The Framer's Wife

Erica Nordean Art Show - Libra Rising

2010-10-18T22:34:00.001-04:00

Rickelle Nelson Art Show

2010-10-18T22:31:00.001-04:00

The Kentucky 2010 Silk Scarf as Wall Art

2010-09-25T19:02:00.000-04:00

The Kentucky 2010 Silk Scarf is becoming a very popular item, many ladies have been coming in to get one to wear to the games or out with friends. While it is very wearable, we think it is quite lovely as wall art as well. Here are two examples of how they look stretched and framed.

One is in a lovely gold frame that has an embossed design in the panel. Very traditional in its profile and feel.

The other expample is in a black contemporary cube style frame, with the inner lip of the frame in gold. A bit smaller frame presence and definately more transitional.

There is no wrong way to frame this lovely silk scarf! Check out the scarf in person at our shop, or order one directly from our website and it will come to your door!

Enjoy!

Let the Games Begin

2010-09-24T23:50:00.002-04:00

It seems like only days ago that the "clocks" went up downtown, counting down 1000 days until the World Equestrian Games. My husband, visionary that he is, started thinking of all the things we could "do" to be a part of the buzz that is happening in our town.

1000 days later, we are working very hard to get ready for three very distinct and different art shows, complete with receptions, food, wine and art...and the least of our projects has been the Kentucky 2010 Silk Scarf. Rickelle Nelson created the drawings, which were translated onto silk in a lovely design with bits, leather and a logo in the center. This scarf is really something special, no matter if you like to wear art, or frame it and hang on the wall. This one is a keeper, and they are limited, so better check them out.

If you are out and about during the games, check out our website for our show schedules featuring Dean Hill (photography), Erica Nordean (contemporary equine art) and Rickelle Nelson (traditional equine art) through the end of October.

Let the Games Begin!

Libra Rising - The Art of Erica Nordean

2010-09-06T11:47:00.004-04:00

We are getting ready for the second of our three art shows during the World Equestrian Games. Lexington favorite, Erica Nordean will return on Saturday, October 2nd - come out an meet her and see her latest collection from 5-9 p.m. We will have some great food from Darae and Friends Catering.

"Golden Reflections" by Dean Hill

2010-08-20T08:14:00.004-04:00

Dean and Karen Hill will have a booth at the Woodland Arts Fair this weekend, August 20-21st and they will be debuting the raffle piece for our upcoming show with them. If you get out, please stop by their booth and take a look at this one time printing of "Golden Reflections." This piece, printed on canvas and framed will be raffled on September 29, 2010 at South Hill Gallery at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 each or 3 for $20.00. All proceeds will benefit the Lexington Philharmonic.

Mark your calendars to come to our gallery and see some of Dean's newest works he will debut at "The Spirit of Kentucky - Mountain Traditions" on Wednesday, August 29, 2010 from 5-9 p. m!

The Crosses at St. Joseph Hospital, Berea

2010-06-20T19:15:00.001-04:00

Back in June we completed the installation of artwork at the renovated St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, KY. The best part of all was the installation of the ceramic crosses that were made from broken pieces of pottery by the administrators of the hospital. Each cross represents one of the precepts of the hospital: Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence. The verse says "The Lord is near to the broken hearted and makes whole their broken pieces." The symbolism of the broken pieces restored to beauty in form of a cross is a reminder to me each time I see this image.

"The Ride of a Lifetime" by Rickelle Nelson

2010-05-26T17:22:00.004-04:00

On Thursday, October 7, 2010 we will host a very special art opening for Rickelle Nelson. Rickelle has worked with us for the past two years and we have really watched her art and photography blossom. We were happy to have her a part of our show schedule during the WEG games and Keeneland Fall Meet.

Her show is titled "The Ride of a Lifetime" and will feature many different forms of art, looking at the life of the horse from birth to retirement.

Rickelle has been associated with the Blue Grass Farms Charities for several years and we thought it would be fun to raise a little money for this worthy cause in the meantime. Rickelle is donating an original piece of art for the event which we will be raffling off that night. We will post soon on the exact piece and how to buy raffle tickets for the benefit of Bluegrass Farms Charities.

An Evening with Arturo at the home of the Todd's

2009-12-29T21:27:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago Mike and I were honored to be guests of Dr. Lee and Patsy Todd at a reception honoring donors for the Endowed Professorship of Dr. Arturo Sandoval, Art Department at the University of Kentucky. Arturo is a wonderful friend of ours, as with every one he comes in contact with. We are so proud of this recognition of his wonderful career in teaching and creating ground breaking art.

And as a life long employee of UK, it was a thrill for me to get an opportunity to meet President and Mrs. Todd and see their home. They were very gracious hosts and spent time talking with all their guests. It was a very fun evening for us.

