September in Full Swing

Summer is Ending

The final weeks of summer camp swept us off our feet! During the sixth week of the TOSS and Burke Arts Council art camp we visited downtown studios, which included; Jenluma Clayworks with Jenny Mastin, Hamilton Williams, OSuzannah's Yarn on Union , Portrait Artist- Frances Hairfield , and West Union Art Studios with Melissa Dunn . Each artist had a unique project for the kids to make while visiting. Not only did we get to see where local artists create but we also got to experience what it was like to work in their studio.  During the tour week we were honored to be featured in The News Herald! Read article here.

The last week of Summer Camp was The Talent Show week. What an amazing way to see the variety of skills and interests our students have. The talent ranged from musical performances and fashion shows to acting and a dog obstacle course show.

TOSSafter is gearing up!

If you missed our open house, August 23rd, do not fear! TOSSafter will begin on September 12th so there is plenty of time to sign up your student.

Did you hear about our deals and discounts this year? 

  • 10% off if you pay up front for a whole year
  • Buy tuition for one child get the second 30% off
  • Reduced rates are available for eligible families
  • Lottery based scholarships available for eligible families

Visit our website for more information about TOSSafter and how to apply.

www.tosstudio.org

 

What will the students be learning this fall?

At TOSSafter, we strive to introduce the students to as many skills and mediums that we can. As the students learn these skills, we encourage them to take that knowledge and use it to problem solve and create beautiful works of art.  Here are a couple of topics we plan on covering this upcoming fall semester.

  • Exploring Self - Art as self expression
  • Exploring Nature - Art as observation
  • Art Applied - What other disciplines use art?

 

Young artists in need of Sponsorship

One mission of TOSS is to provide art to as many children in Burke county as we can. We launched a scholarship campaign in order to do this.  A scholarship will provide one student in need, with tuition for the whole year. If you are interested in becoming a donor or to find out more information about our scholarship fund please visit our website: http://www.tosstudio.org/fundraising  or email us at kirksey@tosstudio.org .

Special Appreciation to our Sponsors

 We want to to thank the individual and buisness sponsors that have already donated generously toward our scholarship fund:

John Ervin Law Office, Nancy Taylor, Terry Platt, Susan Pollpeter, Anne Ervin, Perry Beeson Dentistry, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Frances Hairfield

Thank you all for supporting the arts in our community. 

 

Reaching Out 

Hannah and Kirksey have been running around to different open houses, reaching out to students in Burke County. We have really enjoyed seeing different schools and meeting enthusiastic kids and parents.   

The TOSS  studio teachers  spent some time at the Mt. View Recreation Center's Community Day spreading art throughout the community.

The Anticipation of August

TOSSafter will Soon Begin Again!

If you are anything like us, you might be surprised that it is ALREADY AUGUST. As we begin to wrap up summer camp here at the studio we can no longer hide our excitement for TOSSafter to begin, September 12th. We are thrilled to announce open enrollment and will direct you to more information about applying here.

Open House Dates

We are hosting two Open House events before TOSSafter begins-one for parents/guardians that are interested in the program, another for businesses, and individual sponsors who wish to become advocates for TOSSafter. Join us! 

Sponsor's Open House: Tuesday, August 16th, 6-8pm

TOSSafter's Open House: Tuesday, August 23rd, 6-8

 

TOSSteam

A few changes to our team have occurred over the summer. TOSS is dedicated to recruiting knowledgeable teachers and artists and will be welcoming two members to its team this fall: a Studio Director, Hannah Thrower, and a guest Artist-in-Resident (soon to be announced). Hannah volunteered with us during the last few months of TOSSafter. She has jumped into the full swing of things, teaching art camp this summer as well as making art in our studio. Her bio is on our website here. We are so thrilled to have her as a permanent part of the team this upcoming school-year.

As Hannah steps into the program, Kathryn will be taking a hiatus this year to complete a residency she was awarded through the Trinity Fellows Academy in Maryland. This time will have a positive impact on her ability to serve in Morganton. She will be paired with art professionals while working towards a research project centered on community arts. We are sad to see her go, but excited for her opportunity. 

