Forge Finds a New Home at Shake Rag Alley

Shake Rag Alley has a new forge for its blacksmithing program thanks to the efforts of instructor Bob Tuftee, blacksmithing program supervisor Denny McKernan, curriculum committee member Judy Sutcliffe, and the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association (UMBA).  

A large railroad forge was donated through an estate to UMBA. It was in decent shape for having had a long working life, but definitely needed some TLC to be useful again. It took up residence at Dave Brandon’s place and waited. The UMBA board didn’t see a use for it in their training trailer, so last fall decided to auction or sell it. Denny McKernan came to look at it (longingly). 

Bob Tuftee eventually brought up the fate of the forge at a board meeting and suggested that it be sold to Shake Rag Alley since they needed a fourth large forge for teaching purposes. Dave Brandon moved to accept the offer and sell it to Shake Rag. Bob Tuftee and Judy Sutcliffe each donated $100 to Shake Rag toward the forge purchase.

Forge before Bob's renovation

“Dave delivered it to me in March,” relates Bob. “I completely dismantled the blower and cleaned and oiled all the gears. Had to drill and retap for bolts to hold the firebox on. Made a shield to deflect the flame and added a new air tube from the blower to the firebox. And a good general clean up.”

Once the snow melted away, Bob loaded up the forge in his pickup and delivered it to Shake Rag, where managing director Courtney Henson had a couple guys waiting to heft the renovated forge to its new home at the Blacksmith Barn.

Denny McKernan says, “We’re really glad to add this forge. We now have pretty much what we’ve been working toward - four forging areas, each with a large forge, anvil, leg vise. Our blacksmithing classes are well attended, and we’re really happy we can provide good equipment for them to learn the art of blacksmithing.”

Shake Rag Alley’s president of the board, Don Hay, adds “In appreciation of the generosity and support from Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association any member receives a 10% discount on blacksmithing classes at Shake Rag Alley. Be sure to mention it when you register.”

Many thanks to Denny, Bob, Judy and UMBA for making this happen!

Check out the 2013 schedule of blacksmithing and welding classes at Shake Rag Alley. Register online or by calling the Shake Rag Alley office at 608-987-3292.

An Evening of Creative Collaboration at Shake Rag Alley

On April 16, Shake Rag Alley hosted an arts networking event attended by 19  individuals representing a diverse array of arts organizations in southwest Wisconsin. The meeting was an outgrowth of the Grow Southwest Wisconsin initiative, which is a three year planning project designed to better position this region for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The meeting at Shake Rag Alley was facilitated by Anne Katz of Arts Wisconsin. Anne led the group through a discussion of the values and benefits of regional collaboration. As part of the evening, Diana Johnston of Brewery Pottery shared lessons from one of  most successful examples of regional collaboration we know – the Fall Art Tour. Twenty years ago a small, but enthusiastic group of artists got together and created a tour that featured artists working in their homes and studios. The event has grown tremendously over the years, and is now a major artistic and tourism resource for the region.

The evening's lively discussion culminated in a decision to hold ongoing meetings to share ideas, network, and identify opportunities for collaboration. The next event will be held in the summer, most likely at the Wyoming Valley School in Spring Green. As Anne Katz told participants after the meeting, "If your ears are burning up from here on out, it's because I'm going to be talking up southwest Wisconsin when I talk about collaboration, creativity, entrepreneurship, and imagination."

Early Spring Workshops

It's mid April and though the calendar may say it's spring, here in Wisconsin winter just keeps hanging on - the snow is hardly off the ground! But we're undaunted and so are our students...early "spring" workshops have been going strong. Starting with Garden Getaway, classes have run the gamut of interest areas and subjects.


Workshops are filling quickly this year, so don't delay! The full schedule through the end of the year is now up on the website:

Search classes by subject
Search classes by date

Wild Weaving on a Gourd

Garden Getaway

We do run workshops in late winter, but Garden Getaway at the end of March always marks the kick-off of our full-bore workshop season. This year there were 16 workshops focused on Garden Art, Art from the Garden, and the Art of Gardening.

There were workshops in cement and mosaic garden ornaments, willow trellises, basketry, Ikebana tray, vermiculture, gourd birdhouses, herbal soaps and scrubs, canning and organic growing on small spaces.

