ART MAT TERS
Magazine of The Art Center of Western Colorado Volume 6, Issue 3 Summer 2021
First Fridays Studio Colorado Presented by: Sponsored 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
Contemporary 2021: Art of the Still Light Studies: David Lord Photography Student/Instructor The Floating World
Events
Paint the Town: The Great Heist Music in the Grapevines Summer Concert Series Spring Art & Frame Sale
Youth & Teen Education Youth & Teen Teen
Adult Education Workshops 2D Classes Ceramics How to Enroll
On The Cover: David Lord Photography Art Matters Summer 2021 gjartcenter.org
4 5 6-9 10-11 12-13 14 15 16 17 17 18-24 25 26-28 29 30-34 35
What’s coming up at The Art Center? During the challenging last year, The Art Center has continued serving the community by providing access to the arts in every way possible. A year ago, we postponed our annual benefit and fine art auction for six months so that we could hold it in person. But low and behold, the virus had other plans for us and, to paraphrase Robert Burns, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Our Fall benefit ended up being a digital event. It was surprisingly successful, but just didn’t have the same excitement and fun that our 2019 benefit, Paint the Town – and All that Jazz, did when everyone was live and in person. Now we’re planning our 2021 benefit and, obviously, we are not holding it during its normal Spring timeslot. Instead, we’re holding it on September 25, 2021 with the hope of having an in-person gala event! However, we’re also making contingencies just in case Mesa County doesn’t see the improvement and recovery we all expect and so desperately want. If need be, we’ll hold it on-line or make it a hybrid event. But we’re hoping for the best! So, I wanted to take a minute and tell you a little bit about what we have planned. Two years ago, we switched things up from our traditional fine art auction, because so many supporters had told us that they wanted something new. And new it was! Paint the Town - and All That Jazz was a huge hit, complete with Broadway show tunes, a champagne toast, and a shorter and livelier auction. Last year, the plan was to hold an April 18th benefit called Paint the Town – A Night in Paris. But the pandemic put an end to that. Not to be thwarted, this September 25th, we will be hosting Paint the Town – The Great Heist! – hopefully live and in person. Paint the Town – The Great Heist will be a benefit gala, show, and fine art auction (both live and silent auctions) to benefit your Art Center. The premise will be a fine art auction in 1927 held in a glamorous hotel ballroom (think The Great Gatsby) and will feature show tunes and other entertainment. Guests will be encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire. And, to add a little extra excitement, it will also be an interactive “who done it,” mystery. Guests may, if they wish, play a role in the show and help solve the mystery of the Great Heist. Taking part in the mystery will be completely voluntary, but we hope some of our patrons and guests will join in on the fun and play a part. The Art Center Guild will be serving wonderful hors d'oeuvres; we’ll have two bars with beer, wine, soft drinks and some fun 1920s-themed cocktails, and, of course, we’ll have wonderful artwork and other exciting items up for bid in the silent and live auctions – all to benefit The Art Center. I don’t want to give too much away, but that should give you an idea of the efforts we’re making to be sure you and your guests have a great night out, while supporting your Art Center and the vital mission it performs for the Grand Valley. Please continue to check our website and read Art Matters and the monthly postcards for information about all the fun exhibitions, classes and events we have planned. And thank you for your support of The Art Center and the arts on the Western Slope. Lee Borden, Executive Director 4|
WELCOME
Our Mission: The Art Center of Western Colorado is a regional arts organization dedicated to enriching lives by promoting the enjoyment and understanding of the arts.
