Yes, a flotilla of rubber ducks will be racing down the Passaic for the honor and glory of their sponsors. The ducky, er, lucky winner could be you!

Details are on our Duck Race page. Check this blog regularly for updates and details on the quacktivities.

Dear Friend of the Farmstead,

After much discussion and thought the Friends of the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead decided to postpone Light the Way which was scheduled for December 8th. The damage sustained on the Farmstead grounds after Hurricane Sandy caused us to change the date and venue. We soon learned that due to other commitments and the personal losses of our vendors that we would not be able to present many of the unique vendor items for sale at the event. Lastly, there simply was not enough time to market the event to public to make it profitable. I’m sorry that we can’t go forward this weekend, but we all agreed that it is for the best.

The Light the Way fundraiser was enormously supported by the Art See Artists and greater New Jersey art community. Artists donated over 40 pieces of art to our cause. We would also like to thank the Vine Restaurant, which donated their space to us as an alternative venue. We are truly humbled and thankful for all of the support we have been given during this difficult time.

The fundraising team has now turned our attention to our Spring Farm to Table Event on Saturday June 8, 2013. It is our intention to feature the donated art from Light the Way as our first Art Show and Sale in the newly restored English Barn. This family-friendly event will feature live music, duck races along the river, and delicious food. In order to start raising money for the lighting as soon as possible, we will soon also feature some of the art on an on-line auction site for nonprofits. Please stay tuned for more details.

Once again I want to thank you for your support of Farmstead Arts and the Friends of the Kennedy Martin Farmstead. We remain committed to our shared goal of Lighting the Way.

Sincerely,

Ann Rosenblum

President

Fallen Shutters
by Kristina Lloyd

Take a break from the hectic holiday shopping and enjoy an elegant afternoon at Light the Way, a fundraiser to benefit Farmstead Arts at the Vine Restaurant, 95 Morristown Road (Route 202) in Basking Ridge on Saturday, December 8 from 1 – 3 PM.    The festive event will include seasonal hors d’oeuvres and beverages, live music by singer/songwriter Maura Glynn, holiday boutiques and a silent auction featuring one of a kind pieces of art by many of New Jersey’s top artists, including the ArtSee artists of Bernardsville and Basking Ridge.

Tickling Light
at the Farmstead
by Alex Bigati

Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at Farmsteadlighttheway.eventbrite.com or by calling 908-636-2311. RSVPs are requested by December 6. Proceeds will be used to install professional lighting for the Farm House galleries and the English Barn.

Farmstead Arts thanks the artists who have donated their art for the silent auction and The Vine Restaurant for hosting the event.  Light the Way was originally scheduled to be held at Farmstead Arts on December 1, but following Super Storm Sandy, was in danger of being cancelled until The Vine offered their restaurant for the gala on December 8.

Annual Appeal 2012

Please support the third annual fundraising appeal of The Friends of the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead. Thanks to your past generous support, the Friends have been able to operate Farmstead Arts for two years now, offering public concerts, art shows, and classes at the beautiful historic farm and in the community with the first Art on the Ridge event and second annual ARTSee Studio Tour collaboration. If you have already donated this year, thank you!!

For a donation form and to read more, click Annual Appeal Letter

To Donate online:

• The Light The Way Fundraiser originally scheduled for Saturday, December 1 is rescheduled for Saturday, December 8 from 1-3 PM at the Vine Restaurant in Bernardsville.
• The Gilbert & Sullivan concert scheduled for Sunday, November 18 at 2 PM will be held in April 2013.

Children’s Afterschool Studio Programs
Wednesdays 3:30-4:30

Anita McKenna-Murphy, artist and teacher at St. James School will be offering a series of four-week classes for young artists, grades K – 8 at the Farmstead in October and November.  The sessions will be Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 PM.  October 3  Monet’s Glowing Garden (session 2), and Nov. 7 Matisse’s Mixed-Up Masterpieces (session 3). Cost is $125 per session. All supplies included.  For more information and to register, contact the artist directly at 973-590-8971 or email anitamckennamurphy@gmail.com

HarpAntics Halloween Concert
Sunday, October 28, 2 PM

Make it a Halloween family event on Sunday, October 28 at the Farmstead.  HarpAntics, a harp ensemble of many harps, will perform a family friendly concert of spooky and seasonal favorites at 2 PM.  Tickets are $10 and  are available on line at http://farmsteadharpantics.eventbrite.com/.  Space is limited but depending on availability, tickets may also be available at the door.   Come in costume if you like! Treats are on the house.

