A Creative Art STUDIO - Events
First Friday Denton, May 4th, 2012
Join us for First Friday Denton, May 4th, 2012. This month Lisa Markley and Bruce Balmer perform their special genre of music in the studio. BRUCE BALMER was born a guitar player in Margaretville, NY, from a musical family. After music at Marlboro college, he played lead guitar for rock, jazz, and country bands, and composed for dance performance and film (including credits on a Bill Plympton animated film). He is a singer/songwriter recently of the NYC area. He and his thousand pound upright piano have now officially transplanted themselves to Texas. He pounds nails while singing. LISA MARKLEY was born a three-and-a-half pound Capricorn with a set of lungs. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas where she played trombone in the lab bands, sang in the Jazz Singers, skipped out on music history classes, composed suitably atonal pieces for an assortment of instruments, and crashed the hard-drive on the Synclavier (many times). Upon graduation (in 1989), she took a long hard look at what drove her musically and decided to put down her trombone and turn full-force to singing and writing songs. She has recently returned to UNT to work on a Masters in Jazz Studies. If you would like to check out their music go to www.reverbnation.com/markleyandbalmer. We will also have the 5 minute novelist, Robin Jensen, art demonstrations and a community art project for all to paint. Music, art and fun.... Grab a friend and come join the merriment.
Past Events
First Friday Denton, April 6th, 2012
You have asked for a longer first Friday and this month you will get your wish. Join us for our extended time First Friday full of music, art, art demonstrations and community painting. This month First Friday will begin at 6:30 pm. County Rexford, one of my favorite Celtic groups, will start the evening with their always fun toe tapping performance. At 8:15 Uver with Fritz Schwalm will perform until 10:00 pm. Fritz has played solo and with Uver at the studio and we are looking forward to his wonderful brand of music. I am hoping we will get to use our colorful backdrop painted by the First Friday crowd for 35 Des Refuses. Denton art at it's finest.
Spring Art Show
March 31, 2012 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Join us for our beautiful spring art show, March 31, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Come look at the beautiful new works of over 40 local and regional artists. Music will be provided by the wonderful and talented Polly Maynard. Meet the artists and purchase your favorite artwork.
First Friday Denton
March 2nd, 2012
Join us for First Friday Denton at A Creative Art STUDIO, March 2nd, 2012. This month we will have the double hitter musical talent of Kylee Pannel and Ben and Pia Owens. Kylee Pannel is a young singer-songwriter who will dazzle you with incredible voice. The Ben and Pia Owens Duo are new to playing at the studio but not new to music. Ben has been playing the guitar for about 20 years, sings, writes music and has performed in churches across the US and Japan under the name Two Tenors. Pia is originally from Lima, Peru and said that she has always been a closet singer.
We will have our community painting and artist trading cards and art demonstrations so grab your friends and come join us at A Creative Art STUDIO for an evening of art and music.
First Friday Denton
February 3rd, 2012
Join us for First Friday Denton at A Creative Art STUDIO. This month performing the in the studio and back by popular demand is Darrin Kobetich. Darrin played at the studio in October and everyone was amazed by his music. Darrin comes to us from Fort Worth and has been described as a "guitar master". I think we are in for a really great performance. For more information about Darrin, check out this article in the Fort Worth Weekly. Need art inspiration? Come check out our artist demonstrations or jump in and add to our community art project. Last month the artist trading cards were great fun so come make a card and trade a card. Music, art and fun. Grab a friend and join us for a wonderful evening.
Past Events
First Friday Denton
Happy New Year
January 6th, 2012
Join us for the "First" First Friday Denton of 2012 at A Creative Art STUDIO. From 7 - 9 pm Fritz Schwalm returns to the studio with his group UVER. Fritz has performed solo at the studio but this will be the first time he brings his group along. You won't want to miss this. Once again we will feature some of our artists doing art demonstrations. Perhaps you will get to see that art technique that you would like to try. This month come prepared to make an artist trading card that you can make on the spot and then trade for someone else's card. Grab a friend and join the fun!
