Arts & Literature
Wesleyan Artist Market: Elizabeth Ables Talks about Art, Chemistry and Inspiration [Podcast]
Published
3 years agoon

Elizabeth discusses the Market, her background and inspiration, and the impact that art has on our lives.
We’re talking with another artist to be featured at the Wesleyan Artist Market. Elizabeth Ables is an artist working primarily in pottery, but she is also a teacher to the young artists attending Wesleyan School. Rico and Elizabeth discuss the Market, Elizabeth’s history and inspiration, and the impact that art has on our lives.
Resources:
Elizabeth’s Instagram: @Ables.Elizabeth
Wesleyan Artist Market: https://www.artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org/?fbclid=IwAR1CHO4OSbMxutNgMGk3X9B2YXFsOJiXVhjXvhu7jQ3fbqenUlW-bemPSSc
“There’s always a risk that a piece is going to crack and that you’re not going to get the color that you want to. But then with experience, you realize it’s just clay. I can make it again. And I can try again. And sometimes you get happy accidents, where it might not have been what you were planning for, but what you ended up with was beautiful in its own right… It’s just like life in that sense. But if you’re open to what you get, often it’s so much more beautiful.”
Elizabeth Ables
Timestamp:
[00:00:30] – Intro
[00:01:58] – Being an Artist and a Teacher
[00:03:50] – Raku Pottery and Technique
[00:07:49] – Elizabeth’s History and Inspiration
[00:11:18] – Teaching Young Artists
[00:18:18] – Wesleyan Artist Market
[00:22:11] – Fun Facts about Elizabeth
[00:25:04] – Closing
Podcast Transcript
[00:00:30] Rico: Hi everyone, this is Rico Figliolini, host of Peachtree Corners Life. The podcast that covers everything about Peachtree Corners, here in the great state of Georgia. Today, we have a special guest because it’s artist month, right? Wesleyan Artist Market will be held at the end of this month and so we have one of the featured artists here today to talk to us about her art and about Wesleyan Artist Market. But before we get to that, I wanted to thank one of our supporters, EV Remodeling. Content is supported here by community-minded companies and organizations like EV Remodeling that help us produce editorially independent content. They are companies that underwrite us in additional ways beyond print advertising. And Eli, from EV Remodeling has come on board as a great sponsor of ours. Not only for the magazine, our new launch of a new magazine coming out in May called Southwest Gwinnett Magazine, but as well as these family of podcasts. So I want to thank them for their support. To find out a little bit more about their work and the philosophy of designing your space to design your life, check out Eli’s website at EVRemodelingInc.com. So thank you Eli, I appreciate your support. I want to bring on our artist. Hey, Elizabeth, how are you?
[00:01:44] Elizabeth: I’m good, thank you. How are you this morning?
[00:01:46] Rico: Good, good. You’re one of three artists that we’re profiling in the latest issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine. That should be hitting the mailboxes this weekend.
[00:01:57] Elizabeth: I got mine yesterday.
[00:01:58] Rico: Did you really? Good. The Post Office is working overtime then. That’s good. That’s great. So, and that was written by Patrizia Winsper who’s done some great work. And she’s done, I guess the articles of profiles of artists for the last three years running for us. And I do appreciate you being on our podcast. I think we had, there were two students that we had from Wesleyan Artist Market just a few weeks ago on our podcast to talk about their work. So it’s good to have, not only are you an artist, but you work for Wesleyan School as well, right?
[00:02:28] Elizabeth: I do. I’m the elementary art teacher. And so some of the students that are now participating as artists were some of my students when they were much younger. And it’s so amazing to be able to watch their talents grow and to see their inspiration and to see kind of the, just the direction that they take. And some of them may choose to continue on with design and with art. But they’re all just so incredibly talented that it’s, that’s one of the cool things about this art show is that you do get to see some emerging artists as well. And the community gets to celebrate the arts here in the springtime and see such a variety.
[00:03:04] Rico: Yeah. Interestingly enough, I mean, some people think art is just paintings, drawings, and maybe pottery. But there’s a whole world out there of stuff. I mean, one of the kids does seamstress work and creates through fabric, creates her art.
[00:03:18] Elizabeth: Yes. And you think about our world nowadays with social media, there is so much visual communication. And we are all drawn to things that are attractive or have something that connect with us. Well, that’s an artist who designed it.
[00:03:33] Rico: Yeah. From their perspective and what they see, the experience of creating the art. You know, I think one of the things Patrizia quoted you about is that art, if you want perfect you buy the manufactured pieces. There are a thousand molds just pieces, right?
[00:03:49] Elizabeth: Exactly.
[00:03:50] Rico: Because it was interesting to just, to read that article about the way you work. And the way pottery, the way glass, the way artwork, when you’re firing up artwork even, how number one, it could be explosive in so many different ways, right?
[00:04:05] Elizabeth: Yes, exactly. And very unpredictable.
[00:04:09] Rico: Yes. Unpredictable. Where you might start out with what you think is a blue and chemistry will and fire will show you that no, it’s a red.
