Crimson Laurel Gallery Presents Three New Shows.

Crimson Laurel Gallery in Bakersville, North Carolina presents three exhibitions featuring five of the finest ceramic artists in the country. Our featured exhibition is "Contiguous...Ceramic Sculptures by Cristina Cordova and Jerilyn Virden" and our showcase exhibition is "What's in a line...Ceramics by David Eichelberger and Tom Spleth". And, our online exhibition is "Ceramic Sweets and Small Works...Ceramics by Jason Bige Burnett".

Cristina Cordova's (pictured side) provocative new sculptures are haunting yet beckon those who come upon them to look closely and try to understand their suffering and longings. Through the primary vehicle of the figure, she is in constant search for a presence. These new works will include materials never before seen in Cristina's sculptures. Jerilyn Virden looks to primitive objects that have a contemporary relevance. She pares down forms and exaggerates isolated elements, thus accentuating their sense of generosity and strength. Jerilyn will also be introducing new surfaces and forms for this exhibition.

David Eichelberger is captivated by the dialogue in his work between simplicity and complexity. He uses clean, graceful lines to capture qualities he finds in the organic world. This will be David's first exhibit of post-graduate work. Tom Spleth's slip cast porcelain cups (pictured below) are made complete with tiny script capturing select and provocative messages. Tom will also be showing his vase forms that are recognized for the simplicity of their truly unique forms. Combined, these two artists demonstrate the importance of the "line" in ceramic design.

New works by Jason Bidge Burnett, aka Cakeboy, involve print processes and visual narratives that are simultaneously personal and universal. Jason's new forms both investigate multiple surface techniques and explore imagery that is influenced by the glitz and glam of carnivals, pop culture, and commercial design.

These exhibitions opened on July 1st and remain through August 31st. Thanks to all those who joined us for the artists reception on July 16th. Each exhibition will be available online on July 1st. For more information call 828-688-3599 or online at www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com.

Classic Jaguars on Display in Little Switzerland

Classic Jaguar sports car and sedans will be on display Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 10 am to 4 pm, on the grounds of the Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The show is the annual judged concours d'elegance of the Carolina Jaguar Club and will include the XJS that belonged to James Brown, "the Godfather of Soul". The public is welcome.

Early registrations also include three XK120/140 sports cars from the 1950s and seven E-Type sports cars, perhaps Jaguar's most famous and endearing model which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. A Concours d'Elegance - essentially a beauty pageant for coach-built cars and high fashions - came into vogue in the late 1920s in Europe. Wealthy clients ordered custom coachwork on their favorite marque's chassis, then proudly debuted their one-of-a-kind cars, often accompanied by a female model in a coordinated outfit from a leading couturier.

Jaguar clubs continue this tradition with local shows where both classic and modern "cats" are judged for cleanliness and authenticity using procedures established by the Jaguar Clubs of North America (JCNA). JCNA, which includes the state-wide Carolina Jaguar Club (CJC), has nearly 60 local clubs including Mexico City and five in Canada, and has over 6,000 member families.

CJC's Concours Chair Mimi Morton invites everybody to join the club for a day in the mountains and a special show. This year marks the 75th anniversary for England's Jaguar car company and the 100th for the Switzerland Inn. Jaguar's brand new 2011 XJ8 sedan will be on display by sponsoring Jaguar dealers, and the Inn offers free parking and a full-service bar and restaurant. From the I-40 take the Marion exit 86 take Rt. 226 north to the Blue Ridge Parkway and go 3 miles south toward Asheville to milepost 334.

The Carolina Jaguar Club is a state-wide organization with 120 member families including a few from Virginia and S. Carolina. Monthly meetings are held wherever we find a social or significant event, an interesting car show, or gatherings organized by nearby Jaguar clubs.

Tall Tales, Mountain Yarns and Railroad Lore! It's time for the Toe River Storytelling Festival in Spruce Pine. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 17th from 10-4 at Riverside Park. Hear Grammy award winning storyteller David Holt along with Linda Spitzer, Michael Reno Harrell, Kim Weitkamp and Fred Park. The Toe River Storytelling Festival is sponsored by the Spruce Pine Main Street organization. Call 828-765-3008 for more information or visit www.sprucepinefestivals.com.