August 2021

August 2021 Issue

73

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Aug 2021

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Vesna Delevska

Serving Up Art, Music, and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment 1 GessoMagazine.com Gesso Magazine

Editor's Word

August 2021

Editor’s Word:

right now, you can see a collection of Vesna’s remarkable paintings starting on page 26.

Straight Up Magazine is now Gesso Magazine and it is here with its 73rd edition ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment’. The St. Louis Metro deserves its own arts and entertainment magazine. And here it is. It’s called Gesso!!!

It is our pleasure and privilege to have Vesna Delevska as our featured cover artist. Vesna is a long-time friend of ours and was previously featured in Issue #44 .

If you attended pre-Covid Midwest Salute To The Arts in August

We have features on several other

2019, you may have seen Vesna painting there in one of the Gesso Artists Demonstration Tents. And 2

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Metro artists and art events this month. It is such a pleasure and

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August 2021

privilege to be able to provide a platform for regional artist of all genres to express their passions and creativity with Gesso. We thank all the creatives who submit

We are excited to again be sponsoring the Midwest Salute To The Arts this year as the 33rd Annual Art Fair returns - live to Longacre Park in Fairview Heights. Reserve August 27-29 for this spectacular - though Covid limited - art fair. Along with the 50 juried presenting artists, look for the Gesso Magazine Artists Demonstration Tent. AND for live music on the Gesso Magazine Performance Stage.

Governor French Gallery is on its regularly scheduled Summer Break. And, due to Covid concerns, our Jacque Davis

their work for consideration in our humble publication. Relish in them with us here.

“Dreaming in Color” exhibition at Governor French Gallery is still closed to foot traffic. The exhibition is visible from the vast

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Editor's Word

August 2021

windows at 219 West Main Street

to serve you, the residents of the

in Belleville IL or by appointment.

St. Louis Metro area.

We thank our writers for their

WE WANT YOU! - All you artistic and creative types out there! You

poignant features and all those who contribute to this project. We appreciate all of those individuals who have submitted their works for publication. And “Likes” to all you followers on Facebook!!! We are grateful to you, the reader, for checking out this latest issue of Gesso Magazine – Issue #73 in the Str8Up Magazine legacy!!!

Like Straight Up before it, the mission of Gesso Magazine is to support local arts and artists and the businesses and organizations that support local arts and artists.

We invite you to contact us with ideas, comments, information, etc. that might assist us in our mission 4

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should contact us. Show us your work. Tell us of your craft and brief personal/artistic history.

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August 2021

Submit any art form that you’d

Enjoy Gesso! Tell your friends.

like. Perhaps, you can be one of

Send us your work. And visit

our next published contributors

our website at GessoMagazine.

or even a featured cover artist.

com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook daily for new and additional events and content.

Stay safe and be healthy.

Check out who’s featured this month. Next month, that could be

P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 (314) 266-9199 Editor@ GessoMagazine. com

you!!

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Credits

Staff:

August Credits

August 2021

Editors: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Layout Design Artists: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Dylan Seibert, Mark Polege Sales: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Jennifer Lynn Reida, William Schmitz, Paul Seibert, Dylan Seibert Ad Artists: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Mark Polege, Dylan Seibert, Wil Sullivan Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Website Design & Up-Keep: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com), Jake Bishop Photography: Mark Polege (PhotographyofMarkPolege.com)

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Contributors: Cover Artist: Vesna Delevska Cover Logo: Jake Bishop Comics: Danny Houk Photography/ Images: Courtesy of Vesna Delevska (p.26-31), West End Junction (p.38-39), Jane Reed (p.40-41), Emily Bramstedt (p.46-49) All material in this publication and its affiiated on-line content are copyrighted to the individual contributors or Gesso Magazine and may not be reproduced without written consent. We are very grateful to those who have submitted material to be considered for publication. However, the opinions and views of those contributing content to Gesso do not necessarily reflect those of Gesso Magazine.

