Wednesday, February 18, 2009

THE LATEST THIRDSTONE NEWS BLOGTHANG


THIRDSTONE NEWS AND NOTES: MID-FEBRUARY EDITION

Greetin's everyone....Here's all the latest news from ThirdStone-Land in Funnville.

At long last, I've finally wrapped up my move from the downtown Gallery space this week. Having that complete will finally allow me to get to some of the other intriguing new ThirdStoned adventures that are comin' up soon. As for me, myself and I, I'll be staying right here in downtown Funnville. My home and studios and office will remain right where it's been; right above the current gallery at 120 East Main Street.

THIRDSTONE FRAMING SERVICE TO CONTINUE:
Yup, the new folks moving into ThirdStone's former home want to continue to offer framing services as well so, as far as your framing needs go, it'll be biz as usual as soon as they get up and running in the next couple weeks so, ThirdStone will continue to offer the same quality and cost-effective custom framing services. In the meantime until they open, just give me a call at 269-561-8149 or send an email to make a framing appointment.

THIRDSTONE EXHIBITION SCHEDULE AND 2009 WEST MICHIGAN SHOWS
ThirdStone
's next show will happen somewhere nearby (possibly VERY nearby) and that will be sometime in late March. Aside from being held in a new location, there'll be some rather different aspects to it that I'll spill the beans about soon.. Also, Another show, a special "collaborative" event, is being planned for St. Joe in the next month or so and you'll see more info on that soon as well. Our various shows headed elsewhere on he planet are currently being planned too

And as for that never-ending moving sale.... it's pretty simple. the sale now moved to ITS new home - online! I'm still selling lots of cool furniture, lamps, tables, vintage, fifties stuff, various tools, supplies etc. All items can still be seen here in Fennville; just let me know when you'd like to come. As I've decided to make s'more space in my home and studio, I'll be regularly adding a whole bunch more new items.

See it all right here:

http://www.thirdstoneartgallery.com/for-sale-stuff.html

...and pass it along to others who might be interested in this sorta "stuff".. I'll be updating this page regularly so visit it any time for the latest additions.This has turned out to be so much fun that I'm going to keep this process going. With this move I've realized that I still have tons of antiques, vintage, collectibles and other cool stuff from my home, my studio and my storage that I want to put up for "adoption" to clear space. And if you'd like.advance notice before the weekly ads hit Craig's list and kijiji.com, just EMAIL ME to subscribe to the weekly update list. And, anytime you see something you like on that page, just email me or call me (269-561-8149) and we'll make arrangements for ya to see it in person at your convenience...
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OTHER FUNNVILLE NEWS:

new business coming to town in March - located in the former ThirdStone space!
Yup! Many of you have been asking what's to become of the shop space that's been home to ThirdStone. I'm pleased to announce that there is now a great new business moving into the space very soon. ThirdStone pals Kate & Jennifer are opening their brand new business here and are some very nice friendly folks. Thanks to them, owntown Funnville will be percolating nicely this Spring.

More info from Kate & Jennifer: "Well, we know that Bruce has been hinting for a while so we thought we'd finally come on out and tell you what's going on in the old Thirdstone space. Antiquities, Oddities & Art is a unique gallery experience with a little something for everyone. Offering a variety of art, including some Thirdstone favorites, vintage furniture, select antiques and much more we're opening our doors on March 1st and hope you'll come check us out.We look forward to meeting you all!"

EVEN MORE FUNNVILLE NEWS: WANNA JOIN IN THE FUN ?? ANOTHER BUILDING IS NOW AVAILABLE!
That's right. Our friend Kym has just put on the market a large commercial building just across the street. Here's her info on it:
Cool as can be, you could own a piece of Funnville History! Charlie, (former owner of Dickinson Hardware), purchased a very nice building in downtown Fennville that his kids are now selling as part of his estate. It is the former home of Sonny's Pool Hall…a Funnville hangout for many a Fennvillian… (if only those walls could talk!) on the northeast end of the main block…Main Street, between Alexander's Drug Store and Ray's Automotive. Get in on the ground floor…(well, the only floor)…or maybe even, add a second! Almost 3000 sq. ft. of floor space with a couple of divisions in place, including an office, utility room, and very large open spaces for your imagination to fill. Cool view of the trains hustling through town, and everyone else as well from this location. It hosts its own billboard (Dickinson Recreation) on the east side of the building, and since there is not an adjoining building on the east side upper level…your view could be spectacular! Priced fairly…at only $80K. Contact Kym at kymzumbrink@hotmail.com or 269-637-3555.
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THE RAIN FOREST COMES TO DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY IN FENNVILLE