Pebble Balls

Mosaic Rock with Tiny Bird

Willow Trellis with willow master John Schakel

Removing the mold to carve a hypertufa slab

Early April Workshops

April workshops so far have offered a little bit of something for everyone - creative writing, Photoshop, colored pencil, rug hooking, weaving, mosaic, and jewelry. Whew! Here are photos from just some of the classes:

Weaving on a Triangular Loom - building the loom

Colored Pencil - Drama on Dark Paper

Beginning Rug Hooking

Leslie Perrino demonstrates Fused Chain techniques

Fused Chains

Enamel on Copper

Instructor Spotlight - Bonnie Cutts

We always try to attract the very best instructors we can find for our workshops. So four years ago when Minnesota artist and teacher Bonnie Cutts agreed to teach an acrylic workshop at Shake Rag Alley we were thrilled.

Since then, Bonnie has become a favorite instructor and a Shake Rag friend who we look forward to welcoming back each year. Her next class, Working with Acrylic Surfaces and Textures is coming up on April 27th & 28th.

Bonnie has been drawing and painting since her high school days. She received a BFA in drawing and painting from  the University of Minnesota and has been showing her work professionally since the early 1980’s in both solo and group exhibits. Her paintings are included in both private and corporate collections across the country and have been published as examples of acrylics painting techniques in both Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner and Rethinking Acrylics by Patti Brady.

Class samples from one of Bonnie's
Acrylic workshops at Shake Rag Alley

Bonnie has been affiliated with Golden® Artist Colors since 1998 as a part of their Working Artist Program.

As explained on the Golden Acrylics website, "The GOLDEN Certified Working Artists are independent, professional artists who have undergone an extensive, GOLDEN-directed six month, three phase acrylic product education. The training consists of an in-depth study of the technical aspects of acrylic, recommended archival painting practices, and a vast exposure to teaching tools for artists ranging from beginner watercolorists, mixed media artists to accomplished professionals."

How did you get started as a Golden Acrylics Working Artist? 

"It was all coincidence. I met up with some people I knew at a holiday event and told them to take a look at my paintings which were hanging in the gallery near by. They looked and asked if I painted in acrylics or oils. I replied always acrylics and was asked if I ever heard of Golden. I said, yes, that is all I use. Conversation pursued and it came out that there may be a job with Golden. There were conversations back and forth and before I knew it I was on my way to CA for training. That was 1998. Since then I have gone to Golden in New York, South Carolina, Denver, Chicago and California for more trainings. Every so often Certified Golden Working Artists are brought together to share workshop ideas. I have also helped train incoming Working Artists over the years as well."

Do you have a favorite acrylic medium/product or technique? 
"I love building up a lot of texture with gels and incising into them. I like to make gel skins and do transfer techniques on all sorts of surfaces and work these into collages."

"Footprints in Time" by Bonnie Cutts

Your paintings are mostly abstract. Where do you draw inspiration for your paintings? 
"Over the years my influences have come from the natural world around me as well as environments I travel within. Trees, leaves and flowers as well as old crumbling walls and building and roads have all been of interest to me. My most recent work is influenced by neuroimaging and my response to the amazing images I find to look at."

What advice do you have for students just getting started with acrylic painting? 
"Have fun! Try different materials and techniques so you know what will suit you best. Don't try to do everything at once. Find some things that interest you visually, that move you, and work to communicate those in your own language. Starting with essentials, as what you can do with the materials would be helpful, and then move on to more adventurous endeavors."

"Buds Appear" by Bonnie Cutts

"Sunny Day" by Bonnie Cutts

“Bonnie Cutts is an exceptional teacher in that she is able to clearly express the merits of a painting structure as well as downfalls. Very animated and likeable. I like her.”

“This was the best art class I have ever taken. Bonnie was excellent and I will take more of her classes.”

Quonset Hut in Use As Is...But Exciting Plans Ahead!

First Workshop in Quonset Hut!

Shake Rag Alley's newly acquired Quonset Hut may be a tad on the funky side right now and scheduled for some much needed renovation, but that hasn't stopped us from utilizing this wonderful new space just as is.

In January the 2013 Alley Stage season auditions were held there. Then just last weekend we took advantage of the Hut's roominess to hold a full-to-capacity Mixed Media Paint Layering Workshop in the semi-finished front half of the building.

Quonset Hut Redesign

It was glorious to spread out in so much space and we loved it. But there are plans on the horizon for bigger and better things, and we can't wait!

The design committee has been working diligently with architectural designer Amber Westerman to come up with a functional and flexible redesign of the space that will serve a multitude of Shake Rag needs. We've also gotten input from architects Michael DesBarres and Floyd Hamblen from the faculty at Taliesin School of Architecture who provided the existing building elevation drawing shown here.

Design plans are ongoing but the main focus is on creating:

• A large multi-function room that can double as a classroom, and Alley Stage rehearsal/performance space, and as a large meeting room,
• A large "messy" classroom for crafts such as mosaic and cement, that can also be used for set building and as work space for site maintenance building projects,
• Much needed storage space including space for Alley Stage sets and costumes.

