2015 Members Exhibit: Reflections of Jurying Day

Hello!  My name is Virginia and I’m a college student who is interning here at ACA for a few weeks to learn about community arts and gallery work.  On my first day at ACA I watched Erin Becker, the Director of the Cambridge Art Association, jury the 2015 Members Exhibit.

When Erin first walked into the room, there was art everywhere you looked, leaning against the walls and covering all the tables and pedestals.  Just scanning the room you could see the wealth of talent and mass of hard work each artist put into each submission. After walking around the room slowly, Erin began to pull art– taking a few pieces here, a few there.  Occasionally she would ask if two pieces, works that had a similar style, were made by the same artist.  I think she did not want one voice or perspective to be over-represented.   Most of the time though she worked quietly, going with her gut on what felt right and what didn’t quite fit.  Several works she would pick up carry to the other side of the room only to be moved again a few minutes later.   Despite the constant changes, there was a method to her decisions.  As Erin continued to pull works, groups began to appear.  She placed pieces with similar color schemes and textures closer together to see how they talked to one another.  There was a mix of media represented in any given group: a photograph next to a pastel drawing, next to a sculpture and yet it made sense.

As Erin chose work and grouped them together, she sometimes thought aloud.  She would ask Pam about the configuration of the room, whether some works would be too crowded in a corner.  By the time she finished the hundred-plus works were reduced to fifty-two.  What was left was a great collection of work with no extraneous pieces, the jurying was complete.   Speaking as an artist who often gets caught-up in my own work, I found it really beneficial to witness the consolidation and placement decisions.  I got to see how a show incorporates one artist’s work and actually enhances it by juxtaposing it with the work of others. Overall, I am really happy with how the show turned out and look forward to seeing everyone’s reactions this Friday!

Featured Artist: Gloria Calderón-Sáenz

There is an environmental meaning in what I do, but there is also a metaphor about the river:  the impermanent place where our collective dreams merge and embrace transformation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   –Gloria Calderón-Sáenz 

 

Patterns of Creation by Gloria Calderón-Sáenz

It is easy to see Calderón-Sáenz’s deep attachment to the landscapes and dreams that she depicts.  The deeply detailed and organic carved patterns of her two dimensional work are elegant and meandering, at the same time that her painting is bold and expressive.

In the work, Patterns of Creation, the viewer has to lean close to see what marks are brushstrokes and which are carved from the panel.  A bird’s eye view, it’s easy to feel as if one is sweeping over a landscape in a dream.  The work is delicate and the stylized scene seems completely removed from human error or footprint, adding to the perception of a dreamlike ideal.

Rivers of Blood by Gloria Calderón-Sáenz

Rivers of Blood is also surreal, but entirely different.  Very abstract, the piece seems more rooted in reality, or at least, in another type of dream than Patterns of Creation.  Whereas that is a Utopian ideal without humans or animals, Rivers of Blood is entirely of this world.  Though the piece is not a print, it has the graphic composition and linear quality often seen in woodblock prints, where the color sits above the carved lines in the block.  Because of this quality, the artist’s hand and human interaction is much more present.

The Source by Gloria Caleron-Saenz

The Source is currently on view in the Gibbs Gallery.  It began its life as part of huge tree in Arlington Heights.  When the tree was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Calderón-Sáenz brought home a segment of a hollow branch.  The tree was left to dry until the artist returned from hiking in the Andes where she saw a place where a small lake feeds a river and that spot inspired the carving.

Calderón Sáenz is an Arlington-based artist; her studio is located at Arlington Center for the Arts.  Her work will be on view in the Gibbs Gallery in the Elements: Images of Arlington until May 16, 2014.

You can see more of her work at http://www.gloriacalderonsaenz.com/index.php

small works – jurying day with lorraine sullivan

We always love it when Lorraine Sullivan visits ACA, but November 18 was especially special – it was jurying day for ACA’s annual members show.  Over 200 pieces were submitted, and though they were small (all measuring under 12″ x 12″), Lorraine had a big task to whittle down the entries to highlight the very best for ACA’s annual members exhibit in the Gibbs Gallery.

Here’s what Lorraine had to say about the show:

I would like to start by thanking the Arlington Center for the Arts for giving me the opportunity to act as juror for this exhibit.  

