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Category: Artsy Spots

Artsy Spot: The Pearl District Portland

One of my favorite things to do in Portland is a little gallery-hopping. There is such a rich creative atmosphere there and this past weekend, I was seriously craving some thought provoking art. And boy, did I get it! Portland’s Pearl District is one of the best spots for art viewing, window shopping, and well, just the perfect place to spend a PDX day.

[ mr. f checks out the work of christopher shotola-hardt at blackfish gallery ]

As we wandered from gallery to gallery, I noticed a definite trend among the current exhibitions– a leaning toward the exploration of the scientific– whether cancer research, technology or psychology, there seemed to be a common thread of art interwined with science running through almost all the gallery shows we saw.

[ fixing the impermanent, featuring the work of din q. le at elizabeth leach gallery ]

[ art for oncologists, featuring the work of jim riswold at augen gallery ]

I found the current exhibition at Augen Gallery, Art for Oncologists by Jim Riswold to be incredibly poignant in its honesty and simplicity. The artist has been battling a 13 year fight against leukemia and prostate cancer, but this body of work isn’t just about his own battle. It’s a show of recognition, of thanks, to the crusaders and tireless discoverers of new and better ways to combat this unrelenting enemy. A larger than life candy dish takes center stage, filled with heart shaped sculptures inscribed with the names of chemotherapy drugs. Cancer-fighting is not for the weak of heart or spirit. It takes dogged determination, not to mention learning the names, functions, and side-effects of numerous unpronounceable medications. At some point in each of their lives, cancer touched every one of my grandparents. I know the kind of strength it takes to fight.

Speaking of poignant, we discovered a new gallery on this trip, J. Pepin Art Gallery, a space dedicated to the work of “contemporary artists who are reframing the perception of mental illness.” As I went through the gallery, reading the words of each artist, the story of their struggles and triumphs, it struck me how very powerful art as therapy can be. How we are able to express emotions and situations through visualization in ways that words can never capture.

[ nest, detail by alexandra peterson at j. pepin ]

We “lightened up” a bit when we hit Froelick Gallery and Michael Schultheis’ Universal Couplings of Archimedes. Can I just say how much I love Portland? Where else might you see an exhibition dedicated to an ancient Greek mathematician? PDX doesn’t just celebrate its geekiness, it downright revels in it and I love the city for that.

[ michael schultheis at froelick gallery ]

Our final stop was Butters Gallery, which come to think of it was our final gallery stop the last time we explored The Pearl District, not sure how that keeps happening, but it is always a lovely way to end the afternoon.

[ sculpture by e. tyler burton and painting by marlana stoddard-hayes at butters gallery ]

The current exhibition at Butters, Proclivities, features the mystical work of Marlana Stoddard-Hayes. In this new series of paintings, the artist moves through the grieving process following the death of her mother by working through the physicality of the creation, application and transference of elements onto the canvas, Stoddard-Hayes was able to liberate herself from the bonds of bereavement. Though created during a time of grief, the paintings retain a sense of wonder and hopefulness. A fitting tribute to a mother’s life.

These galleries, each so different in their approach, offered up stimulating and passionate work, one of the most satisfying afternoons of art-gawking I’ve enjoyed in a long while. The next time you’re in Portland, do yourself a favor and schedule an afternoon in The Pearl District. You won’t be sorry!

Peterson, Schultheis, and Stoddard-Hayes images are via their galleries’ websites, linked above. All other images are by Artsy Forager.

October 22, 2013
Artsy Spot: Stellers Gallery

Some galleries, the most successful and long lived, find their sweet spot and flourish. Stellers Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, quietly and consistently shows and sells the work of emerging and established artists in their space just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

But this isn’t your typical “beachside” gallery. Since 1999, owner Hillary Tuttle, has cultivated a selection of sophisticated work that compliments, not caricatures, the local landscape and culture from local, regional, and national artists, including this month’s Featured Artist here on Artsy Forager, Jennifer JL Jones. The wide range of styles and consistence of excellence among the work in the gallery lends it appeal across the generations, creating a diverse range of collectors.

[ the work of Jennifer JL Jones at Stellers Gallery at Ponte Vedra Beach ]

Tonight, Stellers celebrates its original four artists with an artists’ reception to open Synergy, an exhibition dedicated to the work of these very different artists, abstract painter Jennifer JL Jones, realist landscape painter Henry Von Genk, figurative and still life artist Laura Lacambra Shubert, and whimsical figurative painter Enrique Mora. Beginning with these four seemingly incongruous artists might have seemed like a gamble, but it shows just how well Tuttle knew who her collectors would be, appealing to a wide and varied assortment of artistic tastes.

