Annual Holiday Roundup of Horse Art

Turning Point Gallery has rounded up more Ned Moulton wild horses to greet visitors to University Mall as they go to and from A Southern Season. The leader is 40" tall and dominates the scene. Most visitors are have seen Ned's racehorses in the gallery as well as in Lexington and in the clubhouses of major racetracks. Each one is an original and made in 3D out of plywood, acrylic and clear resin. The racehorses range in size from 40" down to 15" and entend anywhere from half an inch to 2.5 inches from the wall. Three and four are the most common starting races, but we have sold one or two and then every year more are added to a individual's collection.


Maeve Harris continues to develop her ideas and mixed media techniques using horses as her subject matter. Bringing more horses to the Turning Point Gallery roundup is Tanner Jensen.

The coil built clay sculptures of Nan Jacobsohn and the bronze sculptures of Wayne Salge are always a wonderful addition to the roundup as well.

In Stone Time

University Mall is launching their first annual Scrapel Hill Art calling for artists to create art from recycled materials.

Following University Mall's lead, Turning Point Gallery recently added another Green artist, Michael Mertes.

Michael Mertes has created In Stone Time clocks from Indian or Chinese slate and wood with proud histories.

Slate is a metamorphic rock. It is the alteration of a preexisting rock (the parent rock) due to heat and pressure caused by burial in the earth. Therefor, slate is part of nature's recycling.

Trees produce wood which has been used to build structures. These structures in turn are often restored after many years of use and the replaced wood is made available for art. Both clocks pictured have extensive histories.






See In Stone Time clocks on Michael Mertes page at HarmonyFineArt.com

Simon Bull show a great success

Simon Bull once again demonstrated his ability to reach out to the Chapel Hill community. Many people make every effort to be available when Simon is in town. When he received the reminder email Thursday in Russia, Malcolm Forbes made sure that his flight schedule allowed him to make the event Friday night.

Simon began his show by recreating a scene he experienced coming over the mountains on the drive to the Triangle. He painted an 18x18 acrylic on canvas titled Carolina Mist.
Simon then added remarques to a number of his works creating some true family heirlooms.








And the highlight of this year's show was the pedigree dog series which can be seen on the Simon Bull Turning Point Gallery event page.

Simon Bull to paint and raise funds in Chapel Hill

Turning Point Gallery features internationally acclaimed Simon Bull as the featured artist during the 2ndFriday ArtWalk in Chapel Hill November 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Simon Bull will meet collectors and demonstrate his painting techniques.

Simon Bull is also helping launch University Mall's first annual It's All About Giving day November 15, a special program for rasing money for 17 local charities. Simon will be painting from 10 until noon. The mall wide event lasts until 7 p.m. Bull's work has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the local community in the last eight years including $40,000 in the 2006 Angels Among Us program for brain tumor research.
This year a North Carolina tree and a series of dog portraits are featured in addition to his incredible flowers, landscapes and musical pieces.

Simon painted a spectacular North Carolina dogwood entitled "Morning Star". Turning Point Gallery has received an exclusive very-limited "Family Tree Edition" of 25 in a special 18-by-12-inch gallery wrapped giclée that Bull will enhance for each member of a family, creating an heirloom to be passed down through generations. Bull will also add a dedication to the back. Make an appointment to have Simon personalize a “Morning Star” while he is in Chapel Hill by calling (919) 967-0402 or email. You do not have to be present and Turning Point Gallery will ship one for $10.

Simon Bull has also released ten portraits of pedigree dogs available as giclées on canvas in three sizes: 36-by-36 inches, 24-by-24 inches and 18-by-18 inches. Right now, for the first time in the United States, Turning Point Gallery is offering a special open edition 15-by-15-inch size of these portraits for $195.

Learn more about Simon Bull’s upcoming visit to Turning Point Gallery at http://www.harmonyfineart.com/id235.html.

22 New Maeve Harris Originals available through Turning Point gallery

Maeve Harris once again creates some spectacular work in her Seattle studio and made available through Turning Point Gallery in Chapel Hill, NC.

14 Maeve Harris originals on paper from the smallest measuring 22x30 to the largest measuring 40x30.
This Maeve Harris is titled "Cellulose 2" and is 30x30.

And 8 Maeve Harris mixed media on canvas, ranging in size from 12x12 to 36.5x40.












