The Gadson Gallery / Laura R. Gadson

In Memory of Black Jack

2011-10-19T01:08:00.003-05:00

I had to put my cat Black Jack to sleep early this morning. He was diagnosed with Leukemia 3 weeks ago and took a turn for the worst last night. We decided not to let him suffer through the night. He has peacefully gone on to join his brother Bingo, and other beloved pets from our past: Hunter, Littlebear and those from my childhood. Blackjack was a great cat and he will be missed.

Photo by Shimoda

Featured in this month's "Quilters Newsletter" magazine.

2011-09-30T11:38:00.010-05:00

It's Official. I just recieved the Oct/Nov issue of Quilters Newsletter from its publisher and there is a very nice picture of my quilt: Terrorism, Tragedy and Tribute. The featured quilt is part of the Fiber Artists for Hope exhibition on racism titled "The Unspoken Truth About Color" curated by Jeanette Thompson. Terrorism, Tragedy and Tribute is inspired by the bombing of the East 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL in 1963 and a painting by my father marking that event. I hope to have both the quilt and the painting on view in my gallery this December.
For more on the Fiber Artist for Hope and this exhibition visit this blog: http://unspoke-truth-and-hope.blogspot.com/

Playing Well with Others :o)

2011-09-29T10:05:00.006-05:00

Last night 3 of the "Harlem Girls" got together for a playdate at my place. This was a chance for us to try out a new fabric medium that we had each wondered about and purchased but never used before. With a little salmon spread and some sour dough bread in our bellies we feverously attacked the fabric discharge process using Decolourant in several colors and Jaquard Discharge medium. We let the fabric fly (literally) and a couple of hours later we had learned something new. Ife dove right in y cuuting screening and stamping. Paula meticulously staged a trial and error test with different fabrics to see what the effects would be while I go a late start but did put some work in once the group left. The result: we eached learned someting new to extend our knowledge base when attacking a project not to mention the wine consumption and the laughter.
Grown folks need play dates too. I remember when I was a teen my mother Beverly, godmother Ocie and my friend's mom Miriam would get together and practice belly dancing, playing the recorder... with a glass of sangria somewhere near by. My girlfriend Lisa and I would sit at the top of the stairs laughing our heads off while secretly vowing to never be that insane. Well - over 3o years later there is yet another generation of crazy but still productive. Some thing to think about when arraning your own playdate:
- Keep it small: too much crazy in the room can be dangerous but just the right amount keeps it fun.
- Plan around a particular activity: this gives the play some structure
- Gather like minds: I have many art and quilt friends but for this evening I gathered those that had a similar interest (fiber art and new mediums) and those whose schedule would allow them to break away from there usual routine. Also there was no one thier who had a high anxiety when introduced to omething new or needed their hand to be held.
So get some folks together and learn something new.

Discharge with Decolourant

2011-09-29T09:39:00.005-05:00

While at the Mancuso quilt show in Pennsylvania this month I stopped at a booth with wonderful artist mediums for working on and with fabric. I purchased 2 - 3bottle sets of Decolourant, a discharge medium that not only bleaches out the color of a fabric but also sets in the color that is in the bottle. You can stencil, paint, stamp or screen it on to fabric (cellulose and dyed fabics work best) and after a playdate with the "girlzs" this is what I found out:

- Love this medium and I am already planing projects with it!!!

- Stencils made from freezer paper work the cleanest and give the most predictable outcome (nice sharp edges)

- Colours are the most vibrant when you heat set your design just after it becomes dry to the touch. When I let some of my work dry over niight the results did not have as much POP after ironing

- The color becomes more brilliant after the finished product has set overnight and that is why it should not be washed until 24-48 hours.

You don't have to wait till the next local quilt fest to get your hande on this product. 2 sites that I have found that have Decolourant at a decent price are http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.dharmatrading.com/ .

Faith Ringgold

2011-09-15T05:01:00.001-05:00

Well it is going on 6 am and I just finished my Faith

Ringgold quilt (due today). I may do a few more touches to it and have to complete the sleeve but other than that she is DONE! I'll turn it into Myrah Brown Green at CCNY later today. Now I'm so wired that I hardly feel sleepy (yes I was up all night) but my butt is going to bed before the sun comes up.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Harvest Taupe Coat

2011-09-12T00:34:00.001-05:00

I a very proud to have presented my latest crochet coat at Pahti NYC's "Kocktails & Kouture" event. She debuted along side the fabulous work of Twains Twines (hand spun & knits) and Michi's machine knit fashions.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:St Nicholas Terrace,,United States