First Friday Denton, December 2nd, 2011 5 - 8 pm
Ho Ho HO. Come join us for our very special First Friday Holiday Event. This will also be the Holiday celebration on the square and we will have music, art and refreshments in the studio from 5 pm - 8 pm. Starting at 5:00 County Rexford, a wonderful Celtic ensemble will be performing in the studio. Join us for First Friday Denton at A Creative Art STUDIO, located just off the historic square in Denton, Texas. This group specializes in Celtic ballads, fiddle tunes, and originals while utilizing a variety of instruments including banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, whistle and more. For this special holiday performance they will also be performing some Christmas tunes. The County Rexford Trio plays concerts, festivals and private parties all over the North Texas Region. Rex is a magical musician who also plays in the incredible Boxcar Bandits so you won't want to miss this. Our 2nd Anniversary Art Show is beautiful and up for all to view. I will be making my very special Wassail (be sure to vote us as your favorite) and we will have art demonstrations and a community art project. We have lots of gifts for the holidays. Be sure and join us for the fun.
Join us for our 2nd Anniversary BIRTHDAY BASH at A Creative Art STUDIO. The celebration will be November 19th, 2011 from 6 - 10 pm. Come see the beautiful new art creative by our local artists. Music will be provided by local talent from 6 pm - 10 pm. "Fez" , a musical group who plays an eclectic mix of popular, improv and jazz will perform from 6 - 8 pm and Cindy Maloney and Linc Chalon from Baloney Moon will perform from 8 - 10 pm. In keeping with the upcoming holiday spirit, people who bring a non perishable can good for the Denton Food Bank will be entered for the free give-a-way of a set of holiday stained glass ornaments. A community art project for the public will also be set up. Patrons will be able to paint on a community artwork. So far, 6 community works of art have been completed at the studio and will be on exhibit at the Spring Art Show. A Creative Art STUDIO invites all to come celebrate
"Art in the Heart of Denton".
First Friday Denton, November 4th, 2011
Join us for amazing music and art at First Friday Denton, November 4th, 2011. Starting at 7 pm Darrin Kobetich will be performing in the studio. Darrin comes to us from Fort Worth and has been described as a "guitar master". I think we are in for a really great performance. For more information about Darrin, check out this article in the Fort Worth Weekly. Need art inspiration? Come check out our artist demonstrations or jump in and add to our community art project. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping. Music, art and fun. Grab a friend and join us for a wonderful evening.
First Friday Denton, October 7th, 2011
Celebrate the beginning of fall with friends, art, and music at A Creative Art STUDIO. Join us for music and art at a real working studio and participate in our Community art Project. Watch a variety of artists demonstrate their art and listen to the jazz sounds of Drew Zaremba and Elliot Leibman from 7 to 8 pm. Kylee Pannel, singer-songwriter follows at 8 pm. Grab a friend and join us for the fun!
First Friday Denton, September 2nd, 2011
September 2nd, 2011 is slated for another fun First Friday Denton at A Creative Art STUDIO. Alex Riegelman, singer-songwriter will be performing in the studio from 7 - 9 pm. Check out the new art show and meet some of the Artists. If you are watching our artist demonstrations or contributing to our community art project you are bound to feel artistically inspired. Grab and friend and join us for a fun time with Music and Art!
Arts, Antiques and Autos on the Square 
September 10th, 2011
Be sure and stop by and see us when you visit the square for the Arts, Antiques and Autos Show. We will be open from 9 - 6 and will also have a booth on the square. If you like antique cars or motorcycles, you will enjoy this Main Street Sponsored activity. Looking for car themed art? Check out our paintings and photographs.
Hot Hot Hot Summer Art SHOW
Tired of the hot Summer. Celebrate the end of August with us at our HOT HOT HOT Summer Art Show Saturday, August 27. Come see the new artwork of our artists. View the art from 1:00 - 10 pm. Music will be kicked off at 6 pm with the Jazz sounds of Brian Ward and Stephanie Allen followed by the Boxcar Bandits.
