Artist Profile: Melinda Crider The Mysteries in Everyday Experiences By Heike Hellmann-Brown From mixed media installations to paintings, photography and clay works, Lake Arrowhead resident, Melinda Crider, has been a staple in the Cherokee art scene for decades. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Crider grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. During high school, she moved to the Atlanta area with her family. Crider has felt compelled to create art for a long time. She attended the Atlanta College of Art, where she studied sculpture and painting. Drawing and painting was where I was the happiest, but when I discovered clay, I liked the immediacy of the medium, the artist notes. A painted, work-in-progress can be left sitting for months. With clay, there is no waiting; it gives an instant 3D-response. She went on to the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center for a two-year pottery assistantship. Clay provides me with a lot of artistic freedom. I now consider it my surface for painting. The process is hands-on, intricate and ever-changing. A raw block of clay takes shape and forms a life of its own, especially in my figurative work. This metamorphosis into lively characters with personality and soul is a wonderful experience. Criders sculptures are a testimony to the many facets of life: her dreams, her memories, childhood fairy tales and todays experiences. Furthermore, she is intrigued with the human psyche and the variable perceptions of the self. A visit to the Cirque du Soleil, where she saw Chinese acrobats, inspired Crider to create jesters. Currently, she is working on a series of vessels that have a more architectural approach and can be used either for decorative purposes or as functional vases. While Crider may use a photograph or a drawing as a starting point, she works intuitively, letting her medium guide her. The clay speaks to me, and I am willing to learn as I go. Although the journey might take me into another direction than initially anticipated, it can be interesting and stimulating. Once molded, carved and dried, Criders unique creations are fired several times, using underglazes, slips, washes and stains or beeswax until she receives the desired result. Crider, who also teaches her skills in a private setting, has won several awards for her work. She recently earned a Merit Award in the 2015 Auburn, Alabama Art Associations 17th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. Creating art is an outlet that allows me to liberate my emotions. I want my work to evoke a sense of mystery in the viewer, because if there is no mystery, there is nothing to think about. Crider, who is aware that not all onlookers may relate to her pieces, says, I know that my work is not for everybody, and that is just fine. There is a lot of great art out there. I wish each person would find an artpiece that makes him or her happy, even though it may not be a creation of mine. MelindaCrider.com
Artist Profile: Mandy Gawley Real Life. Real Love. All Heart. By Heike Hellmann-Brown The Space That Lies Between, Mandy Gawleys latest release, describes the importance of relationships and time well spent with the people who matter most. As with all of Gawleys songs, her powerful, emotional message to enjoy each facet of life, in spite of occasional obstacles, provides inspiration and encouragement. Singing is not only my passion, the singer states, God gave me this precious gift, and my songs are the vessel to share love and understanding with those who need inspiration or uplifting in challenging situations. The native Georgian singer studied at Belmont Universitys School of Music, in Nashville, Tennessee. Soon, I realized that no one could give me a degree in performance, Gawley remembers. To become a recording artist, experience mattered. Gawley moved to San Francisco, sang in jazz clubs and later performed in musical theater productions in the Atlanta area, where she met her future husband during one of her day jobs as a headhunter. He was fresh off the boat from Ireland, Gawley jokes. After the birth of her two sons, Mandy Gawley started to write her own material, after being prompted by her husband. Initially, my songwriting was intended for my kids to have something to hold onto, but my journey as a wife and mother resonated with listeners in a very personal way. Gawley credits the collaboration with producer, Michael Gleason, and renowned vocal coach and producer, Mama Jan Smith, as instrumental in helping her find her voice as an artist. My style is inspirational on a universal level, with a little bit of country, a little bit of pop and a whole lot of heart. A 2012 Georgia Country Female Artist of the Year Finalist and 2013 Georgia Music Award Country nominee, Gawley has been featured on radio stations across the southeast. She also appeared on The Donna Show, CBSs Better Mornings Atlanta and played at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Seaside, FL. She sold out her first headline show and appeared in a commercial for the GMC network. Additionally, she supported worthwhile causes to benefit others; among them were Cool Girls, Inc. and SERV International. In 2013, an illness stopped Gawley in her tracks. It was a very traumatic experience that tested my faith but eventually brought me closer to God, the singer says. I am hard working by nature, raising children and performing are two full-time jobs. This forced break led me to reevaluate my life. As moms, we want to be all things, to all people, all the time, yet every little second is precious. Time spent is time we dont get back. We need to decide how we want to live our lives and how we want to be remembered. By balancing my life, I set the example that a woman can follow her dreams and still have children, while my own children learn the importance of following a passion. This makes me a better wife and mother, and ultimately a more authentic performer. MandyGawley.com
Live Clean On Our Knees in Gratitude By Kathleen Boehmig Tracey Satterfield started cleaning homes and offices 26 years ago. This job physically and spiritually kept her on her knees, and still does today. I am so very grateful and proud of Live Clean, Inc.! Tracey says. There are so many changing components each day in running a business. The one solid, never-changing component for Live Clean is doing what is right. At first, Tracey continues, it was just me and a handful of customers. One day, I hired someone to help me, then several others. Next thing I know, we were working out of my parents old barn. Now, weve grown and evolved, but were still the same sincere and caring, family-friendly cleaning company that has been helping business owners concentrate on their customers and helping families spend more time on the most important thing in life: living! Three years ago, Live Clean moved into their downtown Canton location. Tracey wanted a professional image to match the way she and her team work. The move has brought some great exposure to the business; many downtown offices are now trusting Live Clean to assist them. Their commercial division has doubled over the last few years. As Tracey points out, Our commercial division is a very diverse group of customers, from medical and veterinarian offices to private schools and churches. Currently, we serve commercial customers all the way from Jasper to Kennesaw. Live Clean still services Cherokee County residents as well, and expansion plans into neighboring counties are being considered. Thankfully, work just keeps finding us, and what a blessing it is! Tracey exclaims. Another growing part of Live Clean is the opportunity to work with the real estate business and building industry. We perform move in/move out cleaning jobs weekly. We receive phone calls from property owners, rental property owners, and real estate agents. We work hard to always try to accommodate the specific time and day needed due to closing day or moving day. Live Clean is also thankful for the resurgence of the building industry. Builders, developers and restoration companies are also calling frequently to help fill the calendar for Live Clean. Additionally, wedding parties are very important customers. Tracey says, A persons wedding day is such an important day everything needs to be perfect! This is where Live Clean slides in behind the scenes to help. Cherokee County has numerous wedding venues now, and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to help provide a beautiful day for a bride! With nine fully-licensed, bonded and insured crews running daily, Live Clean is able to serve hundreds of families in Cherokee County. The spirit in which we operate each and every day is the key to true happiness. Living each day with a sense of servitude brings gratitude . . . The office staff is a vital part of keeping the crews running smoothly. Jennifer Wray, the office manager, carefully handles all the invoicing, payments and financial matters. And Live Clean added a new position to the office this year. Scheduling is quite an undertaking, so Brandy Godfrey fills the position of Scheduling Coordinator. Brandy is a lifetime resident of Cherokee County, so she is very familiar with the region. This helps her schedule workdays efficiently, so our crews are working instead of spending their time driving. Tracey adds, The best position I ever created was our operations manager position. Lilia Estrada effortlessly manages all crews and personnel. If you are a Live Clean customer, you are definitely familiar with Lilia. She assists with our quality control, as well as our employee needs. Most