The Harlem Fine Art Show, in review :-(

2011-03-27T08:15:00.003-05:00

This February I had big plans to move up in the world by participating in the Harlem Fine Art Show (HFAS). This annual event which is only in its second season seeks to take the place of the Black Fine Art Show and Art Off the Main; both shows were previously held downtown at the PUCK building. Fine artists from all over the country took part in those shows and HFAS was no different in this respect. And then the other shoe dropped... I scrimped and paid my fee which seemed a very reasonable price at the time and made my display the best I could on a small budget. By the time it was all said and done I end up in a shabby cramped spot away from the crowd, near clothing and slipper vendors ( "Fine Art Show"?, really?). To put it mildly I was HIGHLY disappointed (almost to tears) and made no money. I thought this would be my artist coming out party and ended up on chicken row at a chitlin' circuit shin-dig. Anyway , big girls don't cry and I am stronger and wiser for the experience. I might do the show again next year if I can come up with a master plan (can't keep a good artist down you know) . It is an everyman for himself kind of business and even the agencies and agents that are supposedly set up in your favor are making odd choices. (that is my politically correct comment). So to keep it on a positive note; life lessons can be hard on a sistah so if this was a lesson in being an artist I guess I got off cheap.

Harlem Sewn Up goes to print

2011-03-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

My first publication is about to be released to the public. I have put together a short paperback for the 2009 Harlem Sewn Up exhibition at the Dwyer Cultural Center. This exhibit featured Harlem quilters and their work along with anecdotes about life in Harlem. My print project is in its final editing stages now and I hope to have it ready for the "Spring Fling" event at the Gadson Gallery in April. When complete Harlem Sewn Up will be available for online purchase directly from the publisher. This is the 1st of a few projects that I would like to put into print. How Exciting!

Going International

2011-01-10T16:01:00.006-05:00

I just received the February issue of Patchwork Tsushin, a bi-monthly Japanese quilting magazine that interviewed me last year. Naomi Ichikawa of Tokyo came stateside last year to do an article about quilters in Harlem and I was blessed to be featured along with master quilter Michael Cummings. At the time of the interview the "Harlem Sewn Up" exhibition was on view at the Dwyer Cultural Center so there are pictures from that exhibition. I have a full page spread - how exciting (though the picture of me is definitely on the ugly side). If there are any Japanese readers out there I encourage you to pick up this February issue of Patchwork Tsushin . There are a couple of Japanese magazine stores here in NYC including one that I remember in the Palisades Mall. NYACK, NY.

1/1/11

2011-01-01T13:13:00.002-05:00

Well it is officially 2011 and I already have a list of things I want to accomplish this year. Some tasks are just the completion or extension of things started in previous years. Others have to do with achievement in my art, the business of art and getting/staying organized. Cleaning wouldn't hurt either. At least I have hit the ground running by blogging on this 1st day of 2011.

Do you have a list of goals for 2011? I think it is a great idea to help stay focused on the important things. Get a book or keep a list on your computer. Write and the come back to it periodically to check how you are doing. Listed items could be as simple as reaching out to relatives on a regular basis to as elaborate as a major home improvement. Be honest with yourself about what is achievable (reaching for the stars should be on separate visualization list). Use the list as positive reinforcement toward achieving the things that you want and need to do and don't beat yourself up if things don't happen according to the plan. Its all about not allowing time to get frittered away and making the most out of LIFE!

A Proud Mama

2010-12-06T15:47:00.003-05:00

Last year I became interested in making a clutch bags and started the journey by ordering some metal frames from Thiland. They sat for a year. Decided to revisit the idea this fall and the results are these wonderfully funky acessories. Part bag, part jeweled accesory and part art, my clutches can set off even the plainest outfit. Most come with a detachable cross body lace or double strand handle (not shown) but you can decide how you would like to feature them. Sold 4 of them this past weekend and I expect not to be able to keep up with the demand once my A-list patrons see them. The hand beading and emblishing make these one of a kind pieces very special. Some even feature beads and buttons I have made.

Holiday Madness

2010-12-06T15:37:00.003-05:00

Well the Holidays are here and I am feeling somewhat prepared. I have several new items that I have created for the 2010 season as well as some old ones. Please visit my website at http://thegadsongallery.com/ and the "Harlem for the Holidays" tab for a listing of local events that I will showcase these items. My "Charmed Angels" were a hit this past weekend and at $10 each they are ready to be taken home. Folks have said I should charge more but I create them to be affordable gifts. There are only a limited number and they are moving quickly!

Gadson quilts at the Strivers Gardens Art Gallery

2010-07-07T10:35:00.003-05:00

The public art exhibition The Blossom of Fiber is currently on exhibition in the gallery at the Striver's Garden's condominium, 300 west 135th street. Joining that exhibition will be some of my portrait quilts. Portrait Quilts by Laura R. Gadson will feature some old favorites, previously exhibited and new portrait work. Included will be my first portrait quilt, Lisa and The Color Yellow and quilts that have become banners on 125th street: Hazel Scott (2009 banner), Old School Hip Hop (new 2010 banner). The Gallery at Srtiver's Gardens is a private space there are currently 3 scheduled public viewings:

Thursday, July 8 2010, 7-8pm(walking tour with myself and other Blossom of Fiber artists)

Sunday, July 11 9, 2-5 pm (open to the public for viewing)

Sunday, July 18th, 2-5pm (open to the public for viewing)

Striver's Gardens, 300 West 135th Street, between Frederick Douglass and St Nicholas Ave. Take B or C train to 135th street or take 2 or 3 train to 135th street and walk toward the visible park.

shown above: detail of latest work - "Loving to Coltrane"

Blossom of Fiber Art in St Nicholas Park

2010-06-28T15:42:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Harlem Needle Arts (HNA) with Michelle Bishop at the helm celebrated their first out door public art exhibition. Blossom of Fiber Art hosted knit, crochet and quilted 3 dimensional artworks by several artists. My contribution was to install the exhibition and my 3D piece (shown here, photo by Gerald Peart) "Audrey's Dream". Since she came out looking like the plant from Little Shop of Horrors("feed me Seymore") I decided to name her accordingly. She is a lot more tame and people friendly. I may try to make her some friends over the summer.