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Table of Contents

August 2021

10 33rd Midwest Salute to the Arts 21 August Fun Page

by John Dorroh

20 August Comics

featuring Danny Houk

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26 August 2021 Cover Artist: Vesna Delevska

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Table of Contents

August 2021

38 Oh Heaven Look and Tell Me: West End Junction

by Paul Seibert

40 August Submissions:

featuring Jane Reed, Emily Brahmsted

@blvscreenprint 618.277.9600 GessoMagazine.com

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August 2021

“33rd Annual Midwest Salute to the Art” That’s right! For the last 32 years, Midwest Salute to the Arts has provided the St. Louis/ Metro East area with outstanding art and entertainment. I can’t tell you how many artists have exhibited and sold their wares, nor can I give you an accurate account of just how many vendors have prepared food and served beverages.

I can’t even make an accurate report of attendance in three-plus decades. But I can tell you that from the beginning, this annual event has been a source of community pride and a place for art to flourish for children, adults, and everyone in between.

I was chatting with the director of Midwest Salute to the Arts, Sharon Kassing, and she reminded me of the mission for this event: to bring art to the people. So simple, right? “Art for everyone, art every day.” That’s something that we can all live with, don’t you think? The community needs this celebration, especially after the fall-out from the pandemic.

What happened to MSA in 2020?

Due to the pandemic the Midwest Salute to the Arts had a different look in 2020. No, it wasn’t canceled. It “went virtual,” just as many schools, universities, and businesses did.

Instead of featuring the work of 100 artists, 50 were included. This isn’t to say that the event was “watered down.” It became more focused.

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August 2021 Dates, Times, Locations…and what to expect: Please be sure to mark your calendars for the following dates: August 27, 28 & 29. These are the days that Moody Park (525 S. Ruby Lane) in Fairview Heights will be ground-zero for a free, family-friendly arts fest, complete with food, drink, and live music. Informational booths will be staffed by volunteers to help educate festival-goers on a variety of subjects.

There is always a ton of fun for the kids, so you need to bring the whole family.

The Midwest Salute to the Arts is always one of the finest displays of art in Illinois. Expect to see 50 juried artists exhibiting and selling their work. Artist booths will be socially distanced this year for the safety of visitors, artists, and the volunteer staff.

With the changes to the layout, this year’s fair will be more spread out, more engaging; everything will be so easily accessible. The city revamped the venue into a horseshoeshaped configuration with paved sidewalks. Newly remodeled pavilions and a green space make this venue feel comfortable and open. Part of the point of art fairs is that the artist themselves are accessible for guests, as well as their works. But there are few art fairs anywhere where the participating artists are so very accessible as they are at ‘The Salute’.

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August 2021 Categories of art include: Clay - Art objects, either functional or decorative of earthenware, porcelain, or tile, made by shaping and then firing. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted.

Drawing/Printmaking (Graphics) - Drawings are works on paper using pencil, crayon, ink, charcoal, pastels and a variety of other marking media. Printmaking is a transfer process of producing original art, usually in multiples.

Glass - Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or crafted by glass blowing, molding or casting. Works may be etched or engraved.

Jewelry (Precious Metal) - Creating artwork through the forging, twisting and fabricating of various precious metals. All jewelry, produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials which include precious metals.

Mixed Media - Works that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production.

Painting (Oils, Acrylics, and Watercolor) - Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract, or other image on a flat surface, with oil, acrylics, or watercolor.

Photography - Process of capturing images of objects by the action of light, then printing the images, by chemical or digital means, onto a flat surface.

Sculpture - Three-dimensional works done in any medium.

Fine Craft/Wood - Any material or construction may be used; to include fiber, hand weaving, wood, etc. Art objects either functional or decorative or hand tooled or machine worked, turned or carved.

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August 2021 Also speaking of art, there will be two active Art Demonstration areas. In one, you can find daily demonstrations by members of the Gateway East Artist Guild presenting a wide variety of artistic mediums and skill levels. Also, you’ll find woodcarving displays and demonstrations by members of the Midwest Woodcarvers (aka: Belleville Holzschnitzers), plying their crafts of whittling, carving, cutting, and shaping of all things wood.

Plus, look for the Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois. Guild Members at the demonstration area will share their fine craftwork, heavily rooted in heritage arts and fine crafts, such as weaving, spinning, needle crafts, leather, and pottery.