Recap of Summer

A TOSS newsletter wouldn't hold much interest if it didn't include a glimpse into the heart of what we do. The following are pictures from our summer art camp and a peak into the summer activities of Kirksey, Kathryn, and Hannah as they made art over the summer.

Summer Camp

TOSS Studio Activities

Made in May

It's hard to believe but we have concluded our first year of after-school art, which began in September with a vision to create a working studio for artists and students in Morganton. When Kirksey and I began this journey, we couldn't have imagined the joy and beauty we would witness in working with each of our incredible students. We have been profoundly blessed by this time. 

A partnership which has made TOSS possible has been the Burke Arts Council--  many thanks to Deborah Jones for walking with us in this venture--and numerous sponsors such as the Huffman-Cornwell Foundation, The Mull Foundation, The Grace Episcopal Church Foundation, and the Burke Women’s Fund. The TOSS program will continue this fall with a few changes to the program to allow for growth and professional development. I (Kathryn) will be completing a fellowship in Maryland from August 2016-May 2017 which will equip me with art managerial and public art development training. Kirksey will continue the after-school program with the assistance of an incredible artist and educator (whom we will soon formally introduce). 

 

 

 

TOSS studio hour

We have been making SO many beautiful, wonderful, ponderous things in the studio. I had to share them all (almost all).

TOSSresi's

Apart from our regular studio hours, the TOSSresis (Kirksey and Kathryn) have been preparing for a lovely event, Art in the Garden, hosted by the Historic Burke Foundation. Thankfully, the sisters now have a reason to paint flowers. Learn more details about this event (happening THIS Saturday here).  Kirksey continues to weave (nothing can daunt her) and she is preparing for an artisan market in Boone next month.

The TOSSing

The TOSSing (!) was an end-of-the-year party hosted on May 19th at City Hall as part of the Third Thursday Art Crawl through town. The after-school art students manned ticketed craft booths, sold T-shirts with their original designs printed by a local screen-printer, Lervin Originals, (and available for sale HERE) and proudly displayed art projects from the year. One project, a paper mobile, will remain on display in the foyer of City Hall till the end of July. This event also included a short play preformed in the City Hall Council Chamber which was written and directed by a TOSSafter student, Anna Beth Gould. We would like to say a special thanks to Michael Burley who helped every step of the way and the parents and volunteers who helped with this event.

Parting words

Starting June 27th,  TOSS will be offering a summer camp for kids from ages 6-12. Accomplished art teachers, and creative projects will make the perfect medley for its seven week duration. Campers can sign up for as many weeks as they choose. Each week has a unique theme: Downtown Studio Tour week, Digital Media week, Talent Show week, and more.  Details about this art camp are available at tosstudio.org and by calling the Burke Arts Council at (828) 433-7282. To learn more about TOSS and how you can get involved, visit us on the web (tosstudio.org) or email kathryn@tosstudio.org.

As for April

First thing is first: Announcements! We are hosting an end-of-the-year PARTY May 19th (5-7pm in the Courtyard of City Hall) and everyone is invited! See flier below for more details. We are also ramping up for summer camp, so help us spread the word!

 

TOSSafter

We are so proud of the TOSS students. They propose creative projects, problem solve through technical issues, and are learning each day how to work as a team. The highlights of the month have been food-truck drawings, still-life painting, printmaking, and play productions machinations.

studio views

Here are some of the happy results of studio hour.

 

TOSSrsesi

Kirksey has been doing a lot this month-from looking glamorous with her baby in various scenic places, to weaving RUGS, towels, and clothes (Kathryn is completely baffled by this process). The results are shear magic.

Kathryn has been working on various projects with varying degrees of success (ask her about the bottle-caps some time). This month she installed a group project put together by her middle-school class at NDS for the art festival, Artfields. She also wrapped up a collaboration at WPCC which included a exhibition of her students work produced with visiting artist, Tiffany Thomas, and acted as a judge for the subsequent student art show which is now on display at the Godfellows Gallery.

TOSSers

TOSS had the joy of receiving a number of visiting artists this month. Two fellow classmates of Kathryn's,  John Moises Webb and Courtney Sue as well as two instructors from ECU, Beth Blake and Jim Tisnado. These individuals are incredible and we were so pleased to spend an evening with them.

