Enjoy an awesome evening of wine and art by The Mike Helsabeck Collection!
We’ll be at River Birch Lodge in Winston-Salem! The fun starts at 7pm!
If you’ve never been to “The Lodge” you are in for a treat! Come join us!
For Details on Location, etc – Visit: http://www.riverbirchlodge.com
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The Helsabeck Collection features Mike’s artwork including originals and reproductions as well as his signature items such as wine, coffee, puzzles and more. The entrance way gives the impression that others have been here before you…those two legged creatures…ducks, turkeys and such. As you gaze upward, you are reminded of the beauty of creation and the insanity of water fowlers.
Included are incredible Home Accessories, hand-picked by Mike Himself.
CLICK HERE for more on Home Accessories!
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Have you ever wondered how in the world Mike Helsabeck became the most talked about NC artist since Bob Timberlake? Let us tell you the Reader’s Digest version…
MUSIC
Since childhood Mike has always had his creative side but for most of his life his creativity was channeled into the more performance oriented genres of art. It became evident at a very early age Mike’s passion was for the stage instead of the canvas. From the moment he heard the Beatles’ “I Should Have Known Better”, he knew he wanted to perform. In fact, Mike has a storied past in music. His years of playing drums in one of the South’s most popular country music groups found him sharing the stage with such superstars as The Dixie Chicks, Travis Tritt and Lonestar. Forget the fact that he’s performed at Nashville’s legendary Wildhorse Saloon or his band’s 1998 CD Take it From Me, recorded at Sony Music in Nashville, received airplay on radio stations all over the East Coast.
So how did Helsabeck go from music to art, especially art featuring wildlife and waterfowl? He’ll say “It’s a long story,” although the real answer is more interesting. The strange turn of events leading Helsabeck to put down the drumsticks and pick up the paintbrush came from a combination of Helsabeck’s experience in music, his “real job” and another of his passions- being in the great outdoors.
RADIO
Although Mike had intended on receiving a degree in Music from Appalachian State University he soon realized the safer route was in the field of broadcasting, the occupation Helsabeck had begun in high school when he worked as a part-time DJ on a local AM radio station. Helsabeck found a home in the radio industry for nearly twenty three years, and it was there, through a Bass Pro Shops promotion with the nationally syndicated John Boy & Billy Show, he was introduced to Louisiana native Phil Robertson, better known in the sporting world as The Duck Commander.
DUCKS
When Phil Robertson learned of Helsabeck’s musical past, he asked Mike to create the soundtrack to his upcoming outdoor video. Not only was this an opportunity to combine his love of music with his fascination of nature, unbeknownst to Helsabeck, this invitation was also the beginning of a promising career as an artist.
Io those who know him, it’s no secret Mike has had his compulsions when it comes to recreation. From riding horses and motorcycles to playing golf and coaching his son’s little league baseball team, his interests and hobbies are as diverse as his taste in music. But the one constant throughout his life has been his obsession with the natural world. From hunting ducks in Canada, elk in Washington and deer in Texas to fishing for trout in western North Carolina, marlin in Mexico, and bass in his own back yard; Mike has always found solace in being surrounded by “God’s creation.”
LICENSE PLATES
Helsabeck will be the first one to tell you, “Everything happens for a reason.” Such is the case in his metamorphosis from a full time radio General Sales Manager and part time musician, to a full time business owner and artist. It was during the release of Robertson’s 2003 Duckmen VIII video at the Ducks Unlimited Outdoor Festival in Memphis, Tennessee where one of Helsabeck’s two traveling companions mentioned those fateful words: “What I’d like to have is a license plate with a hand painted duck on it.” Hearing his friends’ request, Helsabeck mentioned he be glad to paint one for his buddy saying, “I think I can paint a duck.”
At that time no one knew Helsabeck could paint, including Mike himself. Although he remains reluctant to call himself an artist, it’s pretty evident Mike knows how to “paint a duck.”
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Many other artisans are featured throughout the shop, watercolor artist, pencil artist, furniture woodcrafters, decoy carvers and potters to mention a few. Both local and regional artisans are represented.
North Carolina is becoming very well known in the wine industry and The Mike Helsabeck Collection is one stop shop for NC wines. The shop offers wine selections from over 55 North Carolina wineries.
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CHARLOTTE, NC. Eric Montross, the NBA veteran and two time All American who led the UNC Tarheels to the 1993 National Championship, is taking a break from broadcasting Tarheel Basketball games to help promote a new piece of artwork by Mike Helsabeck, the three time NC Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year and featured artist of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Montross will join Helsabeck for the official release of special limited edition reproductions of the painting Spring Snow in Chapel Hill at a special two hour event at The Black Lion Gallery 10605 Park Road, Charlotte on Saturday, May 16th between the hours of 3pm and 5pm.
This special painting can be viewed and purchased in Booth 365 at Black Lion.
“When folks hear Eric and I are doing this together, I’m sure quite a few are scratching their heads,” Helsabeck said. “But there would be no painting had Eric not come up with idea. He really is the composer of the painting, I just took his composition and put it on paper.” While Montross is quick to give the credit all back to Helsabeck, he does admit their shared passion for the outdoors helped in the creation of Spring Snow in Chapel Hill. “Mike and I met a few years ago because we’re both involved with the NC Wildlife Habitat Foundation and we both enjoy the beauty of nature. When he asked me if I knew of a setting in Chapel Hill I was happy to help. I pass that barn nearly every day and thought it just might be what he was looking for. He captured it perfectly! ”
While the actual scene in Spring Snow in Chapel Hill has nothing to do with basketball, another of Helsabeck’s paintings whimsically combines nature with NC’s most beloved sport. The Players is a series produced earlier this year, each one featuring 5 ducks wearing uniforms from area college teams. The one titled “The Heels” has Montross’ famous 00 jersey number with 4 of the greatest jersey numbers in Tarheel basketball history. Montross admits he was flattered when Helsabeck asked him which duck he wanted to wear his jersey number, but ads he shouldn’t have been among the top five players. Helsabeck, an Appalachian State graduate who grew up an NC State fan explains “When Eric told me his 00 didn’t belong with the (jersey) numbers worn by Jordan, Worthy, Ford and Hansborough, I laughed and told him it most certainly did because he was the only Tarheel player I’ve ever liked.”
Montross and Helsabeck will be at The Black Lion, 10605 Park Road, Charlotte from 3pm until 5pm on Saturday, May 16th. For more information contact The Mike Helsabeck Gallery located at the Shoppes at The Childress Winery @ 336-249-DUCK (3825).
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Mike pays tribute to his alma mater by creating incredible products for ANY Mountaineer fan!
Click HERE for more Appalachian State items!
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