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Ceramic Showcase
This weekend is a busy one for the arts and crafts. Ceramic Showcase, the largest exhibit of ceramic arts in the nation, is occurring April 29th, 30th, and May 1st at the Oregon Convention Center. The event is free to attend and opens 10-9 Friday & Saturday; 10-5 on Sunday. Featuring demonstrations and play areas, 150 booths of original artwork, an auction, live music and Oregon wines, it is a window into the world of clay. here is a video preview: 2010 Ceramic Showcase
Artists who participated in Portland Open Studios in 2010 who are exhibiting their work at Showcase include Kris Paul, Deb Shapiro, Babette Harvey, Maria Simon, Chayo Wilson and Sara Swink.
CAP Auction
From the desk of CAP comes these words: On Saturday, April 30, 2011, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) will host the Annual Art Auction as we honor the organization’s 25th anniversary since incorporating.
Over the past 22 years, this iconic event has brought over 1,000 artists, galleries, patrons, and community leaders together each year with the goal of raising much-needed funds for the essential programs and services CAP provides. Considered by many to be one of Portland’s keystone fundraisers, this event was created by the local arts community in 1989 to raise funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Grand Event ($100/person) includes a salon-style silent auction of 280 artworks along with sweets and savories provided by 25 of Portland’s best food purveyors. The Patron Dinner ($250/person) includes attendance at the Grand Event plus special entertainment, a gourmet meal, and an exclusive live auction featuring 15+ of the most outstanding artworks donated by prominent artists. An invitation accompanied by a color artwork catalog is published and mailed to 5,000 individuals, as well as distributed to 30 galleries.
The Guest Curator for 2011 is Terri M. Hopkins, Director of The Art Gym at Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. Ms. Hopkins will choose 10 to 12 live auction pieces and will coordinate with a selection committee to choose up to 3 additional live auction artworks, 20 honorable mentions, and 280 silent auction pieces.
Our Portland Open Studios artists who have contributed work to the juried auction : Theresa Andreas-O’Leary, Marcy Baker, Kindra Crick, Shawn Demarest, Jennifer Feeney, Kristin Fritz, Morgan Madison, Katherine Mead, Jesse Reno, Sabina Zeba Haque, Erika Lee Sears, Kelly Williams and Linda Womack.
For more information: http://www.capartauction.org/
See you there!
by Morgan Madison
Liv unveils a fresh print in her studio.
Liv Rainey-Smith is a Portland, OR based printmaker. She was first introduced to the medium while earning her BFA from Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. I meet Liv Rainey-Smith at Atelier Meridian, the print making studio and arts community in North Portland where she creates her wonderfully imaginative woodcut prints. It is quickly striking how articulate and well considered she is in our conversation. It shows a thoughtfulness that comes from a life spent immersed in books and stories. Indeed, Liv’s interest in these forms of communication and what they can reveal about humanity comes from a very personal place.
As a child Liv faced serious challenges. She was born with only one ear and a serious heart defect. At the age of 4 she went through open heart surgery and was in and out of hospitals for her ear up until her early teens. Liv says; “These experiences helped create a love of reading and creating as well as a fascination with anatomy and mythology.” These influences are readily apparent in her prints, which are populated with distinctive patterns and fantastical creatures rendered in a crisp graphic style.
Capybara, Woodcut Print, Edition of 30, 8” x 10”, 2010
Capybara is a wonderful example. Its half rodent/half fish subject sits in regal repose, like some mythological creature. Liv explains; “The story behind the capybara is that it is the world’s largest rodent, and because it is semi-aquatic it is supposedly considered a fish for purposes of consumption on Fridays and during Lent. So the print is my ‘early explorer’ illustration of the wondrous rodent-fish of the new world.” The story and image together reveal enough to set the stage for the viewer’s imagination to take over. The same can be said for a piece like Egress, whose spirit-like subject swirls in the ether while breathing a plume of fire. It is a part of her ongoing series Iunges, which depicts otherworldly messengers, angels of communication. They seem like visitors from some vivid dream. In fact, Liv cites her own dreams as another source of inspiration for her work.
Egress, Woodcut Print, Edition of 7, 14” x 20”, 2010
This combination of personal experiences with the symbolism of myths and storytelling gives Liv’s work an enigmatic and compelling character. It inspires a search for meaning that mirrors beautifully the process by which she creates it. In woodcut printing, ink is applied to paper by a block of wood that has been carved to create a design in relief. Liv begins most of her pieces with drawings. However, as she chooses a block and begins to carve Liv pays careful attention to the unique character of each piece of wood. Its personality and quirks help guide her decisions, and as she reveals the story within the wood block it helps shape the story she shares with us.
