THE STUDIO OF NICOLE MERKENS

Yep, its that time of year again. I can't believe we are in November already. I can't say I'm not happy that this year is almost over- its been a dozy. I have just about wrapped up my new work for the Roswell Art Center West's "Works in Clay Show". Its scheduled to open on November 29 at 7pm and I will once again have a table with a few pieces to sell just in time for the holidays. This is where I teach my sculpture class and always look forward to all the artist offerings at this show. Various Festive Wall Heads "Protector" 8"h x 7"w x 5"d "Shrunken Heads" Ornaments 5"h x3"w x 3"d each "Her Shadow Self" 19"h x 8"w x 5"d "Queen of the Universe" 17"h x 17"w x 9"d "Her Crown was Tarnished, But not Her Biker Boots" 24"h x 14"w  x 10"d

Here are some photos from this past weekend's Oddities & Curiosities Expo. It was so much fun; I can't wait to participate again.

OH GUYS!!! Save the Date: November 3rd, 2018 from 11am-6pm...Its the Oddities & Curriosities Expo in Atlanta and I will have a booth there. This show is going to be so much fun! Check out  https://odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com  to see the website and you can purchase tickets at:  https://givebacktickets.com/tickets/atlanta-oddities-curiosities-expo I can't wait to see you there!

Hello. Im writing to you surrounded by all of the contents in my kitchen. My kitchen flooded two weeks ago due to a faulty shut off valve under the sink. It has been a nightmare and I feel very displaced. You see the water then flowed into the basement and flooded the basement - My studio is in the basement and all of the water logged furniture was pushed into my work space while they tore down walls and carpeting. This kind of craziness always seems to occur when I have something due or pressing going on. Which brings me to the Works in Clay Show opening tomorrow at Art Center West. I have managed to make 9 wall heads and some necklaces - (which I had going before the flood) and have a couple bigger pieces to sell but by no means am I ready for this show. The Moral of the story is " Always have work going in case life throws a curve ball in your direction". On that note I want to share a couple of pieces I had fun finishing during this episode in my life. "He Sent

It's been raining cats and dogs here all spring - so today was finally nice enough to take some photos of some work I've been meaning to document. I hope you have sunny skies over your head today.  -peace out, Nic "Angel Boy" 29"w x 19" h x 12"d "Moon Boy" 16"h x 9"w x 7"d "Unicorn Magic" 24"w x 17" h x 18"d  "Mercury in Retrograde" 13"h x 17"w 9" d

I am so excited to be a part of this show at Florida CraftArt and that they chose my piece to be used as one of the images in the publication materials. There is an opening and a closing so if you cant get to one - get to the other. There will be performers and face painters and of course fun Day of the Dead Art! for more info: http://www.floridacraftart.org/exhibitions/dia-de-los-muertos/ April 6, 5:30- 8:30 p.m. Opening reception Come during the exhibition for parties, lectures and face painting. May 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Closing reception 501 Central Ave St. Petersburg, Fl  727-821-7391

Today was a whirlwind Monday- Drive two hours north to drop off work for the Gilmer Arts Juried Exhibition and then deliver work to one of my galleries ( High Country Art ) in Blue Ridge, Ga before I get on a plane to go sculpt in Tucson, Arizona.   To my surprise, when I arrived in Blue Ridge, I discovered my work was in the front window with a friend of mine. The two of us have the front windows and it's so much fun to see my creations, my friends looking out at me. 

Im happy to announce that my piece "Lady Liberty" made it into the Gilmer Arts Annual Juried Show. The show opens February 24, 2018 and they have one hell of an opening- with great food, drinks and company. Its in beautiful Ellijay, Georgia and its bound to be a great night. Come See the Show Saturday Feb 24 at the Gilmer Arts Link Gallery: 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, Ga 30540. www.gilmerarts.com "Lady Liberty"

Just finished a whirl wind morning of hanging sculpture in a space that doesn't let you put holes in the walls. So my 20 pound piece is hanging by wires from the ceiling. Yikes and Scary Yikes!!! Actually I only allowed one to hang - the other two Ill put on pedestals for opening night. Opening is Feb. 27 from 6-9pm at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Here is my work for the Female Project's "Words & Images: Truth, Lies, & Heart" Women and Girls Speak Their Truth in Art: "Gypsy Girl" (detail)22"h x22"w x15" "Gypsy Girl" 22"h x22"w x15"d "Dreamer" 11"h x8"w x 6"d "Witchy Woman" 16"h x9"w x7"d

Im very excited to be included in this exclusive show at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center February thru March 2018. "Words & Images, Truth & Lies & Heart" is an all female show that depicts a women's existence and thru words and art imagery. The Opening is February 27 from 6-9 pm and will have food, music and drinks. This show will prove to be an eye opening experience. Please join us. The Roswell Cultural Arts Center is located at 950 Forrest Street Roswell, Ga 30075.  Phone:770-594-6232 Website: http://www.roswellgov.com/discover-us/cultural-arts-center