Heather Edgar

Heather Edgar sang My Only Hope with strong voice and good showmanship

“I’m 44 years old and I’m gonna sing Michael Jackson!” exclaimed Sara Malpass, who sang Beat It and Amazing Grace, on which the church-going members of her audience joined in.

Left to right: Kristi Dean and Sara Malpass

Kristi Dean followed by stating, “I’m 46 and I’m going to sing Dancing In the Streets and Cisco Kid.” The lyrics were somewhat altered through a NIAD filter: “…taste the pringle right back to the field, oot  oot”   Practiced in church choirs, she sings a capella with gusto and self assurance, singing the orchestration as well, to give it that richly layered quality that is so….Kristi.

Barbara Arbogast and Deatra Colbert sang a duet a capella appropriate to the holiday, Cupid by Sam Cooke, in true ‘60’s style, complete with microphone choreography.

Left to right: Deatra Colbert and Baraba Arbogast

NIAD teacher Ruben Guzman had his belly dance struck from the lineup, even though the audience demanded a performance, chanting, “Ruben, Ruben Ruben,” clapping and stomping their feet because “his costume was still at the cleaners.”  Suuu-uure, Ruben.

Michael Sutton, a veteran self-entertainer of many years experience, sang I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash and had his audience hushed and attentive, as did Jonathan Velasquez, whose alter-ego Espinoza Paz sang two Mexican cowboy ballads, Ponte En Mi Lugar and Olvidarte.

Jonathan Velasquez

Sylvia Fragoso’s karaoke Spanish rock song had a spontaneous crew of 4 backup dancers, including a lively and unplanned hip hop demo by Heather Edgar and her audience clapped time.

Sylvia Fragoso

At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is about connecting with those we care about and appreciating them in our lives.  We certainly do that at NIAD.

Studio Talent Show Celebrates Valentine’s Day

Her hand moves with absolute precision as the ink slowly trickles out. The resulting line is crisp and eloquent. In concert with other lines they build lifelike forms that Heather Edgar is passionate about creating. She’s a keen illustrator, colorful painter and also happens to possess a gorgeous voice.

Edgar has been diligently working in NIAD’s studio since 2009, but according to her she’s been honing her skills since 1992 and it shows. She doesn’t need much guidance and typically comes in everyday with a plan. While she does work in clay from time to time, drawing and painting are her preferred mediums.

Untitled, pencil on paper

At first glance her typical subject matter seems unfocused, but it actually falls into a few categories: people, landscapes, flowers and Asian art. What strings them altogether is Edgar’s craftsmanship. Each piece is created with exacting precision. Details and color are carefully considered, while her process is highly controlled. So much so that from a distance her colored pencil drawings look like paintings.

While she’s not making art, Edgar has also been participating in our annual performances. Last year she took a key role in our studio’s musical adaptation of The Milky Way Railroad, a Japanese story by Kenji Miyazawa. She played the Ocean Queen. Prior to that production she showed off her vocal chords in our Live Arts talent show. In her free time she enjoys singing opera, pop and classical tunes.

In addition to her artistic skills, Edgar has been a leader in the studio. On several occasions she’s curated mini studio exhibits and is currently organizing a Valentine’s Day talent show. Let’s just say her enthusiasm is infectious and we’re proud to have her working in our studio.

Heather Edgar as a butterfly in The Milky Way Railroad

More of Heather Edgar’s artwork:

Heather Edgar - Untitled (Still Life)

Acrylic and ink on paper, 22x30 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $175.00

Heather Edgar - Untitled

Acrylic on paper, 17.5x23 inches.
Available Qty: 1

Price: $95.00

Heather Edgar - Untitled (Double Portrait)

Pencil on paper, 17x24 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $125.00

Heather Edgar - Untitled (Teacup)

Ceramic, 3.5 x 5 inches (2 pictures)

Price: $20.00

Heather Edgar - Untitled (Portrait #2)

Pencil on paper, 25.5x20 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $140.00

Heather Edgar - Untitled (Portrait)

Pencil on paper, 11x8.5 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $35.00

Artist Spotlight on Heather Edgar

Billy has been working at NIAD since 1994 and his personality lives large in the studio. He’s a charming storyteller and his sense of humor lifts the spirits of those around him on a daily basis. Some of his one-liners are legendary.

Over the last 17 years Billy’s artwork has garnered a long list of admirers who appreciate it’s direct simplicity, symbolism and raw expression. Painting and drawing are his preferred mediums, but he’s also brought his figures to life in clay. His typical subject matter falls into one of two categories, either narratives about his life or portraits of people he admires, which include movie stars, hip-hop artists and television actors just to name a few.

Like many of our artists, Billy’s life has been filled with adversity, but he’s managed to persevere and work hard at what he loves. Art is something he lives and does continuously. Every morning he arrives and pulls a fist-full of drawings out of his backpack that he completed the night before. He’ll then sort through them to determine his creative direction for the day, which can change like the wind.

If Billy’s working on a painting, it can easily morph into something altogether different. He might start off painting Bill Cosby, but quickly change is mind by lunch. When that happens, he simply works right on top and doesn’t erase what came before. The new work becomes an extension of the old. By the end of the day this could happen several times and what’s often left is a latticework of figures and stories with interchangeable meanings. It’s what makes his artwork so unique.

Untitled, mixed media, 38x20 inches

One of his favorite subjects and constant source of inspiration is the great artist Van Gogh. It’s not clear what he specifically draws upon in the Dutch artist’s work, but the legend’s life story seems to resonate with Billy. He’ll often paint portraits of admiration with Van Gogh wearing a yellow hat and sporting a goatee.

