Time to Focus in–the Spark of Togetherness
Polly Alice
Focusing on New Vision
Hey, It's Polly Alice, Artist. I'm writing to you from a rainy day in the art gallery; cars are driving past through the puddles and we have the door cracked open for some fresh air. We can smell the coffee cake bakery next door. New artists come in after having lunch at Vivilore. We've just stowed away the extra tables from last night's painting class and the yoga mats are all lined up for next Tuesday. A large crowd is entering the art center across the street. Jason & GK have just replanted the entire neighborhood flower beds with mums. I'm sad to see summer go; I love it so much, but even the trees need a chance to renew and refocus. The gallery, like outside, is focusing in. And just like a rainy day, something wonderful happens to the color. The Black and White Show hanging now is that challenge to renew and refresh. From the haunting photographs of Tabitha Smith to Carole Pomerantz' night scene of the Detroit where she grew up, you'll find fresh vision in this limited palette. Ian Wolf's dark figures emerge in white oil pencil on a velvet black paper, a commanding presence. Sheila Borne Bundy's realistic oils of reflective glass vibrate next to Brett Hager's striking piece titled "Earn more points to gain access." In a world of earning, art gives us pause to play by our own rules for a moment and create our own game. To delcare our own vision, if only for a moment: startling, serious, whimsical, secretive, true-- each piece is a personal experience to help us remember where we have been and where our focus will take us next. For the gallery, that is building up our community and continuing to help artists rekindle their creative spark. For me, that's focusing on my writing mentorship students and editorial clients, and time in my own art studio. What will you focus on this season?
Black & White art show reception is this October 16th, Third Friday, 6 pm. We have a show with a bonanza of beautiful prints curated by Heather Collinsworth. Come ready to take art home! We will have House music, food, and wine. Extended hours this time 5 pm to 10 pm. Our neighbors at the Inclusion Center Bookstore are having a Mystic Faire, and the Englewood Arts Center has an amazing concert. The puppet museum has a play at 7:30. Come by; there will be vendors up and down the street, of course, and the regular art walk celebrations and food trucks. Meet new artists: Brett Hager, Nick Phan, Fran Chang, Tabitha Smith, Carole Pomerantz, Martha Elizabeth Ryan, Ian Wolfe, Kevin Callahan, Sheila Borne Bundy, Alex Griffith, Tabitha Smith, Lauri Ullrich, James Schiller, John Hill, Angie Prindle, Rebecca Tombaugh, Jan Evans, Nick, Boom, Michael Phelps, Excee, Heather Collinsworth & Polly Alice. [Pictured Below, Black & White Show 2018)
Meet our New Studio Artist
Robert Fleming, multimedia artist. His artistic journey began with photography, where he discovered the beauty of capturing emotion, light, and everyday moments. He spent more than three decades in floral design, creating living works of art through color, texture, and movement.
Over the years, his work has evolved into sculpture, abstract painting, and 3D printing, blending traditional artistry with modern technology to express imaginative narratives, inspire curiosity, and create connection. His work reflects a lifelong passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and transforming ideas into meaningful works of art.
Upcoming Craft 'N Sip Parties
Thank to Judy Bliss who taught a class with us this week! Good old fashioned paint 'N Sip. Check out these fun options:
Nov 7th Plant 'N Sip Terrariums with Martha, Saturday 2 pm $65
Dec 5th Snow Globes with Martha, Saturday 2 pm $65
Jan 9th Wine Bottle Floral Decor with Martha, Saturday 2 pm $65
Solo Art Shows on & offsite!
Apply to show in our solo space in our gallery or an off-site solo shows with us 2027 applications due NOV. 1st. EXTENDED DEADLINE
Want to show in a local business? We are starting our extended gallery program. Our first off-site show will be Rebecca Tombaugh & Polly Alice at Elevator Space Thursday, November 5th, 4 to 6 PM and Friday, November 6, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. We are so honored to work with a local business to energize spaces with art by artists like you. We are looking for business partners in need of an art rental service, networking receptions, or team-building art experiences.
UPCOMING CLASSES
Fourth Friday Open Mic
Write Poetry or lyrics, you're welcome at our monthly open mic night. 7 pm. This month hosted by poet, Kevin Callahan. Join us for poetry reading
Kids Improv
Every Wednesday 7 pm through December 4th. Ages 7 to 15 join Dr. Jeanne Beechwood for Theater Class at the Gallery.
Art School Fridays at 1 pm.
We’ve been enjoying classes on Friday at 1 with Carole Pomerantz. The next four weeks are watercolor. Then four weeks of painting. Carole has worked at Disney as a portrait artist, and we are calling this class art school because you can come hang out on fridays and get those skills you need to start making your own art. Class is $30 and Materials provided for a fee, or being your own. We do have brushes and palettes and watercolor here for you so come give it a try.
November Show & Parade
Small Business Saturday & Parade
Small Saturday ends with a light parade. Be in our light parade! Vintage cars or your car decorated with lights. It's a fundraiser to add a commemorative sculpture to the Englewood Arts District. Plus, shop with a select group of curated local Small Businesses and Artisans for fine-quality gifts on Small Business Saturday. November 28th, 1 to 7 pm. Our host is West Ind Connection Bookstore & Inclusion Center (WInc). (You can submit to be one of 10 spots in our gallery) Please submit on our website. 5 to 7 pm is the Parade of Lights. We need more parade participants and the cost is only $50. Please sign up and come celebate the new season with us!l
November: WE WANT YOUR ART
Submit art of all mediums and small sculptures for fabric and textiles. Curated by Mary Young: A night-themed gallery experience where art, music, and atmosphere merge into an immersive, romantic darkness. “Nocturne” is a generic musical term, elegant and evocative. Visual Motifs: Night imagery, low lighting, chiaroscuro Flowing forms inspired by music, still life, and classical art. Enter early for a chance to be in the show! Discount code to enter is Phantom. 2027 show calls are open; submit by the first of each month.
This month in our Rousseau Space, we are honored to feature a duo show collaborative installation by artists Laurel DeFreece and Robin VanHoozer
“Fate” is a multimedia visual dialogue between Missouri artists Laurel DeFreece and Robin VanHoozer whose collaboration began in 2019 and has shown throughout Missouri. This work of encaustic, mixed-media, and collage is a discourse on dramatic weather change and its effects on our urban and rural communities. The message of “Fate” is that nature and man have a common destiny that explores the random riot of climate events that intertwine the common threads of our tomorrow. Their message is one of man and nature’s mutual destiny and hope for the future.
Kansas City, MO, USA 816 507 4193
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