Bottlebrush Gallery & Center for the Arts

Saturday, March 29, 2014  1pm-3pm Refreshments Served. FREE. RSVP Not Required.

Please join us for Salon des Refuse: An Art Show and Benefit, organized and led by Seneca Valley graduating senior Chandler Sendek. The theme of this art show is a Salon des Refuses, which is French for “Exhibition of Rejects.” Chandler and his fellow student artists will exhibit their “rejected” work, with the goal of shedding light on artists who possess the necessary creativity but may lack in the skilled interpretation of their inspiration, as well as those who express themselves in a rather unorthodox manner.

Proceeds from the student art sold at this event will be donated to the Seneca Valley School District art program. All cash, check or credit card donations gratefully accepted.

Dates and Times: Mondays, March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14 and 21. 6:00-7:30pm. $90 for six weeks of instruction including use of drums.  Registration closes two days prior to class. Payment required at time of registration.

Conga Drumming: Basics and Beyond (Ages 18+)

Explore the exciting world of Afro-Cuban and Latin Rhythms in a fun and friendly atmosphere.   What you will learn in this six week, fully interactive class designed for absolute beginners and musicians alike includes:

Technique – Get the best sound from your drum; Clave -The backbone of Latin music; Tumbao – The most heard hand drum pattern in much Latin and American music; Calypso -Your “passport” to a wide array of world music; Rumba; Guaguanco – The Holy Grail of Cuban Drumming; Abakwa -Cuban ceremonial rhythm made fun and easy; PRACTICE METHODS – Make your practice time fun and intentional.

Instructor: Bryan Fazio. A dynamic teacher and facilitator, Bryan Fazio has been pursuing a life with music and creativity since age 27. Bryan teaches Blissful Drumming at the Community College of Beaver County, facilitates workshops throughout the greater Pittsbugh area on hand drumming and spontaneous poetry, gives private lessons and accompanies yoga classes.  He performs regularly with Jim Donovan’s Sun King Warriors, Tertium Quid Percussion Ensemble, and is a solo artist at venues/festivals including The Great Blue Heron, All Good, and The Beachland Ballroom. www.bryanfazio.com

SOLD OUT

The luck of the Irish to ye! Join us for our 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party…music and entertainment by the mischievous and talented Ploughshare Poets, only $10 admission! Special Guest the lovely Laura Wagner.  Showtime is 7:00pm.

We are hosting a traditional Irish dinner again this year with our friends at The Stohr Haus Bakery starting at 5:30pm, only $35 for both dinner and show per person, reservations required.  Your choice of seating in a restored circa 1805 wine cellar downstairs, or upstairs in the renovated Stohr Haus, beautifully decorated. Either way, we have limited seating, so call soon!

Menu: Appetizer, Salad, Irish Bread, Beef Stout Pie, Champ (Potatoes), Glazed Carrots, Dessert, Coffee/Hot Tea/Water. BYOB. We provide the ice. Please be at the Bakery no later than 5:15 for seating. Last year’s show and dinner event was a sell out, so don’t wait to make your reservations.

Please join us for Art Warms The Heart, a youth art show organized and led by Seneca Valley graduating senior Kyle Snyder on March 8, 2014, from 12pm-3pm.

Artwork by local youth artists will be on exhibit and for sale. All proceeds benefit the “Duffel Bag Project,” a program sponsored by Butler County Foster Care, providing duffle bags and personal supplies for needy children. Kyle’s goal is to raise $1,000 for this very worthwhile cause through sales of his artwork and that of his fellow students. All donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served. Live music.  RSVP not required.

We’ve been busy adding art and spiritual improvement classes to our calendar for both adults and children/youth. Art classes include Mixed Media Techniques and “Twisted Lines,” artist Susan Walker’s take on zen doodles.

