First Friday Art Talk at AUG featuring Donna Lynn Caskey
September 3rd 6:30 - 7:00 PM
AU member, Donna Lynn Caskey is a mixed media and performance artist, banjo player, singer, songwriter, poet, and dancer. Donna Lynn will share some performance pieces.
This Art Talk is held in conjunction with Here We Are.. AU members only show
...running though September 12th.
Call to Artists - The Art of the Book 3 exhibit runs from September 18 to October 24
Curator: Inés Monguió
Art Drop Off:
Monday September 13 4:00 -7:00 PM
Tuesday September 14 9:00 AM- Noon
Link to Entry Form
Book art and Artist Books of any form, material or size will be featured, from miniscule to huge. In addition, two-dimensional art with text as an integral part of the piece (not only a graphic element) will also be considered. This year the curator, Inés Monguió, is looking for 2D and/orassemblage work featuring text or representing a story that can be “read” by the viewer.
The Art of the Book exhibit features contemporary, traditional and unusual book art. This includes any three dimensional artwork that uses any book format (from tablets to codex) or a book as the base for the artwork. Two-dimensional artwork should include text as an integral part of its’ composition.
The juror will be Joe Cardella, of Art/Life limited editions. Art/Life was a monthly handmade art and literary journal that was published for 25 years. The journal is in the collections of many museums and collectors internationally. Joe is also an accomplished artist in many forms, including assemblage, sculpture, and photography.
Entries may be mailed, or delivered earlier to the curator. Please contact Inés at monguio@concentric.net for further information.
An Open Letter from the Board of Directors
Dear Fellow Members (and potential members) of the Artists’ Union
A fantastic art opportunity has come our way. Goodwill on Main (formerly the ground floor of Nicholby’s) has offered two Main Street windows as display areas for art by members of the Artists’ Union. The manager of the store visited the gallery during our “Gimme Shelter” exhibit. He was moved, and then inspired to incorporate art into his window displays.
Would you like to have your artwork displayed in large attractive windows fronting Main Street? If so, read on—the Gallery Committee has developed the following guidelines for selection of artists’ work:
1. All artists displayed must be members of the Artists’ Union. Selected artists should be members in good standing who’ve demonstrated their willingness to work in an artists’ cooperative by fulfilling a regular volunteer commitment—such as curating exhibits, gallery sitting, serving on committees, etc.
2. No theme is suggested, but artists should be cognizant of Goodwill as a business and its ongoing needs. Art will be juried in by the Gallery Committee.
3. Participating artists should have proof of insurance or sign a waiver releasing
Goodwill from theft or damage.
4. All art will be available for sale, the Artists’ Union will take its normal 25% commission of which 5% will be passed on to Goodwill as a processing fee.
5. The art will be up four to six weeks. Artists must be willing to promptly retrieve artwork.
6. To submit work send jpegs (for the art you’d like to exhibit) Please include description and dimensions of the piece(s). You can also send window proposals. These are the same as our gallery/exhibit proposals.
We are pleased to be able to offer this as a benefit to our working members. If you are interested, please contact the gallery committee at info@venturaartistsunion.org
Finally, we are grateful to each and every member who volunteers above the minimum level of commitment in order to keep our doors open and our unique artistic gifts available to the community.
We would especially like to thank our Gallery Host Coordinators, Barbara Turner and Alyssa Barber, who work long hours and regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to keep the gallery staffed and open. We hope to hear from many of you soon.
Thank you,
The Board of Directors of the San Buenaventura Artists’ Union
First Friday Art Talks at the Artists' Union Gallery
July 2, 2010 at 6:30 PM
Michele Foster is the director and lead teacher of the Bell Arts Factory Youth Arts Program.
This program is held in conjunction with the current gallery show: In Your Face–an Exhibit of Self-Portraits running through August 1, 2010. As part of the exhibit, self-portraits created by children in the Bell Arts Youth Arts Program will be on display in the Gallery.
Brief Bio:
Michele Foster has been an artist since childhood. She has always enjoyed expressing herself through her art and was one of the founding artists at Santa Barbara Ceramic Design. She works in clay, mosaics, airbrush, paint, computer graphics, and mixed media. Michele is also a passionate domestic violence activist in the community and has incorporated her art to use as a healing tool. Recently, she has become the director and visionary for the non-profit ARTestia, which holds art workshops in the community. Michele is a member of the Working Artists Ventura (WAV) community.
In Your Face–an Exhibit of Self Portraits
June 19-August 1, 2010
Juror: Beverly Decker
Curators: Jeanne LaRocco & elle-je’ freeheart
First Friday Art Talk with Sylvia Raz
Friday, June 4 -6:30 PM
Sylvia will speak to her art, as it relates to Politics and Feminism
Ojai artist Sylvia Raz left Montevideo in 1963 to live for 11 years in Jerusalem. She studied art at Betzalel Institute and UCLA. Her work evolves around the figure and human passion, striving to capture the sublime and dramatic aspects of life. Sylvia works is clay, stone, assemblage using found objects, knitting, bronze, it all comes together to imply an intimate relationship with life and a feminist point of view, compatible with the humor and lightness of heart she wants to express.
