Ramona Candy: A Meditation on Clouds

Ramona Candy: A Meditation on Clouds

A Bright and Healthy New Year!

Dear Friends,

It's 2012--OMG what happened to 2011! Having a beautiful grand baby took up a good deal of my time last year; such a lovely distraction. As such, I did not come close to meeting all my goals. (Can you blame me, look at that gorgeous babe!) But, as my mother always said "tomorrow is another day" and, 2012 is another year.

Please join me this year in living a healthier lifestyle and de-cluttering our homes. These are perennial goals, which I'm sure are shared by many.

I have a special and new goal this year to develop an entrepreneurial support group to encourage and educate participants on sustaining and improving our businesses. If you think you'd like to join us, contact me and I'll invite you to our Sunday dinners.

Finally, I want to thank you for your continued support. I am very grateful for the kindness and caring of all who have come to the Parlor Gallery for our various events. I'll keep you posted on gallery events and, meanwhile, stay grateful and optimistic. Remember, life is a blast in all its ups and downs and do your best to have a happy and healthy 2012!

Love and best wishes,

Sheila

The Parlor Gallery Hosts a "Diva Dialogue"

Dear Friends,

After the whirlwind of the holidays, sometimes we experience an energy slump. Dark, cold and dreary days don't help. Also, if you're like me, this is the time of year that we contemplate resolutions, goals, accomplishments and shortcomings. This can either get you going or drive you to chocolcates and old black & white movies (my bag).

Instead this year, I've joined with an exercise buddy and am now working out regularly at the gym. I'm also spending time each day focussing on all the wonderful things in my life: family friends, health; and then I'm rejeuvenated.

As such, I want to encourage other women to live more joyfully. This Feb. 6, I'm hosting the first "Diva Dialogue" a gathering of women for supportive and encouraging discussion. Originating from conversations with younger women for a need to have connections with more mature women, and partnering with a new organization "We Thrive" that seeks to assist women entering the work force or starting new businesses, this is the first of a series of dialogues to be co-sponsored by We Thrive.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join the gathering to meet, discuss and learn how we can be more supportive and encouraging to each other.

Diva Dialogue--Feb. 6, 3 to 5, snacks and drinks served, no admission charge.

Love & best wishes,
Sheila

Festive Shoping & Sipping & Sharing

Dear Friends,

Wow! We have had a wonderful year. A new grandbaby, a wedding, fabulous celebrations and events. New friends, new family members and more of everything that matters the most. All this in spite of an economic recession that has touched everybody. I am grateful for so many blessings--none of which would have been possible without the love and support of family and friends.

We have also had a great year at the Parlor Gallery despite the fact that I was distracted with family events. The showing of Celeste Morris' and Katrina Jeffiries' fine artwork was enthusiastically received. Performances by Parker McAllister and his bands were fabulous! And the addition of the Networking Breakfast this year was welcomed by our friends who loved the food and the opportunity to share information.

On Saturday, December 4 is our 2nd annual Holiday Shop & Sip. Gift ideas and and artwork by local artists and businesses will be for sale at the Gallery from 2pm until 8pm.

Along with shopping, we'll sip cider and champagne cocktails and continue the holiday season with good cheer and by supporting our local businesses. At the Gallery, we believe in shopping locally--and that means as close to home as you can.

Please Jon us this Saturday for festive shopping and sipping!

Best wishes,

Sheila

Bassist Parker McAllister and Friends Back at the Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends,

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, The Parlor gallery presents Brooklyn's own, Bassist Parker McAllister and Friends. Performances are at 7:30 and 9:00; doors open at 7pm. There is a suggested donation of $20, which includes both sets and snacks.

Since Parker's last Jazz at the Parlor Gallery performance, in April of this year he was recognized as an emerging new talent and was honored by the Brooklyn Jazz Consortium by receiving the "Young Lion" award. Unfortunately, I was away welcoming my first grand baby but I am so thankful that so many of our friends and supporters were there to cheer him on.

More exciting news, Parker and his band mates competed and was selected for the prestigious Aspen Jazz Festival. We are so proud of these young musician, still in college but yet gaining renown and respect in the jazz community.

On extended exhibition at the gallery is the Fine Art of Handmade Paper, unique works by fine artists, Celeste Morris and Katrina Jeffries. Enthusiastically received by gallery visitors this summer, the exhibit will be on view until September 26, 2010.

After a long hot summer where our summer jazz events were interrupted by my "grand mommy" and "mother of the bride" duties, please join us Saturday and celebrate the fabulous fall with our fantastic musicians. (Shhhhh! We're going to wish Parker a Happy 20th Birthday.)

Best wishes,

Sheila

Presenting the Fine Art of Handmade Paper

Dear Friends:

The Parlor Gallery is thrilled to present The Fine Art of Handmade Paper, the unique and collectible artworks of Celeste Morris and Katrina Jeffries.
Both artists use beautiful handmade paper in seemingly endless variations of color, fiber, and ornamentation rooted in a keen sense of history, culture, literacy, and social conscience in their mixed media and collages.

Morris, no stranger to New Yorkers, is a community activist turned business woman turned artist. She is a poster woman for the term-"re-invention." Always a creative spirit, Morris owned many businesses including the renown Big Black Book, a directory of New York City Black-owned businesses. She owns MorrisAllsop, LLC., a Government Relations firm based in New York. An avid art-lover and collector, Morris began her art career 10 years ago, after participating in several art workshops and classes. Her works have been shown in New York galleries and is part of personal collections throughout the country.

Jeffries grew up in Columbus Ohio immersed in the city's culture. She received her BFA from Ohio State University and continued her studies at Parsons School of Design, Brooklyn Urban Glass, and Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. Jeffries focuses on painting, drawing, ceramics, glass blowing, and paper making to express her creativity. Now a resident in Brooklyn, NY, her work encompasses her love of culture and history and is exhibited at galleries and part of institutional and personal collections across the country.

The show previews June 18, 6-8 pm and Artist Reception is Sat., June 19, 4 to 8 pm. A fun Summer Sangria Sip and Artist Talk is Thurs., July 15, 5:30 to 9 pm and the Closing Artist Reception is Sunday, July 25, 2 to 7 pm.

Best wishes,

Sheila

Wishing You a Happy Mother's Day as We Celebrate a Year of Success

Dear Friends,

Thank you for making it possible for the Parlor Gallery to celebrate a year of success. We re-launched last Mother's Day and over the year presented more than a dozen events--each one a joyful and successful venture. This was only possible with your support.

We count all our guess as blessings and are grateful and prayerful that we may continue to bring you joy through the mutual love of life, beauty, art and ideas.

We missed this Mother's Day as we welcomed our new grand daughter (Kennedy Madison Garner). We're panning a jazzy summer and showing new artists this summer and fall. We eagerly look for you at the next Parlor Gallery event.

Again, we are very grateful for your support.

Best wishes,

Sheila