First Friday Denton, August 5th, 2011
Join us for First Friday Denton, August 5th, 2011. Starting at 6:00 there will be a children's art show at the studio. Come see what the kids have been doing in art class. Rachel Yeatts, singer-songwriter will be performing in the studio from 7-9 pm. Rachel is a multi-talented individual gifted with both writing and musical talent. The artists will be demonstrating various art techniques and of course one of our new favorite activities..... the community art project. Check out the beautiful art created by over 40 local artists. Hope to see you there.
First Friday Denton, June 3rd, 2011
Join us this First Friday for music, art and fun. This month Fritz Schwalm will be performing 7 - 9 pm. Fritz performed in the studio in January and we are very pleased to have him return. Fritz organized the band Uver in 2002 which played original material ranging from rock and roll to folk ballads. He performs solo acoustic shows under the Uver moniker. Once again artists will be demonstrating in the studio and we will have a community artwork set up so all can participate. Great music, beautiful art. Grab your friends and come have fun.
First Friday Denton, May 6th, 2011
Join us for First Friday Denton May 6, 2011. Starting at 7 pm Vanessa Helvey and David White will perform in the studio. Listen to the wonderful music and check out the beautiful art in the gallery. Our community project this First Friday will be a community collage. What? Not sure how to make a collage? Come find out. Bring your favorite image or saying or select one of ours to add to the artwork. Artists will be demonstrating and fun will be had by all. Come meet with friends and celebrate music and art.
First Friday Denton, April 1, 2011
Join us for First Friday Denton April 1st, 2011. April 1st, no foolin'! For this first Friday we have a father and daughter duo, Link and Katherine Chalon, performing in the studio. Some of you might have caught Link performing last week with Baloney Moon during our opening. Their performance will begin at 7 pm. Studio artists will be demonstrating drawing and painting. A special feature of the evening will be a chance to contribute to a community art project lead by Crystal Nelson, local artist and art teacher. Greg Conlin is back by popular demand for sketch portraits. A sitting takes about 30 minutes and costs $30. Kerry Boutell will demonstrate Watercolor batik, a process that uses a wax resist and watercolor medium. It is hard to believe that we pack so much fun into 2 hours. Come meet with friends and join us for music, art and fun!
Past Events
Spring Art Show
Join us for our Spring Art Show Saturday, March 26, 2011. Our artists have been working hard to create a beautiful art show with wonderful works that might just look fantastic in your home or office. We have several new artists that will be exhibiting in the studio for the first time as well new works from our existing artists. You can view the art from 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Music is kicked off by the Drew Zaremba and Brian Ward Duo. Both Brian and Drew attend University of North Texas and are Jazz Studies majors. Drew grew up in California but also lived in Belgium 6 years. He has been playing Saxaphone for ten years and came to Denton for the Jazz Studies. Brian hails from Colorado and has been playing the base for 6 years. They describe themselves and kind, friendly people who love to play music. Both Drew and Brian teach lessons so if you need Saxaphone or Base lessons contact the studio for information.
Starting at 7:00 pm Baloney Moon, one of Denton Favorite Groups will perform in the studio. Baloney Moon performs an eclectic assortment of music and has performed on the Square for Music events as well as at Jazzfest. For a preview of their music check out their myspace
.First Friday Denton, March 4th, 2011
Join us for First Friday Denton March 4th, 2011. For this first Friday we have two groups performing starting with the Big Rig Dance Collective, a group of nomadic dancing super heroes working to connect artists throughout Texas. Their performance will begin at 7 pm. Following the dancing, Kylee Pannel, a local singer-songwriter will be singing and playing her guitar in the studio until 9:00 pm. Studio artists will be demonstrating drawing and painting. A special feature of the evening will be a chance to contribute to a community painting lead by Crystal Nelson, local artist and art teacher. Greg Conlin is back by popular demand for sketch portraits. A sitting takes about 30 minutes and costs $30. Kerry Boutell will demonstrate Watercolor batik, a process that uses a wax resist and watercolor medium. A sitting takes about 30 minutes and costs $30. It is hard to believe that we pack so much fun into 2 hours. Come meet with friends and join us for music, art and fun!