[00:04:18] Elizabeth: Yes. And within the pottery world, specifically what I was talking about there, I was talking about Raku. Which Raku is very environmental that’s where it’s more unpredictable. In an electric or a gas kiln, which is the firing process, it is more predictable. And the chemicals that go into the glazes, you know the range that you could get. So speaking of this particular range in the Raku firing, I know if I don’t put it in reduction, which is putting in one of those containers where there are combustible materials and you put a lid on it. So the fire sucks out, uses up the oxygen, sucks out certain particles, certain minerals in the glazes. You kind of know the range that you’re going to get, but it is still unpredictable. And where that range is going to hit. Like, where is there a hotspot in the fire? And that sort of thing. And so whether your item is in the top of the kiln or on the bottom of the kiln. How fast it cools, how fast you put it in reduction, if you’re doing Raku, all of that impacts the coloration and where it’s going to be. So you can know a range is basically what you’re going to get, but you it’s unpredictable.
[00:05:26] Rico: Amazing. It’s so you’re, when people see movies where people are making pottery and stuff, and then they have to have to kiln it, they have to like bake it if you will. Yeah.
[00:05:39] Elizabeth: Exactly. And so one of the things, you know, that movie everybody thinks of, gosh, there was that one movie with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze, and it really is very kind of sensual and informing it and very meditative, very cathartic. And so that part was so true. Ghost, that was the movie. That part is so true. And it just, the feeling of it, you just really can get lost in what you’re doing.
[00:06:04] Rico: You do your work at, I think, if I understand correctly Spruill Art Center.
[00:06:08] Elizabeth: I do. Mostly because, in my classroom here at school, I don’t have a wheel. It takes more strength. And so that’s going to be in the upper levels. And so I do hand building with my students. And that’s where they basically, they make pancakes and turn it into something. They form a, what’s called a pinch pot, which is a centuries old process of starting with a ball and then forming it with your thumbs and your hands to form a pot. Then you can do coils. That’s the way we work here and that’s learning the fundamentals of clay. And that’s what I started with when I was learning clay as well, was learning the fundamentals of hand building. And then I went into the wheel or throwing pottery. And that takes a lot of strength and it, the key to that is really being able to center your clay. So trying to get it completely in the middle and get it smooth. And that takes a lot of practice and skill and strength.
[00:07:03] Rico: I would imagine if you didn’t have a good day, going to do that may not turn out well, or it could turn out well, I guess.
[00:07:09] Elizabeth: Exactly. Some days you get to the wheel and you’re just like, wow. Things are just not quite working today. And then other days you do something and you’re forming it and in 15 minutes you get a beautiful pot and you’re like, wow. I’ve got the feel today, so.
[00:07:23] Rico: I think anyone with a passion, whether it’s sports or it’s art, when they’re at that plate or they’re on that field or they’re at that seat, creating something. If it’s not your day, it’s not your day, right? To be able to create what you need.
[00:07:38] Elizabeth: Yeah, we really do. We have days where somehow it’s all clicking, you’re focused, you’re in a feel, and you keep going. And then other days you decide it’s time to clean your bucket and go with something else.
[00:07:49] Rico: You’ve had experience in different art work out through the years. I understand that you moved here to Peachtree Corners maybe about 28 years ago?
[00:07:56] Elizabeth: Yes, I did. I’ve been in Atlanta since ’87.. And so, but I was in the Dunwoody area as opposed to up here in Peachtree Corners. And I did many different art forms through the years. One thing I did a lot of heirloom sewing, hand embroidery, hand dying, antique laces and things like that. And I’ve done some painting.
[00:08:16] Rico: Okay. But you’re settling on the work you’re doing now. And what is it? I would say pottery, but what, how would you describe it? Like, the work?
[00:08:26] Elizabeth: Yeah, pottery. I love, I love finding beauty in functional items. I’m not as much a sculptor for a, so I’m not looking for abstract. Even though some of the Raku pieces are more decorative than they are functional, due to their surface nature. But I just love having beautiful functional things around. And that’s kind of what got me started, is wanting to be able to make those things that I could envision in my head. You know, little bowls on the counter that you want to put your recycling in or something, just that simple kind of stuff. But I wanted something really pretty and I wanted it sort of organic. I didn’t want it commercial. I wanted to kind of come up with the vision, the size, the color, the texture, all of that, that I wanted on my own.
[00:09:07] Rico: So is it fair to say you get your inspiration from everyday life or the?
[00:09:12] Elizabeth: I do. I really get most of my inspiration probably from nature. I’m very much an outdoor kind of person and just love the beautiful colors that we find in nature, birds. The ocean is a big inspiration, and that’s one of the things that I’m constantly trying to replicate in my glazes, is kind of just coming up with those colors of the ocean and the blended colors. So not really a solid, but blended. And textures from nature like bark. Yeah.
[00:09:38] Rico: So that must be difficult because talking about the color before, and how chemistry is a big part of this, and fire, and heat, and being able to stop the reaction. Does it get easier with experience or is it still hit or miss to where you feel?
[00:09:53] Elizabeth: It gets easier with experience, but there is some hit or miss to it. You’ve just got to know that there’s a certain amount of unexpected and there’s always the risk. There’s always a risk that a piece is going to crack and that you’re not going to get the color that you want to. But then with experience, you realize it’s just clay. I can make it again. And I can try again. And sometimes you get happy accidents, where it might not have been what you were planning for, but what you ended up with was beautiful in its own right.
