News
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Tonight's First Friday at The Art Center opens three new exhibits and continues its successful kite exhibit, “Color the Wind.”
Opening in the Artrium is “See the Faces and Hear the Voices of Our Homeless.” In collaboration with HomewardBound, photographer Stevan Maxwell and production assistant Robin Maxwell put together a multimedia exhibit with pictures and voice recordings of some of Mesa County's homeless.
“In June of 2010, I was asked to photograph the homeless population at the HomewardBound shelter in Grand Junction. My son, Robin Maxwell, and I recorded approximately 27 individuals and families. The stories individuals hear have been edited down in length for exhibit listening. Our interview technique consisted of three questions: What led to your homelessness? What is it like to live in a shelter? How do you feel people perceive you? The interviews turned out to be cathartic in nature as many experienced grief and tears as they relived their lives. The last question in the process was particularly potent in this regard,” said Stevan Maxwell.
In the Gould Gallery, “Firestorm!,” opens featuring clay art by members of the Junction Clay Arts Guild (JCAG). This group exhibit offers a variety of visual forms, technique and artistic perspective that is sure to increase the viewer's knowledge of and appreciation for the clay arts. This exhibit features functional work as well as sculpture and pottery as fine art.
JCAG has been in existence since 2001. In the 10 years since its inception, membership has grown to about 40 active members ranging from novice to full-time professional artists. Growth in the group has brought in members from areas as far away as Montrose, Ouray, Silt and Collbran.
The North Gallery contains “Challenge and Gratitude” sponsored by Grand Valley art lover Jean Ogle. This is an introspective solo exhibit by well-known Ouray artist Ann Dettmer.
“I spent several years opening to myself, exploring new creative avenues as well as established ones here in Colorado, my home,” Dettmer said. “Then, late in 2008, I traveled to my family's ancestral farm in Iowa, cared for my mother during her final time and, after, started to learn anew how to care for myself...and life,” she said.
“So, the work in this show reflects my time in Iowa, my return to ‘my' beloved mountains, my deepening conviction of the connecting thread running through all things, and the sacredness of each moment. It is varied and heartfelt.”
Dettmer's work has always been autobiographical. She seems to have a direct link from heart, through brush and paint, to canvas. Respected by collectors and peers nationwide, her work explores a broad range of subject matter with strength and openness while maintaining the unique vision and underlying mystery for which she has become known. She has received numerous awards, been the subject of many articles, and is featured in Ann Templeton's book “Color and Beyond.”
Continuing in Studio Colorado is the immensely popular “Color the Wind: Works of Wonder from Airworks Studio.” This one-of-a-kind kite show will be up at The Art Center through Sept. 24.
“Wonderous!” “Fantastic!” and “Stupendous show” are just some of the comments received in the month since it opened.
As always, First Friday is free and open to the public. The night will feature a cash wine bar, hors d'oeuvres and music by Rebecca Maley. For more information, visit www.gjartcenter.org or call 243-7337.
Opening in the Artrium is “See the Faces and Hear the Voices of Our Homeless.” In collaboration with HomewardBound, photographer Stevan Maxwell and production assistant Robin Maxwell put together a multimedia exhibit with pictures and voice recordings of some of Mesa County's homeless.
“In June of 2010, I was asked to photograph the homeless population at the HomewardBound shelter in Grand Junction. My son, Robin Maxwell, and I recorded approximately 27 individuals and families. The stories individuals hear have been edited down in length for exhibit listening. Our interview technique consisted of three questions: What led to your homelessness? What is it like to live in a shelter? How do you feel people perceive you? The interviews turned out to be cathartic in nature as many experienced grief and tears as they relived their lives. The last question in the process was particularly potent in this regard,” said Stevan Maxwell.
In the Gould Gallery, “Firestorm!,” opens featuring clay art by members of the Junction Clay Arts Guild (JCAG). This group exhibit offers a variety of visual forms, technique and artistic perspective that is sure to increase the viewer's knowledge of and appreciation for the clay arts. This exhibit features functional work as well as sculpture and pottery as fine art.
JCAG has been in existence since 2001. In the 10 years since its inception, membership has grown to about 40 active members ranging from novice to full-time professional artists. Growth in the group has brought in members from areas as far away as Montrose, Ouray, Silt and Collbran.