of our employees are moms. We all know how important it is for moms to be able to respond to the needs of their families in the event of emergencies. Lilia is always right there if a crew member needs to attend to her familys needs. Live Clean works hard to provide a very respectful work place for our employees, which helps to minimize turnover. Daily, our office receives phone calls and emails thanking our staff for the care and attention we provide to their families. When I interview someone, Tracey says, I always tell my ladies: I can teach you the quality, but I cant teach you honesty and integrity. You have to come equipped with those tools. I will provide everything else. I am so proud to say that my ladies are simply amazing. They all have a heart of gold and are very conscientious. We are a great team! I think our primary appeal is that we do what we do to help others, Tracey says. When people call us, they are in need. We all feel we are blessed to be in a position to help them out, and we take pride in doing a great job. We make sure everything is done, and done rightbut the bottom line is, we make people feel cared for. Traceys professionalism and compassionate care for her customers has paid off. All nine crews are busy and buzzing from customer to customer. Believe it or not, now is the time to make sure you are on the calendar before Thanksgiving and Christmas, Tracey warns. This is the perfect time to become part of our schedule so your home will stay in control during the holidays. Dont be left out by waiting until November and December to call and see if we have openings. You will never regret thinking ahead. The most important thing Tracey Satterfield exemplifies to her employees really has nothing to do with cleaning. The spirit in which we operate each and every day is the key to true happiness. Living each day with a sense of servitude brings gratitude. Gratitude produces a spirit of pleasing. A pleasing spirit produces a smile! There is nothing more satisfying than to be paid with a smile! I didnt plan any of this, she continues, regarding the growth explosion of Live Clean. I live with a grateful spirit, and view it all as a blessing. This is why I find myself on my knees still, after 26 years of service! Tracey says. I am gratefully blessed to be paid with smiles! 24 Waleska St., Suite 100, Canton770-345-8035LiveCleanInc.com
SuperSlow Zone Milton Minutes a Week, In Shape for Life SuperSlow Zone Milton, with 2000+ personal training sessions delivered thus far, is celebrating an exceptional first year of business and changing the way adults work out. For many busy adults, health and fitness can become an afterthought. Busy schedules make it difficult to squeeze in even an hour-long workout routine, several times a week. In only 20 minutes of personal strength training, once or twice a week, the SuperSlow Zone workout is helping people get fit for life! The SuperSlow Zone protocol is the original and genuine slow-motion, personal strength training workout. The exercise protocol has been proven successful in both building muscle and increasing resting metabolism, thus allowing the body to burn more calories at rest. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness published a study that found the SuperSlow method resulted in a 50 percent greater increase in strength and endurance compared with faster, momentum-aided weight training. With the SuperSlow protocol, clients can gain more strength in less time and with fewer repetitions. Each exercise requires a slow, fluid weightlifting movement. The goal of the continuous, slow-motion repetition is to reach total muscle fatigue within 3 minutes per exercise. While the workout is beneficial for everyone, the slow method of weightlifting offers something more to people with arthritis, back pain and other musculoskeletal problems. Most joint injuries that happen during workouts are caused by too much acceleration of heavy weights. SuperSlow strength training decreases force on the joints, allows more control of motion through the entire movement and stimulates growth of muscle tissue, which can help support and cushion the joints. All of these benefits are achieved under the direct supervision of certified SuperSlow Zone instructors. CJ Reagan started her exercise program at SuperSlow Zone because she wanted to feel 10 years younger. In the 6 months since she started, CJ has noticed more energy and strength, better sleep, better balance and better posture. Its hard to put into words how old I was feeling. I didnt know there was anything I could do about it. When I first started working out, I was leg pressing 115lbs, and it was hard. I am 71 years old and now I am pressing 240lbs! More than twice the weight! Its challenging, but I am committed to be the best I can beand the strongest. I love exercising at SuperSlow Zone. I want to keep doing it the rest of my life. SuperSlow Zone is the best anti-aging exercise for anyone of any age. SuperSlow Zones accredited, certified instructors work one-on-one with clients to develop an exercise program that suits individual needs and fitness levels. Our top-of-the-line, medical-grade Nautilus One equipment helps ensure safety and deliver results. Clients come, stay and refer because it works. Instructors use SuperSlow Zone performance tracking software to record clients workout data, and they can review up-to-date, accurate reports of their individual progress. The results are noticeable, which keeps clients motivated and working out regularly. Patrick Colocino, 69 and retired, has type II diabetes. This past December my A1c was off the charts. My doctor said I had to make some drastic lifestyle changesIm not an exercise junkie, I hate to jog and treadmills are not for me, but I had to do something. I read an article about SuperSlow ZoneMaximum Results, Minimum Time. This sounded like my kind of exercise. Within 3 months, Patrick dropped his A1c by 2.5 points. My doctor was happy, and so was I. Since starting SuperSlow Zone training I have more energy, endurance and better muscle tone. I look forward to my 20-minute session 2x week, and for someone who hates to exercise, I cant believe I said that. Im an avid golfer, and since starting SuperSlow Zone my average drive has increased about 20 yards. This has been a great program for me and a great decision on my part. Another distinctive feature of SuperSlow Zone is the atmosphere. This isnt your typical gym. SuperSlow Zone Milton is spa-like free of distractions like loud music, mirrors, bold colors and bright lighting. The SuperSlow Zone workout requires focus, so we create an environment where individuals can concentrate, receive one-on-one attention, and not feel intimidated. The temperature, set at 68 degrees, and fans in the training area keep clients comfortable during their workout, so they dont have to be inconvenienced with showering and bringing a change of clothes. Vicki Herman, a 42 year old, avid tennis player, likes the personal attention and knowledge the staff incorporates into the workout sessions. Within the first few weeks of training with SuperSlow Zone, Vicki noticed her arms and legs becoming more defined and her energy level increasing, which helps her performance on the tennis court. First of all, I do not like working out...and did not like the hassle of the big gyms, so when I read about SuperSlow Zone, I thought I would give it a try. SuperSlow Zones personal training program, being twice a week for 20 minutes, was very easy to fit into my schedule, and its also more productive than the hour workout sessions, three to four times a week that I was used to. We understand that its hard to make time to work out, so we make it easy. SuperSlow Zone provides an effective workout in a short amount of time so that you can get in, get out, and get on with your busy life! 12540 Broadwell Road, Suite 2103, Milton678-691-2969SuperSlowZoneMilton.com7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday
Jyl Craven Hair Design Tired of Fine or Thinning Hair? We Have the Solution! Upon entering Jyl Craven Hair Design, you will notice a clean, modern atmosphere, a vast line of professional products and fashionable, refined stylists who are diligently going about making their clients look amazing. Since 1999, the salon has provided a guest experience that most would expect to only receive inside the perimeter. As a member of Intercoiffure North America Canada, guests that visit Jyl Craven Hair Design can be assured to receive the best in quality and professional expertise. What They Do Jyl Craven Hair Design serves guests of all ages. Designing hairstyles that accentuate your personality, benefit your lifestyle and compliment your natural features is something the professionals at the salon do every day. Over the past few years, the salon has been caring for a growing number of women challenged with hair loss. Women with fine or thinning hair who want added volume and density have many options at the salon, says Jyl. By artfully crafting haircuts, the stylists can give guests added body, density and strength. In addition, dimensional color can be used to give the illusion of thicker hair. Jyl Craven Hair Design also carries an exclusive line of professional products that specifically target thinning hair. Challenged with FINE or THINNING Hair? Nearly 30 million women in the U.S. experience hair loss, and 50% of women experience female pattern hair loss by age 50. The reasons for hair loss may include an imbalance of hormones, medications, thyroid problems, menopause, stress, or genetic conditions. But regardless of the