This event is in conjunction with the Ventura First Fridays Gallery Walk Event
and as part of the Gallery’s exhibition "Gimmie Shelter".
Get to Know your Fellow Artists from your Membership Committee
Q & A Interviews with...........
Donna Lynn Caskey
Karen Helen Szatkowski
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Donna Lynn Caskey
1. What town do you live in? How long have you lived here?
Ventura. Going on 8 years.
2. Where are you from originally?
Southeast Virginia.
3. What’s your background?
Not quite sure what you are looking for with this question...
I am the youngest of ten children in a family of bright, talented people. I am grateful I was encouraged and allowed to explore the arts growing up. At the same time, I was cautioned and questioned about the need to "make a living." I am still making up what I want to be when I grow up as I go along.
I opted to attend a liberal arts college instead of art school because I am passionate about learning in general, though a significant portion of my tuition was funded by art scholarships, for which I am thankful. I received a degree in studio art, but also studied writing, dance, physics, music, biology, psychology, Spanish, sociology and more. I took part in a wonderful program called the Imagination Studies Colloquium-- exploring creative process and imagination in all arenas.
After college, I traveled & couch-surfed & worked a string of "artistic retail" jobs-- as a portrait photographer, in a pottery studio, at a scrapbook store. I worked in libraries & bookstores. I was an intern at a drug & alcohol rehab home, a volunteer at a home for ill and orphaned children in Peru. I attended the Mythological Studies program at Pacifica Graduate Institute (the "bait" that lured me to CA), but withdrew the first semester declaring the creative process of life my school and major. I've worked in social services for nearly 7 years, from clerical staff to social worker.
Amid all that, I learned to play 5 string banjo and began writing songs-- nothing short of a life-changing miracle, in my opinion. Visual art continues to be a vital part of my life, as well.
If that is not already way too much information, there's more at www.donnalynncaskey.com
4. What kind of work do you do?
I have always loved to play and to explore the arts in general-- visual, movement, performance, writing, music, etc. I will be sharing music as part of Roe's "Tuesday Night Poets" series at the gallery on 5/11. Life is a creative process, an art, an interesting experiment. As mentioned above, I am employed as a social worker...
5. What do you draw upon for inspiration in your work?
Anything & everything-- life, emotion, people, connections, symbols, curiosity, that which I call God & don't pretend to understand, the creative force and process in general...
6. What’s your preferred medium?
Whatever is on hand, whether a traditional "art supply" or not. I am enjoying incorporating reused & recycled materials into visual art. I also prefer to use non-toxic supplies as much as possible.
7. How do you see your work evolving?
My work continues to surprise me while simultaneously being connected to what came before.
8. What social issues are you interested in?
The promotion of peace, understanding, love, compassion, dignity, justice... & the infinite permutations that takes!
9. What kinds of activities are you interested in supporting at the AUG?
Exhibits, performances, gallery talks... schedule permitting.
10. What would you like to see the gallery participate in?
More music/ performances from time to time.
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Karen Helen Szatkowski
1. What town do you live in? How long have you lived here?
I moved to Ventura with family in 1979 from L.A. (via Oregon)
2. Where are you from originally?
Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County
3. What’s your background?
CSUN Graduate in English, Insurance Broker specializing in Fidelity and Surety Bonds since 1992. Insurance Industry background since 1968.
4. What kind of work do you do?
I own S&K Bonds and Insurance Agency in Ventura since 1992. Right now struggling to rise above the muck of the economy.
5. What do you draw upon for inspiration in your work?
Since my youth I have been fascinated with the vegetable world and have been playing in dirt since I can remember. Inspiration is all around me!
6. What’s your preferred medium?
Dirt and an interesting Succulent.
7. How do you see your work evolving?
I am a novice at presenting my work to the world so envisioning the future of it is not easy. However, I do see some larger opportunities than originally imagined.
8. What social issues are you interested in?
All of them! I am a raving Liberal after being brought to my knees by the heartache of war and the many other horrors of the Bush Administration. I worked very hard for Obama and was thrilled beyond description at his win but I do worry that his first year, with his majorities, has not been stellar. I keep looking for his BEST efforts.
9. What kinds of activities are you interested in supporting at the AUG?
This will be easier to answer after more time with the organization and more knowledge of its capabilities.
10. What would you like to see the gallery participate in?
Everything seems on track to me, but again, I am a newbie!
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Artist's Union Member. Mark Rubin, is fetured in an online article
Electronics Exec Goes From Speakers to Sculptures
At the tender age of 54, Mark Rubin, president of Long Island, New York-based Shogyo International Corporation, up and quit.
