elk

My sighting on the way home today:

trade

Today was the last of the three collage workshops I facilitated at the Durango Arts Center. For our final project, we each made enough trading cards to exchange one with every participant in the class.

These are my own cards, which I offered up for trade:





These are the cards I received, one from each of the eight students in today's workshop:

the winners

THIRD PLACE
photo by Chet Anderson

SECOND PLACE
collage by Anthony Holmquist

BEST IN SHOW
painting by Maryellen Morrow

yet more press

Juror Nancy Harris describes a piece by painter Stephanie Mae Smith, which now hangs in the Durango Arts Center’s most recent exhibit, “Abstract Views.” It is the DAC’s first all-abstract show./Photo by Steve Eginoire

Viewing the abstract

DAC’s latest show explores the ‘unconscious’ side of art

by Stew Mosberg

The Durango Telegraph

The controversial 1950s art critic Clement Greenberg was arguably the first to recognize Abstract Expressionism’s significance. He believed the foundation of “modern” painting was the elimination of all references to the visible world and putting less importance on painting’s purely formal elements; the canvas’ surface and the colors spread across it. One major star among what is called the “second generation” of Abstract Expressionists, was Helen Frankenthaler, who passed away just a few weeks ago. Not only was she one of the few women who broke the art world’s “glass ceiling,” she influenced thousands of artists, both male and female, ever since her first triumphant exhibition in New York City.

Coincidentally, the Durango Arts Center recently unveiled “Abstract Views,” an exhibition of art by 29 artists, almost all of whom are women.

Asked about the heavily skewed feminine representation, curators Nancy Harris and Joan Levine Russell said they weren’t sure why that is the case, but guessed that there are just more female artists in Durango, particularly those practicing abstract art.

As DAC shows go, there have been few, if none, art exhibitions that have been completely abstract in content, so both curators thought it was time to change that. Harris lent her expertise as a museum curator in California, including the well-known Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

While she was surprised by the lack of three-dimensional art submitted to the DAC show, she was pleased by the 97 images that came in for review. The submissions were ultimately culled down to 56 pieces by 29 artists; 23 of them from Durango, with three from Bayfield, and one each from Cortez, Mancos and Ridgway.

The cross-section of work varies in medium, with acrylic and oil being the most prevalent, but photography, glass and printmaking are also represented, with one clever piece of sculptural assemblage by Jenny Treanor.

Those who enjoy art but are not comfortable with abstract work frequently admit they don’t know why it is even considered art. For those who fit into that category, it might be helpful for them to first accept that the abstract image usually does away with traditional beginnings, middles and ends. Secondly, as unsettling as that may be, nonrepresentational abstract art is not restricted to recognizable subject matter. And, it is typically about the artists’ emotions being expressed via free, unrestrained, almost subconscious execution.

One of the most celebrated Abstract Expressionists, Jackson Pollock, had said, “The unconscious is a very important side of modern art, and I think unconscious drives do mean a lot in looking at paintings.”

Harris remarked that the DAC artists, while “not as challenging (to the viewer) or controversial” as some work she has seen in California, are noteworthy for their diversity.

Levine Russell acknowledged that the work is “fairly accessible to look at,” and further stated how easy it is for children to accept abstract. “Children just enjoy it. They’re not looking for any (hidden meanings) in it.

The duo’s original call for entries was limited to original works of abstract art which were not previously displayed at the DAC. All of the work on view with one exception, a piece by Alexis Mclean, is for sale, and cash awards will also be given.

Visitors to the Barbara Conrad Gallery should make a point of picking up the information sheet containing the curator’s and artists’ statements. It is a valuable guide to the show wherein the artists explain their works or define their interpretation of abstract art. In addition, Harris and Levine-Russell expound on their beliefs and also qualify the rationale behind mounting a nonrepresentational art exhibit in Durango.

“We each perceive the world uniquely,” they state, “and art is a reflection of our individual views. ‘Abstract Views’ explores the myriad ways that 29 local artists see the world through the lens of abstraction.”

Levine Russell, a former adjunct professor at FLC, is represented locally by the Diane West Gallery. She and Harris view abstract art in a similar way and incorporated their beliefs into the judging process when selecting the art for acceptance.