Ever pet a live alligator? Those of you inclined to do so won't want to miss the upcoming program at Discovery Elementary School in Fennville. Animal trainers will make a presentation during the day starting at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 19th. Bring your pre-school age children to experience this delightful and educational program. Presenters are professional animal trainers who are experts on the wildlife that thrive in our planet's rain forests.

Arrangements have been made for Understanding Wildlife's "Live on Stage, The Rain Forest" to appear in our community. Understanding Wildlife is a non-profit organization that travels from California to New York City with this incredible rain forest program. Rain Forest wildlife include alligators, snakes, jungle cats and monkeys -- beautiful parrots, macaws, amazons, cockatoos and greys from around the world. It's all coming to Discovery Elementary.

After the Rain Forest presentation there will be activities for pre-school age children organized by teachers and parents of Discovery students. Refreshments will be served.

Mark your calendar to attend this exciting program.

When: Thursday, February 19th at 10:30 am

Where: Discovery Elementary School, 2611 56th Street, Fennville News

Questions: contact Jim Lytle, 269-686-6854 or jlytle@fennvillenews.com
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SUPER-SWEET KITTY LILLY NEEDS A HOME:
Lilly is an affectionate and gentle cat who needs to be in a home where she is the only animal. Because she is so sweet, she will not defend herself against her "mean" brothers who tease her too much This is causing her some distress, so she needs a loving home that is willing to play with her and cuddle her. She is almost 5-years old, a black and white tuxedo, soft fur, declawed and spayed an has a really sweet personality. All of her shots are also up-to-date. Contact Melissa, melrab5@hotmail.com
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OTHER AREA NEWS

NEW RICHMOND HOUSE NOW AVAILABLE FOR DAY BOOKINGS FOR WORKSHOPS, CLASSES AND MORE
Need a place to hold your next workshop, art class, seminar or group meeting? New Richmond House is for you. New single day super-affordable rates (PLUS options to provide your out-of-town participants with a place to stay) and, a great location right on the Kalamazoo River make it the perfect place for holding a wide variety of events and activities. (ThirdStone Institute will be holding its Spring series of art classes/workshops this season too). To book your date(s) or for more information, call 269-227-3574 or email Midcoast@accn.org
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: GARDEN ART FAIR APPLICATIONS DUE SOON
Art in the Garden ~ Gracious Gardens - March 28, 2009, from 10:00am – 5:00pm - Griswold Auditorium (lower level), 401 Hubbard Street, Allegan.

The Arts Council seeks artists specializing in two and three dimensional artwork for the garden

Fine artists using any medium – glass, stone, clay, cement, wood, metal – are invited to download the attached event application or contact any arts council board member. A 10' x 10' booth space is just $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Deadline for receipt of applications is March 1, 2009.

This is a unique opportunity. No other garden art exhibition is offered anywhere else in southwest Michigan. Many of you have said you would like a booth or know someone who would like a booth. Please don't delay--send in your entry form today! Admission is free. Art enthusiasts, avid gardeners or novices, as well as anyone who desires the promise of spring during the dull, gray days of late winter is welcome to attend.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of Art in the Garden~Gracious Gardens fair, don't delay in sending in your entry form. Questions? Please call 269.673.7080 or 269.823.8865 and to find out how to obtain the entry form.
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LAST CHANCE - Secure your enrollment in SmartShop's Winter III classes today!
As encouragement, SmartShop will waive the $20 administrative late fee.
Upcoming classes will fit artists of all levels, from the newly inspired novice to the seasoned expert. Don't let winter pass without spending time next to SmartShop's hot forges! Create metal sculptures and other treasures while learning welding or blacksmithing. Finish your projects during open studio workshops. Bring the whole family in for fun and surprises.

Intro to Welding: Mondays from Feb. 16 to March 9 - 6:30 to 9pm
Learn the basics of welding and have a lot of fun!

