This was an interesting commission.... One of my long time patrons asked me to do a commissioned piece in the vein of my "Lost and Found" pieces. The piece I was to create revolved around his mother's family 'home place" in Italy. He shared some wonderful pictures, memorabilia, stories and ephemera about those days gone by. I took these elements and created this mixed media piece, titled: Verica: How it was . 

So excited that my image from the Dichotomy Show (on exhibit at the Takoma Park Community Center through March 1st) was featured in the January 2015 edition of Elan Magazine! 
I love this Magazine that features artists in our area.... full disclosure, I was featured in June 2013...
Here's a link to Elan . 

Elisabeth Hudgins Paintings Featured in Dichotomy Art Exhibit at Takoma Park Community Center through February 28, 2015

My paintings will be featured in an invitational exhibit entitled: Dichotomy: A Play of Opposites at Takoma Park Community Center from Thursday, January 8, through Saturday, February 28, 2015. My artwork, from my  series of mixed media paintings will be shown along with the work of artists Shanthi Chandrasekar and Nimi Trehan. The three artists have been fascinated by the dualities found in almost every aspect of life and have experimented with photographs, paint and fiber to create artwork that embodies these opposites. 

The opening reception will be Thursday, January 8th from 7-9pm where you can meet the artists and enjoy light refreshment. The Galleries are open M-F 8:30am-9:30pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm.


Elisabeth Hudgins Artists Statement:
 

This series of mixed-media paintings is an exploration of the dichotomy of past and present. My interest was sparked when I was clearing out an old family home… In among the treasures and trash was a cache of family photos lost for many years, some labeled, many not. It made me curious about those images and people in the past, what did they think, feel, do? How are they connected to us in the present day? What are their stories? I like to think that by using these lost images in my art, I help them find a new story, and link past to present.

            In starting a painting, often I begin with a story to tell, but sometimes the story emerges from the artwork. Sometimes, the story is elusive. My process involves working with layers, transparencies and double exposures, by utilizing collage, photo transfers, paint, found objects, and monoprinting in my artwork. As I build up layers, earlier surfaces sometimes disappear, like memories, layered beneath fresh elements. At times, I peel away top layers to reveal what is underneath, and find what was lost. As I layer elements I interpret a new story, and a new image begins to emerge, therefore changing an old image into a new artwork.  Visual elements often found in my artwork include: leaves, trees, portraits of people, quilts and fabrics and threads. To me these represent families and their history, and the links the past has to the present.

For those of you that dread going to the mall, I thought you might want to know of some Holiday Happenings and Local Shopping spots for the month of December… I am showing my artwork (and doing my holiday shopping!) at the following:

Holiday House at Ft. CF Smith, 2411 N. 24th St, Arlington VA 22207

This lovely turn of the century house has been turned into a boutique filled with hand-crafted items such as: jewelry, ornaments, scarves, pottery, stuffed animals, artist made cards, prints, glass platters, table runners, turned wood bowls, candle sticks and baskets.

Saturday, 13th 10am-5pm

Sunday, 14th Noon-5pm

Stifel & Capra, 260 West Broad St, Falls Church VA, 22046 

During the month of December, the "in house" artists are holding a small works show, featuring tiny treasures: paintings, prints and photography. This one-of-a-kind shop is loaded with treasures for you and the ones you love! It features local art and artisan wares, as well as vintage goodies that are perfect for those that are hard to shop for. And did I mention the Sale Room in the old sun porch? I've also got some "small" items like ornaments and magnets that are perfect for stocking stuffers. Holiday Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 1-5pm.

Art and Frame of Falls Church, 111 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046

Is holding the 5th Annual Holiday Show. This local favorite frame shop not only does beautiful framing work, but the owner, Tom Gittens, is a huge supporter of the arts. This holiday show features the work of 30 artists, all from the Falls Church community. Lots of lovely artwork, and fabulous pottery, plus unique artist made items. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

River Farm Garden Shop, East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308

And finally, a wonderful tucked away gift and garden shop that is worth the effort to find… located in a beautiful garden along the Potomac River, it is open to the public! The gardens are open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, but the gift shop is only open on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11am-2pm. For gardeners, this well curated shop has a great book selection, some hand tools, and other gardener favorites, as well as garden-related notecards, prints and pottery. And your purchases help support the American Horticultural Society! 

I've been busy in the Studio, getting ready for the upcoming fall Art season.... Starting with the Dominion Hills Craft Show on Saturday, November 1st, 10am to 5pm at the Dominion Hills Community House, 6000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington 22205.... Now all I have to do is mat and frame them! 

This Weekend, October 4th and 5th, is the 4th Annual Arlington Artists Alliance Art Studio Tour. I am one of 25 Artitst whose Studios will be open.... So stop on by, and enjoy my newly cleaned up Studio and see what I am working on. Find the map and all the details here. 

I have been team-teaching at Art Camp with some of my talented colleagues from the Arlington Artists Academy this week. It's been alot of fun to see the kids creating. My lessons were: Summer Critters in Wax Resist, and Drawing with Scissors like Henri Matisse. Check out the Arlington Artists Academy for more great classes for children and adults!

Once a year, the bargains come out of the basement on are on display at St. Andrews Church for the annual "It's A Steal" show of the Arlington Artists Alliance. This coming weekend, May 16th-18th, the works of over 40 Arlington Artists will be on display and on sale.... really On Sale. No artwork is priced at over $95.00. That includes (but is not limited to) framed and unframed paintings, large and small. There will also be unframed original art, prints, notecards, ceramics and more. 

Join me for a "meet the artist" reception on Friday, May 16th from 7 to 9pm. The sale continues on Saturday, May 17th 11am-5pm, and on Sunday from 11am-2:30pm. St. Andrews is located at 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207, at the corner of Lorcom and Military Road. Parking is located behind the church, off of Military Road.