"Places + Names:" a special art exhibition in France

The long-awaited art reception at Galerie des Marches in Aubusson, France on October 15th was fabulous! I could hardly wait to share the images with you, so without further ado, here is my newly installed collection of artwork.

Pour yourself a glass of wine, nibble on some good French cheese, and invite a friend or loved one to visit the exhibition with you.

Feel free to add your comments, questions, or inquiries on the artwork. I’d love to hear how the artwork connects with you.

It was the most wonderful evening after so many years of working towards making this exhibition a reality.

Welcoming guests and collectors at the “Places and Names” exhibit at Galerie des Marches

-4 more Cluzel photos-

Discussing the art from outside the window with the gallerist, Jérôme Bel.

At the end of the evening we lingered outside the gallery to discuss the exhibit further. I cannot imagine a better evening. Merci, Aubusson.⁠

*Thank you to Eric Cluzel of the Aubusson & Felletin Office of Tourism, who took many of these photos.

L'invitation, en français:

15/10 - 18h - Inauguration "PLACES & NAMES" - une installation de RENÉ D. SHOEMAKER - galerie des marches / Aubusson

Chers amis,

« Places and names » est une installation textile toute en légèreté que l’artiste américaine René D. Shoemaker met en place pour la première fois comme un trait d’union entre son pays natal et sa Creuse d’adoption.

L’évidence d’une nécessaire simplicité dans la relation entre positionnement de tous et identité de chacun y prolonge en subtils chromatismes et douce ironie la quête d’une ligne par laquelle cette spécialiste de la soie trace depuis quarante ans un chemin discret comme une silencieuse et sagace balade mémorielle.

Si « Places and names » interroge notre condition déambulatoire avec gaité et pudeur à la fois, sa présence en nos murs jusqu’à la fin de l’année en cours permettra aussi d’accueillir le 22 octobre la poétesse anglaise Kate Rose pour une lecture publique à partir de son nouveau recueil « Brushstrokes » (Mosaïquepress), à 17 heures alors.

En écho avec la première participation de René D. Shoemaker au programme de la SmallArt Gallery de Rochester (Minnesota), nous sommes donc enchantés de déjà vous convier à cette inauguration aubussonnaise samedi 15 octobre à partir de 18h.

"Places and names"

entrée libre

jeudi de 14h à 19h

vendredi de 15h à 19h

samedi de 11H à 19h

dimanche de 15h à 18h

jusqu'au 31 décembre inclus

http://www.reneshoemaker.com/

https://katerose.online/

--

des marches

31 Rue Vieille

23200 AUBUSSON

+33 (0) 679 481 384

galeriedesmarches@gmail.com

The invitation, in English:

October 15, 2022 - 6 PM. Private view: “PLACES & NAMES” - an installation by RENÉ D. SHOEMAKER - Galerie des Marches, Aubusson

Dear friends,

“Places and names” is a graceful textile installation that the American artist René D. Shoemaker arranges together in place for the first time as a link between her native country and the Creuse of her adoption.

The evidence of a necessary simplicity in the relationship between the positioning of the artwork and the identity that each one prolongs in subtle chromatism and gentle irony in the quest for a line by which this specialist of silk for forty year traces a discreet path like a silent and sagacious memory walk.

If “Places and names” questions our ambulatory condition with gaiety and modesty, its presence on our walls until the end of the current year will also allow us to welcome on October 22 the English poet Kate Rose for a public reading of her new collection “Brushstrokes”, (Mosaique Press) at 5 pm.

Echoing René Shoemaker’s first participation in the program of the SmällArt Gallery in Rochester Minnesota, we are delighted to invite you to this inauguration in Aubusson on Saturday, 15 October from 6 pm.

"Places and names"

entrance free

thursday 2 - 7pm

friday 3 - 7 pm

saturday 11am - 7 pm

sunday 3 6 pm

through december 31

http://www.reneshoemaker.com/

https://katerose.online/

--

des marches

31 Rue Vieille

23200 AUBUSSON

+33 (0) 679 481 384

galeriedesmarches@gmail.com

Many thanks to gallerist Jérôme Bel for sharing this experience with me.

