ART ON THE LOOP

2010-05-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

Art on the Loop 5

Supporting KIDS' CLUB!!!

Greetings one and all!

Thank you for making AOTL 5 such a success. We had a great time!

Sarah Joy and I worked really hard to promote and prepare for the event. Sarah is the Director of Electives at Kids' Club, which is where I teach the Art Elective on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sarah Joy teaches Art on Mondays and Wednesdays to another group of children. KC serves about 100 kids. Below, you see me and Sarah with Lourdes, Jude and Bryton (in the middle), three kids who go to KC. J & L are 6-year-old twins, whom I've taught, and Bryton is 8. Bryton's mom owns Megabryt, a boutique in the middle of downtown. He made necklaces to sell and give all the money to Kids' Club. I heard he raised about $150!!!

Here I am with Misty Johnson, the Director of Kids' Club. Misty is an artist herself, having taught art in years past. She is SO FUN!! These kids are truly blessed to have her and Sarah Joy loving on them twice a week. Behind us are Misty's paintings that she displayed at AOTL. She's amazing!!

I couldn't resist getting a picture of the three of us, in case this IS the last AOTL. I don't plan on running this event anymore because it's too stressful. We've tried to build up a body of volunteers but it just hasn't happened. So this AOTL was very special to me. The culmination of a year of teaching Art to these amazing kids, and also admiring what we have done bringing live music and local art to our community basically for free while raising awareness of local charities. It's been a memorable, wonderful season, and I'm thankful for it.

Misty with Joe and Sylvia, who pastor a bi-lingual church here in town. They also serve at KC and they ROCK! I really like these guys and hope to get to know them better. They love these kids so much. We had a LOT of KC volunteers come out to the event, and some even participated by showing art!

As it sometimes happens, we can't be at everything that's going on on a Friday night. Lourdes, Jude and Bryton were the only kids who made it to AOTL. Sarah Joy and I had worked so hard to promote AOTL at Kids' Club and have their artwork ready for viewing that I just couldn't bear the thought of the kids not seeing how their art looked that night.

So, Saturday morning Sarah Joy and I packed it all up, brought it back to Kids' Club and set it back up for all the kids to see! This is a group picture I took yesterday of the majority of kids who I taught this past school year.

I love these kids. Yes, the work is exhausting after you've worked all day elsewhere and then go home to be with your family at night, BUT it is so worth it. These guys will welcome you into their hearts so quickly. If you are interested in volunteering OR donating to KC (it is totally nonprofit and run on donations), contact me and I'll get you connected.

IF YOU DON'T WANT THIS TO BE THE LAST ART ON THE LOOP, THEN COME HELP. Mikie lives in Colorado six months out of the year, so he's only around for one or two events. Sarah Joy is moving to Chicago to attend grad school in August. It's not that much work when there are lots of helping hands. Contact me or Mikie on Facebook if you want to put another event together in the future.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Crosswalk Cafe, Jona Alorda, Cody Jones, Jen Wilson, Crossroads Church and Eunice Bez for providing coffee, sweets, music and food that night. Thanks, Megabryt for raising so much money for Kids' Club!

And thanks to all the Kids' Club volunteers and teachers who came to support and participate in Art on the Loop. What you do to impact the next generation of our community is priceless. Thank you.

2010-04-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

T-Minus 2 Days

My daughter Hannah wanted to help promote AOTL so she threw together a quickie video using her new Flip Camera. It's amazing what a 15-yr-old can do when she's inspired.

Enjoy!

Also, Smad and Jorny's will be back with lots of cool items for sale. If you've never seen their stuff, you are so in for a treat.

Rachael

2010-04-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

AOTL is proud to announce that Crosswalk Coffeehouse & Cafe will be providing free coffee Friday night! Be sure to come out, enjoy a cup on us along with baked goods that will be on sale.

2010-04-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

T-Minus 3 Days

Megabryt is a cool boutique right in the middle of downtown New Braunfels. It's owned by Megan and Nate, and they'll be at AOTL. Bryton, Megan's son, has been working hard. He's making necklaces to sell, and 100% of all proceeds will go to Kids' Club! What an awesome kid! Bryton personally showed me his work this afternoon and I already picked out one to buy.

These boys and girls are SO EXCITED to be in a real art show. Please come out and support them!

2010-04-26T07:55:00.001-07:00

T-Minus 4 Days and Counting

Wow! AOTL is only four days away!! Sarah Joy and I are working hard, getting the kids' artwork together for the show. These kids are so talented! Really it's inspiring to see young artists who are so totally free of preconceived ideas of how art should be made. BTW, all their artwork will be FOR SALE, so bring cash. They love cash. We'll pass it along to them.