Kirksey and I were recently the beneficiaries of the organizational prowess of a one-woman-wonder,  Evelyn Wright. From time to time, she arranges weekend adventures in Golden Valley where we were able to catch up with some really inspiring and creative people living and working in Western North Carolina and Georgia.

Artist in Residency: Lucas Ervin

Lucas is taking orders for his shirts! They look so great and we are happily commissioning him with some projects of our own.

Mackerels of March

 

 

SPRING. So fresh it makes your eyes hurt. We have a host of art events and classes coming up so be sure to check our event calendar frequently (ideally every 5 minutes). 

Also..........summer camp! (click the link will ya)

 

 

 

 

TOSSafter

(the after-school studio program)

Special projects

 

 

TOSSresis'

(Artist's in residency at TOSS)

Kirksey and I (Kathryn) have been making art this month, and with a little bit of free time during spring break, getting our studio organized with a couple of new shelves! Kirksey has been enjoying weaving, and I have started and finished a few painting projects. Be sure to come to the Skate Park fundraiser at Fonta Flora to support this fundraising endeavor in which we were able to participate. FB link here.

TOSSers

(supporters and advocates of TOSS)

TOSS is so pleased to host a spring intern, Lucus Ervin, a local printmaker and illustrator (and, ahm, sibling). Luke's role at TOSS will be to cultivate his skills in screen-printing techniques while instructing our after-school students through workshops/demos. Come by during our studio hours to see a few of his designs in person, and follow him here.

TOSS has been incredibly blessed by the support our community through donations and volunteers. We would like to say a special thank you to...

  • Mary Marcia Salisbury for her donation of yarn and various studio materials. Such a generous gift. 
  • Drew Bowers, Sterling Lieske, and Brennen Lieske for two HUGE shelves that we can now put all of our supplies on (gotta organize).
  • Blakely Worley at MAC Papers for her gift of paper and books.
  • Michael Burley for his recycled light bulb collection
  • Christy Carswell for her time and energy collecting plastic bottles for our sculpture projects

When a TOSS supporter does something extra special, we like to send them a thank you. This has taken many different forms, but one of our favorites is the Thank You Booklet. Enjoy the video below and start scheming up some ways you might become the recipient of one yourself!

This video is about thank you booklet

 

Ever thought about sponsoring a student at TOSS? Check out some details here about what might be involved and the fun prizes we give our sponsors!

 

 

TOSS is a proud partner of the Burke Arts Council.

 
 

Fab Feb

TOSSafter

This month we have been working on films, self portraits, collage, sculpture, and drawing from life. Click and then hover mouse over images for more details!

Special projects

 

The Skate-park Advisory Committee- is having a fundraiser in April to promote the fruition of their skate park initiative. Kathryn has been asked to contribute to the silent auction which will be held at Fonta Flora by painting on one of ten boards which will be offered for sale to raise support for the park. She has recruited TOSSafter student Jay to help with this project (an avid skater). Together they are coming up with a design to show their support. Wish us luck!

Monday Malarping- this film is a MUST see! We are so proud of our little artists/actors for coming up with their very own story line, costumes, and beat-bop jams.

This video is about Monday Malarping

This video is about TOSSafter interview, Anna

TOSSafter interview- we are going to be sharing more videos of our TOSSafter students, both at work and through interviews. This is one of our favorites from the month.

 

 

 

 

TOSSresis

Kirksey and Kathryn have been hard at work this month creating an online store for our merchandise, freelancing, meeting with young entrepreneurs, and exhibiting student work. Click on an image for more details about any of the above!

 

 

TOSSers

We are so thrilled to introduce you to two of our new volunteers, Gabby Ramos and Melinda Davis. Thank you Ladies for your commitment to creativity and passions for seeing kids express themselves. 

 

Gabby Ramos

Gabby Ramos

  • Melinda Davis, PhDis a remarkable, and incredibly versatile woman who has assisted us in a number of capacities at TOSS. She has graciously agreed to come work with our Monday TOSSafter students and we have thoroughly enjoyed her presence in our studio.
  • Gabby is a high school senior finishing up her time at Freedom High. She is planning to do her senior project with us at TOSS and we couldn't be more pleased! 