If you missed the exhibition in the Park you will be able to follow it to its new home at Striver's Gardens, 300 West 135th Street, where you will have an opportunity to view all the floral presentations from 2-4pm on July 11th and July 18th. This is planned to be an annual event in St Nicholas Park so we hope to be even bigger and better next year,

Side Bar: Picking on the mulberry

2010-06-14T13:11:00.003-05:00

Every year about this time, June/July, everyone on my block who has access to their backyard complains about BERRIES. Many of the yards have 4 story high mulberry trees that have either white or red/black berries. They are messy, draw flies, stain what they land on and knock you upside they head while they are in season. I have 2 of the trees, I feel their pain.

But quite frankly I think folks have the wrong attitude. The trees give us shade and a wonderful breeze. The mess they make is only for 2 months and by mid July the are gone and we have our yards back for the rest of the summer. Let's not forget about the CO2-O2 exchange we have going on. When life give you lemons you make lemon aid so when you have mulberries make cobbler, sorbet, wine (not whine!) . How many Manhattanites can claim they have something harvestable in their own back yard. I made a gallon of mulberry wine in 2008; tastes like sherry. Harvesting mulberries takes a while since they don't all ripen at the same time but I have started squirreling mine away is the freezer so I can make wine this year. Threw a few in a berry cobbler I made last week and it was tasty. There are not enough trees in NYC for us to start nit picking at everything they do. Humans tend to forget that our wants and needs are pretty much taken care of due to God's other living children.

Obama Quilters Next Exhibit

2010-06-07T22:55:00.003-05:00

Recently I joined the Obama Quilters whose members reside nationwide and originally came together through a Quilts for Obama exhibition they organizedin Maryland. Many of the artists work are featured in Carolyn Mazloomi's latest book entitled "The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama". I have the pleasure of knowing the books cover artist Sherry Shine.

The Obama Quilters next exhibition focuses on racism. My piece Terrorism, Tragedy and Tribute depicts the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. My father painted a huge dark painting that hung in the house I grew up in for as long as I can remember. I now have that painting, one 1 of 2 I still have by my father, Thomas Harold Gadson. My quilt is almost a remake of the painting with a few additions of my own. It pays tribute to my dad and the 4 young women, Denise McNair (11), Addie Mae Collins (14), Carole Robertson (14) and Cynthia Wesley (14), that were killed in that senseless act of racism. Let this work also serve as a reminder that we don't have to travel overseas to strike out terrorism; our own backyard is littered with victims AND perpetrators.

125th St. BID Banner Project

2010-06-07T22:31:00.003-05:00

This is the second year the 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) and the Harlem Arts Alliance have partnered to showcase the work of artists on street banners. This is also the 2nd year that my work has been chosen to be one of those banners (yeah!). The privilege is accompanied by a small stipend (love that) and the opportunity for your artwork to hang in the skies above 125th street for 1 year. Last year Hazel Scott's portrait was my contribution to the salute to Harlem women. This year's theme is the music and sounds of Harlem. I presented 2 works for consideration: 1 commemorating Swing and the 1 shone here dedicated to Old School Hip Hop. Names like Harlem's own Doug E Fresh, Biz Markie and Curtis Blow were all a part of the then budding art form that is now and industry that includes just about everything.

If you want to hear the sounds that I have represented in my work join comedian Talent at the Apollo on June 25th for his "Throwback comes to Harlem Part 5" http://www.apollotheater.org/calendar.htm#biz_markie

Check out my banner as well as 3 others that will be installed on 125th street between Morningside and 5th Ave in June and will be on display for 1 year.

Historic Antiques meet Contemporary Uptown Artists

2010-06-01T09:24:00.004-05:00

This weekend I delivered 2 new works to the Morris Jumel Mansion, a historic cite located in Washington Heights. They mansion wil host the work of several contemprary artists including myself and Beatrice Lebreton from now trough September. I love the house which is the oldest house still standing in Manhattan. Perched on a hill it has great views and the current skyline was once filled with trees and farmland.

June 19th the mansion will host a family day that will include an artist reception and artist talk.

http://www.morrisjumel.org/index.php?sec=home

Visit their website since they often host small music events open to the public and have great outdor grounds.