The North Gallery contains “Challenge and Gratitude” sponsored by Grand Valley art lover Jean Ogle. This is an introspective solo exhibit by well-known Ouray artist Ann Dettmer.
“I spent several years opening to myself, exploring new creative avenues as well as established ones here in Colorado, my home,” Dettmer said. “Then, late in 2008, I traveled to my family's ancestral farm in Iowa, cared for my mother during her final time and, after, started to learn anew how to care for myself...and life,” she said.
“So, the work in this show reflects my time in Iowa, my return to ‘my' beloved mountains, my deepening conviction of the connecting thread running through all things, and the sacredness of each moment. It is varied and heartfelt.”
Dettmer's work has always been autobiographical. She seems to have a direct link from heart, through brush and paint, to canvas. Respected by collectors and peers nationwide, her work explores a broad range of subject matter with strength and openness while maintaining the unique vision and underlying mystery for which she has become known. She has received numerous awards, been the subject of many articles, and is featured in Ann Templeton's book “Color and Beyond.”
Continuing in Studio Colorado is the immensely popular “Color the Wind: Works of Wonder from Airworks Studio.” This one-of-a-kind kite show will be up at The Art Center through Sept. 24.
“Wonderous!” “Fantastic!” and “Stupendous show” are just some of the comments received in the month since it opened.
As always, First Friday is free and open to the public. The night will feature a cash wine bar, hors d'oeuvres and music by Rebecca Maley. For more information, visit www.gjartcenter.org or call 243-7337.
GO&DO
WHAT: First Friday at The Art Center
WHEN: Fri., Sept. 2 — 6:30 p.m. gallery talk; 7-9 reception WHERE: 1803 N. Seventh St. COST: Free, open to the public INFO: 970-243-7337 |
FIRST FRIDAY ELSEWHERE AROUND THE VALLEY
Grand Valley Books350 Main St., 424-5437
Will be featuring nine Bev Doolittle prints for sale from a private collection. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will benefit The Art Center. Also continuing the landscape photography of Frank McDaniels. Reception: 6-10 p.m.
Planet Wines
420 Main St., 424-5432
Will display the works of award-winning artists David and Maggie Cook. Come meet the artists and enjoy a wine tasting from 5-9 p.m.!
The Margery Building Gallery
523-1/2 Main St., upstairs, 712-2552
Original paintings and giclee prints by David and Nealy Riley, and oil paintings by Brenden Smith. Ceramics and pottery art by Kris Dille. La Puerta Dance Studio Salsa lesson at 7 p.m.; dance party from 8 to 10 p.m.
Hang Ups Gallery
209 Colorado Ave., 245-7949
Stop by and see the oil paintings of John Lintott and the landscape photography of Rob Kurtzman. John will be painting throughout the evening. Hours: 5-9 p.m.
The Raw Canvas
755 Rood Ave., 985-9649
The Raw Canvas Working Artist Gallery is celebrating its one year anniversary with “PAPER: Remembering a Year!” Hours: 6-10 p.m.
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OPENINGS ON SEPT. 10
Great Frame Up
2518 Broadway (near Redlands Albertson's), 242-7666
Will host Gail Huddelston and Sharon Cole: oil, watercolor and acrylic. Reception Saturday, Sept. 10, 1-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Fusion Framing and Gallery
565 25 Road #105, 243-6712
Continuing exhibit of from photographers of Grand Junction. Decorative framed art on sale for 50% off. Reception: Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Frame Depot
529 Bogart Lane (near Sam's Club), 245-6999
Opens the employee's exhibit featuring the artwork of Brenden Smith, Chantile Pearmain and Jan Falter. Reception: Saturday, Sept. 10, 1-4 p.m. Wine and refreshments will be served.
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CLOSING RECEPTION ON SEPT. 23
Art Gallery at Colorado Mesa University Center
1100 North Ave., 248-1833
Featuring “Ornament/Armament,” an exhibition of fine art printmaking by CSU graduate art students Laura Grossett and Scott R. Lenaway. Runs now through Sept. 23. A public lecture is set for 2-4:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, in the Fine Arts Building, FA-201.
The closing reception is planned for 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23.
