ART MAT TERS
Magazine of the Western Colorado Center for the Arts Volume 5, Issue 1 Winter 2020
Studio Colorado First Fridays Sponsored by: Presented by:
Michael Neste, MD
Our Mission: Family Health West is a Fruita-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, cost-effective, high-value health care which enhances the quality of life for our community.
300 W Ottley Ave • Fruita, CO 81521 (970) 858-3900 fhw.org SERVICES PROVIDED BY
FAMILY HEALTH WEST
Art Matters Director’s Letter About The Art Center Announcements Exhibitions
Shepherd + 1 Navajo Weavers CO Show The Ron Beckman Art Center Members' Show
Events & Call For Artists Paint the Town Contemporary Clay
Theatre A Christmas Carol Fiddler on the Roof
4 5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Youth Education Youth Programs
Extras Art Hacks Adult Education Workshops 2D Classes Ceramics How to Enroll
Empty Bowls History
On The Cover: Terry Shepherd Art Matters Winter 2020 gjartcenter.org
18-21 22 23 24-25 26-29 30-33 34 35
Season’s Greetings!
This time of year often fills me with a sense of nostalgia. I remember past holidays as “the good old days.” It seems to be human nature to have a tendency of looking at the past as being better than the present. But lately I’ve discovered that I’m enjoying how great things are right now at The Art Center and enjoying the prospect of a bright future.
The Art Center has a rich history with roots dating back to the 1920s. So many great memories were created at The Art Center by countless people from several generations.
And more wonderful memories are being made right now. Today is tomorrow’s “good old days.” In a few years, current Art Center members and students will look back at what they created and experienced here and will remember it with great fondness. We are making history, creating memories and traditions ... right now! In the words of English poet, Arthur O’Shaugnessy, “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamer of dreams.” Art Center members are creating new memories every day.
The Art Center enriches lives by promoting the arts. Our community has you to thank for that. YOU make it possible by being a member, donor, financial supporter, student, artist, instructor, or lover of the arts. By helping to make The Art Center strong, you strengthen and enrich our community. I ask you to remember your Art Center when making plans for end-of-year financial gifts. Your financial support helps keep the doors open and allows new generations to create memories and traditions.
I also want to brag a little bit. During our upcoming December 6 First Friday opening, The OVATION TV Network, along with Charter-Spectrum, will be here, honoring The Art Center with the “Stand for the Arts” award, along with a generous cash donation. Across the United States, only twelve organizations will receive this award this year, and The Art Center is one of those select few. Here is an excerpt from the national press release: “Stand for the Arts Awards are granted based on how well an organization empowers the community, builds strategic partnerships, drives engagement through volunteerism and delivers creative programming.”
“Charter is thrilled to extend this partnership with Ovation for a third consecutive year,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs at Charter. “These twelve local organizations are doing meaningful and creative work, and are strong examples of how access to the arts and arts education can bring diverse communities together and enrich the lives of people who live in them.”
Needless to say, the staff and board of The Art Center are thrilled. But we didn’t do it alone; it belongs to every single Art Center member, board member, employee, volunteer, instructor, student, and visitor from days gone by through today. This community has created and maintains a culture that makes life better for everyone by promoting the arts. So, thank you to everyone who, over the years, has made and continues to make The Art Center the amazing institution it is. The Art Center is not a building; it is the people who live it. The Art Center is you. This recognition belongs to all of us, and I think we have a right to be proud of our Art Center.
Lee Borden, Executive Director
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WELCOME
Our Mission: The Western Colorado Center for the Arts is a regional arts organization dedicated to enriching lives by promoting the enjoyment and understanding of the arts.