reason, the emotional struggle is the same. While hair loss is rough for men, it can be even more devastating for women. Men enjoy a certain level of societal acceptance when going bald. But women with thinning hair are subjected to more emotional distress. Many women take pride in their hair, and it can be a strong source of self-confidence for them. As strands fall out, so does their sense of security about themselves, says Jyl. A womans hair plays a huge role in her self-confidence, self-esteem and self-image. Their hair often defines who they are. Imagine the emotional anguish experienced by women with fine, thin hair hair that is insufficient to cover the top and crown of the head, the areas that everyone sees, but no one talks about. Until recently, there were few options for women with severe hair loss. Jyl Craven Hair Design has the Solution Introducing the Evolve Volumizer. The Evolve Volumizer is a nonsurgical, integrated hair replacement system for women experiencing up to 50% hair loss on the crown or top of their head. It consists of 100% human hair, which is lightweight and conforms to the shape of the top and crown of the clients head. It can be worn for up to five weeks before being uninstalled and reinstalled. Each hair on the system is hand-tied to create volume on the top, causing it to lay flat and blend in with the sides of a clients head shape. The system can be cut to your individual style and blow-dried, ironed (curl and flat), dried naturally, braided, tucked behind your ear or put up into a pony or chignon for evening wear. The Evolve Volumizer addresses all of the needs and desires that a woman has for fuller, thicker, denser hair. It produces immediate results and requires no glue, no adhesives, and no chemicals. Hear What Jyl Craven Hair Design Guests Are Saying: Since 2012, Jyl Craven Hair Design has been helping women both emotionally and physically with the Evolve Volumizer. Heres what a few of the salons Evolve guests are saying: Cheryl from Acworth said, I have had my Evolve system for over a year. Its hard to believe how much of a difference it has made for my self-esteem. The care is easy, just like working with my natural hair, only easier. I cant imagine going without my Evolve. Love it! Betsy from Canton said, It has changed my life. The Evolve Volumizer is easy to blow dry, easy to style, and some of my friends dont even know I have it on. Its the best thing Ive ever done. Jeanne from Woodstock said, I was very self-conscious about my thinning hair until Jyl showed me the Evolve. I was ecstatic when I saw the Evolve. My husband was so happy for me and loves it. Pat from Waleska said, The Evolve system has given me confidence when meeting new people. They now listen to what Im saying instead of being distracted by my previous lack of hair. With the Evolve System, I now get compliments from acquaintances on my beautiful hair all the time. The salon has eight Evolve Certified Stylists. Having many certified stylists provides the guests ease of scheduling and added assurance there will always be someone available to assist them. The EVOLVE Volumizer doesnt change who you are; it changes how you feel about you. To schedule your confidential consultation and learn how you can get the added volume and density you desire call Jyl Craven Hair Design today at 770.345.9411. Jyl Craven Hair Design7970 Knox Bridge Hwy., Canton, GA 30114770-345-9411JylCraven.com
Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Being an Extra in Georgias Booming Entertainment Industry By Julie Senger Due to all the tax credits offered, as well as all of the wonderful, scenic locations we have to offer, there are currently over forty movies and television shows being filmed in the state of Georgia, which in recent years has been referred to as the Hollywood of the south, better known as Yallywood. With so many things being filmed here, many residents are wondering how they might get in on the action (pun intended)! Seasoned actors may audition for legitimate, character roles; while other Georgians just want to dabble in the industry from time to time by applying to be an extra on television or a movie set for various productions being filmed. Extras are responsible for creating the active background for scenes, allowing the main characters to interact in a more realistic, authentic environment. Being an extra can help you earn some extra money, possibly allow you to rub shoulders with a major star, and potentially provide you with an opportunity to spot yourself in the background of a scene on television or up on the big screen! One of the great things about being an extra is that you dont have to be a member of any sort of actors union, (SAG, etc.). You are free to take part in any show or movie that can utilize you, without any of the restrictions you might encounter by being a unionized performer. A quick query on your favorite search engine might yield several different resources to bookmark for future reference, or current, specific opportunities for which you can immediately pursue. You also dont have to worry about securing a personal agent to represent you, for which youd have to pay them a percentage of your earnings. However, when many productions desire extras, they often contact agencies that specialize in finding the right types of people for their needs. These agencies dont usually charge you a fee, as they mostly get paid by the production that is asking them to find the extras for them. Before contacting an agency that is advertising a need for extras, you will probably want to have a headshot, as well as a full-length photo of yourself, in addition to being able to provide facts like your clothing and shoe sizes, and possibly even specific bodily measurements, in case the productions costuming department needs such information. There is a need for all different ages, shapes, sizes, and ethnicities in extra work; so you will want to provide honest photos of what you really look like, without filters, Photoshop edits, etc. Extras are meant to look like average, everyday people. Therefore, in the business of being an extra, attempting to be overly attractive, different, or unique may get you passed over in some cases, as they may not select you because you stand out too much from the crowd, which may detract attention from the productions main characters. However, some productions want to find people with a very specific look, or perhaps even a specific set of skills or talents which may need to be performed in the background. So hey, learning how to use a pogo stick, while playing a kazoo in the middle of a dust cloud that was created by a herd of elephants running all around you may actually come in handy one day! You never know! It could happen! SHOW ME THE MONEY! The average pay for an extra is usually a daily rate of $50-$100, for up to 12 hours worth of your time. Food is often provided, but be prepared in case it is not. Depending upon the production, you could be spending lots of time waiting around to be used for a scene; you may even spend more time waiting that actually being utilized. Therefore, be sure to bring something with which to quietly entertain yourself and pass the time. Sign Me Up!!!! Below is a list of some of the most popular extras casting agencies in Atlanta. Many of them advertise their needs strictly through social media, so if you do not currently have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., you may want to open an account: Background Artists Casting Atlanta, Facebook.com/bacatlanta CL Casting, Facebook.com/CatrettLockeCasting Cynthia Stillwell Casting, CynthiaStillwellCasting.com Extras Casting Atlanta , ExtrasCastingAtlanta.com/ Hylton Casting, HyltonCasting.com/ Marinella Hume Casting, MarinellaHumeCasting.com/ Pierre Casting, PierreCasting.com Tammy Smith Casting, TammySmithCasting.com/TSCasting/HOME.html
Book Review: The Goldfinch Pulizer Prize Winner and #1 Bestseller The Goldfinch Was Well Worth the Wait By Catherine Groves Thirteen-year-old Theo Decker loves his mother but doesnt recognize the depth of his love until shes gone. After her tragic death, Theo goes to live with the family of a wealthy friend. Although appreciative of the kindness this family has shown him, Theo cannot embrace his new life on Park Avenue, nor can he even begin to communicate with his new friends. His constant grief and remembrance of the explosion he survived, create a black hole from which he sees no escape. The only thing that gives Theo any consolation is a small, mysterious painting of his mothers called The Goldfinch. It is this painting which begins to shape his destiny, and pull him into the underworld of art. With The Goldfinch in Theos care, his life becomes one of shootouts, gangsters, and the black-market for art. His teenage years find him being a young man of whom he knows his mom would not be proud. Theo finds some solace in Greenwich Village with a gifted restorer of antique furniture, who shows Theo great kindness. From there he lands in a quite foreign Las Vegas, where he meets the young outlaw, Boris. Pulsing with emotions, Tartt gives an intricate dialogue of the deepest of sorrow and survival, yet at the same time, captivates with chilling action. The Goldfinch is yet another reason to love Donna Tartt; her prose so full of dignity; her characters radiating with life; the drawing of joy and heartache in a single sentence. Tartt weaves a tale of many layers. Donna Tartt is also the author of The Secret History and The Little Friend. The Goldfinch can be found at most major bookstores, and can also be purchased on Kindle and Nook.