ARTSee Studio Tour Gallery Hours, New History Room

The ARTSee Studio Tour on September 28 and 29 was a great success, with over 400 visitors to the Farmstead viewing the art of Anthony Galati, Hilary Klimek, Michelle Marigliano, Lorenzo DiAndrea, Kristina Lloyd , Frank Pietrucha and Joanne Devine.  The art will be on display and for sale on Sundays through October from 1 – 4 PM. Also, come to the second floor to see the new History Room curated by our fabulous history intern, Christine Luthy.

One Day Drawing Workshop
November 3

Farmstead welcomes new faculty member, Anthony Galati, who will teach a one day workshop, Drawing A Still Life. This class will focus on understanding light, shadow, negative space, plotting points, structure and shading. It will take place on Saturday, November 3 from  1 – 3 PM. This class is particularly well suited for the beginner and intermediate student; advanced level also welcome. Ages teen to adult. Cost is $30 per person, bring your own pad and drawing materials. Register online at http://galatiworkshop.eventbrite.com or write to anthonygalati@gmail.com

Holiday Family Portraits By Photographer Hilary Klimek
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 & 4

On Saturday and  Sunday, November 3 & 4  Holiday Family Portraits by award-winning photographer Hilary Klimek of Basking Ridge will be offered just in time for the holidays. Family portraits will be taken in front of a winter setting designed by Back-to-Nature of Basking Ridge. The $50 sitting fee includes three digital photos that will be e-mailed to participants. There is a  limit of 5 people per sitting.  Reservations are encouraged,however, drop-ins are welcome based on availability. Appointment times are between 10 – 12 and 4 – 6 both days. Email farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com or call 908-229-3449 to book an appointment.

Savoy Faire, A Concert of Gilbert And Sullivan Favorites
Sunday, November 18, 2 PM

On Sunday, November 18, Ridge Light Opera will perform a concert of Gilbert and Sullivan Favorites at the Farm House.  The gallery will be transformed into the Savoy Theatre from London’s West End, and filled with wonderful music of G & S comic operas. Purchase your tickets for this event at http://novfarmsteadconcert.eventbrite.com/ or send a check payable to Friends of the KMS Farmstead, indicating the number of tickets you wish to purchase and your contact info to Farmstead Arts at PO Box 155, Basking Ridge, NJ  07920.  Depending on availability, tickets may also be sold at the door.

Light the Way Fundraiser
December 1

Mark your calendars to attend the Farmstead’s first gala fundraiser, Light the Way, A Season of Artful Giving at the Farmstead  on Saturday December 1st .  The farmhouse will be open to the public for a holiday boutique and sale from 1 to 4 PM.  From 5 to 7 PM, the Farmstead will host a Social and Silent Auction featuring seasonal hors d’oeuvres catered by The Vine Restaurant,  live music and a silent  auction of original and one of a kind works of art at the Historic Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmhouse.

We are asking artists to donate a piece of artwork that can be used to help us raise funds to support our mission. The auction will include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, crafts and more. If you represent a gallery or artist or are an artist yourself, we hope you will contribute to our auction. You will receive additional exposure for your work.

To donate art, ask questions about the event or to schedule a pick-up or drop-off, please contact the Visual Arts Coordinator and Trustee, Kristina Lloyd at artbykristina@aol.com.

Tickets to the evening social are $75 per person.  To purchase, visithttp://Farmsteadlighttheway.eventbrite.com or call us at 908-636-2311. Proceeds from this event will go to the installation of professional gallery lighting in the Farmhouse and English Barn.

