San Buenaventura Artists' Union Gallery Blog

Artful Aging October 31 - November 29

2009-11-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

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

Politics of Green - August 7 - September 13, 2009

2009-07-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

Artists Union Gallery on Facebook

2009-07-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

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!

Open Letter to Members from AU Board of Directors

2009-06-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

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!

"And So Far" Members Exhibit - June 20 - August 2

2009-06-22T09:14:00.001-07:00

An artist’s journey has stopping points—pauses for reflection— ‘And So Far…’ looks at where we are, individually and collectively on our journey.

See a Video of this Exhibit

This exhibit of works by Artists Union Members runs through August 2nd

May 9th Exhibit Opening on Video

2009-05-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the video: Raz Raz Raz 2 & Women Growing Wings

Raz Raz Raz 2 & Women Growing Wings is an exhibit that runs from May 9 through June 14 at The Artists Union Gallery in Ventura.

Raz Raz Raz 2 features works by the Raz family, Sylvia, Alan and Karyn

Women Growing Wings in the upstairs gallery was jurored by Patti Post and Jill Sattler and was curated by Laurie Pegg-Scott.

Exhibit Associated Upcoming Events:

Saturday May 23 at 7pm “Women with Wings” Poetry Reading
hosted by Marsha de la O
Featuring: Joyce Lombard, Polly Bee, Enid Osborn, Mary Scott, Christina Paiges, Ellen, Doris Vernon, Tree Bernstein, Roe Estep, Shelley Savren, Judy Oberlander, Luzma, Friday, Cathryn Andreson, Maggie Westland, Glenna Luschei, Nereyda de la O, Elnora McNaughton…

Saturday May 30th, Joan Peters, professor of literature at Channel Islands University and author of two women’s books: When Mothers Work and Not Your Mother’s Life. She will discuss her books and how women are affected by the issues in her books.

submitted by Phil Taggart

RAZ RAZ RAZ 2 ~ Mother of all Shows

2009-05-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

RAZ RAZ RAZ 2

Mother of all Shows

Downstairs Gallery
Show Dates: May 9 to June 14
Opening Reception:Saturday, May 9th 6 to 9 pm

Exhibition ~ Women Growing Wings ~ Hope is the thing with feathers

2009-04-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

Women Growing Wings ~ Open/Juried show May 9th – June 14th – AUG Upstairs Gallery

There's a river of birds in migration,
A nation of women with wings.

An exhibit of women artists coming together to tell their stories.
Jurors are Santa Barbara artists Patti Post and Jill Sattler
Curator:Laurie Pegg-Scott

Saturday May 23 at 7pm “Women with Wings” Poetry Reading hosted by Marsha de la O
Featuring: Joyce Lombard, Polly Bee, Enid Osborn, Mary Scott, Christina Paiges, Ellen, Doris Vernon, Tree Bernstein, Roe Estep, Shelley Savren, Judy Oberlander, Luzma, Friday, Cathryn Andreson, Maggie Westland, Glenna Luschei, Nereyda de la O, Elnora McNaughton…

Women Growing Wings Entry Form: For an entry form Click Here.

April 30 - Spring 2009 Membership Meeting

2009-04-30T14:43:00.001-07:00

Spring 2009 Membership Meeting!

You and a guest are invited! THURSDAY, April 30th, 7-8PM
At AUG! (the Artists' Union Gallery)

Come and meet: Artist members! Non-Artist members! The Arts & Crafts members! The Board of Directors! (Did you know we even have a Board of Directors?) The various Committee Chairpeople! And the many folks that insure your gallery is well maintained and open to the public!

At the start of the meeting we will have a short Meet & Greet segment, then there will be a brief time dedicated to personally chatting with the Committee Chairpeople that are the leaders of the operations of this organization. We will finish off with a purely social ending that could possibly last longer than 8PM! Wouldn't that be fun?!

YOUR MEMBERSHIP and SERVICE insures the stability of this beach side gallery location and the organization as a whole.