Artist Profile: Madison Shea Nashville-bound By Heike Hellmann-Brown Despite her young age, 2014 Georgia Countrys Teen Artist of the Year, Madison Shea, has a long list of accomplishments. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the now 18-year old grew up in Woodstock and discovered her passion for music early in life. In first grade, I entered my schools talent show with a song my mom used to sing when she was doing my hair in the mornings, the singer remembers. I instantly fell in love with being on stage. Knowing that I can make people smile with my voice was the coolest thing! Shea went on to acting in plays and musicals, something she intended to pursue, until a poetry assignment in 6th grade came along. I discovered this amazing new way to express myself songwriting, Shea says. However, at that point, I played no instrument; so I only heard the music in my head. With the help of her mom and her music teacher, who put music to her written songs, Shea got in contact with a producer in Nashville, where she recorded two original songs at age 12. The exposure I had at such a young age is amazing, Shea states. Over the years, I worked with different producers, which helped me to evolve a feeling for the music industry, yet it was quite frustrating that I lacked experience. Something I kept hearing over and over for the next five years was: You are extremely talented, but you are not ready, you are too young. Despite her disappointment, Shea worked hard on following her dream. As a teenager, she performed at local venues and festivals and learned to play the piano and the guitar, which enabled her to add music to her lyrics. Today, Shea has written 80 original songs, six of those have played on Atlantas 94.9 The Bull. In 2011, she released her first EP titled, Ive Got a Secret, followed by the album, Miss Me in 2014. Its title track is currently playing on The Bulls Backyard Country. Shea opened for John Michael Montgomery at the 2013 Global Winter Wonderland at Turner Field and performed a pre-game and post-game show for the Atlanta Braves. When performing, she is either supporting herself on acoustic guitar and keyboard, or she is accompanied by her professional band. A recent graduate, Madison Shea is now heading to Tennessee again. She will study Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University. The university also offers a songwriting program, so it was a hard decision. In the end, gaining extensive knowledge about the music business won out. She is still pursuing singing while in college. Her next appearance will be October 4th, at The Bluebird Caf in Nashville, TN. No doubt this Georgia girl is set to leave her mark on the music world! When I was 14, someone asked me, What is your backup plan? I have none because that would only set me up for failure! MadisonSheaMusic.com Photos courtesy of Lou Raimondi Photography
Artist Profile: Merry Leggett Moments of Tranquility By Heike Hellmann-Brown Whenever Merry Leggett is out and about she stops and retrieves her camera to take pictures of landscapes, blossoms, or leaf formations. I find beauty in simple flower arrangements, greenery, the lay of the land, or a broken down fence little things with character that many people may overlook, the artist says. Later, in her studio, Leggett uses these images as references for her oil paintings. With carefully placed brushstrokes she creates soft textures that contribute to her interpretation of the tranquility that her surroundings provide her with. Originally from a small town in Oklahoma, Leggett moved to Alpharetta in 1994. She worked as an airline secretary and radio teletype operator and raised four kids, two of whom she and her husband had adopted. Even as a young girl I had wanted to be an artist, she notes, the fascination of color and shape has always been with me, but I tucked it back and let everything else take precedence. After her retirement she found plenty of time to follow her passion. Everyone has that one dream he puts off for later. Well, it is later . . . Leggett jokes. Lacking formal training, Leggett attended classes and workshops. Initially I worked with stained glass and china painting. At that point I was satisfied that I was actually painting and didnt venture out further. Until a teacher challenged me to start painting in oils by simply handing me paint and a canvas. I picked up the brush and that was the last time I painted china. Leggett began looking for instructors that worked in a media and style that appealed to her. She studied their mixing techniques, their brush handling and strokes, and their thought processes. I get more out of watching people paint than I get out of a lecture, she explains. By doing so, I have discovered a brand new world without limits. It is amazing that we can all look at the same thing, and yet each interpretation is entirely different. As a member of the Alpha Art Guild, the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance, Kudzu Art Zone and the Atlanta Artists Center, Leggett especially values the honest critique of her peers. Constructive criticism is as important as support and encouragement is. It lets us learn, move forward and hopefully someday will get us where we want to be, she says. I see my paintings changing, my style evolving, not only through myself but also through the artists I surround myself with creative minds full of ideas and inspiration. While Leggetts artistic endeavor is a never-ending learning process, she reconciled herself with the fact that being an artist doesnt mean you have to dedicate your entire life to it. It is never too late to start following your dreams. You can discover yourself at any time and develop new skills. I am creating art that gives me personally a sense of tranquility and enjoyment, and I hope I can instill the same in the onlooker. MerryLeggettFineArt.com
Artist Profile: Damon Carter "Nature, My Great Mentor" By Heike Hellmann-Brown As long as he can remember Damon Carter has been interested in creating art starting at the young age of 3 with drawing cowboys and comic book characters to the portrait of Ambassador Andrew Young that was commissioned by Georgia Public Broadcasting. As a child I encountered artists at my grammar school and knew this was what I wanted to do, Carter remembers. Watching them paint ignited a burning desire in me to recreate life on canvas as realistically as possible. The trend of the times however was Abstract Expressionism; therefore Carter chose a career in commercial art as a photo-realistic illustrator and graphic designer. I got hired right after graduating from the University of Georgia and stayed with this company for 40 years, the artist recalls. Dedicated to his corporate career, Carter painted only on the weekends and for his own enjoyment, but embraced the rare opportunity to study with preeminent figurative sculptor Richard MacDonald. After his retirement in 2001 Carter decided to follow his heart and focus on a second career as a professional artist. Loving the rolling hills of Cherokee County, he moved to Hickory Flat and began taking workshops with noted artists around the nation. Today the quality of his work is recognized both locally and nationally. Damon Carter was honored as a finalist in the Artist Magazines National Portrait Contest from a field of over 10,000 entries, he was a finalist twice in the prestigious International Cleo Awards, and in 2011 he was juried into the Oil Painters of Americas National Show in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. Clients and collectors of Damons work include such notables as Ted Turner, The MeadWestvaco Corporation, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton, GA, Georgia Tech University, and Standard Office Systems in Atlanta. Interestingly, Damon Carters quest for realism that made him turn his back to a career in fine art earlier in his life, is now transitioning into a more impressionistic style. I love the process of painting and believe a true artist never stops learning, Carter notes. By studying the works of the old masters in museums, galleries and my growing studio library and experimenting with various techniques, I am now beginning to learn how to incorporate a piece of myself into a painting. A big part of creating a painting is knowing what to put in, what to leave out, how to emphasize the points of interest and what you can achieve with energetic brushstrokes with the goal to create an image that goes beyond recording the visual facts of a photograph. A former President of the Portrait Society of Atlanta, Carter is known for his portrait work and also teaches his skills, but his passion is plein-air landscapes and the challenges they bring. A poem he wrote for his son Greg, a fellow artist, describes it best: MentorsSo much Ive learned from masters past,And from living painters too.Amazed I stand at all they did,And tasks theyve helped me through,But painting in Gods open air,Mid mountain, field and stream,By far the best classroom of all,Plein air painters know well what I mean,To master kinsmen of the brush,Indebted Ill always beBut you dear Nature, my great mentor,Im most in awe of thee! DamonCarterArtist.com
