Posts Tagged ‘People’

Final Concert of the 2011 Season at New Forest

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

In our final concert of the 2011 Season at New Forest Center at Pepper Place, Art Folk is thrilled to welcome Bryan Eubanks and Jason Kahn for an evening of solo and duo performances of their brilliant, cutting edge music, sure to transcend the aural sphere!

Jason Kahn (b. 1960, New York, USA) is based in Zurich, Switzerland and active in composition, installations, percussion, and electronics. Exhibitions and concerts in museums, galleries, art spaces, festivals and clubs throughout Europe, North and South America, Australia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Turkey and South Africa.

Bryan Eubanks (b. 1977, Pasco, WA.) is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and focused on collaborative improvisation, solo projects, and sound installation. He has performed his work across the US, Europe, Japan, and Korea. Working with instruments of his own design that incorporate open-circuits, radio transmission, feedback, Soprano Saxophone, and                                                                 other electronics.

Doors at 7:00 p.m.

Concert at 7:30 p.m.

$10 @ The New Forest Center at Pepper Place

2805 2nd Avenue South

Birmingham, Alabama

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Meet Renowned Photographer Chip Cooper at King’s House Oriental Rugs

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Chip Cooper, renowned Alabama photographer

It’s almost that time again! King’s House Oriental Rugs is prepping for a full house for the next Third Thursday scheduled for August 18th at 11:30 am. As always, you can call 205-244-1933 or email kingshouseorientals@gmail.com for your complimentary reservation.

This month, King’s House Oriental Rugs owner Christin Terrell has invited renowned Alabama photographer Chip Cooper. Chip recently completed work at Alys Beach and will provide tips on capturing the perfect shot.

Chip is the the Artist in Residence in the Honors College and a faculty member at the University of Alabama. Prior to this, he was the Director of Photography at the school.

He has photographed a bevy of authors including Margaret Atwood and Pulitzer Prize-winning Frank McCourt. Chip himself is an award-winning photographer having received recognition in Communication Arts magazine and is a past recipient of the Artist Fellowship from the Alabama State Council of the Arts.

He has published over six books, including his most recent book, Charlie Lucas: The Tin Man.

The first 25 reservations enter a chance to win a free Dash & Albert rug of the winner’s choice.

If you want to see photos from previous Third Thursdays, check out King’s Facebook photo albums. And make sure to like and comment while you’re there.

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Top 10 Reasons Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery is Worth a Visit

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Off the main parking lot of Pepper Place, an oasis greets customers Monday through Friday and on busy Saturdays during the Pepper Place Farmers’ Market.  Tucked in the corner and down a flower laden path, you will not want to miss the charming courtyard and shop of Charlie and Cindy Thigpen, owners of the Garden Gallery.  Upon entering the relaxing courtyard, you will immediately slow your pace to absorb all the sights, sounds and fragrant smells of this blooming heaven.  Here are our top 10 reasons why you should not miss a visit to this charming “mom and pop” garden shop:

  1. The tranquil sounds of cool, splashing water trickling from the focal point water feature.  Be sure to drop your bags and take a rest on the comfortable ball seats nestled around the fountain.
  1. Friendly smiles and knowledgeable advice on what to plant in your garden.  Usually, Charlie is always on hand to lend an ear and offer tips to questions from patrons, giving that personal touch of customer service.
  1. The variety of selections of annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables.  Surely one (or more!) would be perfect in your landscape.  In addition to popular plants available, there are always several unusual and unexpected surprises to browse.
  1. Garden gifts and whimsical yard ornaments crafted by local artists await you inside and outside the shop! Don’t miss the selection of sketches, oil paintings, and award-winning photography. Several choices abound and range in price points to suit any shopper’s wallet.
  1. Ring the bell!  The tank bell that is.  Created by a local craftsman and perfect for hanging on your porch to call children in from a day at play.  See if you can find the one to ring in our courtyard!
  1. On busy days, the convenience of an outside tent where you can purchase your items with check or cash.  Of course, inside the shop takes credit cards as well.
  1. Three words…the fan mister.  This attraction you will not want to miss.  Young and old cannot resist standing in front of the oscillating misty breeze!
  1. The mosaic matron found by the courtyard fence cradling a flowerpot overflowing with seasonal color.  Presiding over the creatively designed borders, she seems to whisper ideas and “go bys” for customers to fashion in their own garden.
  1. Clever uses of discarded materials such as bicycles and worn garden tools, becoming planters and yard art.  See all the tired, ordinary items repurposed into amazing treasure!
  1. The wide variety of houseplants found inside the shop.  Shoppers can find a range between 4 inch ferns to 8 foot fiddle leaf figs.  An added bonus?  Supporting the local growers in that 99.9% of the plants inside and out are cultivated right here in the state of Alabama!

Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery is located in Pepper Place, 2805 2nd Ave. S, Ste 300, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.  The phone number is (205) 328-1000 and the email is gardenersgallery@att.net.  STORE HOURS are Monday—Friday 8:00 – 6:00 and Saturday from 8:00 – 4:00. Visit us on the web at: http://www.charliethigpensgardengallery.com/

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Brown and Green | Cutting Boards Never Looked So Good

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

If you’ve ever been down to the Saturday Summer Farmer’s Market at Pepper Place, then you understand the magic that exists there. Hundreds of farmers and local craftsmen gather once a week to peddle their wares for all to see. There are fresh veggies, hand crafted knickknacks, and a plethora of random items available for purchase.

Earlier this week, I had the good fortune of a sit down with Justin Brown and Brian Green, the two guys behind a newly formed company, named interestingly enough, Brown and Green. Brown and Green is a product and furniture design company, which is the culmination of two architectural minds focusing their love for cooking, eating, drinking and design into the products they create. Their current offering at the Market consists of elegant hand made end grain cutting boards, but will eventually feature a full line of hand made furniture and kitchen accessories.

You’ve got to actually lay your hands on these cutting boards to truly appreciate them. Only after you pick one up can you fully appreciate the amount of thought and expert craftsmanship that has been dedicated to each piece. Brian & Justin go out of their way to select only the best local hard woods for use in these boards, and let me tell you, their meticulous selection process has made all the difference.

The product they’ve created will last a lifetime. These cutting boards will be the item in your kitchen that your children and grandchildren always remember, much like that well seasoned corn bread pan my grandmother has been using for ages.  Unlike a large number of cutting boards, these cutting boards are “end grain” which means the board is “self healing’, easy on your cutlery, and naturally resistant of bacteria growth. Boards like these have been trusted by chefs, butchers, and household cooks for centuries.

If you find yourself with a little bit of spare time this on a Saturday morning, come down to the Pepper Place Farmers market and meet the men behind Brown and Green. As you talk to them, you’ll notice the same thing I noticed: these guys are crazy about the product they’ve created and they love what they do. If you feel so inclined, you could walk away with your very own Brown and Green cutting board. Their boards are priced between $50 and $250 for the pieces they have on display, however, they’re also game to create custom sizes and even whole counter tops! Even if you’re just in the browsing mood come check out what they have to offer. Like I said, you’ve got to put your hands on these things to see what I mean.

We’ll see you at the market!

Justin Brown and Brian Green are old college buddies who, through a stroke of good luck, now have the chance to work together. They both graduated from the University of Tennessee with degrees in Architecture and Design. They’ve worked all over the country, but they both agree, “there’s no where like the South”.

-AS