Board of Trustees
Art Center Staff
Lee Borden Jeremy R Franklin - President st Executive Director Ronya Anna - 1 Vice President Matt Jones Dr. Michael Neste - 2nd Vice President Curator, Programs & Exhibitions Terri Chinn - Treasurer Rachel Egelston Anita Pisciotte - Secretary Director of Youth Education & Art for All Joseph Gonzales Terry Shepherd Jack Griggs Artist-in-Residence, Ceramics Director Pavia Justinian Keith Brewer Kendra McDaniel Membership & Gift Gallery Coordinator Lynne O’Connell Haley Van Camp David Price Design and Communications Manager Sheri Ray Charley Gordon Facilities Manager 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
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BE A HERO
While at The Art Center, be a hero and please: Do not visit The Art Center if you or anyone in your household is ill or has been ill recently Wash those
hands frequently
Wear a protective cloth face-covering
Follow posted occupancy limits for Maintain a minimum each gallery/ six-foot distance classroom between yourself and others not in your party
Do not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact with others Use provided hand sanitizer when entering the building 6 | ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you to our major supporters! Gallery sponsors:
Gould Gallery - Chuck & Robbie Breaux Studio Colorado - Dr. Michael Neste & Family Health West North Gallery - Timberline Bank Atrium Gallery - Dr. Tonya Wren
Exhibition 2020-2021 sponsors: McBride Family Foundation Chuck and Kendra McDaniel Chuck and Robbie Breaux Dean and Mary Harris Chuck and Patti Shear / Shear Inc The Ron Beckman Estate
Friend, Supporter, Champion, and Title Supporters: Kay & Lee Ambrose Robert Armstrong Judith & Dr. Stephen Axthelm Chuck & Robbie Breaux Lynn Brownson George & Judy Callison Terri Chinn Gaynell & Doug Colaric Karen Combs Patricia Feinberg Jeremy R Franklin Harry & Joanie Griff Jack Griggs Glen & Evelyn Haley Dean & Mary Harris Jill & Bill Hilty Robert & Lou Jenkins Ken Johnson Melissa & Phil Jones Pat Kephart Karen & Dennis Kiefer Max Krey Bob & Kathy Martin Linda McBride
Chuck & Kendra McDaniel Jean McIntyre Janet McRae Don Meyers Bill Milius Carole Moritz Clifford & Judith Neste Dr. Michael Neste Lynne O'Connell Carol Oglesby Brian & Joyce Olson Sharyl & Bob Peterson Anita Pisciotte Peggy Pretti Tony & Sally Prinster Jonathan Purdy Sue Samuelson Dick & Sharon Scariano Jim Sebela & Nina Williams Chuck & Patti Shear Judy Vanderleest & Andy Kelley Del & Joe Wharton Carolyn White & Robert Noble Mykan White & Dr. Caleb Stepan
Wilson Family Larry Wild Dr. Tonya Wren The Art Center Guild Colorado Creative Industries City of GJ Commission on Arts and Culture Grand Junction Junior Service League Home Loan & Investment McBride Family Foundation Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Timberline Bank WCCA Endowment Foundation William & Mai Robinson Charitable Trust
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
8 | ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE ART CENTER RECEIVES $300,000 FOR THE JAC KEPHART GALLERY "Art is a wonderful gift." – Jac Kephart The Art Center is honored to have received $300,000 from Pat Kephart to create a gallery named for her husband and our friend, JAC KEPHART. Jac was a talented, giving, and influential member of the community who mentored and inspired countless artists and art lovers locally and across the nation. In order to move forward with construction of this exciting new addition, The Art Center must raise matching funds to install a fire mitigation system and other related improvements. The board and staff of The Art Center request and give thanks for your financial support to this project.