And many more ideas including a catwalk, attractive exterior treatment and landscaping.

Quonset Hut Open House

Friday, April 12, 6–9pm 

Join us for an Open House on Friday evening of the Mineral Point Garage Sale Weekend to see what all the excitement is about. 


Tour the building to see the "before", have a look at our working drawings and floor plans to see where we're headed, and enjoy light refreshments. And if you're inspired, peruse our wish list of "things-we-need" and join us in making it all happen!

Here's a sneak peek at what the Quonset Hut looks like now. You'll have to come to the Open House to find out how we plan to transform it!

Front area is semi-finished
(where the main multi-function room will be)

Back area, not so much
(will become the "messy" room)

For background on the purchase of the Quonset Hut, see our previous post in September. 

Beating the Winter Blues at Shake Rag Alley

Wisconsin winters may be snowy and cold (and sometimes linger longer into March than we would perfer!) but that doesn't deter us at Shake Rag Alley. It's just a great time to snuggle into the cozy warmth of our charming indoor spaces with poetry readings, retreats, and stories and song.

Here's a look at some of what we've been up to and what's upcoming to chase away those winter blues.

Valentine Sale

Our annual Sweetheart Art Valentine Card and Gift Sale is always a welcome break from winter at the end of January. Tons of one-of-a-kind handmade valentines to peruse in the warmth of the Cabinet Shop. And, of course, the yummy treats provided by our volunteer bakers.

Kathleen Ernst, Council for Wisconsin Writers
Anne Powers Book-Length Fiction Award Winner

SRA Winter Writers Series

Shake Rag's Winter Writers Series continued in late January and February with two events at the newly remodeled Mineral Point Public Library (see our earlier post about the SRA Winter Writers Series).

On January 24th Kathleen Ernst did a presentation on her Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites Mysteries series and in February poets Bruce Dethlefsen and Sarah Busse presented poetry readings.

The next and final Writers Series event for the year will be Story Time with children's author Janet Halfmann on March 18th at the Mineral Point Library.

2010-2012 Wisconsin Poet Laureate Bruce Dethlefsen

Poet Sarah Busse, winner of the Council for Wisconsin Writers’ Lorine Niedecker Prize

Retreats

What could be better in the dead of winter than sharing a creative retreat with like minded souls at Shake Rag Alley? Diane Sterba has infused Women's Winter Retreats at Shake Rag with her special creative inspiration every year since 2007. And this year Managing Director Courtney Henson joined in to lead retreaters in creating a small hand bound book.

There were so many women who wanted to participate that Di and Courtney offered a second retreat the following weekend to accommodate everyone. Retreat participants went home refreshed and renewed after a weekend creating power dolls, hand binding a book, making vision boxes and personal mandalas...and of course, enjoying loads of camaraderie.

Collaging a hand bound small book

Personal Mandalas

Shake Rag also offers custom retreats, perfect for a getaway weekend for family or a group of friends. Five friends from Rockford spent a weekend staying at Shake Rag's Clowney House and enjoyed a workshop making leather cuff bracelets and an altered book workshop.

Theater

In the winter months Alley Stage moves its productions indoors to the charm of the Cabinet Shop at Shake Rag Alley. Their first 2013 production on March 15th & 16th will be "Claddagh", an evening of song, stories and spoken word to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the Irish. Don't miss this intimate concert featuring traditional Irish instruments, classically trained voices and a heart for both the celebrated and the melancholy.

Get Ready for Spring at Garden Getaway

9th annual
Garden Getaway at Shake Rag Alley
March 23 & 24

Tired of winter and yearning to get out in your garden? Shake Rag Alley's kick-off event of the season is coming up in just a month! Packed with 17 workshops, Garden Getaway is sure to chase away those winter blues and get you geared up for spring.

It's all about creating art for your garden, creating art from the products of your garden, and learning gardening skills.



Willow Master John Schakel will bring lots of fresh willow and show you how build a sturdy Bent Willow Trellis that your sweet peas and other climbing plants will love.
























Mosaic and hypertufa classes are some of the most popular at Garden Getaway. Make a Hypertufa Planter or carve a decorative "bas-relief" Hypertufa Carved Slab. Make mosaic Pebble Balls or a Mosaic Rock Garden Ornament or a Mosaic Terra Cotta Birdbath.

Or, make something artful out of what grows in your garden. The ever creative Terri Schmit of Wisconsin Gourds will bring plenty of gourds and show you how to do some Wild Weaving or how to make a delightful  "Whimsies" wall hangings from gourd pieces and embellishments.

