Location: Cloer Family Vineyards, 8624 Castleberry Road, Apex NC 27523 – Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013

Once again the Apex Arts Council (AAC) will hold our Artists for Animals Faire™ this spring. Last year well over one-hundred artists and almost five-hundred visitors enjoyed the previous edition of this spectacular art event and this year we hope to increase even that number. Additionally, as we did last year, half of the proceeds from the event will be donated by the AAC to three (yet to be named) animal rescue groups.

Simply having a bunch of painters is the usual way a show generally like this is done, but we intend to go further. We will have painters selling their work, but we are also planning venues for photographers, sculptors, poets, musicians, authors, dance, independent film, and perhaps even theater. The idea is to give anyone attending the event the chance to be exposed to as many art forms as possible. The event will be held at the Cloer Family Vineyards (www.CloerFamilyVineyards.com) in Apex, so we will also have the option of sampling the art of the vintner that day.

Now, how could we hold an event like this without some non-human animals attending as well? Cloer has three pet beef cattle (Buttercup, Daisy, and M&M), a small flock of pet sheep, and some chickens on the property already, and we are now arranging for horses (including some miniatures), cats and dogs (at an adoption event within our larger event), and perhaps rabbits, ferrets, goats, turtles, geckos, and whatever to be with us. Carolina Tiger Rescue is expected to be there as well, and while they will not have a tiger with them, they will bring a tiger transport trailer to show visitors how that is done, and their volunteers will do tiger face-painting with some in tiger and lion costumes!

A woman donated her time to writing morale boosting letter to the troops for the Civil war, she simply signed her name as Varina.  It captured the interest of a soldier named Ballentine.  He sought her out and brought her to the area to settle.  He named his store and post office, across from the mineral springs, Varina.  Varina Station became a neighborhood community.

The two communities combined in 1964.  The town has two distinct  historic areas, with thriving downtown businesses.  They work independently and separately at the same time.

The surrounding homes can date back to the 1800s.  This lovely home, back behind the busy US55 interchange is a charming bungalow with a feel of the past but the modernization of the current era.

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

Scoop had seen my work on another project for Holly Springs.  He thought a compilation illustration of Holly Springs would be perfect.  Our town has seen amazing growth in the past 10 years, with the addition of the 55-Bypass and recently the new 540 Belt-line, around Raleigh.  This has brought business, manufacturing and residential growth.  The Town of Holly Springs has also expanded services with the addition to the Hunt – Community Center.

2013, Holly Springs has been named the #1 Place to Raise Children in North Carolina, by Bloomberg Business week.  The Chamber of Commerce’s involvement crucial to the growth of my hometown.

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

What font would state who you are?  There are so many fonts that can add to your style, we can find one that reflects you, on your notecards.

Call me soon to get on my work schedule.

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

I am thrilled with the drawing! And most of all my best friend is too. I had been looking for something special for her for a long time. Her homeplace was going to be torn down by the state to be replaced by a road and it was very hard for her. One look at her face when she opened the gift let me know I had given her the best gift possible. You had captured more than I thought in your drawing and truly the essence of her homeplace was evident. She pointed out her grandfather’s 100 year old pecan tree with tears in her eyes This drawing is something she will not only treasure for years, but can hand down through her family. She could not wait to show her mother and siblings.

Thanks so much!

Roxann M

Received this note from a client…
“Just want to let you know that they were stunned to see the picture that you did for them. It was a complete surprise to them and they were absolutely floored. It was a cool scene.  I’ve attached a few pictures.  Thanks for all of your work and revisions! It came out perfect.”

Making a Christmas sentimental and memorable is great.

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

I have always been curious about this building.  I didn’t know anyone that was a member but my interest was piqued when I was asked to illustrate for notecards.

When I met my client at the site, I asked if we could visit the inside.  She said only members are allowed in the building, as it is a sacred temple.  They do have another Temple and Fellowship Hall that that all are invited to visit.

I was entranced with the architecture of the build.  The white stone marble and intricate details are enticing for a lover of buildings.

The entire Temple is surrounded by a wrought iron fence.  The grounds were amazing too.  A meticulous grounds crew made sure there was not a leaf out of place or any stray branches.  Perennials were in bloom and the trees were still full.  I had a feeling of stupendous reverence when just walking onto the property.

I feel honored Hannah asked me to sketch something so personal to her!

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

This has become an annual client.  Love that my work goes out to nearly 750 members of the club, in the form of a Season’s Greetings card.

They had posted a request for a unique looking illustration.  Last year, I had illustrated the hearth and mantle, decorated with poinsettia plants.  This year we went for the lake view side of the building, from the 18^th hole.  It gives a unique perspective that can only be seen from the green.

I enjoyed drawing this building, you can see over the years the added construction and wings.  The latest will be a replacement for the semi-permanent tent that is up.  By creating a larger atrium, they can accommodate a ladies luncheon club and expanding their seating by up to 100 people.

Thanks to the Staff at MacGregor for this wonderful ongoing project!

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

I am offering notecards of Holly Springs sites, Town Hall, Leslie Alford Mims House, Holly Grove Elementary and Holly Springs Middle School.

Super ideas for Christmas gifts!

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More