The Jac Kephart Gallery and related improvements will: • Bring our facility up to current building codes • Protect our patrons, property, and permanent collection • Improve spaces and programming vital to students, artists, visitors, tourists, and our community • Enrich lives through greater accessibility to the arts
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO REACH OUR GOAL! visit gjartcenter.org/KephartProject or make checks payable to THE ART CENTER with Kephart Project in the memo line HONORARY COMMITTEE Kay & Lee Ambrose Ronya Anna & Dr. Andrew Jones Judy & Dr. Steve Axthelm Betty & Joel Bechtel Pamela & Roy Blythe Kelley & Nancy Burford Gaynell & Doug Colaric Lena & Carter Elliott Beve & Terry Farina Kay Ferris Jeremy R. Franklin Gayle & George Gerson Jamie & Justin Harris Sharmaine & Steve Hillard Niki Hunn & Bob Jarvis - Thomas Hunn Jewelers Jane Kuenzel & Dr. Joe Cruz
Kendra & Chuck McDaniel Karen & Mark Madsen Bill Milius Karen & Buzz Moore Dr. Michael Neste - Family Health West Lynne & Tim O'Connell Sally & Tony Prinster Gudrun Rice & Charlie Kerr Lynnette Richardson & David Mayer Allison & Tim Sarmo Sharon & Dick Scariano Patti & Chuck Shear Jamee & Doug Simons - Enstrom’s Shannon & Doug Simons, Jr. - Enstrom’s Judy Vanderleest & Andy Kelley Lenna & Steve Watson ANNOUNCEMENTS | 9
CONTEMPORARY 2021 Art of the Still
An Exhibition of Still Lifes Juried by Eric Elliott May 12 – June 25
The Art of the Still is a national juried exhibition featuring artists from a variety of mediums with a primary focus of still life. This exhibition demonstrates the many ways in which life can be captured through objects and their surroundings. Still lifes can record light and the ways in which it drapes over objects; they can present the contrast of light and shadow, or reveal innate or mysterious details about the life of the artist. They record specific moments in time or the passage of time and are windows into the culture of a specific era. They can be a pathway into the substance of things unseen and a glimpse of things to come. The juror for this exhibition is Painting and Drawing Professor Eric Elliott. Elliott grew up in Alaska and moved to Grand Junction from Seattle, Washington. He holds a Master of Fine Arts, Painting and Drawing, from the University of Washington, Seattle and a Bachelor of Arts, Art Practice, from the University of California, Berkeley. 10 | EXHIBITIONS
As an artist Elliott primarily works in oil paint, charcoal, and ink. In his work, he uses the objects that surround him as a point of departure, and their structures become frameworks upon which he can play with explorations of paint, form, association, space, light, atmosphere, unification and dissolution.
“ ....life by definition, is never still.” -Kurt Vonnegut Stephanie Johnson, White Murex
EXHIBITIONS
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Light Studies David Lord Photography
An Exhibition of Photography by David Lord May 12 – June 25
This exhibition is brought to you by the Art Center’s exhibition committee. David Lord has a BFA in Fine Arts from Colorado Mesa University. His work can be described as contemporary, impressionist, abstract photography. 12 | EXHIBITIONS
The impressionists were primarily focused on color and lighting conditions to capture a specific moment in time. In a similar way, Lord replicates this experience through the medium of photography, capturing the prismatic effect accompanied by the use of light, water, and ice.
Many of the photographs appear like constellations or nebulas, floating in the void of space. These organic compositions and colors merge together to form a dazzling mosaic emblematic of the lifecreating forces of the universe. “As an artist, I enjoy experimenting with light and studying how it is reflected, blended, shaded, and how it changes with different surfaces and angles. My most exciting experiences as an artist are the times that I use my understanding of light to play with it and use it as a medium to produce effects that appear to push the boundaries of reality. “In an era that seems to be dominated by computers, my work is proof that expensive camera equipment and computer editing are still not necessary to create original, one-of-a-kind photographic works of art. Using only primary colors, through time and refraction, these unique and technically complex images are created in real-time
with older camera equipment and absolutely no Photoshop or digital enhancement. By knowing how to manipulate my camera equipment and the use of creative lighting effects, I am able to create colorful images of fantasy that stir the imagination.”
“In an era that seems to be dominated by computers, my work is proof that expensive camera equipment and computer editing are still not necessary to create original, one-of-akind photographic works of art.”