Board of Trustees
Art Center Staff
Jeremy R Franklin - President Lee Borden Executive Director Ronya Anna - 1st Vice President Matt Jones Dr. Michael Neste - 2nd Vice President Curator, Programs & Exhibitions Jack Griggs - Treasurer Rachel Egelston Anita Pisciotte - Secretary Youth & Special Needs Education Director Joseph Gonzales Terry Shepherd Artist-in-Residence, Ceramics Director Kari Henning Keith Brewer Pavia Justinian Membership & Gift Gallery Coordinator Kendra McDaniel Haley Van Camp Karen Moore Design and Communications Manager Lynne O’Connell Charlie Gordon Facilities Manager Sheri Ray Mykan White Cathy Zippert – Art Center Guild President Michael Davis - ex-officio WCCA Endowment Foundation
Art Center Hours
9am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday Admission $3 (free to members and children under 12) There is no charge to visit the Gift Gallery
Tuesdays are free to everyone thanks to a generous sponsorship by Home Loan & Nationwide Insurance
Operational funding provided in part by
ABOUT US
|5
Paris Trip 2020 Registration is now open! Visit gjartcenter.org for more information
6 | ANNOUNCEMENTS
Photograph by Ashtonn Means
Thank you to our sponsors! Gallery sponsors: Gould Gallery - Chuck & Robbie Breaux Studio Colorado - Michael Neste & Family Health West North Gallery - Your Name Here Atrium Gallery - Your Name Here Exhibition 2019-2020 sponsors: Dean and Mary Harris Chuck and Patti Shear / Shear Inc. Bill and Patti Milius Chuck and Kendra McDaniel, and the Ron Beckman Estate Upcoming exhibitions: Sponsor Me CMU Student Exhibition Rockies West National Show your support by sponsoring one of these exhibitions!
SUPPORTERLEVELS TITLE CHAMPION SUPPORTER FRIEND
$10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000
If you haven't already, become a supporter of The Art Center by joining us at the $100 level or higher! More information on all membership and supporter levels is available on our website at gjartcenter.org. ANNOUNCEMENTS | 7
Shepherd + 1
An Exhibition of Ceramics and Paintings of Terry Shepherd and Jac Kephart December 6 – January 18 Sponsored by Chuck and Patti Shear / Shear Inc. Opening Reception Friday, December 6, 6:30-9pm Terry Shepherd, The Art Center’s Director of Ceramics, has led the Center’s ceramic studio since 1984. With a career spanning over 48 years, he is a respected ceramic artist and educator and has studied and worked with Paul Soldner and many other internationally known ceramic artists. Before moving back to Grand Junction in 1983, Shepherd developed and worked out of his first studio in El Jebel, Colorado, from 1972 to 1983. Each year in December, Shepherd exhibits new work alongside a selected artist working in 2D mediums. This year he has chosen to honor Jac Kephart posthumously with a retrospective of Kephart’s artwork spanning many decades of Kephart’s career. Kephart passed away on May 16 of this year. Shepherd’s part of the exhibit offers a wide variety of mainly vessel forms and platters, some being purely
8 | ANNOUNCEMENTS
functional while others have a subtle sculptural stance inspired by natural forms such as river rock, natural plant forms, and stylized figurative contours. His interpretation of firing process is extensive, incorporating stoneware, porcelain, Raku, saggar-fired and saltvapored ceramic work. Shepherd draws inspiration from Chinese, Japanese, British, and American stoneware traditions as well as Native American ceramic practices. His personal approach to firing some work includes deliberate placement of the pieces in the direct flame path of the kiln where the vapors from sodium and copper metal oxides result in sublime and dramatic embellishment as a record of the flame paths and lush shading by the vapors. The contrasting colors of Shepherd’s over-glazes combined with his gestural brush strokes form a counterpoint to the energy of his throwing and the softened geometry of slab forms.
Photograph by Catherine Mayer “I like the work to communicate a personal and visual language of the maker and firing process, while celebrating the strength and essence of form and the lively spirit of clay and its ability to dress up, titillate our senses, and embellish life as enhanced by the hand. I especially like to embrace the unexpected and serendipitous results of the firing process as it can embellish the work beyond my intent!” Shepherd says of his friendship with Jac Kephart, “I miss Jac a lot. I’ve known Jac and his wife, Pat, since the early 1970s and used to sell work out of their floral shop, Jac’s House of Flowers. It’s ironic to be showing with Jac’s work as a posthumous retrospective exhibit since his death this year, as we had discussed him showing as my invited guest artist about two years ago. Upon getting to know Jac and his artwork, as a young man in my early twenties I was struck by his infectious energy and his intense curiosity about not only creating art and unconventional use of materials and process but about life in general. He was driven to improvise and use conventional materials in a risky way, and was
constantly innovating and challenging notions of traditional aesthetics. He was truly a master of painting whether it be interpretive traditional landscape or his forays into an abstract painting genre. You could sense his confidence and solid grounding in the disciplines of draftsmanship, design, and color theory. He was an inspirational mentor and friend and always supportive of my own efforts as well as a gentle but firm critic with a knowing eye. I had the privilege of serving with Jac on the Art Center’s exhibition committee for the last few years and was struck by his extensive and informed knowledge of art history and other contemporary artists’ works. Jac mentored and inspired countless people through his workshops and interaction with our community. He left us with an impressive legacy of his generous spirit as a man and artist. I am honored to be in his company with this exhibit. I can still sense his quizzical grin and wry twinkle of the eyes! “Thank you, Jac!”