We’re also offering drumming classes. Bryan Fazio is teaching his Conga Drumming course, in addition to his popular one-evening Drum~Write~Draw.  Jim Donovan returns to the Bottlebrush this spring, presenting his Spring Renewal and Rejuvenation Series, 5 weeks of spiritual and creative refreshment using drums. Check out the full description on our Adult Classes page.

Other ongoing favorites include our Songwriters in Harmony workshop, “Time for Me” A Women’s Creative Circle, Debbie Smith Wagner’s Bottlebrush Improv and Acting class for ages 9-15 with Auditioning activities added–  and the return of Harmony Ink, a monthly creative writing workshop.

Click on the links Children/Teen Classes and Adult Classes above to see everything that’s new, and be sure to check back as we add more classes regularly.

To sign up for our classes, contact the Gallery either by email bottlebrushgallery @ yahoo.com or call us, 724.452.0539. Please note, to sign up for Jim Donovan’s Spring Renewal series, follow the link provided in the description.

ATTENTION: PARENTS … our third annual Summer Art Class Schedule for children and teens is under development with some cool, new additions this year!

With a warm and inviting vocal tone, Heather Kropf has become a fixture on the Pittsburgh live music circuit, honing her craft along the way. She has quietly charmed audiences with her lush, literate blend of jazz-influenced pop, and has turned the heads of music critics, fellow songwriters, and Pittsburgh’s AAA radio station, 91.3 FM WYEP, with her three self-produced albums. WYEP celebrated her second album “What Else is L…ove” as one of the top Pittsburgh releases of 2006 and her debut album “Sky” as a runner up to the top 50 of the year in 2000.

Brad Yoder believes musical success should be measured in more than just the obvious ways. Being voted in the top three slots multiple times since 2002 for “Best Acoustic/Solo Artist” by Pittsburgh City Paper readers is great; playing Poughkeepsie, New York, and having a college freshman from Los Angeles request songs she’s only heard via Internet downloads is actually cooler. Just as tangible in terms of success are the pieces of original art on Brad’s walls created by supporters and inspired by specific songs, and the many “gig guest books” full of appreciative comments from 10+ years of live shows. Come out and share the evening,

Friday 21 February 2014 7:00 PM. All ages $10.00, BYOB for adults, bring a snack to share.

Thursday, February 13, 2014  6:00-9:00pm. FREE!

Kids, art and pets– what better combination is there? 🙂

It’s time for some love– and our 3rd annual Valentines Party and Fundraiser for the Butler County Humane Society! Come out for our family-friendly Valentine’s party and help our abandoned and homeless animals at the same time. No charge for admission… we only ask that you bring food, toys or supplies donations for the animals. The Humane Society’s donation “wish list” can be seen here: http://butlercountyhs.org/wish_list.html Tax-deductible cash donations also gratefully accepted… please help out however you can.

What will be happening at the Gallery? Activities include: Food and Beverages ~ Art Show ~ Silent Auctions/Chinese Auctions ~ Scavenger Hunt with Prizes ~ Kissing and Petting Booth with Pickles the Dog ~ Kitty Cuddles Booth ~ MANY Cool Gift Baskets for Auction ~ Pet Psychic Readings by Margaret White Cloud Schweiger ~ Live Music by Todd Wehr and Friends including Dennis McCurdy and Jeff Wiley ~ Pretty Pet Collars by Kim Keeley ~ Dog and Cat Treats by Christine Galket ~ Artist Exhibit ~ Face Painting by Christina ~ Meet Humane Society Staff and Adoptable Pets

Our Sponsor list is growing!

Business Sponsors include: Allure Salon, Alpine Trail Veterinary Clinic, An Evening of Music at The Center of Harmony, Bear Run Campground, The Beneigh Agency, Bottlebrush: A Gallery for the Arts, Burgh’ers, C&G Pet Delights, Darn Yarn Needles and Thread, Della Terra Restaurant, The Emporium/Kingdom of Three, The Enchanted Olive, The Exchange at Harmony, Eye Kandy, FETCH Pet Services, Fox’s Pizza, The Green Barn Whole Animal Nutrition, Harmony in the House Concerts, The Harmony Inn, The Harmony Museum Shop, Jockey Person to Person,  Just Pam Custom Horse Show Apparel and Consignments, Kim Keeley’s Sweet Pup Collars, McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores, Maddalon Jewelers, Nicolette’s Gift Shop, Polished, Robbin’s Nest (formerly Wines & Vines), The Stohr Haus Bakery, The Strand, Suzie’s Corner, Velvet Salon, Weaver’s Cabin, Wunderbar.