Left to right: Dr. Lee Todd, Dr. Arturo Sandoval, Letha, Mike and Patsy Todd

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T11:13:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all our family, friends and clients!
We have a wonderful little original painting framed up
and ready to go to a Christmas loving home!
The picture doesn't do it justice!

From us to you, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year,
Mike, Letha and Rickelle

The UK Dentistry Class Composite Projext

2009-11-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

Before: The College of Dentistry has displayed the class composites from 1966 to current. However the framing practices back in the day exhibited the worst of the worst from a conservation standpoint. We are redoing them to give them a fresher look and hopefully slow down the damage from acid, UV light and outdated styles! BEFORE: Silver metal frames, Faded blue mat with silver accent, cardboard backing, masking tape and plain glass. The pictures are fading and falling down. Glass is so hazy you can't read the names. AFTER: Black Wood with blue and black accent mats. A very simple but fresh look for the College.

The night before Thanksgiving was a crazy time to work, however, in this busy clinic it was a good time to get out the ol' hammer drill and get things done! Thanks UK College of Dentistry for the opportunity to work with you on this worthwhile project!

We Swept the Competition!

2009-11-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

The Kentucky/Tennessee Chapter of the Professional Picture Framers Association held their annual framing competition in October in Lexington, KY. South Hill Gallery entered both the Print and Open Framing Competition and won FIRST PLACE in both categories! We were also honored to win the Popular Choice vote and a Judges Award for our Open Framing entry as well. The competition was held at Joseph Beth Booksellers and the pieces were on public display for their patrons to view and cast votes for Popular Choice.

Displayed above are our ribbons, as we cannot post pictures of the pieces themselves until after the International Competition, which will be held in February, 2010 in Anaheim, CA. However, if you come by South Hill Gallery you can see the pieces on display and have your framing projects completed by a frame shop that truly has "Award Winning" frame designers!

Museum Glass Feeds America!

2009-10-13T13:11:00.001-04:00

Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans are facing hunger?

Come by South Hill Gallery from now until February 28, 2010 and get a free

Tru Vue Museum Glass® Feeds America

"Scratch, Give and Win" Card.

Each card offers cash prizes or discount certificates to winners, and Tru Vue will match every cash prize with an equal donation to Feeding America (formerly named Americas Second Harvest), the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity. Mailed in non-cash prize cards are matched with a $5 donation to Feeding America. That means that each redeemed card will at least provide 35 meals to those Americans in need!For more information see http://www.feedingamerica.org/.

Building A Beautiful Frame Job

2009-10-08T22:56:00.005-04:00

We recently sold a client a lovely piece of original art by Cheryl Martin called "Making Memories II" that was a transitional piece featuring simple green trees. The frame design included a wonderful hand waxed wooden Romaframe with an expresso brown finish, a hand wrapped silk liner and a wonderful wood fillet next to the art.
Mike painstakingly joined the frame, Rickelle cut and joined the fillet into the liner and the art was fitted into the package. The result was a lovely piece of art in a custom designed package that would grace any space!

Buy Local Fair, Oct 1st @ Thursday Night Live

2009-09-17T07:17:00.002-04:00

Friends of Local First Lexington,

Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 1 for our first Buy Local Fair, from 5-8 p.m. at Cheapside Park in downtown Lexington. This event is being held in conjunction with the weekly Thursday Night Live series and will feature all the food, drink and fun that you've come to expect at TNL plus lots more!
Our Buy Local Fair will be a great opportunity to meet dozens of Local First member businesses and learn more about how supporting our home-grown businesses makes Lexington a better place.
Look for plenty of special offers, and there will be giveaways and door prizes too! South Hill Gallery will be giving away a gift certificate for custom framing and will be displaying a large new shipment of Go Go jewelry, ordered especially for this event.
Best of all, at 7 p.m. you can enjoy a special performance by Lexington's very own award-winning March Madness Marching Band!
This is going to be fun event and we hope to see everyone there!

A Night At the Governors Mansion

2009-08-27T18:40:00.001-04:00

Pictured at right below: Mike Drury, First Lady, Jane and Governor Steven Beshear. On the left is Susanne Drury Grable with Mike. We worked with Susanne on the room that was her project in framing of the art.

We were honored to be invited to a reception at the Governor's Mansion on Tuesday, August 25th. All the vendors who participated in the renovation of the Lt. Governors Mansion project were invited. We only had a very small part, but were privileged to be part of the festivities. This is an incredible project involving over 800 vendors from across the commonwealth. The mansion was renovated all by donations of time, goods and services without using one single dollar of tax payers money!
Susanne Drury Grable....she may be our long lost cousin!

Here is a view of the Mansion after dark:

There is a lovely garden and patio that overlooks the river at the back of the mansion.