Forge, Flame and Hammer: Tuesdays from Feb. 17 to March 10 - 6:30 to 9pm
Learn blacksmithing techniques and expand your creative side.

Sculpture from Found Objects: Wednesdays from Feb. 18 to March 11 - 6:30 to 9pm
Make fabulous metal sculptures with no prior experience!

Refine and Combine: Forging & Welding Steel: Thursdays from Feb. 19 to March 12 - 4 to 6:30pm
Weld it. Forge it. Have fun while you learn!

Intermediate Metals: Thursdays from Feb. 19 to March 12 - 6:30 to 9pm
Get busy on those projects you'd like to complete!

SmartShop brings back the popular Hand Forged One Piece Knives Workshop for two sessions this spring! Be sure not to miss visiting artist Bruce Woodward! Work with this infatuated ironworker to make beautiful flowers from steel channel and walk out inspired to continue learning. Plus, get acquainted with copper! Sign up for a two-day clinic with artist Holly Fisher to forge, form and shape this beautiful base metal into a letter opener, bowl, beautiful ginkgo leaf and more.

Complete class descriptions are available online at www.smartshopkalamazoo.com.
Call 269-345-728 today or visit www.smartshopkalamazoo.com for class descriptions and to enroll.
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Satya Yoga News
at Satya this month:
** NEW ** - 7am HOT YOGA Class! - THURSDAYS: 7am - 8am with Tony, SATURDAYS: 7am - 8am with Michele
HOT YOGA: Asana (poses) are repeated in a heated room. The practice is designed to improve your metabolism, circulation & flexibility, detoxify the body, and strengthen all of your muscles and joints from the bones to the skin.
It also increases your body's ability to burn fat and build core muscles, more efficiently oxygenates blood, tissues, glands and organs and improves the immune system and rejuvenates the skin.
HOT YOGA heals and cleanses the body from the inside out, as well as helps release tight/tense muscles and relieves body pains.

See all our classes and events: Use this link to visit our complete schedule for the month:
http://satyayogacenter.net/ClassSchedule.aspx
www.satyayogacenter.net
3385 Blue Star Highway Saugatuck, MI 49453 - Tel (269) 857-SATYA (7289) ~ email - satyayogami@yahoo.com
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MUSIC NEWS:
MIDCOAST MEDIA RECORDING STUDIO RE-OPENS WITH NEW UPGRADES
Yup... local musician, producer and recording engineer Al Weener announced this week that his Midcoast Media Productions recording studio is now again ready to accept clients of all kinds. In addition to the studio's re-organization, overhaul, new staff and new upgrades, Midcast now offers full Pro-Tools implementation, digital editing, mastering and more and ALL AT GREAT RATES. And Midcoast can also provide comfortable lodging nearby at beautiful New Richmond House lodge. For all the details or, to book your sessions, contact Al at 269-227-3574 or Midcoast@accn.org
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WYCE JAMMIE AWARDS THIS TUESDAY
(ThirdStone faves Michigan Mark DePree and Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys to perform)

When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 17

Where: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW

What: WYCE-FM (88.1) honors local bands and soloists in 15 categories and presents a new "listeners' choice" award, with about two dozen performances.

Performers (Front Lounge Stage): Michigan Mark DePree, Phil Barry, Hawks and Owls, Rachael Davis, Ralston Bowles, Jesse MacIntosh and Company, The Mickeys

Performers (Main Stage): Grand Rapids and District Pipe Band, Steve Hilger, Dooley Noted, Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire, Tomas Esparza Blues Experience, Delilah Dewylde and the Lost Boys, Lynn Thompson Band, Greensky Bluegrass, The Mighty Narwhale, Steppin' In It, Four Finger Five, Chance Jones, Organissimo, Root Doctor, The Concussions

