Shelley Atwood

Polymer Clay/Precious Metal Clay Class in Alpine will begin Friday, September 21 from 1pm to 5pm continuing on Saturday, September 22 from 9am to 5pm and concluding on Sunday, September 23 from 9am to 1pm. Tuition is $240 plus $50 for materials. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 will hold your place in the class. You will finish three pieces during the 16 hour class to be taught by two instructors, Shelley Atwood and Ginny Brotherton. You will learn to use polymer clay not only for its aestetic value in your jewelry, but also for its use as a tool to texturize your polymer clay and precious metal clay. Shelley has over 15 years experience with polymer clay and almost a decade of experience with precious metal clay. Ginny Brotherton is certified to teach precious metal clay and is an accomoplished wire wrapper and lapidarist. During the class, you will have access to two kilns. a convection oven and all the tools you will need to complete the projects. Deadline to enroll is September 7. For more information or to enroll, please email shelleyatwood@hotmail.com.

AUSTIN, Texas - June 13, 2007 - The Progressive Farmer magazine has selected works by nine Texas Original (TxO) artists to include in its 2007 Idea House and Farmstead located in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Idea House and Farmstead will be open to the public from June 28 to October 28, 2007.

The selected artists include: Shelley Atwood of Alpine, Todd Campbell and Jennifer Chenoweth of Austin, Tim de Jong of San Marcos, Daphne and Gary Hatcher of Mineola, Bridget Hauser of Dripping Springs, Gini Garcia of San Antonio and Wells Mason of Coupland. Some of the pieces that will be on display in the house include tables, dishes and serving platters, lamps and hand b lown glass platters.

"We are thrilled that the The Progressive Farmer found the Texas Original program," said Ricardo Hernandez, executive director of the Texas Commission on the Arts. "TxO artwork and the artisans who create it represent Texas and its culture, so it's the perfect fit for this Idea House in the heart of the Texas Hill Country."

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) recently selected 38 of the state's most talented craft artisans from 22 cities across Texas to participate in the TxO program. The TxO provides an opportunity to purchase works by Texas artisans and learn about the cultural influences that shape their work. It also provides an opportunity for Texas artisans to successfully market their products and support a career in their chosen artistic discipline. Visit http://www.txoriginal.com/ to learn more.

About the Idea House and Farmstead

Now being builtin Fredericksburg, Texas and located an hour from San Antonio and Austin, The Idea House and Farmstead will be designed with conservation in mind to give visitors ideas for preserving natural elements and conserving local resources. The style of the home will be unique to the Texas Hill Country evoking the historic charm of the region.

The 2007 Idea House and Farmstead encompass the best in architecture, design and lifestyle. Plus the project features the outdoor components that make a life in the country truly special. Home specifics: three bedrooms including the master suite; three and a half baths; home office; large open living area; kitchen with working pantry; media room; mudroom; utility room; outdoor shower and casita (guest retreat).

About The Progressive Farmer

From its humble roots as an advocate for farmer's rights, The Progressive Farmer has bee delivering rich, levely editorial content for people who live on the land for more than 120 years. Today, The Progressive Farmer continues to showcase the best of living in the country in a modern, well-designed publication.

One way The Progressive Farmer inspires those living in the country is through our Idea House and Farmstead program. The 2007 Idean House and Farmstead is the fifth house created by The Progressive Farmer. Previous houses were located in Limestone Springs, AL; Nashville, TN; Pine Hurst, NC; Tallahassee, FL.

About the Texas Commission on the Arts

TCA was organized in 1965 by the Texas Legislature to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. After 40 years of success, TCA continues to support the arts in Texas. TCA assists a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit http://www.arts.state.tx.us/.

In conjunction with Texas Tourism Week, May 12-19, 2007, the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is teaming up with Texas Original (TxO) artists throughout the state to demonstrate the value of art in Texas. Texas Original jewelry designer Shelley Atwood will open the doors of Studio 110 located at 110 N 6th Street in Alpine on Saturday, May 12 and Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 10am to 3pm for a tour. The tour will feature the unique work of TxO artisan Shelley Atwood as well as local watercolorist Jan Moeller and weaver Palma Beckett. The tour will allow visitors to meet the artists and to see where and how their unique  works of art are created.