I want to thank all the artists who submitted such an array of images and objects, demonstrating their work in a wide variety of media and their sincere love of art making.

over 200 pieces were submitted to this years members show

I was grateful that the theme of this show was Small Works as I had 206 pieces of work to move around. This condensed size restriction made life easier for me but presented the artists submitting work with a unique and demanding issue – that of scale. Most people work larger and continuing to work in their own style and use the materials that they are most comfortable with while restricting themselves to such a small format was no small feat.

The work was diverse, compelling and fresh. The pieces draw the viewer in to get a closer look and reward them with a glimpse of the artists’ personal and unique vision.  Some pieces are simply lovely, some poignant while others are just plain funny. Stylistically the work ranges from barely contained, high energy pieces to methodically executed works of art.

considering pieces for the 2D juror’s prize…

Congratulations to the three award winners for their exceptional contributions to this outstanding show.

(Note: winners will be announced at the opening reception on Thursday, Dec 5, 7:30-9:00 – join us!)

Thanks to Linda Shoemaker for inviting me to this dance and sticking with me as I carefully reviewed every entry.

considering her choices for the 3D prize…

Thanks to Pam Shanley for providing everything I needed and hauling it around on her dolly.

This exhibit is a celebration of the diverse talents of our exciting local arts community and it was a genuine pleasure for me to be part of it.

Lorraine and Dan hanging the show

See some of the artwork in our preview slideshow.

Emily Malin: watercolor artist gives a glimpse into the worlds of fruit, flowers, and (a little bit of) her own remarkable journey as an artist

Emily Malin is a remarkable watercolor artist who has confronted challenges beyond the imaginations of most of us, but has persevered to create a remarkable body of artwork, which is now on display in the Tufts Street Community Gallery of the Arlington Center for the Arts.

Emily will host a reception for her show on Friday, August 23, from 5-7pm in the Tufts Street Gallery, on the 2nd floor of the Arlington Center for the Arts.  Please join us to celebrate a very special artist!

Emily Malin’s watercolor fruits and flowers bring a playful, joyful exuberance to the Tufts Street Community Gallery, Summer 2013

Through her watercolors, Emily provides insight into the lives of fruit, flowers, trees and animals that most of us cannot imagine. Through Emily’s artwork we find a way to let a vegetable cheer us up (as in “Beet”ing the Blues), see the wonder of a piece of fruit (as in Magnificent Mango), and enjoy the simple beauty that surrounds us. All these things Emily sees, feels and puts into her art for us to enjoy.

Emily Malin, artist

Emily’s artwork is more remarkable still given that she produces it despite a severe neurological impairment. At the age of 11, when, for most of us, the future holds nothing but promise and the days hold only leisure and an absence of worry, Emily began to show signs of the illness that would eventually lead to a life confined to a wheelchair.

Unable to speak, and with little control over the right side of her body, Emily has, for more than two decades, faced challenges that would overwhelm the best of us. Not content to survive, Emily sought out her passion and early on found that she had a talent (at the prodding of an insightful art teacher) – a talent that manifested itself when she picked up a brush.

Emily Malin, Sunflower

For more than 15 years now (about as long as she has been living on her own), Emily has been painting. Her work has hung in coffee houses, in galleries and at exhibits. She founded Emily Enterprises (which she operates with the assistance of her mother, Diane Malin) in 1998. Emily Enterprises produces, markets and sells her artwork in the form of Iris prints and note cards.

Emily’s work will be on display in the Tufts Street Gallery at the Arlington Center for the Arts through August 30, 2013.

For more information, visit Emily Malin online.

Emily Malin, Three Pretty Persimmons

Images of Arlington 5th grade artists honored at the State House

This summer, anyone visiting Senator Ken Donnelly’s office at the Massachusetts State House will be treated to an exhibit of 30+ works of art by Arlington 5th graders, part of the Arlington Center for the Arts’ annual “Kids Images of Arlington” exhibit, now in its 8th year.

Each year, all 400+ 5th graders in the Arlington public schools create artwork depicting something unique about the town.  The artwork is displayed in a massive exhibit that fills all three floors of the Arlington Center for the Arts building.

A small subset of the students’ artwork is selected to go on display at the State House in Senator Donnelly’s offices.

Last week, the Senator hosted the students in a special reception in their honor, and took the kids on a private tour of the State House.