To see her process in person and to hear Liv speak about her work and inspiration be sure to make her studio (#62) a stop on your 2010 tour of Portland Open Studios.
Liv’s work will be featured with another Portland Open Studios artist in; Liminal: Paintings by Chris Haberman and Woodcut Prints by Liv Rainey-Smith at Pearl Gallery and Framing, October 7th – November 2nd, with an artists’ reception on opening night.
Her work can also be seen at the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, October 1-3 and as part of the Portland Tarot Project show at Splendorporium, November 15 – January 2.
Visit www.livraineysmith.com to see her work online.
by Bonnie Meltzer
Portland Open Studios artists at Museum of Contemporary Craft
Showcase in the Lab, 2nd floor
September 14 – October 23
724 NW Davis
Artists will be at the museum from 6:00 to 8:00 on First Thursday, May 7
Admission free during First Thursday
Final Demonstrations
October 23, 1:00 – 4:00
Glass: Carli Schultz Kruse and Kat Hargis
view of the full case
Portland Open Studios is open to artists of all visual art disciplines
In the call to Portland Open Studios artists for this exhibit there were only two restrictions. The obvious one was that it had to fit in the case but the second was more ambiguous. The work had to be craft. That might seem straightforward as well until you see that Portland Open Studios artists have stretched and pulled the definition of craft. They have blurred the definitions even within their chosen craft as well. It used to be that craft meant a beautiful functional object. Yes, there are those items in the case but …. There is an unreadable book, its pages shredded and sewn; a clay quilt; a giant bead that would cause the wearer a trip to the chiropractor if worn; an unwearable wooden dress with crocheted wire; a bowl that is not a container but a slowly revolving landscape; and a piece of sculpture that has a surprising opening devise that reveals a space for storage.
There is a national annual exhibition that might help define craft a bit. It is called “SOFA”, sculptural objects and functional art. Gwen Jones adds this definition, “Craft is art at work”.
Gwen and her husband Kenneth Forcier of Gracewood Design fit that definition very well. If their stencil painted floor cloths were hung on a wall would they be paintings and not craft? Is it their functionality that makes them craft? The stencils can be used more than once to create editions (like printmaking) or used in different configurations and combination to make a whole new design. Does that change the art/ craft balance? Because they are floor cloths and not just paintings they need more technical prowess to make them withstand footsteps and heavy tables. In any case they are also well crafted.
Sewn Clay by Carolyn Drake
Carolyn Drake’s thoughts give insight into the subject in general and specifically to her own work. “Each craft has traditional associations that accompany it; in ceramics, for instance, vessels nourish, sustain, store, keep things safe. They imply longevity and are a measure of plenty. Sewing and quilting bring to mind comfort, security, making-do, warmth, family, and tradition (among other things). What I am currently utterly fascinated with is what happens when you mesh crafts, and therefore mesh associations. The familiar turns strange, and the associations can become complicated and destabilized”. You can see what happens when you combine media when Carolyn Drake sews clay. At one of the museum demonstrations at the museum she brought leather hard clay sheets which were perforated with hundreds of holes. A conversation with the visitors to the museum revealed all the technical problems so many holes can cause. She solved the problem of glaze which would fill the holes during firing necessitating labor intensive reopening them. Instead of glaze she uses oxides rubbed onto the body of the clay and different kinds of firing methods to obtain color. The piece in the showcase is made of many small clay pieces sewn together. In subsequent work she is making larger slabs with a carved block pattern replicating the quilt blocks. Technically, she isn’t sewing to connect her pieces of clay “fabric” she is embroidering on one bigger piece of clay .
Cat Hargis and Christine Zachery
Christine Zachery applied to Portland Open Studios as a painter so I was surprised when her mosaic was entered into the MOCC exhibit. The thing that makes this piece so successful is that she has made the technique of mosaic fit to her work rather than the other way around. Look closely, this is no normal grout filled mosaic. She says, “My method was not to try to do anything new but simply to enrich the surface”. She may have done both. She develops her composition as an oil painting and then applies a loose collage of glass pieces over it. Silver leaf under the glass adds to the sparkle. The painting shows through, in various levels of transparency, the clear or monochromatic glass. Previous to making these hybrid mosaic paintings she had been adding metal shavings, ground glass and glass pieces directly onto the paint surface. ”Later, I realized that I could go deeper by having an underpainting which shows through the surface”.