[00:10:24] Rico: A delightful surprise.
[00:10:26] Elizabeth: Exactly. It’s just like life in that sense. And that you you’ve got these plans, but it doesn’t always work out that way. But if you’re open to what you get, often it’s so much more beautiful.
[00:10:39] Rico: So do you find yourself sometimes driving or doing things and then all of a sudden think things, like darn, well next time I think I’m going to try to put horse hair on the layering of the pot to see if that burns off and becomes. Do you think like that? Is that something you do in the middle of?
[00:10:55] Elizabeth: Yes, but I certainly cannot claim to have inspired and created that process of the horse hair. Like that goes back hundreds of years, I believe in Japan. So, no, I don’t claim that. But I would love to say, you know what, I’d love to do this and see what would happen if I do this. And maybe if I put just a little, or if I put a lot or if I do this kind of a shape, how is it going to change?
[00:11:18] Rico: Now you have young kids you’re teaching and they’re going through the process.
[00:11:22] Elizabeth: Yeah. My children, my students are young kids. My children are in their late twenties.
[00:11:26] Rico: That’s what I meant your students at Wesleyan. And I grant that they’re doing the basic work. But do you find that some of the students that come back to you have done more? Have done other things?
[00:11:38] Elizabeth: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Where they get to go on and they learn more and they experiment more, they develop more skills and develop their confidence to be able to go in the direction that they envision. You know, it takes a lot of confidence for children to risk failure to be able to create art. Cause you’ve got to fail a lot of times as we all know. And so, to be able to see them when they get up potentially to their AP art and they do it in AP 3D Art. I mean, there was just a special student a couple of years ago and he’s at Kennesaw and he was just making some glorious things and just getting so intuitive with his forms. And then how he was altering those forms to represent an idea that he had was just so heartwarming and that, it’s just exciting to see.
[00:12:29] Rico: So as a teacher, do you find some of them coming back or sharing things with you?
[00:12:33] Elizabeth: Oh, absolutely. I follow some on Instagram and to see what they’re doing. I’ve got a little student now that was always enamored with birds and she’s going to be a participating artist in the show and she has got some beautiful pieces showing birds. And now she’s doing them, not in a traditional sense, but she’s got her own view on how she’s presenting them. And that’s what an artist does, is sees things differently and helps other people see things in a different way through their art.
[00:13:02] Rico: Right. So, and the kids that you teach now, how old are they? What age?
[00:13:06] Elizabeth: Kindergarten through fourth grade.
[00:13:07] Rico: That’s definitely a certain perspective different from high schoolers and middle schoolers, I’m sure.
[00:13:13] Elizabeth: Yeah. You know, in some of the ways they’re more free. They just, they have no problem painting horses blue and doing all sorts of things, you know? But then as they do get a little bit more fourth grade, that’s when the inhibitions and the insecurities of comparison to fellow students comes in. So that’s when they start to withdraw a little bit. But my goal as the teacher is hopefully to give them skills and confidence and courage to be able to work through that, to be able to get past that fear of failure and realize, it’s just paper, it’s just ink, it’s just pottery and clay. And that’s how you know, I’m going to learn.
[00:13:49] Rico: You know what I think also as they get older, I mean, I’ve been speaking to my daughter lately, she’s a psych master. So we sit down and we talk for an hour sometimes about stuff. And we talked about how, when you’re younger, you see things much differently than an older person. Because an older person has so many years of experience and also years of a perspective, right. Which is a lot different than younger people. They, younger people see things very differently, I think. Because they’re on that other end of life, right? And so sometimes, so I have a young son that also writes, and sometimes they don’t want to share this stuff. Because, you know, it’s just like, well, what are you going to think about it? Or what are you going to think about me reading this, you know?
[00:14:32] Elizabeth: Yeah, you’re opening yourself up to being vulnerable to people. And that opens yourself up for judgment. It opens yourself up for failure and it brings out the insecurities that we all inherently have.
[00:14:44] Rico: Yeah, because art is personal, right? I mean, you do something and I’m sure you pour your heart into something and then you want to show it. And then as an artist, you might be listening, stepping back and listening to different people looking at it. And maybe they’re not knowing you’re around, and they will have different perspectives. And I’m sure, have you, have you heard anything that you could share that would be one of those surprising moments where someone said something about your artwork?
[00:15:10] Elizabeth: Oh, my goodness. Well, I will say this, my students are just some of my best cheerleaders. When they come to the Artist Market and they see my work, they’re just like, oh, Ms. Ables you’re just so good. And you know, and that’s just so heartwarming because in my mind, when I look at some of the pieces, I might see the imperfections that I wish weren’t there. And so, they’re wonderful. So if you ever are having a bad day, just pull the young students out and they’re going to remind you that you’re kind of a rock star in a way. They’re also going to tell you the truth sometimes that you don’t necessarily want to hear, but they’re, they’re wonderful. And that’s just one of the blessings of what I do. I can’t think of a time when I was like eavesdropping or rather able to hear that.
[00:15:55] Rico: That’s fine. Sometimes that happens. When you were young and you went to school, what did you study in college, for example? Was it art, I mean?
