3 posts tagged “exhibition”

Lambertville, New Jersey's fine art scene is riddled with purists and traditionalists. If you're in the market for a watercolor painting of a farmhouse created en plein air or an oil on panel depicting flora and fauna, then this is your town ... and the time to visit is now. The Artsbridge 13th Annual Juried Show, a self-proclaimed assemblage of the area's most prominent artists, is opening at Riverrun Gallery on Saturday, June 30. The reception is from 6 to 9 p.m.

The show, albeit painting heavy, fairly represents and celebrates the energy of this river region. Unfortunately, that energy mostly encourages passive viewing. Yes, the displayed works are admittedly pretty and soothing -- often depicting that ideal escapism that most people, including myself, seek -- but the majority of the show falls short of challenging or inspiring the viewer. Then again, perhaps the viewer would be most pleased with an unchallenging piece of art that matches the couch?

Of the 105 included works, I'd like to tell you about 3 truly standout pieces. I'm sad to say that none of these works received awards or recognition from the selection committee, so artists, if you see this, know that somebody out there loved your stuff.

(1) Ann Calandro, "A" My Name is Annie

Using various combinations of plain and textured paper, ink, pencil, acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal, fabric, ribbon, small objects and non-digital photographs, Ann has masterfully created a well-composed cityscape. This mixed/media collage is just bustling, and beautifully marries the real and imaginary.

(2) Woody Carter, Seated Nude

Charcoal is one of my favorite mediums -- it can be an absolute disaster to work with and easily distributes itself wherever it can -- but when controlled, as is the case with Woody's contribution to the exhibit, it can be effectively beautiful. This is also an example of negative space lending to good design; the tones have been reversed so the subject itself is blank while the space around it is completely shaded.

(3) Reny Willoughby, Reproduction of Zircen

This work is experimental pottery at it's finest and firmly helps to re-establish ceramics as a fine art medium. The burnt bulbous body of Reny's work gives way to 7 mouths, each with it's own varying degree of openness. Five of the passages are obstructed with white, egg-like nuggets, while the remaining 2 allow for internal examination. I might not be able to tell you what this all means, but take my word for it: this is a remarkable piece.

Enjoy the show, folks.

Kick off your weekend and tickle your anarchic sensibilities with a visit to Francis Naumann Fine Art, 22 East 80th in New York City. The five-person show called Conceptual Objects includes recent pieces by John Goodyear -- a real revolutionary whose work consistently challenges the status quo and opens up new ways for us to see. This spectacular show is up through July 13.

And Saturday is gonna be a fun night too, kids, 'cause there are two hot shows opening locally.

First up: The 15th Annual Photographic Exhibition at Phillips' Mill in New Hope, PA. The theme, as always, is a celebration of photography as art and photographer as artist, which simply means that there are no limitations on subject matter. What makes this exhibit most interesting to me is that all processes are usually represented -- black & white, color and mixed media; in standard, historic, experimental and digital processes. And even though it's a local show, it attracts a far greater group of artists -- usually spanning the U.S. map.

This year's work was chosen by photographers, Peter C. Cook and Ernestine Ruben, and artist/curator, Ann Ridings. No easy task, I'm sure, since the number of submissions usually topple over 1000 and exhibit space is limited to around 170.  

The opening party starts at 5 and runs 'til 8 p.m. If you can't make it then, you've got through June 10th, 2007. Gallery hours: Sun., Wed., Thurs. 1-5 p.m., Fri., Sat. 1-9 p.m. (215) 862-0582

Also up on Saturday: Works by Anne Cooper Dobbins at Riverrun Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. The paintings to be on view include bold portraits, abstract animals, and flowers. Don't expect typical Lambertville en plein air fare -- Anne's work is adventurous and edgy and a real treat for those who are tired of looking at watercolor covered bridges.

Reception is 6-9 p.m. and you have through June 17th to peep this show. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (closed Tues.), noon-5 p.m. Sun. (609) 397-3349

Ellarslie Mansion, home of the Trenton City Museum, is offering up the best of the best and then some in the Ellarslie Open XXV and Salon des Refuses. Of the 466 entries (that's a 64% increase over last year's submissions), 112 were selected for our viewing pleasure. Another 54 can be seen in the 2nd floor salon-style space.

"Obliged to refuse three for each piece selected and then to split the balance of those selected between upstairs and downstairs, these judgments are -- by definition -- like the art they judge, nothing more or less than a point of view," writes Frank Rivera, the lone juror of the Open and professor emeritus, Mercer County Community College.

The exhibit still reads like a "Who's Who" of the New Jersey art scene, including works by notable locals Charles McVicker, Robert Sakson, Anne Cooper Dobbins, and Todd Baldwin.

This year's Open offers up great variety and is sure to satisfy every taste. It's on view through June 24th -- go see for yourself.

Trenton City Museum, Cadwalader Park, West State Street and Parkside Avenue, Trenton. Museum hours: Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. (609) 989-3632.