David Lord EXHIBITIONS | 13
STUDENT
INSTRUCTOR An Exhibition of The Art Center’s Students' and Instructors' Artworks July 2-31
Be Our Guest: A Call to Artists Be our guest Be our guest Put your art skills to the test. Place your artwork on the table, and then we’ll provide the rest. Sculpture forms Photographs Hey, making pots is not a task. Try the grey paint, it’s terrific, you don’t like it? Be specific. You can print You can draw After all, we love it all. An exhibition here is never second best. Go online, and then you’ll register and then you’ll Be our guest Be our guest Be our guest!
"How can you read this? There's no pictures!" "Well, some people use their imagination." - Gaston & Belle, Beauty and the Beast
Be our guest in July 2021 as we welcome the Student and Instructor exhibition to our galleries. This is a time for us to embrace the act of learning, artistic development, and technical growth. The exhibition is open to all styles, mediums, ages, and abilities. Instructors and students who have participated in a class or workshop throughout the past year are encouraged to exhibit their works. The Art Center is proud to honor our educational programs with this exhibit. The exhibition will feature artwork from our children’s programs, adult programs, and Artability programs. This exhibition allows The Art Center to present to the community the ignited passion for the arts that resides in our students and instructors. 14 | EXHIBITIONS
The Floating World An Exhibition from The Art Center’s Permanent Collection of Woodblock Prints and Cloisonné from the Robinson Collection and Kunz Estate July 2 – August 28 The Art Center of Western Colorado’s Permanent Collection Committee presents a display of Japanese prints from the Robinson Collection for the first time with the works of Margaret Kunz, a stunning display of glass enamel and cloisonné. This exhibition places these two Japanese traditions side by side, capturing the essence of a time when Japanese culture and crafts captivated the world leading to the expansion and development of artistic trends in the West. We invite you to take a walk with us through time exploring the floating world that was Japan in the 19th century.
"Approach a great painting as thou wouldst approach a great prince." - Kakuzo Okakura, The Book of Tea
Left: Sharaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô Right: Sharaku, Ichikawa Omezo EXHIBITIONS | 15
AINT THE TOWN The Great Heist An Art Center Benefit
Saturday, September 25 1920s themed, Interactive Mystery Theatre & Fine Art Auctions Tickets: $30 for one, $50 for two Doors open at 5pm
CALL TO ARTISTS: The 2021 Art Center Benefit is open to all artists and collectors Artwork submission deadline: Friday, June 25 Visit gjartcenter.org/events/paint-town-great-heist for more information 16 | EVENTS
WE'RE BACK!
Mark your calendars! Opening Concert of Music and the Grapevines:
STRAY GRASS
Tuesday, May 25, 7pm Two Rivers Winery For tickets and additional concert information, visit artcenterguild.org Sponsored by
ART CENTER GUILD SPRING ART & FRAME SALE Friday, April 30, 12-4pm Saturday, May 1, 9am-3pm There's something for every art lover and budget! We'll have a wonderful selection of paintings, collage, photography, ceramics, gourd art, fiber art, jewelry, glass art, frames, and baked goods! All proceeds benefit The Art Center
EVENTS | 17
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS for Y O U T H & T E E N S • All staff and students ages 5 and up must wear masks. • Classroom space will be sanitized every 2 hours, and there will be frequent hand-washing sessions. • Students will be issued a private box of materials to use during their time at The Art Center. • Classroom seating will be in 6-foot increments. • Students will have their temperature checked with a no-touch forehead thermometer during morning drop-off. • Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be sent home. • All staff will adhere to same temperature monitoring as students. We will update this list as new information is received. Our primary focus is your safety.
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ART IN MOTION
Art Project In a Box: Clay, Collage, Watercolor, and Chia-me boxes available
Here is a chance to get your creative juices flowing! The Art Center of Western Colorado understands the challenges during these uncertain times, so we would like to give you different opportunities to be creative. An Art In Motion box will give you a hands-on fun opportunity to create a piece of art! Whether you’re a total beginner or you have worked with the materials before, the supplies and lesson plans in these art boxes are designed to encourage, support, and enhance your experience. The Art In Motion boxes are geared to all ages from 5 to 105. Boxes are available to order online or by calling 970-243-7337 ext 2. After your purchase is made, we will deliver the Art In Motion box to your front porch (no contact), or you can pick it up at The Art Center, Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. Please allow 48 hours after your purchase for us to process and get your box ready for pickup.