Thanks also to Premier Laser Spa of Pittsburgh www.premierlaserspaofpittsburgh.com for their very generous donation of a $500 gift certificate for our auctions!

Artist Donors:  Jill Claire, Michael Flaherty, Mary Koepke, Nautilus Creations, Gloria Rogulin Blake, Lissa Naporra, Debbie Smith Wagner.

Gallery Friend Donors: Carrie Baker, Elissa and Pickles Druschel, Roger and Janice Druschel, Connie King (BCHS Volunteer).

Musicians:  Dennis McCurdy, Todd Wehr, Jeff Wiley.

If you or your business would like to be a sponsor for this well-attended and worthwhile cause, please contact us. Donations of all sizes accepted.

Featured Artist Exhibit: “The Art of Face Painting” by Christina DiCenzo, McKees Rocks

RSVP requested but not required. Thank you for supporting us as we care for the homeless animals at the Butler County Humane Society!

Thursday, February 13, 2014  6:00-9:00pm ~ Bottlebrush:  A Gallery for the Arts  539 Main Street  Harmony, PA 16037 ~ RSVP 724.452.0539

SOLD OUT – THANK YOU!

The Womack Family Band
with Special Guest Jeff Wiley
Saturday 8th February 2014, 7:00pm
Bottlebrush: A Gallery for the Arts
$15 Admission
RSVP –Advanced Sales. BYOB bring snacks to share if you are so inclined.
Call (724) 452-0539 or email hith@zoominternet.net

Since their debut in 2010 The Womack Family Band has captivated audiences all over the eastern U.S. with their spot-on three part vocal harmony, tight musicianship, and neo-classic songwriting. Fan remarks often include phrases like “…I left (the show) feeling inspired…” and “…a breath of fresh air”. Reviewers are saying “…The Womack Family Band has revived the spirit of vintage rock music and introduced it to the grandchildren of folk and jazz” and “The group’s live performances have the potential to become the stuff of legend”. Audiences at Womack shows include 14 year olds toe-tapping and dancing amidst 30 and 60 year olds, proving that no matter what your era of music, The Womack Family Band has a song for you. The Womack Family Band  plans on releasing their 4th studio album sometime in early 2014. http://www.womackband.com

The Gallery’s 2014 acoustic concert schedule is now complete and posted on the web site. Just click on the 2014 Concerts link above. This year’s line up:  The Womack Family Band; Heather Kropf and Brad Yoder; Celtic-St. Patrick’s party and dinner with the Ploughshare Poets; Kim Richey; BeJae Fleming, Chad Elliott and Jackie; Greg Trooper; Steve Katz (founding Member of Blood, Sweat and Tears); Eric Taylor; Dana Cooper; Eric Brace and Peter Cooper; Roy Book Binder; The Early  Mays. Please check the link for details on dates, admission price, and added shows.

Happy New Year’s from Harmony, PA. Photos from our annual “Silvester” event, which is the German town’s celebration of New Year’s Eve.  Face Painting by Christina for big and little kids alike, a 5k and Fun Run, traditional food and drinks, treats for pets by Christine Galket, German countdown and ball drop at 6pm (midnight in Germany!), singing of Auld Lang Syne, and fireworks. All of the shops in town are open, including the Gallery– and we all have our heat on, so come in and keep warm. And when it’s all done, you’ll be home in time to celebrate New Year’s — again. 🙂  A blessed and joyous 2014 to everyone from Bottlebrush Gallery.