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The 15th Annual Telephone Factory Art Show & Sale is gearing up for an art lover’s weekend on Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th. This event is open to the public. Admission and valet parking are free.

Established in 1996 by resident artists who sought to promote and sell their work in a lively and interactive setting, The Telephone Factory Art Show & Sale provides guests a unique opportunity to visit artists in their studio/home/galleries. The setting offers patrons a sense of artists inspiration, community and passion.

Resident artist, painter and ceramicist, Michelle Dziak (pronounced Dee-Jacques, similar to Jacques Cousteau) has taken part in the show for more than 12 years, both as an artist and as organizing committee member. She says of the space, “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by layers of history – the brush of time has given the building itself a richness only the junction of use, material and time itself could create.” Michelle has worked in ceramics and in paint for over twenty years, and suggests her work is heavily influenced by this same intersection. “Much like Japanese Dorodango, what I create is a confluence of time, human and earth, uniquely unconcerned with the clockwork of business or machinery.”  Michelle also finds motivation from the unique community of people who live in the Telephone factory. “If I find myself losing focus, a short visit with the neighbors can bring fresh energy.”

In the mid-2000s the Show & Sale was so well received by art lovers and artists alike, that the show expanded from one to two days. Today, guest artists may submit examples of their work and biography to the organizing committee for consideration to participate in the show. There is a waiting list for guest artists and the organizing committee is considering a permanent gallery space to honor the work of talented artists who want to show at the Telephone Factory Lofts.

Patrons of The Telephone Factory Art Show & Sale are encouraged to visit each studio in the space for a chance to win raffle prizes awarded at the end of each day. Prizes change every year.  Previous year’s prices included iPod Nanos, iPod Touches, even a scooter.

The Telephone Factory Art Show & Sale has become a much-anticipated event. Last year’s event attracted an estimated 3,000 patrons.

Telephone Factory Art Show & Sale
828 Ralph McGill Boulevard, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30306

Break out the easel, don your best beret and prepare to make artist’s dreams come true! Join The Addo Foundation in celebrating its first annual silent art auction Saturday, September 25th at The Havana Club in Buckhead. Indulge your senses with Atlanta’s most eclectic food, wine, music and art – all in support of the foundation’s mission to increase and enhance dwindling art programs in Georgia’s education system.

“We’re excited to begin the process of giving back,” says Founder Greg Spence. “This event is intended to raise funds and awareness of course, but it’s important to know that it also provides a haven for artists to display their latest work and inspire youth to pursue their dreams of creative greatness.”

Attendees will have no shortage of bid items, as local donors such as Davenzia Studio and Binders Art Supplies have been eager to participate in this noteworthy cause and give back to their beloved art community. Guests can also delight their palettes with a plethora of goodies from Loca Luna, MidCity Café, Pacci, and Amuse as well as a selection of Molly Dooker wines.

For the visually inclined, a variety of pieces from local artists will be on display. In addition, anticipated performances by Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia will highlight the exact sediment The Addo Foundation is hoping to accomplish – to develop and nurture youth’s artistic creativity and provide a platform in which these talents can be showcased.

And, with 100% of all proceeds generated being funneled back into local art scene, guests can feel confident that their donations are truly making a difference.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. On-site valet parking is available for $5 per car. For ticketing, visit www.xorbia.com/tickets/addo.

The Addo Foundation was created by Greg Spence in early 2010 to alleviate art program deficits in Georgia’s education system. Addo provides a platform whereby local philanthropic, non-profit, and business communities can merge with those seeking help in fulfilling their artistic goals. Through events and fundraising, Addo intends to infuse new life into art education and, in turn, sponsor Georgia’s emerging artists as well as the next generation of cultural influence.

The Havana Club reopened to the public in January 2010. The new, 15,000 square-ft venue boasts a custom- designed lighting and sound system, satellite television throughout, cedar-wood humidor stocking rare and exotic cigars, and on-site parking. Recommended by the Buckhead Coalition for three consecutive years: 2005, 2006, and 2007.

The Havana Club
3112 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

Cecelia Kane is the featured artist in “Mission Accomplished” at ATHICA: Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, where her Hand to Hand Project is on exhibition until September 26. Begun at the start of the Iraq war in 2003, Kane opened the project to contributions from other artists in 2006. Each artist has created a hand-based piece for each day of a week based on the news coming out of Iraq. The project is now made up of work by an international group of nearly 200 artists of all levels and disciplines and has been shown throughout the U.S.

There is an artists and curators Walk and Talk on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 7-8 p.m. at ATHICA. “Mission Accomplished” will be on display at ATHICA through Sept. 26.

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