Construction Update

Bids have been awarded and construction has started under the State and County Historical Grants on the English Barn, Well House and the Farmhouse.  The interior of the Barn is being started first, which includes an archaeological examination of the interior, a cement floor to be covered, in part, by historic wood planks and raising of beams.  Work on the house will begin in November,including restoration and painting of windows, floor and door work,  attic insulation and pathways to the house.

Founded in 2004, Beyond Unison is dedicated to creating high quality a cappella music.  The 18 member group, which includes Ridge High School alum, Annie Schulenburg, arranges all of their own music. Their repertoire includes songs by artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Katy Pery, Regina Spektor, Mumford and Sons, and more. Besides performing live, they also dedicate time to a cappella recording and production. With the help of Liquid Fifth Productions, they recently released their latest CD “Stop or Go”, which can be found on itunes. Their CDs will be available at the reception following the concert.

To view flyer, click on link:  Beyond_Unison_flyer

“The Blue Marsh” by Anita McKenna Murphy

Children’s After School Studio Programs
with Artist & Teacher Anita McKenna-Murphy
Anita McKenna-Murphy, artist and teacher at St. James School, will be offering a series of three four-week classes for young artists at the Farmstead beginning in September.  Students will learn  the benefits of thinking like a creator, drawing what they see and enhancing their own authentic expression through a variety of mediums including pastel, charcoal, and acrylics.  The three four-week sessions will be Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30 PM.  Session 1  Cezanne’s Awesome Apples on September 5,12,19 and 26; Session II Monet’s Glowing Garden on October 3, 10,17 & 24; and Session III Matisse’s Mixed-Up Masterpieces on November 7, 14, 21 & 28.  Cost is $125 per session.  All professional art supplies are included.  For more information and to register, please contact the artist directly at 973-590-8971, or email:  anitamckennamurphy@gmail.com

Creative Writing Workshop
with Literary Agent
Kathi Paton
Saturdays 10 AM -12 Noon
Ages 16 & Up
Is there a story you’ve always wanted to tell but never quite got around to writing?  Join literary agent, former Simon & Schuster editor, and local teacher Kathi Paton at the Farmstead this fall for a six-week course on Saturdays from 10 AM – noon. In a supportive workshop environment, you’ll learn techniques for creating successful stories. Through readings of your work, group discussion, and examples from published authors, we’ll study the importance of structure, characterization, imagery, and voice. Bring an idea for a fiction or nonfiction story that you can develop and share. Kathi is offering a six-week session Sept. 15, 22, October 6,13, 20 & 27 ( no class on Sept. 29).  Cost is $150 per student.  Bring a notebook and pen. Sign up online at http://farmsteadwriting.eventbrite.com/.  Contact Kathi Paton with any questions at kjplitbiz@optonline.net.

Drawing & Mixed Media Class
with Susan Antin
Saturdays 10 AM to Noon
Drawing and mixed media class for all ages taught by artist Susan Antin on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 noon. Topics include perspective, light and dark shading, color and texture, and contour and linear drawing.  You will have the opportunity to utilize a variety of tools and create finished works, as well as try a number of useful exercises.  Pencil, charcoal, paint, colored pencils and other media will be used.  This class is for both beginners and those who have some drawing background.  **Session I:  September 15, 22, October 6, 13, 20 and 27.  Session II:  November 3, 10 & 17, December 1, 8 & 15. Cost is $175 per session. Register online at:  http://farmsteadmixedmedia.eventbrite.com  For questions, or a supply list, email Susan directly at susanantin@verizon.net, or visit her website at http://www.antinart.com.

*Please note that the Drawing & Mix Media Class and the Watercolor Class dates were postponed one week.  Session I starts September 15 and Session II starts Nov. 3

Watercolor Class with Frank Pietrucha
Saturdays 1-3 PM
Experiment with color, value composition and a variety of techniques to make bold, interesting watercolors.  Emphasizing personal creativity, students will be encouraged to express their individuality.  Demonstration of techniques will be given.  Students will work from still life and photographs.  All levels, ages high school through adults.  Session I:  Saturdays September 15, 22 & October 6,13, 20 & 27;  Session II:  Saturdays November 3, 10 & 17, and December 1 , 8 & 15.   Register online at http://farmsteadwatercolorfall12.eventbrite.com For more information on class details and a supply list, contact Frank Pietrucha at 908-903-9036, or email frankpieart@aol.com.