ANNOUNCEMENTS | 9
N AVA J O W E AV E R S
An Exhibition from the Art Center permanent collection December 6 – January 18 Sponsored by Bill and Patti Milius Opening Reception Friday, December 6, 6:30-9pm The Art Center is pleased to announce an exhibition featuring Navajo weavings from our permanent collection. Some of the collection was donated by Arch Gould, from whom the Gould Gallery gets its name. There are a variety of tapestries in our collection from various trading posts. Some showcase works from Two Grey Hills weavers featuring traditional monochromatic weaves with high thread counts, while others, such as Burntwater weaves, employ vegetal dyes creating a distinct vibrancy. The new innovations in weaving came from the
10 | EXHIBITIONS
introduction of these dyes and led to a new array of colors and patterns in some communities. Arch Gould wrote extensively about his experiences with Navajo weavers and the trading posts he encountered. In his work, Weaving—Whither Bound: The Patron's Role in the Future of Navajo Weaving, he states, “How do we share with the greatest weavers our encouragement, our appreciation, our substance and ways to implement their Angie Maloney, Storm Pattern
skills so as to improve their artistry and insure a healthy future for rug weaving?” Mark Winter, from Toadlena Trading Post in New Mexico, is an expert on Navajo Weaving and will be joining us for the exhibition. A gallery talk will be held in the Gould Gallery during the First Friday opening followed by a lecture the following day on Saturday, December 7, from 2pm until 3pm. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about this wonderful art form. EXHIBITIONS | 11
CO SHOW December 6 – January 18 Sponsored by Dean and Mary Harris Opening Reception Friday, December 6, 6:30-9pm The CO Show is a biennial exhibition which debuted in 2013 and features works from all over the world. This exhibition speaks to the concept of community as The Art Center partners with Colorado Mesa University’s Mesa Emerging Designers, the 437CO Art Gallery, and exhibition sponsors Dean & Mary Harris for this engaging contemporary exhibition. The posters exhibited at CMU’s 437CO Art Gallery will feature works from four visiting artists who will give lectures and workshops for the CMU Art and Design students. The Art Center will exhibit posters from selected applicants who responded to the open call in the category of professional Graphic Design. The CO Show website states, “The goal of the CO Show is to educate through visual communication of professional graphic designers worldwide. Though the shape of communication is continually changing, the power of the printed poster has remained a constant.” 12 | EXHIBITIONS
Ben Blount will give a lecture that is open to the public Friday, December 6, from 5 to 6pm. Blount is a graphic designer from Denver, Colorado, whose focus is letterpress. His work discusses concepts of race and culture. Blount states in his biography that he looks to “truth tellers and rabble rousers in all areas of popular culture” as a source of inspiration for his work.
The Ron Beckman Art Center Members' Show February 7-29 Sponsored by Chuck & Kendra McDaniel and the Ron Beckman Estate Opening Reception Friday, February 7, 6:30-9pm Dropoff: Saturday, February 1, 10am-2pm Pickup: Saturday, February 29, 10am-2pm The Art Center’s Annual Member’s Show is one of the largest exhibitions we hold every year. It showcases artworks from its members and welcomes all skill levels and ages. This exhibition is dedicated in memory of Ron Beckman, who passed away in 2018. He had a fierce dedication to the arts and engaged in continual support for The Art Center and the larger art community. Whether you are just beginning to embark on your artistic journey or have years of experience in the arts, please join us in celebrating the members of The Art Center. This exhibition is a true testament to the Western Slope community as artists from all mediums, skill levels, and ages come together united in their hopes to create a dynamic exhibition embodying the passions and efforts associated with the act of creation. The cost is $5 per entry and is limited to two entries per person.