Several of the 5th grade “Images of Arlington” artists posing with Senator Ken Donnelly in a special reception in their honor.

Donnelly loves the tradition – whenever he has visitors to his offices – other Senators and Representatives, or constituents from his district, he says he loves showing off the artwork, which depicts so many landmarks and special places in Arlington.

The kids had a special private tour of the State House, including this visit to the Senate chambers, where they learned a secret about what many Senators keep in their desk drawers.. (think chocolate…!)

The President of Peru happened to be visiting the State House that afternoon. We saw his motorcade drive by from this beautiful vantage point overlooking the front lawn!

Thank you Senator Donnelly for honoring our young artists and for your support for the arts and culture in our communities!

 

See more of the “Kids Images of Arlington” artwork in our online slideshow…

ACA Annual Meeting – ACA Celebrates!

In case you missed ACA’s 2012 Annual Meeting, here are a few of the sights and sounds from a wonderful night celebrating the artists and art-lovers who enrich our community all year long…

Gallery Opening for “Marvelous Journeys and Unexpected Adventures,” featuring 50+ ACA member artists. Juried by Lauren O’Neal, director of the Lamont Gallery at Philips Exeter Academy, and former Executive Director of the Arlington Center for the Arts.

Five Juror’s Award winners were recognized for their artistry and resonance with the “Marvelous Journeys” theme. From left to right: Margo Cooper, Lauren O’Neal-juror, John Budzyna-Executive Director of ACA, Jeanne-Marie Crede, Dan Cianfarini, Gloria Calderon-Saenz, Connie Chamberlain.

Presentation of the 2012 Alan McClennen Community Arts Award to Adria Arch and Don Benjamin for their leadership of Arlington Public Art. APA’s first large-scale project, the Spy Pond Mural, was completed this fall. Congratulations Adria and Don!

Volunteer Recognition – Volunteers help make ACA a vibrant and exciting place for the Arts! This year, Morgan Jackson and Melanie Wisner went above and beyond to help out at ACA – thank you Morgan and Melanie!!

Many thanks to Dan Fox and all the players from Dan’s Morningside Studio Jazz Ensemble for their music all night long!

One favorite moment from the evening – artist and ACA Board Member Gwen Chasan (left) poses with her friend Melanie, who was the model for Gwen’s beautiful “Painting in Provence” on display, just behind them in the gallery!

Arlington singer Louise Grasmere, former ACA Communications Assistant Lindsey Schust, Member Artist Grace Schust, and ACA Studio Artist Connie Chamberlain, in front of Grace Schust’s new painting, “Surfacing.”

See more photos of the night on our Flickr Page.

Support ACA’s programs all year long with a gift to our 25th anniversary annual fund.

Video Blog: Favorite Moments & Memories of 2012

As 2012 draws to a close, we revisit some of our favorite moments and memories of 2012…

Enjoy!!

Arlington Open Studios 2012 – the best yet!

Thanks to everyone who made Arlington Open Studios 2012 the best yet – Artists, Visitors, Volunteers, everybody – we can’t do it without you!

We heard so many great comments this year about the quality & variety of our artists and awesome musicians, the delicious food from our friends at Arlington’s flora restaurant , and the happy, fun, community vibe and spirit of the whole weekend.

Here’s a few of our favorite photos from the weekend:

Howard Lizotte’s encaustic paintings and Gloria Jewel Leitner’s photographs made the Atrium pop with vibrant color.

The Wicked Pickers performing their unique blend of jazz/swing/bluegrass & country music… a great sound and a fun soundtrack for Open Studios on Saturday!

Grace Schust (far left) came all the way from New Hampshire to participate in AOS. The paint on her brand new piece, “Surfacing,” was still drying the night before Open Studios!

Viewing all that artwork makes you hungry! Luckily, Arlington’s flora restaurant was on the scene, with Bob Sargent’s legendary flora faire!

The lovely Eileen deRosas with her beautiful ceramics. The next day, Eileen was off to Viet Nam for an artist residency – congratulations Eileen!

Batik artist Leora Mallach explaining the batik process to some Arlington Open Studios visitors.

A vibrant, seasonal display of pumpkin artwork by Lisa O’Connell.

Everyone got into the art-making act in our “Big Draw” room, joining up with “The Big Draw” Festival, celebrating drawing around the world with events all through October.