Folk Concert with
Spook Handy
Saturday, Sept. 29 4:30 PM
Acclaimed folk singer Spook Handy will be performing at Farmstead Arts on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 4:30 doing a tribute to his mentor, Pete Seeger. Spook, whose songs have charted as high as # 10 on the Folk Radio Charts, has toured throughout North America playing over 3000 concerts, sharing the stage with some of America’s top folk singers, including Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow and Donovan.

Hear why Pete Seeger says: “Spook Handy really understands how to write a good song that says something important.”

Hear a sample of Spook Handy at http://www.myspace.com/spookhandy/radio

Tickets for the Spook Handy concert are $20/$10 seniors and students, and may be purchased online at  http://septfarmsteadconcert.eventbrite.com/ or by sending a check payable to Farmstead Arts to PO Box 155, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 with your name, contact info and number and type of tickets you wish to purchase. Tickets may also be available at the door. Visit http://www.farmsteadartscenter.org for more info.

ARTsee Studio Tour
September 29-30
1-4 PM
ARTsee is a group of more than two dozen artists in the Bernardsville – Basking Ridge, NJ area, 20 of whom will be creating the second annual Open Studio event the last weekend of September, showcasing and promoting our vibrant arts community. You can begin at any point and visit as few or as many studios as you wish between the hours of 11 AM and 4 PM. Many artists show solo in their studios; some show their work in pairs; and several artists will be located at Farmstead Arts including  photographers Joanne Devine and Hilary Klimek, landscape artist Anthony Galati, photographer, jewelry designer and acrylic artist Kristina Lloyd, Satori weavers, Michelle L. Marigliano/Lorenzo DiAndrea,  and watercolor artist Frank Pietrucha. Come upstairs to see amazing weaving and knit art by Farmstead Artists in residence Suzanna Marshall and Laurine Gilbert. Download a map  at www.artseetour.com

The Farmstead will keep the art up through mid-November, with gallery hours on Sundays in October and November 4,11, and 18 from 11-4 PM.  All artwork is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds from sales at the Farmstead to benefit the Farmstead.

Light the Way Fundraiser
Nov 30
Request for Art Donations
On Friday November 30, 2012 the Friends will be hosting Light the Way an evening cocktail party which will open our seasonal show and sale. Profits from this event will be used to install professional lighting in our galleries.

We are asking artists to donate a piece of artwork that can be used to help us raise funds to support our mission. The auction will include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, crafts and more. If you represent a gallery or artist or are an artist yourself, we hope you will contribute to our auction. You will receive additional exposure for your work.

To donate art, ask questions about the event or to schedule a pick-up or drop-off, please contact the Visual Arts Coordinator and Trustee, Kristina Lloyd at artbykristina@aol.com

UPCOMING CONCERTS:

• HarpAntics Halloween Hallabaloo, Sunday, October 28, 2 PM – A spooky family friendly harp ensemble concert
• Gilbert and Sullivan Concert by Ridge Light Opera at Farmstead Arts, Sunday, November 18, 2 PM

Upcoming Events:

Farmstead Presents the Photography of Filip Everaert May 5-June 24

Photographer Filip Everaert displaying “Stand Out”.
Photo credit: Nino Gjivoje

“Impressions of Nature Exhibit and Sale” will feature the photography of Filip Everaert on May 5 – June 24. Everaert’s photography is exceptional for its color and rich textures, capturing the essence of the beauty of nature.  He prints his original fine art photography in his studio, using state of the art equipment and archival inks on top quality canvas. Each piece is signed and can be customized to fit your needs. The artist grew up in Europe with a love for things both technical and artistic. Now living in Basking Ridge, Everaert has intertwined these passions by creating photographic stories through the use of digital photography. Gallery hours are weekends from 1-4 PM and admission is free.   There are no gallery hours on Sunday, June 17 (Father’s Day).