Billy’s portraits tend be his most powerful work. Simple brushstrokes around the eyes and mouth can carry great emotional weight. They’ve connected with viewers in NIAD’s exhibitions, throughout the Bay Area and beyond. His work is even included in the Achenbach Graphic Arts Collection, which is part of the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco.

We look forward to seeing his work evolve and attract new audiences.

Billy White - Untitled

Acrylic on canvas, 40x26 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $250.00

Billy White - Untitled (Low Relief Wall Plaque)

Ceramic, 11 x 12 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $85.00

Billy White - Untitled

Acrylic on paper, 26x20 inches.
Available Qty: 1

Price: $175.00

Billy White - Untitled

Mixed media on paper, 38x25 inches.
Available Qty: 1

Price: $250.00

Billy White - Untitled

Linocut print, 18x12 inches.
Available Qty: 1

Price: $65.00

Billy White - Untitled

Acrylic on paper, 35x23 inches
Available Qty: 1

Price: $200.00

Billy White - Untitled

Mixed media on paper, 26x20 inches.
Available Qty: 1

Price: $175.00

Artist Spotlight on Arstanda “Billy” White

A new year brings a new exhibition to our gallery. Visionary Landscapes highlights work by artists in our studio who transform our perceptions of the natural world. You’ll find dreamy vistas, tumultuous storms and monsters parading across the horizon. Participating artists include Lois Ann Barnett, Ray Brown, Julio Del Rio, Heather Edgar, Luis Estrada and Audrey Pickering.

[[Show as slideshow]]

Visionary Landscapes Now On Display

The sound of splitting bamboo filled our garden today as Ruben Guzmán, one of NIAD’s new teachers, conducted a demonstration. The artists recently switched groups in the studio and Guzmán started teaching them how to produce Cartonería (Mexican Paper Sculpture).

Today the artists were splitting bamboo that will become the armature of their work. Thin reeds of bamboo are bent and tied together with zip ties in a variety of shapes and sizes until they become as dense as a bird’s nest so papier-mâché can be applied.

If all goes well a large group project will be included Richmond’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations and individual artwork will be on display in NIAD’s gallery later next year.

NIAD Artists Learn the Art of Cartonería

For several months a less then successful sculpture was sitting next to our studio door made out of a metal coat rack, canvas, electrical wire and acrylic paint. When it came time to figure out how to make NIAD more festive, our executive director Deb Dyer thought it would make a great foundation for a tree.

Some of the artists weren’t exactly thrilled and even voiced daily disappoint. As you know, traditions can be hard to break, but once decorations started to pile up on the tree, attitudes began to change.

The final touch came when the star was placed on top of the tree, which is actually a starfish hat from our recent production of the Milky Way Railroad.

In the end we’re pretty happy with the result and hope you find it fun and interesting. Happy Holidays!

Why Get A Real Tree When You Can Make Your Own?

Our friends at West Coast Fab Precision Sheet Metal have been very generous this year. They manufactured a gate for our kitchen, sculpture stands, helped make our Summer Picnic a big success, and yesterday threw a holiday pizza party for our artists.

We’re tremendously grateful for their time, energy and contributions. They helped make this a great year for our artists and staff. Thanks!

West Coast Fab Treats NIAD Artists to Holiday Pizza Party

A few months ago a member of our studio staff, Veronica De Jesus, was invited to curate the first art exhibition at the newly opened Alley Cat Books in San Francisco’s Mission District. The resulting group show is called People Are a Light to Love, and work by several NIAD artists is on display, including Erica Martinez, Jonathan Velasquez, Julio Del Rio and Vincent Villanueva.

Jonathan Velasquez

According to De Jesus, “After seeing the space’s rawness and undefined energy, I put together a team of artists whose works radiate joy and give light to love. My intention for this show is to turn the space on and bless the space for all its future creative endeavors.”

The exhibit will run till the end of January and you should take the time to check it out.

NIAD Art on Display at Alley Cat Books

We don’t produce t-shirts very often, but occasionally a donor or friend of NIAD will step in to help make it happen.  That was the case when Brian Wilson approached us a few months ago. He encouraged us to dig through our archive and find a piece of art that would stand out and people would enjoy wearing.

The image we chose has been a crowd pleaser ever since NIAD artist Jerry Williams created it in the mid 90’s. Unfortunately, Williams no longer works in our studio, but his work has continued to make many people happy. The Big Bad Wolf was originally made as a linocut print with Studio Manager Andres Cisneros. It’s playful, amusing and fun.

A very limited number of these shirts are available for purchase so act now. We already sold six at the RAC Holiday Festival.

Here’s our current inventory: 3 XL, 6L, 6M, 2S

Big Bad Wolf T-Shirt

Former NIAD artist Jerry Williams created this wonderful design back in the mid 90's and we couldn't resist the urge to put it on a t-shirt.
Available Qty: 17

Price: $15.00

Now’s Your Chance to be a Big Bad Wolf

Our dedicated studio staff is crucial to the development and success of our artists. When they’re not working at NIAD they’re spending countless hours in the studio on their own artwork.

Lauren Ari specializes in painting and drawing and maintains an active art practice in her free time. Richmond Confidential recently featured Lauren in a video based story called Art Behind Doors. In the video she shares her work and inspiration.

We think it’s wonderful.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Get to Know Studio Teacher Lauren Ari