ART SHOWS at
The Conn-Artist Studios

J O A N   M U R P H Y
“Carolina Impressions”  
May 2008
September 7th, 2007 - The Conn-Artists Studios was
the place to be!  We celebrated the opening reception
for the "79.9" Juried Art Show during Downtown
Hendersonville's 1st Friday Gallery Walk.  

Connie's inspiration to host the show was born
through her appreciation of the work many artists do
in their "seasoned" years.  
"They SEE better than any 20- year old" says Connie.
 it is evident in the work presented.

Chloe Boehm- 1st Prize Winner
(pictured upper left with juror, Wendy Whitson and
Connie Vlahoulis) was presented First Prize for her
Mixed Media painting,
"Many Moons Ago"

Pictured above; Tom Asbury poses with all three
winners in front of Mary "Charlie" Griffin's
Honorable Mention, "The Edge of the Woods"

Far Left; 2nd Place winner,
Lorraine "Larry" King, TWSA, SPS
with her watercolor, "Winter Cattails IV"

Left; 3rd place winner, Lenore Barnett, NOAPS
with her painting, "Paros, Greece"
The artwork contained in this site is protected by U.S.
and international copyright laws. The visitor agrees
not to reproduce, publish, or distribute any of the
enclosed material without permission from the artist.
Call to artists, 1st Friday Gallery Walk, show at The Conn-Artist
Studios in Hendersonville, NC. NC arts; NC local artists,
Hendersonville art classes.  We represent Folk-Artist Mike
Darras from Chattanooga, TN and now Grace Carol Bomer
Introducing fabulous Tennesee Folk-Artist *Mike Darras!
We are proud to represent Mike in Western North Carolina!
*bio below
Got Milk?
"Udder-ly Ridiculous"
copyright Mike Darras
4'x4'
$1,800
PRICE REDUCED $1,200
* Mike Darras
... Describes himself as a Self Taught,
Outsider, Impressionistic, Pop-Folk Artist...
Born and raised (some say that process is still ongoing) in Chattanooga
Tennessee, Mike uses wit and humor in most of his paintings and creations.  
Using mixed media on wood, his art is rich and deep in color, texture and
expression. Mike tends to  see outside the normal realm of reality, and this is
evident in his signature long legged characters  and animals.
Subtle messages of peace and love are in most of his works,
along with  a peace symbol after his signature.
These trademarks have given Mike the nickname “Peace-man”.

With the constant support and encouragement of his beautiful wife *Beth (who he
claims is the real artist in the family), Darras paints every day in his Chattanooga
studio, and the close couple is usually at art shows on the weekends. His work is
in a number of galleries & shops throughout the South.  

Mike has had several careers in his life; photographer. Restaurant owner, and
antiques dealer to name a few. Painting and art is, and always has been a passion
of his. Being of Greek heritage, Mike feels that art has been in his blood for
thousands of years. Completely self taught, Mike waited till,  “all of his kids were
either married, off to school, or out of the house” to pursue this goal. He and Beth
reside in Chattanooga and have 6 kids and 3 grandchildren, along with 2
daughter in laws, 4 parents, 4 brothers and sisters,    numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins, and 1 very old but very lovable dog.
*BETH-  We fell in love with Beth's line of Fun, Funky, Fabulous
Necklaces made from antique found items and vintage jewelery...  
all  "one-of-kind"--- all wonderful!
September 2007   "79.9"