Birthday Wishes from The Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends:

Last Saturday, I stopped by to see an Otto Neal exhibit currently showing at Afroart Designs in Bedford Stuyvesant. On view is an exceptional collection of oils, watercolors and beautiful sculpture depicting African and Caribbean-American culture. Afroart Designs is an urban lifestyle boutique and studio. Learn more at www.afroart-design.net.

Please pencil in May 9th for a Mothers' Day Tea and Concert at the Parlor Gallery. Look for more details as we get closer to the date. Also, join me in wishing our February birthday friends peace and joy for their new year. Happy Birthday Janice Battle, Deborah Kennedy, Bonnie Kirkland, Ernest McRae and Keiva McAllister.

I’m so excited; people are reading The Parlor Gallery blog. Thanks so much for visiting our Blog! Comments and news are welcome.

Best wishes,

Sheila

You're at The Parlor Gallery--Welcome!

Dear Friends,

I've been taking the last few days to figure out this blog before sending it to my friends. I'm learning as I go along, so please forgive me if things aren't perfect. Suggestions are gladly welcome. This blog is for us to share ideas and information about art, culture, politics, entrepreneurship or whatever that's on our hearts and minds. There are no rules except to be positive. We can challenge and express anger or even outrage, but let's do so respectfully and with an intent to educate.

I love art in all of it's form. It's functional, its a means to communicate and educate; art enriches our lives with beauty and provokes different ways of thinking. Art nourishes our soul and can be used to earn a living. Art makes us feel good and gives us hope for the future. Thank God for art!

This year I'm challenging my self to be an artist. As a youngster I was terrible in art class and took as few as possible. I never learned to make anything well. Now, I want to make things. I'm learning how to crochet and to silk screen scarves. I intend to learn how to make a quilt. It's unfortunate that many of us no longer are able to do the arts and crafts of our ancestors.

Please read my earlier postings, so if things seem out of order it's because I'm just now sending it out. Remember I'm learning and thanks for your patience and for joining this forum.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Gallery Tuesdays

Dear Friends,

At our Feb 17 Gallery Tuesday, John and I introduced James A. Garner, 2009 Candidate for Mayor of Hempstead and his teammates to our friends who gathered to hear his ideas and plans to reinvigorate Hempstead. We were delighted to host our friend Mayor Garner who has done so much to support small businesses.

Last November, John and I were also happy to present at Gallery Tuesday, Reverend Robert A. Waterman, Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church and a candidate for City Council. We gathered with our friends to hear Reverend Waterman's platform to bridge the communication gap between elected officials and the community. We're proud of the community building that Robert Waterman has already accomplished and are delighted to share his ideas with others. Please enjoy our photos from both of these events.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Welcome to The Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends:

It’s been a while since the Parlor Gallery last exhibited. First operating in our home from 1988 to 1990 and then at Fort Greene’s 4WCircle of Art and Enterprise until 1995, the Gallery languished with only occasional exhibitions. Now, recession notwithstanding, the Parlor Gallery is back. Our art sustains us through good times and bad fulfilling our need for beauty and vision that ensures our future. The Parlor Gallery blog will chronicle the events and goings on at the Gallery. It’s a place for all who love art, culture, politics, ideas and joy of life. We're delighted to be back.

Best wishes,
Sheila