The Bigger the Better

2010-06-01T09:05:00.003-05:00

In March I took the big plung and purchased a long arm, well actually a mid arm. For those of you not familiar this is an industrial sewing machine on a long table and allows you a great deal of ease when machine quilting you work espscially large quilts. At 10 ft long and 4 ft deep she is a big girl and I call her Sally.

Ride Sally Ride! So far I have quilted 6 large quilts and several art quilts on her and it has been great. There is still a need for all of may other machines: the little singer for binding, the pfaff for piecing... but with ease I can neatly free motion quilt with out fighting too much. Now this gal is a bit of an oil-aholic and will "cut fool" when she is thirsty. She also gives me a bit of a problem every so often in certain settings but all in all she's a good gal and we are working on our relationship. Wish me luck since I'll have to sew on her till the cows come home to pay her off! Its all about the big quilts this year.

A Sunday Brushed with Greatness

2010-03-15T12:28:00.002-05:00

Sunday, March 14th 2010. I traveled a bit further uptown to check out the Morris Jumel Mansion ( http://www.morrisjumel.org/index.php?sec=home ) for a site visit in hopes of becoming a participating artist in their upcoming Design in the Heights exhibition. Ms Trish Mayo gave myself and others a very informative tour of the mansions and its antique treasures. While there I meet a New York Times photographer and later discovered he was artist Chester Higgins http://www.chesterhiggins.com/. He was gracious enough to send me a photogragh that will help me with my project for the exhibit. Please travel to his site to see what a n honor that was.
Later that Sunday I was scheduled to showcase my work at the world famous Dance Theatre of Harlem ( http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.com/about_mission_history.asp ) as part of a reception for an in house concert. Ms Virginia Johnson came over to me and my display and thanked me for participating (fomer diva ballerina and current Artistic Director of DTH). After watching her on stage for many years this was another great honor.
2 Magnificient artists in 1 day. I just had to share

Baby, I'm back!

2010-02-26T13:42:00.003-05:00

Well it has been over a year since my last post but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy with quilting. My new website, http://thegadsongallery.com/ has taken up most of my web posting time but I have decided to get back to blogging.

This year I wil concentrate on creating new work. Last year taking care of my mom was a new deal and I spent time curating a few group shows for artists of different mediums. This year has started off with 2 new art quilts and 2 new bed quilts, three of which will be finished and featured in this weekends open house. Tried my hand at creating floor cloths inspired by quilts but this kept me away from my most cofortable sewing room. Didn't finish any of the 4 that I started but I promiss to get back to at lest the ones I started by the summer.

If you are in the New York city area and are not afraid of the snow please feel free to drop by my home gallery (225 West 134th Street, Harlem) on Sat 2/27 from 2-7 pm. I will have a few eats and drinks and will host jewelry artist Shimoda and fellow artist Clymenza Hawkins (who crested the artwork for Eraka Badu's "butterfly" CD cover). A good time is always had by all.

HGQC explores THE COLOR PURPLE

2009-01-24T00:35:00.002-05:00

The latest Harlem Girls Quilting Circle event is taking place at Gallery M in Harlem. The Color Purple is our quilt exhibit that will be on display through February 26th 2009 and includes work from our color purple challenge as well as other work by HGQC members. quilts There was a wonderful turn out at the opening and we hope folks will continue to visit. Gallery M is located at 123 West 135th Street (bt. Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. near the 2 &3 trains). Regular Gallery hours are Wed & Friday 1pm - 5pm, Thurs. 2pm - 8pm, and Sat. 1-5pm. All work on display is for sale.

Quilts for Obama at the Historical Society of Washington, DC

2008-12-28T13:16:00.003-05:00

It is such a great honor to be included in this exhibit. Quilts for Obama; an Exhibit Celebrating the Inauguration of our 44th President is a joint effort of the Historical Society of Wasshington, DC, The Quilters of Color Network and The Group fo Cultural Documentation. Curator Roland L. Freeman has put together about 60 quilts from across the United States and also includes quilts from Kenya and from 1st Lady Micelle Obama's oldest living relative, Mrs Carrie Nelson. The Quilts for Obama exhibit will be on display from January 11th to January 31st 2009. More info can be obtained at: http://www.historydc.org/location/exhibits.asp .

My quilt, "Hope Comes to Harlem" is one of 2 I created especially for this exhibit. The other, "On Shoulders We Stand" is currently at the Gadson Gallery (my home). Only one could go to DC so the honorable Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi helped to make the choice. Fellow HGQC quilter Michelle Bishop also has a quilt in this exhibit.

My Brother's Threads at the New York State Museum

2008-12-28T12:33:00.003-05:00

In 2007 Harlem Needle Arts presented My Brother's Threads at Lincoln Center's Cork Gallery. This textile exhibit in tribute to men and fiber work can now be seen at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY. Featured are the work of male fiber artisans and fiber art that features male subjects. My quilt titled "When Old School Was Young" can be seen along with "Harold in the Moment" and "The Liberation of Yellow Bill". My Brother's threads and a quilt exhibit titled "Syncapated Threads: Quilting in the Jazz Tradition" can both be viewed at the NYSM through March 2009. For more info visit: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/exhibits/special/mybrothersthread.cfm .