In their own words, abstract art, “takes as its subject matter the elements of form, color, line, texture and space. Abstraction also includes art that derives from something in the visible world: a landscape, an individual or a still life, for example, but which is expressed in such a way that the subject may not be realistic or recognizable.”

Any of these descriptive terms can be identified in the DAC exhibit and can be an effective way to view the show if you are new to abstract art.

The names of the artists are listed alongside the images including the titles, mediums and pricing. But if you didn’t already know the majority of the work derived from a feminine hand, it’s a safe bet you wouldn’t have a clue. That’s not a criticism, nor an accolade, it’s an observation.

Gender issues aside, this is a superlative show and worth repeat visits.

“Abstract Views” in the Barbara Conrad Gallery at the Durango Arts Center, 802 Second Ave., runs through Jan. 28. Upstairs at the Friends of the Library gallery is a mixed-media exhibit of work by Andrea Martens exploring the contradictions of space and confinement.

Abstract Views

The show I've been working on for months is finally up! Here's what you see when you enter the gallery:


I stand proudly in front of the title wall with my co-curator, Joan Levine Russell:

It was a great pleasure working with Joan on this show. There was no guarantee that the two of us would agree on the critical aspects of putting this exhibition together -- selecting work, designing and installing the show, etc. But it turns out that we have similar artistic sensibilities and opinions about art. We agreed on almost everything, and when we didn't, we negotiated successfully. We made a great team!

* * * * * * * * * *

Below are photos of many of the show's 56 pieces, represented by 29 local artists.

Maureen May x 2

Left: Anthony Holmquist
Top right: Mary Ellen Long
Bottom right: Chet Anderson

Top & bottom left: Gaines L. Godfrey
Right: Sharon Abshagen

Left to right: Susan Wise, Maryellen Morrow, Susan Reed x 2, June McCartney, Stephanie Mae Smith, Alexis McLean

Left to right: B. Summer Lynch, Judy Hayes x 2, Nancy Richmond x 2, Maureen May x 2

Left: Maryellen Morrow
Right: Andrea Martens

Left: Susan Wise
Right: Stephanie Mae Smith

Andrea Martens

Top left: Andrea Martens
Bottom left: Anthony Holmquist
Center & right: Mary Ellen Long

Left to right: Gaines L. Godfrey, Sharon Abshagen, Joanie Bauer Hupp, June McCartney, Joanie Bauer Hupp

Left: MariKay Shellman
Right: Susan Wise

Maureen May

Top & bottom left: Jan Goldman
Center & right: Barbara Tobin Klema

Jenny Treanor

Left to right, Susan Reed x 2, June McCartney, Stephanie Mae Smith

Coming soon: Award Winners

more press

Do you see what I see?

‘Abstract Views’ provides look into minds of artists at Durango Arts Center

by Ted Holteen, Herald Staff Writer

photos by Steve Lewis, Herald Photographer

It was a full-house Friday at the Durango Arts Center for the opening of the center’s annual exhibit of that most inexplicable of painting styles. “Abstract Views” features 29 local and regional artists in a colorful and varied display that was juried by Joan Levine Russell and Nancy Harris. At least they knew what they were looking for.

“It’s not that subjective,” Russell said.

“Abstract painting is based on principles of design, composition and a mastery of materials and colors. We used that criteria and judged each piece on its own merits.”

Maryellen Morrow took honors for “Best in Show” for her oil painting “White Out.”

“It has great balance of dynamics – warm and cool, and the way the blue, black, green and white is woven together. It’s kind of an emotional energy, and you can feel it,” Russell said of Morrow’s piece.

Fort Lewis College professor Anthony Holmquist took second place for his collage “System Stereocyclegraph” and Chet Anderson won third place for his black-and-white silver gelatin photo “Bistahi.”

Second-place winner “System Stereocyclegraph,” by Anthony Holmquist, was worth a look at Friday night’s opening of “Abstract Views” at the Durango Arts Center.

Works by local artists Nancy Richmond and Maureen May attract a crowd at Friday’s opening reception of “Abstract Views” at the Durango Arts Center.

Shay Lopez looks at a piece by Anthony Holmquist, left, and Chet Anderson’s photograph “Bistahi,” which took third place in “Abstract Views” on Friday evening at the Durango Arts Center.

Work by local artist Kimberly Beal, left and center, catch a visitor’s eye Friday evening at the Durango Arts Center.