Come this Thursday! Have a beverage and a nosh (i.e. a snack). Bond!
...because this IS your gallery and nonprofit arts organization!

I'll see you then!

Terry Bray
AUG - Director

MB Universe - CNN Headline News - Artist Interview

2009-04-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

MB Universe , is a story about longtime AUG member and artist MB Hanrahan,
and aired on CNN Headline News.

You can view the segment by clicking here

Provided by
Phil Taggart
Producer, SoCal News on CNN Headline News
phil.taggart@twcable.com
www.twcsocalnews.com

The Vampire Who Makes Us Behave -- Erotic Poetry Reading

2009-02-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

Annual Erotic Poetry Reading and Benefit
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:00 pm

The Vampire Who Makes Us Behave
…But the Vampire who makes us behave orders us to enjoy ourselves with what she leaves us, or in other words to be more amusing… - Arthur Rimbaud "Anguish"

Admission is $10 - $20 at the door.
Hosts: Friday and Marsha de la O
Benefit with all proceeds going to the Artists’ Union Gallery.

See Lusty ambitions Erotic art and poetry in Ventura by Michael Cicero in VC Reporter for more...

Poets reading include: Chryss Yost, Glenna Luschei, Perie Longo, Tim Tipton, Sarah Maclay, Holaday Mason, Roe Estep, Shelley Savren, Lois Klein, Fiona Spring, Elijah Imlay, Carol Davis, Ellen Reich, Florence Weinberger, Doris Vernon, Virginia Mariposa, Laura Diamond, Mary Kay Rummel, Polly Bee, Tree Bernstein, Paul Guthrie, Maggie Westland, Cathryn Andreson, Patricia Lynn Belkowitz, Marsha de la O, Friday, Phil Taggart, Tim Sheehan, Joyce LaMers, Virginia Mariposa, Kevin Patrick Sullivan, TL Cabrera

AUG's Seventh Annual Erotic Exhibit

2009-02-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Some Like It Hot
AUG's Annual Sensual and Erotic Exhibit is a perennial favorite and a striking example of Ventura’s talent runs February 13th through March 22nd, 2009

Gala Opening and Reception:
Friday, February 13th, 6-9 pm.

Juror: Wayne Healy
Curators: Phil Taggart & MB Hanrahan

Be sure to experience this show in the flesh!

The Vampire Who Makes Us Behave
Annual Erotic Poetry Reading & Fund Raiser to benefit Artists’ Union Gallery.
Saturday February 21st at 7p.m. $10-20 donation.

Credits:
photo: Linda F. Peterson Photography
graphics: John Parker

Poerty inspired by the Inauguration of Barack Obama

2009-01-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

Colleen Cason from the Ventura County Star wrote an article about poetry and the inauguration. She interviewed Joyce LaMers and Phil Taggart. She included part of our Obama poems and an excerpt from a Ferlinghetti poem. She also invited folks to put their inauguration poems and comments in the comment blog spot.

Link to the Story: Cason Point: Inauguration gives reasons for rhymes

Video of Phil Taggart reading his poem

Provided by Phil Taggart

Open Letter from Terry Bray, Gallery Director

2009-01-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello to one and all!

The SBAU 2009 Membership drive has got off to a nice start. We have some new members that are full of enthusiam and willingness to dig in and support where needed. Additional, we have a good amount of renewing members that are waiting to be of service! The offering of the option to serve on a committee vs. just being a gallery sitter was appreciated by many people. We again have a well diversified group of new and renewing members and I believe in the near future we will achieve the membership participation needed to keep our receptions and shows at top quality performance.

I will be formulating the new 2009 'flow chart' that will reflect the 2009 committee members and their respective Chairperson. It is my intention to have a "Committee Gathering" in the near future, at the gallery, to give everyone the opportunity to get acquainted with one another and simultaneously enhance the understanding of how these committees are inter reliant to one another. I will contact these 'service' members soon regarding the date and time of this "gathering". But hey! if you are a member (or considering membership) and has not yet chosen a service commitment, come and join us at this 'gathering'! Let me know of your interest so I can include you in on the update(s).