[ work by Laura Lacambra Shubert & Jennifer JL Jones ]

[ work by Henry Von Genk, Laura Lacambra Shubert & Enrique Mora ]

Each artist’s work, though very different in style and approach, represents the magic of beach life– the wonder of the light, the calming peace of the landscape, the quiet lifestyle, and of course, the wind in your hair fun of it!

If you are in the North Florida area, can you think of a better evening out than taking a drive out to the beach to see some beautiful work and meet these amazing artists? And while you’re there, congratulate Hillary & the Stellers team for an incredible journey. You can see more from these artists and all the artists Stellers represents on their website.

All images via Stellers Gallery.

October 17, 2013
Artsy Lately: Rachel Denny

Mr. F and I often talk about what has drawn us to the Northwest. The mild summers have a lot to do with it, but even more, is the feeling that, in comparison to so much of the US, there is a wildness here. Big cities are few and far between, the landscape filled more with small towns, rural communities and much still wild and untamed wilderness. The thought that we can go out on a hike and see deer, elk, bears, and even moose in some areas, is thrilling. We are living on the edge, ya’ll. But that also means that we, as humans and society are ever encroaching on the wilderness and the animals found therein are paying the price. These themes of nature and our relationship with it and effects upon it are the catalyst for the work of Portland sculptor, Rachel Denny.

In her work, Denny has created a visual language for exploring the charm and delicacy to be found in the natural world. Whimsy belies a deeper meaning, if we take the time to look beyond what we see.

Rachel Denny’s latest work can currently be seen in her solo exhibition, Outside In at Foster/White Gallery in Seattle through October 26th. You can also see more of Denny’s work on her website.

All images are via the artist’s website.

October 10, 2013
Artsy Spot: Simon Mace Gallery

Although we’re living this vagabond-ish life, Mr. Forager & I are always thinking about places to put down roots. One of the wants on our list is an artsy community– one that supports and encourages music, theatre, and of course, the visual arts. The small town of Port Townsend ranks high for us because it ticks off each of those and then some. And with the opening of Simon Mace Gallery, PT is heading in the right direction for this Artsy.

A traditional white-wall gallery, Simon Mace offers up a variety of emerging and established artists from the Northwest and beyond. While the gallery sports that ubiquitous clean look, the feeling inside is warm and cozy. The beautifully worn wood floors and friendly staff help, but I think it stems most from the roster of artists the gallery has gathered.

There is definitely a personality and point of view behind the gallery artists– work full of spirit, story, and humor– and it makes for a homey, non-intimidating gallery experience. The show up during our visit, Carnival, featured the work of painter Alison O’Donoghue and sculptor Sara Swink ( both pictured below ), and painter Frank Renlie. O’Donoghue’s work draws you in, your eyes bouncing with excitement as you try to take in every little thing happening in each canvas. Swink’s cheeky sculptures and Renlie’s joyful paintings give enjoyable little pauses amongst the controlled chaos of O’Donoghue’s work.

Alas, the show has come down now, as the gallery preps for its next opening this Thursday, Wax On, Wax Off, showcasing the work of Port Townsend painter Jeane Meyers and Portland sculptor Lisa Kaser. Wax On, Wax Off promises to deliver yet another mix of artwork filled with charisma and charm. While the bulk of the gallery space is exhibition focused, a piece of each represented artist’s work is always up in the small back-room space and the staff will more than happily help you peruse more work in the racks.

We may be heading back up PT way next weekend and if we do, I’ll check in again at Simon Mace to see the new show. You can bet it will now be on my must-do list ( along with thai food at Banana Leaf! ) for each visit to our favorite seaport town. Hope it will be on your Port Townsend list now, too!

If you’d like to learn more about Simon Mace Gallery and its artists, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook.

October 1, 2013
Artsy Spot: Art & Light Gallery

I’ve never been to Greenville, South Carolina, but after getting to know this gallery and its owner, I am itching to go! Art & Light Gallery in Greenville is just the sort of spot I would love to spend hours perusing. So much lovely art and creative objects perfect for an artsy life! Owner and artist Teresa Roche has curated a charming collection of story pieces, style statements, and conversation starters. Want to hear more? Here’s a little email interview Teresa & I did recently..

AF | Has it always been your dream to own an art gallery?