We enjoyed seeing many beautiful original works of art, including several famous works by Paul Sawyier:

One of the best events of the evening was Mike reuniting with Steve Collins, son of former Governor Martha Layne Collins. The Collins family was next door neighbors of the Drurys when all the kids were young. Steve had many fun memories of Sunday School events with Mike's Grandmother Drury and even recalled going to some campaign events in Sunfish, Kentucky-which was the alma mater (grade school, that is) of the Tomes family back in Edmonson County! Now Mike knows that Sunfish really existed and my cheers about being a "Sunfish Perch" were not made up!

What a fun night for the Drury's!

Rickelle Nelson wins Popular Choice Award at Freedom Fest

2009-08-06T22:37:00.002-04:00

Marilyn Sadler presents Rickelle Nelson
with the2009 Freedom Fest Popular Choice Award

Rickelle Nelson, resident artist and frame designer at South Hill Gallery was presented with the Popular Choice Award for her art project that was part of the Woodford County Humane Society's 2009 Freedom Fest. Artists were invited to create a piece of original art after having the opportunity to visit scenic Pin Oak Farm and offer them for auction. Guests were given the opportunity to vote for the popular choice among the artists submissions and this year there was a three way tie, with Rickelle deservedly being one of the winners.

South Hill Gallery was also honored to donate a framed halter worn by Rachel Alexander, the filly that everyone loves to watch run! This framed piece sold for just over $1,500.00 at auction. We understand that over 90% of the money raised during the week long Freedom Fest event goes toward the care of animals. The Woodford County Humane Society is a wonderfully run organization with legions of great volunteers.
Congratulations to Rickelle!

Go Go Jewelry

2009-07-23T23:02:00.003-04:00

Just in today, some really cool new jewelry, called "Go Go" necklaces...they have a really comfortable rubber cord with friction clasp, in 16" and 18" lengths, that is light and easy to wear. The pendants are made from organic materials such as natural wood discs or stones from the sea. The beads are carved sterling silver, agate, jade, turquoise, red jasper and glass. Some have peace signs, stars or butterfly charms as well.

The look is fresh and the price points are sweet, $12 - $20 for earrings or necklaces, depending on stones and size. Better come on in and take a look, I sold two pair today while I was unpacking them. They are gonna "go go" fast!

The Paint is Going On!

2009-06-27T07:27:00.001-04:00

The paint started going on on Friday, The change is amazing. Now we hope that NO ONE says "I drove right by before I saw you!" We love it!

Mike's Aunt Ethel

2009-06-19T22:36:00.004-04:00

Last Sunday was Mike's Great Aunt, Ethel Rucker's 94th birthday. While she is somewhat frail, she is able to live independently and is more than just a little aware of her surroundings. She picks up very easily on peoples intentions and moods and loves a good game of scrabble. Every now and then she will just burst into a song, jump up and do a little dance or recite a poem, or, as this video shows, the Preamble to the US Constitution! Its a little wacky but was a Kodak moment. There will never be another Aunt Ethel!

SHG at Commerce Lexington Business Link

2009-06-04T12:12:00.001-04:00

Email Preview: "COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. BUSINESS LINK WEDNESDAY,
JUNE 10, 2009
TIME: 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. SPONSORED BY CROWNE PLAZA CAMPBELL HOUSE
LOCATION: CROWNE PLAZA CAMPBELL HOUSE
(1375 SOUTH BROADWAY)
COST TO ATTEND: $5 C-LEX MEMBERS,
$10 POTENTIAL MEMBERS
(PAYABLE AT THE DOOR)"

Shadow Box for St. Joe Nursing Collection

2009-05-21T23:38:00.002-04:00

Mike and I were honored to have the opportunity to shadowbox a collection of historic items from the nursing school days from the Nazareth School of Nursing, Class of 1949. Item included cloak, hat, pin, student rosary, class photos, nursing license and best of all, a journal written from each days patient care. These items were carefully and artfully laid out to display and most importantly, preserve for all to see at St. Joseph Hospital.

We were happy to get this project completed just in time for the kickoff day of National Nurse Appreciate Week!! Way to go, St. Joe!

New Signs for the Store

2009-05-21T23:32:00.002-04:00

Last week our new signs arrived for the new shop! In just a few minutes, the boxes were mounted and the signs were in place.....we couldn't wait for dusk to arrive so we could "see our name in lights!"

Now, we can move on to repairing the trim and getting our paint on the outside, you will not believe the transformation! Stay tuned for the finishing touches, Letha and Mike

We are featured in Decor Magazine and Picture Framers Magizine

2009-04-19T17:09:00.005-04:00

This week the May editions of Decor Magazine and PFM (Picture Framers Magazine) started hitting peoples mailboxes and our email boxes and phone started ringing! Alas, our copies were delayed due to the post office forwarding our mail from our recent move, but we new the Wizard International ads were published! We had taken photos and worked on content a few months ago and the actual publication date had slipped up on us with all the excitement and long hours following our move to our new shop.

The ads looked really cool and thanks to everyone who has sent us a note or called. Fame, it is SOOOOO fleeting.....now back to cutting some mats (on the Wizard, of course!)