I have met so many wonderful people and have learned that most of you have been active with SBAU for years. I know that everyone is used to going directly to Dona for your inquires and needs. As you now direct your energy towards me I will be as responsive and proactive as I possibly to satisfy your concerns. Dona will remain with SBAUG and continue to be your Treasurer. She will be a visible and important participant to the preservation of this organization. She has been a HUGE part of the formulation, evolution and thrust of your organization. I continue to be amazed at how much she has accomplished through her many dedicated years of 'service' to SBAU and I appreciate her future availability to me as an important resource. I know that Dona is looking forward to finally having the time (and energy) to pursue her artistic interests, especially in the area of photography. She has had in her possession some nice, new equipment that, up until recently, she has not had the chance to become familiar with. I am sure she is excited to now be able to release her creative juices and produce some wonderful art. Maybe a solo SBAUG show in the near future? SBAU is here for you Dona!

I encourage you to contact me with any suggestions and innovative ideas or just to say "HI! How ya do'n?". I embrace new ideas and different perspectives and treat them as a learning opportunity that possibly would assist in achieving more productivity or a more enjoyable experience to being a member. I prefer you to contact me via e-mail. Your e-mail should be through the SBAU website, info@venturaartistsunion.org.

As your Director I will do my best to be available and as responsive to you as time and experience allows. My intent is to keep you informed of the business of your gallery. Your membership, and service, are essential to the success and longevity of SBAU. This is a nonprofit, membership supported, arts organization that is truly unique to the arts community. Its up to the entire membership to keep the gallery doors open and the events successful.

Ask not what your gallery can do for you?...ask what can you do to support your gallery!

I look forward to serving you.

Thank you.

Terry Bray
Director
SBAUG

Ch-Ch-Changes -- January 10 - February 8, 2009

2009-01-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

This ‘members’ exhibit always offers an exciting range of contemporary work. Looking to 2009, Artists’ Union Gallery embraces “Change”, a relevant theme at this moment in time. Bring your friends and join us in the new year for an outstanding array of artwork, as our talented membership invites you to “turn and face the changes...”.

Show Dates:
January 10th through February 8th, 2009

Opening Night Reception:
Saturday, January 10th, 5-8 pm
Open to the Public

Lucky & Ventura Artists' Fellowship Showcase - May 3-June 8

2008-05-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

City of Ventura Artists’ Fellowship Showcase
Main Gallery

An exhibit to honor all 2007/08 grant recipients which includes Brad Barron, Alison Casson, Zivana Gojanovic, Donna Granata, Hilda Kilpatrick, Jeanne LaRocco, Paul Lindhard, Amy Maloney, Teal Rowe, Stephen Schafer, Ralph Silerio & Larissa Strauss. Congratulation from your sponsors, the San Buenaventura Artists’ Union Gallery.

Lucky
Upstairs Gallery

This is an open theme exhibit created especially for our members. This is always a very eclectic exhibit and a special feature of this competition will be the lucky juried group chosen to compete for awards and prize money.

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 17th, 6pm to 9pm, Awards at 7pm
Curator: Paul Lindhard
Juror: Michael Kelly

Poetry Benefit for Turning Point Foundation-- Saturday April 12th

2008-04-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Group poetry reading to benefit Turning Point Foundation Saturday 4/12 7pm
$10.00 Donation

Poets included: Doris Vernon, Mifanwy Kaiser and friends, Enid Osborn, Gauvin, John Gentry, Mary Kay Rummel, Grant Marcus, Shelley Savren, Elijah Imlay, Bill Mohr, Diane Blackburn, Jackson Wheeler, Neal Andrews

Hosted by: Marsha de la O and Phil Taggart

The reading is a part of :
From the Margins Exhibit
Curated by Phil and Marsha
March 22 to April 27

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

Rick Sings
Poems, video and photos by Phil Taggart
Upstairs Gallery
March 22 – April 27