Photo credit: Hilary Klimek

Art on the Ridge
Saturday, June 23
11am – 3 pm

Take a stroll through downtown Basking Ridge as Farmstead Arts presents Art On The Ridge, an indoor/outdoor art exhibit and sale on Saturday, June 23.  Five local businesses will host 20 local artists’ works from 11 AM – 3 PM.  Throughout the day, guitarist Arturo will provide entertainment on South Finley Avenue by Ridge Family Dentistry.  Following the event, The Ridge Tavern will host an Artists’ Reception that includes complementary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar open to the public from 3-6 PM.   This is the first Art On The Ridge exhibit hosted by Farmstead Arts to bring awareness to the arts.

Five downtown businesses will be displaying art work and hosting artists, including The Brick Academy, 15 West Oak Street; Cafe Lotus, 77 South Maple Avenue; Coldwell Banker, 1 South Finley Avenue; Remax Classic Group, 47 South Finley Avenue; and Ridge Family Dentistry, 44-A South Finley Avenue.  Look for the balloons located outside the locations.  Participating artists include Vivian Bedoya, Alex Bigatti, Joanne Devine, Filip Everaert, Abi Fellows, Maryann Ficker, Darlene Foster, Anthony Galati, Laurine Gilbert,  Jim Gilbert, Mary Gunning, Kathleen Kirchner, Hilary Klimek, Linda Lam, Cinder LeDell, Kristina Lloyd, Yitzchok Moully, Letty Oratowski, Lorraine Regan, and David Smalley.

“Mayan Sun” by Susan Antin

Art Classes with Susan Antin – Sign up Now!
In June and July, Susan Antin will be offering a a variety of art classes this June for teens and adults.  Please note that the art classes are being held at the Brick Academy, 15 West Oak Street in downtown Basking Ridge while restoration work is being done on the English Barn and the Farmhouse at the Farmstead this summer.

Drawing and Mixed Media Class: Saturdays, June 23 – July 28, 2012 (six week course) 10 AM – 12 Noon. Fee $175. .

NEW WORKSHOP:

• Contemporary Collage: June 16. 10am –-2:30pm, $90

Sign up online at: http://FAartclasses2012.eventbrite.com/ or send a check with your contact info and class(es) you want, to Farmstead Arts at PO Box 155, Basking Ridge, NJ  07920.

THIS FALL:

“The Blue Marsh” by Anita McKenna Murphy

After School Art Classes with Artist Anita McKenna Murphy For Students in K-8 grade

Don’t miss this opportunity for young artists to to learn the benefits of thinking like a creater, drawing what they see and enhancing their own authentic expression through a variety of medium including pastel, charcol, and acrylics.   Sessions are $125 each.  Ms. McKenna-Murphy is a local artist and teacher at St. James School in Basking Ridge.  Her work is represented by Meli Melo in Bernardsville.  Her work has been commissioned by Mansion in May, The Hanson Gallery, and IFDA at the Museum of Art & Design in New York.    The classes will take place at the farmhouse at Farmstead Arts.  All professional supplies will be provided. To register, click this link: Anita Murphy Class Flyer ,fill out the form, and mail it directly to Ms. McKenna-Murphy.  All registration forms must be received two weeks in advance.

• Session I Wednesdays, September 5-26, 3:30-4:30 pm
• Session II Wednesdays, October 3-24, 3:30-4:30 pm
• Session III Wednesdays, November 7-28, 3:30-4:30 pm
  

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Drawing and Mixed Media Classes with Susan Antin
Saturdays March 24 – April 28, 2012
11:15 AM – 1:15 PM
$175 per session.
To register go to: http://farmsteadartclasses2012.eventbrite.com
To view flyer, click: Drawing_Mixed_Media Flyer

Called a “revelation to hear” by The Washington Post, the Duo,  comprised of Michael Newman and Laura Oltman,  have delighted audiences on five continents for over 30 years. Artistic Directors of both the Raritan River Music Festival and New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes, they serve on the faculty and are ensemble-in-residence at Mannes College of Music, and are recipients of numerous honors, including awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America The duo has recorded twelve critically-acclaimed albums and taken the lead on developing a new repertoire for the ensemble. To learn more about the duo, visit http://www.guitarduo.com.