Michael Davis, Three Amigos First Place People's Choice Award, 2019
EXHIBITIONS | 13
A Night in Paris
An Art Center Benefit Saturday, April 18, 2020 Doors open at 5pm Tickets $30 for one $50 for two 1803 N 7th Street
14 | EVENTS
Contemporary Clay Call for Artists
Juror Bill van Gilder June 5-27 Opening Reception Friday, June 5, 6:30-9pm Submission deadline: February 16 Juror workshop: Saturday, June 6, 10am-4pm The Art Center hosts this international, juried exhibition every other summer, bringing artistic displays of diverse and enriching ceramic arts to the Grand Valley. Since 2006, Contemporary Clay has sought to showcase the latest developments in ceramic art,spanning the categories of functional vessels, sculptural ceramics, and installation art. Please visit CaFÉ at callforentry.org to submit your He has been featured in and authored work to the 8th Contemporary Clay numerous articles for Clay Times magazine and exhibits his artwork internationally. Biennial. This year’s juror is professional ceramic artist Bill van Gilder. Van Gilder began his clay career as an apprentice to Byron Temple at the age of 15 and has a rich history in the ceramic arts. He has enriched the art community by establishing pottery programs in South Africa, by teaching workshops, and by starting his own studio and gallery in Maryland. He has been a professional ceramic artist for over 50 years and continues to enrich the art community.
Van Gilder states in his artist statement, “I make pottery with the hope and anticipation that the pots will invite use. By using a slow-momentum kick wheel and soft clays, I pursue the casual nuance of form and surface I admire so much in some historical pots. I make multiples of similar pots and within each series there is discovery… Would this form be more interesting made larger? What will happen if I add this to the clay body? Will this type of fuel change the surface or color of clay? Curiosity is paramount. “As a potter I can only set up parameters – from the choice of clays and materials to the making and finishing – allowing the nature of the flame to complete the process. My best work seems to make itself, when the acquired knowledge and intuition of material and fire is allowed to take over. “The process is complete when the pot is held in the hand, connecting the maker to the user – a subtle form of communication and enough reason for me to make pots again.”
Bill van Gilder
CALL FOR ARTISTS | 15
Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14, 7pm Sunday, December 15, 2pm Thursday-Saturday, December 19-21, 7pm Tickets available at 970tix.com
16 | THEATRE
STARRING
LEE BORDEN
FEBRUARY 27–MARCH 7
5
A
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WOLVES
TH N
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APRIL 9–18
SA
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IV ER
inquiry • discovery • celebration
CMU THEATRE & DANCE 2019 | 2020 SEASON
APRIL 24–25
coloradomesa.edu/tickets THEATRE | 17
Holiday Break Day Camp Ages 5-13 9am-4pm, early drop-off at 8:30am with art games! Tuition per day per child: $22 member / $27 non-member All materials provided Don’t forget to bring a snack, a lunch, and a water bottle! Live animals are coming to The Art Center! Holiday Break Day Camp offers participants the opportunity to draw a series of visiting animals and engage in additional art instruction and activities. Monday, Dec 23: Visiting Animal - Harley the Pomeranian. Star Wars
lightsaber, Death Star art drawing techniques
Thursday, Dec 26: Visiting Animal – Picasso (turtle); soft sculptures, color theory, art in the style of James Rizzi
Friday, Dec 27: Visiting Animals – Splinter & Linguine (pet rats); watercolor, abstraction, one point perspective, oil pastels
Monday, Dec 30: Visiting Animal – Sweeney (duck); painting winter scenes, weaving a small wall hanging, collage animals
Tuesday, Dec 31: Visiting Animal – Patches (pygmy goat); Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Art Center – we will make Chinese drums, party hats, create our own “firework” explosion with paint, and celebrate with refreshments
Thursday, Jan 2: Visiting Animal – mourning dove; printmaking with
winter themes, pastels, how to use colored pencil
Friday, Jan 3: Visiting Animals – Destiny & Augie (guinea pigs); aluminum foil sculpture, cartooning Monday, Jan 6: Visiting Animal – TBA; STEAM - watercolor and oil, building with straws, integrated circle art Tuesday Jan 7: Visiting Animal – TBA; watercolor resist, recycle sculpture,
Northern Lights chalk art
All youth classes address the Colorado Model Content Standard for visual arts. Content standards used in class will be provided upon request. Students and parents are assured of a unique classroom and project experience whether it be in fall, holiday, winter, spring, or summer sessions. Classes are taught by art teachers and teaching artists. 18 | YOUTH
Spring Break Day Camp Ages 5-13 9am-4pm, early drop-off at 8:30am with art games! Tuition per day per child: $22 member / $27 non-member All materials provided Don’t forget to bring a snack, a lunch, and a water bottle! Monday, Mar 16: Changing Season – students will go outside to plein air sketch and paint; develop and learn techniques in using pencil, marker, and tempera, plus how to develop different subjects. Tuesday, Mar 17: Imaginary Worlds – Consider the possibility of alternate
worlds, dreamscapes, and imaginary landscapes where adventure occurs and imagination takes over. Students will use a variety of 2-D and 3-D materials.