Dentistry at Hickory Flat Drs. Katherine and Brian Lee Provide Quality Dental Care and Sparkling Smiles By Kathleen Boehmig Dr. Katherine and Dr. Brian Lee are skilled dentists and a happily married couple with a passion for providing a comprehensive range of family dental services, which include general care, restorative services, cosmetic and implant dentistry, and orthodontics. Their practice offers a variety of dental services to the Canton area and surrounding cities of Woodstock, Cartersville, Calhoun, Acworth, Jasper, Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Alpharetta via two offices in Cumming and Hickory Flat. Dr. Brian Lee graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, one of the nations top dental schools, in 2003. Before that, Dr. Lee grew up in Marietta, GA and graduated from Alan C. Pope High School in the East Cobb area. He then went on to UGA to receive a degree in Microbiology. While at UGA, he met his wife, Dr. Katherine Lee. Dr. Katherine Lee graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, also in 2003. While in dental school, she became so passionate about patient education and motivation concerning oral health that she also enrolled in the public health program and earned a Master of Public Health degree. Brian and Katherine married right after graduation from dental school and moved to New York to complete their residency programs. They spent another three years there working as associate dentists for private dental offices. Dr. Brian Lee completed his general practice residency at Wyckoff Height Medical Center in Brooklyn, where his hard work and devotion was recognized with a Resident of the Year Award in 2004. Dr. Katherine Lee completed her general practice residency at the Veterans Affair Hospital in Brooklyn, which is renowned for its excellent residency program. The Lees moved back to their home state of Georgia in early 2007 to follow their dream of opening a state-of-the-art office. They have two sons, Brandon and Jayden. Brandon plays the violin and the piano with dreams of one day becoming a musician, while Jayden, who also plays the piano and cello, loves sports and hopes to one day be a dentist like his parents. The Lees are so devoted to providing the best possible dental care to their patients that they spend many weekends attending continuing education courses all around the country especially in dental implantology and cosmetic dentistry. Its a juggling act to balance it all, Katherine says with a laugh. Our parents have helped us out with the kids along the way. In addition to his busy schedule, Brian travels to Haiti every year to provide one week of free dental care to local residents. Brian adds, Our dream is to provide a number of dental and orthodontic services under one roof, making it more convenient for patients who dont have to go to several different practices to get varied types of service. The Lees practice stands out. Everyone longs for a stunning smile, Brian says, and we can give you flawless, enviable teeth in only a couple of appointments using customized cosmetic dentistry solutions. Restorative and cosmetic services include Opalescence Boost Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Tooth-colored fillings and dental implants, crowns and bridgework, cosmetic bonding, partials and dentures. One of the most innovative procedures offered by the Lees is FDA-approved LANAP Laser gum therapy to treat advanced cases of gum disease. LANAP Laser gum therapy is a no-scalpel, no-suture alternative to traditional methods, meaning patients can receive the treatment they need in a more comfortable, less invasive manner. And because LANAP Laser gum therapy actually promotes regeneration, patients can also look forward to a much shorter recovery time. Katherine states, Its estimated that as many as 75-80% of adults have some form of gum disease. Patients who need advanced treatment, though, may feel wary about seeking the treatment they need. In many cases, advanced gum disease therapy involves treatment with a scalpel and sutures but not at our dental offices. Dentistry at Hickory Flat offers a calm, elegant atmosphere, friendly staff, and even sedation dentistry for patients who suffer due to dental anxiety and fear. Brian says, Feelings of apprehension regarding dentistry are quite common, and they are usually the result of an unpleasant experience during childhood or even young adulthood. Through sedation dentistry, youll find that you feel completely relaxed and calm, though you will still remain somewhat conscious during your appointment. Our staff is a big help. It was a real challenge to set up a good team, and we are confident that weve accomplished that. Chelli and Michelle are a big part of our success. Pricing for services is competitive, with several online specials available on their website, HickoryFlatDentist.com. As well, they are an in-network provider for most major PPO plans. The most rewarding part of it all is getting peoples dental pain to end, and seeing how much they appreciate what we do, Katherine says. Drs. Katherine and Brian Lee are happily fulfilling their dream of providing quality dental care to patients in needand the area is lucky to have them. Dentistry at Hickory FlatDrs. Katherine and Brian Lee6199 Hickory Flat Hwy., Suite 130Canton, GA 30115Phone: (770) 213-8166Fax: (770) 213-8157HickoryFlatDentist.com
First Baptist Roswell Pre-K/Kindergarten, Pre-First and Mother's Morning Out Programs: Loving, Caring and Sharing By Kathleen Boehmig First Baptist Roswell was founded in 1872. Its Kindergarten and Pre-K programs, the oldest in Roswell, are celebrating having served the community for fifty years; Mothers Morning Out, twenty-five years. They also offer Pre-First, perfect for younger students that need extra time to mature before entering an all day program, using standard first grade curriculum taught at a pace compatible with each child. The facilitators of all of these programs strive to develop relationships not only with the participating children, but with their parents as well. The teachers are professionals: all Kindergarten and Pre-First teachers hold education degrees. All Pre-K teachers hold college degrees, and all staffers, including those in MMO, are certified in CPR and first aid. According to Reverend Jessica Asbell, Minister to Children, We hold to Proverbs 22:6: Train up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. The weekday ministry programs implement this verse by providing care and guidance which encourage growth and development of each child mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. In the past three years, they have updated their childcare facilities, including the installation of two age-appropriate playgrounds for younger and older children. Rev. Asbell emphasizes that the programs serve not only church members, but the community as a whole. About thirty percent of our attendees go to church here, she says. We have children from numerous faiths and backgrounds, and they are all welcome. Our strategy is to keep our children safe and help them succeed. To that end we see what each child needs, and try to provide it for him or her. Detailed curriculum for each level, available for viewing on the FBR website, FBRoswell.org, contains developmentally appropriate activities for each age group, while making learning academics and social skills as much fun as possible. The Preschool and Kindergarten Programs operate during the usual school year, August through May, with two-, three-, four- and five-day options. Hours are 8:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., with a Lunch Bunch option Monday through Thursday, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m., at $5 per day. Monthly Pre-K tuition starts at $190 for the two-day option, and tops out at $250 for five days per week. Kindergarten tuition is $300 per month; Pre-First, $380, which includes Lunch Bunch. There are additional registration and supply fees for all programs. In addition to standard activities as well as art, music and Spanish lessons and a monthly chapel session with Rev. Asbell, the 110 children in the program present two full musical performances each year at Christmas and at the end of the school year. Kindergarteners experience a graduation ceremony. We are very proud of our low turnover rate with our teachers and staff, Rev. Asbell says. Many of our teachers have been here over ten years. Its a calling! Theri Toon, the Pre-K Program Director, for example, has been part of the program for nineteen years. She taught the four-year-old class for ten years, then took over as director, a position she has now held for nine years. Darlene Cain, who heads up Mothers Morning Out, is another great example of FBR long-timers: shes attended church there since age 2, grew up and started working with MMO in 1989, left for one year and came back. She adores working with the children and her fellow staff members. People who leave their children with us know we love them as much as our own, she declares. Our MMO staff members are all certified moms and grandmothers. MMO serves babies of three months old through three-year-olds. Tuition for the MMO program is $165.00 for two days per week, or $245.00 Monday through Thursday. Two-year-olds may attend Lunch Bunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 1:15 p.m. Additional registration fees apply. Special MMO activities include Spirit Day, involving patriotic dress-up, and a Thanksgiving feast featuring kid favorites like tater tots. They just dont go for the green beans, Darlene says with a smile. The testimonials pour in from appreciative parents. Darcy Shearer wrote in gratitude for her daughter Alis experience, This school is often called sweet, but it is also a powerhouse for Gods work within the children, their families and the community. First Baptist Roswell is a loving, nurturing, Christian-emphasis program with an equal balance between academics and socialization. The teachers love the children and each other, making for a warm, caring environment in which to learn and grow. Loving, caring and sharing seems to be a recipe for success in life, and its being lived at First Baptist Roswell. First Baptist RoswellTraditional Worship Contemporary Message710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell GA 30075 770-587-6980Childrens Ministry 770-587-6980FBRoswell.org
Chattahoochee Technical College Eight Campuses, Six Counties, One Vision By Kathleen Boehmig Dr. Ron Newcomb, President of Chattahoochee Technical College, is excited about the reopening of the Woodstock campus, their eighth location, this October. A community-centered campus such as Woodstock is the on-ramp to the interstate of college, he declares. Chattahoochee Techical College is the largest technical college in Georgia, and the only public post-secondary higher education institution in Cherokee County. It was founded on July 1, 2009, from the merger of three previously independent units of the Technical College System of Georgia Appalachian Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, and North Metro Technical College. Now, with a combined service area of six counties (Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens) and with eight campuses and online offerings, Chattahoochee Technical College serves over 15,000 credit students annually. They offer 45 programs, for students who range from recent high school graduates to seasoned workers who are pursuing new careers. The newly-renovated Woodstock campus is a stellar example of recycled space. Formerly Woodstock Elementary School, the property was leased from the Cherokee County board of education in 2004, then deeded by Cherokee County to the state in 2013 for use by Chattahoochee Technical College. Over the past year, its been closed for extensive renovations. David Simmons, Vice President for Facilities, says, The original structure was built in the 1930s. The biggest challenge was working through government regulations, but it was amazing how everyone cooperated. Woodstock has a strong sense of civic pride, and we wanted to re-claim the beauty and history of the original school building. So many people who still live here have ties to the elementary schoolthe community has been