Somerset Fine Art

Taking Advantage of the Silent Partner Program

2011-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Heritage Frames in Fort Collins, CO donated "Apsaalooke Horse Hunters," a giclee canvas by Martin Grelle. The donation was given to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for their 26th Annual Banquet and Auction.

This contribution was assisted by the Silent Partner Program of Somerset Fine Art. Somerset contributes art to be framed and donated in the name of the gallery to nonprofit causes supported by their civic-minded dealers throughout America.

Gallery making outdoor differences

2011-11-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Bill Lindsey and Dan Allen, JMCA Board Member

The Gallery On Main located in Brevard, NC has donated a framed giclee on canvas called "Eternal Bear Spirit" to JMCA to assist in maintaining the trail system at Whiteside Mountain. Bill & Libby Lindsey, owners, stated "We are pleased to help JMCA to fund maintenance of the trail system and development of interpretative signage for Whiteside mountain. Hopefully this donation will assist a little bit." Eternal Bear Spirit by North Carolina artist Phllip Philbeck has captured the spirit and image of the "shadow of the bear" which appears only for a brief period of time during autumn and winter. The bear is best viewed from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on US Hwy 64 approximately 4.5 miles west of Cashiers.

Lindsey also stated that the Gallery will donate 10% on any sale of prints or canvas of Eternal Bear Spirit. For further information on the availability of "Eternal Bear Spirit" you may call the gallery at 828-885-7299 or better yet visit us at 36 East Main Street in Brevard.

Libby and Bill Lindsey with artist, Phillip Philbeck

Contributions to the Mark Twain Museum

2011-09-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Andy Thomas's limited edition giclee entitled "American Storytellers" was donated by the Native American Trading Company to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum this summer. This piece features Norman Rockwell, Buffalo Bill, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Ernest Hemingway, Will Rogers, Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and Benjamin Franklin - some of America's most famous storytellers - all listening to Mark Twain.

Penrose Community Libray Donation

2011-08-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Penrose Community Library is located in a rural, unincorporated area in Penrose, CO. They serve a population of approximately 5,000 and acts as a vital link between its residents and the community.

Knowing the importance that this library serves in it's community, Martin Grelle and Classic Leather Designs donated “Apsaroke Guardian.” The library currently has this piece hanging in a quiet reading area. In the few short weeks it has been here, they have received many inquiries and compliments about the artwork. This contribution was assisted by the Silent Partner Program of Somerset Fine Art. Somerset contributes art to be framed and donated in the name of the gallery to nonprofit causes supported by their civic-minded dealers throughout America.

Phillip Philbeck

2011-08-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

An artist reception was held in July at the Rock Gallery of Fine Art in Blowing Rock, NC in honor of Phillip Philbeck. He personalized purchased canvases and offered oil enhancements. However, the main event was the unveiling of his newest release, "Eternal Bear Spirit," of Whiteside Mountain in Nantahala National Forest.

Silent Partner Program Going Strong

2011-07-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Somerset Fine Art has partnered once again with two different galleries to assist them through the silent partner program. This program allows Somerset to contribute art to be framed and donated in the name of the gallery to nonprofit causes.

The Covenant

The Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery and proprietor, Steve Narkaus, donated James Seward's original art piece, The Covenant, to Salem First Church of the Nazerene.

The Glory of San Pietro by Rod Chase

In addition, Wide Water Gallery in Ottawa, Illinois donated The Glory of San Pietro by Rod Chase to Marquette Academy. The Academy celebrated their 29^th Annual May Merriment Dinner and Auction on May 7, 2011 at the High School Gymnasium. This year’s theme was the Kentucky Derby. The event was attended by over 200 guests who enjoyed a Gourmet Feast catered by local restaurants and food suppliers. During hors d’oeuvres and dinner a large silent auction was held along with games and raffles, followed by a live auction.

Riecke's Bayside Art Gallery

2011-06-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

"Grizzly Mountain"
Andy Thomas

A.L.E.R.T. stands for Advanced Life Support and Emergency Rescue Team and it has been around since 1975. The A.L.E.R.T. Bell 407 rescue helicopter is owned and operated by Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. To raise finanical support, the A.L.E.R.T board held a fundraiser on April 16th. Riecke's Bayside Art Gallery contributed "Grizzly Mountain" by Andy Thomas. This contribution was assisted by the Silent Partner Program of Somerset Fine Art. Somerset contributes art to be framed and donated in the name of the gallery to nonprofit causes supported by their civic-minded dealers throughout America.

June Dudley

2011-05-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

“Wide, Open Spaces”

At the recent 35^th annual San Dimas Festival of Arts “National Western Art Exhibition & Sale” in California, June Dudley was one of 45 artists with approximately 225 pieces of original art. She was awarded the “Gold Award in Acrylic/Watercolor” and “Best of Show” for her painting, “Wide, Open Spaces”, a 24x30 acrylic painting. She also received the “Festival Choice Award” which is a purchase award selected by the festival committee which means her painting goes into their permanent collection along with others like Cyrus Afsary. This is the first time in the history of the show that all three awards have gone to a female artist, and only the second time in the shows’ history that it has gone to any one artist.