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-01T23:55:00.002-05:00

This is the time of year when there is always a lot going on and not enough time to see and do everything. Hopefully you will be in town and have a chance to check out my latest creations. There is plenty to see in all price ranges whether you what something special for yourself or someone else.

SAT. 12/6 & SUN. 12/7, 1-6pm

the Gadson Gallery

225 West 134th Street , NY, NY 10030

(212) 694-0262

Now until January 1 2009

Gallery M

123 Wset 135th street

call for hours

THUR. 12/18 - SUN. 12/21

NJPAC Kwanzaa weekend.

Venders, Concerts, and ME!

http://www.njpac.org/load_screen.asp?screen=directions

Another Blog

2008-10-11T12:23:00.005-05:00

http://fiberfabulosity.blogspot.com/
This blog will be in addition to this one and will chronicle some of my crochet and knitting escapades and highlight artwork and items that are available in my gallery. I am also working on an official website but that has not gone as smoothly as I planned. Not unusual for a slightly technically challenged diva but I am working on digitally improving myself all the time. If you have a moment please check out. the new blog. Any one thinking of having a website might want to get their feet wet with a blog. They are a cost effective and a some what easy way of having a presence on the web for just about anything.

Newly Purchased Beauties

2008-10-10T22:12:00.003-05:00

Beauty in a Darker Hue is the title of my latest series of quilts that daybued during the art tours last weekend. Deeply Rooted Flower (left) and Draped in Legacy (right) are both spoken for. They will soon be in their new homes with very appreciative owners.

SAC/ HOAST is a hit!

2008-10-05T21:36:00.002-05:00

I want to thank everyone that visited me during the Strivers Art Circuit/ Harlem Open Artist Studio tour this week end. During the tour I had a good deal of traffic and quite a few sales. I will keep all my visitors up to date on all of my art activities. Thanks so very much for your support.
My raffle winners are :
- Paula Wynter and Naeemah Lamont for the HGQC site in Mount Morris/Marcus Garvey Park
- Janice Fongkin and E Russell Payne for the Gadson Gallery.

SEMINOLEFRICAN !

2008-09-15T13:27:00.003-05:00

Seminolefrican in Purple is the title of this latest piece which combines African and Native American textile styles. It is documented that the Seminole Indians of Georgia and Florida accepted runaway African slaves and free men into their fold. The two groups learned and thrived from each other which was viewed as a threat to the status quo of United States government who dealt with them accordingly. This work salutes the idea of cultures coming together for a common good and represents what could have been another successful and culturally vibrant American community. Seminolefrican in Purple will be showcased with the Harlem Girls Quilting Circles The Color Purple Exhibition which is part of HOAST (Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour), 10/4 & 10/5 at 27 Mount Morris Park West bt. 122nd and 123rd Streets.

Quilts on the Farm

2008-09-15T12:32:00.002-05:00

Black Dimesions in Art, an upstate New York arts organization, will host a quilt exhibit titled; African American Quilters on Exhibition from October 1st to the 31st. This exhibit will showcase the work of local quilters near the Albany area as well as downstate quilters like myself. This all takes place at the lovely Wellington's Herb and Spice farm in Schoharie, NY located at 649 rickard Hill Road, Schoharie, NY 12157, (518) 295-7366. The farm features an extremely scenic view, with a gift show and tea room. Mrs Wellington's Island Ice tea is a must if you visit. Schoharie also has local bed and breakfasts at reasonable prices so as the leaves change you may want to make a week end out of this event. To find out more on the farm and their activities go to www.wellintonsherbsandspices.com. Two of my Cotton by the Sea works will be on exhibit.

SAC - Strivers Art Circuit

2008-09-15T12:18:00.003-05:00

SAC, Strivers Art Circuit, was set up by myself 4 local artists/gallery owners in order to promote ourselves for the up coming HOAST, Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour. I created the cover art that is the actual map and includes the 7 current members of SAC. Please join us on October 4th and 5th from 1-6pm and visit all of us. It will be a great day in the uptown arts scene and I hope you will join us. There will be giveaways and discounts for attendees. I will have my latest creations up at the Gadson Gallery and will reveal my Holiday Greeting Cards and 2008 Quilt Art Calendar with some of my favorite work.

For more info on the tour visit www.striversartcircuit.com.

Off to Market!

2008-09-15T12:08:00.003-05:00

Please check me and some other local artist out at the 145th Street Farmers Market every Saturday (weather permitting) through November. I come out with my quilts, quilt art prints, note cards and more and set up under my market umbrella. Holiday season will be here before you know it and you are bound to catch a bargin on something lovely. Every now and then I will offer a creative class or activity around 2pm (I email this info in advance). The market is open from 10am-4pm and is located between Bradhurst and Edgecombe Aves no Harlem's 145th Street.

The Creative Spirit - a ticket to the Crazy House!