YOUTH & TEEN | 19
A unique experience every week Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Tuition $110 member / $135 non-member per week, per child Need-based scholarships available Lunch will be serviced by Lunch Lizard Don’t forget to bring a snack and a water bottle! Summer Art Camp gives the community’s children the opportunity to explore art in all its forms and encourages those students to explore their own creativity. Summer Art Camp is taught by both professional and certified art teachers. A reception is held at the end of each week and families and friends are invited into The Art Center to see the work that the campers have accomplished during the week. This year’s Summer Art Camp collaborative community project is “Invasion of The Art Center” and will run throughout June to allow campers to build friendships and a feeling of contributing to something bigger than one’s self. The “Invasion of The Art Center” project will be displayed in the July Student/Instructor Exhibit.
May 24-28: 3D Adventures • Clay • Papier-mâché • Found objects • Sculpture in the round and bas relief • Drawing techniques to make 2D Artwork appear 3D using pencil, charcoal, markers, and colored pencils • Giant-sized bubbles • Community installation
June 1-4: Nature Week $88 member / $108 non-member (4 days only) Explore the natural world to find eco-friendly inspiration (Camp will be at The Botanical Gardens Wednesday, June 2) • Coil-built planter (includes plant) • Watercolors, pastels, pencil • Recycled garden sculpture 20 | YOUTH & TEEN
• Plant flashcards • Study Conservation Groups • Recycled wind chimes • CD wind-spinners • Nature spray paint • Community installation
June 7-11: STEAM • NASA-inspired projects • Chromatography tie dye • Design a vessel for an egg-drop • Design a S’more solar oven • Spinner toys • Create your own plastic for a casting • Force and motion artwork • Community installation
June 14-18: Let’s Create • Clay • Drawing • Sculpture • Printmaking • Batik • Nail polish pour art • Oil pastels • Community installation
June 21-25: Animal Week Returns • Learn how to draw from live animal models • Create artwork inspired by Laurel Birch cats and The Blue Dog • Stone Pets and their environment • Monster drawings • Animal sculptures • Pastel unicorns, Pegasusses, and imaginary animals • Endangered animals art • Community installation COVID-19 Precautions on page 18
YOUTH & TEEN | 21
June 28-July 2: Art Around America Celebrate Independence Day Through Art • Native American pottery • Mixed media cityscapes • Jasper Johns flags • Printmaking inspired by Robert Indiana • Black History Artist: Alma Woodsey Thomas abstract art • Patriotic line art • July 4th chalk pastel • Salt painting fireworks
July 5-9: Art Around the World This is your ticket to a whirlwind art adventure! Each day we will discover a new continent or country: Africa, Mexico, Japan, India, and Panama • Slab clay-built pagodas • Raku • Kumihimo bracelets • Origami • Sumi-e ink wash painting • Gyotaku fish printing • Daruma wishing figurines • African mud cloths • Indian block printing • Molas
July 12-16: Comic Cartoons & Characters • Create your own cartoon character • Alter ego illustrations • Traditional drawing and creating a story board • Baby Yoda • Harry Potter’s Patronus painting • Techniques in drawing and inking with markers • How to draw a superhero • Human proportion and color schemes • Watercolors and color pencil
22 | YOUTH & TEEN
July 19-23: Messy Week • Painting with your feet • Painting with water balloons • Artwork inspired by Abstract Expressionism • Frozen paint, homemade driveway paint • Soap foam printmaking • Resist art with watercolor • Open-ended sculpture
July 26-30: Artist for a Day Students will learn about a famous artist’s life and how their life affected their art. Then they’ll create artwork in that artist’s style. • Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol • Bob Ross, Deborah Butterfield • Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall • Maurits Escher, Yayoi Kusama • Students will visit our galleries and virtually view others in our region and create artwork from that experience.