First Friday Denton, February 5th, 2011
First Friday moves to Saturday due to Snow
Join for for First Friday Denton on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. Performing from 7 - 9 pm on this evening is James "Cedric" Hazelrig. "Cedric" is an incredible musician from the Austin area and a multi-instrumentalist of the legendary renfaire/filk group the Bedlam Bards. He comes to performances armed with two fiddles, a mandola, and a strong, manly voice. He has now released three CDs and for over ten years he has been performing at Renaissance festivals and science-fiction conventions from coast-to-coast. This singer-songwriter will be performing a variety of different genres including Celtic, Irish and his own unique music. His wife and one of artists that exhibit at the studio, Joyce Hazelrig, will be demonstrating the art of needle felting this evening and later in the year she will be back at the studio for a workshop. Kerry Boutell, studio artist, will be demonstrating the art of Watercolor batik. It is hard to believe that we pack so much fun into 2 hours. Come meet with friends and join us for music, art and fun!
Past Events
First Friday Denton, January 7th, 2011
Start the new year with music and art. Fritz Schwalm will be performing in the STUDIO January 7th, 2011 from 7-9 pm. Fritz organized the band Uver in 2002 which played original material ranging from rock and roll to folk ballads. He performs solo acoustic shows under the Uver moniker. Recently the existing individuals of Uver have formed a new group called Post Man which is currently recording at the Echo Lab Studio in Argyle, Texas. Greg Conlin will be doing portrait sketches from 7-9. If you need an earlier time, contact the studio.
Holiday on the Square and Wassail Fest, December 2nd, 2010
This is really my favorite time to be on the square. Lots of sights and sounds to create that holiday spirit. Be sure and stop by A Creative Art Studio, try our Wassail and look at our special holiday gifts and ornaments....all hand crafted by local artists, of course. To add to the evening, Polly Maynard will be performing in the studio along with Childbloom Guitar students from 6-7 pm. Polly received her Bachelors and Masters in Classical Guitar performance from the University of North Texas where she also served as adjunct faculty for ten years. She teaches guitar in Denton, Texas as well as performs. If you would like more information about Polly check out her website www.pollymaynard.com.
First Friday Denton, December 3rd, 2010
Join us for music and art at First Friday Denton. Alex Riegelman will be performing from 7-9 pm. I went to Alex's myspace and listened to some of his songs and was very pleased to hear that he loves the blues. The Gallery has never looked better and there are lots of unique gifts for that person that has everything. If you didn't get to come to our Fantastic Fall show, this is a good time to see what is new. Come enjoy music and art and meet new friends at A Creative Art STUDIO.
Fantastic Fall Art Show, November 13th, 2010
Happy Birthday A Creative Art STUDIO!
Join us at A Creative Art STUDIO for our Fall Art Show. This will be the Studio's one year anniversary Art Show and it will truly be a celebration. Our number of artists that we represent continues to grow along with the beautiful works of art which can be viewed from 12-8. Want to get a head start on holiday shopping? This will be the perfect time to buy that unique gift. Starting at 4:00 pm Simone Nicole, singer-writer will perform followed by Link Chalon fom 6:00 - 8:00. Gregory Conlin will be doing sketch portraits. Art, Music and good friends, what could be better.
Simone Nicole, Singer-songwriter Link Chalon
First Friday Denton, November 5th, 2010
Join us for First Friday Denton. Glen Farris returns to the studio with his guitar and harmonica from 7-9 pm. Also back by popular demand is Greg Conlin doing 30 minute portraits. Thinking about holiday shopping? Give a unique gift made by a local artist from A Creative Art Studio. Meet friends and enjoy music and art at A Creative Art Studio.
First Friday Denton, October 1st, 2010
Join us for First Friday Denton in October when Kylee Pannel with special guest artist Rick Pannel perform in the studio from 7-9. Meet with friends at A Creative Art Studio.