2008-08-27T22:32:00.002-05:00

Those of you who have known me for any length of time have seen me cover a lot of creative ground: stained glass, body products, tie dye, slip casting (I just moved my mothers things from her apartment so if anyone every wants to do a 20year retrospective of my creativity please consult her storage space). Now that I am committed to my quilting there are still moments where I travel off that path into another project. I am now making wine in assorted flavors and last year I rediscovered my knitting machine. Oh what a tangled web artists weave.
Today my new camera arrived and along with it I purchase an instructional overview video. Do I dare delve into photography? Only for medicinal purposes I hope. I got a new camera because the old one seems not to like the sand I dropped it in and a good camera is necessary to take good pictures of my quilts. To take good pictures I need to know my camera and basic rules of photography. To get that knowledge I need books and maybe a class and....... here we go again!

Lil' Mama follows Little Sister

2008-08-05T07:45:00.003-05:00

A Mid Summer Night's Blue featuring a childhood glimpse of my sister can be viewed at ArtGotham Gallery in SOHO New York. She follows an earlir quilt of my niece Tiana which was part of ArtGotham's Square Foot group show and was sold. Summer Blues is a smaller ArtGotham group show and though my Lil' mama is not in the typical style of this gallery she is still hanging there. Yes, she is kind of in the booth in the back in the dark but she hangs proudly none the less. The Summer Blues exhibition runs until Aug. 24th 2008. If you are in lower Manhattan check it out: ArtGotham, 190 Ave of te Americas (6th Ave) between Prince and Spring Streets - right near the C line Spring Street train station. Call for hours: 917 319 2030

Walking Away From the Light

2008-07-20T20:48:00.003-05:00

This quilt was part of ArtGotham's http://www.artgotham.com/about/about.php3 recent "Square Foot Exhibit" and has found a new home. I have been asked to create another piece slightly larger for one of the up coming ArtGotham events: "Summer Blues" a group exhibition. The quilts sister which has a much darker feel is back at the Gadson Gallery.

Cotton By The Sea continues

2008-07-20T20:37:00.002-05:00

The Cotton by the Sea event with jewelry by Shimoda and my quilt art was well attended and a good time was had by all. If you did not get a chance to see my new art work the gallery will be open for visitors again during the Harlem Week festivities on west135th Street from 2-7pm, Sat. 8/16 and Sun. 8/17.

the Gadson Gallery

225 West 134th Street

Harlem, NY

If you have questions or would like to schedule a private appointment you may email me at gadsongallery@aol.com. Prints and t-shirts of some of my quilts are now be available.

Cotton by the Sea

2008-06-22T10:29:00.004-05:00

July 12th 2-7pm

July 13th 1-6pm

The Gadson Gallery

225 West 134th Street

Harlem NY, (bt. Adam Clayton Powell & Frederick Douglass Blvd.)

My friend and fellow artist, Shimoda and I are in the midst of preparing a special event for the summer season. Cotton by the Sea is a show containing jewelry, quilt art and knit wear we have created in celebration of warm weather and stylish living. Please join us for light refreshments and a chance to view and purchase our creations.

quilt above: Currently untitled with "X's and O's" pearl jewelry by Shimoda of Shimoda Accessories.

SPEAK OUT closing soon

2008-06-22T08:29:00.005-05:00

The current exhibit for Harlem Girls Quilting Circle, "SPEAK OUT", is scheduled to close on June 27th. This is a very dynamic exhibit and it is a shame that the viewing opportunities were limited. The exhibit may be extented but if not my 2 quilts will be on display during Cotton by the Sea at the Gadson Gallery, July 12th & 13th. The Speak Out exhibit allowed HGQC members to create work that addressed topics which were inportant to the artist. My Country Tis' of Greed (top) and Tale of Two Sisters(right) both address ideas about our nations conduct and it's relationship to the dollar.

Art Panel Discussion May 18th

2008-05-14T01:30:00.003-05:00

I will be participating in this event on Sunday as part of a panel. This event is part of the Homebase art project which is based in Harlem and includes artists of various nationalities. Some "American diversity" will be added with this event. See if this fits in your schedule and join us:

Sunday May 18, 20082-4pm (arrival requested 1:45pm)

764 St. Nicholas Ave. (at 148th Street)

Contact:Aleathia BrownAleathiab@msn.com 718 519 0607

ABOUT HOMEBASE
17 international artist transform a historical townhouse in Sugar Hill, Harlem with site-specific artwork addressing the notion of Home. www.homebaseproject.com

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Harlem Arts Alliance Visual Artist Coordinator and career Visual Artist Aleathia Brown will be accompanied by Averlyn Archer of Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery, Laura Gadson of Gadson Gallery and (To be announced). Join the group for a panel discussion as they give an art talk on the impact that making art in a home environment has on the works they show, produce and share with the community and beyond. Each will share the journey and describe the significance of Home and Heritage a place called Harlem. The panel will share the nuances of converting the place that they rest their soul into an art selling environment. Audience dialogue strongly encouraged. Flat screen DVD presentation of Aleathia Brown's "Live Art" showcase! Donation Suggested: $10.00 (your support enables art to grow & exist)

Spring/Summer 2008 Events

2008-04-22T22:20:00.003-05:00

SPEAK OUT!