 

 

 

A big thanks to Katherine Simpson and Laura Smith for writing recommendations for our studio this month. Thank you!

 
 
 

                                                                                                   As always, thanks to our partners at the Burke Arts Council

January Jubilee

TOSS is in full throttle and we wanted to share some images. We are very excited to announce that we have some openings in our After-school program, so send k-8 kids interested in our direction!

TOSSafters-Art we just had to share:

Here are our Afters in their studio:

We have some film making enthusiasts in our studio, and they are pleased to share one of their very first stop motion films. This video was made by the vision of Anna Beth Gould and Harry Simpson, with the direction of Trey Truitt. 

 

TOSSresi's- Currently, TOSS accommodates two residents (resi's) Kirksey and myself (Kathryn). As a recap,  at TOSS, a resident is an artist who works with the after-school students and makes art of his/her own. We model this format after Room13. Kirksey and I have been adventuring together through snow days and creative days since 1992. We have developed a passion for promoting and supporting artist-entrepreneurs, and had a chance to visit some of our favorites over Christmas break/January. The following artists are those we visited in Sarasota, Charlottesville, and Annapolis. 

Bradley and Nancy Dorrill- this duo was making and inspiring beautiful things long before they met and married in 2010. They are individually incredible, and magnificent as a team, living and working in Sarasota, FL. Bradley grew up playing the classical guitar and now forges knives; Nancy can make literally anything she puts her mind to, most incredibly, a environment of love and creativity for their two boys, Elijah and Micha. Bradley can be reached at this address if you are curious about his knifes: dorrillforge@gmail.com

Daniel and Lauren Goans are singer/songwriters that tour nationally as a duo. They are based out of Charlottesville, VA and have an beautiful, intentional lifestyle that is seamlessly communicated through their art.  Lauren and I were able to visit briefly in January, and her thoughtful counsel and encouragement was timely. We also put some shelves up in the bathroom, so that's something. See more about this couple and purchase some of their music here.

Allison Zaucha and I went to East Carolina together. This woman blows me away. She is fearless and yet has a heart wider than the Severn River, where she is currently based in Annapolis, MD. Allison is a professional photographer- an artists, a philanthropist, and a lover of mankind. So honored to be on a journey of creative growth with such a titan. You can view her work, and current initiatives here.

 

TOSSers- We have an enormous amount of praise for our supporters. These are individuals that make our studio happen. We wouldn't be making gluey creations, intaglio prints, weavings, or enumerable other artistic experiments without them. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Individual Donors

Mary Marsha Salisbury-who essentially gave TOSS an incredible loom

Elmers inc.-with generous donations for glue and foam-board

David McCaskey- who donated his intaglio press

Grants 

Morganton's Woman's Artist Guild: Joanne Blough, Julie Cioffoletti, Beth Bailey, Kim Ollis, Jenny Mastin, and Kristin Steiner

The Mull foundation

Grace Episcopal Foundation

The Huffman Cornwell Foundation

Volunteers

Susan McRae-who has given her time and enthusiasm to us loom-learning Ladies

Robbin Ervin- who faithful babysits for Kirksey during after-school

Caleb Johnson-Our faithful and incredibly creative Tuesday Volunteer

Partnerships

As always, a big thanks to our partners at the Burke Arts Council that support and facilitate TOSS, especially Deborah Jones who answers my endless questions.

 







End of TOSSafter's first Term

TOSSafters

We have immensely enjoyed out first TOSSafter semester, and as our break approaches we wanted to share a little glimpse of our studio life before the holidays commenced.  The only thing better than Thanksgiving has to be Christmas, and as our studio is now filled with paper shavings, gold glitter paint, and a foresty surprise that smells like a fir tree, our pumpkin drawings are being put aside for the likes of paper snowflakes and greeting card designs. The following are a smattering of images from our studio endeavors, and a glimpse at the reception which was given for the opening of our exhibition at Grace Hospital. Thanks to all at the Blue Ridge Healthcare System for making the show possible!

