More Faces of Van Go

Recently the Van Go Life JAMS artists decided to do something to give back to the community. The Life JAMS students are working with Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community to provide portraits to some of the residents. The first trip to Pioneer Ridge was a big success, and the Life JAMS students will return a couple more times in December to draw more residents.

Everyone was very focused on their willing subjects:













And the end results looked great!













Speaking of portraits, a famous face has been seen around Van Go lately...



Our President Elect, Barack Obama, as portrayed by Life JAMS artist Jordan. Jordan has done a series of portraits with words--this one fatures words such as "hope," "change," "dream," and "audacity." The finished portrait is one of the items available during this week (November 25-29) in Van Go's first Silent Auction. From 10am to 5pm daily, stop by Van Go to place your bid on select art items (and get a preview of the items that will be on sale at Adornment this Saturday!)


Another Silent Auction item-- a mosaic oval mirror (mirror not shown in this picture.)


Also in the Silent Auction, a smaller oval mirror.



Come place your bid on this fantastic spiral wall hanging!



Something new and exciting this year are some amazing coat trees. Constructed by a wonderful Van Go adult volunteer, each coat tree is as unique as the artist who decorated it. All coat trees are for sale in the silent auction!

Our Master of Mosaic, Andrew, painstakingly cut and glued the mosaic tiles on his golden tower of a coat tree.



This coat tree looks almost like a stack of brightly wrapped Christmas presents precariously balanced--don't worry, it's much sturdier than cardboard boxes and ribbon!



This masterpiece is a real "Coat Tree of Arms." Subtle hands climb their way upward, just asking to take your coat.



Jeremy is proud to display his natural wood coat tree embellished with nails, tacks, and metal plates.




Almost like the plumes of a peacock, this coat tree is just blooming with color!


Please stop by Van Go this week to bid on our Silent Auction items---and we hope to see you on Saturday at 7:00 for Adornment! Happy Thanksgiving!

What's that? Adornment in 2 weeks?

Adornment is coming, Adornment is coming! Only 2 more weeks until Van Go's Adornment show--the official gallery opening and gala event to show off all of the amazing artwork created during the fall!

Mark your calendar if you haven't yet--- Saturday, November 29 is Adornment! That's 2 days after Thanksgiving. Adornment will be held at Van Go-- Our address is 715 New Jersey Street. We're on the corner of 7th and New Jersey, right across from the Amtrak station.



Jeremy from LifeJAMS looks a wee bit nervous about the upcoming show.


The JAMS apprentice artists put their creative minds to work as they adorned wooden napkin holders and trivets with wooden blocks, balls, discs, and spools. After painting, the napkin holders and trivets will have mosaic tiles glued onto them and be grouted.


What a lovely matching pair. The areas where mosaic will be are taped off to keep them clean during the painting process.


Here you can see a set that has the mosaic tiles glued into place. Later they will be grouted to create an even surface, perfect for those pots off the stove!


Kyle, another LifeJAMS student (and JAMS alum!) works to develop a mosaic pattern for his trivet and napkin holder.


Some more lovely glass pieces that have been fused. Magnets, picture frames, and some dishes waiting to be slumped!


Here's something new to decorate your tree... icicle ornaments! Put these on a string with some pretty beads and people will wonder how you get such lovely icicles without the accompanying puddle on your floor.


The holidays mean lots of house guests. Protect your furniture and wow them with your style with a fused glass coaster set!


There are other beautiful mosaics being created. This spiral would make some lovely wall decor.


This flower will have a round mirror in the center. Ooh la la!


Some KU students from Maryanne Jordan's textiles classes have been assisting our JAMS kids this fall. They taught the kids some great fabric decorating skills. Check out these luxurious silk scarves!






Finally, our glass is getting slumped! Those big flat squares and circles are magically becoming plates, bowls, and dishes!




It looks like Jeremy got his act together and finished his table/hall runner. Here he is applying a coat of sealer to protect it from wear and tear.


One of the first projects of the fall was to make a collage on canvas using materials donated by many fabulous people in our community. Jewelry, fabric, newspaper clippings, and more found their way into works of art large and small.








Who is this smiling face? Why, it's Mandy, our office manager! Her big, beautiful desk is finally complete so she is right by the entrance if someone decides to drop in.


Speaking of beautiful, some of our fused glass is being turned into fabulous jewelry such as these pendants.


If you feel like going western (with a bit of class!) think about one of our bola ties.


Don't be fooled... these ties aren't just for the menfolk!


Is your interest piqued yet? We hope so! I'll bet if you didn't have November 29 circled on your calendar before, you sure do now! Just imagine how wonderful it would be to have all of your holiday shopping completed a mere 2 days after Thanksgiving!

Capital Campaign Donors Get a Sneak Peek!

A couple of weeks ago, Van Go held a very special event for some very special people. The event was a sneak peek at our new space and the exciting projects happening right now. The special people were all the generous donors to the capital campaign that funded our building project.

A temporary "Donor Wall" honors all the different levels of donor--from Rolls Royce donors to Cadillac donors! In the future there will be a more permanent installation to recognize all who contributed to this amazing feat. There's still time, however---would you like to see your name on the donor wall?



Of course, no Van Go soiree would be complete without a marvelous spread of food and drink. This food is a work of art all by itself!




The new front desk makes a wonderful impromptu bar.



Our new space leaves lots of room for people to mingle and chat. In the background, videos and slide shows played, showing off some of the fabulous Van Go JAMS students and their accomplishments while at Van Go.


Lynne Green, our founder and director, makes a wonderful hostess as she welcomes our guests to the wonderful new space.



Susan Tate, the capital campaign chairperson, took the floor for a while to speak to the crowd.



Not to be outdone by the ladies, our board president Brad Chindamo had his turn at the microphone.


Ah yes, a lovely evening in a beautiful facility. What a wonderful way to honor those who have given so much to Van Go!



A thankful Van Go JAMS student was happy to greet those who attended to show her appreciation!



Another great big THANKS to all of our capital campaign donors!