August 2-6: “A Little of Everything” • Clay • Abstract art projects • Drawing, painting, oil pastels • Self portraits • Design your own eco system • Zentangles • Make your own stuffed creature • Tempera painting • And more 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. COVID-19 Precautions on page 18
YOUTH & TEEN | 23
Spring Art Week Generously sponsored by: COMMISSION ON ARTS & CULTURE
Spring Art Week is in its 32nd year of providing kiddos and teens the opportunity to observe professional working artists as they create, explain their process, and inspire students. This year, we're excited to bring Spring Art Week to a digital format so students can safely watch demonstration videos from their classrooms. Check gjartcenter.org for more information or call Rachel Egelston at 970-243-7337 ext 7.
Teen Council The Art Center is starting a Teen Council which will create a space for young people to share their voices and opinions with The Art Center. High school students from across the valley will meet twice a month to immerse themselves in exhibitions, plan programs for teens, meet local artists and cultivate a creative community. Meetings will be the first and third Thursday of the month from 4:15pm to 6:15pm. Council is scheduled to start May 6. Facilitated by local university studio art major students. Check gjartcenter.org for more details. If interested, contact Rachel Egelston, regelston@gjartcenter.org, 970-243-7337 x 7. 24 | YOUTH & TEEN
Teen Studio Art Workshops Expand your creativity and artistic awareness, build your portfolio, or simply spend time with peers and professional artists. Monday – Friday, 12:30-4:30pm Tuition: $67 member / $72 non-member per week, per student All materials provided June 14- 18: Instructor TBA, Ages 13 and up Essential Drawing and Painting Techniques: This workshop is perfect for teens looking to develop the foundational skills of drawing and painting. Teens will use their observational skills and gain familiarity with diverse media (such as graphite, charcoal, and acrylics) through drawing exercises that may include gesture drawings, blind contours, and contour drawings. Linear perspective, color theory, and building form with light and shadow will also be covered as teens render their artistic creations.
June 28-July 2: Instructor TBA, Ages 15 and up Watercolor Exploration: Watercolor is a classic painting medium that builds upon drawing skills while also incorporating color theory. The foundations of watercolor painting and color mixing will be explored as teens are introduced to a variety of techniques, including basic washes, layering of paints, and how to create strong compositions with the interplay of dark and light values.
July 12-16: Instructor Brooke Safken-Bartholomew (Instructor at Colorado Mesa University, MA Illustration), Ages 14 and up Learn how to draw heroes, villains, monsters, and props for comic books and manga! This workshop covers basic anatomy, style, and idea generation through step-by-step instructions.
July 26-30: Instructor TBA, Ages 15 and up Experimental Fashion: Teens will explore traditional and nontraditional fashion design, including sketching concepts, and bring them to fruition, making anything from everyday clothing items to cosplay. Multiple sewing and fabricating techniques will be covered while teens create wearable art. COVID-19 Precautions on page 18
TEEN | 25
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS in
RED DOOR & STUDIO COLORADO We are working hard to ensure your safety as we continue classes in Red Door and Studio Colorado. Below are the things we will do for you: • Tables (and students) are limited to 5 at a time. Chairs are 6 feet apart. • We will supply gloves for those who want them. To ensure we are all safe, we need your help with the following: • EVERYONE must wear a mask at all times while in the classrooms. • Procedures will be in place to clean tools and environment between use. We will update this list as new information is received. Our primary focus is your safety.
Summer Registration Opens Tuesday, April 27, at 9am 26 | WORKSHOPS
Go Big or Go Home
A series of summer workshops with Gayle Gerson $75 member / $110 non-member per workshop Collage On/Collage Off Saturday & Sunday, June 12 & 13, 10am-2pm Create a decollage artwork in large-format (20" x 30" or larger). Techniques include mindful layering of a related collection of collage elements and tearing off to reveal meaning and composition.
