Did You Know? (Alchemy)

That Alchemy refers to a quest for a fabled elixir capable of turning copper and other base metals to gold and also a quest for something to prevent human beings’ bodies from becoming old?  Alchemy is both a philosophy and an ancient practice that seeks to prepare the “elixir of longevity”, accomplish the transmutation into gold, and attain ultimate wisdom (the ability to effectively and efficiently apply perceptions and knowledge and so produce a desired result).  

Mark McDonough’s Alchemy of Art exhibits at Alchemy, in addition to being an abundant and extremely generous (and delicious) gift to artists and the community, encompasses the components of Alchemy.  He provides an opportunity for artists to utilize the elixir he has created with his wisdom, to turn their creative endeavors into gold, and in the process do the same for his business; while renewing our youthful exuberance for what we all love to do.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible is: “He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5)”, and that is what Mark sets the stage to happen for exhibiting artists.

I can’t thank everyone enough for turning out in such large numbers, on such a miserable, cold, rainy evening; some of you having traveled from such long distances to be there.  The art opening and book release was a wonderful event, made perfect for me by the totally unexpected arrival of Joey C., who was so instrumental in all of it coming about.

The opening and book release is over, but my exhibit will be up through May 7, so if you couldn’t make it last night (or if you were there but couldn’t see the exhibit because of all the people), I hope you’ll stop into Alchemy at 3 Duncan Street, Gloucester, see the exhibit at leisure and enjoy Alchemy’s great ambiance, food and people (the staff there is awesome).  I also left a bin of prints, cards and some books (and remember, 20% of sales of those items, and 10% of framed art sales goes to the Gloucester Education Foundation). 

Also, Did You Know? books are now in the process of being distributed to retail locations.  As of today, you can get them at Willow Rest, Cape Ann Museum Gift Shop, Cricket Press and Dogtown Books.  I will be visiting with my friend Bob Ritchie, at my favorite Gloucester bookstore, Dogtown Books, 132 Main Street, Gloucester on Saturday from 11:00 to 1:00 and signing books, if anyone would like to come by (and buy) and say hi and get a Did You Know? Book signed.  As they are distributed to other locations, I will update the locations on my website at http://www.khanstudiointernational.com/did%20you%20know%20book.htm.  If you are out of area and would like to order a book, you can go to the website to order a copy to be shipped to you.  Also, if you have a favorite book or gift shop that you’d like to see carry the book, mention it to them.  It will take me awhile to get around Cape Ann, and there are many places I don’t know about and could miss.

Finally, there was a guest book at the Alchemy opening last night; however it was totally buried and hidden behind all the people.  If you would like to be on my email list to receive notice of future exhibits, book releases, and such, please email me at khanstudio@comcast.net.   Thanks again to everyone who braved such nasty weather to turn out and make my first Cape Ann exhibit opening and book release such an amazing thing.  Since moving to Cape Ann, I tell my mother every day about all the really nice people I keep meeting; last night she got to meet many of you and now knows firsthand what I was talking about.