About twenty-five years ago my mentally ill brother showed up on my doorstep and has lived within a few blocks of me in Ventura’s Avenue neighborhood ever since.
As a writer I wrote about him, first unconsciously then consciously. Some years back, I started pulling all the work together into something I called “The Rick Poems”. In the last few years I started photographing him also. I then started melding the two visions together. I also photographed homeless folks as they are a part of Rick’s everyday world and subsequently part of mine.
This exhibit is an attempt to humanize a marginalized man and all marginalized humans. Turning Point Foundation was established in 1988 and is governed by a board of directors drawn from the Ventura County community. Serving more than 500 clients each year through its shelter, supported housing and rehabilitation programs, Turning Point is the only non-profit agency in Ventura county that addresses the critical community support needs of mentally ill adults.

Turning Point Foundation
www.turningpointfoundation.org
River Haven is home to a group of previously homeless county residents. They have created a self-sustaining tent community where their basic needs can be met in a stable, sanitary environment free of violence, drugs and alcohol until they are able to access housing. As the official sponsor of this group, Turning Point provides administrative and supportive services to ensure the ongoing success of this unique project. River haven is run by Turning Point.
Turning Point Foundation was established in 1988 and is governed by a board of directors drawn from the Ventura County community. Serving more than 500 clients each year through its shelter, supported housing and rehabilitation programs, Turning Point is the only non-profit agency in Ventura county that addresses the critical community support needs of mentally ill adults.

Ventura County Star on the "Rick Sings" Exhibit

2008-04-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Art of Rick

Link to Story in the VC Star The Art of Rick

Alicia Doyle of the Ventura County Star writes a poignant article about Rick and Phil Taggart and the Rick Sings Exhibit.

"Rick Sings" is an exhibit in the Upstairs Gallery at the Artists Union The collection of poems, photographs, and video by Phil Taggart reflect the life of his brother, who is schizophrenic and has been homeless.

In the Downstairs Gallery, "From the Margins" examines marginalization and extreme states of being in which artists within the community responded to the theme in a variety of forms.

From the Margins and Rick Sings Exhibits will be open until April 27th.

On April 10th, Phil Taggart and Marsha de la O will host a panel discussion on homelessness and a Poetry Fundraiser for Turning Point on April 12th.

This is a powerful exhibit not to be missed!

Art City on CNN

2008-04-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Phil Taggart as news man extraordinaire with a video news story on Art City.
Art City in the News

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the background of Art City's building code problems (there may be a few), here is a link to an earlier piece from the Ventura County Star on October 1, 2007.
Art Loving City in a Tight Spot

Fandango Americana - Art City Fundraiser

2008-02-06T14:37:00.001-08:00

The Fandango Americana is an event of shared music and performance that brings a community together.

WHEN: March 8, 2008, 3 to 11pm
WHERE: Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave, Ventura
MUSIC: Phil Salazar & the Harlem Holler with Hans Ottsen will headline with Left of Memphis, Dan Wilson, The Nish Initiative, Varon Thomas, Rude Calderon, Found Keys, Sus Corez, The Restless Hillfillies, Blue Moon, and Emy Reynolds. There will be music all afternoon and evening on two alternating stages.

FOOD & DRINK: Delicious catered food as well as beer, wine, margaritas and non-alcoholic drinks will be available at reasonable prices.
TICKETS: $10-$20 at the door, on a sliding scale. For information on advance ticket sales call 805-641-3845.

To find out more about Art City please read our ART CITY BLOG for current information on Saving Art City and visit our website Art City
*** *** ***
All profits from "Fandango Americana" will help re-construct the Westside Ventura icon, Art City. This innovative collective of artists has been part of the community since 1985.
Art City has recently undergone great struggle, having to tear down most of its existing building structures in order to comply with code enforcement in the City of Ventura.
Many people, businesses and cultural organizations of the region, including the City, are supportive of Art City Inventura in its efforts to initially raise $25,000 in the next 90 days. The funds from this kickoff benefit will be used to abate remaining code issues and to begin rebuilding for the next phase of invention.
While more funds will be needed to grow Art City to its fullest potential in the next several years, many fellow artists, patrons and supporters look forward to your help in making this one of Ventura's most memorable musical and cultural events.