A collection of work with something to say by the Harlem Girls Quilting Circle

Caribbean Cultural Center 408 West 58th street (bt 9th & 10th Ave)

March 22nd - June 27th

M-F 10am-6pm

Saturdays: 5/3, 5/17, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21 - 11am-6pm

(I have 2 pieces in this exhibit that speak to the conduct of the USA)

http://www.cccadi.org/

Square Foot Exhibition

Group exhibit of over 100 emerging artist all working in the constraints of a 12" x 12" canvas

present by Art Gotham

192 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave bt Spring and Prince streets) SOHO

Sat. June 7th (reception 1-8pm) - Sat. July 12th

www.artgotham.com

Look mom, I made it to SOHO! I have 2 canvases in this exhibit- all are for sale

"Cotton by the SEA"

A breezy collaboration of wearable and fine art by Shimoda of Shimoda Accessories and myself.

The Gadson Gallery - my place

225 West 134th Street (bt Adam Clayton Powell & Frederick Douglass Blvds)

(212) 694-0262

Sat. July12th, 2-7PM, Sun., July 13th 1-6pm

H.O.A.S.T. 2008

Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour

Sat.,October 4th, Sun., October 5th

Time TBA

the Gadson Gallery

225 west 134th Street

(212) 694-0262

Finally! a new post

2008-04-22T22:06:00.002-05:00

I know I am very bad about keeping up with my blog. Please bare with me while I multi-task as an artist, instructor, house renovator, elder care giver, zoo keeper..... you know the list. I am glad to find that there are some of you that try to keep up with me and my work through this blog. I will do my best to do better.
I was afraid that this year would be slow in comparison to the wonderful exhibits and events I partiscipated in last year. This is not the case. Please check out the schedule of events listed for 2008. I will be collaborating with friends and strangers uptown, downtown and upstate so I hope there will be an event for everyone. Thanks again for checking in and I hope to see you soon!

Laura

The Family Quilt on the Big Screen

2008-02-20T09:03:00.005-05:00

I am well on my way to the big time. Though my Grandmother quilt did not make the cover of the book she will be in, "The Family Quilt" has made it to the Jumbotron in Times Square. The Ohio historical Society has been heavily promoting the Quilting African American Womens History exhibit at the National African American Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio and my quilt was used in the huge video screen ad. The ad is pictured here on the left but if you scroll down my blog you can get a better view of the quilt. This exhibit will open in March with a reception I plan to attend on March 8th.

Gadson Gallery Woven Wear

2008-02-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

By now most of you may know I have a forbidden love affair with yarn. I been spending far too much time seeking it out, buying it and then creating with it. From Sheep and Wool festivals to Ebay, I have been hunting down and aquiring interesting fibers. It's taken over the sewing room and almost run me out of my bed room.

Please HELP! I will be feverously working on crocheting up a good amount of items and I need good people to take them off my hands. Coats, Sweaters, Ponchos, Ponchettes and more. During my Woven Wear Birthday Bash I will offer some enticing discounts on my needle work. Please come out and join me on Feb. 16th from 2-7Pm at 225 West 134th Street. New York, NY. There will be light refreshments, give aways and of course... birtday cake!

Ponchette with matching dickey on sale for $230.00

wool, wool blend and mohair yarns from Italy,

Turkey and the USA. (mittens no longer available)

FABULOUS FIBERS: a Trunk Show

2007-11-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

Since my love affair with yarn and fiber has only increased over the last year I have been knitting and crocheting up a storm. Michelle Bishop and myelf will show and sell our wares at several events this season. We will feature ponchos, wraps, sweaters, bags and more: Sat. Dec. 1 at the Gadson Gallery, 225 west 134th street, 2-7pm. Hats By Bunn fashion show, Sun. Dec 9th, Thurgood Marshall Academy 135th street at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. BLVD., time TBA. And Thur.-Sun. Dec. 13th-16th, New Jersey Performing Arts Center ( www.njpac.org ). Please check us out.

Will this Sepia Mama be a Cover Girl?

2007-11-13T22:31:00.000-05:00

"The Sepia Grandmother I Never Knew" is a quilt submited to the a national touring exhibit: Quilting African American Women's History: Our challenges, Creativity and Champions. It is being considered for the cover of the book accompanying the exhibit but there was one problem. One of the vintage quilttops used has a print that contains a swastika. When I made the quilt I did not even see it but once it was pointed out it is very noticable. Though this symbol has history far older than Hitler everyone is not as open to this symbols past. Hopefully I will have the chance to correct the issue so my grandma can be a Cover Girl.

Astral Angels Over Dreamland

2007-11-13T22:18:00.000-05:00

Astral Angels Over Dreamland is the title of this quilt featuring my twin niece and nephew. This quilt is currently at the New York State Museum in Albany in the "Expressions in Blue Exhibit. It was purchased by Anenoi Brooks during the Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour. I am proud to have my work featured with the many notable African American fine artists in this show.