-the end-

Open the Doors and Let the Sunshine In

Geoff modeling his Doors of Athens t-shirt for you (photo credit: mo'b)

Today I am excited to share the newest creation from René Shoemaker Art! The Doors are now featured on a soft cotton t-shirt that captures your support for small businesses, your love of architecture, and your good taste, all in a unique Athens t-shirt design that will envelop you in comfort and well-being. 

The t-shirt is already capturing a social media following!

Hand-printed in Athens, GA, this stunning t-shirt features white ink on a deep indigo blue shirt. The 100% cotton is soft, comfortable, and sustainable. 

I would be so proud to have you wear my shirt! What better way to get art on the streets than to wear it on a tee?

You can buy your shirt online here or pick yours up at Community at 260 N. Jackson St. in downtown Athens. 

René art now at Community, Athens, GA (photo credit: Community)

In another news flash, The Doors of Athens EXHIBIT has relocated to Community, where the interior design and calming colors provide the perfect backdrop for my artwork. This Athens-loving small business makes and sells sustainable clothing and artisan products, all created by local makers based in Georgia. With its impeccable good taste, Community is a fabulous place to visit. My paintings are in excellent company there. I find inspiration in this statement from the Community website: "Community encourages a renewed, balanced, and personal relationship between the consumer and their wardrobe." They are caring for our world.

René art at Community in the wee early hours (photo credit: dhm)

Don't you just love the cloud reflection in the window?

If you haven't seen the exhibit yet, now is your opportunity (spread the word!). If you would like to visit (or revisit) the artwork, you can see it at Community. To purchase the art, phone them or contact me. To preview the art before you visit the shop, click here.

Either way, I hope that you go to see the new arrangement of The Doors of Athens exhibit. Feel free to share photos of you at the exhibit or while wearing your new t-shirt - or both!

The name "Community" says it all

With appreciation,

The Doors of Athens - Poster and Art Release

What makes you fond of your hometown or your alma mater? I think about this question often and I'm curious to know your opinions is on this subject. (Hit "reply" - let me know!)

I've made it my life mission to uncover this mystery, and as a result, I am so excited to share with you a project I've been working on for months: The Doors of Athens!

The Doors of Athens is a multi-product program I have been diligently creating since midsummer, and it is finally here, ready to share with you and the world, just in time for the holidays!

Mixing the dyes for my new collection of paintings

Short on time? Scroll down to the end to see the big reveal!

...or read on, if you want to hear the whole story.

The last time I was in Athens I spent a lot of time with my children, Kate and Sam. Can you tell which business this is by the unique color of the building?

For December and January, I'll only be in Athens for a short 6 weeks, but you know how much I love Athens. In the heart of Northeast Georgia, Athens was a location of safety and stability for my wandering 20-something self. Its history runs deep, and every one of us whom the city has touched has a unique and personal experience with it. Established concurrently with the University of Georgia in the early 1800s, Athens is a historic yet progressive city with a small-town feel. The 20 square blocks of downtown Athens host a collection of unique eateries, gift shops, art stores, boutiques, vintage shops, bars, music venues, and much more, attracting students, townspeople, and visitors alike. The motto “Shop local!” becomes more relevant and stronger every year, and is exactly what Athens needs to keep it vibrant and thriving; i.e., local small businesses.

Testing the colors on stretched silk

To honor my beloved hometown and share the love, I have created a poster featuring 16 small businesses that are unique to Athens. As a special introduction, I am offering the first 100 posters, locally silk screened by hand, and signed by the artist (that’s me!), on my website and at a few locations around town (to be determined - I'll let you know where soon). I have poured my heart and soul into this project, and I hope it will be as meaningful to you as it is to me.

Creating colors and experimenting with designs

Since I began my art career, my artistic output has focused on the question of “What makes a place feel good?” My goal is to share the uniqueness of places, focusing on that which people tend to ignore when passing by.

Silk painting #2 in the series. Which business is that?

