Saturday, November 28, 2015

Jerome Artist Holiday Show 2015


At the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery we are blessed to be artists doing that which we love. Doing what we love fosters within us feelings of gratefulness and joyfulness.  At the Jerome Co-op you’ll meet the artists themselves when you visit the Gallery.  With thirty-five members, you’ll meet interesting people and see the variety of works they create. You’ll also have options for choosing unique handmade gifts for your friends and family members this Holiday Season.
For example, Jerome resident and mosaic artist Janet Farwell has created a unique version of her mosaic pendants which are referred to as eggshell mosaics. The eggshell mosaics are embellished with alcohol ink, copper wire and copper BB’s.
Batik and mixed media artist, Marjorie Claus, likes to celebrate the holidays with unique and colorful fabrics. Her holiday table runners and silk scarves are individually hand dyed, colorful and festive. Her framed holiday batiks also acknowledge the season.
There will be a unique display of Christmas cards, Christmas ornaments, and holiday items that aren’t usually sold in the Co-op during the rest of the year. Since the Holiday Show is an opportunity for members to display and sell items that are not in their general line of works offered at the Co-op, it’s fun to see what everyone comes up with.
All of the artworks at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery are hand made by local artists who live within the region. The Co-op is open every day of the year except on Christmas Day. For our visitors, this means they are guaranteed to meet the artists themselves when they visit and shop at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery.
2015 “Holiday Show” runs from Dec. 4- Dec. 30, 10 AM – 6 PM Daily.
Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery          502 N. Main St.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Art of Chess and Other Things by Jim Todd

The Art of Chess and Other Things
“My father taught me both how to play chess and how to paint. At the time I didn’t know that these two activities would combine to make up a significant part of my life as an artist.”
Jim Todd began oil painting at the age of 10, under the tutelage of his father. He would often compose still lives using toys and household objects discovered in his family’s home. In 1989, while sorting through a box of childhood memorabilia, he uncovered an old plastic Renaissance-style chess set: One that he and his father used to play chess on! This enlivened Todd’s imagination as he envisioned a series of surrealistic paintings using the game of chess as a way of expressing his unique vision of the world.
Trompe l’oeil is a type of painting that creates realistic illusions of three-dimensional objects and space on flat surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, or on an artist’s canvas. The French term literally translates as “fool the eye.” Todd’s paintings are characterized by visual jokes that create tensions in the viewer’s mind between what is real and what is illusory. The Trompe l’oeil tradition became highly refined during the Renaissance period. Ironically, it was the Renaissance-style chess set from Todd’s childhood which prompted his very successful series of chess paintings. His chess series comprises some of his most successful and popular paintings, two of which were featured on the cover of “Chess Life” magazine (May, 1996). Todd feels his customers are drawn to the imaginative elements in his paintings. For example, a work may be intricately and realistically rendered, yet the situation or setting of the piece comes as a surprise to the viewer as the elements or settings seem incongruous to what the logical mind might expect. This intrigues viewers and causes them to spend more time examining the details of his work in order to resolve in their own minds what the work represents. This ability of Todd’s to “fool the eye” firmly establishes him in the Trompe l’oeil tradition.
Jim Todd’s original oil paintings have been exhibited in dozens of shows throughout the United States, and have received more than fifty awards. Todd was chosen as one of the top 100 artists for Arts in the Park’s National Art Contest, and, in 1992, he received the Artist of the Year Award bestowed by the greater St. Louis Art Association.
In addition to his popular chess series, Todd’s still life paintings have also won several Best-of-Show awards at regional art shows throughout the mid-west. Because of Todd’s skill in rendering a variety of subjects using the Trompe l’oeil tradition, delighted viewers always feel they can reach into his paintings and grasp the objects!
Todd believes that his paintings have the ability to challenge the skills and imaginations of children and adults alike. Todd reflects, “I hope that viewing my work will encourage others to explore their own imaginations. Perhaps my work will help them expand their abilities and perceptions while playing games such as chess or other games of skills. Perhaps my work will expand their own artistic endeavors, or perhaps it will simply expand how they view the world, perhaps more playfully or more creatively.” Imaginations are sure to be stirred when viewing the paintings of Jim Todd in his one-man show, “The Art of Chess and Other Things.” Please join us!
Reception for the artist: Jerome Art Walk, Sat. Oct.3, from 5-8 pm. Refreshments will be served.
“The Art of Chess and Other Things” runs Oct.2- Dec.2.