Wednesday, Mar 18: Messy Art - Soap foam printing, frozen paint, water
blaster painting, shadow drawing, painting with bubbles. Using these methods, students will create a series of projects.
Thursday, Mar 19: Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (April
22) projects ranging from watercolor to recycle art, earth necklaces, create art with dirt, plastic bottle terrarium.
Friday, Mar 20: International Student Rebuild Project. Mediums used are graphite, color pencil, marker, color pencil and watercolor.
Not a member? Join today and save $5 per day per child! A 1-year Family membership is just $55. YOUTH | 19
Community Artability Class Fridays, 10-11:30am Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 27 /drop-ins are welcome $4 per student per day Come create alongside some of the kindest art students you will ever meet in one of our Artability classes. This Artability class is designed for individuals with mental, social, and physical challenges. Projects will vary every month ranging from clay to drawing, painting, and crafts. The experience will be an eye-opener!
School’s Out Day Camp Ages 5-13 8:30am-4pm Feb 17; March 12 & 13 Tuition per day: $20 member / $25 non-member All materials provided Monday, Feb 17: Artist tool kit – discover techniques using colored pencils, oil pastel, chalk, pencils, and watercolor
Thursday, Mar 12: All about me – self-portrait sculptures, miniature Matisse faces, how to draw a face, happy /sad watercolor books Friday, Mar 13: Painting without a brush – sponge and fork, make your own
brush, chalk, rubber bands, toy cars, bubble wrap, and more
Home School Program Ages 5-13 Rachel Egelston Thursdays 1-2:30pm, Jan 23 – Mar 12 $105 member/$155 non-member All materials provided; need-based scholarships available Students will explore a variety of mediums and get a wide range of art experiences as well as be introduced to several artists, techniques, and art vocabulary. They will use critical thinking skills as they look at, discuss, and create art, giving them meaningful and fun experiences. They will explore our art galleries and create art inspired by the exhibits as well. Disciplines covered include clay, fiber art, mixed medium, graphic art, metal and wire art, and drawing. Some of the feature projects are torn metal collages inspired by Byzantine tapestries, steampunk entomology, Picasso-inspired ceramic vessels and Andy Warhol-styled “selfies.” Students will participate in the international Student Rebuild 2020 project. This session will differ from other sessions to accommodate returning students.
20 | YOUTH
Family Fun: Christmas Ornaments Saturday, December 14, 1-3pm Open to all ages Free The elves are starting early at The Art Center! Bring your playful side and come join us for some holiday family fun. Be a part of this can’t-miss-out merriment by making Christmas ornaments with your loved ones. We will have stations set up with samples and supplies, and an instructor to help you with getting your ornament done. Light refreshments will be served.
Did you know that engaging in the arts enhances a child’s ability to learn? The Art Center offers a variety of fun artcentered activities for children and students that provide them opportunities to think creatively, build confidence, and solve problems. YOUTH | 21
Musings On September 13, The Art Center was buzzing with neon as flashing lights illuminated a dimly lit gallery. Flickers of images bounced off the walls unifying videography and street art. At the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, local neon artist Paul Cruz was honored for his lifelong contribution in the field of graphic design. His creations utilized light as a medium. Nowadays, neon is a fading technology and has been replaced by more economic lighting methods, yet the beauty and nostalgia of Cruz’s work shed these bent lit tubes in a whole new light.
A Word from the Wise Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. ~ Edgar Degas
WHAT DID YOU CATCH?
Illustrated by Matt Jones Digital Color by Haley Van Camp 22 | EXTRAS
MODERN ART!
Even for seasoned practitioners, drawing and painting fabric can be a challenge. Knowing the physics behind what you are seeing can fundamentally alter the approach artists take to render specific materials, objects, and figures. With fabric, gravity and points of tension provide a variety of shapes, forms and folds. ART HACKS | 23
Printmaking Ornament Workshop Lily Cain Saturday & Sunday, December 7-8, 9am-3pm $125 member / $150 non-member Supply list available A small block of linoleum, Speedball Relief Kit, black markers, wooden cooking spoon, glue stick, ruler, and exacto knife – these are all the materials that are required for this fun printmaking workshop! We will go over basic linoleum printing. Everyone will get a pre-marked template to fill with their own creation and design. We will learn basic cutting relief techniques that are fun for any level. The end result is a beautiful handmade 3-dimensional ornament for you to decorate your holiday season or give as a beautiful gift. Come celebrate the holidays in this Printmaking Ornament Workshop! (Linoleum block will be included.)