incredibly supportive throughout the whole renovation process. Jennifer Nelson, Vice President for External Affairs, agrees. We had to replace roofs, upgrade the HVAC system, replace windows and kid-size bathrooms. Its come together beautifully. We are so grateful to the school board for making it possible. The campus will not only be used for classes, but will also be available for business meetings and conferences, since downtown Woodstock has limited space for such functions. Nelson adds, Our three-pronged purpose of the campus is advantageous for Woodstock: as public space, continuing education development training, and training space for local industry. Our colleges education mission is to be a great citizen in the communities we serve, Dr. Newcomb says. The location of this campus is so impactful for the community, Dr. Newcomb continued. In terms of a public college in the county, were it. That coupled with the fact that the population of Cherokee County is roughly a quarter of a million, and the fact that we already had 1,800 Cherokee residents taking one or more classes this past Spring well, were going to take off! One strategic emphasis of the State, the College, and Cherokee County Schools is to enroll many more high school students in college. We expect this reopened campus to double our enrollment from Cherokee High Schools. Chattahoochee Tech has a great transfer relationship with Reinhardt and Kennesaw State University. Reinhardt takes most of our courses, and in fact, many of our students and even some of our staff take courses from Reinhardt, Dr. Newcomb says. We actually provide them space to teach a few of their graduate courses. As for KSU, weve had a strong relationship with them, they accept roughly 60 to 70 of our courses, and weve just completed an articulated Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts with them with more to come, we believe. At Chattahoochee Tech, you will find a collegiate atmosphere that fosters learning, creative thinking, and personal character development. You will also find, in the staff, executive administrators and faculty, a group of people dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and the communities where they live. Woodstock is the latest community to be served in such a positive way. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2015. This promises to be a long-lived, mutually beneficial relationshipfor the community, and for the people who live there. Woodstock Campus RenovationSquare Footage Renovated: 46,011 gross square feetTotal Cost: $5,304,822.00Architect: CGLS ArchitectsContractor: New South Construction, Inc.Areas Renovated: 13 classrooms, library, student success center, student center, faculty offices, office space, restrooms, and plaza area. Chattahoochee Technical CollegeWoodstock Campus8371 Main StreetWoodstock, GA 30188Classroom-Only LocationChattahoocheeTech.edu
Book Review: Celia Garth By Catherine Groves Celia Garth is a story about a girl that loved adventure, but nothing really exciting seemed to happen to her in the dressmaking shop where she lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina during the year 1779. Well, things did start happening to Celia, but it wasnt exactly what she had planned The kings army captured Charleston, and the Carolinas became a ruin of blood and fire. The author sweeps us quickly into the lives and characters intertwined with Celia; intriguing Vivian; Jimmy, who loves Celia desperately; Vivians irrepressible, daredevil son, Luke. Many Americans had joined the side of the king, and even more felt the Revolution was a lost cause. No one had counted on Francis Marion, who came out of the swamps with a heart of fire and men who believed in him and freedom. Celias boring life in the dressmaking shop became one of danger; she became one of Marions spies. Celia smiled and waited on those who were on the side of the king, and then risked her life each day making sure all she learned got back to Marion. As Celia grows into a woman, she begins to find what loyalty, grit, and true friendship is really about. Gwen Bristow, a southern author who also wrote the bestselling books, Calico Palace, Jubilee Trail, and the Plantation Trilogy, may no longer be with us, but her stories and characters will live forever. In Bristows Celia Garth, she takes us through the entire Revolutionary War though the eyes of a young southern girl. As with all of Bristows books, Celia Garth gives us a piece of history and characters that leave us wishing they were real. Celia Garth can be purchased through Amazon or found at most public libraries.
Pro Roofing Painting, Gutters & Siding Professionalism, Reliability, Sincerity By Kathleen Craft Boehmig Juan founded the company in 2008 to serve the metro Atlanta area with an emphasis on PRS: Professionalism, Reliability and Sincerity. The companys success is evident via great reviews on Angies List as a Super Service Award winner, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and glowing customer testimonials. In addition, PRS has been a Consumers Choice Award winner for Exterior Contractor of the Year for the last four years. Office Manager Tracey Arnold says, We are always pushing ourselves to be the best. To this end, PRS has garnered the GAF Master Elite Contractor status, granted to only 2% of Georgia roofing contractors. Tracey adds, We earned this certification based on our proficiency in quality installation, education, insurance requirements and consumer protection. To maintain our Master Elite status, we participate in annual continuing education programs through GAF (the largest shingle manufacturer in America). And of course we use this knowledge in every installation. The company is also a Certified Green Roofer (there are only three of these in Georgia), which makes Pro Roofing an environmental leader in the community. The primary materials the company recycles are asphalt shingles and metals from removed gutters. Green roofing practices give back to the environment, Kelvin Stembridge, Production Manager, explains. During the last two years we recycled 310 tons of materials which would have gone to landfills. Now they are being used for things like roadways, and lacrosse and football sports field surfaces. Juan adds, We are the number two shingle recycler in the state, and recognized by the US Green Council GA. PRS not only tends to the roof of your home. According to Kelvin, We want to be the leading exterior finishing company in metro Atlanta. We believe in combining our knowledge of fashion and function to provide quality roofing, gutters, insulation, skylights, windows, siding and exterior painting. We can make your home beautiful, with lasting quality, from the roof to the ground. Professionalism and attention to detail set PRS apart from other contractors. Tracey says, Replacing a roof isnt a task most homeowners look forward to. Sometimes they have had less than thrilling experiences with other contractors in the past. The difference with PRS begins with our impeccable reputation. Our website (www.MyProRoofing.com) provides a wealth of information regarding all of the products and services we offer. We provide an expectation of excellence to every customer. She continues, We are firm believers that the customers experience after the sale is very important. After installation, our project managers conduct a final walk-through to be certain everything has been completed to the customers satisfaction. We stand behind our warranties and conduct a formal follow-up each quarter for one year to make sure the customer has the opportunity to express any feedback they would like to share. Aside from residential business, Pro Roofing also services multi-family buildings, assisted living and retirement homes, and medical facilities, beyond the metro area. On the walls of the PRS offices, several Core Values and Mission statements are prominently displayed, emphasizing integrity, continuous improvement, excellence, safety and customer service. The office staff of fifteen all had input. Giving back to the community is a big core value for the company, Kelvin explains. We recently took part in a charity event benefitting a local family. We donated their roof replacement, and ABC Supply in Smyrna donated shingles and materials. We helped in yard cleanup, oversaw the demolition of an unsafe deck, and refurbished drywall and cabinetry. In their Roofs for Troops program, PRS is partnering with GAF to offer members of the military up to a $600 rebate off of Lifetime Roofing Systems, with an additional $500 off Lifetime Deluxe Warranties. PRS is also currently teaming up with five local charities to form a new online points-redemption referral program, where customers may redeem dollars earned for referrals to give back to the community. Juan Reyes is accomplishing his mission every day through integrity, skill and high quality at Pro Roofing and Siding. Its nice to know that when your installation is finished, not only have you improved your propertyyou have given back to the environment and to your community. Pro Roofing Painting, Gutters & Siding2558 Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066770-777-1733www.MyProRoofing.com
Book Review: Natchez Burning By Catherine Groves In May of 2014, Greg Iles burst back into the bestsellers list with his highly anticipated thriller, Natchez Burning. After waiting for 5 years, (while Iles recovered from a near fatal automobile accident) for his new Penn Cage novel, this 800 plus page book was worth the wait. Penn has recently returned with his young daughter, Annie, to his hometown of Natchez to serve as mayor to try and heal from the death of his wife. Soon upon his return, his father and local physician, Tom Cage, is accused of murdering his beautiful nurse with whom he worked closely in the 1960s. In Penns determination to clear his fathers name, he soon finds himself uncovering crimes involving the Double Eagles, a spinoff group of powerful men in the KKK from 40 years before. It soon becomes perfectly clear; under the dictatorship of the same men from years ago, everyone must fear for their own life. Wanting to believe in the dad hes always respected and loved, but with all signs pointing to deceit, Penn must make a choice on how much hes willing to put his own life and the lives of those he loves on the line to uncover the truth. The first of a trilogy, Natchez Burning can be summed up perhaps best by Stephen King who wrote, Extra ordinary entertaining and fiendishly suspenseful. I defy you to start it and find a way to put it down. The second in the triology, The Bone Tree was released in May of this year. Natchez Burning can be purchased at major bookstores and on Kindle and Nook.