UPDATES: There will be pizza and soft drinks for sale! Crossroads Church is raising money for a mission trip so skip the Sonic and eat at AOTL.

CHEESECAKE DRAWING

There will be homemade cheesecakes by the insanely talented Jennifer Wilson available. We are having a drawing for a FREE cheesecake. Drop your name in the bucket at the door and we'll announce the lucky winner at 9:00pm. You do NOT want to miss this opportunity. All sales from other cheesecakes will go to Kids' Club. BUY CHEESECAKE!! Support Kids' Club!!

See you Friday at 6:30pm!

2010-03-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS

Hey guys, now's the time to book your spot to participate in Art on the Loop 5. Please note: Rachael is busy moving this week, so if you call her to get a spot and she doesn't answer, PLEASE leave her a message and she'll return your call/email next week. Thank you for your patience.

FOOD FOOD FOOD

We will have food at AOTL! Eunice Bez will be back with her amazing, delicious baked goods, and we'll also have a food booth selling pizzas and drinks to benefit a local church mission trip! Please bring cash and buy all their food.

2010-03-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

It is here! Get ready, boys and girls, for the fifth Art on the Loop! Call me to reserve your spot, artists, and call Mikie to book a gig on the music side. You don't want to miss it! We'll be promoting Kids' Club heavily. What's Kids' Club? Only the coolest after school program in town! It cares for 100 kids, plus or minus, who come twice a week for help with homework, some good old fashioned running around time, very cool electives (art is taught by yours truly) and hard core loving by community volunteers.

Donations of cash and small school supplies (think pencils and notebooks) will be cheerfully accepted at the door.

2009-11-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

AOTL Time Change

Hey guys and dolls, we had to change the time for AOTL this Friday. Doors open at 8 and we'll run til 11. ARTISTS, you must have your stuff there by 6:00pm! Thanks and see you there!

2009-11-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

A Sneak Peak at Art on the Loop IV

AOTL IV promises to have some great art! As the holidays approach, may we suggest you come here to do a little shopping? Along with ridiculously good coffee (be warned: it is highly addictive), mouth-watering baked goods and live music, you want to be sure to bring your cash to pick up original hand made items like you see here.

Cheri Walters hand sews these clutches in a several different patterns and colors. She also crochets hats and scarves, which I've already seen. Be warned. They won't sit around long.

Mikie Farias shoots like mad around town. His images are full of super saturated color and high contrast. Come and see!

Smad and Jorny's makes their third appearance at Art on the Loop! You never know what Tiffany will whip up this time. Come check out all the unique pieces of jewelry by Tiffany and others who will feature their stuff at AOTL.

2009-11-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

Feeding the Hungry

This Art on the Loop will raise money and non-perishable food items to benefit The Silo Food Pantry, a local food bank for the less fortunate in New Braunfels.

Be sure to bring either a cash donation OR canned/boxed food to drop in the box on your way in! Thanks for sharing with those in need, and for coming out to support your local artists and musicians.

2009-10-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

2009-10-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Calling All Volunteers

We need help!

Art on the Loop is the dream of two people who wondered if New Braunfels and the surrounding areas liked art as much as they did. Apparently, you do! But we can't do it all on our own. We've gotta have help setting up and running the event on Friday night.

What do we need?

1. Folks to greet at the door and receive donations
2. LOTS of help setting up Thursday evening and Friday evening (chairs, tables, lights, etc. etc.)
3. A BIG clean up crew immediately AFTER the event (breaking everything down for the cleaners the next day)
4. We'd love to have someone emcee the event so we're free to mingle with the guests. All you have to do is announce the different music numbers and such.

It's really not that hard, but it's a bigger job than two folks can handle.

Here's the contact info:

Mikie: cmichaelfarias@gmail.com / 970-331-3986
Rachael: rachaellhall@gmail.com / 830-708-8877

Thanks for helping make AOTL successful.
Our next event is FRIDAY, NOV. 20.
Don't miss it!

2009-08-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks for Your Support

Hey guys and dolls, thanks for coming out and supporting your very talented and creative citizens. We had so many amazing musicians we could hardly fit them all in!

If you missed out, you've got one more chance to experience AOTL in 2009.
Friday night, November 20 will close us out for the year. Don't miss it!
We'll feature SHORT FILMS so all you directors and cinematographers out there, get busy!

I want feedback from those who came to AOTL 3.....shoot me an email or Facebook me so we can continue spreading the love. And if you want to contact an artist who was there but don't know how, holler and we'll connect you with him or her.