The second area is the Gesso Magazine Artist Demonstration Tent. Two or more artists at a time, rotating approximately every two hours each day, will display their talents in multiples of mediums - oil and acrylic painting, sculpture, graphite drawing, digital art, Sgraffito pottery and even painting with wine. The common denominator of these numerous artists is that each has been featured in Gesso Magazine, in print and/or online.

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August 2021 A brief history…

Just how did Fairview Heights become the site of a nationally recognized art festival? It began over 30 years ago when a former alderman, Gene Ellerbusch, took a trip to Mystic, Connecticut, which was hosting an outdoor arts festival. He was so impressed that he brought it to the attention of the makers and shakers in Fairview Heights.

After the council decided that their city could replicate the Mystic festival, they appointed Mrs. Billy McLemore to spearhead a committee to study the possibilities. The project had officially begun.

The committee visited/studied other festivals, including the Festival of the Masters in Orlando, Florida. Their decision was reinforced to go ahead with the planning of the first arts festival in Fairview Heights.

The Midwest Salute to the Masters was established with the goal of combining the community involvement of the Mystic festival with the high standards of the one in Orlando.

The first show took place the week-end of October 1-2, 1988. It was well-received and attended by the community and the artists who participated. Thirty years later, the festival continues to draw thousands into the park.

Special features for the children…

An interactive Creation Station and Children’s Gallery will provide 5-13 year-olds with unique experiences. For example, when a young one enters the Children’s Gallery, he/she will choose a piece of art without any influence from parents. Then they will have a chance to have a conversation with the artist who created it. And, of course, The Bubble Bus will be there - a perennial favorite of children and adults alike.

Food and beverage…

But of course. No outdoor art festival would be complete without refreshments. Food Truck Row will provide patrons with a variety of delectables and imbibables for children and adults at this year’s event. All provided with due respect for the timely health and safety standards.

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August 2021 Entertainment: Do you like music? Who doesn’t, right? People come to The Salute and have interactions that generate engagement with art, be it something you can frame or something intangible.

It might be no surprise then that a big part of the Salute’s legacy is founded in its musical guests. This year, all live entertainment will be on the Gesso Magazine Sound Stage. A wonderful variety of individuals and groups will perform there with 30-minute breaks between sets. (It takes a village to disassemble the equipment for one group and set up for the next one, by the way.) Here’s what to expect: Friday, August 27 --------- Rogers & Nienhaus 6:00 pm - 9:00 am Saturday, August 28 ---- J. Michael Hildreth

10:00 am - 11:45 am

Carrier Tunes

12:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Don McCown

2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Dave Mendoza

4:45 pm - 6:30 pm

Sunday, August 29-------- Lexy Schlemer

11:00 am - 12:45 pm

Teya King

1:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Mark Beihl

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

And the dates and times for this year’s celebration! Mark your calendars NOW. Friday, August 27th

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm**

Saturday, August 28th 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday, August 29th

11:00 am - 5:00 pm GessoMagazine.com

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August 2021

So, mark your calendars for August 27-29 now. Make it a weekend of art and music at the 33rd Annual Midwest Salute to the Arts - truly an enjoyable way to invest in the lives of so many people. And let’s make the 33rd Midwest Salute to the Arts the best one yet!!! ** Please note that there are no activities for children Friday evening. ** Please also note that conditions beyond our control could essentially affect advisements on mask-wearing and social distancing. Guidelines from the CDC and the State Department of Health concerning Covid-19 and the Delta Variant will be posted and advertised. Please stay tuned.

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August 2021 Discover more about the Midwest Salute to the Arts on their website: www.

MidwestSalute.com. You can also follow them on Facebook to stay updated on all of their latest developments. Gesso Magazine will be providing ongoing Facebook posts throughout the three days.

The Midwest Salute to the Arts is a 501(c) (3) Not for Profit organization.

Gesso Magazine is a Proud Sponsor of Midwest Salute to the Arts.

Paul Seibert and Mark Johnson contributed to this article.

www.gessomagazine.com www.facebook.com/MidwestSalute www.facebook.com/gessomagazine www.MidwestSalute.com

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August 2021

Attention Metro East Readers...

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Comics

August 2021

By: Danny Houk. See more at https://www.Instagram.com/dannyhoukart/

Facebook.com/GessoMagazine 20

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Fun Page

FUN PAGE

August 2021

Gesso Word Search!

