Artist Takes Viewer On Mystical, Magical Tour

Nicolette Morgan knew she wanted to be an artist, even as a young girl. That realization was brought home clearly during a recent glimpse into her past while thumbing through some of her childhood coloring books. 

“I had colored the whole illustration on the page and then drawn more detail into the pictures,” she said.

Morgan, who grew up in Pontardulais, a small town in South Wales, moved to Atlanta 11 years ago to attend Agnes Scott College where she earned a BA in art. After working a few jobs which she says she was terrible at, she and two friends opened YAY Studio in Avondale Estates last January.   

Today, her work space is filled with whimsical illustrations and sculptures that appeal to children and adults. Highly detailed drawings in clear colors invite viewers in to get a closer look and doe-eyed porcelain creatures gaze back with soft, knowing eyes.

Where do they come from? Inspiration simply comes from the people she sees around her, places she’s been and conversations she’s had, Morgan answered matter-of-factly. 

Water is also recurrent element. Reflecting on its significance, she explained that for the past five years her parents have lived on a sail boat and are currently planning a sailing trip around the world.

Aside from those influences, it’s impossible not to notice her sense of humor, which comes through in much of her work. For example, one group of drawings she jokingly calls her “sandwich” series emerged after talking with a friend who suggested she wasn’t eating enough. A sandwich appears in each painting, which she playfully named after deli delights such as Turkeyonrye, Eggsalad and PB&J.

You can see Morgan’s work at YAY Studio where she and fellow artists Robert Hill and Julia Lutgendorf of Eyeon Media host bi-monthly shows and teach a variety of art classes including crafting for kids and figure drawing on Friday mornings.

Art Shots

Permanent Waves with The Lost Boys, The Academy Theatre, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. Atlanta's only Rush tribute band returns to the Academy Theater for a two hour show of the best music from Matthew Trauwein, Jeff Blanks, Will Patton, String, The Moor, and Master Will. Prizes to the winners of the "Limelight Best Dressed Rush Fan" contest, the "Tom Sawyer Dance Competition," and the “By-tor Most Outrageous Show of Enthusiasm" award.

1940's Radio Christmas Carol, Nov. 25- Dec. 18, OnStage Atlanta.
Written by Walton Jones, David Wohl, & Faye Greenberg, directed by Cathe
Hall Payne with music Paul A. Tate. It's Christmas Eve 1943, and the
Feddington Players are now broadcasting from a hole-in-the-wall studio in
Newark, NJ, and set to present their contemporary "take" on
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.

A Miracle on Elf Street, Dec. 3 – 24, OnStage Atlanta. Written by Scott Rouseau and directed by Barbara Cole Uterhardt. Santa's sick, and Mrs. Claus expects the elves to pick up the slack and save Christmas. Bring your kid to this fun, interactive and hilarious holiday show. Shows Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. Special "Workshop" shows Dec. 23 and 24 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (includes food, games, and crafts).

Decatur Market and Gallery, “Ornate,” a group exhibit. Dec. 10-31.
Gallery will be dressed for the holidays with 22 artists showing their holiday
themed works including hand painted ornaments, cards and artwork.  Complimentary beverages and hors d oeuvres during this annual event.  Live music, free to attend.

Annual Christmas Holiday sale, Little Tree Art Studio, Dec.
10-11. Two-day sale in gallery and studio.