“You reach a certain point when you realize you only have a certain number of years on this planet,” Rubin says. “I told my wife that I had never been happy doing what I was doing and she said, ‘I know.’ ”
They had a long talk and decided to take the plunge. That meant relocating clear across the country, where Rubin could pursue his dream of being a full-time artist.
“At one time I sold jacks, plugs, speakers, and cables -- hundreds of thousands of them at a time,” Rubin recalls. Now, Rubin is selling things like Barky the Barkpecker. Since 2004, Rubin and his wife, Nina, have been living in Ventura, California, where he creates sculptures and wall hangings out of found pieces of tree bark. ....
Link to full story
Get to Know your Fellow Artists from your Membership Committee
Q & A Interviews with...........
Raymond Harris
Friday Lubina
Roe Estep
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Raymond Harris
1. What town do you live in? How long have you lived here?
I moved to Ventura last September from La Canada Flintridge during the fires.
2. Where are you from originally?
I moved with my family to six different states growing up. I have lived In Southern California since 1970.
3. What’s your background?
I graduated with a Communication Design degree from the Art Center College of Design In Pasadena, California. I worked as a artist at Walt Disney for 23 years. I love to draw and paint.
4. What kind of work do you do?
I have worked In the film Industry as an artist since 1978. My drawings and paintings are an extension of the skills I use In Hollywood. I think of myself as a humble designer.
5. What do you draw upon for inspiration in your work?
I am always searching for good design and color In my work. I switch mediums and subjects often to stay excited. I am a plein air painter for that reason.
6. What’s your preferred medium?
I sketch daily with oils. I love to draw on the computer and also throw pottery on the wheel. My preferred medium Is black mountain clay.
7. How do you see your work evolving?
It seems to me It Is slowly changing. I suppose the choices I make are more Informed.
8. What social issues are you interested in?
Education Is my main concern. Good Design should be a part of everyday life.
9. What kinds of activities are you interested in supporting at the
AUG?
I would support lectures and demos by the membership.
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Friday Lubina
1. What town do you live in? Ventura
How long have you lived here? 20 years
2. Where are you from? Ventura County
4. What kind of work do you do?
I am a Board Member for the Ventura Film Society. I am assistant editor of ASKEW Poetry Journal. I volunteer at the Ventura County Humane Society and Ojai’s Raptor Rehabilitation Center. I host poetry the last Saturday of every month at the Bell Arts Factory’s, “Friday on Saturday” series.
5. What do you draw upon for inspiration in your work?
My muse is found in food, sex, relationships and general observations.
6. What’s your preferred medium?
The English language and words I create on occasion.
7. How do you see your work evolving?
S L O W I N G D O W N
8. What social issues are you interested in?
Gay rights & Freedom from Religion
9. What kinds of activities are you interested in supporting at the AUG?
Any and all
10. What would you like to see the gallery participate in?
I like the discussion/Q&A with the artists. I enjoyed the Convergence of Stone film created by Phil Taggart and the Q&A session that followed. I understand this is to happen more regularly. THUMBS UP!
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Roe Estep
1. What town do you live in? How long have you lived here?
Ventura, 15yrs
2. Where are you from originally?
Boston, Massachusetts
3. What’s your background?
high school degree, AA from Ventura College
4. What kind of work do you do?
Hair Stylist, poet, musician, artist
5. What do you draw upon for inspiration in your work?
nature/life
6. What’s your preferred medium?
clay/wood
7. How do you see your work evolving?
as I evolve so does my work
8. What social issues are you interested in?
elder care
9. What kinds of activities are you interested in supporting at the AUG?
gallery hosting
10. What would you like to see the gallery participate in?
Anything to do with art/poetry for all ages
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First Friday Art Talk -- May 7th
featuring Gauvin, Perfomance Poet..
Starts at 6:30 PM
Call to Artists -- Gimme Shelter An Open/Juried Exhibit
Jurors: Gauvin
Curator: Phil Taggart
Art Drop Off: Monday May 3rd, 4-7 pm and Tuesday May 4th, 9am - Noon
Link to Entry Form
The show explores all forms of marginalization whether in self, family or society. The creative impulse has often been used in the face of madness, despair and chaos, to make sense of it, to make sense through art. Creativity is idealized while mental illness is demonized, yet the same energy can fuel either. This show is an exploration of extreme states of being in the world.
Show Dates: May 8th thru June 13th
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 8th 6pm to 8pm
First Friday Artists' Talk Series will present Phil Taggart's film "A Stone Convergence" showing the construction of two medieval stone ramparts at Grant Park Cross above downtown Ventura. A group of stonemasons, including Paul Lindhard, joined two 14th and 15th generation Japanese Master Stonemasons, all donating thei...r talents, completing this project in ten days. These ramparts will stand for centuries. Both Paul and Phil will talk about their work after showing the film.
More Information:
The Rocknockers are coming Ventura County Star By Marie Lakinon December 13, 2009