Often when people are scurrying down the street, thinking of their destination, they get involved in their own thoughts and fail to observe their surroundings. Yet one of Athens’ treasures is its collection of interesting entrances—environments you recognize but may never consciously perceive. Transitioning from the public to the private sphere, from the outdoors to the interior, from the grand to the intimate, enables you to share a space with those you love or explore a totally new location.

Silk painting #5, in process, drawing the design on the silk

My goal in creating this new art series is to bring attention to everyday experiences, the beauty of our town, and our affection for this place.

Deciding on the placement of the designs

When I first heard the phrase place attachment theory from Madeline Blankenship of the Get Artistic program hosted by Creature Comforts Brewery, images of my beloved Athens immediately began to swirl in my head. This poster and exhibit were born at that moment. The exhibit aims to highlight the joy we experience when visiting our favorite businesses after our pandemic confinement, when we are free to move about again. I have highlighted my favorite businesses of Athens with their delightful architecture and inviting entranceways, and created, not only fine art paintings, but a poster for sharing, enjoying, and giving as gifts.

The Doors of Athens exhibition of original contemporary art paintings on silk will open December 10th at Creature Comforts Brewery in downtown Athens. I look forward to seeing you there!

Silk painting #5 (detail) in process

Which location is this?

Here it is!!! The Doors of Athens poster is printed in dark blue ink on a beautiful off-white 100 lb. poster paper by the kind people at Indie South. At 18" x 24", your new poster will fit in a standard poster frame for display and protection to adorn your home, office, dorm room, or place of business.

The Doors of Athens poster will be shipped Dec 2nd. Pre-order now!

Perfect for gift giving! Perfect for yourself! Buy your poster here, and come see the NEW artwork at The Doors of Athens exhibit opening December 10th. More details to follow, but mark your calendar now!

A Celebration Sale!

René discusses her art process at Galerie AM’Carta, Aubusson, France

I have a bit of good news today!

1. I'm happy to report that I have THREE exhibitions now scheduled for 2021 and 2022, two in France and one in the U.S.! It has been a long, dry season without art exhibits, public events, or many in-person interactions with friends and collectors, and I’m thrilled to have these opportunities again. I’m always looking for more venues in which to share my art, so do let me know if you know of a gallery I should talk to.
   

2. To celebrate and to make space for new work, for one week, September 8 through September 15th, I’m putting everything on my website on sale for 50% off! Hop over to see what you would like to add to your collection or purchase as a gift.

Use code CELEBRATE to receive your discount at checkout.

To help with your journey before you make your new art acquisition decision, here is a list of what I offer with the price range. Full prices are shown below; 50% off will be applied to these prices:
⁠

-fine art on silk (silk banners)         $4,000     
-fine art on silk (silk paintings)     $150-$825⁠
-archival prints on paper                $45-$50
-linoleum prints on paper                 $100
-silkscreen prints on paper               $250
-hand dyed scarves                         $110
-Silkies : baby gifts                           $50
-hand dyed throw pillow                   $120
-greeting cards                         $50 for 25 cards
-T-shirts                                             $20

It's hard to distinguish the Lavender Magnolia print from the original silk painting! The quality is superb

Pont Roby et ses Maisons in Felletin, France

The sale ends at mnidnight on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021. Use discount code CELEBRATE. Act now!

Collector Becky and René celebrate the installation of her silk paintings from the Columbus Museum exhibition

If I can help you choose the right items for your needs, please let me know. With over 40 years in the art field and 17 years running a gallery, I would be delighted to use my experience to help you find art that will be meaningful and useful for yourself or a friend or loved one. Working with you will also benefit me by helping me further enhance my ability to help others. The photo, above, shows Becky with a number of my artworks we installed in her home. If you'd like to discuss any projects you may have in mind, send me an email at rene@reneshoemaker.com, or message or phone me at +1 (706) 424-4739

Please feel free to share the news, share this post, and tell your friends and family!

Here is the link again: reneshoemaker.com/shop 

The code is CELEBRATE.

Thanks so much for helping me celebrate! 

1329 Broadway. Greyhound Bus Station. Columbus, GA, USA

With gratitude and love,

638 Milledge Circle ... Foyer. Athens, GA