December was a busy month, and January promises to be even busier! I'd like to share some photos from an event we attended at the moveable theatre/art space at the Westminster School in Annandale Virginia this December. The event, planned in honor of the birthday of art collector Ellis Glover, doubled as an art show. The evening featured a performance by the Muddy Vesture Band and select pieces from the private art collection of Mr. Glover. My artwork was showcased, as well as paintings by Hector Vargas, Susan Glazier and Steven Schuman. Below, you'll find pictures of the sumptuous evening enjoyed by Mr. Glover's guests, as well as photos of the featured artwork and the Muddy Vesture Band.


The Party


Party guests enjoy the evening. Images of Steven Schuman's "Eyes of the Beholder" and Susan Glazier's "Tangled Hierarchies" grace the backdrop.


Steven Schuman's "Eyes of the Beholder"


Hector Vargas discusses his painting, "Dali's Crosses Guarding the City" with a party guest. "Dali's Crosses Guarding the City" is a 36x40" oil painting on canvas. See more of Hector Vargas' work at http://www.angelfire.com/art2/hectorvargas/


A guest studies my painting, "Ellis" 48x36" oil on canvas. This "Life Portrait" was commissioned by Ellis Glover. Ellis stands amid images of people and places that inspire him. Some images, such as the school tower and the guitar, represent his own life's work both in the arts and in education.


"Ellis" 48x36" oil on canvas


The glowing colors of Susan Glazier's "Presence" create a mystical backdrop.


My piece, "Papageno", is installed at the entrance to the theatre of the Westminster School. This piece is 48x36" and is rendered in oil on canvas. Papageno is the birdman from Mozart's Magic Flute. His name is believed to be a composite in Italian composed of papagalo (parrot) and genio (genius, smart). The meaning becomes: "a smart parrot". The animated sun behind Papageno represents the priest, Sarastro, and his followers; the moon and stars represent the Queen of the Night.


"Papageno" 48x36" oil on canvas


The Muddy Vesture Band featuring Ellis Glover (rhythm guitar and lead vocals), Brent Buckley (lead guitar), Brad Davis (Drums) Bill Flexsenhar (Bass) and Susan Glazier (background vocals). Learn more about Muddy Vesture at www.MuddyVesture.com.

Art work for Accidental Charm's Latest Release

Vintage Accidental Charm, chez the Artist currently known as Laurie Nelson


Accidental Charm will release their current album, "With the Crowd" on Saturday, January 16. I worked with Accidental Charm on the artwork for their last album, "Dream At Your Own Risk" and was commissioned to do the artwork for this CD as well. I worked with Guitartist/Singer/Songwriter Tom Godsman to create a look that worked with his concept for the album; the concept is satirical, with the band heading in the opposite direction from the crowd. This album primarily features the songwriting of Tom Godsman.

To learn more about Accidental Charm, visit www.AccidentalCharm.com

You can also see videos of some of the band's cover material at http://www.youtube.com/user/jackestra AND the albums are for sale on itunes.


Front Cover


Back Cover featuring 4 miniature portraits


Artwork for previous album, Dream at Your Own Risk, Collection Dr. David and Margie Bertman