Our new location at 1401 Versailles Road

2009-04-13T21:50:00.005-04:00

I have been silent on the blog for the past few weeks, as we have really been focused on making the move from Broadway over to the new shop on Versailles Road. Mike and I had really become weary of dealing with contractors that never show up or do lackluster work, expenses much higher than projected and delay upon delay! One person that never disappointed us was Nickolay, our carpenter from the Ukraine, who worked all winter without running water and only one working plug in and a strip heater with a squirrel cage fan for warmth! When we apologized to Nick he would always say, "Michael, Michael, I have worked in Siberia at 60 below zero....Its OK, Michael." Nick and Mike have developed quite a rapport; however it is I that runs the sometimes "charades-like" game of figuring out the English word for what Nick wants to tell a story about. We have grown very fond of Nick, Vacilly and Arture, who are now are good friends.

But the best news is that we are about two weeks into living in our new space and we love it! The space is open, bright and clean. Its a wonderful work environment for displaying, designing and framing up beautiful art. We can't wait to show off every inch of it to our clients and friends. So if you find yourself driving down Versailles Road, near the intersection with Red Mile Road, please stop in and take a tour! (you can click on our website for a map)

We have several things in house that's new, including our OVER SIZE dry mount press that will mount items as large as 4 foot x 8 feet! We also have two new lines of classic mouldings, one called "Biltmore for the Home" that have a wonderful classic, aged look. The other line is a hand crafted custom leather line of frames by House of Mercier, available in two to six inch profiles, with intricate hand work. For the outrageous, we have a new line from Lousiania that is made from reclaimed tin roofing, punched ceilings and painted wood salvaged and re-purposed into frames! Come check it out!

We will have an open house later this spring, when we recover from the move, but come on by! Mike and Letha

"Me and My Wizard"

2009-02-27T22:09:00.002-05:00

Mike and I will be featured in an upcoming ad for Wizard International, who makes the computerized mat cutter (CMC) we use in our shop. I wrote them about a particularly challenging project I completed using both the visualization and CMC, with great results. The story was first on their website, as an ongoing series called "Me and My Wizard" which tells stories about framers using Wizard products. I guess we are such a zany framer couple, they decided to feature us on one of their ads as well.

Our instructions was to hold a mat board against a white wall....Well, HELLO, have you ever been in our shop. You can't even see the walls and they are anything but white. Never fear, with two sheets of oversize foamcore a back drop was formed. Rickelle the framing, painting and photography wizard, snapped some pics of us. I sent them on to Merilee at Wizard and she was very pleased. They are crafting an appropriate quote for the ad, but I couldn't resist using the blank white sign for a little ad of our own.

Well, coming to a framing magazine soon will be the Framing Drury's and YES, we LOVE our Wizard! (and they didn't pick the one of us fighting over the matboard, something a little more mainstream....)

Peace Out! South Broadway

2009-02-14T17:51:00.002-05:00

Our good friend, Keith Elrod, Maryville, TN send us a little surprise yesterday.....our very own Digital Customs cartoon, featuring us and our shop of 33 years in a cartoon. Kieth had collected several photographs and did lots of work with the folks at Digital Customs to take out all the traffic lights, wires and extraneous "stuff" out of the building picture. Then he cut us out of a picture taken last year at the PPFA Chapter Leaders Conference in Las Vegas and superimposed us on the corner. Adding a little text that includes Mikes favorite salutation, Peace Out....and there we are....Mike thinks he has a little more hair and I was glad they touched up my grey roots...But I guess we look like the stars in a FOX network sitcom.

Of course, Keith framed ours up in a great frame design for us to take with us to our new shop....now my mind is spinning trying to figure out how to make this into our newest ad campaign..

Thanks Keith and Marion, you guys are the best!

"Working Couples" Feature Article in February Chevy Chaser

2009-02-07T08:50:00.003-05:00

Working Couples

Lexington, KY - More than 1.2 million small businesses in America are operated by a husband- and wife-duo, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. For many, that may seem like a business plan for disaster or divorce, but an entrepreneurial spirit shared with someone you love and respect is also a can also be an appealing aspect for many couples.

We asked some working couples to share some of their experiences with our readers. Their approaches to keeping business at the office (which is the garage or converted bedroom for some) and their personal lives at home is quite dynamic, but all of them seem to genuinely enjoy being able to spend more time with the ones they love.

The Drury's

Mike and Letha Drury are the owners and operators of South Hill Gallery, an art and custom framing shop located at 600 S. Broadway (soon to be moving to 1401 Versailles Rd.).

What do you like most about being able to work with your loved one?

She said: "One of the best things about working with your spouse is having a shared passion for your business. Mike and I own a small business that we are continually trying to grow and expand. The creative synergy or working on a shared goal is pretty cool."

He said: "The most evident aspect is convenience. We live in Versailles, so we can ride to work together and our schedule is the same, which is very convenient."