[00:16:03] Elizabeth: No, it was not art. It was actually communication and sociology. So I was planning on going into broadcasting. So I worked on a television show in the news program some and then I just ended up, I guess I chickened out. And I wasn’t willing to go off and move to a really small market, really small town, and kind of be on my own quite at that point. So you know, life has a way of bringing things differently. And so through my children, I ended up getting my teaching degree and that’s what brought me kind of back full circle. And that’s why I said, even in the article that I think of myself more as a creator, because I’m not a formally trained artist. Which many of the greatest artists around and throughout history were not formally taught. So there’s a lot to be said for the experience of trial and error. You know, I’ve had some great teachers and inspirational people along the way.
[00:16:55] Rico: I guess if you know, if we talk about like centuries ago, like the Renaissance. I mean, there were workshops, people became apprentices to famous artists and they would learn that way. I mean different now. You go to school, they teach you, you know, you go through these classes and levels and they teach you different materials, different mediums that you use.
[00:17:16] Elizabeth: So they can teach, your education can teach you the technical aspect and it can teach you I guess, skills and things like that. But it doesn’t teach the heart and the passion for what it takes to really be able to communicate through your art, something that’s unique to you.
[00:17:33] Rico: Yeah. Film school is like that. I think you could go and you learn the technical aspects of how to shoot something. Then you at least can know what rules to break, right? And if you have that passion and you have a great reel, then you’re going to be able to make it somewhere maybe. But sometimes it’s luck too, right? It’s the, where you put yourself out and how much you put yourself out. You know, to get that praise or that judgemental. You know, I mean, people are going to judge your art one way or another.
[00:18:02] Elizabeth: It does help to have a little bit of success early on, and a little bit of that because it does, it just emboldens you to keep going in that direction and to keep trying. And if the door slammed a few too many times, you really have to dig deep to find that resilience to keep going.
[00:18:18] Rico: That’s right. That’s right, I’m sure. So how long have you been doing the Wesleyan Artist Market?
[00:18:24] Elizabeth: Well, as a participating artist, I think about six years. Actually when I came to Wesleyan School, 24 years ago I guess, when my son first started at Wesleyan school. I was familiar with an art show in another city. And I brought kind of my vision of trying to create an art show for Wesleyan. So I actually started the art show. So for the first five years, I was the chair of the art show. And then I took a hiatus and then I came back as working here and then I became a participating artist. So I went from being a customer, the founder, customer still, right? And now I’m a participant artist.
[00:19:05] Rico: Wow, okay. I didn’t know that about you. That’s good to know. So but now do you do any exhibition work or showings outside the Artist Market?
[00:19:15] Elizabeth: I don’t. And the main reason why is I’m not a high production potter because this is not my full-time job. And so I just don’t have enough time to create the inventory that I need to go do some of the other area art shows. So I find Wesleyan and the Wesleyan Art community, they get my first shot. They get my attention.
[00:19:36] Rico: Do you have an Instagram account or use that scene for your stuff?
[00:19:40] Elizabeth: You know what, I am developing my Facebook account, so I’m going to have Facebook Marketplace.
[00:19:46] Rico: Oh, okay.
[00:19:46] Elizabeth: And then eventually I will get to Etsy. It’s been on the to-do list, but again, keeping up with the production of it is just the challenging part.
[00:19:54] Rico: Yeah, for sure. Etsy and social media has made it great for artists to be able to share their artwork, be able to find followers that are interested in the pieces that the artists produce. So it’s a great time for our young artists, I think.
[00:20:09] Elizabeth: Yes, it is, really. Especially during this pandemic, it’s been able to keep the arts going and keep people connected.
[00:20:16] Rico: For sure. And technology is just making it easier to be able to, even be able to see things in a three-dimensional way versus just a flat piece of art. Like image on the screen. It’s becoming less expensive to create your artwork in a way that people can flip it and look at it at their leisure versus let’s say a video. So just a lot, lot of good technology out there making it better for artists to be able to share their work. So it’s kind of cool that way. Okay, because you do what you do when you go shopping and you, you know, you’re going out at other, we’re not talking about flea markets or art festivals and stuff, but just normal shopping. Do you see stuff that inspires you? Do you see things there that says to you, why is this even being sold?
[00:20:58] Elizabeth: Sometimes I see the things that are, why is this thing even being sold? Yes. But again, I do definitely see some things. I love italian pottery and I love that earthiness and that look of that. And I see things, and I keep thinking, I want to be able to achieve that color in my pieces sometimes. Cause I’m so drawn to color. And there are certain colors that are really difficult to get in the glazes. Just, and so I keep looking for the perfect color and keep looking, as I create my art and try and develop more and more patience with trying to take the time to create and to fine tune, particularly the glazing process. And so I do.
[00:21:38] Rico: Do you do sample glazes? That was just hitting me as you were saying, and we talked about chemistry before. When you’re creating the chemistry for these glazes, if you will, do you test fire some samples?
[00:21:49] Elizabeth: Yes, you really should. Mainly because to get the layering and to see how they’re going to react with each other. And so that is important. So you make little tiles that you are able to do that. Knowing that it’s going to be a little bit different, but you try and create these little ridged tiles that are going to give you the vertical effect. So you know, if it’s going to run or is it going to break and things like that.