Instant Gratification Printmaking: Polyester Lithography Rebecca Woods Saturday, February 1, 10am-2pm $125 member / $150 non-member Supply list available This workshop is an introduction to one of the most satisfying and fast methods of taking a print directly from the drawing stage to the printing stage. Learn to create printing plates directly through drawing or through a laser printer or copier and print them right away. Affordable, approachable, and possible without expensive tools or toxic chemicals or acids, this method of printmaking does not require a press and can be done at home. It’s instant gratification in a method of art-making notorious for long processes! Participants will leave with a print or handmade card of their own.
Paper Theater: Tunnel Books and Shadowboxes Rebecca Woods Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15, 9am-4pm $225 member / $250 non-member Supply list available Books are magical, but a book that seems to open into another world is even more magical. Learn how to create tunnel books and shadow boxes with layers of scenery that come to life when opened and lit. Collage, draw, paint, cut, or print–all of these are welcome. We will be covering how to create depth and space in a work, how to build a shadow box and a tunnel book, and how to bind and finish the work. 24 | WORKSHOPS
Vases for Spring Flowers Robbie Breaux Sunday, March 15, 1-4pm $40 member and non-member
Are you looking for that special vase for spring flowers? In this three-hour workshop, students will be guided through the process of making a vase using slab and hand-building techniques. Pieces will be fired, glazed, and ready for pick-up two weeks after the completion of the work. The instructor for this workshop, Robbie Breaux, has over 15 years of experience in clay and is one of the top ceramic artists in the Valley.
WORKSHOPS | 25
Bev Lee
26 | CLASSES
Mixed Media Art Journaling: A Personal Artistic Journey Gayle Gerson Mondays 1-4pm, January 6 – March 9 (skipping February 17) $143 member / $183 non-member Supply list available Join us in the Red Door Studio as we spend time creating several mixed media journals based on the artist’s experiences, travels, family, writings, thoughts, and flights of fancy. Each class will begin with a new mixed media technique. Experiment with a journal just for techniques or apply the technique to your ongoing works of art within the pages of a book. We will explore themes that resonate and might be applied to future bodies of work. Art beginners and seasoned professionals are welcome to participate in this introspective form of art-making.
Open Studio for Mixed Media Gayle Gerson Thursdays 9am-12pm, January 9 – March 5 $143 member / $183 non-member Supply list available Join Gayle Gerson in the Red Door Studio for three hours of moodling and puttering in mixed media projects. This class is designed for the experienced student and artist who would like to spend some time in an environment of camaraderie and inspiration. Please bring your own projects and supplies for mixed media and collage. Ideas and creativity will be shared with generosity and abandon by all. Gayle will provide coaching, some demos, and lively conversation on the latest trends in the world of mixed media art. Participants should be prepared to work, laugh, and provide feedback to their fellow artists.
All Levels Pastel
Bev Lee Tuesdays 1-4pm, January 7 – March 3 $123 member / $148 non-member Supply list available Students will have fun while learning the versatility of the pastel medium. Basics of value, color, composition, and design common to all mediums will be explored. Bev will present demos as well as give individual instruction. Artists will gain more confidence in their work as they build new skills. Work will be from life as well as photos. Concepts learned in this class can be used to paint any subject.
CLASSES | 27
Color Theory
Lily Cain Fridays 1-4pm, January 10 – March 6 $123 member / $148 non-member Supply list available Using color is challenging; even the most professional and learned artist can find color mixing difficult at times. This class prepares any artist at any level with an introduction to color theory. Each week we will take a color scheme (skin tones, neutrals, tints and shades, etc.) and analyze / recreate their color content with different techniques. Discussions will include color relativity, color philosophy, color psychology, Josef Albers, Albert Munsell, color field painting, and more. All levels welcome.
Painting 1
Introduction to Painting and Materials: Rocks, Stone, and Pebbles Lily Cain Wednesdays 6-8pm, January 8 – March 4 $123 member / $148 non-member Supply list available This class is an introduction to the dynamics of painting and color theory through gouache. Do you find watercolors intimidating because of their delicacy? Do you love acrylics but they dry too fast? Meet gouache, your new best friend. Gouache is water-based and, like watercolor, uses water to become translucent but can be opaque like acrylic, and is very forgiving. Each week we will build a still life with different textures and colors that challenge our sense of depth and dimension. All levels welcome. In this start to the new year, we will be examining stone with accentuated color, stration and shape. Let’s Rock out!