Peace!

2009-07-28T11:48:00.001-07:00

T-Minus 11 Days and Counting

Hi again! Here is some more handiwork by Cheri Walters. These clutches are approximately 4x6 inches and really sweet. I bought the first one she made on the spot. These are great for Ipods, wallets, photo holders, you name it! Make sure to check out her table Friday night.

We've got a great line up for music! Hannah Rushing and Lindsey Hasbrouck will be back, singing together, and I hear we'll have some smooth jazz piano for the first time! If you wanted to play but missed out, don't sweat! AOTL IV will be the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Make sure to bring your bottled water to get in the door at 6:00pm. And bring your kids! AOTL is a family friendly event. Coffee and home baked refreshments will be available.

2009-07-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

AOTL III Update

Here are some pieces that will be shown at the upcoming Art on the Loop August 7th:

Green flower clutch 4x6 inches by Cheri Walters

African Child black and white photograph by Blanche Jacobson

Untitled black and white photograph by Blanche Jacobson

2009-07-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

TWO WEEKS & COUNTING

Hi all, AOTL III is only 2 weeks away. The cover this time to get in the door will be a donation of bottled water to give out to our local homeless community. You can find cases of bottled water at Wal Mart and Home Depot for less than $4!

There are no more spots for bands left. If you missed out, apply for a spot at the next AOTL in November. It'll be the Friday before Thanksgiving.

See you soon!

2009-06-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

Art on the Loop III

Howdy folks! It's that time again--AOTL returns August 7th! Mark your calendars and be sure to come have fun that Friday night.

ARTISTS, you need to get me $5 to enter and MUSICIANS, you need to contact Mikie Farias to get your spot, too. cmichaelfarias@gmail.com

LOCATION: 1215a Industrial Drive is the location, from 6 - 10pm! There will be a small "cover" which will go to support a local charity. Check back for more updates.

Custom jewelry by Yesenia Garibay

Photo by Mikie Farias

2009-03-25T15:40:00.001-07:00

Art on the Loop Photos Part 2

As promised, I've posted more photos from AOTL--primarily our musicians. Above you see Aaron Brown, founder of Brown Coffee Company who served us his delicious and highly addictive brews throughout the night.

AOTL has had fantastic singers both times. Lindsey Hasbrouck played before so we welcomed her back enthusiastically.

Robert Eby opened the night with a selection of bagpipe songs. Robert plays professionally in Austin and even plays during worship at River City Vineyard occasionally.

Here you see my friend, Eunice, selling her delicious cupcakes. Man! They were out of sight!

Here's Chris Conde, from San Antonio, singing. I mentioned him in the last post but here are photos of him in action.

Last to wrap up the evening was Jona Alorda. Jona played last time and it's always a treat to hear him sing.

This concludes this month's event for Art on the Loop! Thanks for tuning in and we hope to see you at the next one.

2009-03-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

Art on the Loop Smashing Success

Once again AOTL was a huge hit! We had at least the same number of folks come out and enjoy great art and great music! It was interesting to see it all come together (I won't tell you how nervous I was doing this without Mikie's help) especially since so many new people participated.

Here are just a few images from that night: artists mixing with the viewers, art work being sold (I picked up two really nice pieces myself) and I'll post pix of the musicians tomorrow (still working on all those photos!). Here's a shot of Ike Skinner, owner of Skinner's Fabrics, showing samples of his custom made furniture. His stuff was awesome!!

Thanks to all of you who spread the word to your friends and family. Our goal is to keep bringing quality, locally made art and music to you. We always need more events that are fun for the whole family and it's definitely affordable! Below you see Jake Rutherford and Benji Smith, two of our participating artists, with Scott Tjernagel, pastor of River City Vineyard Church.

We couldn't have pulled this off without this dynamic duo, Patrick and Ryan, seen here posing with the lovely Rachael Leifeste. They did all the sound checks for the musicians the day before and ran sound that night. I think I even saw Ryan running around with a push broom once; he was right on top of things that needed to get done! Thanks, guys.

Here are two lovely artists, Stacy Whitworth (far left) and Sarah Joy Mikolajczyk (2nd from right) with friends. New Braunfels really knows how to support its artists! Lots of friends came out to see what these girls have been doing.

My personal favorite act of the night: Chris Conde. He's 18 years old, a former "military brat" who's lived all over the world. He lives in San Antonio and I heard him open for All the Day Holiday at RCV Church about two months ago. He was amazing!! I literally begged him to play the next AOTL and he came through. Here's Chris with his fans who traveled from SA to hear him perform. You can hear Chris's music on myspace.