[00:22:11] Rico: Alright, cool. I just want to ask you some other questions to tie things up a little bit that I normally ask my interviewees, I did this with the students. Just some quick questions, like what’s your favorite, or most inspirational place in Peachtree Corners? Or in general.
[00:22:27] Elizabeth: In Peachtree Corners, my favorite inspirational place, I would kind of say my backyard. I’ve got beautiful trees and I’ve got beautiful azaleas and the birds. I do love taking walks and we’re blessed here to have so many parks, which is wonderful. But in my neighborhood we have a park down along the river and that’s just always so inspiring. I can almost feel the people that walked on those grounds 200 years ago, along the river, and yeah.
[00:22:54] Rico: For sure. What is your favorite book or movie?
[00:22:58] Elizabeth: Gosh, I will say modern day book would probably, where the Crawdads Sing was a good one. Redeeming Love is a pretty amazing one. And then kind of more of a classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. To go back and read that as an adult, and there’s also the audio version, which Sissy Spacek narrated, which really brings a flavor to it, which is pretty cool. So I like that one.
[00:23:23] Rico: Yeah, the kids have read that. Obviously it’s a classic book for reading in English class and seen the movie.
[00:23:29] Elizabeth: But to come back and read it years later and to really get the nuances, that’s pretty.
[00:23:33] Rico: Yeah. Especially the original version versus, I think there’s several versions of it, but as far as edited versions. Removing words and stuff. The original version really does make a difference to read it in that language.
[00:23:47] Elizabeth: It does. And to think about it in the current, the light of what’s happening in current day.
[00:23:52] Rico: Yeah, for sure . What wouldn’t you do without?
[00:23:56] Elizabeth: I would not do without, of course family doesn’t count, but family. And my animals, right? My animals. I wouldn’t do without creating of some sort.
[00:24:06] Rico: Okay. I think you said before, you’re a cat person?
[00:24:09] Elizabeth: And dogs. I’m just an animal person. Yeah. I’d have a menagerie, if I could.
[00:24:15] Rico: What’s your favorite food?
[00:24:17] Elizabeth: My favorite food. Gosh, I don’t guess french fries is a good option. No, not allowed to say that.
[00:24:26] Rico: Extra fries please.
[00:24:28] Elizabeth: Yeah, really. Vegetables.
[00:24:31] Rico: Oh, okay. Cool.
[00:24:33] Elizabeth: I love vegetables.
[00:24:34] Rico: Alright. And last question is, if you had a superpower, what would that be?
[00:24:38] Elizabeth: Gosh, I thought about that one other time, and now I’m on the spot, you know, trying to figure it out.
[00:24:42] Rico: It’s hard. You have Superman, you have Spider-Man you have.
[00:24:46] Elizabeth: And I’m thinking too, the first thing that came to my mind was to be able to create, to bring peace, but that’s not the same kind of super power that we’re thinking. I wouldn’t want to read minds, I know that part I would not want to read minds. So, maybe to stretch and morph into any shape you want.
[00:25:04] Rico: There you go. That’s very artistic actually, when you think about it. Alright, we’ve been talking to Elizabeth Ables, teacher and a student in a way of life, an Artist that’s going to be at the Wesleyan Artist Market. So tell us where we can find out more about the Artist Market. Where can we find you there if we come visit? And all that or how can people follow you if that’s the case?
[00:25:30] Elizabeth: So for following me, I am on Facebook marketplace and then I am on Instagram. Just, I think Elizabeth Ables. Now the Wesleyan Artist Market is on the campus, the beautiful campus here in Peachtree Corners. And it’s going to be open on Friday, April 29th from ten to seven, and then on Saturday from ten to three, I believe. And there’ll be about 70 plus professional artists, as well as student artists. There’ll be food trucks. It’ll be a wonderful celebration of the arts. And there’s a variety of art styles, mediums, price ranges, you name it. And the artists have got to be present. And it’s not reproductions, it’s gotta be original art. And so it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the artist, to learn more about their process and what their inspiration was, and to really be able to connect in a personal way with what you want to bring into your home. And I think that’s what makes the show special. Because you can go to a gallery, but this way you get to see the artist and speak to them. Bringing art into your home is a personal thing. It’s going to be a part of your life for a long time. And so to know the reason why the artist created it helps you to connect, and it becomes part of your family. It’s just part of your visual family.
[00:26:43] Rico: Yeah, for sure. You need that background. You need that understanding of how that art came to be. It is Friday, April 29th from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM there’s some special events that day also Handcrafted coffees and gourmet baked goods for sale all day long even. So feel free, right? There’s pizza on the quad at 3:00 PM.
[00:27:03] Elizabeth: It’s free parking. It’s in the big gymnasium that’s in the center of the campus. So you can get to it from many different directions. There’ll be a lot of signs. There’ll be a lot of people directing you there. And you know, it’s just a great celebration. We’re praying for good weather because that’s always important.
[00:27:20] Rico: So to find out, just Google Wesleyan Artist Market or go to LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com or search them on Instagram because you can follow them there as well. Thank you, Elizabeth. I appreciate you taking your time with us and sharing a little bit about what makes art for you.