What's least appealing about working with your loved one?

He said: "When we leave the gallery at the end of the day, there is not a lot to talk about. 'How was your day at work,' is a question that we rarely ask each other because we know how it was."

She said: "We find at the end of the work day, we often retreat to our neutral corners to have some personal time. We also try to find ways to keep our separate interests and friendships going."

How do you deal with conflicts that erupt between each other? Are these matters handled differently than they would be with other people?

She said: "It is certainly one of the pitfalls of working with a spouse. It is human nature to react to a spouse differently than an employee ... As we work in a small shop with two other employees, we don't want the tension from a disagreement to spill over into our work."

He said: "You should ask our assistants this question and you would probably hear that our 'discussions' from time to time create tension. ... I guess you could say we are pretty hard on each other at times. I am probably harder on Letha when a crisis arises but when the dust settles we usually resolve any issues with a favorable outcome.

How does your relationship differ from the office to home?

He said: "We are a great team whether at home or at work. ... If we had full-time careers that were different and stressful, I am sure that would carry over into our relationship at home, and that would be unfortunate."

She said: "I think our relationship is very similar both at work and at home – our work is a big part of our lives and I think treating each other with the same respect 24/7 makes things flow more smoothly."

Any advice to other couples who are considering working with each other, or already work with each other?

She said: "I think it is very critical for working couples to settle the need for control, as that can be a real source of tension. Having clear boundaries at work makes for better harmony for everyone involved – both at home and at work."

He said: "To quote a great song, 'everybody needs a little time away' is great advice. We are still individuals with different interests and it is healthy to enjoy those from time to time without each other."

The Lundys

Jonathan and Cara Lundy are the owners and operators of Jonathan's at Gratz Park, a restaurant located at 120 W. 2nd St.

What do you like most about being able to work with your loved one?

She said: "The thing I like most about working with Jonathan is getting to try all of his delicious dishes."

He said: "Sometimes when I arrive to work, with her eyes glowing, (she) says, 'Well, hello Jonathan Lundy.'"

What's least appealing about working with your loved one?

He said: "When I screw up and disappoint her."

She said: "It's harder to leave things at the office, so to speak."

How do you deal with conflicts that erupt between each other? Are these matters handled differently than they would be with other people?

She said: "I am definitely more comfortable with Jonathan and probably hold back less than I do with others."

He said: "Most work conflicts and stress tend to place Cara and I on the same side. But when we are upset with one another, the conflict does not last long. Thankfully the restaurant offers plenty of room for us to give each other space.

How does your relationship differ from the office to home?

He said: "I don't really think that the relationship changes from work to home. We both approach every day as to what we have to contribute to our household, personal relationship and to our children."

She said: "It isn't that different, except we're not as affectionate at work."

Any advice to other couples who are considering working with each other, or already work with each other?

She said: "It is important for you both to have the same goals."

He said: "Practice listening, compromising, apologizing and forgiving."

The Turners

Brian and Sara Turner are the husband and wife team behind Cricket Press, which designs hand prints a very wide assortment of printing needs. For more, visit their Web site at http://www.cricket-press.com/.

What do you like most about being able to work with your loved one?

She said: "Brian respects my passion to make art ... even when it takes over evenings and weekends. It's comforting (and sometimes extremely helpful) to have him available to answer questions or offer opinions on what I'm creating, and have him know what he's talking about. It's just deeply satisfying to share what you love to do with the one you love."

He said: "Working with Sara just makes everything so much more fun, and less like actual work. Even when I get stressed out about the amount of work we have to do, or how soon we have to get it done, which happens a lot, actually, it is nice to have Sara here with me to ease the tension. We can laugh and joke about things; basically distract one another from whatever stresses we are feeling."

What's least appealing about working with your loved one?

He said: "There are times when Sara's productivity seems to run circles around my own, and when that happens it can really affect me on a creative level ... It doesn't happen a lot, but when it does it can be frustrating on a personal level because it leaves me asking myself, 'Why can't it be that easy for me? Something must be wrong with my creative process!"

She said: "Sharing workspaces. Brian and I are both control freaks (that's why we can't collaborate on jobs), and sometimes when work areas or tools or materials aren't left the way we personally want them, it can be frustrating. But these are the problems all couples deal with."

How do you deal with conflicts that erupt between each other?

She said: "I'm always harder on a loved one. I'm not brutally honest with everyone and sometimes it's more productive to be brutally honest. But if that leads to an argument, I know it will work out and apologies will be made...eventually."

He said: "We just try to not let any conflicts go on for very long. I think we're both very affected by the thought of being mad at each other, or strongly disagreeing on something to the point that it causes tension, so we try not to let that happen."

How does your relationship differ from the office to home?

He said: "Well, since our office is our home, I can't say that it differs much at all. We react to each other in the same ways when we are making dinner as we would if we were working on a big project together."

