In a slight departure from some of my work, I recently made a book that is at form & concept gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico until November 20, 2021. Many years as a graphic designer led me to book arts which ultimately led me to the work I do now. But I can’t seem to get away from books, words, story. This box which lights up when opened, holds all of that. It’s core is a porcelain tablet with text impressed on the back side. It is not readable without light from behind. Even then, like artifacts, like mysteries, it is challenging. Often when I write or make something I don’t understand what it means and then later something happens that makes it clear. This piece was like that. I have dedicated it to my uncle who is at the cusp between life and death, the greatest mystery of all. You can see the whole piece by following this link.
Share, Learn, Show
The Alliance of OCAC Alumni is hosting the 2021 Alumni Biennale August 20–September 5, 2021 at Oregon Contemporary, 8371 North Interstate Avenue, Portland, Oregon.
In addition to the show there are talks by several participating artists, a panel discussion, and a closing party September 4 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, August 22 from noon to 3:00 p.m., I will be co-leading “Mark Making, Mending, & Meditation: Embroidered Possibilities” a workshop for all levels on alternate ways to think about stitching.
I am very pleased to have two new pieces in this show. OCAC was a formative place for me as both a student and an instructor and showing with other members of this community is an honor and a pleasure. The Opening Party is Friday, August 20 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and I will be giving an artist talk Thursday, September 2 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tieton Arts & Humanities
I have two little guys in a great show in Tieton, Washington called 10x10x10xTieton through October 10. Jump on their website—or if you’re in the neighborhood check out the show in person. My pieces are actually 8 x 8 x 1” in their frames by the way. The work is approximately 6 x 4”. You can see more of it here; I couldn’t stop making them last year. Each one was like a prayer.
Artworks Northwest Biennial Exhibit
I was honored to have a piece selected for this show at Umpqua Valley Arts in Roseburg, Oregon by juror Grace Kook-Anderson. It is one of 85 pieces in this regional show that includes artists from Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, British Columbia, Western Montana and Western Wyoming. The work is part of a new series I have begun that is thinking about where we really come from and to whom and what we are related. The show runs June 11–August 23, 2021.
Summer Small Works Show
The month of July is the Summer Small Works Exhibit at Sager Braudis Gallery, Columbia, MO. I have half a dozen pieces in it—work done during quarantine in a series called The Dissolution of Productivity. Take a look, there are many wonderful things to see. All work is 8 x 8” or less and $500 or less.
Show at Sager Braudis Gallery
As you might remember, I had work accepted in the 40th Annual Paper In Particular show at the Sidney Larson Gallery, Columbia College, Columbia, MO where I received the Exhibition Award. That resulted in a show at the Sager | Braudis Gallery in Columbia which opens in February. I’m very happy to be heading to Missouri for the First Friday celebration February 7. Many thanks to Sager | Braudis Gallery for this opportunity and to RACC for a generous grant in support of it.
Thought Scroll, gouache, graphite on paper, 47 x 18.5”, photo by Mario Galluchi
Brand 47
The Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper “Brand 47” at the Brand Library & Art Center, Glendale, CA opened September 7, 2019 and runs through October 25. The exhibition includes 89 works of art selected by juror Alma Ruiz from over 1,000 submitted. I am very pleased to have been included in this beautiful show.
Paper in Particular
I had work accepted in the 40th Annual Paper In Particular show at the Sidney Larson Gallery, Columbia College, Columbia, MO. The show ran February 25 through April 5, 2019. This was a wonderful opportunity and I was very pleased to have received the exhibition award. Thank you to Columbia College and to the Sager | Braudis Gallery in Columbia. I am excited to work with you on the upcoming show.
The Things We Sit On
A pop-up show at the Bison Gallery, 421 NE Glisan, Portland, Oregon. This one-night group show looking at on what, where, and how we sit id Friday, October 5 starting at 6 pm. Unfortunately, I’ll be at the Hoffman opening, but my piece will be there to hold my place!
Chasing Ghosts III
Show runs October 13 to November 13
October 13 from 6–8 pm is the opening reception at Verum Ultimum Gallery in Portland, Oregon for a group show called Chasing Ghosts III. The show runs through November 13. The piece of mine that is included is part of a new body of work. I’m really excited about this direction. Check it out if you’re out and about.
Cloud Bodies, 2018, gouache, graphite on paper; photo by Dan Kvitka
Word & Image: Writers and Artists in Dialogue
A show highlighting original art and poetry
Show Runs October 5–27, 2018
I am participating in a great project at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita, Oregon. Artists and poets are paired and make new work in response to words and images they have previously made. The artists will share their resulting work with the public at the annual Word & Image event October 5 from 7–9 pm. Paired work is printed on broadsides and exhibited along with the original art in the Hoffman Gallery. If you happen to be at the beach in the next month be sure to check it out.
Deepening Mystery, 2018, plaster, graphite, acrylic on birch panel; photo by Dan Kvitka
Upcoming Workshop
The Dark Moon: Where are we when going through change?
A discussion about the symbolic and concrete skills helpful to work with your evolving art practice
How do you recognize and manage through change in your art practice? These passages can be external situations like moving studios or internal transformation such as getting out of school or finishing a large body of work. This workshop focuses on understanding the process of change and the structures you might need to see your way through transformation—as well as discovering what you might want to take with you from the place you have just been to create a sense of continuity in your work. Preparing yourself for this inevitability or pausing while you’re in its storm, can help you adapt without losing a sense of your purpose or progress. For more information go to Art in Oregon.