Upcoming Events

2007-07-02T23:06:00.000-05:00

(above: Harold in the Moment, detail)

Stitching Our Stories (see details below)

Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour Preview Exhibition

6/27th thru 7/9, 737 St Nicholas Ave.

(check artharlem.org for viewing times)

Folks and Family: Quilt Art By Laura R,. Gadson

8/2-9/12/2007

Russ Berrie Pavillion, Columbia university

1150 St Nicholas Ave.

Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour (HOAST)

10/6 & 10/7/2007, 1-6pm

GadsonGallery, 225 West 134th Street

(212) 694-0262

Expressions In Blue

11/17 - March 2008

The New York State Museum

Cutural Education Center, Albany, N.Y.

NJPAC: Annual Kwanzaa Festival

Thur. 12/13- Sun. 12/16/2007

Newark, NJ

(888) 466-5722, njpac.org

"If You See Me On The Block"

2007-07-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

This is a detail of a self portrait quilt currently hanging in th Stitching Our Stories Exhibit at the Countee Cullen Library in Harlem. It is pieced, appliqued and quilted by machine. (details for the exhibit below)

Stitching Our Stories: Quilt Art by Our Community's Children

2007-07-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

This exhibit will be at the Countee Cullen library, 104 West 136th Street, Harlem, from June 20th thru August 26th 2007. You will see various quilts by PS 123 who I have worked with over the last 3 years as well other school's quilts and work by Harlem Girls Quilting Circle members. The quilts can be view from 2-5:30pm on Mon., Tues., Thur., andFri., 2-7:30pm on Wed. and 1-4pm on Sat.. To the left is a student quilt named Our Harlem which is on the event postcard but is not currently hanging in the exhibit. This is a great exhibit in a great space.

"First Fall"

2007-03-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

Another view of First Fall.

"The First Fall"

2007-03-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

Boy an I glad winter is coming to a close. Me and the oil man have been having a little too much conversation lately. Here ia a snowflake quilt I made in December that is on display at my home. I enjoyed working in the kaleidoscope technique and plan to use it again in a four seasons quilt. This one is approximately 70"x70".

Sarah at Big Apple Jazz in Harlem

2007-03-12T15:57:00.000-05:00

Here is the Devine One, Sarah Vaughan. You can see her live at Big Apple Jazz.:2236 Adam Clayton powell Jr Blvd (bt. 132nd &131st streets) in Harlem, USA. They have Jazz music daily and it is usually free (212 283-JAZZ). Sarah's dress is hand beaded and sequenced. She is for sale and is also available there on note cards.

Mini Gallery

2006-11-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

Marilyn Hamilton Jackson is my friend and mentor who recently retired from the New York City Department of Education as a dance instructor. My first summer job at the age of 14 was with Marilyn at Jamaica High School in Queens where I was her dance assitant. I went on to graduate college with a BFA in dance, taught dance for the NYC Board of Education for 10 years and did a host of other dance activites and performances. (I now relegate my dancing to The ocassional party and an African dance clas now and then). "For Marilyn" was my gift to her which was presented at her retirement party.

2006-11-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

"Give the Drummer Some" is a trbute to my uncle James E. Gadson who is a drummer and vocalist. The quilt contains many names of artists he has recorded with.

2006-11-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

"Lisa and the Color Yellow" was the 1st portrait quilt I made in early 2006. It is a picture of my sister when we were kids and the quilt tells the story of how I minipulated her into making her favorite color yellow.

Crazy Crafty People

2006-10-30T15:38:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you about crazy crafty people. They just can't stop creating and learning new ways to create. Now, I want to be known as a quilt artist of fine art quality right? So why did I recently take up crocheting at a feverish pace? I've made 2 hats (one with beads) , 2 ponchos and 2 shawls in three weeks. I just received the latest edition of Bead and Button Magazine where it talks about crocheting beaded items that look like beaded embroidery. Lord, give me strength.

The newest work in progress

2006-10-30T15:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a peek at the quilt top for "Singing" the Blues". The "Give the Drummer Some " quilt will also be on display.

HGQC at Striver's Gardens

2006-10-26T19:32:00.000-05:00

Check out the newest quilt by Laura R. Gadson. "Singing The Blues" will have its first showing at Strivers Gardens located at 300 West 135th Street between Frederick Douglass Blvd and St Nicholas Ave. in Harlem. The Harlem Girls Quilt Circle will host a reception for the exhibit "Syncopated Threads" on 11/16 from 6-8pm .The exhibit will be available for public viewing on the following Sundays from 1pm to 5pm: 11/26, 12/10 and 1/14.

Also: The United Postal Service will present the New American Treasures series of Stamps "Gee's Bend Quilts" as part of the HGQC Syncopated Threads Exhibit. These stamps depict quilts made by African American women from Gee's Bend (officially named Boykin in 1949), Alabama. Stamp presentation and sale of collectible cancellations: November 16th from 10am-12pm at Strivers Gardens.