Summer Edition

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BBQ BEACH CAMPING FUN HOT ICE CREAM JUMP KITE PICNIC PLAY POOL POPSICLE SAND SUMMER SUN SUNGLASSES SWIM SWING VACATION Gesso Magazine

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July 2021 August

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Hosting site: https://empathicaradio.podbean.com/ 16 22

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Greetings Gesso Readers!!!

This Month and All Year Around, We are So Very Grateful to You and to EVERYONE Who Has Contributed to this Project...

Thank You!!!

From All of Us to All of You: Thank You So Much for Your Support You Can Keep Up with it ALL via Social Media & GessoMagazine.com

August 2021

BIOGRAPHY Vesna Delevska is an artist originally

“Colors, shapes, nature, form, beauty, are all elements of my personal language through which I can express feelings that I cannot describe through words. I use painting as a most intimate form of communication”.

from Skopje, Macedonia, currently residing in St. Louis, MO. Influenced by beautiful iconography, frescoes, and mosaics found in Macedonian monasteries and churches centuries old, Vesna blends unique styles of realism and abstract painting in her artwork.

She graduated in the school for applied arts, in Skopje, Macedonia, and has a BA in Visual Arts and Design, from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Experience: Vesna has completed nearly 30 murals and over 6000 paintings throughout her career and has participated at more than 100 events and fundraisers with multiple St. Louis organizations to help raise money for their causes.

Since 2015 Vesna is the owner of Vesna Art Gallery, located in Chesterfield, Missouri. She currently displays over 650 of her original works, gives private lessons, and continues to generate new works within the studio space of her gallery.

To learn more, visit: vesna-art.com

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“Movement In Time” - Acrylic on 36”x48” Canvas

"Calm” - Acrylic on 20”x16” Canvas

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August 2021

“Radiance” - Acrylic on 36”x48” Canvas

"Heights” - Acrylic on 48”x36” Canvas 28

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“Bright”- Acrylic on 24”x36” Canvas

"Colors At Night” - Acrylic on 60”x48” Canvas

"Current Of Sound” - Acrylic on 48”x36” Canvas

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August 2021

“Total Freedom” - Acrylic on 24”x18” Canvas 30

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"Coming Through“ - Acrylic on 48”x36” Canvas

"Season Of Wonder”- Acrylic on 36”x48” Canvas

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July2021 2021 August

gesso magazine would like to announce that...

High quality, full color printed copies of any Gesso Magazine are now available for purchase! Why is this awesome?

- They make a great keepsake, especially if you have been featured in an issue.

- They look professional and gorgeous displayed.

- There is something satisying about reading a tangible issue that you can physicially touch.

- Proceeds from magazine purchases go toward supporting the growing creative community project that is

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July 2021 August 2021

We are also happy to announce...

GESSO M AG A Z I N E NOW HAS E L B A Z I M O T CUS A P PA R E L !

We have T-shirts (traditional and crewneck), long sleeve shirts, and hoodies available to purchase as well as the full color printed copies of any gesso magazine! Designs can be created to showcase your favorite Gesso Magazine cover from any issue on the front or back of any of the previously mentioned clothing items!

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July2021 2021 August

Do You Enjoy Gesso Magazine, with its Daily Calendar of Events on Facebook and Its Showcasing of Local Art, Music, and Culture in the Pages of Each New Monthly Edition Being Added to the Archive on

GessoMagazine.com?

Why Not Show Your Support by Sporting a Durable Gesso Magazine Bumper Sticker on Your Vehicle For Others To See? Gesso Magazine Bumper Stickers Are a Great Way to Help Share Your Love and Support of the Local Art, Music, And Culture of the St. Louis/ Metro East Region!!! To Support Gesso Magazine by Getting Your Hands on Some Gesso Merchandise: Contact Us on Facebook or Send an email to

Merch@GessoMagazine.com.

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MIDWEST SALUTE TO THE ARTS IS ON FOR 2021!

Dates: August 27, 28, 29, 2021 *With new protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of our artists, vendors, volunteers, and visitors.