Pictured are the 12x12 "Element 4" of the four "Element" series

and the 36.5x40 "Percy 1"

Baiser (to kiss) - by Maeve Harris arrives

Baiser by Maeve Harris in French means "to kiss" and arrived at Turning Point Gallery in Chapel Hill, NC last week. The creation of Baiser, which has a certain human chemistry connotation, is itself the product of years of careful study, practice and mixed media chemical experimentation by Maeve in her sudio or possibly laboratory. The result is a welcoming multi layered experience. For more about Maeve Harris and her current work go here.

August Transitions Show

Turning Point Gallery's new artists headline August as we continue to search the art world for the unique.




Tanner Jensen’s mixed media horses encompass not only the earthly elements, but also the spiritual. more......





Jason Ramsay Clark doesn’t merely carve a chunk of wood, he “deconstructs” the wood into 1” segments then reconstructs it with offsets followed by shaping, sanding and 10 coats of finish. He achieves this while still retaining the original grain. more...



For the serene waterscape best captured with oil on canvas you must experience Mai Shang’s fine line paintings. These 18” x 32” scenes are vacations at home. more.....



Six museums include Bob Haselle’s pottery in their collections. His technique for imprinting vaporized chemicals and combustibles on his pit fired pottery yields unique patterns. more.....




Three new pieces by bronze sculptor Wayne Salge, new Chinese Paper Sculpture , some new Nan Jacobsohn horses and the magical paintings of Eric Zwezerijnen

Ruffin Hobbs Leaves A Metal Sculpture legacy

Ruffin Hobbs, whose art has been instrumental in our success as a gallery, died in an accidental fall on July 28, 2008. His yearly one man show was always filled with new ideas, from very large mobiles to small intricate wire sculptures produced up close one on one in front of our gallery.

Most of all we liked him as a friend and he will be missed.

Ruffin was a sculptor who lived and worked in southern Alamance County, North Carolina. As an artist primarily working in metal, he was fascinated by the interplay of wire, volume, and open space. Ruffin also explored how using combinations of different metals in his work could add color contrast, texture and strength. He often combined traditional metal working techniques, such as forged iron, with more contemporary methods, including hollow-form assembly.

Ruffin's most ambitious sculpture commission to date, was the design and fabrication of a pair of majestic stainless steel tigers for Princeton University.

Dubai's Helena Fann First US Show

It was a colorful evening for the visitors to Turning Point Gallery on July 11th. Shown here in front of Helena Fann's work are gallery owners Garry and Jerri Meldrum, Helena center and Art Consultants Sarah Coppola and Marlowe Dutton.

Undersea Imagery With Nude Drama

Artist’s Acrylics Stage Turning Point From South African to Dubai Culture

Feathery angelfish float serenely through a sea of dramatic aquatic hues in one painting, as a human female form wrapped in erotic ribbons of color radiates nearby in another. Could both paintings come from same artist? Only if that artist is Helena Fann.

Turning Point Gallery’s featured artist July 3-Aug. 4 presents “Scales, Skins and Things,” an unlikely blend of undersea splendor with startlingly beautiful—and mature—human forms. Known for her vibrant aquatic and nude paintings, acrylic artist Fann recently relocated to Raleigh, but was born in South Africa and owns a home in Dubai.

“With me I bring a bit of Dubai culture—in the form of abstracts, which is very popular over there,” she says. “They love rich colors, the color of the ocean, the warmth of the desert and the color of gold.”

Fann will attend an opening reception during the 2ndFrday ArtWalk at Turning Point gallery July 11 from 6-9. Fann will also serve as the judge for a Turning Point Gallery children’s art contest, which seeks 2D, 8-by-10-inch undersea pictures in any medium from contestants in two age groups: 3-5 and 6-8. The gallery will award a prize to the winner of each group, as well as an overall prize of an original painting by Fann.

Fann matriculated from Johannesburg School of Art, Ballet & Music. She was commissioned to illustrate a children's book during her final year in school, and went on to work in the display department of a large company designing posters and building props for window displays. After marriage and the birth of her son, Fann started her own advertising and promotions company, which left little time for painting. She moved to Cape Town in 1993 with her new husband and extended family, where she was able to fully pursue her passion for drawing and painting.
“The clear vibrant colors she uses together with the strong lights and darks give depth to the ocean and to the painting,” says Patricia Southcombe, former gallery director of Hunar Gallery in Dubai. “In their own way, these paintings are also very evocative with the floating fins of the angelfish.”

Christopher Southcombe met Fann while serving as Dubai International Art Centre’s chairman when she joined on as a teacher, and was particularly struck by the originality of her nude works. “Sensuality is well expressed in forms such as those clothed in the leopard skin and the giraffe skin,” he says. “By depicting only a part of the female form, essential characteristics of each animal can be inferred. The graceful power of the leopard and the serene elegance of the giraffe are subtly expressed.”