TOSSresi’s

Bears are to winter hibernation as Ervin and Lowther are to winter knitting. In fact they like little else. The following images epitomize their studio activities and inspirations: portrait painting, knitting, plastic botttle painting, brush washing, knitting, cloth ironing, quilt square painting, knitting, sewing machine breaking, jamming, fixing, breaking.....and knitting! 

TOSSers

We would like to show our appreciation to Rebecca Llyod, Melinda Davis, Shana Best, Robbin Ervin, Anne Ervin, and Caleb Johnston for their donation of time and supplies. We are so grateful to all who are helping to carry our vision onward.

 

TOSSprizes

Looking for Christmas gifts? We have a number of items available for sale! They are on display at the Blue Ridge Healthcare System's main atrium and adjacent halls in Morganton. This art has been made entirely by TOSSafter students and the residents. As it is a fundraising endeavor for our studio, sales go 50% to the artist and 50% to the studio.  

We also have an exciting project available for order: A Coloring book for adults! It is our first ever coloring book, made by kids for kids of all ages (recommended age 2-92).  Fill out the information below if would like to place an order.

Pay for Coloring Book digitally




October Newsletter

TOSSafters

What an eventful month! TOSSafter students (we are now 30 strong) have been making art as fast and furiously as possible.  But don't take my word for it, check out what we have been up: (this is a BRIEF overview of various projects; for more details, enlarge and hover mouse over image). 

This month as TOSSafters have become more familiar with their studio and gain understanding of basic technics and processes, more independence is becoming available for them to design and execute their own creative investigations. Ezra Scott has blazed the way with his unique approach to problem solving and thinking- as he ably expresses in the video below. 

 

TOSSresi's

+Kirksey and Kathryn have been doing a number of things, most readily expressed through the following images (aka, it's all a blur):  

TOSSers

+ October would like to thank S.M.A.R.T., Teresa Reep, Mrs. Peeler, Mrs. Johnson, and Susan McRae for their donations! We are always happy to receive prizes of tape, clips, sewing machines, ribbons, egg cartons, yarn, and other incredible treasures! 

+ We have a new Volunteer who is assisting us once a week: special thanks to Caleb Johnson for his help. 

And last but not least, check out our show that will be on display in Carolinas HealthCare System:

 +Our reception is Tuesday November 10th from 5:30pm-7pm. There are a number of layers to this event including the unveiling of the hospital's history wall, a photography show from BAC, some works from Lowther and Ervin, AND TOSSafter student art (our works will be for sale with part of the profits going towards TOSS as a fundraising effort). 

If thats not enough to tempt you, there will be food and music. So come get a piece of that pie will ya. 

More details here: http://www.blueridgehealth.org/art-event/ 



Announcement

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Our Tuesday studio is full due to number of afters. We have expanded the age groups (Monday to include 1st grade;Wednesday to include 3rd Grade). Feel free to call or email with questions. If your child is a 2nd grader and desperate for art, call for more details about possibly coming Monday.

TOSSafter, Third Thursday Dinner Club, and The Lake City Mural Project!

Well if this week isn't something else. 

+TOSSafters are having orientation this week for the new after school studio program hosted in our space.

+The dinnerclubbers are dinning thursday evening in the studio. Come by around 6:30 for something tasty!

+Kathryn is leading a community mural project in Lake City, SC with the theme of honoring the community members who have contributed to the city in a meaningful way. (check the calendar for more details on that).

Such fun, however three things is positively enough for one week if you ask me. ;) 



TOSSafter....it's really happening!

We are so excited as preparations for TOSSafter commence! Be sure to stop by for our Open House(s) to check out the upstairs studio spaces and meet the artists! Dates are listed on the calendar. 

See ya soon!  

Our Third Thursday Dinner Club

Our first Third Thursday Dinner Club was a success! Hugely, we'd say, wink. Our next event will come with a prompt for a group discussion. If you would like to be on the "Morning Pastry and Coffee Committee" which determines what the discussion will be, please contact the figure imaged below. (That would be Kathryn) Otherwise, call all your artist friends and make your way to TOSS, Sept 17th, @ 6:30. 

Yep, found this picture at the BUCM store. I feel we will eventually look just like this.