Painting 2
Lily Cain Wednesdays 1-3pm, January 8 – March 4 $123 member / $148 non-member Supply list available Painting 2 is an introduction to materials, techniques, and color theory through Watercolor. Watercolor is a beautiful medium with a lot of room to play! This class centers around nature and organic objects. We will be going into the elements and principles of art while examining natural objects (botanicals) and learning to build strong compositions of shape and color. Any prior 2D art class at The Art Center is a requirement. All levels welcome. 28 | CLASSES
Open Studio Figure Drawing Bev Lee Mondays 9am-12pm, January 6 – March 9 (skipping February 17) $145 member / $168 non-member Supply list available Do you want to explore figure drawing without the confines of the traditional classroom? Are you interested in refining your skills or exploring gestural figurative works but can’t make it to a night class? Then this course is for you. Join us for this nine-week open studio format figure drawing class, facilitated by nationally acclaimed artist Bev Lee. Every week of the course, drawing a new model will give your work variety in line, shape, and form. The instructor will be available for one-on-one instruction for students searching to develop their skills.
We got it going on, on Wednesdays Lectures, Tutorials, Workshops – Oh My! 1st Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm Free and open to the public Come get your creative juices flowing! On the 1st Wednesday of every month, CMU Alumni of Art and Design will host the night’s activities. Whether it's lectures, tutorials, or instructional workshops, there is always something new. CMU Night is held from 6:30 to 8:30pm and is free to the public. Visit The Art Center's Facebook page to find out what's happening each month.
Drop-in Figure Drawing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of every month, 6-9pm $10 member / $15 non-member If you’re a CMU student, flash your CMU ID and receive an instant discount!
On the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of the month, The Art Center offers drop-in figure drawing sessions from 6 to 9pm. Come relax and unwind while you draw without the pressure or obligation of the classroom. We currently have 4 models on rotation offering both themed and nude figure drawing sessions. Visit Art Center Figure Drawing on meetup.com to view each week's theme and any other updates.
Lily Cain
CLASSES | 29
Fundamentals in Wheelthrowing Beginner/Intermediate $223member / $263 non-member All sessions of Fundamentals include Raku, a fun and quick firing technique.
Robbie Breaux Mondays 6:30-9:30pm, January 6 – March 9 (skipping February 17) Tuesdays 1-4pm, January 7 – March 3 This course is for both beginner and intermediate students. Beginners focus on simple forms (bowls and mugs with handles), glazes, and glazing techniques. Intermediate students receive instruction on techniques they want to hone, such as lidded vessels, plates, or stacked forms. Throughout the session, students are introduced to different surface designs to enhance one’s work. Instruction will be tailored towards the students' interests! Instructor email: chuckrobbiebreaux@gmail.com
Gary Andrews Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm, January 7– March 3 Escape into the world of clay. Students learn the basics of hand-building, then dive into the skills needed to throw fundamental forms which have been used through the ages. At times Gary will provide pre-thrown pots for students to practice glazing. Come relax and tap into your right brain.
Bob Jappe Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm, January 9 – March 5 Give your wheel-throwing skills another perspective. This course offers students of varying abilities the opportunity to explore and improve their command of the clay medium. The class will focus largely on specific vessels students would like to create during the session with instruction designed to broaden their range of clay techniques, problem-solving, and best practices. Sharing of design ideas, texture enhancement, and glazing techniques will be robust throughout the session. Command the fundamentals, learn new techniques, and begin to develop your individual style as a potter.
