Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Artful Aging October 31 - November 29

The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self --video

Our Fall/Winter show is a multi-media show about aging and the art of aging. In the U.S., 10,000 people a day turn 60. This show addresses aging and all aspects of aging. From the physical, spiritual, the sensual to our relationships, the show looks at age through fear and joy in hopes to harvest the experience of aging.

Richard and Alice Matzkin will jury the show. They have recently published a book about their artistic journey confronting the fear and curiosity of growing old, The Art of Aging. You can visit their website at www.matzkinstudio.com

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 31st 6 to 9pm

Friday, July 31, 2009

Politics of Green - August 7 - September 13, 2009

Politics of Green - Call to Artists
Open Juried Show
All things green (politically, ecologically, financially, holistically…) have come to a head, a crossroads, a climax of differing viewpoints and interests. As artists and citizens, it is our decision to confront and question the issues that affect our lives and society, especially in an ever more globalized world culture. The politics of green challenges us to address any of these issues in any medium, including video, installation and performance.

Entry Form
Art Drop off:
Monday, August 3rd, 4 to 7pm and Tuesday, August 4th, 9am to 12 noon
If you are considering an installation please contact a.s.a.p.: Paul Lindhard or Rude Calderon at 805-653-6380 or email artcity@artcitystudios.com

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 8th 6 to 9 pm
Soft Opening: Saturday, September 12th 7 pm

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Artists Union Gallery on Facebook

Join the Artists Union on Facebook. Become a Fan and you can post news and announcements, add photos, videos, have discussions, and more.

Ventura Artists Union & Gallery on Facebook.

Hope to see you there!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Open Letter to Members from AU Board of Directors

June 28, 2009
Dear Fellow Artists of the Artists’ Union,

One of our goals as a Board is to keep in touch with our members and volunteers. For the immediate future, the Board has divided up the duties of the directorship, and we’re each filling some part of the position on a volunteer basis. The calendar is up on the website,[and this blog] the rest of 2009 is filled in, our organization is working well.

In the positive energy category, the Board is considering the idea of scheduling a second event for each show besides the reception. Some possible examples are: an artists’ salon, an art talk, a small party/happening, music night, poetry night, films on the wall. Can you think of more? We’d love to energize our gallery with free or low-cost events. The best way to get through hard times is by having a good time!

Now is the time to express our immense gratitude to the chairpersons of the committees that keep our gallery doors open. Kudos to our Gallery Host Coordinators, Barbara Turner and Alyssa Barber who work long hours to do just that —keep the gallery staffed and open. Not only are they essential, they’re also terrific!

Patty Van Dyke and her team of reception hosts keep the party going. Each reception is more creative than the last. A huge thank-you to our party-meisters!

Ramon Byrne and his construction committee keep the gallery sanded, spackled, painted, and lit. They also do all the other behind-the-scenes work that we often don’t realize has taken place. They’re indispensable, and we’re ever grateful.

John Parker has agreed to be our Media Director. He gets the word out in a professional, polished way.

Laurie Pegg-Scott, Dona Wieckowski and the art drop-off team keep the exhibits running smoothly, every five weeks. They make it a warm, friendly experience for all of us.

The Gallery Committee headed by Phil Taggart meets regularly and comes up with timely contemporary exhibits that fulfill our mission statement. Don’t forget that anyone can make a proposal for a show on a particular theme or in a unique medium—the form is on the website. Do you have an idea for an exhibit you’d like to bring into being? Don’t delay, just do it!

Lynn LeTourneau, our Membership Coordinator, has plans in the works to schedule more regular membership meetings and potlucks to bring us together for good times and group planning. The Board is so grateful for her presence, and eagerly awaiting the unfolding of her plans.

And finally, we are grateful to each and every member for your unique gifts that you share with our artistic community and the larger community. We’d love to get your ideas and expertise for next steps. See you at the next reception.

Thank you,
The Board of Directors of the San Buenaventura Artists’ Union

P.S. Please take a look up at the new awning painted by artist elle-je freeheart! The artists in the next dimension immediately above us are having a raging good time! Inspiration? You bet!