She said: "It doesn't differ…at all."

Any advice to other couples who are considering working with each other, or already work with each other?

She said: "Mutual respect is key. Appreciate your spouse or partner for they do, what they think ... and how they spend their time."

He said: "Even before we were married, I referred to our relationship as a 'team'; good friends who are on a team together. No matter what you are dealing with, you have to look at the relationship that way because one person can't be pulling all the weight. Each member of the team has to be committed to making the relationship work, and that sentiment applies to marriages as well as working relationships."

View images.

The Joan Weber Gallery Walk at St. Joe Hospital

2009-01-27T12:15:00.002-05:00

We had the privilege of working as the art prepators for the St. Joseph Hospital "Joan Weber Gallery Walk" during the summer of 2008. The following are just a few of the 70 pieces of Kentucky original art that was purchased by the hospital and displayed prominently throughout the campus.
The main corridor through the hospital houses many of the pieces, as well as common areas in other areas of the hospital.

Glass Sculpture by Dan Neil Barnes

Laser cut wood sculpture by Tuska

Mother and Child Gourd by Jennifer Zingg

Here are four of the Sisters from St. Joe Hospital who enjoyed the unveiling...

A Snow Day

2009-01-27T11:19:00.002-05:00

The weather outside if frightful! We are staying in today, Tuesday, January 27th, so the shop will be closed!

Stay warm and safe,
Letha, Mike and Rickelle

Building Update

2009-01-01T23:38:00.002-05:00

We have been steadily working on our new building at 1401 Versailles Road for several months now. We have experienced the usual delays that most everyone faces. Electrician, insulation, heat system...you name it, it is delayed! Our carpenters are right on task, always working, fixing and recommending! Nick and Vacilly are the best.

The dry wall is almost finished and then we will be ready to put in the drop ceiling, start painting and then get the flooring down. I can't wait for you to see the glass block windows, the new bathroom, with its curved wall and reused bead board from the front room. We also have some nice built in shelves for our break room to hold a microwave, coffee pot and pantry items. We are especially looking forward to that......

I will post some progress pictures soon, it is going to be GREAT! Maybe by Ground Hog Day!

World Equestrian Games Official Art is HERE!

2009-01-01T23:21:00.007-05:00

Official
World Equestrian Games

Art Collection

Internationally acclaimed artist Leroy Neiman has created

a vibrant image to commemorate the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.Neiman, whose art has been exhibited at galleries and museums around the world,has created a colorful painting captures the beauty and grace of eight disciplines that make up the games.

WEG Commemorative Signed Poster - Limited Edition -

Special order only (30" x 24") $340.00

WEG Official edition poster (30" x 24") $ 50.00

WEG Souvenior edition poster (20" x 16") $ 30.00

WEG Commemorative poster post card (7.5" x 6") $ 3.75

WEG Official poster postcard (7.5" x 6") $ 3.75

We offer the art unframed, or framed in your custom design.

A Fisherman's Delight

2008-11-05T08:36:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed a great time off at Table Rock Lake in Southern Missouri in late October. Mike scored three really nice bass during the trip, I caught several smaller KY bass and rock bass (I bow to the prowess of Mike's buzz bait fishing!) A week of fishing, relaxing and resting brings us back home ready to tackle the busy Christmas Season and working on our new building at 1401 Versailles Road! We are looking forward to showing off our new space sometime early in 2009. We will keep you posted!

People and Such Show

2008-09-20T11:29:00.004-04:00

We had a great show on Friday evening with Elizabeth Buckley to unveil the newest works called "People and Such." We all had to overcome a lot of adversity to get the show going, as Elizabeth's daughter had emergency surgery in CA and Mike went to the hospital for three days! But with the encouragement of friends and family, and a great staff here at South Hill Gallery we pulled off the party!

Please enjoy some snapshots of the evening and come by and see the great works if you couldn't make it down last night.

"Happy Hour" by Michael Flohr

2008-09-01T12:19:00.003-04:00

We are looking forward to receiving this new piece from the publishers of M. Flohr's artwork - It is a great size, has wonderful color and will never be at a better price!

Michael Flohr “Happy Hour”

Size 30 x 20.5 edition of 195, plus 25 AP's

Pre-publication price $950

(Delivery September 15, 2008)

New Images for E Buckley Show

2008-09-01T09:52:00.004-04:00

You are getting a preview of some of the art that we will be showing on Friday, September 19th when we open the show, "People & Such" with Elizabeth Buckley. Elizabeth is a master of painting a wide range of images, as you can see from the collection below. I can't wait to see them in person - come out an see Elizabeth on Sept. 19th, eat some great food from DaRae and Friends Catering and help celebrate my birthday!