Arlington’s favorite Greek potter, Mike Stratatkis gave entertaining pottery wheel demos in the Gibbs Gallery. Does Mike look familiar? Maybe you know him from his “day job,” running My Brother’s Place Pizza on Broadway in Arlington!

The next big ceramics artist…! This little gal had a blast at Arlington Open Studios!

There’s more!
See the whole Arlington Open Studios Slideshow online.

We hope to see you for next year’s event, always the third weekend in October!

Kids’ “Images of Arlington” exhibit on display at the Mass State House

Senator Ken Donnelly loves Arlington – he grew up here, raised his children here, and now represents the town in the Massachusetts Senate.

Senator Ken Donnelly with one of the “Images of Arlington” Artists

So when Senator Donnelly and his staffers heard about ACA’s annual Kids’ Images of Arlington exhibit featuring artwork by all the town’s 5th graders, they wanted to help get the artwork seen – and for the second year in a row, highlights of the exhibit are now on view in the Senator’s offices at the State House, and will remain on display through the end of the summer.

At the State House reception for the Images of Arlington artists and their families, hosted by Senator Ken Donnelly, with special guests Sean Garballey and Jay Kaufman.

At a special reception for the young artists last month, Donnelly thanked the students for sharing their artwork, saying the drawings and paintings of the town help show people all the special things about Arlington, and help him convey the spirit of the Arlington community.

Visiting the Senate Chambers on the State House tour with Senator Donnelly

Before the reception, Senator Donnelly took the students and their families on a private tour of the State House, where we also met up with Arlington Representatives Sean Garballey and Jay Kaufman.  We even had a quick greeting from Governor Deval Patrick, which was a special and unexpected treat! 

ACA bling for the Senator! ACA Communications Director Linda Shoemaker, and Executive Director John Budzyna with gifts from the Arlington Center for the Arts.

Want to see more?

More photos from the State House Tour & Reception

Photos of the Award-winning artwork and Gallery Opening in April 2012

Blog Story about the Exhibit

Kids Remembering the Thompson School through Art

Last week, we shared some great moments from the Kids Images of Arlington (IOA) 5th grade art exhibit and opening reception awards ceremony.  Today, I want to share a small subset of images with a big story to tell.

Each year, Arlington’s 5th graders are asked to choose something they think is special or important about Arlington, and then to create a piece of art depicting their own special piece of A-Town.   The children’s artwork is always a wonderful, colorful, exuberant, and sometimes poignant look at the town through the eyes of our kids.

This year, a number of students in the Thompson School district chose to pay tribute to Thompson in their artwork, creating a moving mini-exhibit that marks the end of an era in Arlington.  When the town made the decision to rebuild Thompson, this group of 5th graders were moved to the Bishop School, where they will graduate this spring.  But for many, their hearts are still at Thompson.

Pamina Mejia, “Thompson School.” Pamina says, “Thompson was torn down and I wanted to honor Thompson School in a Special Way.”

Max Fritsch, “Torn Down Thompson.” In his artist statement, Max wrote, “I used to go to Thompson. When I heard it was getting torn down, I grew very sad.”

Nicholas Laroche, “Thompson School.” “Thompson was my old school,” says Nicholas, “and it means a lot to me because I never got to graduate from Thompson.”

Eleanor Leto, “My Side of the Story.” Eleanor says, “I chose this subject because the Thompson School is where I grew up. I have learned to love this school, so I thought I should draw it.”

Ethan Moore, The Awesome Wall of Ye Old Thompson.

Eva Mir, Bus Stop. While not technically a Thompson tribute, Eva captured another change in the neighborhood, saying, “The Bus Stop just started this year.”

Grace Hogan, “Our Beloved Thompson.” “I chose Thompson Elementary because it was my first school before I came to Bishop,” says Grace. “I will never forget anybody who I met there and became good friends with. When Thompson’s rebuilt, I will miss it a lot, but I will be glad they could rebuild it.”

Where the Thompson School once stood, there is now a flat expanse of land waiting for construction to begin.  I haven’t seen plans for the new design, but thanks to these young artists, we’ll always remember the “Old Thompson” and what it meant to its last group of students.

Now in its 7th year, the Kids Images of Arlington Exhibit is a collaboration between the Arlington Center for the Arts and the Fine Arts Department of the Arlington Public Schools.  For more information about the program, please visit our website.