Artist Profile: Brenda Rehrig Abstract Encaustic Paintings By Heike Hellmann-Brown The Greek term encaustikos refers to the process of adding the element of heat to a painting. An encaustic painting is created by melting beeswax and resin together and adding color pigments, Brenda Rehrig explains. Multiple layers of wax are built up on top of a birch panel in reliefs. Each layer is fused to the previous one through heat. The composition of colors and layers creates the optical effect of the piece. The ancient technique of using molten beeswax dates back to the Greeks, who caulked ship hulls and decorated warships with wax. During the first three centuries A.D. the process was used in Egyptian mummy portraits. In spite of their fragile appearance encaustic paintings are extremely archival. The famous Fayum funeral portraits, panel paintings of the Coptic period, are well preserved and retained their brilliant colors through the centuries due to the protection of the wax. Born in Pennsylvania, encaustic painter Rehrig studied political science at Kennesaw University and worked as a paralegal for 10 years. She then took pottery from a hobby to a profession, selling sculptures and functional pottery at art festivals throughout Georgia. A former president of the Georgia Clay Council, Brenda Rehrig was granted a fellowship in The Hambidge Centers Creative Residency Program, where she encountered an encaustic artist and was utterly fascinated by this art form. She began studying with critically-acclaimed New York encaustic artist Michael David. Encaustic accretion meaning the build-up of wax on surfaces takes a lot of skill, the artist notes. The learning process was frustrating at times. The average size of Rehrigs paintings is 40 inches x 40 inches or larger, and she produces one piece at a time. Inspired by her love and respect for the natural world, Rehrig explores texture and luminosity by starting with a basic concept such as Fog or Water or Sunrise and lets the colors guide her. I am trying to get away as far as possible from pictorial art. Through the use of certain colors I create a mood rather than a scene. Rehrigs finished pieces are custom framed, so that the accretion on the sides is showcased. While pre-planning and actual production of an encaustic piece can take up an entire month, the artist finds it difficult to title her work. Titling narrows the concept. Id rather want the onlookers imagination take them somewhere, Rehrig says. Brenda Rehrig, who is represented by a renowned Atlanta gallery, is currently exploring other applications for her work: Bronzing my paintings would allow for an outdoor setting. The artwork would weather beautifully, and the very intriguing end product would complement my existing path. When she is not in her studio, Rehrig is a dog trainer. With her therapy dog, Border Collie Sadie, she visits twice a month the Hickory Flat library for the Tail-Waggin Tutors program that practices reading skills and builds self-esteem in kids by allowing them to read to a four-legged companion. BrendaRehrig.com
Artist Profile: Mary Beth Cornelius Non-Objective Abstract Paintings By Heike Hellmann-Brown Gestural Abstraction or Action Painting is associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement of the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline. Their energetic techniques included dripping, dabbing, smearing, and even flinging paint onto the canvas, directed by the artists sense of control interacting with chance or random occurrences. I am influenced a lot by my surroundings and the joy they bring me, explains artist Mary Beth Cornelius. My work comes straight out of my emotions, or is inspired by travels, books, or music. I love Maine for instance; the color of the sea, the rocks, the landscape dictates the direction of a piece, but the energy comes from the music I listen to while painting. Originally from Macon, GA, Cornelius obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering and worked for 10 years in the oil and power industry. As a hobby she took up stained glass art, a technique she also taught. Later she attended watercolor classes, but still felt she hadnt found what she was seeking. After moving to Alpharetta in 1998, Cornelius continued taking classes in composition, color theory, and drawing, but it wasnt until she started to paint in acrylics that she knew she had found what she had long been looking for. Painting with the acrylic medium lets me be less contemplative and much more gestural, the artist notes. With a preset idea for a color palette Cornelius paints with expressive brushstrokes and then uses palette knives, carving tools, paper and sandpaper to create surface texture and color variations. My art reflects where I am in life. I relish the energy and rawness of the first courageous lines and shapes on a blank canvas. But its the layers of paint that express my journey. My paintings are both fresh and full of history, energetic and experienced a constant flux of responsiveness and structure, chaos and harmony. Cornelius joined several art organizations and entered juried shows. Encouraged by the response, she started displaying her work in local galleries. People always ask how long it takes to create a piece. It is not just the actual creation developing a technique takes years. While I create spontaneously, I need to be disciplined to create effectively. No one is suddenly successful. You need to put in 10,000 hours in the background, and then be courageous to seize opportunities. I have a saying tacked up in my studio, No Art for Chickens! This started at a workshop in Florida. We would paint all day and have round table discussions about the days accomplishments, observations, and discoveries. I wanted to be bold and daring in my artistic process, yet I often held back when the inner critic spoke up. Then one of the artists in the group sent up an encouraging and lighthearted No art for chickens! This has become my working mantra, my reminder to be courageous in this artistic endeavor. MaryBethCornelius.com
All Pro Window Tinting By Kathleen Boehmig Chris DeLuca, owner of All Pro Window Tinting in Canton, is a driven man. He has worked in the window tinting business for over twenty years since he was fifteen, apprenticing for his Uncle Mike at Old Pros after school and in summers during college as he earned a Communications degree from Newberry College. He was a certified and fully trained technician by age 19. His uncle retired in 1996, and Chris worked for a couple of the biggest tinting companies in the state before eventually founding his own business in 2007. Chris is proud of his family name, reputation and legacy, not only in window tinting. His family is well known, owning and operating R & M Sandwich Shop in Canton for 43 years. His father Ray, operates Rays Music Machine, a DJ business in the metro Atlanta area. Over the years, Chris worked in all three family businesses, and credits his family with instilling and nurturing his highly-evolved work ethic. All Pro Window Tinting is known for quality and friendly professionalism. That credo has won acclaim and customer satisfaction for the company: they have been voted number 1 for six years in a row by major review sites like Angies List, Yelp, and Kudzu, and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Chris states, You will not find another shop in Georgia who will match the professionalism, service, or installations that we can offer. I love what I do, Chris adds, and I know what Im doing. I take pride in making sure All Pro is the best window film company in the industry. The company installs window tinting in residential homes, on autos and in businesses. Their primary product is a high-tech German nano-ceramic window film called Hper Optik. Patented Huper Optik Nano-Ceramic technology is the first ceramic film with over 12 years of history, performance and durability. It is a true ceramic instead of a metallic product, so it contains no metals or dyes like the other products in the industry. Most people know the value of window tinting: it blocks heat, reduces glare, and blocks UV rays to prevent fading. All Pro Window Tintings products can lower energy costs significantly and make rooms usable without changing the view! The U.S. Department of Energy indicates that an estimated 30-50% of a homes energy loss is through windows alone. That is $30 billion or more lost each year in America. Inferior products or films installed incorrectly can bubble, peel or otherwise perform poorly over time. Chriss technicians and products prevent that from occurring. Their work carries a lifetime warranty for residential and auto installations. Chris states, In the residential and commercial market, the trend has moved towards energy efficiency. Our products are partnered with the Energy Star program and meet and exceed Energy Star performance. This means homeowners and business owners will save money. Significantly reduced HVAC costs and the fact that a single item of expensive furniture might not need to be replaced easily offsets the cost. The ability of our films to block damaging rays and maintain a natural clear look is absolute and is our goal. But its not all about heat and glare. All Pro also installs Safety and Security Films, which can deter smash and