Memorial for Bob Levy

2008-09-01T09:28:00.003-04:00

Robert "Bob" Levy passed away Tuesday morning, August 26, 2008 at age 85 years young. A memorial was held Friday August 29, 2008 at the Woodland Park Gazebo. Bob was a well-known local and regional photographer, and was involved with several local organizations including the LFUCG Parks and Recreation "Ballet under the Stars," UK women's gymnastics and UK women's softball, as well as being a long-time member and devoted volunteer with the Lexington Art League.
“He was my studio and fiber program assistant for many years where he introduced the art of Japanese arashi shibori to my students. Two major large commissions, Millennium, at the Singletary Center, and Big Fall, at the Louisville Water Company Headquarters were made in a large part possible with Bob's help. He will be sorely missed for his art, wit, community spirit, and love of animals.” – Arturo Sandoval

Bob was a frequent visitor to our shop and always attended our art shows. He had a collection of witty t-shirts, our favorite being one with "Don't Drink and Draw" on the front. At the memorial on Friday, we were struck by the wide range of people who came together to honor their friend - many of whom we knew as well- It was great to see the common denominator of such a group was Bob!

In addition to his daughter Pat, Bob is survived by his beloved dog, Jen-Jen.

CELEBRATE!

2008-08-23T22:22:00.007-04:00

We have been "celebrating" Mike's 45th birthday (August 21st) this week by having some nice evenings with friends and family. On Friday night we went out with our core group of friends, Paul and Sherry Simmons, John, Tammy and Annie Hutcherson, Mark Johnson and Donna Muloy. Following a lovely dinner at Cleveland's, Mike opened some gifts. The video that follows shows just how one little line of a song can prompt a bunch of 70's kids into full blown song! Thank goodness the camera was loaded and ready! Watch and enjoy Mike's birthday "Celebration!" (followed by a little Blue's Brothers!)

New Home for South Hill Gallery

2008-07-31T11:37:00.002-04:00

Here are some 1st views of what will be our new home on Versailles Road. It is our little diamond in the rough - we just felt like it was home to us when we walked in the door!
This is a view of the show room area - lots of windows for showing art!

Stay tuned as we update you on the construction progress and the move to our new location at 1401 Versailles Road sometime in late 2008!

Michael Flohr - Contemporary Impressionistic Art

2008-06-30T11:01:00.003-04:00

We are excited to announce the addition of artist Michael Flohr to our gallery. Michael is a young artist from San Diego, CA that is taking the west coast by storm! We will be receiving our first shipment in about 2 weeks that will be artist enhanced giclees. His original paintings sell in minutes and limited edition giclees in weeks.

Michael Flohr's paintings are a patchwork of avant-garde, impressionistic color exhibiting a stylistic fortitude that succeeds in redefining impressionism and abstract expressionism. Depicting ordinary moments in extraordinary ways, Flohr's work displays an artistic mastery of color, perspective, technique and vision. "I have a huge passion to record humanity on canvas, the good and the bad, it is all beautiful to me."

Watch our windows for this exciting new artist!

Elizabeth Buckley Show - Save the date of Friday, Sept. 19th, 5-8 p.m.

2008-06-20T07:46:00.004-04:00

We are happy to announce that Elizabeth Buckley will be in the gallery for an art show this fall! We will kick off the show, entitled "People and Such" with a Meet the Artist Reception on Friday evening, September 19, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. We invite everyone who loves her work to join us for food, wine and talking with Elizabeth about the inspiration for her art.

Elizabeth is working very hard after attending a painting workshop earlier this year in Texas. There she found a new creative energy for capturing the essence of people in their surroundings. Yesterday she sent me a wonderful image that she just finished that will be in the show. You are getting a sneak peek of"A Man and His Boy." We will keep you posted!

Framing The Gear!

2008-06-13T22:21:00.004-04:00

Mike had a framing challenge when one of our great customers brought in a bicycle gear cast in steel - that he wanted to frame and hang on the wall. Mike and I came up with a frame design to accentuate the gear itself....but Mike had to study for a while to engineer a strong package to hold the weight of the gear. It turned out great and the customer was thrilled!

St. Joseph Gallery Walk

2008-06-13T22:03:00.002-04:00

Mike and I have had the pleasure to work with Jeff Murphy at St. Joseph Hospital and Emily Shrider, of Lexarts in the soon to be unveiled Gallery Walk. Last year, the hospital put out a call for Kentucky artists to submit works for consideration. An amazing collection of original art has been purchased to be on display in the common areas of the hospital. The works cover a wide range of art forms, including art glass, photography, sculpture, and paintings in styles from folk art to modern.

Some of the art required framing and we have worked on that over the winter. We are now preparing to hang all of the pieces in areas around the waiting rooms and main corridors for the reception to recognize the artists and show off the new renovation. We are very honored to be part of this project that showcases some of the finest of our local talent. We will keep you posted on our progress!