TR | Honestly, owning the gallery was a bit of a fluke for me. I was a dance major in college and I have always had a passion for the arts in general, but it was until after I stopped dancing due to knee injuries that my focus turned to visual arts. My professional background was in marketing and event management and after a 9 year ride as an events manager for a bar code and point of sale company, I retired to follow my passions. I did not have a clue that I would be opening a gallery at that time. A friend of mine bought and renovated a beautiful building in what is now Greenville’s up and coming arts district – The Village of West Greenville. I was a part of a 5 person arts group – we held a yearly art show and it was our third year. My friend offered her new space for our show. When this show was over, my friend asked me to stay in the space and suggested that I do a gallery for emerging local artists…it only took me 5 mins. to make a decision and the rest is history.

AF | You opened Art & Light in 2007 and then the recession hit a few years later. To what do you contribute its survival when so many other galleries didn’t make it?

TR | Since my gallery was in a very rough area of western Greenville, an old textile mill village, I was in a position to trail blaze, I guess you would say. Greenville had a “First Friday” organization, so my business model was built on the First Friday gallery crawl. In 5 years I hosted 55 shows – a different show every month and I was only open on First Friday weekends for the first year, then after that I opened every Friday and Saturday. I sought out some of the best artists in Greenville and worked very hard to connect myself with Clemson University, Furman University and Bob Jones University art students and faculty. By doing so many shows, and changing it up monthly I was able to draw great crowds to openings – each crowd being very different, depending on who the artist was and the popularity of the artist. I also finely curated every show and included unusual furniture and lighting pieces to set up vignettes – which was a different concept in our area at that time. I not only marketed to art collectors and art lovers, but to vintage furniture and lighting collectors. At this time in Greenville, I was the only gallery doing anything like this concept. I developed a loyal following of people who were exceptionally curious about seeing what was coming next – I think that was total luck! Being in the arts district (which was in a very out of the way area) and the only retail gallery in the area was a struggle to say the least. The First Friday opening crowds were great, but it was difficult to drive traffic the rest of the time. I made a very hard decision to move the gallery to a high traffic, high income area a year ago. I am now open Tuesday – Saturday and the day to day traffic has more than doubled (of course that meant my expenses doubled as well. ) It broke my heart to leave the arts district, but was a very good move in the end.

AF | What do you look for in the artists you represent?

TR | First I look for great work, but that is not enough. I look for artists with work ethic and passion and the drive to keep producing original and interesting, well-done work. Many of the emerging artists I featured back in the beginning have stopped making art – many had to find full time jobs to pay the bills. Since the beginning days I have developed a gallery of resident artists who work in their craft full time – it’s my view that the only way a gallery can survive is to have new and original work on hand constantly. I have some of the most brilliant and dedicated artists in our area in my gallery and am so proud of that! They are all meticulous in their work and I feel honored to be representing them!

AF | What’s usually playing on the gallery sound system?

TR | Pandora is my music system and I constantly switch it up between a French channel, Sergio Mendes and a singer-songwriter channel – love my music and Pandora – I change it based on the shows that are up, the season and my day to day mood 🙂

AF | What type of work do you have in your own personal collection?

TR | It’s almost all local artists with the exception of several vintage pieces. My decisions to purchase are very emotional and one of the things I love most is making a connection with the artist – a mixture of paintings, drawings and mixed media. I allow myself to purchase a couple of pieces a year, but owning a gallery and be surrounded by the work is a little like Christmas every day! I love it! I consider myself very fortunate to do what I do every day.

AF | What sets Greenville apart as an arts destination?

TR | That is a very hard question – I will try to keep it short. I believe that artistically distinguished cities are cities that have interesting retail spaces, theatres, music venues, parks, and residential areas — the visionaries of have worked tirelessly to bring all of those elements together. We also have a very strong arts organization – The Metropolitan Arts Council with outstanding leadership which in my opinion is one of the engines that drives the arts here. Greenville also has Artisphere ( a wonderful yearly arts festival – one of the best of it’s kind). Open Studios, with over 140 participating artists, culinary events, First Friday Gallery Crawls, the Peace Center for Performing Arts and 3 strong colleges in the area. I believe that Greenville is “authentic” and that the people here have an “art frame of mind” – my dream would be that the percentage of people who support and think about the arts as a whole would GROW – it’s very hard to compete with football and NASCAR – I can dream, can’t I?

I can’t wait to see more of what Teresa has in store at Art & Light! If you’re in the Greenville area, a new show at A&L featuring artist Kim Hassold opens tomorrow evening– I’m sure you’ll be in for a treat! Want to find out more about Art & Light? Please visit their website and be sure to see the gallery when you’re in Greenville! Be sure to follow along with A&L on Facebook & Pinterest, too!