She is a native Texan living in the Bryan, College Station area where she has many collectors. June’s family own and operate a ranch in Grimes County which provides inspiration and subject matter for many of her paintings.

See Western Art Collector, April, 2011, p. 84-88 for an article on the show.

Richard Reyonlds

2011-05-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

People are awed by the color and detail of the beautiful high resolution images by Richard Reynolds. A colorful display of multiple images brings attention from young and old, male and female.

They generate a buzz!
They bring traffic into a gallery!
They inspire ideas!
They ring the cash register!

Look at this amazing display at the Brookwood Community Gift Store in Brookshire, TX. This store carries a wide variety of merchandise. They sell pottery, flowers, gifts, hats, decor, and food items. The display arrived on March 9, 2011 and as of May 9, 2011 (two months later), they have sold 32 pieces totaling $5,596.60

Deck the Walls in Austin, TX has also had great success with their display. This Somerset Fine Art dealer is located near Richard Reynold's home. Thus, they hosted a one-day show in partnership with Somerset House. 35 pieces were hung for the show. The day of the show was an extraordinary sales day for the gallery. The majority of sales actually came from items other than the high-res flowers. The dealer has retained and purchased several pieces to maintain a display because of the positive reaction from visitors to the gallery.

Silver Eagle Gallery

2011-05-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

A Time to Heal is a twelve week program that was started three years ago for breast cancer survivors. The program offers help and support in all areas of life.

This program held a fundraiser on April 15th in which the Silver Eagle Gallery donated and framed a piece by Susan Blackwood titled "Life is just a Bowl of Cherries." The contribution to A Time to Heal by Silver Eagle Gallery was assisted by The Silent Partner Program of Somerset Fine Art. Somerset contributes art to be framed and donated in the name of the gallery to non-profit causes supported by their civic-minded dealers throughout America.

The winning bid brought in a little over $400. Pictured above is Larry and Sandy Nye, the owners of Silver Eagle Gallery, Jodi Danner, one of the three women that began A Time to Heal, and Lora O'Rourke the winner of Blackwood's piece.

SPRING LUNCHEON AND STYLE SHOW

2011-04-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hill Country CattleWomen sponsor a spring luncheon and style show to raise money for our scholarship program. Traditionally held in Kerrville during April, the event features a silent auction, a raffle with numerous prizes, and our new live auction, plus a delicious lunch followed by a fashion show with clothes and accessories from Hill Country shops and stores, and - cowboys serving complimentary champagne!

Hill Country CattleWomen annually award scholarships to students from the fourteen counties in its membership area. Two scholarships in either an agriculture or dietary nutrition related major are awarded, and additional scholarships in any major are usually available. Applicants should have attained a college level junior status and have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above.

Membership in Hill Country CattleWomen is open to all women living in Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Northern Bexar, Real, and San Saba counties. Owning a cow, or being married to a rancher, is not necessary. Sharing an interest in and a commitment to the beef industry is the only requirement

The contribution to Hill Country CattleWomen by Dust Devil Diver Photograph y was assisted by The Silent Partner Program of Somerset Fine Art. Somerset contributes art to be framed and donated in the name of the gallery to non-profit causes supported by their civic-minded dealers throughout America.

A Conversation with master artist June Dudley

2011-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Western Artists of America “Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Western Artists of America is an organization formed in 2000 for the purpose of promoting the talents of professional artists specializing in the genre of cowboy, Native American, pioneer, cattle and horse subjects with backgrounds appropriate to the subject matter. Formed to showcase the talents of the many qualified fine Western artists of today irrespective of gender, the more seasoned members seek out up-and-coming talent who exhibit a high interest in the western genre for mentoring.”
Western Art Collector Jan. 2011

WAA just celebrated their tenth anniversary with a show at the Pearce Civil War & Western Art Museum in Corsicana, Texas. President of the group is Ed Holmes.

Honoring a Legend

2011-01-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

We published this portrait of Ronald Reagan just over a year ago.

Reagan by Andy Thomas

One of our dealers, Sandy Meyer, saw fit to do something unique with it. Not only is Reagan a personal hero, but there is also a special family connection for her. Her father use to shoe Ronald Reagan's horses for him and always spoke very highly of him. She took it upon herself to add to this truly iconic piece with a leather matting that is engraved with several of Reagan's famous quotes.
Honoring President Reagan

Here is a close up of one of the twelve quotes surrounding the portrait.

You will also notice that in each of the four corners it reads "In God We Trust."
other quotes include:
"Democracy is worth dying for, because it is the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man."

"There is no institution more vital to our nation's survival than the American family."

"Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall!"

"Government's first duty is to protect the people, not to run their lives."

"There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to know what is morally right."

"I have always believed that America is strongest and freest and happiest when it is truest to the wisdom of it's founders."