Arturo Alonzo Sandoval Endowed Chair

2008-05-13T18:54:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, May 9, 2008 we were honored to attend a party for the founding donors of the first Endowed Professorship in the University of Kentucky Art Department. Our friend, Arturo Alonzo Sandoval was honored to have this Endowment started in his name, in recognition for his years as a professor in the Art Department, his wonderful talent as a studio artist and the care and concern he has shown for his students and the community at large. Arturo is truly a spiritual man who influences all who know him in a special way. We are proud to call him a friend and long time supporter of our business. It was great to be able to show support, along with his many other friends.

If you know Arturo and have not been invited to be part of this fund, we encourage you to give. Through endowments such as these, quality art instruction will be supported at U.K. to keep training young people.

Erica returns to SHG!

2008-04-27T21:08:00.003-04:00

Friday and Saturday's show opening with Erica was a blast and many new people got to met her and gain a new appreciation for her art. Erica is a wonderful lady, as lovely as she is talented. We enjoy seeing her face to face and getting to talk with her about the art that we spend lots of time with. Her collection this year is very diverse in color, medium and style - there is something for everyone in this body of work. Get down to the Gallery and see the collection, as photographs don't do them justice.

I will put in a photo of Erica, her friend, E. T. Baird , who is riding in the Kentucky Derby aboard "Recapturetheglory" and our former "Team Gallery" girls, Lauren and Amber.

I'm a natural born coon!

2008-04-10T17:22:00.000-04:00

Mike and I had a rare opportunity to go out to Ann Tower Gallery in Lexington last week. They had an exhibit of some very nice primitive folk art. There was a piece in the very back of the gallery, where most people would miss, that had a very large coon jumping over the moon, reminiscent of the nursery rhyme. He was accompanied by a poem that really engaged me, as you see, the coon is my nemesis animal....another story.

The poem went as follows:

Natural Born Coon

by Jim Gary Phillips

I will steal thy corn

by the light of the moon.

I am what I am

a Natural Born Coon.

In the white oak tree

is where I make my stand.

Treed by a walker and

a black and tan.

The art and poem has haunted me, and of course, when Mike called about the picture two days later, it had sold. Alas, I had to re-learn the hard lesson....when art haunts you, buy it!

"GREEN" Bamboo Moulding

2008-04-09T16:59:00.005-04:00

"Green" Moulding made from Bamboo is IN

at South Hill Gallery!

The Eco-Collection is made from 100% real bamboo. Bamboo is one of the most renewable resources in the world. The use of these fast growing trees helps to preserve native hardwood species all around the world.

The finishes are very lovely, showing the natural grain pattern of the bamboo. As this is a natural product, the finish and grain may vary from run to run. However, this moulding has a great, clean contemporary look - Socially responsible and economical at the same time!

There are several finished to choose from, including a very cool inlay that comes in two sizes. There is also a cherry color finish that has a black panel around the outside.

Come by and check them out!

We have bought The Hidden Gallery

2008-04-08T14:47:00.002-04:00

Two weeks ago, Mike and I completed the purchase of The Hidden Gallery on East High Street. Many people are asking, "Do you plan on opening a second location?" No, that is not our plan. We love our busy corner on South Broadway and Bolivar, but our space is very limited. We hope to sell the excess equipment we have acquired and use the Hidden Gallery space for a much needed workshop and storage area. We are sifting though our acquisition and moving stuff to make more room at South Hill Gallery!

Stay tuned!

http://www.southhillgallery.com/

The only CPF'S in Lexington!

2008-04-08T14:14:00.003-04:00

We are very excited to announce that South Hill Gallery now has TWO Certified Professional Framers on staff. Steven Hamm (Computer guru by day, framer by night) last week passed the CPF exam and is now one of only two CPF's in Lexington.

Steven has been doing a little moonlighting at SHG for the past few months while he is putting the finishing touches on opening his own frame shop in Nicholasville. We are very happy to have such a talented framer working with us, expecially now that he has passed his CPF!

Congratulations, Steven!

FINALLY-a ready made that looks custom.

2008-04-01T10:49:00.003-04:00

Mike and I have added a new line of ready made frames that include conservation glass, acid free mats and backings - all at a great price. These frames come in sizes ranging from 8 x 10 to 16 x 20. The real star of this line is a great diploma frame that comes with its own fillet! all for $50.00! This frame has a great look and has an easy open backing that makes it great for those offices that need yearly certificates that update.

Come by the shop and check out this new line!

Erica Nordean Returns to South Hill Gallery

2008-04-01T10:43:00.004-04:00

Erica Nordean, contemporary equine artist, is returning to South Hill Gallery for a show of original art on April 25-26, 2008. We will have an artist reception on Friday evening from 5-8 p.m., complete with fabolous food and drink and lots on new art to view. Erica will also be on hand on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be several different types of art to see: pastels, acrylic on canvas, multi-media colleges, artist enhanced giclee on canvas...

We got the first of her art in yesterday and you will be very excited so see what Erica has been up to!

Keep checking back, we may sneak a peak of some of the news work