All images via Art & Light.

September 11, 2013
Artsy Spot: Chihuly Garden and Glass

Last week, an interior designer friend from Florida was visiting Seattle, so we seized the opportunity to catch up over lunch. I racked my brain trying to come up with a lunch spot I thought would be inspiring to her design senses and then it hit me– the cafe at the Chihuly Garden & Glass museum! I’d been meaning to visit the museum since arriving in Seattle, but it just hadn’t happened yet, so here was the perfect excuse.

The museum centers around the work of renown Seattle glass artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly is a bit of a polarizing figure in Seattle– his work, having saturated the Seattle glass market for quite sometime, he’s like the Starbucks of art in Seattle. He’s everywhere, as are copy cats and artists who’ve worked for him so it can be understandably tiresome to see yet more Chihuly. But with that said, the museum is a feast for the eyes and definitely worth a visit!

From an art lover’s standpoint, the mere spectacle of color and texture is unforgettable. The museum is relatively small, only about 1/2 dozen “rooms”, Chihuly’s work really shines in the atriums and outdoor garden spaces. The design of each space is done thoughtfully and with much regard to the characteristics of the works themselves, how the light behaves in and around them, color, etc.

Though the price of admission seemed a bit steep at $19 for an adult ticket, the museum staff was friendly & helpful, which goes a long way in my book! Overall, the Chihuly Garden & Glass is the perfect cultural diversion amongst the touristy offerings at Seattle Center. Oh and lunch at the Collections Cafe was delicious! For more information on visiting the Chihuly Garden & Glass, please visit their website.

If you’d like to see more photos from my visit, check out the Artsy Instagram feed!

July 30, 2013
Artsy Spot: Seattle Art Museum

Every new place Mr. Forager & I go, I try to hit the local art museum. Not only because I think it’s important to patronize local art resources ( artsy duh ), but I also find them to be an interesting gauge of the local tastes and what’s important to the surrounding culture. After being in Seattle for six weeks, we finally ventured to the Seattle Art Museum last week.

In addition to their current special exhibition, Future Beauty ( more on that in a separate post ), there were a few other intriguing exhibitions on display. I was especially excited to see 50 Works for 50 States, selections from the Herb and Dorothy Vogel collection.

[ Codex Morales Braccio Sermugnano by Michael Goldberg and Untitled by Tony Smith ]

I am continually amazed by the collection this couple put together on a modest income! Truly inspiring to anyone who is intimidated by the prospect of collecting artwork. The Vogels collected many smaller works and works on paper, making them more financially accessible but allowing them to build an enviable collection. Such a great example to follow!

One of the things that impressed me the most about the SAM experience was the thoughtfulness given to how each exhibition was displayed and how the galleries interacted with each other. Glimpses of work seen not just within each exhibition but from one gallery to another allow the work to relate and interact in a way that allows the viewer’s eye to flow naturally throughout the space.

[ Thicket by Martin Puryear ]

A delightful surprise was the small show currently on display in the Knight Lawrence Gallery, In a Silent Way, “a quiet reflection on African American identities and histories”. This small gallery is tucked in a corner of the museum, away from the crowds and bustle of the larger galleries, which was perfectly fitting for such a thoughtful group of works. The palette of the show was almost exclusively black and white, a subtle nod to the subject matter, but each piece filled with subtext of what it means to evolve as a person of African descent in America.

From the museum’s permanent collection, an exhibition of mid-twentieth century work, From Abstract Expression to Colored Planes, features superstars of the era such as Frank Stella, Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler. The progression of that era of modern art is always fascinating– you can literally see the artists deconstructing and reconstructing the meaning of form across time. It is without a doubt one of my favorite periods of art history!

[ contemplating Frankenthaler ]

In keeping with the special exhibition’s focus on fashion, I was especially drawn to the work of Yinka Shonibare, whose Nuclear Family installation shows us a “traditional” family dressed in the structure of Victorian garb in textiles reminiscent of modern Africa. In a different, but no less interesting textile sculpture, Walter Oltmann‘s Caterpillar Suit mixes two destructive species, the caterpillar and the conquistador, while exposing their vulnerabilities and tenuous existences.

[ Nuclear Family by Yinka Shonibare ]

[ Caterpillar Suit III by Walter Oltmann ]

I love the way the Seattle Art Museum is blurring the lines between ancient and modern, leading the visitor down familiar paths only to introduce them to something new and exciting. Can’t wait to see what else is in store!