Check back for more photos of the musicians later! And keep your ears open for the next AOTL.

2009-03-19T09:46:00.001-07:00

AOTL Premiere Video

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=74853346997&ref=nf

Hey all, here's a link to the video shot and produced by Mikie Farias, creator of Art on the Loop. Man, what an awesome time we had before! This month's event should be something special; we've got new artists, new musicians and a growing fan base.

Don't forget, DOORS OPEN at 6:00pm, music starts at 6:30pm. A can of food gets you in the door! All donations of food and cash go to support the local food bank. Guys, if you're in need of a great date night for your sweetie, THIS is the place to be!

See you there!

2009-03-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

AOTL Update March 13

Hi again from the soggy, cold, south Texas town of New Braunfels. Here are two photos of some jewelry made by Jodi Abel, one of our artists who'll be featured at Art on the Loop.

Only a week away, we're still getting artists in to participate, and the word is getting out around town! Make sure to invite all your friends; it's going to be great!

AOTL is hosted by Northpoint Church, pastored by Brian and Sallie Leifeste, one of the coolest couples I know. They have graciously allowed us to use their facilities, located right off Loop 337 (behind New Braunfels Bible Church). Our last AOTL was so successful that they couldn't wait to host another one! Thanks, Brian and Sallie, for being so generous.

Above and below you see two canvas bags of mine that I've been painting to show at AOTL. Sarah Joy gave me the idea (ok so I totally copied her) when I was at her house, helping paint canvas bags for orphans in India. Yes, Sarah is that awesome of a person. She's traveled to India twice and makes art/jewelry to sell and sends the money back to India. Anyway, I was decorating bags for her when I thought it'd be neat to make more for AOTL. I think Sarah will have some of her own on display there, too.

2009-03-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

AOTL Update March 10

Ok we've got a few more artists registered for AOTL! Chris and Daniel will showcase some of their amazing craftsmanship. Here's a little bio from their website:

"Born in Germany, Chris and Daniel Sorbera were raised with the love of fine details and excellent craftsmanship, as is displayed in all their work. Everything they set their hands to do they do with tremendous enthusiasm and the desire to succeed.

Self taught, working for years honing their skills, asking advice from the masters, and acquiring the equipment they needed, they started building their first guitars. Other musicians that saw their work were amazed and inquired about having the Sorbera Brothers build them custom instruments for themselves. This was the birth of their business, Sorbera Guitars."

Below you see Sarah Joy's lovely and very artistic bicycle! Sarah had a fantastic display of photography, painting and jewelry at the last AOTL. I can't wait to see what she brings this time!

Keep registering, folks, and be sure to spread the word and get all your friends to Art on the Loop, MARCH 20 at 6:30!

2009-03-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

AOTL Update! March 9, 2009

Howdy all! We've had 4 artists and 2 musicians sign up so far for AOTL II. Please remember that if you want to participate, it's $5 to reserve your spot! Here's one piece that will be on display: it's called "Freedom" and it's a photo montage by Benji Smith.
We also have the VERY talented Eunice Bez who will sell cupcakes and other pastries, so be sure to bring cash! You don't want to miss her sweet treats!

There's still plenty of time to register as an artist or musician. See the former entry for contact information.

2009-03-03T11:39:00.001-08:00

ART ON THE LOOP MARCH 20

Come one, come all to the 2ND Art on the Loop Event! Located just off Loop 337 in New Braunfels, Texas, AOTL is a community event open to the public. We are a family event! Featuring local artists and musicians, AOTL is the vision of local folks who love ART.

If you want to perform as a musician you need to contact Jona Alorda at jonathan.alorda@gmail.com or Matt Drake at skysurferpan@aol.com.

Artists, contact Rachael Hall at rachaellhall@gmail.com for information and Artist's Guidelines.

All artists and musicians must pay $5 to participate. Cash only please. Give it to Jona, Matt, Rachael or Natalie.

In the spirit of giving, AOTL has decided to sponsor a local cause: we'll collect canned goods (non perishable items) at the door or cash donations and deliver it all to our local food bank (sponsored by Tree of Life Church). Please give! That's how you get in the door.

There will be FREE COFFEE by Brown Coffee Co. so make sure you get a taste! They'll also have Brown Coffee t-shirts available.
DOORS OPEN at 6:00pm and music starts at 6:30pm. We go until 10:30pm.

Need more info? We're on Facebook, and you can email any of the people listed above.

Thanks for participating and we hope to see you there!