“White Out,” by Maryellen Morrow, took best in show on Friday evening at the Durango Arts Center.

collage workshop at DAC

Mixed Media Collage facilitated by Nancy Harris (For adults and teens)

Saturdays, Jan 7, 14, & 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Participants will explore basic techniques of mixed media collage, using paper, paint, and found objects. No previous experience necessary. Class size limited to 8 students.
Cost is $20 per workshop or $50 for all three workshops and includes materials.

Day one of three was a great success! It was a full house -- ten students -- and we all had a wonderful, creative time. Heck, I even had to shoo everyone out at 1 p.m. because the participants were so engrossed in their projects. That's a very good sign! I'm looking forward to the next two sessions.

January at DAC

Abstract Views
The exhibit runs Jan. 6-28 at the Durango Arts Center. Featured artists are Sharon Abshagen, Chet Anderson, Kimberly Beal, Nancy Frederick Conrad, Susan Giddings, Gaines L. Godfrey, Jan A. Goldman, Judy Hayes, Anthony Holmquist, Joanie Bauer Hupp, Sonya Johnson, Barbara Tobin Klema, Mary Ellen Long, B. Summer Lynch, Andrea Martens, Maureen May, June McCartney, Alexis McLean, Maryellen Morrow, Mary Anne Nelson, Meredith Nemirov, Linda Pampinella, Susan Reed, Nancy Richmond, MariKay Shellman, Ann Smith, Stephanie Mae Smith, Jenny Treanor and Susan Wise.

The first exhibits of 2012 will be “Abstract Views” in the Barbara Conrad Gallery and “Confined” in the upstairs Art Library. Both exhibits will open with a Jan. 6 public reception.

“Abstract Views” will feature 29 local artists using a variety of media to express abstract art. The exhibit, which will run through Jan. 28, also will feature a film series with weekly Wednesday screenings of documentaries about Pablo Picasso, Joan Mitchell, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Admission is by donation.

“Confined” will remain on display through February. The exhibit is a personal showcase for the mixed-media works of Andrea Martens; using a combination of materials and processes, Martens investigates issues of open space and confinement as well as physical and psychological space. She is interested in the human/animal relationship as well as its connection to the environment in contemporary industrial society.

Also in January, the Arts Center will offer classes for adults and teens in pastel painting, beginning block printing, beginning and intermediate acrylic painting and drawing, and the Wednesday Portrait Group. Also for adults is the Tuesday figure drawing class. A tween drawing class will be offered for ages 9-11 and Fabulous Fridays for ages 5-9.

Saturday workshops include mixed-media collage with Nancy Harris (Jan. 7, 14 and 21) and monoprinted fabric and hand-stitching with Ilze Aviks (Jan. 28-29; registration deadline is Jan. 10).

Durango Herald Staff Report

Article Last Updated: Thursday, December 29, 2011 5:25pm

Winter Solstice Market

My display at this year's holiday artisan market
at the Durango Art Center.

a card from Mom

Mom recently presented Alex and me with this touching card, hand-made at her adult day care center, Our Place at Grandview. It feels good to be appreciated.

paint

I've been taking a beginning acrylic painting class for the past few weeks. So far, it has been quite humbling, as I've discovered just how difficult it is to master the medium. I have so much to learn about handling the brush and paint, as well as mixing color. There are so many techniques and approaches that it is almost overwhelming. While most of what I've produced so far has been less than satisfying, I feel that the small (6" x 6") painting above displays an interesting use of color, composition, and energy. It's a start, at least.

Painting has an immediacy and seeming permanence that is not quite the same in collage. With painting, a single brushstroke seems so final (although it isn't really -- one can easily paint over it), whereas collage allows for a different kind of planning in that papers and other objects can be placed and moved around before being adhered. Perhaps it's because I have had so much more experience with collage, but it just doesn't scare me as much as paint does. One of my goals for this class is to confront and move past that fear. Practice and experimentation are the only means, so on I trudge.

art cards of the day

November snow

begin again

Seize hold of the moment that is before you
and begin again
your journey to the inner universe.
Right now, wherever you are on the path,
however many times you have faltered,
begin again.

There is such joy
in beginning the day anew.
Just as your breath travels in and out
over and over again,
tirelessly, in the same way,
if you feel you have faltered on the path,
begin once again.

-- Gurumayi Chidvilasanda