Learn more about Fann, her upcoming show and the children’s art contest at www.harmonyfineart.com.

Painter Wilfred Lang "Summer Abroad"

Turning Point Gallery in Chapel Hill will display 15 original paintings from acrylic artist Wilfred Lang June 5-July 3 in an exhibit titled “Summer Abroad”. The gallery will also feature his work at the 2ndFriday ArtWalk June 13, 6-9.

Wilfred’s unique and instantly recognizable style reveals a clever use of color coordinating and color integration techniques that create three-dimensional effects. He combines elements of Eastern and Western culture and inspiration, displaying what Turning Point Gallery owner Jerri Meldrum calls “a pleasing transition between realism and abstract” for local collectors.

The artist, who signs his paintings as “Wilfred,” exhibits original work in Hawaii, New York, Hong Kong and Barcelona in addition to Chapel Hill. Born in Shanghai, Wilfred currently resides in Amsterdam, which serves as his second home and the gateway for sharing his art with the world.

Wilfred started watercolor painting at the age of 7, and attended art schools in China and Hong Kong, where he began his modern contemporary work. His acrylic-on-canvas paintings are gallery-wrapped so they do not require further framing, since the image wraps around the edge. Wilfred paints in large formats with the majority of his artwork covering 40x40 inches or 36x48 inches—an exceptional value for such high quality work.

“When I am not creating art, I enjoy walking my dogs in the forest around my town,” Wilfred says. “People who know me best would describe me as a good friend with an open house living situation.”

Simon Bull New Original Arrives in Chapel Hill

Simon Bull's newest original Fanfare III arrived this week in Chapel Hill at Turning Point Gallery. A dramatic 24"x 24" represents another dimension of Simon's ever evolving body of work.

Also arriving is Simon Bull's latest limited edition release Living The Life is available in 18"x 24", 24"x 32" and 30"x 40", all gallery wrapped ready to hang without a frame or add a frame. See more at our website www.harmonyfineart.com.
or visit our studio .

Lasting Impressions - Absolutely

Maeve Harris and Wayne Salge delighted quite a crowd last Friday night.

Wayne explained how he is able to create sculptures that express feeling by using shape, line and form rather than realistic depiction. Maeve explained her techniques in using chemical reactions as well as mechanical methods of extracting an image deep within multiple layers.

Taylor Stephenson was given a special graduation gift by her aunt in two Maeve Harris giclees on canvas which Maeve personalized on the back.




On Saturday Maeve demonstrated her techniques and enlisted the help of special assistants Lauren and Jason seen here.



And what a Lasting Impression (i.e. heirloom) for this Chapel Hill family








Before returning to Seattle, Maeve was treated to North Carolina pulled pork bbq at the Brighthorse Farm and Art Studio in Chatham County. She learned from equestrian Cindy McWilliams and Art Director Kim Greene how they also combined Maeve's passion for horses and art into numerous programs for children and adults.



Turning Point Gallery owner, Jerri Meldrum discussed some future riding prospects with Tara.

Lasting Impresssions

Turning Point Gallery’s “Lasting Impressions” show will elegantly blend Seattle, Washington-based painter Maeve Harris’ expressions of color and light with Johnstown, Colorado-based sculptor Wayne Salge’s focus on shape, line and form. The gallery, located at University Mall in Chapel Hill, will also host a reception for Harris and Salge May 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. during the 2ndFriday ArtWalk.

Maeve will also be demonstrating her painting techniques on Saturday May 10th 1-4 p.m. in front of the gallery.

Maeve Harris uses various inks and pigments to integrate traditional subject matter, such as horses or flowers, with contemporary styles and techniques. She focuses on the medium and process first, and from that, a concept surfaces.

Many of her paintings disclose her interest in natural and organic forms, and her lifelong passion for horses. Born in New Jersey in 1976, Maeve Harris became an equestrian at an early age and perfected the art of horse dressage. Saturday evening Maeve Harris is attending a private BBQ hosted by BrightHorse Farm & Art Studio.

Study abroad in Florence, Italy also influenced her life personally and artistically. Harris discusses her paintings on YouTube . Her work also appeared on the set of “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Wayne Salge was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He attended San Antonio College and La Villita School of Art. Originally a student of abstract painting, Salge switched to sculpture at the suggestion of a college professor. He worked as a television director, Army illustrator, advertising agency art director and freelance graphic designer following graduation, but remained devoted to sculpture.

