As each us installs our work - Stephen Merritt's clay vessels, Loraine Cooley's jewelry, John Dodd's furniture, and my paper fans, we marvel at how naturally and beautifully the pieces complement each other. Planned? In the sense that Merritt curates the Rochester, NY, "Art in June" invitational exhibit by grouping artists, yes. However, after mounting a fan above Dodd's space, little do I anticipate that it is the perfect hue and arching line to reinforce the soaring blue-enameled ceiling lights of his sculptural piece. It is also gratifying to hear repeatedly from visitors' comments that this bit of synchronicity is noticed.
In this venue, I find that successful and emerging artists alike are cooperative and collegial, sharing resources, materials, and references. What a pleasant surprise when artists visit (who exhibit during the other "Art in June" weekends) - Jean Stephens, Bill Stephens, Lanna Pejovic, Scott Matyjaszek, Bob LaRossa, Kitty Hubbard, Doug Withers, Craig Wilson, Raphaela McCormack, and Jonathan Merritt; each wishing us well, as we do the same for their endeavors. As this weekend's artists (June 14-16), we are eager to direct visitors to each other's finely-crafted pieces: Merritt's fired and stacked sculptural maquette, for example; Cooley's recently completed topographically-inspired wrist cuff, Dodd's Neighborhood of the Arts sculptural bench maquettes, and my Asian-inspired cradled wood collages. The artistic community's camaraderie seems boundless.
This fellowship is just one of the many intangibles that count, especially when art attendance and sales are slower than usual. Still the economy? Perhaps. The weather? We cannot blame the weather, which has switched from heat and precipitation to allow a balmy backdrop for the annual event. Art saturation? Repeat visitors/collectors are a staple that artists count on, and for which we are grateful. Aging audience? There was mention of a cartoon showing an arts and crafts fair where all of the participants were not perambulating unaided, instead arriving with the ubiquitous "walker." No more wall space? A legitimate reason, although I do recommend periodic rotation of artwork to freshen the interior landscape. Obligation to purchase? Not so. Being privy to objective reactions to new work is priceless to exhibiting artists. Responsive audiences can affirm art directions or propel artists into others. Father's Day? That might account for Sunday. Inexplicable reasons? Absolutely possible.
Nonetheless, it is always the goal that a piece will find a new home other than the studio of its birth. I heard from several collectors just how much the pieces purchased in previous years continue to be enjoyed. Good news for artistic ears. Another sound that is welcome is news of content and successful students, whether or not their profession remains in the art field. A number of "Art in June" exhibitors are active or veteran teachers/instructors/faculty; a visit from current or former students always elicits a smile and lively conversation. And sometimes a tear. My eyes well tears upon sighting the mother of a former mentee in the pARTners program, where I mentored her beautiful daughter. The mother is also a current student in Cooley's jewelry class at the Memorial Art Gallery's Creative Workshop, and the three of us delight in our connections. Still the heart tugs, as her daughter is no longer with us.
Family, friends, colleagues, students, and newfound connections; sunshine, lush greenery, fresh air; fine art that epitomizes the medium; intelligent, sensitive, and thoughtful conversation; hugs, sighs, and laughs. All of this and more carries my artistic spirit aloft, especially along the almost 900 miles of my return trip south. Intangible, invaluable.
Links: Loraine Cooley, John Dodd, Stephen Merritt
In this venue, I find that successful and emerging artists alike are cooperative and collegial, sharing resources, materials, and references. What a pleasant surprise when artists visit (who exhibit during the other "Art in June" weekends) - Jean Stephens, Bill Stephens, Lanna Pejovic, Scott Matyjaszek, Bob LaRossa, Kitty Hubbard, Doug Withers, Craig Wilson, Raphaela McCormack, and Jonathan Merritt; each wishing us well, as we do the same for their endeavors. As this weekend's artists (June 14-16), we are eager to direct visitors to each other's finely-crafted pieces: Merritt's fired and stacked sculptural maquette, for example; Cooley's recently completed topographically-inspired wrist cuff, Dodd's Neighborhood of the Arts sculptural bench maquettes, and my Asian-inspired cradled wood collages. The artistic community's camaraderie seems boundless.
This fellowship is just one of the many intangibles that count, especially when art attendance and sales are slower than usual. Still the economy? Perhaps. The weather? We cannot blame the weather, which has switched from heat and precipitation to allow a balmy backdrop for the annual event. Art saturation? Repeat visitors/collectors are a staple that artists count on, and for which we are grateful. Aging audience? There was mention of a cartoon showing an arts and crafts fair where all of the participants were not perambulating unaided, instead arriving with the ubiquitous "walker." No more wall space? A legitimate reason, although I do recommend periodic rotation of artwork to freshen the interior landscape. Obligation to purchase? Not so. Being privy to objective reactions to new work is priceless to exhibiting artists. Responsive audiences can affirm art directions or propel artists into others. Father's Day? That might account for Sunday. Inexplicable reasons? Absolutely possible.
Nonetheless, it is always the goal that a piece will find a new home other than the studio of its birth. I heard from several collectors just how much the pieces purchased in previous years continue to be enjoyed. Good news for artistic ears. Another sound that is welcome is news of content and successful students, whether or not their profession remains in the art field. A number of "Art in June" exhibitors are active or veteran teachers/instructors/faculty; a visit from current or former students always elicits a smile and lively conversation. And sometimes a tear. My eyes well tears upon sighting the mother of a former mentee in the pARTners program, where I mentored her beautiful daughter. The mother is also a current student in Cooley's jewelry class at the Memorial Art Gallery's Creative Workshop, and the three of us delight in our connections. Still the heart tugs, as her daughter is no longer with us.
Family, friends, colleagues, students, and newfound connections; sunshine, lush greenery, fresh air; fine art that epitomizes the medium; intelligent, sensitive, and thoughtful conversation; hugs, sighs, and laughs. All of this and more carries my artistic spirit aloft, especially along the almost 900 miles of my return trip south. Intangible, invaluable.
Links: Loraine Cooley, John Dodd, Stephen Merritt