August 2021 Another way the song touches me is the reflection the lyrics cast upon climate change in our world. Cara tells me that the lyrics were inspired by a “bucket list” journey to see the glaciers of Glacier National Park - before they melt away.

The song was her way of “grappling with climate change and our country’s history while journeying through the most beautiful scenery imaginable.” The majesty of it all resonates in the haunting harmonies of this single.

Oh heaven look and tell me: Out here I’m a little bit closer to you.

From “Little Sister Cedar Tree” Written by Cara Ristau

So, I’m very much enamored with the song and with the collective that is West End Junction. And one of the barometers that I use to judge performers is the venues in which they perform. West End Junction frequents some of my favorites, which are small, quiet venues where audiences sit and listen in complement of the performers - venues like Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House and Blueberry Hill Duck Room.

Performed by West End Junction “Little Sister Cedar Tree” touches me in more ways than one. One is just the pure beauty of the sound of Cara’s voice blended with the acoustic instrumentation that is West End Junction. Cara Ristau and husband/ band mate Dan are West End Junction, an alternative folk duo from St. Louis, MO, with Cara on vocals, keys, and percussion and Dan on guitar.

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August 2021 Their debut single, “Little Sister Cedar Tree” was released on all major streaming platforms ahead of their EP “Wandering Minds” on July 2, 2021. I recommend a listen to the song, to the band. The song you can download. The band you can catch at Evangeline’s Bistro on August 28. On that same date, you can download “Two Thousand Strong”, their next single, on Spotify.

www.facebook.com/WestEndJunction/

Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House www.facebook.com/evangelinesstl

Blueberry Hill Duck Room www.facebook.com/DuckRoomSTL

I would be remiss if I didn’t throw in a good word for their producer, Shannon McArthur of Nashville. West End Junction credits Shannon for the tireless work it takes to make their kind of music magic happen.

Shannon McArthur www.shannonmcarthur.com

by Henry Collins West End Junction https://westendjunction.com

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Jane Reed

August 2021

I am from St. Louis, but I became an artist while

living in Washington D.C., for 25 years. I trained in oils, but am now mostly an acrylic painter. Art is all about color, and movement, for me, I want viewers to never forget it’s paint that creates what they are seeing. My styles include

impressionism, expressionism, and abstract painting. Regardless of style, or subject matter, I'm primarily a colorist. I enjoy being in St. Louis where there are so many resources and so many opportunities dedicated to artists, and their careers.

janewreed@gmail.com

"Egret Evening" 40

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"Columba View"

"Hacked" GessoMagazine.com

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August 2021

www.JohnnyBBQSauce.com www.Facebook.com/ Johnny-Sauce-502689276810563/

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(303) 524 5729 GessoMagazine.com

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August 2021

Emily Bramsted I am a solo artist and self taught. I hosted art sales at the age of 13 and from there became an apprentice at STL ARTWorks, St. Louis. I was there for about a year and a half learning from teaching artists and earning a little bit of money (I loved working there, but I also wasn’t earning enough). So I eventually had to go look for a "real job" since the studio was more for education and future careers. A lot of friends and family or even acquaintances and strangers might recognize my name, knowing me as a painter, but I also feel passionate about connecting with others emotionally and mentally, for support and counsel. Art can also express emotions as well and in unique ways.

To see other art pieces, my Instagram is : @the_wingedartist

"The Swan Lake" 8x11 Acrylic

STL ARTWorks / St. Louis ArtWorks Emily and her artwork can also be found at the Gesso Magazine Artist Demonstration Tent at the Midwest Salute To The Arts on Sunday, August 29.

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"Linda" 8x11 Acrylic "River of Serenity" 8x11 Acrylic

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"Deer in Headlights" 8x11 Acrylic

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"Roses" 8x11 Acrylic 48

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"Blue Jays" 8x11 Acrylic

"The Sword in the Stone" 8x11 Acrylic GessoMagazine.com

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Visit the RenewAudio.com/Music page for links and streaming music for our Artists.

Or Search Renew Audio Music or DrunkMouse Records for Spotify Playlist.

Renew Audio Music is available on all streaming services.

Search “Ian Buechele” on Spotify, iTunes and any streaming platforms to listen to Americana/ Blues songs by Ian Buechele.