Salge says his sculpture depicts a “not easy to label or describe” style. He applies the painting term of impressionism to his work, and often molds humans and animals, but says “sometimes the terminology ‘stylized,’ ‘modern’ or ‘contemporary’ is used. It falls somewhere between realism and abstraction.”

Visit here to view more work from Maeve Harris and Wayne Salge.

Ruffin Hobbs launches Spring Fever

Ruffin Hobbs has been a featured artist at Turning Point Gallery in University Mall, Chapel Hill, NC for over 7 years. Ruffin and his wife live in a wonderful restored grist mill in Alamance County, North Carolina. It is in this setting that Ruffin has his large studio for creating masterpieces such as the 7000 pound stainless tigers at Princeton University, the giant mobile at the Durham Museum of Life and Sciences and a recent sculpture addition to UNC Chapel Hill.

Every year at Turning Point Gallery Ruffin unveils 10-15 new pieces as he did this last Friday night.
The three pieces shown here are the life size Poised, a delicately balanced mixed metal staibile and Phoenix on the right. The whole new collection can be seen at Ruffin's New Works Page.

Nan Jacobsohn wows the audience

Nan Jacobsohn's Thirteen Horses show "kicked off" on March 14th with a private luncheon hosted by Jerri Meldrum inside Turning Point Gallery. Nan presented the work and told the stories along her journey to become a full time artist. Each horse sculpture was inspired by that journey.

Pat Nelson, owner of Carolina Cleaners, best described the whole event and the work as "amazing and very inspirational". Click here to see all of the Thirteen Horses.

Thirteen Horses - The Journey" is about my journey of self discovery; taking the leap of becoming a full-time artist after decades of working as an art educator and museum administrator. I have used horses in my art work to represent both life's journey and as a metaphorical representation of women in general. They embody for me great beauty and strength, qualities we as women, covet for ourselves. In "Thirteen Horses," I explore the range of emotions encountered on a quest for a new life and an artistic voice. The 13 horses speak for me. -Nan

Nancy Jacobsohn 2008 Show "Thirteen Horses"

Nan Jacobsohn’s “Thirteen Horses—The Journey”
Celebrates Women and Self Discovery

Artist’s Equine Sculptures Reveal Her Personal Turning Point

Turning Point Gallery in Chapel Hill, N.C. connects with community supporters of the Triangle’s growing equine industry March 14 when gallery owners Jerri and Garry Meldrum host a public reception from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring Tennessee artist Nan Jacobsohn at the 2ndFriday Artwalk. Turning Point Gallery will serve as the first venue for “Thirteen Horses—The Journey,” a show created by Jacobsohn, who is known for her hand-built clay horse sculptures.

Jacobsohn’s work celebrates equine qualities embraced by women. “Horses embody for me great beauty and strength, qualities we, as women, covet for ourselves,” she says. “In the ‘Thirteen Horses,’ I explore the range of emotions encountered on a quest for a new life and an artistic voice. The ‘Thirteen Horses’ speak for me.”

The show also represents a turning point in Jacobsohn’s life. “The ‘Thirteen Horses’ is about my journey of self discovery; taking the leap of becoming a full-time artist after decades of working as an art educator and museum administrator. I have used horses in my art work to represent both life’s journey and as a metaphorical representation of women in general,” she says.

“Thirteen Horses—The Journey” appropriately follows Festa Della Donna, or International Women’s Day, on March 8, which has been sponsored by the United Nations since 1975 but actually dates back to the early 20th Century when European and American women began campaigning for the right to vote, better pay and improved working conditions.

Turning Point Gallery’s Chapel Hill location is the perfect place to exhibit equine art. Since 1997, the number of small horse farms, horse boarding farms and horse owners in the Chapel Hill area has increased. These numbers are expected to continue rising as the region’s urban population grows, according to the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. New state legislation authorizing a $500,000 equine industry census underscores the equine industry’s growth.

The attached image portrays Jacobsohn’s sculpture, “Or So They Say.” Visit www.harmonyfineart.com/id162.html to view more of Jacobsohn’s work and to learn more about “Thirteen Horses—The Journey.”

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About Turning Point Gallery
Turning Point Gallery is located in Chapel Hill’s University Mall at U.S. 15-501 and Estes Drive. www.harmonyfineart.com or call (919) 967-0402 for more information. Turning Point Gallery is also a founding sponsor and host of 2ndFriday Artwalk, a monthly event displaying a variety of artwork from participating galleries. Learn more at www.2ndfridayartwalk.com.