Admission: Free; those wearing pajamas will receive a free CD.
Dont' miss this great and fun musical event!!
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Michigan Mark DePree and Aardvark Stew at One Trick Pony March 5
Thursday, March 5 - Michigan Mark and The Aardvark Stew at the Acoustic Stew at One Trick Pony (you all know how to get there) - 8-11pm. FREE
The Aardvark Stew will feature: Kevin DePree-drums, Matt Fouts-bass, Rolly Smith-sax and flute, and a very special addition to the lineup will be Bob VanStee on keyboards. Bob has been playing keys around town for many years and has been a long time friend of the local jazz, blues and folk music scene. I haven't performed with a keyboard player for about 20 years so this should be a lot of fun. So come on down and enjoy the Good food, good jams, good drinks, and good folks at The Pony.
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Jenna Mammina at the Livery in Benton Harbor - Saturday, March 21
Jenna Mammina and New York's TRI-FI will be at The Livery in Downtown Benton Harbor, MI In the Heart of the Arts District...
www.liverybrew.com, 190 5th St - Benton Harbor, MI 49022 - (269) 925-8760 for more info..
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MUSIC AT FOUNDRY HALL FEBRUARY SCHEDULE:

FEB 18 WED * Bread N Jam SONG SWAP at South Haven Center for the Arts * Bring your guitar, viola, tuba, banjo, bass, piano, voice, fiddle, spoons, ears .... you get the idea! Music is meant to be shared, played and sung together. Help us make a joyful noise with folks of all ages and skill levels. Original and traditional tunes are especially encouraged. Free PB&J sandwiches are provided courtesy of Foundry Hall. FREE. 7:00 pm

FEB 20 FRI * THE WIYOS * Deriving musical inspiration from the great dance bands and house party music of 80-90 years ago - the early swing syncopations, the grit and intensity of rural blues, the bouncing rhythms of piedmont fingerpickers, the vocal antics, mannerisms and physical comedy of vaudeville-era performers - The Wiyos have traveled a very long distance, both geographically and figuratively, during their five-year lifespan.
$10 ($8 members). 7:30 pm

FEB 22 SUN * WARM YOUR HEART We Care Heating Assistance Fundraiser * Enjoy an evening of praise and fellowship, with a little bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Music by local churches: First Assembly, First Baptist, Holy Trinity, Hope Reformed, and South Haven Community. $5 suggested donation. Tickets available at the door 30 minutes before show time. 7:00 pm

FEB 25 WED * Bread N Jam OPEN MIC at South Haven Center for the Arts * Join us as area musicians and poets of all skill levels meet at the South Haven Center For the Arts (600 Phoenix St, corner of Phoenix & Broadway) to share their talents for a warm, appreciative audience at the Bread 'N Jam. Open Mic. Non-performers will also have plenty to enjoy, including free PB&J sandwiches. FREE. 7:00 pm

FEB 27 FRI * KEN WALDMAN * Ken Waldman has drawn on his 23 years in Alaska to produce poems, stories and fiddle tunes that combine into a performance uniquely his own.Since 1994 he's worked full-time as "Alaska's Fiddling Poet," performing at some of the nation's leading universities, festivals, arts centers, and clubs. Over 400 of his poems and stories have appeared in such journals as Beloit Poetry Journal, Chariton Review,
Quarterly West, and Yankee. $7 ($5 members). 7:30 pm

FEB 28 SAT * Family matinee feat. CAROL JOHNSON * One of West Michigan's long-time favorite singer-songwriters, Carol Johnson has made an indelible mark on the folk scene, encouraging audiences, through song, to be good to each other, to ourselves, and to the earth. John Varineau, conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony has dubbed her "the writer of the next generation's favorite folk songs." Carol crafts insightful, compelling messages into delightful lyrics and wonderfully sing-able tunes, often with a touch of humor. $5 ($3 kids 12 and under). 1:00 pm

FEB 28 SAT * THE DARTS - CD release with ENDER, JAKE SIMMONS * "The Darts combine high-energy stage presence with a fierce knowledge of crowd dynamics and energetic pace" (SCENE Metrospace). "The Darts play an alternating mix of gritty garage rock and smooth, poppy indie rock with some nice guitar noise mixed in. They are sort of like a combination of the Vines, Sonic Youth and a pile of greasy dirty car parts heaped against the wall of a
tool shed" (punkmusic.about.com). $7 ($5 adv/members). 7:30 pm

422 Eagle St -South Haven, MI 49090-2524 - (269) 767-5453 - www.foundryhall.com
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That's it for now folks. Thanks for readin'. More interesting stuff comin' atcha soon in upcoming issues. And as always, thanks for readin'!!

Bruce!