All photographs by Artsy Forager.

July 9, 2013
Forms in Flux: Victoria Johnson

Seattle, Seattle, Seattle ( Marcia Brady voice ).. we arrived on Saturday and are completely in love with the city but overwhelmed by apartment hunting. So this week, I’m re-running posts featuring some favorite Seattle artists. Sorry for the repeats, hope to be back to normal artsy blogging next week!

There are some artists whose work just sticks with me. I first saw Seattle artist Victoria Johnson’s work during my art consulting days through art publisher Grand Image. I loved using Grand Image for unique, stylish, colorful work and Victoria’s paintings definitely hit all those criteria. So when I spotted a painting of hers leaning against the wall at Lisa Harris Gallery in Seattle– boom! The love for her work came flooding back to me.

Nereides- Sea Nymphs, pigmented resin on panel, 20×20 ( via Lisa Harris Gallery )

Free-flowing, organic forms drift in and out of her canvases’ planes, creating enticing visual rhythm and movement.

Coast to Coast, pigmented resin on canvas over panel, 48×40 ( via Lisa Harris Gallery )

The placement of shapes lend the idea of landscapes to these abstracts, yet their enigmatic colors and forms keep the work abstract and modern.

Lady of the Lake, pigmented resin on panel, 80×20

A warm palette juxtaposed with muted, more neutral-hued highlights create even more depth and spatial play.

The Echo, pigmented resin on panel, 36×24

Simply Said, pigmented resin on panel, 40×50

To see more of Victoria Johnson’s work, please visit her website. Thanks to the Lisa Harris Gallery for reminding me of Victoria’s work!

Featured image is Lady of the Lake, pigmented resin on panel, 80×20. All images are via the artist’s representing Seattle gallery, Lisa Harris Gallery.

May 9, 2013
This Artsy Life: Weekend 10 [ Stuff We Did. Stuff We Didn’t Do. ]

Please forgive me for getting this latest This Artsy Life post up a bit tardy. The last seven days have been a bit out of whack around these parts, with our beloved ( and much relyed on! ) Macbook taking a nosedive late Tuesday night, three treks to the Apple store an hour away in five days, major life decisions made, a visit with the only blood family I have in Cali, and the time change, well.. the actual life part of This Artsy Life took a bit of precedent. 😉

In all that craziness we did manage to squeeze in a little ArtWalking in Joshua Tree and some much needed downtime with my San Franciscan cousin in Palm Springs. We found some new artists to love at both The Red Arrow Gallery & Joshua Tree Art Gallery and bonded with my cuz over being the only family members crazy enough to choose the West over the South. I so enjoyed the time with my cousin that I didn’t snap one photo all day. You’ll just have to take my word for what a gorgeous day it was! But I’m happy to share a few snaps from the one time I did take out the camera– at the Joshua Tree ArtWalk.

[ almost bought this piece by Judy Wold a few months ago.. still coveting ]

[ we both loved this sculpture by Steve Reiman ]

[ lovely lines and texture by Bret Philpot* ]

[ Mr. F’s fave ( right ) and my fave ( left ) ]

[ awesome painted cubes ]

Things are inching back toward normal today in This Artsy Life, though it will only be a few more weeks before we begin making plans to move on to our next spot. And then what madness will begin! Want to see more from our JT ArtWalk? Follow Artsy Forager on Instagram. I might even show you obligatory-Instagram-lunch photos.

*Bret Philpot’s website doesn’t appear to be working. Sorry. If you’d like to get in touch with the artist, please contact The Red Arrow Gallery.

All images by Artsy Forager.

March 12, 2013
Now Showing in Found Gallery: City Mouse | Country Mouse!

The artsy mice have officially invaded Artsy Forager! Our very first online exhibition and sale, City Mouse | Country Mouse is now on view in the found gallery ! I’m so excited to present the work of two talented Nashville artists, Christina Baker and Deann Hebert.

If you’ve been reading the blog for awhile, hopefully you’ll recognize the work of these painters. Each painting is an original and available for purchase through the artists, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Nashville Zoo. Now I’m not sure they have any mice at the zoo, but I’m sure there are lots of other wonderful little furry foragers!

City Mouse | Country Mouse will be showing in the found gallery through March 28th, so you’ll have until then to snatch up one of these beautiful little paintings all for your very own! Throughout the month we’ll get to know the artists a little better, too!

So what are you waiting for?! Grab a handful of cheese and click here to see for yourself!

February 21, 2013

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