For more information, photos, interviews, feature material
PRESS CONTACTS:
Sophia Kidd
impotech@gmail.com

Gwendolyn Alley
gwendolynalley@yahoo.com

Lorenzo DeStefano
Lorenzo@lorenzodestefano.com

Sixth Annual Erotic Exhibit:The Human Form Divine

2008-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

Sixth Annual Erotic Exhibit:The Human Form Divine
February 9th - March 16th
Jurors: Nora Yukon & Jim Melnik
Curators are Paul Lindhard & Phil Taggert.

Opening Reception Saturday, February 9th 6 to 9 pm

“You asked what I thought about before we were lovers. The answer is easy. Before I met you I didn’t have anything to think about”
- Kenneth Rexroth

One of our most popular contemporary exhibits. A look at the sensual and erotic, distilled through the muse and onto the many enticing visual palates of the arts community.

First Friday's Ventura -- Gallery Walk

2008-01-25T09:45:00.001-08:00

JOIN US for a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums and alternative art venues on the First Friday of every month from 5 - 8 pm.

Participating Galleries and Venues

OUR MISSION is to show why Ventura is California's NEWEST ART CITY! Spend your day relaxing by the beach and your evenings purusing the arts in Ventura.

Ventura’s Art City Needs a Miracle

2008-01-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

Please join as a community in taking a stand for the preservation of Ventura’s Art City. Art City is at a critical stage and there are immediate funding needs for re-building and restoration of the studio facilities.

The San Buenaventura Artists’ Union has arranged to accept tax deductible donations for Art City while it continues its application for nonprofit status for Art City Inventura. Donations can be made by check, cash or money order. Please make checks or money orders to San Buenaventura Artists Union.

Please deliver or mail donations to:
San Buenaventura Artists Union
c/o Dona Wieckowski
1684 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001

Each donation will be forwarded to Art City and an acknowledgement letter will be issued by the San Buenaventura Artists’ Union for tax purposes.

For more information please call:
Dona Wieckowski - 805 648.7544
Paul Lindhard – 805 653.6380
Russel Erickson - 805 648.1690

Please also visit and interact on the ART CITY BLOG at http://artcityventura.wordpress.com/ for current and evolving fundraising and activities information.

Ventura Music Festival - Appassionata -- January 5th - February 3rd

2008-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Ventura Music Festival - Appassionata
January 5th - February 3rd

The San Buenaventura Artists’ Union Gallery will be the first stop for the travelling Music Festival exhibit to be auctioned in March. The exhibit includes an unprecedented 40 pieces of artwork this year. Our Gallery will sponsor this event as one of our community support projects for 2008.

This artwork absolutely runs the gamut from traditional, to impressionistic, expressionistic, mixed media, sculpture, abstract and more. For additional information about the art auction gala in March, 2008 or art pieces available, visit the website www.venturamusicfestival.org or call 648-3146.

Tuesday Night Poets 2008

2007-12-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday Night Poets are taking a break on 12/25 and 1/1/2008 but will be back on January 8. The featured poets are listed below ...

Every Tuesday at 7:30 pm
Artists’ Union Gallery
330 South California Street, Ventura
Host: Roe Estep, (805)320-3524
Open-mic

January 8: Sam Harley
January 22: Chryss Yost
January 29: Jim Lenfesty
February 5: Doris Vernon
February 19: Jim Vernon
February 26: David Olivera
March 11: Lois Klein
March 25: Lynne Thompson
April 8: Diana Raab
April 22: Sojourner Kincaid Rolle

also at the Artists’ Union Gallery:
February 16: "I Like to think of You Naked" the erotic poetry reading
March 1: The Bear Flag Republic poetry anthology book reading
April 10: Ending Homelessness in 10 Years panel discussion
April 12: From the Margins poetry reading