ArtWalk will be celebrating 10 years as the Capitol City’s premiere art event. This season promises to be even bigger, better and more exciting than before.

Check out what’s in store for Thursday’s ArtWalk.

Art Emporium
823 Quarrier Street

Bridging sculpture with photography, printmaking, painting, installation and performance, Steve Pauley’s art evolved organically from his work as a headstone carver and as a photography teacher.

His current exhibition “Rock Show,” explores engraving anamorphic images into polished granite, which are then projected onto a wall by bouncing light off the stone’s surface. Fusing the time-intensive labor of hand engraving stone and the mechanical reproduction of photography, Pauley’s current investigations include projecting that image onto light sensitive paper in a darkroom without the use of a camera or film. 

Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
900 Lee Street, Suite 1600

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation features 29 limited edition pieces of Deborah Herndon’s work ranging from photographs of French and Spanish architectural details and urban landscape (including “French Kiss Knocker,” finalist in the 67th Allied Artists Juried Competition) to one of Herndon’s more recent pieces, “Orchestra Hall, Violin Blue,” a metallic photography print/raised paint tracing on cardboard overlay.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will also feature five jewelry designs by Faye Johnson. Johnson became interested in jewelry creation in 2007 as a result of a design class at Beadlush in Charlotte, NC. Since then, Johnson has studied under critically acclaimed designer Dan Haga, as well as jewelry maker Kim St. Jean.  She has also participated in multiple art shows in the NoDa arts district of Charlotte, NC. Johnson’s jewelry reflects her interest in metal and stringing; her work uses mixed media including clay, gemstones, and various metals.

Gallery Eleven
1033 Quarrier Street

Jo Ann Crawford is featured artist of the month at Gallery Eleven for the May ArtWalk. Her exhibit is titled “Sunflowers Red and Blue. Jo Ann has a bachelor of arts degree from West Virginia University with a masters degree from Marshall University. Her work has been selected by several corporate collections and she has received awards in four surrounding states.

House of Luxe
817 Quarrier Street

The House of Luxe will have most jewelry on clearance 50-60 percent off for the May 17th ArtWalk. Jewelry designs will be featured from Swarovski Elements, Leighelena, Marcia Moran, Hyde, Streets Ahead, Mashka and Gillian Julius.

Romano and Associates
230 Capitol Street, Suite 200

Katheryne Hawkins, a recent graduate of West Virginia State University, will feature “Frail Yet Firm.” It’s a collection of works exploring the juxtaposition of symbolic imagery and their relationship to medium and process. These metaphors are reference to the life, death, and rebirth of select flora and fauna that occur here in Appalachia.

The imagery lends itself to comparison with the process of printmaking, the fragility of the hive relates to the frailty of the papers used and the rigidity of the antlers represents the firm process of printing methods.

Delfine’s Jewelry
245 Capitol Street

Delfine’s Jewelers we will be showcasing Zultanite Gemstones for the May 17h ArtWalk. Naturally precious, Zultanite is a new color changing gemstone that is beautiful,rare, always natural and ethically mined. Zultanite’s beguiling color palette, combined with an exotic pedigree, has made it afavorite among jewelry connoisseurs around the globe.

The Charleston Ballet
100 Capitol Street

The Allied Artists of West Virginia will be partnering with the Charleston Ballet for a live studio drawing session during the May 17 ArtWalk. Images of art pieces created during the live drawing class will be posted online for voting of favorites on both the Charleston Ballet and Allied Artists Facebook pages.

Three notable judges’ votes combined with the public’s choices will determine the winning piece. A $250 prize of a Charleston Town Center Gift Card will be offered to the winner of combined judges and public voting. This winner will be announced in June during FestiVALL. Art works will need to be submitted no later than Monday, May 21, 2012 to be included in the contest.

Submitted pieces will also be on display at a public location for viewing. Viewing and voting will take place through the months of May and June. This event is also open to other WV amateur artists. Please bring your easels if you would like to use one and what you need to work with. Only tables and chairs and dancers will be provided.

