It’s always a pleasure to walk into the Art Forum and find one of our artists painting. I found Jack LeGrange working on this horse just the other day. The next day, it was already done and hanging on the wall.

Jack’s process is cool to watch. He works very quickly, applying the acrylic paint with a palette knife — no brushes.

If you find yourself at Marietta Square this holiday season, stop by the Art Forum at DuPre’s Antique Market for some fabulously creative gift ideas, made by local artists. Everyone is invited to our Holiday Open House next week Friday, November 9, 6-9pm. Merchants all over the Square will be open late for a holiday preview.

We had a tremendous crowd at the last Artists Market at Marietta Square, where the folks are friendly and creativity is tops.

Irene Bernhardt’s new owls in acrylic are a big hit.

Jack LeGrange adds a patriotic rooster to his showing of fabulous landscapes and poppies.

I loved Amanda’s unique art pieces, displayed in front of her dad’s restaurant.

Austin Cox had some wonderful new paintings to show.

Shelley M. House with her figure drawing titled “Animous.”

Come find us out at the next Artists Market, July 14, 9am-2pm, located on Mill Street at Marietta Square.

An artful evening on Marietta Square.

I had the pleasure of meeting several new artists at the last Art Walk at Marietta Square. I love all of the new artwork they’re showing at the Art Forum!

Karen Snider showing her oil paintings outside the Art Forum at DuPre’s Antique Market during the Art Walk.

Dominique Chaponot with her incredible composite digital images.

Arch Middleton has added several new colorful paintings to his booth at the Art Forum.

Rosina Reiser-Jedrusik shares her beautiful artwork.

Michael Turner shows his photography in the Whitlock Gallery, located behind the Art Forum.

Join us for the next First Friday Art Walk, July 6 from 5pm-9pm.

Shelley M. House and Blake Wright play music outside the Art Forum.

Shelley M. House and Austin Cox.

Austin is one of the talented artists returning from last year with some fabulous new art. He’s so cool, he even let me name the painting I bought from him. I’m calling it “Happy Day.”

Rebecca Drummund with her paintings inspired by nature.

Jana Elliott, Shelley M. House, Irene Bernhardt and Jack LeGrange representing the Art Forum at DuPre's Antique Market.

Jana's "Hippie Chic" bags.

A colorful showing at the Art Forum booth.

Alex Guthrie and friends help entertain the crowd.

I hope to see y’all at Marietta Square this Saturday. Special guest Blake Wright will be performing with me from 12:30-2pm.

Shelley M. House on violin and Blake Wright on viola at the First Friday Art Walk.

Shelley M. House at the Art Forum at DuPre’s Antique Market

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the art scene at Marietta Square is growing rapidly. Every day, artists at Marietta Square share their passion and work together to strengthen our community. With the First Friday Art Walks and Saturday Artists Markets right around the corner, it is a place where artists can thrive.

The Art Forum at DuPre’s Antique Market is just one of several new galleries joining Marietta Square’s flourishing art community.  Local artists rent space to show their artwork, bringing a fresh new look to this popular antique mall. In December of 2010, owner Mike Barie invited artists to imagine the possibilities. Today, the contemporary partition walls come alive with colorful artwork in a building that was originally a feed and seed store, adding to the charm of shopping in historic downtown Marietta. DuPre’s is open every evening until 6pm, or 9pm for special events like Artists Alley, a popular venue during the Art Walks.

Photography, oils, acrylics, watercolors, sculpture, mixed media, digital art – the wide variety of artwork allows Art Forum artists to draw inspiration from each other. A true camaraderie is leading to a larger revitalization of Marietta Square through collaborations within the art community.

Art Forum artist Jack Ricardo LaGrange, from South Africa, reflects on the revitalization, “Marietta definitely draws me in. I think in time, it will hold a candle to any artistic community. I was in Bayswater, London, where art is displayed freely. One feels that Marietta could easily follow suit.”

When I became part of the Art Forum, I didn’t just start a business selling my art; I became part of a community. I’ve been publishing my art online at shelleymhouse.wordpress.com for years, but nothing beats face-to-face contact.  The interaction with people at Marietta Square has inspired me to expand my mediums from ink drawings, digital art, altered books and poetry to painting, sculpture and music.

Visit the Marietta Square and the Art Forum to meet our artists, and join us in celebrating the arts in our community. If you hear my fiddle playing, stop by and say hi.

As published in The Bright Side Newspaper, Marietta, March 2012.

My jaw dropped when I walked around the corner of Cherokee at Marietta Square this afternoon.

Brian is painting this humongous backdrop for Fiddler on the Roof  at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre next week.

Wet paint rocks!

With inspiration around every corner, Marietta Square is the place for artists to be!

The morning was chilly for the November Artists Market, but that didn’t stop these friendly artists from coming out to Mill Street to share their wonderful creations.

Austin Cox with his painting "Blue Point." See more of his work at http://www.Artbreak.com/AustinCox.

Dianne Renee (right) with Happy Quilts creates clothes and blankets with 100% recycled wool.

Jack LeGrange, Shelley House, Jana Elliott, and Rebecca Richmond representing The Art Forum at DuPre's Antique Market.

A colorful display at the DuPre's tent.

Mill Street comes alive on market day.

Another early-morning view down Mill Street. Look for us again in April!

Larry Wilson with his black and white photography.

Thing on the wall.

Another thing on the wall. Old warehouses are cool!

Ilia Varcev returned to Prague after escaping 25 years ago, and photographed this view from his childhood room.

Michael Vinnette with his scuplture.

Michael Vinnette creates wonderful figure drawings, too.

Yves Clement is a prolific French painter who works on brown paper grocery bags.

David Mendoza has a great story behind this piece, "My Cup Was Runneth Over."

I love this photo by Michael Turner of a Georgia swamp.

Michael will keep his gallery open late on Friday nights through the holiday season.

The Art Forum at DuPre's Antique Market stays open late Friday night.

The Art Forum at DuPre’s Antique Market will stay open until 9pm tonight, along with other merchants at Marietta Square, for the annual Candlelight Shopping event. Get some holiday shopping done early while supporting local businesses!

Marietta Square looks pretty at night.

The DuPre's vendors have been busy decorating for the holiday season.

Stop by to see what treasures are waiting inside.

Artist Shelley M. House decorates with artsy notecards.

Kee Carlisle is working on his unique Christmas Tree.