[00:27:36] Elizabeth: Well, thank you very much for spotlighting the Artist Market and for including me and giving me the opportunity to kind of talk about why I do what I do, and why I love what I’m doing, and bringing art to Peachtree Corners.
[00:27:49] Rico: This was fun. Thanks, Elizabeth.
[00:27:51] Elizabeth: I appreciate it.
Related
Arts & Literature
Perimeter Ballet Celebrates 30 Years of Dance and Inspiration
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 14, 2025Perimeter Ballet celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Founded in September 1995, the faith-based ballet school in Johns Creek has long been an integral part of the local arts scene and the community.
What began as a bare-bones program held in the sanctuary of Perimeter Church — on carpeted concrete floors, using the backs of chairs for barres — has grown into a respected school of more than 200 students. Ranging in age from five to 18, the young dancers at Perimeter Ballet are not only committed to the study of dance but also to using their gifts to share their faith.
According to the program’s website, their purpose is to “emphasize character along with technique … to counter the natural tendency towards self-absorption in the ballet studio.”
They are “very committed to teaching children to dance — to develop discipline, technique and musicality. [But] the Christian instructors [also] train the students in a context that understands that there’s a reason to dance.”
30 years of dance and faith
Current director, Becky Brown, has led the school for several years, growing the program while faithfully following Perimeter Ballet’s original mission. She oversees weekly classes, summer dance camps and annual productions, including an acclaimed Spring Recital and a presentation of The Nutcracker each December.
For the 30th anniversary, Brown is excited to continue the creative work of the ballet school and share their artistry and message with a larger audience.
“This year will certainly be a special time for us as we celebrate and look back on 30 wonderful years of Perimeter Ballet and 20 years for our performing company, For His Glory,” she said. “We will be performing the Nutcracker December 11–13 and will have some beautiful new costumes to commemorate the occasion. We look forward to seeing many of our alumni and their families at the performance.”
Classes and instructors
Open to the community at large, weekly classes at Perimeter Ballet range from Creative Movement, PreBallet and grade-level classes for preschoolers through third grade to more advanced classes (two or more times per week) for older students.
Summer camp sessions as well as intermediate level and advanced level intensives are also offered. For the upper-level intensives, students work on their ballet technique but also branch out into jazz and other forms of dance.
The school’s nine teachers are skilled not just as instructors but as performers themselves, having years of experience dancing with companies such as Ballet Southeast, Atlanta Ballet, North Atlanta Dance Academy and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. They bring that experience and their Christian faith to all of their classes and interactions with the young students.
For His Glory
In addition to the work they do as a ballet school, Perimeter Ballet also has an audition-selected performance company — For His Glory.
With three levels, made up of dedicated students striving to advance their skills and reach their “God-given potential while giving glory to [their] Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the program presents several high-quality productions throughout the year.
As Perimeter Ballet shares on their website: “Dancers are trained in the ballet classics as well as contemporary forms of dance, which are used in performances, worship settings and outreach. Classical ballets … in the group’s repertoire include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, excerpts from Four Seasons and La Fille Mal Gardee. In addition to Christmas and other outreach programs, For His Glory has danced internationally in London, India and Belarus.”
The group most recently performed Beauty & the Beast for two successful shows on stage at the Perimeter Church Sanctuary in early February of this year.
Impact and inspiration
All of this — the focus on faith and commitment to dance, the classes, intensives and stunning productions — have been a decades-long inspiration to the community and especially the student dancers who take part.
Many of the students stay with Perimeter Ballet for much of their childhood, learning and growing in dance as well as in their faith from elementary age through high school. That kind of involvement can clearly impact every aspect of their lives, from discipline learned to how they choose to interact with and be in the world.
One student, Anne Bradley Maxwell has been taking ballet with the Perimeter program since she was three years old. Now a high school junior in Peachtree Corners, she’s reflected on her time at the school and in the performance company as well as Perimeter Ballet’s milestone anniversary.
“For fifteen years … I matured within this unique, local community arts program,” she shared. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of its founding … and I’m honored to say I’ve been a student for half of that era. The talented instructors in [the] program not only helped advance me into an accomplished ballerina but also into a more faithful servant of Jesus Christ using dance as a form of worship.”
A lifelong journey
“This lifelong journey included annual seasonal training, auditions, numerous external summer intensives and wonderful performances on stages across the nation and abroad, for audiences ranging from a few dozen to several thousand,” Maxwell continued.
“… Taking ballet has instilled in me a deep understanding of perseverance and resilience. Pursuing excellence in ballet required me to overcome physical and emotional challenges … I learned to seek out solutions — whether physical therapy for healing my body or prayer and reflection to rejuvenate my spirit. These experiences have strengthened my ability to face setbacks, adapt and emerge stronger.
Ballet has cultivated in me a unique combination of athleticism, discipline and creative imagination. The most elegant performances emerge from the interplay of technical mastery and creative expression. The collaborative nature of ballet, where individuals work in harmony to create something greater than themselves, informs my approach to teamwork and innovation, both in the classroom and community.”
“… Ballet has [also] given me the gift of joy — both in experiencing it personally as a testament to Christ’s goodness and in sharing it with audiences. This joy, while intangible, is a powerful force that I hope to bring into my next chapters following high school. Whether through teaching movement, choreographing performances or exploring ways to expand ballet offerings, I aspire to enrich the community with the beauty and joy of dance.