Additional art selections from Allied Artists members will also be on display and for sale on Thursday May 17. The upcoming ARTWALK will take place on May 17, 2012 from 5-8 at the Charleston Ballet studios located on the mezzanine floor at 100 Capitol Street.

Mission Savvy
202 Hale Street

Mission Savvy will be selling its new collection of hand painted wooden photo blocks and “Grow Kits” – planting kits for a range of garden themes designed by local Unicorn Lane Farms.

Taylor Books
226 Capitol Street

The Annex Gallery will feature new paintings from Tiera Floyd. A native of Sutton, WV and a recent graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan University, Tiera’s new body of work, titled “Legacy of the Lines” focuses on the cracks, wrinkles, whiskers, scuffs and scraps of five senior citizens in her hometown. Tiera spent time with each of her subjects and chose to focus on specific features and gestures to capture the history and soul of each individual. The result, while excluding much of the information included in a traditional portrait, gives the viewer a much more intimate and compelling experience. Also featured will be paintings from Lewisburg based artist Mary Hurst. Her work will be on display until May 30th.

‘Women with Energy’

Women leaders in the natural gas, coal and related industries will share their insights on opportunities and challenges facing West Virginia’s energy sector and how they will shape the future of the Mountain State at a special Elevations luncheon, to be held Thursday, June 21, at the Charleston Marriott Town Center Ballroom.

Sharon O. Flanery, a petroleum engineer and attorney who leads the Steptoe & Johnson Energy Team, will moderate the second annual “Women with Energy,” a roundtable discussion with female business executives, lawyers, engineers and other professionals on the front lines of developments in the natural gas and coal fields.

Confirmed speakers to date include: • Shannon Ames, Director of Government Relations (US Operations), Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, Marlborough, Mass. • Maribeth Anderson, Senior Director of Corporate Development and Government Relations, Chesapeake Energy • Tania Hotmer, External Affairs Manager, AEP  The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with informal networking (optional), followed by a luncheon and program at noon.

Click here to register

Registration is $40 for Alliance members/$50 future members through June 13. Prices increase to $50 Alliance members/$60 future members after that date.

This event is presented by Steptoe & Johnson. Co-sponsors to date are AEP and NiSource. For information about sponsorships, which include admission to a VIP pre-event Meet & Greet with speakers and state leaders along with other benefits, contact Leigh Anne Stickland, lstrickland@charlestonareaalliance.org.

Click HERE for sponsorship details.

“Women with Energy” is presented with the generous support of Steptoe & Johnson.  The mission of the 1,700-member Elevations Professional Women’s Network is to “enrich, empower and elevate women to achieve success.”

Through luncheons and other events featuring high-profile speakers, Elevations provides an affirmative network that connects professional women with the information, resources and contacts that helps them, their businesses and their communities succeed.

Elevations is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW.  The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

The Alliance cannot issue cancelation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals.

This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals.

Downtown ArtWalk ‘Spring Fling’

Enjoy a “Spring Fling” tomorrow as Downtown ArtWalk holds a special Saturday event on Cinco de Mayo.

Now in its 10th season, ArtWalk showcases downtown Charleston’s thriving art scene. This special Saturday edition will feature many downtown venues displaying extraordinary works of art.

Also, entertainment wll provided on Hale Street with local musicians performing along the sidewalks.

Check out what’s also in store for tomorrow’s ArtWalk:

Art Emporium
823 Quarrier Street

Art Emporium will be having a Sidewalk Sale with great deals on open back frames. They will also have extra discounts storewide.

All Custom Framing 50 percent off (valid on pre-paid orders only), 10 percent off any purchase storewide (may not be used on clearance items or in addition to custom framing discount).

Offers valid on Saturday May 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ONLY.

Vision’s Day Spa
238 Capitol Street

Vision’s will feature artwork by Gregg Oxley,  Keith W Johnson and Heather Kincaid.

Also featured will be photography from Jennifer Dingess, Chad Miller and Dawn Combs.

Mission Savvy
202 Hale Street

Mission Savvy will be having a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday. They will be selling their new collection of upcycled and hand painted picture boxes. Organic take-out food will be available as usual.