Terry Shepherd Thursdays 1-4pm, January 9 – March 5 This course is for entry level beginners and intermediate students with some previous experience in throwing and hand-building. Students will focus on the fundamentals of technique in throwing forms and explore hand-building skills and surface design including decorative slip techniques and a wide variety of surface design approaches. Instruction in glaze application and material 30 | CERAMICS
properties of glaze elements and firing process will be studied. Basic vessel forms for mugs, bowls, pitchers, oil bottles, and other forms will be studied in detail. Instruction is tuned to the individual to help students develop confidence in exploring the boundless and curious potential of clay and ceramic process in their pursuit of creative expression! Students will make work for a Raku firing scheduled for the 8th week of class. Students will engage in constructive critique and challenge themselves in order to improve their skill level. Notebook and basic pottery tool kit are required. Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org
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Intermediate Wheelthrowing Terry Shepherd Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, January 8 – March 4 $223 member / $263 non-member
Take this course if you are confident when it comes to wedging and centering, can throw a 6-8" cylinder using 2-3lbs. of clay, and have experience with basic hand tools and slab rollers. Techniques like altered throwing are introduced. Come with an open mind, ready to engage in constructive critique and explore and develop a more in-depth approach to ceramics. Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org
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Advanced Wheelthrowing
Terry Shepherd Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, January 8 – March 4 $223member / $263 non-member Take this course if you meet the requirements for intermediate ceramics, have confidence when it comes to throwing a 10-14" cylinder using 5-10lbs. of clay, and have a desire and willingness to acquire a deeper understanding of the material properties of different clays (such as cone 10 stoneware and porcelain) and glazes, as well as alternative firing processes. Students engage in constructive critique and challenge themselves in order to improve their skill level. Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org
Sculpting in Clay
Ron Cloyd Fridays 9:30am-12:30pm, January 10 – March 6 $223member / $263 non-member Whether you are a novice or seasoned clay artist, this course is one that will help you transform your visions into finished fired forms. With a focus toward whimsy and humor, Ron’s sculpture class will consist of demos and discussions about project inspiration (“where did you come up with that idea?”), use of tools, clay manipulation, firing, and finishing. You will be able to work through instructorguided projects, or immediately begin sculpting from your own ideas. Some tools are available, but students are encouraged to bring their own as well.
All Levels Hand-building
Nina Williams Mondays 1-4pm, January 6 – March 9 (skipping February 17) $223member / $263 non-member Not all beautiful ceramic work is thrown on a wheel! Students will join together slabs of clay, forming exquisite pieces using a variety of techniques and surface patterns. This course will focus primarily on decorative and ornamental work. In addition to slab-building, there will also be coiling and extrusion projects throughout the class. Included in every ceramics tuition is one, 25-lb. bag of clay and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 cents/cu. in.)
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The Nitty Gritty Winter registration opens Tuesday, Dec 10 Students must register three days before the start of a class to secure a spot.
Registration: Registration can be the class or workshop. If you register
completed online at gjartcenter.org, over the phone, or in person at The Art Center. For phone registration, call 970-243-7337, x. 2. To register in person, stop by during gallery hours, Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm.
Payment: Payment can be made by
American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, check, or cash. Class space will not be reserved without full payment. Please be aware that classes require a minimum number of students and are subject to cancellation. The best way to ensure that the class you are interested in does not get canceled is to register early, and don’t forget to urge a friend to sign up!
Cancellation Policy: To cancel a class or workshop registration, notify The Art Center at least 14 days before the start of the class or workshop. If given the required 14-day notice, The Art Center will issue class credit in full or will refund your payment minus the registration fee ($15 for adults and $5 for children). No refunds or class credit will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of
for a class or workshop within the 14-day period, you will receive no refund or class credit for cancellation. Sorry, no refunds or class credits for no-shows. This registration policy helps instructors plan and prepare for upcoming classes, ensuring you receive ample notice if a class has insufficient registration.
Art Supplies: Supply lists for each class are available on our website. Unless otherwise specified, the student is responsible for purchasing art supplies. Some supplies are available at The Art Center Gift Gallery. Tuition for ceramics classes includes one, 25-lb. bag of clay and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 cents/cu. in.) Ceramics students will need a pottery tool kit, not covered by tuition and available from The Art Center Gift Gallery for $20.99 plus tax. Need-based scholarships are available. Visit our website’s scholarships page for more information!
We love early registration!
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Empty Bowls History The idea of Empty Bowls was brought to us by the late Ginger Rice. Dennis Haberkorn, a local potter, organized this fundraising event, which began in 1995; he continues to organize the event every year. Dennis asked 20 potters from the Western Slope to donate 20 bowls each. Local restaurants donate soup, and Catholic Outreach receives all proceeds from this wonderful event. For the first several years, Empty Bowls was held at The Art Center. Now in its 24th year, Empty Bowls receives bowls from local potters, local school students, and The Art Center. This year alone, Art Center students and instructors donated over 200 bowls, in addition to over 120 bowls made by Sister Karen Bland! This represents over $200 in clay donated by students, and over $1000 in firing materials! The Art Center has been a longtime supporter for Empty Bowls. We are glad to support our community with events such as this.
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1803 Nor th 7th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 tel 970 - 243 - 7337 fax 970 - 243 - 2482 w w w. g j a r t c e n t e r . o r g
Volume 5, Issue 1 Winter 2020 NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PA I D GRAND JCT, CO PERMIT 162