Layered Landscape Saturday & Sunday, July 17 & 18, 10am-2pm Create a large format landscape (20" x 30" or larger) using painted papers and found images in a series of layers.
Abstraction in Mixed Media Saturday & Sunday, August 21 & 22, 10am-2pm Create a large format abstract artwork (20" x 30" or larger) using bits and pieces of papers and found images. Particular attention will be paid to principles of design and composition.
Gayle Gerson WORKSHOPS | 27
Rhythms in Nature
A Ceramic Workshop Presented by Ceramic Artist Noel Bailey October 2-3, 9am-4pm Lecture and slideshow October 3, 4-5pm Watch simple thrown forms emerge into fluid, organic, and elegant wares during this two-day demonstration workshop with Noel Bailey. We'll investigate the intimate details of mugs, explore asymmetry in serving platters and bowls, and dive into the intricacies of teapots. We'll use a framework of function to inform our discussions of design. We'll jump into the making process with coil-and-pinch additions, carving and darting subtractions, and hand-built handles. We'll persuade round forms into ovals, carve feet and lips, impress linear stamps into undulating curves, all while considering how influences, ideas, and identity are woven into a body of work.
Artist Statement I am a potter. I am in love with the material and the process. My practice and ideas evolve through making. My work is strongly influenced by the natural environment that I live and play in, with the various forms and processes associated with water composing a central, resounding theme. I am drawn to serene, fluid, and graceful forms, which I find abundant in vertical ice and water-carved rock. What fascinates me are the rhythms of freeze and flux, ebb and flow, erosion and deposition. My process engages these transformational cycles; the resulting dynamic surfaces convey a narrative of movement and change.
Noel Bailey 28 | WORKSHOPS
Sketchbooking
Matt Jones Wednesdays, 4 - 7pm, May 26 – July 21 Meets in Downtown Grand Junction $150 member / $190 non-member Come early and grab a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or a pint of beer before class and join us downtown to embrace the art of drawing and painting through sketchbooking. This course focuses on the art of sketching and journaling as a way of recording your experiences. Each class will be held downtown and meet outside of Kiln Coffee. Students will be provided, via email, with a prompt, quote, and insightful advice for advancing their drawing skills while enhancing their ability of seeing the beauty of things in their environment that may otherwise go unnoticed. Students will meet up after each drawing session for the last 30 minutes of class to share their experiences and sketches with one another.
Communicating the Poetry of Landscape Loren Eakins Tuesdays 4- 8pm, May 25 – July 20 $150 member / $190 non-member
The landscape is complex and ever-changing, from blindingly bright to the deepest of darks. It is constantly in motion; some features last for eons, while others for seconds. And yet our eye makes sense of it, interpreting the path of rivers, the circles of hawks or the first of the monsoon storms pouring over the horizon. Our eyes do this in specific ways, and these ways are fundamental to the visual language. This will be a fairly open plein air class, with minimal instruction. While all mediums are welcome, many of the demonstrations will be done in watercolor or oil. Locations for each class will be sent via email from the Instructor of this course.
CLASSES | 29
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS in
THE CERAMICS STUDIO We are working hard to ensure your safety as we continue classes in the ceramics studio. Below are the things we will do for you: • Wheels (and students) are limited to 5 at a time. Wheels are 6 feet apart. • We will have adequate paper towels in case you don’t want to use a towel. • All wheels, handles, doorknobs, and tables will be cleaned between classes. • We will supply gloves for those who want them. To ensure we are all safe, we need your help with the following: • EVERYONE must wear a mask at all times while in the studio. • Aprons and towels are available, but we ask that you choose one and “make it your own” for now. Please take aprons and towels home and clean them there. • Procedures will be in place to clean tools, sponges, and bats between use. • Signups for Open Studio will be conducted through SignUp Genius. You will receive an email with a link when classes start.
30 | CERAMICS
We will update this list as new information is received. Our primary focus is your safety.