Shelley Ryan, creator and producer/host of Wisconsin Public Televisions’s "The Wisconsin Gardener" series will also be on hand to lead a fun session Dyeing Silk Scarves with unorthodox materials like leftover wine, weeds, leaves, nails and more.

And there's much more:

• Learn to do Home Canning from Master Preserver Judy Pincus, 
• Make a Vermiculture Worm Farm, 
• Paint a fun Gourd Birdhouse, 
• Learn how to Grow Big on Your Small Spot from CSA farmer Kriss Marion of Circle M Farm, or 
• Make an elegant Ikebana Tray to hold the bouquets from your flower garden.

Click here to see the full Garden Getaway schedule and to register.

See our blog posts on the 2012 Garden Getaway and the 2011 Garden Getaway.

Thursday Tip - Faux Metal Craft Foam Embellishments

We spent much of January obsessed with making Valentine cards for our Sweetheart Art Card Sale (which was great fun, as always).

Here's a favorite technique for creating a card embellishment. The faux metal heart on the Valentine shown here is actually made made from craft foam!

Yep that's right, humble craft foam, the stuff that comes in thin sheets and is usually found in the kids craft section of stores. Just heat it, impress a texture into it, add some paint and metal effects and you've got a lightweight piece that looks convincingly like metal yet is easy to glue onto a card or an altered book or a mixed media collage.





What you'll need:

• Black craft foam (available in sheets at most stores that sell kid's craft supplies)
• Craft heat gun (not a hair dryer, doesn't get hot enough)
• Rubber stamp that is rather deeply etched, or other textured surface like a grate 
• Dab of acrylic or craft paint (we used yellow ochre, red oxide and cerulean blue)
• Small brush
• Metallic Rub-Ons (available at craft and scrapbooking stores and online)
• Acrylic varnish

Here's how:

1. Cut a shape out a piece of black craft foam, no larger than your rubber stamp or textured object.
   
2. Place your craft foam shape onto a firm heat resistant surface. Heat the foam with a craft heat gun for about 10-15 seconds using a sweeping motion. If the foam curls you can correct this by turning the piece over and reheating until it flattens out. Then try again...heating for a shorter length of time!
   
3. Immediately press your rubber stamp firmly onto the foam. When you take it away, the design will be impressed into the foam and it will stay that way as the foam cools.
   
4. To highlight the design, lightly dry brush on some paint. Try to keep the paint on the raised surface and out of the lines. Don't need much, just a light brushing here and there in a couple of colors.
   
5. Apply Metallic Rub-On with your finger, again staying on the raised portions and paying especial attention to the edges. Apply just enough until the piece starts to look metallic.
   
6. And last, just to seal it and keep the Rub-On from rubbing off (which it likes to do), apply a coat of acrylic varnish. To avoid smearing the Rub-Ons, apply the varnish lightly with a more-or-less dabbing motion.

And Voila! You're done. Once you get into it you may find yourself searching all over the house for textured objects that would make great impressions in craft foam. How about those ornate old doorknobs, or kitchen utensils, or Dominos, or toys, or.....?   

Have fun!

Valentine Card Sale Coming Up On January 26-27

Shake Rag's annual Sweetheart Art Valentine Card & Gift Sale is coming up next weekend - 

January 26 & 27 from 10am-3pm 

in the Cabinet Shop at Shake Rag Alley 

This has to be one of our very favorite events of the year. Everyone gets into the act. The Women's Art Party group and artisans all over town (even some from Galena) have been gathering in Smeja Studios for weeks amid a sea of handmade papers, glue, glitter, ribbons, rubber stamps, paint, ink...you-name-it.

It's total card making craziness with everyone unleashing their utmost creativity and favorite craft techniques to churn out an amazing variety of cards and heart related gift items.

Soon everything will be ready. The Shake Rag volunteer cooks are baking up a storm making yummy treats that you can graze as you shop and the Cabinet Shop will shortly be transformed into a Valentine Card & Gift bonanza.

What a great way to fight the Wisconsin winter doldrums - hope you can join us!





Here's a sneak peek at just some of what our terrific artisans have created:

Cheryl's pop-up cards

Peggy's gorgeous Tyvek cards and hearts

Cloth sewn cards and even a small purse by Judy
(they all have pockets with a card inside)

Cheryl's polymer clay pin cards

Judy brought wonderfully whimsical cards plus
hammered heart pins and small handmade books of poems.

Sharon's mixed media madness

Check out our blog post report on the 2012 sale.