Amy Maule
Although Amy Maule’s work is clay she works in contrasts. The elegant, sleek, smooth white teapot sits atop a pair of chunky, sturdy and textured toddler legs. “I combine tight, wheel-thrown pieces with loose, organic, coil-built pieces to emphasize the difference between the two methods of construction.”
The exhibit and the demonstrations at the museum can help YOU define craft for yourself but it is only a sliver of what each artist does. To get the whole picture visit the studios of these artists (and others) to see everything– Not only the techniques but all that surrounds an artist at work. The tools, materials, and, of course, many pieces of artwork in various stages of doneness. Factors that influences artists — the article pinned up on the wall; the collections of objects artists use for inspiration; the gardens surrounding the studios are what you can expect. At the museum see the breadth of Portland Open Studios with artworks of many artists in a pristine environment. During Portland Open Studios you get the depth of each artist.
See it all and continue the conversation.
Tour Guides to Portland Open Studios can be purchased at the Museum shop.
These artists have work in the exhibition. A”*“ indicates additional article about the artist on this blog.
Mary Bennett *
Debra Carus
Carolyn Drake
Sylvia Emard
Greg Hanson
Barbara Gilbert
Gracewood Design-Gwen Jones & Ken Forcier
Cat Hargis
Jeanne Henry
Laurene Howell
Thomas Hughes *
Carli Schultz Kruse
Amy Maule
Robert MC Williams *
Bonnie Meltzer *
Carole Opie
Careen Stoll
Marcy Stone
Christine Zachery
The Passion Lab Gallery @ Contemporary Arts Kitchen in Klamath Falls presents New Paintings: The Body and Society in Motion. These 17 recent works by Allen Schmertzler will be presented in a one-man show that will reflect on current concerns of our contemporary society. September 9th thru October 7th, 2010
The gallery is open from monday – sunday 10 – 5 pm and is located at 809 Main Street in Klamath Falls, Oregon
passionlabgallery@gmail.com
for further information, contact:
aschmertzinger@comcast.net
Guardino Gallery to show the work of four artists, including ceramics, painting, and encaustics/mixed media by our very own Bridget Benton. Reception tonight! Thursday, July 29th, 6-9 pm 2010. show continues July 29 – August 22, 2010
Bridget Benton: Seducing the Bowerbird
Guardino is located at
2939 NE Alberta, Portland, OR 97211
and is open Tuesday, 11-5, Wed-Sat, 11-6, Sunday, 11-4
information at:
http://www.guardinogallery.com/
or sparky@eyesaflame.com
on Facebook as:
Bridget Benton (page for Eyes Aflame)
Submitter on Twitter as:
@Eyes_Aflame
The Hanson Howard Gallery is showing the work of sculptress Sara Swink. Her figurative ceramic sculpture explores ideas about how the natural world intersects with one’s psychological nature in a new body of work called “One’s Own Nature”. Also being shown are paintings by Kentree Speirs
Peace March by Sara Swink
Opening night is August 6, 6-9pm, 2010
show dates are August 6-31, 2010
Hanson Howard Gallery
82 North Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520-2782
Tu-Sat, 10:30-5:30
Sunday 11-2.
http://www.hansonhowardgallery.com
http://www.claycircle.com
http://www.claycircle.wordpress.com
http://www.andreasartstudio.com
The Pines Art Gallery is showcasing Suzy Kitman’s diverse range of richly textured and vibrantly colored still life in a show entitled Big Fruit and People In Landscape paintings. The show is open from July 2-July 30, 2010
After the Party by Suzy Kitman
The Pines is located at
202 State St.
Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: (541) 993-8301
Thurs-Sat 12-9 and Sun., Mon. and Wed. 12-6
associated address is The Pines 1852 Vineyard & Winery — Columbia Valley, Oregon
http://www.thepinesvineyard.com/art-gallery/index.htm
Suzy can be reached at suzy@suzykitman.com
on facebook as Suzy Kitman
on Twitter as: suzypaints
her website is suzykitman.com
Be sure to check out the work of many of our talented artists at the Olympic Mills Commerce Center this Friday June 4th.
6pm-11pm
Olympic Mills Commerce Center
107 SE Washington St.
showing from June 4th – July 5th, 2010, from 7-9
The Northwest Art HerStory is a show giving light to the roots and futures of local female working artists. Among them include women that will also be exhibiting in Portland Open Studios: Kelly Williams, Anna Magruder, Shawn Demarest, Theresa Andreas O’Leary, and Amy Stoner
For more information, visit the gallery website:
www.portlandcityart.org
or contact:
kelly@kellywilliamsart.com
Facebook as:
kelly williams artist
Twitter as:
amberwax
Videographer Ian Lucero has created a lovely documentary about our celebration. Ian has worked with other Portland Open Studio artists in the past to create videos that could be utilized to demonstrate making techniques that might be difficult to share with the public otherwise. For more information, contact Ian at
photo by Claudia Howell
by Careen Stoll
photo by Claudia Howell
The Gala opening of the 10×10 Show was a wonderful success. About four hundred people enjoyed a great celebration of Portland Open Studios’ Ten Year Anniversary. Located in the lofty atrium at City Hall, each diminutive art piece looked like it had drifted down from the sky. With 80 of the artists represented from the 2009 tour, it remains a rare opportunity to see the wide variety of work created by members of Portland Open Studios all in one place.
photo by Claudia Howell
Eloise Damrosch, Dan Saltzman and Kelly Neidig. photo by Claudia Howell
The executive director of the Regional Arts and Culture Council Eloise Damrosch placed Portland Open Studios in the wider context of how important the arts is to cultural growth. Dan Saltzman, City Commissioner, introduced Portland Open Studios and accepted our gift to the city. Sadly, Mayor Sam Adams, who has championed the arts, was sick and unable to attend.
Kelly Neidig and Scott Conary next to Conary's painting "The Dock". photo by Claudia Howell
Commissioner Saltzman read the Proclamation, officially designating the second and third weekends of October Portland Open Studios weekends. Kelly Neidig, President of Portland Open Studios, accepted the honor on behalf of Portland Open Studios, said a few words of celebration and thanks, explained the Purchase Prize, and introduced Scott Conary who had painted the work to be gifted to the City. Entitled “The Dock”, Scott’s work was revealed to the gathering amidst another cheer.
Kelly Neidig and Bonnie Meltzer. photo by Claudia Howell
The founder of Portland Open Studios, Kitty Wallis, said a few words about watching the organization grow. Also gifted was a special honor to Bonnie Meltzer for the ten years in which she tended to countless large projects and small details in service to the organization as director of communications and “right-hand person”.
In the words of Kelly Neidig, “The reception at city hall was a great example of how Portland Open Studios unites the community with artist. It was a fun reception, I loved talking to all of our artists and meeting new artists.” She speaks to the heart of why Portland Open Studios was honored by the city, as does Kindra Crick who helped organize the show: “It was wonderful to celebrate ten years of an organization that shows people the behind the scenes of how art is made.“ Portland Open Studios is a truly unique opportunity in experiential education.
photo by Claudia Howell
We would like to give a special thank-you to the excellent music provided by Jim Boydston, Daryl Davis, and Steve Remington of Manzanita. Many thanks also to our generous sponsors: Storyteller Wine Co, Full Sail Brewing Co, and Artemis Foods, Inc
Thanks to all the artists, past, present, and future, who attended the opening, and those who purchased art! Twenty percent of the proceeds from the show go directly to the Kimberly Gales Scholarship for young artists. Please consider supporting the 2010 Portland Open Studios tour by becoming a sponsor and receive ten Tour Guides to the two weekend event in October!
Artist Barbara Pannakker photo by Claudia Howell
This unusual show could not have been possible without Pollyanne Birge from the Mayor’s Office and the dedication of Kindra Crick and Shawn Demarest, board members who went above and beyond to create a memorable show. Careen Stoll provided some last-minute assistance with the press. There were also numerous volunteers before, during, and after the show. Many thanks to all! The show will remain up in City Hall until March 31st.
photo by Claudia Howell
The Portland Love Show began in February 2006 at Launch Pad Gallery with the goal of creating a safe and engaging space to highlight the many different types and attitudes that abound about Love. Now in it’s fifth year, it has outgrown that eastside Portland gallery space, and comfortably shows over 300 artists in the Olympic Mills Commerce Center.
The February 12th opening night filled the large space with hundreds of people enjoying the art, live music and potluck spread of food. Both the opening and closing events are free and open to the public and guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate the Oregon Food Bank.
The Friday March 12th Closing Party promises to be just as exciting and is from 7:00 pm – 12:00 am, at the Olympic Mills Commerce Center: 107 SE Washington St., Portland, OR.
Upper left, 'Tied' by Kindra Crick in encaustic. Photo by Alex Crick.
Many present and former Portland Open Studios’ artists show work in this once a year salon style exhibition. Theresa Andreas-O’Leary, Kindra Crick, Shawn Demarest, Adrienne Fritze, Jason Kappus, Ryan Kennelly, Bonnie Meltzer, Mark Randall and Kelly Williams are represented from the 2009 tour and Chris Haberman, Toji Kurtzman, Amelia Opie, Shanon Playford, Sam Roloff, Amy Stoner, Quin Sweetman and Anna Todaro from past tours.
'Past & Future Loves' by Bonnie Meltzer. Photo by kerosene rose.
The theme of Love inspires works that ranges from love to lust, representational to abstract, and serious to humorous. There are many clever plays on this theme along with some creative interactive works. If you have not been to this event, you will not want to miss the closing party that goes from 7:00 pm – 12:00 am, this Friday March 12th.
'H1N1' by Ryan Kennelly. Photo by kerosene rose.
Mark Randall's large mixed-media work, center. Photo by kerosene rose.
The event is put on by Launch Pad Gallery and Portland City Art who also share the love by collecting cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank throughout month and at the closing on Friday, March 12th and by donating 10% of all bar sales to American Red Cross Haiti Disaster Relief.
You may RSVP to The 5th Annual Portland Love Show on Facebook or find more artwork from the show and information at http://portlandloveshow.com.
See more images of the Love Show, before the event opened, from kerosene rose on flickr.
Celebrate local art on First Thursday, March 4th when Mayor Sam Adams will honor Portland Open Studios with a Proclamation and unveil the organization’s 10th Anniversary Purchase Prize gift to the City of Portland. The 10 x 10 Show (all art 10 inches or less, in all media) features artworks by over 80 artists in the 2009 Portland Open Studios tour.
Click on the thumbnail to see the official document!
The event is free and open to the public. Artwork is for sale with 20% going to the Kimberly Gales Scholarship fund for young artists. Enjoy music, refreshments, and this rare opportunity to see an array of art by Portland Open Studios’ artists.
For a decade, local artists have created opportunities in experiential education by opening their doors to the curious public and sharing their working methods. Portland Open Studios is a unique and mutually beneficial exchange of excitement and learning about art.
Portland Open Studios is being recognized and honored by the City of Portland because of its commitment to provide art education to all members of our community, adults and children alike, and for its dedicated support of local working artists.
Visitors on the tour constantly encounter treasured and unique educational opportunities. For example in 2007, Justine Avera visited the studio of that year’s scholarship winner Jennifer Mercede with her family. Justine wrote later that Anne was so moved by the experience that when the family got home, she and her daughter painted together for hours, and that those paintings in turn became the basis of Justine’s new artwork.
Portland Open Studios has been a springboard for many of its artist’s careers. It seeks to incorporate a wide variety of voices and media, thereby representing a cross-section of the visual arts in Portland. It fosters growth of all participating artists through workshops and encourages emerging artists to participate by offering the Kimberly Gales Scholarship. This scholarship is available to applicants between the ages of twenty and thirty, waives the tour’s membership fee, and pays a $100 stipend. Recipients’ work is highlighted in the Tour Guide, providing exposure for the young artists.
In 2009, for the tenth year anniversary, an exciting mentorship program was introduced, connecting art students in the public high schools with participating artists. Over twenty artists on the tour mentored forty-five students, giving them an inside view of their studio and business practice. These young apprentices may become the future creative capital of Portland.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Storyteller Wine Co, Full Sail Brewing Co, and Artemis Foods, Inc
Join us to celebrate a decade of accomplishments in the local Portland arts community on March 4th at a Portland City Hall ceremony and exhibition. Refreshments generously provided by Storyteller Wine, Full Sail Brewing Co, and Artemis Foods. Music entertainment includes Jim Boydston, Daryl Davis, and Steve Remington of Manzanita.
All past, present and future Portland Open Studios‘ artists and supporters are encouraged to attend.
If you wish to RSVP or invite others, you can do so via Facebook
By Susan Gallacher-Turner
Pictured above: Tien-chu Loh, Sunny Smith, Jane Levy Campbell, Suzy Kitman
Sponsored by the Beaverton Arts Commission, the 28th Annual Visual Arts Showcase is an annual exhibition of Oregon art. Over 400 works were submitted for the show and out of the 114 selected fine art pieces, 14 are from past and present Portland Open Studios artists.
Featured in the show are paintings from Theresa Andreas-O’Leary, Jane Levy Campbell, Christine Helton, Suzy Kitman, Sunny Smith, Donald Griffith, Tien-chu Loh, and Tupper Malone. There are pastels by Brenda Boylan and Michael Fisher as well as a beautiful colored pencil by Berle Bledsoe. Also on exhibit are sculptural works by Susan Gallacher-Turner, Joni Mitchell and Cynthia Morgan.
Pictured above: Brenda Boylan, Susan Gallacher-Turner, Christine Helton, Cynthia Morgan, Tupper Malone, Joni Mitchell
The Showcase runs from February 7-20 at the Beaverton City Library in meetings rooms A & B, Monday-Thursday 10-9, Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-5.
Zoomtopia—a new creative space developed by Carole Zoom, a Portland Open Studios artist 2008-2009.
Zoomtopia offers Portland artists and non-profits a home of their own.
Opening reception:
6 PM Thursday, January 28, 2010
810 SE Belmont
Portland, OR 97214
Building dedication by Mayor Sam Adams
Appetizers by Wendy Weaver
Frozen Yogurt by Active Culture
Drinks by Distillery Row and Green Dragon Brewpub
tEEth performance 7 PM
Tenant artists will be on hand to talk about and show their work
After-party with DJ Global Ruckus, hair styling by Miss Kristie and glamour shots by Aaron Rogosin
The Space:
- Six work suites (250-1,090 sq ft)
- Dance rehearsal studio (2,200 sq ft)
- Lobby with shared commons and kitchenette
- Fully accessible/ADA-compliant
- Furnishings by local artists
LEASING information at Zoomtopia.com.
The dedication kicks off a series of events, discussions and programs that will take place throughout winter and spring:
- Feb. 5 “Dear Marcus” book signing by Jerry McGill
- Feb. 25-27 & March 4-6 Staged reading of “Eloquent Madness” by Bill Alton
- April 22-24 Disability Arts and Culture Project
Zoomtopia: Affordable pricing and lease-to-own terms enable artists and nonprofits to find a stable home while building social and financial equity.
See the January 25, 2010, Oregonian Visual Arts story for more information about Carole and her projects.
An exhibition including painting, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry features two Portland Open Studios artists in a First Addition townhome in Lake Oswego.
Artist reception is Friday, December 11 from 4-7pm at 535 B Avenue in Lake Oswego. The open house and art exhibit dates are December 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20.
By Susan Gallacher-Turner
Megan Delius and Shelley Hershberger
This year, Portland Open Studios paired up 21 artists with about 40 students in a new mentorship education program. Students from four area high schools, Wilson, Century, Grant and Arts & Communications Academy were offered a unique learning opportunity to work with artists in their studios during and after the Portland Open Studios Tour.
Education program chair, Allen Schmertzler, describes the program, “The focus was to educate the public about the process of art making. Students were able to make art with the artists, have their own portfolio/artwork critiqued, learn about organizing and maintaining an art studio, gain sales experience, and spend time in a hands-on manner in the artist’s studio. Students also were able to get credit towards Career Pathways, Career Education, Senior Project, Job Shadow, and/or an Internship for their school’s art graduation requirements.”
Shelley Hershberger, an artist in North Portland was paired up with Megan Delius from Arts & Communications Academy in Beaverton. Here’s what they have to say about their experience with the new mentorship program.
Shelley Hershberger said, “My high school student, Megan Delius, was helpful, polite, showed up on time and respectful of my space and tools. She was in heaven having an opportunity to make monotypes all weekend with ample space and an etching press pretty much to herself. We had great chats during lull times and she pitched in graciously when things were busy. She would be welcome in my studio anytime.”
Megan Delius
Megan Delius said, “I definitely loved working with you. It was a fantastic learning experience and overall a really good time. I feel so honored to be able to work with a professional artist, and learning how to do monoprints.”
Susan Gallacher-Turner, a sculpture artist in Tigard was paired with Dani Goodman from Wilson High School in Portland. This is what they have to say about the program.
Dani said,“I learned that you don’t have to limit yourself to one type of art. I learned the different effects you can create with metal using chemicals and heat and how to make different imprints on copper. I learned that by working on a number of projects at once, you can be more patient with your work by moving onto something else. I find myself experimenting with tools to create new effects.”
Susan said, “It was a delight to have Dani in my studio before and during open studios. She greeted guests and gathered contact information. Dani listened so well as I talked and demonstrated, she was able to talk about my art to some visitors while I was talking to others. When we had a lull, I was able to get her started on her own copper repousse’ project. I enjoyed teaching her something new and her energetic help during the tour was wonderful.”
Allen Schmertzler, artist and teacher was paired up with Chrissy Hoover from Century High School in Hillsboro. Here’s what Chrissy said about her experience at Allen’s studio, “I really enjoyed my experience. It was both culturally and artistically enriching. It is fascinating to watch artists get in their personal creative zone and just manipulate ordinary concepts of life into alluring works. The beauty of the movement captured from a split second and transferred to paper has an almost hypnotic appeal to the mind’s eye. Hence, I love the look in the admirer’s eye when they’ve found a piece that really strikes them. This was a great learning experience and also a joy to help with. I give my 100% thanks for this incredible opportunity.”
Students from Wilson High School wrote about their experiences with their artist mentors. Here are some of their experiences in their own words.
Marina Palmrose about artist mentor, Mark Randall, “I experienced a part of the business side to being an artist. Gratification does not come right away, but if you are doing something you love, then following your passion is the most important idea.”
Alex Sanchez shares working in the studio of Shawn Demarest, “Watching her spread the ink on the copper plate, she told me about types of ink and how to handle the cloth as you rub it onto the plate. I ended up taking the copper plate along with the etching needle to work on, once I return, I’ll be looking forward to the outcome of my piece.”
Magali Lopez was inspired by mentor, Kitty Wallis, “I really loved this opportunity. She has been doing art professionally for 50 years, creating her own paper, pastels and techniques. Kitty Wallis is an amazing artist, and very inspiring.”
Dani Goodman about artist mentor, Susan Gallacher-Turner, “I got to see behind the scenes of how a talented artist works. She showed me her sketchbook and her research. How she uses her hands as her main tools. I felt like I stepped into a real artists shoes for a moment, it was a rewarding experience.”
Emily Hall recommends all art students try this experience after being in the studio of Careen Stoll, “This is a great opportunity for students to learn from people at a high level in the artistic field. Anyone who is considering art as a profession needs to experience this. I found it very interesting to see how professionals live and interact with their customers. It definitely opened my eyes to the fact that creating art for a living isn’t a walk in the park like I imagined. I learned so much in just a few hours from an amazing artist.”
Art Teacher, Susan Parker of Wilson High Schools sums up the programs success, “It was an amazing opportunity for these students. I hope Portland Open Studios artists will consider doing something like this again.”
Text Panel by Jan VonBergen
Works of Faith, juried art exhibit, is a mixed media art show featuring paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture that express faith and a celebration of the gifts of God and discovery of God’s presence in human life.
Jan Von Bergen’s print piece, Text Panel, won honorable mention and a $100 cash prize. The print’s title refers to a textile panel of cloth or clothing representing a spiritual message, the Ginkgo leaves represent the timelessness and importance of a spiritual word or message in a persons life. Susan Gallacher-Turner’s copper repoussé piece, Reflection, symbolizes the flow of love and spirit into the world creating true joy and peace.
Reflection by Susan Gallacher-Turner
Works of Faith show at First Presbyterian Church opened October 25th runs through January 3, 2010. Gallery located at 1200 S.W. Alder Street in downtown Portland.
Barbed Bird by Carole Zoom
Carole Zoom’s wood block prints and Andy Paiko’s blown glass vases were among the gifts taken by Mayor Sam Adams on his Goodwill Trade Tour of Japan.
When city staffers visited Carole Zoom’s studio during Portland Open Studios tour in October, they saw a connection between Carole’s prints and Japan’s long history of wood-block printing. The City chose five of Carole’s wood-block prints depicting Oregon flora and fauna.
Visiting Andy Paiko’s studio, the city staffers watched him work and selected his blown glass vases and orbs to make the trip to Japan. The Goodwill Trade Tour, October 30-November 6 included a stop in our ‘sister’ city of Sapporo.