First Friday Denton, August 6th, 5-9
Join us for First Friday Denton in August when Simone Nicole performs from 7-9. Meet with friends for Music and Art at A Creative Art STUDIO.
Portrait Artist Gregory Conlin will also be available to do a portrait from 5-9 pm.
Join us for First Friday Denton August 6th, 2010 for the music of Simone Nicole, singer- songwriter talent from the Dallas Ft Worth area. Although Simone has also lived in Florida and Switzerland, she considers all three places her home. Simone describes the genre of her music as a little difficult to label in that it is a combination of pop, blues and a little alternative. Simone has been singing since she could talk (her mom can attest to this) and started her career at a very young age. She began drumming when she was 12 and at age 14 she put together a rock band with more established and experienced musicians however, after two years of playing with the band she realized that she wanted to perform her own music and play a more relaxed style. At age 16 she began to teach herself how to play the guitar in order to accompany the lyrics she had written. Simone shared that when writing her songs she spills her thoughts, feeling and heart into the lyrics and melodies. Her writings are also influenced by dreams that she just can't let go of and they too, end up in her songs. She hasn't studied music at a university, but is an observer and student of different types of music, which opens her range of style so she can always evolve herself musically. She said working with other musicians and collaborating on projects also allows her to improve and experiment in different styles. When asked who/what has influenced her music the most, she indicated that the world around her has a big impact on her music. Check out Simone Nicole at her website: www.SimoneNicole.com and on other social sites. When asked what has influenced her music the most, she indicated that the world around her has a big impact on her music. Her music is a reflection of life.
July 24th Sizzling Summer Art Show Join us for the fun!
Let's celebrate Summer together with Art and Music. Please join A Creative Art Studio for our Third Art Show featuring new, beautiful works from our talented artists. You can view the art anytime from 12-8 with music and food from 3:45 - 8:00. We are very lucky to have two groups that have previously performed in our Studio. From 3:45 - 5:45 enjoy the wonderful songs of singer songwriter Vanessa Helvey accompanied by the very talented David White. They "wowed" the audience at the May First Friday and we just had to have them back as soon as possible. At 6:00 we are lucky to have the Boxcar Bandits return with their foot-tapping bluegrass. Talk about fun. Their music will lighten anyone's heart and make you forget about the summer heat.
Vanessa Helvey 3:45 - 5:45 Boxcar Bandits 6-8
July 2nd, First Friday Denton
Join us for music and art on First Friday Denton. Music begins at 7 and we are pleased to have Polly Maynard join us. Polly Maynard received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Classical Guitar Performance from The University of North Texas in Denton, where she served as Adjunct Faculty for 10 years. Currently, she is the Director of the DentonChildbloom Guitar Program, a music education program designed specifically for children. She is a regular performer for community outreach programs, introducing audiences to classical guitar, lute, banjo, ukulele, and other stringed instruments.
A prolific songwriter, Polly recently released All Day Fun, a collection of songs written for her twin daughters, Sylvia and Amelia. For this musical adventure, she was fortunate to have two-time Grammy Award Winner Bubba Hernandez(formerly of Brave Combo) as Producer. “Polly Maynard is a fountain of creativity. I appreciated the potential in Polly’s compositions and found it a great opportunity to work with this brilliant artist in a genre I’ve rarely worked in.”(Hernandez received a Grammy Nomination for the Children’s album All Wound Up by Kathy Fink and Marcy Marxer with Brave Combo.) She has written several one-woman music/theatre performance pieces including From Vermeer to Here; The Reign in Spain: A Brief History of the Guitar from The Big Twang to the Present; and Anon! A Miss! : A History of Women in Music from 1400 - the Present. All Day Fun and Polly's solo guitar CD, The Parasol, are available online and probably will have some copies at the studio for sale. For more information about Polly go to: www.pollymaynard.com
June 4th, First Friday Denton
Featuring the Music of Adam Cline and Joel Dreistadt 7-9
Join us at A Creative Art STUDIO for the music of Adam Cline and Joel Dreistadt, aka WHITE GORILLA. The newly formed rock duo is based out of Denton, Texas, and incorporates blues, rock, and folk into their repertoire of newly written songs that they are excited to play for audiences around the DFW area. Singer-songwriter Adam Cline and Drummer Joel Dreistadt have been playing together for about 4 years now. They have spent the majority of that time touring around Texas and parts of the Midwest in a 5 piece rock band called The Gnomes. 27 year old Adam Cline grew up in Plano, Texas and started writing songs when he was about 20 years old and has been doing so ever since. With a blues foundation in his guitar playing, he has shifted his focus towards a more folk-rock style of songwriting. Joel, 28, is from Decatur, Illinois. With his energy, tasteful drumming, and creative arrangements, Joel brings a lot to the table. The two moved to Denton in 2008 and have already played some shows in Denton, Adam and Joel are currently working on material for a new album to come out within the next year. Support your original local musicians and meet with friends at the studio for music and art.