Fundamentals in Wheelthrowing Beginner/Intermediate $230 member / $270 non-member All sessions of Fundamentals require a basic pottery toolkit and include Raku, a fun and quick firing technique.
Ashtonn Means Mondays 6:30-9:30pm, May 24 – July 26, skipping May 31 Tuesdays 1-4pm, May 25 – July 20 This course is designed for both beginning and intermediate students. The projects and demonstrations will be geared toward the skill level and interest of each student. Throughout this course students will learn techniques for wheel-throwing and glaze application, while forming a strong understanding of materials and firing practices associated with the medium. We will discuss in detail, during demonstrations and projects, the design principles for functional pottery, the fundamentals of form and form alteration, as well as aesthetic surface design techniques. Beginners will be encouraged to focus on bowls, cups, and mugs as a method for gaining comfortability with the materials. Intermediate students can continue to explore these basic forms or stretch their abilities with more complex forms and techniques. Instructor email: potterybyashtonn@gmail.com
Ashtonn Means CERAMICS | 31
Fundamentals in Wheelthrowing Robbie Breaux Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm, June 3 – July 29 This course is for both beginner and intermediate students. Beginners focus on simple forms (mugs with handles and bowls), 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, May 25 – July 20 Escape into the world of clay. Students learn the basics of handbuilding, then dive into the skills needed to throw fundamental forms which have been used through the ages. At times Gary will provide prethrown pots for students to practice glazing. Come relax and tap into your right brain. Instructor email: garyartc@gmail.com
Terry Shepherd Thursdays 1-4pm, May 27 – July 22 Notebook required 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 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. Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org 32 | CERAMICS
Intermediate Wheelthrowing Terry Shepherd Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, May 26 – July 21 $230 member / $270 non-member Notebook required 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 such as 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
All Levels Hand-building Robbie Breaux Fridays 1-4pm, June 4 – July 30 $230 member / $270 non-member Use slabs of clay to make beautiful artwork. We’ll focus on functional ware – mugs, casseroles, bowls, etc. Various hand-building techniques, surface treatments, and glazing will also be discussed. Students with prior knowledge in clay will have freedom to work on personal projects. Instructor email: chuckrobbiebreaux@gmail.com
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Advanced Wheelthrowing Terry Shepherd Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm, May 26 – July 21 $230 member / $270 non-member Notebook required 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, May 28 – July 23 $230 member / $270 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 instructor-guided projects, or immediately begin sculpting from your own ideas. Some tools are available, but students are encouraged to bring their own as well. Instructor email: roncloyd@gmail.com 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 Summer registration opens Tuesday, April 27
Students must register three days before the start of a class to secure a spot.
Registration: Registration can within 14 days of the start of the
class or workshop. If you register 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 Payment: Payment can be upcoming classes, ensuring you made by American Express, Visa, receive ample notice if a class has Mastercard, Discover, check, insufficient registration. or cash. Class space will not be reserved without full payment. Art Supplies: Supply lists Please be aware that classes require for each class are available on a minimum number of students our website. Unless otherwise and are subject to cancellation. specified, the student is responsible The best way to ensure that the for purchasing art supplies. Some class you are interested in does supplies are available at The Art not get canceled is to register Center Gift Gallery. early, and don’t forget to urge a Tuition for ceramics classes friend to sign up! includes one, 25-lb. bag of clay Cancellation Policy: To cancel and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing a class or workshop registration, (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 notify The Art Center at least cents/cu. in.) Ceramics students 14 days before the start of the will need a pottery tool kit, not class or workshop. If given the covered by tuition and available required 14-day notice, The Art from The Art Center Gift Gallery Center will issue class credit in for $20.99 plus tax. full or will refund your payment minus the registration fee ($15 Need-based scholarships are for adults and $5 for children). available. Visit our website’s No refunds or class credit will scholarships page for more be issued for cancellations made information! be 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, TuesdaySaturday 9am-4pm.
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1803 N 7th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501
Volume 6, Issue 3 Summer 2021 NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PA I D GRAND JCT, CO PERMIT 162