grabs, vandalism, and graffiti while providing safety from flying and falling glass in the event of an accident or severe weather. Many areas of the country also offer reduced insurance rates for homes outfitted with impact resistant windows. Chris says, Many of my customers are interested in the safety and security of their property and loved ones. Protective films provide sustained penetration resistance, hazard protection, and a persistent weather seal. It is a smart investment for homes and businesses, any way you look at it. Automotive window films comprise a substantial portion of the business. All Pro installs a few product lines for use in autos: Autobahn by Hper Optik, CeraLuxe and PhotoSync by Prestige Film Technologies, and ClearPlex Windshield Defense. We offer the best performing films available in the industry. Prestige Film Technologies Window Films are the most advanced automotive window films in the world. Utilizing the latest in Solar Adaptive Coatings (SAC), this nano technology window film adjusts its solar energy rejecting properties based on solar intensity. It darkens when the sun is out and lightens when the sun goes away! With a Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) up to 79%, it also blocks up 97% of the IR rays while retaining an impressively light and clear shade. ClearPlex Windshield Defense is the first and only optically-clear protection film for auto windshields. This patented product absorbs the impact of standard road hazards, leaving the glass in pristine condition and significantly reducing the occurrence of rock chips, pitting, and bulls eyes. All of our window films will make your vehicle cooler, more comfortable, and more appealing, Chris says. We have a product line for everyone. All Pro has installed window films in some interesting locations, including the Charlotte Motor Speedway for American Idol, SkyView Atlanta, and Chick-fil-A. But Chris says the most memorable application was on the worlds largest natural gas tanker ship which came to port in Savannah. We were putting fragment retention film on the windows to keep glass from flying in the event of a pirate takeover. The job was pretty cool. Security to get near and then onto the ship was intense. The job took several days. There havent been many installs we have said no to, he says with a smile. I enjoy the challenge and the ability to know that there isnt a lot that my company cant do. I have a great group of employees. Word gets around when a company provides top-notch service. All Pro has installations in four countries on three continents, including jobs in Nigeria and Taiwan. But most of their work is done in the southeastern U.S., mainly Georgia. Chris obviously enjoys what he does. Ive always been driven to excel, to achieve, and try to be the very best at whatever I do. I do that every day with All Pro. Its not just about business, either. Chris believes in supporting the community through fundraising for Toys For Tots and Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. He maintains and complies with memberships with ASID, the IWFA, and the American Cancer Society. All Pro Window Tintings product lines include Green Building Certification, LEED Accreditation and Energy Star Partner certification. I ask Chris if he has any regrets. Just one, he replies, grinning. I should have started the business sooner. All Pro Window Tinting3025 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton770-479-8468 888-968-8468 allprowindowtinting.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
R&D Mechanical Services Inc. The Heart of a Family By Meghan Griffin Business ownership can certainly have highs and lows, yet owning a business with your family can present its own unique set of challenges. When lifelong Georgians, Robbie and Dana Matiak, started R & D Mechanical Services in 2000, their goal was to build a company with rock solid values that would lead them to a successful future. That decision wasnt made without some trepidation as Robbie had just left a position with a larger company and had concerns about striking out on his own. However, he said that he felt called to do the work he is doing; fixing problems and serving people within and around his community. As R & D continued to grow through the early 2000s, Robbie and his family continued to build the business together. He brought his son and daughter, Heath and Ashleigh into the business in 2011 and the company relocated from Robbie and Danas home to their current office space in Holly Springs. While expanding their company, they also wanted to make sure that they were making the lives of their employees better. Every January, the team members meet to discuss the expectations, goals and focus for the year. Last year, the company made a decision to center efforts on further improving quality, both in the work that they perform and personally by being good examples to those they come in contact with. This years focus is on serving others. At the top of the priority list are the team members who make up R & D Mechanical Services. Heath noted, If we serve each other first, we will serve our customers even more so. The term team member was a very deliberate decision for the company; Robbie wants everyone at R & D to know that they are, Working with us and not for us. The focus on valuing family time is also conveyed by allowing the on-call service technicians to control their schedules when emergency calls are needed. If their son or daughter has an activity such as a sporting event scheduled or they are attending a church outing, technicians are encouraged to make it known and to ask other technicians to assist in the emergency service calls with our customers. As always with R & D, family is first priority. R & D also wants to make sure that everyone that works within their company understands that doing the right thing and treating other employees as they would like to be treated is intrinsic in their companys work ethic. They use these values as standards when hiring new team members. As Heath said, Our core values serve as a great litmus test when we are looking to expand. We can teach the skill set later, but they need to connect with our values first. Customers and future team members can learn more about the company by visiting R & Ds website, where the companys core values are proudly listed. Some key points include living and working with the highest sense of integrity and character, being themselves, whether in public or in private, and always doing as they have promised. R & D Mechanical Services currently operates at about a 70/30 split between commercial and residential work. They offer heating and cooling installation services, as well as preventative maintenance, upgrades and repair. For their customers, Robbie and Heath stress the importance of building a loyal customer base. The company strives to under-promise and over-deliver at all times. We strive to spend your money like it was our money. Robbie said. In addition to putting the focus on family and team members, Robbie and his crew are active in the community. Last year, R & D Mechanical was a sponsor for the Collins Dixon Bend Your Knees 5K in Canton and the Hero Run 5K for the Wounded Warrior Project in Kennesaw. This year they are sponsoring the Kennesaw Grand Prix Series. They also partner heavily with Alive Ministries and their Save It Forward program, which Dana Matiak is very involved. The Save It Forward program uses extreme couponing and partnering with the Atlanta Food Bank to provide food and toiletries to families in need. They work with local schools and counselors to identify and serve those families. R & D Mechanical believes wholeheartedly in the mission of this program and helps out monthly. Other organizations that they have partnered with include Next Steps Ministry in Woodstock, which assists special needs individuals in job skills development, and Cloud Walk Ministry in Alpharetta. However, the team members at R & D are most proud of quietly helping individuals in their community. Whether it is installing a new low or no-cost furnace or system for someone who was without heat during the winter or doing labor at cost to help families in need save money, R & D continues to show their actions speak louder than their words. During Thanksgiving 2014, Robbie sent out a letter to their customers and titled it Thanks-Giving. In the letter, he spoke of the history of the company and of his drive to start his own business. He reiterated their mission and the work that they do in the community. He also wrote about how the company and his family supports children in Haiti and how special it was to him and Dana, when they are able to spend time with the children during mission trips to Haiti. The letter spoke to many of his customers and Robbie shared the overwhelming responses. In Robbies mind, it proved his point that by putting family, team members, and his customers first; he has built a company not driven by profit, but by love and loyalty. As we transition into spring, if you need assistance with your HVAC system, consider calling R & D Mechanical Services and know that your money will be going to a company that goes above and beyond. R&D Mechanical Services Inc.3448 Holly Springs ParkwayCANTON770-917-1795 RandDMechanical.net AliveMinistriesInc.org