May 7th, First Friday Denton
Featuring the Music of Vanessa Helvey and David White 7 – 9 pm
Join us at A Creative Art Studio for music from Vanessa Helvey and David White. Vanessa is a singer songwriter who is originally from the Texoma area. Her father taught her how to play the guitar when she was 14 and she has been playing and writing music ever since. She moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas where she graduated with a degree in Political Science. She has two dozen original songs and looks forward to recording in the near future. Until then, she follows her passion of playing as much as she can locally and in the DFW area. David White studied music at the University of North Texas and will be playing madolin and guitar at not only our studio on First Friday on May 7th but with Vanessa at the Arts and Jazz Festival on the Celebration Stage, Saturday, April 24th at 7:00 pm. At this performance bass player, David Shaw, will join them. Vanessa describes her style as Americana/Alternative Country/Folk and the trio hopes to eventually add a drummer and move toward a more electric sound. If interested in a preview, you can check out Vanessa's myspace atwww.myspace.com/vanessahelvey.
April 15th - April 17th Time and Nature
A Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibition
by Greta Perea and Shannon Saxman
Be sure and come see Greta's and Shannon's Senior show at A Creative Art Studio. Their beautiful works of art will be featured at the studio Wednesday through Saturday with a closing reception on Saturday, April 17th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
April 2nd, 2010 First Friday Denton brings Music by Glen Farris!
Come join A Creative Art Studio for First Friday Denton featuring
the Music of Glen Farris from 7-8 pm.
A Creative Art Studio will have live music April 2nd, 2010 for First Friday Denton. Come hear the awesome sounds of Glen Farris from 7-8 pm. Glen is a talented local musician who plays guitar. He opened one evening at Nx35 and also was on a panel during Nx35 discussing local music. We are very lucky to have him join us in our studio so make your way to 227 W. Oak, Suite 101 around 7 o’clock. First Friday Denton is on the first Friday of every month, and is significant because that is the day when artists and artisans in the business district surrounding the Denton County Historic Courthouse on the Square open their doors for visitors and patrons to visit and see them at work, browse and perhaps buy a unique piece of art, jewelry or a myriad of other art objects . firstfridaydenton.com/
Join us for our Spring Opening Celebration on March 27th, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Artists are now bringing in their new beautiful works of art and the the new show will also feature several new artists. We will start the evening with the Dana Isaac Trio, a wonderful Jazz group. Dana's daughter Tess, will join the group to perform some Irish tunes. At 6:00 pm, back by popular demand, the Boxcar Bandits unleash their unique bluegrass sounds. It is building up to be a wonderful evening.
Left photo: Dana Isaac Trio with Tess Isaac Right Photo: Boxcar Bandits
March 13th, 2010 NX35 comes to A Creative Art Studio
Enjoy acoustic music surrounded by art at A Creative Art Studio. On Saturday, March 13th, acoustic groups will be performing in our gallery starting at noon. At this time the names of the groups that are performing have not been released but it is promised to be a good show. Must purchase tickets or have a wristband as indicated by procedures for NX35. For additional information please check the NX35 website. We will post additional information as soon as we receive it. www.nx35.com/blog/tag/313-saturday/