Updates From Full Circle Gallery

"SOS: Save Our Shores" 
A Community Exhibit
Closing Reception & Silent Auction: Saturday, August 28th, 6pm-8pm

"SOS: Save Our Shores" is a community exhibit in reaction to the Gulf oil spill. The show will be up from August 17th-August 28th with a closing reception on August 28th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. There will be a silent auction during the reception with all proceeds going to the artists of our community. This will be a great opportunity to pick up some amazing artwork and show your support for our talented community.
The goal of this show is to give artists and viewers a venue to express their different ideas, feelings and issues about the Gulf oil spill. In this way, we can learn from each other and work towards a positive solution to this tragedy. Gallery owner Mercedes Rodgers says, "With so many of us affected by this disaster, the Full Circle Gallery thought they would try to do something positive for the community." So far there has been an amazing response to the show with inquiries from New York to Brazil with questions about how to submit. This is going to be a dynamic show with a wide variety of mediums, concepts and styles on display.

During this show, Mercedes Rodgers will introduce her community project "Security Blanket", a conceptual quilt made from reused petroleum-based plastics.

Taking Flight, Taking Root Laurel Siwicki Opening Reception September 4th, 6:00pm-9:00pm   Northwest Florida's award-winning artist Laurel Siwicki will present her solo show "Taking Flight, Taking Root" on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at Full Circle Gallery in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. The show will feature ceramic sculptures that reflect the artist's introspection into the life journey - how we get there and where we take root.  While Siwicki, a native of Niceville, has been working on developing this show for about a year, she feels her own life journey has been preparing her for it all of her life. While the works are derived from the artist's personal experiences, they are open to individual interpretation, providing spectators with an opportunity to explore their own thoughts on taking flight and taking root. As such, symbolism plays an integral role in Siwicki's series and heavily helps her tell her story. "Since the beginning of time, artists have been using symbols in their art to allow the viewer to infer their own meaning," Siwicki explains. "I use old and new symbols, all of which incorporate my Northwest Florida roots." These symbols include cypress trees, dilapidated skiffs, and native birds. Siwicki's works also often include parts that look rusted or worn, which help create a sense of the passing of time, highlighting the artist's belief that journeys take time and that one ought to enjoy them. "Too often we focus on the 'being-there,' when, if we take a moment, we will realize that the 'getting-there' is sometimes the best part," Siwicki says. In conjunction with her show, Siwicki will offer two workshops where she will talk about her creative process and demonstrate the techniques she uses to create her enthralling works of art.  For more information about the workshops, click on the links below. Journey Sculpture September 11th - October 2nd Four Sessions - $130 Saturday 11:00am - 1:00pm During this workshop, students will explore their own personal journeys and learn how to turn them into a ceramic sculpture. Students will begin by discussing what a journey is and then reflect on where they have been and where they still have to go. Images from this discussion will then be used to create their explorative sculpture. Using a variety of hand building techniques, students will collage together the various aspects of their story into a work of art. Artists at any level are welcome to join the class. Angel Sculpture November 6th & 20th Two Sessions - $80 Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm During this workshop, students will create a figure while learning how to use different hand building techniques in clay. Students will have several types of figures to choose from to make- an animal or human figure, or a figure that allows them to use their self-expression. Using slap, molds, impressing, stamping, and pinching, students will create a figurative work in clay. This is a two day workshop. On the first day, students will create their figures; on the following day, they will glaze their pieces.

 New Class Schedule
September, October, November
check it out...

Get your hands in clay, meet interesting people, and share in the miracle of turning mud into something beautiful. Our studio specializes in teaching wheel-thrown pottery and offers instruction for all levels.  We offer classes in pottery for adults and children. Prices for classes include all materials, unless otherwise noted.  For class schedule, descriptions and other information, visit our website: www.fullcirclefwb.com.

We look forward to creating something beautiful with you.
Space is limited, so call today!