TODD MELENKE, ARTIST OF THE MONTH, AUGUST 2011

Todd became interested in forging steel in the early 1990's. For the past ten years, his work has focused on directly constructed sculpture in which individually forged elements are assembled into a single sculpture. He heats metal, usually steel but sometimes copper and bronze, in a gas forge until it is red hot and then hammers it into the desired shape. The work is normally finished with a natural oxidation patina that can vary from light bronze to red to blue. A coat of beeswax protects the piece from tarnish when displayed inside. He also finishes with natural rust and with paint. Some of Todd's work is set on carved rock pieces. For inspiration, Todd looks to the sea, plant life, and the human figure.

Todd's work sells very well. He replenished his gallery pieces just this week with some very intriguing work.  Kudos will be open evenings throughout Dan Emmett Days, this Thursday, August 11, Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13, in addition to our normal hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Stop by to see Todd's amazing work and that of our other twenty talented artists representing a wide array of mediums.  You will be met with a warm welcome and beautiful art.

Artist of the Month

We will soon be featuring one artist each month along with pictures of their work.  Please look for our first featured artist soon!

Kudos is open 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.  We are located at 15 North Main Street, Mount Vernon, OH.  Please stop by to view the beautiful, one of a kind pieces of art crafted by talented artisans.

Browsers welcome!  Kudos is a warm, inviting place.  Stop in and say, "Hi."

Marsha Ernst, Manager

Photos from First Friday, June 3

First Friday is a monthly event staged by the downtown merchants in Mount Vernon, Ohio.  Kudos participates with an open house from 6:00 to 9:30 pm, where one of our artists demonstrates their art. The flowing crowd of visitors and great refreshments throughout downtown makes for a wonderful, really large party!

Here's some photos of the gallery on First Friday.  There are so many interesting corners to peek into and lots of amazing art.  Come in to see etched glass by Gail LaBenne,










whimsical cards by Jamie Henry, and gorgeous hand-blown glass by Mike Stepanski.

Nan Black's creative linens in black, white, and neutrals adorn an

antique bed in the window

and there's even a small knitting store in the back corner featuring good quality yarns, needles, books and patterns.






More photos next time ......

Welcome

The artists of Kudos want to welcome you to our blog.  We want to keep you up to date on the happenings at the gallery - including photos of new work,  the stories of our artists,  gallery events and the workings of a co-operative venture .