… My time at Perimeter Ballet has equipped me with perseverance, discipline, creativity and a passion for sharing joy — qualities that I am excited to further cultivate as a young adult. These will not only enhance my personal journey but also contribute meaningfully to the rich tapestry of life. As I enter my senior year later this fall, I am full of gratitude for the solid foundation of technique and creative expression honoring God as the giver of my talent.”
Upcoming events
Perimeter Ballet’s Annual Spring Recital will be held in the Perimeter Church Sanctuary on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Summer camp sessions are scheduled for June and July. Registration will open on April 15.
2025-2026 classes will start in August with registration opening on April 15.
With help from Anne Bradley, the school is also planning a fundraiser event later in the year to mark the 30th anniversary.
For more information, visit perimeterballet.com.
Related
Arts & Literature
Q&A with Terry Gabbard, Norcross High’s New Theatre Director
Published
3 weeks agoon
March 4, 2025The Norcross High School drama department has a reputation for presenting quality productions each year, and 2024-2025 is no exception. They staged a one-act show of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in October followed by “Miss Nelson is Missing” in January. Next up for NHS Theatre is Matilda the Musical, set to open in April.
Leading the department this year is NHS’ new theatre director, Terry Gabbard, who came to Norcross with degrees in educational theatre and educational leadership, as well as over 20 years of public school theatre teaching and directing experience.
An award-winning director and playwright, he received the prestigious John W. Parker Award for excellence in directing in 2015, has had numerous productions named “distinguished play” from the North Carolina Theatre Conference and has three Best Musical wins from the Blumey Awards (Charlotte, NC’s version of the Tony awards).
Gabbard has also published two plays, one of which, “Our Place,” was named one of the top ten most produced short plays in American high schools.
Additionally, in 2020, his production of “Puffs” (a clever and comedic play set in the world of Harry Potter) was selected as one of only a handful of productions in America to perform at the International Thespian Society festival.
Though busy with preparations for Matilda, Gabbard recently took the time to answer a few questions about his career, his love of theatre and what’s next for the NHS drama department.
Which productions have you worked on since joining NHS?
We started off performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in October, and we did a performance of Miss Nelson is Missing in January.
Where did you teach and direct before coming to Norcross?
I always explain that my wife supports my teaching habit, so we tend to move as her opportunities change.
I’ve taught mostly in high schools in Florida, North Carolina and now Georgia. I have taught in Gwinnett Public Schools before at Paul Duke STEM and in Cobb County at Campbell High School.
How did the move to NHS come about?
After leaving GCPS for a short few years, I was anxious to get back to this system and this community, and when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.
Have you always had a love for theatre?
I started participating in theatre when I was in 9th grade and have never stopped. For me, the thing that drew me to the art form was the sense of community that theatre creates.
What led you to pursue a career teaching and directing? Was there a specific moment that you realized it was what you wanted to do?
When I was a senior in high school, my theatre director let me direct a play in his theatre [for] one class. This is when I realized how much I loved directing and coaching other actors.
What was it like to win the John W. Parker award in 2015? And to be recognized with so many other honors?
I have been blessed to have been recognized several times by my peers and the organizations I’ve partnered with. It’s always nice to have these recognitions, but I have come to believe that any high school theatre production is a miracle in and of itself.
Producing theatre in high schools is always a challenge and getting to opening night is always a huge accomplishment.
Will you continue playwriting in addition to your work as NHS theatre director?
I haven’t written any plays in some time, but I’m definitely starting to get the itch. All of my plays have premiered at the schools where I was teaching. I imagine a world premier will happen at Norcross pretty soon.
What can you share about the school’s upcoming Matilda the Musical production? Is it one that you’ve directed in the past?
I have never directed Matilda, and I am extremely excited for the challenge. The music is incredible, and the characters are big and over the top.
What plans do you have for the NHS theatre program for the remainder of this year and next year?
After Matilda, things wrap up for us. I haven’t yet decided what shows to tackle next year. I know that I want to find plays that have a different tone than the pieces we did this year. The shows have been comedic this year. Something more dramatic is definitely in our future.
The NHS production of Matilda the Musical opens in April.
Dates and show times are:
- Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit nhs-drama.com.
Related
Arts & Literature
The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People: Q&A with Author Dan Leonard
Published
1 month agoon
February 22, 2025Dan Leonard has called Peachtree Corners home for the past 42 years, working in the IT field, building a strong community of personal and professional connections and leading the local Bikes and Friends Cycling Club.
Most recently, he wrote and released his first book — a memoir titled “The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People” — adding ‘published author’ to his list of accomplishments.
Drawing on the physical challenges Dan faced (and overcame) while growing up, as well as inspiration from others, the book dives into themes of resilience and personal growth while painting a vivid picture of his family life in New England during the 60s and 70s.
Through personal narrative, he takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through his childhood and adolescence, sharing “formative experiences that were shaped by his Italian-American and Irish-German heritage.”
Dan spoke with us recently about his memoir, sharing his thoughts on the writing process, lessons learned and his future plans.
What inspired you to write a memoir? What challenges, if any, did you face?