Taylor Books
226 Capitol Street

An “Author Showcase” will be held featuring Mike Casazza, Lisa McComb, Marilyn Sue Shank, Mary Rocini and Gina Thomas.

The showcase will occur from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Other Downtown ArtWalk “Spring Fling” participating venues include:

Delfine’s Jewelry
Stray Dog Antiques
Modern by Design
The Purple Moon
Gallery Eleven
House of Luxe

To voice your opinions on transportation, please visit: www.charleston.metroquest.com

What if payback on these investments were five years or less?

ATTENTION PROPERTY OWNERS: We can help you reduce your energy costs!

Check out the Energy Efficiency | Renewable Energy Workshop on Thursday, May 10 from 12-1 p.m. at the Charleston Area Alliance.

We will have stakeholders in the room to walk you through the entire process, including:

• What is energy efficiency? • What is an energy audit? Where do I get one? • How do I finance energy efficiency/renewable energy upgrades? • Does it work?

Hear from businesses who have implemented EE | RE measures.

Representatives from Energy Efficiency WV, Natural Capital Investment Fund, WELD, amongst others will help you employ these measures.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Cullen at CNaumoff@charlestonareaalliance.org by Tuesday, May 8.

City National Bank

The annual block party known as the City National Bank Business After Hours will be held Thursday, May 10.

Business After Hours events are fantastic opportunities to network and meet the region’s leaders in a relaxed setting, all while enjoying food, drinks and entertainment.

This month’s event will feature food and drinks both indoors and outdoors. Summit Conference Center will provide catering. Also, former NFL players Carl Lee and Dennis Harrah will be on hand.

Click HERE to register for the event.

The cost for BAH is $15 for Alliance members and $25 for future members who register early online. Online registration ends at noon on May 10.

Prices at the door are $25 for Alliance members and $35 for future members.

The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

The Alliance cannot issue cancellation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals.

The event will feature keynote speaker Greg Babe, president and CEO of Bayer Corporation. Bayer is one of the nation’s largest chemical and pharmaceutical companies. It’s also a major player in the state’s chemical industry.

Babe, who is retiring on June 30, is a 36-year veteran of Bayer. He has been president and CEO since October 2008. A native of New Martinsville, W.Va, Babe received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University in 1980.

Presented by title sponsor Jackson Kelly PLLC, the Annual Celebration will feature an engaging, fast-paced presentation, including remarks by Babe and a salute to the 2012 College Summit scholarship recipients and Leadership Kanawha Valley graduates.

The formal program will followed by a spectacular reception in the stunning lobby of the Culture Center. A VIP invitation-only reception for event sponsors will kick off the evening’s festivities. The full schedule includes:   VIP Sponsor Reception (invitation only):  4:00-5:00 p.m. Annual Celebration Formal Program: 5:00-6:15 p.m. Gala Reception:  6:15-8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $150 Alliance members/$200 future members through today at 5 p.m. Prices increase to $200 Alliance members/$250 future members after today.

Click here to register.

Sponsorships, which include an extensive package of recognition opportunities, also are available. For sponsorship information, contact Leigh Anne Strickland, lstrickland@charlestonareaalliance.org.

The state’s chemical industry, which includes Bayer, is an economic powerhouse. Chemistry companies in West Virginia directly employ 9,576 people and indirectly contribute 48,010 jobs to the economy, according to the American Chemistry Council. For every chemical industry job in West Virginia, an additional 4.2 jobs are created within the state’s economy. “The Annual Celebration, the Alliance’s largest fundraiser of the year, is your opportunity to share in the pride for the Kanawha Valley and sustain the Alliance’s vital work in creating jobs, enhancing our community and investing in people,” said Alliance President/CEO Matt Ballard.

“We invite you to join the more than 500 business and community leaders who will attend for this business event of the year. With your participation, we will truly have something to ‘celebrate’ on May 8 – and beyond,” Ballard said.

We are unable to invoice for groups with fewer than 10 or issue refunds for cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to the event. Thank you.