Exhibits
& Workshops

News, Events & Workshops

Final Fridays at Bucktown

Join us on the last Friday of each month at our space in the "Hands-On" gallery on the first floor of the Bucktown Center for the Arts, 225 E. 2nd Street Davenport, IA. The doors will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. so spend the evening, enjoy some refreshments and take some time to visit with the many talented artists who exhibit at Bucktown. For more information go to http://www.bucktownarts.com

Wild Flower Photo Exhibit, opens March 19th, 2010

Vander Veer Botanical Park, Davenport, IA
“Loving the Wild Ones” by Heidi Brandt & Dee Oberle,
Gypsy Chicks Photography 

"None can have a healthy love for flowers unless he loves the wild ones."
-Forbes Watson (1880-1960)

This has always been a favorite quote of ours and we were thrilled to help bring this quote alive by selecting ten of our favorite images of midwestern wildflowers for the "Loving the Wild Ones" exhibit in the east room of the Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory in March and April. 

Anyone who has attempted to photograph native wildflowers knows it is a challenge.  They tend to hang out in deep woods, often in the shade and low to the ground.  Although they seem to appear overnight they can disappear just as quickly and many are fragile with stems that move with the slightest hint of a breeze.   Yet, we can't wait until the snow thaws so we can venture out and stalk these illusive beauties with our cameras. 

Enjoy the fresh smells and glorious colors of spring bulbs while strolling among the tulips and daffodils in the greenhouse then learn about Jack-in-the-pulpits, Virginia bluebells, Dutchman's breeches, Shooting stars and other native wildflowers in the kinetic photo gallery display.  Be sure to stop by the gift shop where you can purchase our "mailable art cards" featuring the wildflowers in the exhibit and other scenes from Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Our cards are designed to fit in a 5 X 7 frame so you can create your own display and then spring will never be far away.  

In conjunction with this unique exhibit, you can take a walk on the wild side with the Gypsy Chicks' wildflower photo adventure class when we explore Black Hawk State Park in search of common and elusive wildflowers to shoot. Bob Motz, local wildflower expert, will be our guide that day in the park to help locate the wildflowers and impart his botanical knowledge. Join us, Saturday, May 8. Registration is through Scott Community College – 441-4100 or download our workshop form for more information.

Workshops



Digital Photography 101

This is a basic course for the person who is new to digital photography. We start with the language of digital and show you how to take a photo, the easy way to get the photo out of your camera and onto your computer or even how to print it without a computer. Hands-on exercises will demonstrate how
to use the close-up, action and scenic modes on your camera.

Be a Wildlife Photographer in Your Own Backyard

We partner with a zoo or wildlife park for this workshop which includes basic tips for photographing animals at the zoo followed by a guided tour with the staff and an opportunity to photograph the animals with our guidance. Our most recent workshop was at Fejervary Children's Zoo in Davenport, IA.

Digital Decorating and Gifts

Why purchase a poster of an image that your neighbor may have when you can easily create unique artistic groupings using your own digital photography skills. Our presentation will provide you with tips and ideas for decorating with your digital photographs and explore the many ways you can create one-of-a-kind gifts and cards from your very own images. Basic knowledge of your camera is required.

If You Can't Make Better, Make It Bigger

Photography is all about what to leave in and what to leave out of a photograph. In this workshop we discover the secrets of macro photography and why close-ups get more Oh's and Ah's Basic knowledge of your camera is required.

Exercising Your Creative Muscle I

Feeling blocked? Cabin fever? Going through a life transition? This workshop will take you on path of self-discovery using a variety of activities and hands-on exercises designed to revive your creative spirit, uncover hidden talents and rediscover dormant dreams. This is not a photography workshop
and genius isn't necessary just curiosity and an open mind. No previous experience or art skills are needed.

This is Your Life - Creative Muscle II

This is a continuation of the popular Creative Muscle I class. Using play, journaling and photography we will help you discover your inner creative self. This class will take you on a journey of self-discovery. No experience, special talents or skills necessary and any type of camera is OK.

If you are interested in any of our workshops, please contact us by e-mail and/or sign up for our mailing list so we can keep you informed of upcoming events and classes.

We're Calendar Girls!

We were honored this year to have two of our images selected for the 2008 Friends of VanderVeer Calendar. The selection team received over 700 entries and Heidi's Daffodil is featured during the month of August and Dee's Mum is on the September page. We will also be displaying more of our work at VanderVeer's Botanical Center, 215 W. Central Park in Davenport, IA during our respective months. Both of our images were taken in the greenhouse at VanderVeer and it is one of our favorite places to photograph. They have a charming little gift shop there and we highly recommend the seasonal flower shows and events. For ore information on VanderVeer Botanical Center and Park go to www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or call 563-326-7818.