On the surface, like many people my age closing in on 70, I wanted to leave a legacy, telling my story of resilience and transformation to hopefully inspire others.
I once read that people should consider their mental health before writing a memoir. At the time I didn’t quite appreciate that statement. Like many outgoing people, I usually enjoyed talking about myself, especially while trying to relate to others.
Writing my memoir turned out to be a very positive experience since I tried to explore my story with honesty and compassion while highlighting the people and experiences that had the most influence on me. However, in the final throes of completing a rough draft, I spent nearly two weeks without sleep and experienced daytime dream-like episodes.
For example, I have a former classmate who is a successful screenwriter, and I was intent on getting him my manuscript because I thought it might make a compelling movie!
The book took me over a year [to write] and was a worthwhile and enjoyable experience and, I would say, cathartic as well.
Can you share a little about your background? Had you written or published anything prior to this?
I spent 42 years in the Information Technology field mostly working closely with major corporations helping them streamline and digitize their operations. I began in sales and marketing and moved to management later in my career.
I have always enjoyed writing for pleasure, but much of my writing was business oriented and expected to be short and concise. I have been interviewed many times in my career leading to industry centric publications but nothing with sole direct personal benefit such as my recent memoir or upcoming novel.
The book is about resilience and recognizing that ordinary moments can have an extraordinary impact on one’s life. Have you always seen the world this way? Or was it something that came to you over time?
I have always been deeply introspective but with a strong desire to relate well with others and make friends.
Given my humble beginnings experiencing many physical challenges from night time seizures, pronated ankles, severe allergies, a slight lisp and ADD among other things, I never felt like I was working from a position of strength. I typically felt like the underdog, especially anxious to prove to both myself and others that I could be just as good.
Each triumph seemed to require an extraordinary effort sometimes just to meet the norm.
What was the most difficult or unexpected thing you encountered writing and publishing the book?
To be completely honest, the most difficult thing was to convince myself that my story was worth telling and that other people besides my family and closest friends would be truly interested.
Who was I, really? I was never a CEO, famous athlete, politician or war hero. I was just a regular guy who lived a mostly ordinary life but, in many cases, encountered extraordinary challenges.
Maybe partly because I have a tendency to be bold and take on challenges that I am not always prepared for, I would sometimes get in my head and say, “well everybody has a story, some lots more interesting than yours, so why would anyone be interested in yours?”
Early and mid-stream through my writing, there were days and even weeks when I let these thoughts stall my writing, but fortunately they were only temporary.
What lessons did you learn from the process?
You’ll have to read my book!
When I began writing the book, I was at a point where I had retired from my 42-year career and was no longer actively consulting. My life involved spending as much time as possible cycling with my club, Bikes and Friends, completing home projects and spending time with family.
I would typically rise at 7 or 8 a.m., unless I had an early bike ride, and move through the day at a very comfortable pace. Finally completing the book and committing to a marketing campaign and future publications over the next several months has given me a renewed purpose. I now start my day at 6 a.m., go to the gym and work harder, write as much as possible and seek out more purposeful endeavors.
I met [recently] with the City of Peachtree Corners to begin planning a charity ride later this year. And I am evaluating a board position at a local non-profit.
What’s the main thing you’d like readers to take away from Extraordinary Lives?
That their life is every bit as valuable as others, and if they have any interest in sharing their story or anything that they desire then to do it to their fullest!
You’re traveling for events to promote the book. Will you be doing any promotional events closer to home?
Yes, I will be speaking at the local Fowler YMCA on March 14, and as my book marketing reaches a proposed 300 platforms over the next few weeks, I expect to have at least a few nearby book signings and presence in local bookstores.
Do you have plans to write another book?
Absolutely! I am currently working on a futuristic sci-fi novel based on a group of cyclists called “Defending His Life,” which will hopefully be available by June.
The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People is available on Amazon. Are there other places readers can purchase the book?
It will also be available on BN.com and in select Barnes and Noble stores. My publisher hub partner plans to push 200+ copies out to select bookstores, so hopefully many other places [as well].
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Many people my age relate to the way things used to be, where only famous people wrote books and they were limited to highly selective publishing houses that controlled their intellectual property.
It’s a new world, anyone that has something to say can say it, and there are so many different mediums available today. Be bold and get out there and say it. Your reward will go way beyond practical measures and may certainly open up new opportunities.
If nothing else, writing my memoir has given me an opportunity to reengage with people that I haven’t talked with or thought about in years and even decades.
About The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People
From enduring challenges and overcoming adversity to honoring the strength of family bonds, Dan’s debut book offers a look at how ordinary moments can have an extraordinary impact.
The memoir is currently available on Amazon as an e-book, hardback and paperback. It should soon be available on bn.com, at our local Barnes and Noble and in other bookstores as well.
For more information about Dan Leonard, visit booksbydanleonard.com.
Related
Read the Digital Edition
Subscribe
Keep Up With Peachtree Corners News
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
You have Successfully Subscribed!
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
Peachtree Corners Life
Topics and Categories
Trending
-
Business1 day ago
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
-
Peachtree Corners Life3 days ago
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
-
City of Peachtree Corners3 days ago
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
-
Around Atlanta2 days ago
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater