The art world often features show called Artist Retrospectives.  Retrospective’s are shows featuring a lifetime of artworks or could be just a body of work an artist made during a particular stage or period in their artistic careers.  One of the most famous might be Picasso’s Blue Period.

So why it is a retrospective a big deal? A retrospective is a show of a body of works the artists has created over their time of painting or making art. In Siskiyou County it is rare to see a retrospective or even a one artist show. There just isn’t the gallery space.

What might visitors expect to see? One should be able to look at work and learn about the artist’s style and how that style has evolved over time. Artwork, like life, should be a growing process. Few of us are the same person we were ten years ago and I’m hoping to see changes for the next ten years. The work of an artist should be expressed and evident in the work they create.

The Anne Kinkade opening at the Siskiyou Arts Museum retrospective is a terrific example of the process of an artist in 30+ paintings.  Anne started out painting watercolors, but is now best known for her encaustics. Watercolor is about the flow and shape of color painted on flat paper. Encaustic is about multiple layers, color and is rich in textures. Many of the paintings between her early work and later encaustic the viewer can see how she has explored texture. Watercolors are usually painted rather quickly and encaustics are layers built upon layers taking much more time. In all of her work you can see Anne loves color!

Many artists find watercolor is wrought with surprises because this medium is often uncontrollable. There are many artists who have mastered this tricky medium Georgia O’Keefe  http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/natural-and-still-life-forms.html  is probably one of the most well know watercolorist.  Locally, watercolorists Kim Solga, Suzanne Birch   and Chris Messer who is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society  are probalbly the best known.

I invite you to come see the Anne Kinkade Retrospective: 30 years of color and texture. It is a rare opportunity to see a lifetime of artwork and see the process of one of Siskiyou County much loved artist.

A reception for the artist will be March 8^th 5-7pm the show runs through May 4th Link to a photo by Shery Larson of me and Anne.

Link to an interview with Anne Kinkade: http://www.mtshastanews.com/article/20130228/NEWS/130229758

A reception for the artist will be March 8^th 5-7pm the show runs through May 4th Link to a photo by Shery Larson of me and Anne.

  https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/28917_487798531278362_1809001821_n.jpg

Siskiyou Arts Museum www.siskiyouartsmuseum.org

5824 Dunsmuir Ave, in the heART of the historical town of Dunsmuir

I was describing Stephanie LaFortune’s artwork as contemporary the friend said what’s that? I had to think for a minute about what I really did mean and I was wrong. I was thinking contemporary art tended toward abstract art. Contemporary art is art that in being made now by living artists. Hmm…that makes all the artists I work with  contemporary artist and me, too!

Abstract art is described as a movement in painting and sculpture that seeks to break away from traditional representation of physical objects. Abstract works explore the relationships of forms and colors as opposed to traditional art where the images are recognizable.

I think abstract artworks can be difficult for people to relate to because we humans are always looking for connections and similarities. It makes it difficult to find something to relate to in abstract work. I feel like abstract art is more about raw unfettered emotional relationship to the artist’s world.

I think the viewer must see the artwork in person before we can truly judge any piece of art. We all react to the colors and texture of any abstract, but I think it takes time to find the place where you and the artwork can come together. It’s easy to see a portrait and say, “that’s a face…I like it,” then move on. It takes time to look at a face, to study it and see what you can of the person and the artists. When you see work in person you can see the brush stroke or explore where one color begins and another ends. I think it’s impossible to really know about a piece of art without this personal contact.

Does it help if I tell you art is like wine…it really doesn’t matter what someone else’s opinion is …it’s about what you think after you’ve had a taste.  There are many artists whose work I deeply enjoy, some that inspire me, but that doesn’t mean I love everything they make. The only way to know this is to taste it.

There are many contemporary artists in Siskiyou County. The Siskiyou Arts Councils Artists Registry Pages are a good place to get a sampling of  artists. Then get out to see both abstract and realism paintings and sculptures. I encourage you to take the time to view the art by spending a little more time looking at work you know you like and some work that might be new to you.

You can see  many contemporary artists  including Stephaine’s artwork at the Grand Opening of the Siskiyou Arts Museum on March 8, 2013  5-7pm

An art gallery is a place to see art, right? Well, in Siskiyou County galleries are more than a show place for art. They are places where artists are finding creative ways to keep the doors open. If you want to see true arts galleries you’ll need to go to San Francisco and New York City, but we do have wonderful art and artists doing what it takes to keep in business.  It takes money to keep the doors open an the heat going, pay the insurance, taxes, and utilities required to stay in business and in Siskiyou County that means being creative!

The Gallery in Mount Shasta  features a variety of local artwork including oils, acrylic and photographs, also fine crafts including basketry, clothing, jewelry and fine arts.  They have a large framing shop, an espresso machine and sell delicious chocolates.

The Brown Dog Gallery in McCloud is owned by Claudia Ellis. She feature many renowned artists from Mendocino, as well as her own paintings. She has many household items and offer an variety of workshops and  classes.

Liberty Arts in Yreka is a non-profit gallery featuring many contemporary artworks and offers their education program called Exploration Art Education.   This program includes an art projects and is the only venue in Siskiyou County where children and youth are able to have an interactive experience in a gallery setting.

Weed’s River Run Gallery features an eclectic mix of art work local artists and is a working artist studio. They have branched out to include custom sewing, alterations, antique restoration and upholstery to help support themselves and their gallery.

The Marble Rim Gallery in Fort Jones operates as a cooperative established in 1991 because they wanted to have a venue to sell their art in Scott Valley. They feature artists and crafters selling pottery, jewelry, handmade soaps, paintings and photography. They host a May Artisans Street Fair and a successful Christmas Crafts Fair.

By support your local gallery you are supporting local artists  andyou are helping to support arts in this creative county!

Some Additional Siskiyou County Galleries

Siskiyou Arts Council Gallery – Mount Shasta

Tim Corcoran Photography – Mount Shasta

Red Door Gallery – Mount Shasta

Snow Creek Studios – Mount Shasta

Siskiyou Arts Museum and Dunsmuir Gallery –opening soon in Dunsmuir

The current artwork on display at Liberty Arts features three artists Brenda Woods, Candace  Miller and Lauri Sturdivant in a show titled TRIMORPHIC~Three Distinctive Perspectives on the Human Condition. Here are a few words from Brenda Woods of Weed about her process and intentions for the work in the show.

“All of the work I produced for Trimorphic was created in 2012. The diversion back to the pencil with this year’s work was challenging. Because of the choice to stay away from color I felt it imperative that the compositions be intriguing. I wanted not just to look at a woman, but what if you could look through her body and her emotions. What if you could look at that drawing and see the story. This was the drive in my heart. I pushed hard with new concepts and new compositions.

I had the goal of producing twice the amount I wound up with by end of year, but a few distractions took me from the studio. As it turns out though I had plenty. Luckily I was also sharing the space at Liberty Arts Gallery with these two superb ladies. We worked well together. Working singularly and then coming together throughout the year to discuss how we worked and how to share the space. Though the work is so different, I feel it has made an exciting show. The show features the quiet-power compositions of my work, the theatrics and quirks of the oh-so-touchable works of Candice Miller, and the beautifully displayed repetition of Lauri Sturdivant's trash. It's a textural show that invites the viewer to wander a visual maze, and provokes and awakes the senses.”

The show runs through February 23, 2013 the Liberty Arts Gallery is open Wed- Sat 10-5 

The artists presented an exposition that was recorded by marketing guru, Nikolas Allen.

Here is Brenda’s presentation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pN8naZIP-k&list=UUCFWtLr7dyrgfLTJFWqcdZg&index=3

First it’s a party to celebrate the hard work of the artists. It’s the first public viewing of the art in a gallery. There is usually food, beverage and often music.  These events are free and open to the public. You do not need to know the artist to attend an opening.

Do you have to dress up…no!  But the Artist Opening Reception is an opportunity to get dressed up and wear your party clothes. At an opening at the former Rostel Gallery in Dunsmuir I overheard two women, who were dressed to the nines. They dress up out of “respect for the art.” It can also be  the perfect place to wear a beautiful outfit or try out those new shoes.  Do you have to dress up…no!

The Gallery offers food and beverage for your enjoyment. Please make a donation to help off-set the cost that is one of the biggest costs for the opening.  Making a donation toward the food and beverage can improve the quality of the food and wine at the next show.

What if you don’t know a lot about art? Don’t let that stop you from attending an opening. Every one of us has an opinion about what we like and why we don’t find interesting to look at. You don’t need to be an expert to express your taste. There will be artwork you like and some you don’t care for. That’s okay!

Please try to be positive when you are in ear shot of the artists.  Most artists are sensitive and this is a night for celebrating.

An art opening is a good date night experience. It will give you some things to talk about and it’s free! Many opening also feature music. Yes, if there is room you can dance!

Is it about the wine and hors d’oeuvres … no! It’s about the artists, the art, the gallery and the entire community. Come dressed  in what makes you feel comfortable, bring a couple of bills to toss in the donation jar for to help pay for the food and drink then enjoy the party and celebrate the art.

A few local galleries who host opening receptions~ check out there websites

Siskiyou Arts Council, Mount Shasta

Marble Rim Gallery, Fort Jones

Liberty Arts, Yreka

Dunsmuir native Candace Miller is one of three artists, including  Lauri Sturidivant and Brenda Woods participating in TriMorphic: Three Distinctive Perspectives on the Human Condition at Liberty Arts January 18, 2013. Candace is a ceramic artist she’s calling the work she has created exclusively for this show “primate funk sculpture.”

When Miller references Funk Sculpture she is referencing the  California Funk Arts Ceramic Movement.  One of the first ceramics movements to be impacted by the counterculture influences of the beat movement and psychedelia using ceramics to challenge conventional thinking. The sixties spawned more than anti-war protests, long hair and flower power. It also impacted all art forms, where rebellion against the status quo manifested new art forms and modes of expression. This movement defined a dynamic period in social, political and artistic upheaval that was influential in the development of contemporary American ceramics.

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Artists Reception Friday January 18, 5-7pm

Artists Exposition at 6pm.

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Liberty Arts, 108 W Miner St, Yreka 842-0222

I have just completed my final piece for the TriMorphic Three Distinctive Perspectives on the Human Condition featuring work by Lauri Sturdivant, Candace Miller and Brenda Woods. The opening reception at Liberty Arts for the artists, and me, will be held on January 18^th, 5-8pm.

We have been working on this show since October 2011 when we pitched it to the Liberty Membership Meeting. This meeting is held once a year where members are invited to present a concept for a show, members vote on the idea they would like to see become reality during the following year.

TriMorphic is the result of a year long journey of three artists. Each of us has produced a body of work around the theme of the human condition. We have built our relationship around the show and we have become friends, colleagues and fans of each others work.

I create my artwork in isolation and without collaborations or input from others. It is not until the opening that I will hear or learn of what others “think” of my work.  It’s not that I don’t have my own opinions, judgments and criticisms on my works …I do!

As Cristina Acosta states,”As artists, we are manifesting thought into reality every time we create.” I have touched every piece of paper, each square, all of the litter objects no less than 6 times as I have transformed one item into another through the process of constructing this body of work.

I hope to see you at TriMorphic at Liberty Arts on January 18, 2013

108 W. Miner Street, Yreka open Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Click here to view the Tri-Morphic Trailer

Shasta Yama is a rare opportunity for a rural community like Siskiyou County to be able see and experience the full art of Taiko at the 8^th Annual Shasta Yama summer outdoor Taiko and music festival on July 28^thin Mount Shasta’s Shastice Park. While most of us have seen Shasta Taiko perform at many local events “Shasta Yama is an enchanted evening of dance and drumming  steeped in tradition with the contemporary and progressive” sensibilities of founders Russel Baba and Jeanie Mercer. This concert features some of the best Taiko performers in the world!

Russel Baba, Jeanie Mercer & Masato Baba

The annual Shasta Yama concerts helps  to support Shasta Taiko’s “community programs which includes ongoing classes; maintaining a performing group to give educational demonstrations and public performances; special workshops.” During the academic year Shasta Taiko is in many Siskiyou schools giving educational demonstrations and teaches children about the history of Taiko. Shasta Taiko is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is “to introduce, teach, develop, promote, and preserve the art of Taiko and related music and arts, thereby culturally enriching the community and artistically evolving the art.”

This year’s Shasta Yama will include drumming, dance and performances from Shasta Taiko and San Jose Taiko whose performances have been described as mesmerizing, powerful, fantastic, thrilling, exceptional, and spectacular. Also featured this year will be Masato (Maz) Baba of the Taiko Project, Toru Watanabe of Portland Taiko  for the full line up visit Shasta Yama.

Nothing can ever replace a live concert experience, but you can see some past performances on Siskiyou TV.  On Siskiyou TV you will find many interesting  topics  your can watch  from around Siskiyou and beyond.

The gate opens at 5 pm. Food and refreshments will be available. This is an amazing opportunity for everyone to see world class musicians and dancers and to support our local musicians. So take the kids, bring your lawn chair and enjoy the concert. Consider it a staycation!

Tickets can be purchase at the Mount Shasta Chamber of Commerce and at the gate.

I am a landscape and arts junkie on a road trip in the southwest with one of my best friends. How much fun am I having?

The day we left California was the hottest at 103 in the Bakersfield area. Since then the weather has been perfect with afternoon thunder storms.  We got caught in a monsoon down poor in Arizona and a hail storm on the road to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon doesn’t appear to have changed much since I was their last in 1977. It is still mind-blowing to see in person.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

While going through the hundreds of galleries in the cities you will see plenty of art, but it can be more interesting to visit artist’s galleries and studios.  Many local artists have galleries in their studios and are open for business year round among them are Truchas artist eRic Luplow.  eRic’s watercolor paintings are color-filled works of surrealism and folk art. He has coined his work sur-folk^TM  “the place where surrealism & folk art combine emerge alive with brilliant colors.”  eRic’s paints almost every day so there is always some new work to see.

I visited an exhibit on the 2^nd floor of the Santa Fe Library titled, Reptiles! a reptile house installation by Lara Nickel The snakes are exquisitely painted on paper and set in the environments she has created. Lara’s work invites the viewer to see the image set on paper as artwork and as the object, in this case snakes, and the focal point of the installation. She is interested in challenging our thinking around art and helping us to stretch our perceptions on where art can impact our lives in non-traditional ways. Reptiles! will be in the library through July 2012 and then move to the Ernesto Mayans Gallery on Canyon Road.

Here are a few links to some of the groups helping to support artists you can find traveling the roadways of northern New Mexico.

The High Road Artists

Artist Studio Tours for 2012 New Mexico

New Mexico Arts Council

Northwest New Mexico Arts Council

Northwest New Mexico sunset

Honey Bears

Downtown Mount Shasta has turned into a fine arts and crafts Street Fair that features local venders, thanks to the hard work of the Mount Shasta Chamber of Commerce staff and vision of their Board of Directors. There are many venders from outside the area selling crafts and food, but in the past few years the Chamber has made a special effort to invite the local talents and not for profit organizations.

Local artists doing demonstrations A Melo Place and  Noam  Zimin  with a solar powered potter’s wheel. Mt Shasta Martial Arts  Program  seem to have someone flipping around every time I walked by. Not for profits booths are offering information about chem trails, the Mt Shasta Ski Team and Siskiyou Land Trust  the Mt Shasta Nordic Center  and Meals on Wheels are selling handmade items to raise funds for their cause. The Friends of the Siskiyou Ice Rink are asking folks to fill out an on-line survey, the Mount Shasta Beautification Committee is selling raffle tickets and plants to raise money for new banners for the light posts throughout town. Shasta Taiko  has a booth where you can learn more about the upcoming Shasta Yama, world renown Taiko festival or sign up for lessons.

Artistic creations vary from Maura Blackburn’s  and Maggie Shepard’s  handmade pottery to Living Shasta Photography . Fine artists include David Gochenour and Sharon LaMonaco from the River Run Gallery  in Weed. Mei Drucker is showing her colorful paintings or you can purchase Rainbow Products local honey and gift baskets from Black Butte Baskets. There are many different jewelers selling fine crafts, including Lynda Hardy and Danielle Signor. The music line up began at noon with Tom Scott and Leslie Tiff.  The center stage will feature continuous music of local bands interspersed with some circus acts.

And if that’s not enough to entertain you and your family  you can register for the Mountain Runners Foot Race at their booth at the  Lake  Street entrance. The two mile course is full if entertainment including Siskiyou’s “First Lady of the Fiddle.” Evelyn Horner.  and check out the southwest corner of Alma and Mt Shasta Blvd. where Larry Tadina has set-up a display of his wood sculpture. I like to buy at least one burger and a beer from the Elks, because this is a big fund raiser for them to support the good works they do for our community.

Larry Tadina's wood carvings

There many more venders ready to answer your questions, ask you to get involved and sell you their wares. Big fun in downtown Mount Shasta! For hours and more information link to the Chamber’s PDF of the full schedule.

Enjoy the 4^th of July celebrations, stay safe and don’t drink and drive!

See you at the Pancake Breakfast!