Bottles by Andy Paiko
You can watch videos of Carole and Andy talking about their work selected to go to Japan, just click on Mayor Sam Adam’s video the video link
Museum of Contemporary Craft
Showcases Portland Open Studio Tour Artists
March 3 – April 4, 2009
Above, the Community Showcase on the second floor of the museum.
Come and marvel at a wood-turned cowboy hat, fused glass, woven and ceramic vessels, a hand-printed art book, knitted wire and bead choker, and sculptures made with aluminum screening, wood, clay and crocheted copper wire at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. This community showcase features just a few of the wide range of talented artists from the 2008 Portland Open Studios Tour.
Over 90 artists were juried into the 2008 Studio Tour which is held on the second and third weekend in October. This unique self-guided tour gives you the opportunity to watch artists at work in their studios. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do a demo for studio or museum visitors, you can ask the artists, like I did.
Here are a few responses from last week’s artists, Wendy Dunder, Bonnie Meltzer, Susan Gallacher-Turner and Careen Stoll.
Wendy, what were your feelings about doing demonstrations during the studio tour and/or at the museum?
“I thought it was a perfect chance to meet my neighbors, who must have been curious about what I was doing.”
Bonnie, do you enjoy demonstrating your art to the public? Why?
“Actions speak louder than words. It is so much easier for some artists to show what they are doing than to tell about it. Although those of you who know me, know I do talk a lot. I find that there is real communication when I demo. More questions than when they are just looking at finished artworks and people are more at ease. It is also easier for me to find which subjects to bring up.”
Careen, how do you decide what kind of demonstration to do? Or what part of what you do as a demo?
“I pick something that is as dramatic as possible without being inaccessible… larger bowls, taller vases. I try to blend the “exciting parts” of seamless pulling with the slow careful decision-making aesthetic decisions like spouts and handles, to give people as accurate a picture of my process as possible.”
Susan, do you find that your demo piece becomes a finished art piece or is it just an example for demonstration purposes?
“Last year, I would’ve said, a demo is just a demo. But since I’ve been doing these demonstrations, all of my ‘demo’ pieces have turned into 2 finished masks, 1 sculpture and a copper repousse’ landscape. I’m amazed at that.”
Any other comments/ideas you’d like share with other artists out there?
Wendy: “I had done a winged man piece that was less than perfect, but that had lots of hours in it. A 10 year old boy really loved it. The price was $60. He asked his mom if he could buy it. She said “You have your Christmas Money.” I sold it to him for $40. And I am sure he has become an artist or at least an art collector.”
Careen: “In a crowd of people watching me, I focus on the kids- “here, do you want to play”, and I hand them a ball of clay.”
Bonnie: “At first I didn’t think anyone would be interested in seeing someone crochet. Boy, was I wrong. They want to touch the wire, touch the pieces. We are so used to our processes we forget that it isn’t second nature to everybody.”
Susan: “I always share the fact that I was fascinated with the hardware store as a kid and I’ve found out many people share that fascination with me.”
This month, you can see some of our artists at work every Saturday from 1-4pm doing demonstrations of fiber, clay, wood and more in The Lab on the second floor of the Museum.
The Museum of Contemporary Craft showcase features 16 artists: Maggie Cassey, Nanette Davis, Wendy Dunder, Nicky Falkenhayn, Susan Gallacher-Turner, Jerry Harris, Gwen Jones, Ken Forcier, David Kerr, Morgan Madison, Bonnie Meltzer, Gene Phillips, Tom Soule, Careen Stoll, Sara Swink, Jan Von Bergen, and Shu-Ju Wang.
The exhibit is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm through April 4, 2009. For more information about the community showcase program at The Museum of Contemporary Craft visit their website at http://contemporarycrafts.org/programs_community.php.
Below top, Wendy Dunder talks to a museum visitor about her art; bottom: details in the showcase.
Brenda Boylan at the Office of Commissioner Dan Saltzman
First Thursday June 5th, 2008
5:00 – 7:00pm
1221 SW 4th Ave. Rm 230
Portland, OR 97204
503/823-4151
Brenda will have pastel works from a trip to Lopez Island, WA on display as well as some of her newer pieces.
Below, Watmough Bay, Lopez Island, 9″x12″, pastel, by Brenda Boylan.
See more of Brenda’s work on her website at http://www.brendaboylan.com.
On her blog at http://brendaboylan.blogspot.com/.
And on Commissioner Dan Saltzman’s web page at http://www.portlandonline.com/saltzman/.