"While I take inspiration from the past like most Americans, I live for the future."

"Don't let anyone tell you that America's best days are behind her- that the American Spirit has been vanquished. We've seen her triumph too often in our own lives to stop believing in her now."

Be Inspired

2010-10-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

You should pop over to Karen Kelly's Blog today and be inspired by the beauty that this time of year has to offer. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Susan Blackwood

2010-10-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Susan Blackwood's painting, So What'll You Have?, has won Best in Show at the

American Women's Artists National Exhibition.

Congratulations Susan!

Congratulations

2010-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

George Hallmark received the "Artist of Distinction Award" from the Eiteljorg Museum and Andy Thomas sold out at the same show. We are thrilled for both of these artists and are proud of their accomplishments!

Kyle Sims and the Ronald McDonald House

2010-09-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Kyle Sims is participating in the fundraising events of the Ronald McDonald House of Montana by fully donating an original to be sold by raffle. There will be 400 tickets sold at $100 per ticket. The original being raffled off is an 18x27 oil, valued at $5,000.00. Find more information at the links below or call Danielle Freeburg at 406-580-1660.
http://www.rmhcmontana.org/
kylesims.com

Thank you and best of luck to those who decide to participate!

"Tough Crowd"

Susan Blackwood's retrospective art show

2010-09-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

This special show is a retrospective (from 1979 to 2010) of Susan Blackwood's life as a painter for the past 30+ years. Thirty paintings, several bronze sculptures and over 40 reproductions, have created a little peek into the “passages” of her life as an artist. Her subject matter covers everything from animals, children, cowboys, still life, landscapes to European scenes, and more.
If you are in the Loveland, Colorado area, be sure to stop in and see this one woman show at:
The Master’s Fine Art Gallery of Loveland at 343 East Seventh Street.
The gallery is open Wednesday, September 8th through Saturday, September 11th
10:00am – 5:00pm
(or by special appointment.)

http://www.themastersfineart.com/events.cfm

Congratulations

2010-09-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Dennis Mayer Jr. was named artist of the year for British Columbia.
You will find his website here.
Congratulations to this very talented artist!

Dominating Presence

Fall Art Classes

2010-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Blackwood Friedland Studios in Bozeman, Montana has several learning opportunities. Beginning in September, they will be offering the following classes:

Perfecting the Portrait from Pencil to Paint
Intermediate / Advance Oil Painting
Critque Classes

For more information on these classes, the studio, and the artists themselves visit the following links:

Susan's and Howard's website (look for the workshops link at the top of the page)
Susan's Blog
Somerset's website

See G. HARVEY'S Newest Works

2010-08-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

G. HARVEY will be featured in a one man show to celebrate over 60 years of painting. This will be his first major event in Texas in over 24 years. You won't want to miss it.

Find out more information here.

"Dreams of the Nation"

George Hallmark

2010-08-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

George Hallmark has a busy year ahead of him.
Here is a list of some of places you can find him this year:

Aug 21 - Dallas, TX - Heritage Auction Gallery - promoting the book, Texas Traditions, coauthored by Micheal Duty and Susan Hallsten McGarry and published by Fresco Fine Art Publishing

Sept 10 & 11 - Indianapolis, IN - Quest for the West Show at Eiteljorg Museum

Sept 17 & 18 - Jacksonhole, WY - Western Visions Show at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Nov 13 - Santa Fe, NM - Gerald Peters Gallery

Nov 18 - Oklahoma City, OK - National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Feb 4, 2011 - Los Angles, CA - Masters of the American West Show at the Autry Museum

"La Paloma Blanca"

Photo Safari

2010-08-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

One of our talented artists, Kimerlee Curyl, has a unique opportunity to lead others through a photo safari at Return to Freedom, a wild horse sanctuary. The day begins with a short introduction of the facility and the current climate surrounding America's wild horses. Then they will spend three hours on a photo safari in the hills capturing the images of majestic wild horses under the guidance of Kimerlee Curyl.

an intimate wild horse PHOTO SAFARI at Return to Freedom
With Equine Photographer Kimerlee Curyl
August 14th, 2010 4:00-7:00

COST $150.00 per person

*please note - Images are allowed for personal use, artists' reference photos and art shows only. Absolutely no images are released for licensing or stock usage.

to reserve your spot:

(805) 737-9246

programs@returntofreedom.org

here is some of Kimerlee's work below:

Jim Hansel at the Minnesota State Fair

2010-08-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is your personal invitation to stop by the Jim Hansel Gallery Art booth located in the northeast corner of the first floor Grandstand at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair!

Jim will be signing all purchased items for the public from Thursday, August 26th through Labor Day. He is also excited to announce that 2010 State Fair attendees will be amongst the first to preview this year's new releases and framed prints. Jim's newest oil, "High Country Retreat," will be debuted as well.

For more information on Jim's latest work, visit his new official website and online gallery at:
http://www.jimhanselart.com/