THE STUDIO OF NICOLE MERKENS

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 

Tonight is the opening of the great ceramics show and sale at Roswell Art Center West. Works in Clay Reception (free and open to the public): Thursday, December 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Works in Clay Continues: Friday – Saturday, December 8–9, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Sunday, December 10, 12:00-5:00 p.m.Monday – Wednesday, December 11–13, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Location: Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Rd., 30075In Roswell, adjacent to Blick in Leita Thompson Memorial Park.  I set up my table last night and will be working tonight, so come say "Hi", enjoy a glass of wine and get a jump on your holiday shopping.  Here are some photos of new work available in all price points.

I am proud to announce; I am in excellent company for a new exhibition I am participating in. Starting October 20, 2017,  I join fellow artists; Shadow May, Sophia Sabowitz, David Robinson and Kirsten Stingle at Oglethorpe University's Conant Performing Arts Center for an invitational art exhibition that will run thru Oct. 29 in conjunction with the production of: "Mr. Burns A Post-Electric Play". There will be a free event "Meet the Artists" Night on October 21, 2017 from 6:30- 8:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Here are some photos of my work that will be on display. "Lady Liberty"18"hx14"wx8"d  "Our Lady of Missed Motorcycle Rides"20"hx10"wx8"d "Sprite Of Psychic Dreams"14"hx9"wx6"d "Sprite Of Concern" 14"hx7"wx8"d "Sprite of Wishful Thinking"15"hx8"wx6"d "Time Bandit" 21"hx 8...

I am sad to say I am home from a wonderful 8 day trip to Europe. I went to London and Paris with side trips to St. Albans and Stone Henge. It had been 20 years since I was there with London being my first visit. Up everyday at 5:24am ( that when the sun comes up over there) and out and about by 8am to museums, site seeing and great food. It is hard to say what was my favorite part but I do want to say it wasn't easy to come home and I feel our children are really missing out on the fantastic museums, old architecture and slower way of life. Here are some photos to give you little taste of my trip. You will see pics from The Tower of London, Harry Potter Studios, St. Albans, StoneHenge, Buckingham Palace, The Eiffel Tower, The Marais Village, Montmartre, The Catacombs, Notre Dame, Musee Dorsay, The Louvre, The Rodin Museum, etc...  I'm planning on going back very soon. ...