Monday, August 10, 2015

SCATTERED


The Jerome Artists Coop Opens 
3-Woman Art Expo,  
SCATTERED 
on Aug 1st

 
To Scatter: throw or spread loosely over wide area; to send off, to disperse in different directions.
For one trio of Jerome Cooperative Gallery members- Watercolor/Mixed Media artist, Judy Jaaskelainen, Glass Fusion artist, Isabel Mathieson and Traditional Batik artist, Judy Yescalis, the term ‘scattered’ aptly describes much of their creative lives from beginning to end… from idea to production of finished art.  
On Saturday, August 1 from 5-8pm, the public is invited to enjoy opening night of the 8 week exposition, SCATTERED, at the Jerome Artists Cooperative. The expo will feature jewelry and functional glassware, both framed and ready-to frame wall art and cards as well as a delightful adventure in Collaborative Art. Food and wine will be available and Clarkdale favorite, jazz pianist, Janice Paul who is known for her personalized jazz stylings will provide the entertainment.
Judy Jaaskelainen resides in northern Arizona and is an award winning, juried member of the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society. Her other memberships include the Arizona Watercolor Association which has also recognized her work, Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society. Judy is also a long time member of the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery and is a gallery favorite.
While she is primarily known for her watercolors, Judy has also enjoyed experimenting with new techniques that she has learned over the years, primarily from her friend and mentor, Patty Mikles. Her current works include watercolors, mixed media, acrylics, and collage. A quick glance at a very long list of ongoing ‘Series’ in the Jaaskelainen portfolio reveals her sense of humor, a penchant for political activism and a very ‘scattered’ approach to choosing subject matter: Hands and Feet, Cactus, Booze and Tattoos and Women: toddlers to crones are evidence that her art and her personality are well worth the drive up Jerome hill.
Like many other artists, Isabel Mathieson ‘scattered’ her creative attention for many years while sampling a variety of media, but in the end her heart was won by the “amazing, always challenging process” of Kiln-formed Glass. In an early Stained Glass class, she was introduced to the intriguing process of glass fusing, and what followed was a nine year immersion in classes and workshops from coast to coast- Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Florida. Isabel continues to attend classes in Las Vegas and has been an active member of the Jerome Cooperative for 6 years.
Isabel is quick to point out that the process of creating in glass is more complex than most people realize. A piece of functional kiln-formed glass art, for instance, requires two or more firings; the more intricate the design, the more specialized each firing becomes.
“It is rather exciting to open a kiln to see if your vision materialized; it feels like Christmas morning when you open that gift you have been waiting for. If it meets your expectation, you are delighted. If it doesn’t, re-purpose the piece. If it is a total failure, it’s back to the drawing board!”
Her collection for the SCATTERED exposition will include jewelry and functional art pieces- plates, platters, candy dishes, business card holders, crosses, and “whatever strikes my interest.”
Friends and colleagues of Judy Yescalis will agree that the term ‘scattered’ appropriately describes this energetic, always-on-the-go Batik artist who is currently living a double life in two states and two cooperative art galleries. More of a hobbyist than a professional, the former high school language teacher never pursued formal training as an artist, though she has taught Batik at Yavapai College, won a variety of awards for her traditionally waxed and dyed batiks in various shows in Arizona and supported her music and travel passions with her art sales.
The traditional Batik process that Judy uses is a complex and extremely time-consuming undertaking that requires a large studio space, much patience and a work station to facilitate each of the major  steps in the procedure: -freehand sketching of design on fabric (from personal sketches or photo), application of wax to fabric design on stretcher bars, dipping fabric in cold water dye baths and -after many repetitions of waxing, dipping, rinsing and drying- the final step of removing all wax from finished batik with a hot iron.
Due to prolonged family commitments in California, much of Judy’s in-studio art production time has been greatly reduced recently, but she is currently working full steam ahead to complete an old dream to create new batiks from her years spent at the University in France and teaching in northern Spain- a dream that remains clear in her mind’s eye, thanks to her European photo and sketch books. Judy Y’s  Jerome  display will also include giclee prints on canvas and unframed work.  
All three artists will be available on opening night to answer questions, explain processes and share artistic insights.



Monday, June 29, 2015

Arts & Independence at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery

Arts & Independence at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery
Throughout the year, select members of the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery present new works in the featured artist room at the Gallery. Every summer, however, during the month of July, the entire membership displays new or existing work that is representative of the show’s theme. With the Fourth of July falling on Jerome’s First Saturday Art Walk this year, the membership voted to entitle the show, “Arts & Independence.”
Our in-house graphic designer, Mark Foltz, created another masterful poster for our show, demonstrating his usual flare and playful nature while depicting the theme in an outstanding manner. Foltz comments, “I want people to laugh, and enjoy my art!”
Victoria Norton celebrates the Fourth with “A-mer-i-ka,” a large 14” ceramic platter with her interpretation of our flag. Norton feels that, “For those who came to our country, this flag says it all.”
Acrylic artist Bernie Lopez was astounded to witness a dramatic sunset in a brilliant palette of red, white and blue. Lopez captured his vision in his painting entitled, “Southwest Twilight.”  
Digital printmaker and batik artist Marjorie Claus enjoys rearranging existing photos of her original batiks digitally. Her piece entitled, “Star Spangled” befits the theme as Claus states, “The horse in my painting represents freedom and the flag image represents independence.”
Please join us as we celebrate “Arts & Independence” at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery.
Art Walk Saturday, July 4 from 5-8 PM.   Refreshments will be served.
Show runs July 3 to July 29.




Monday, April 27, 2015

“Reflections”


“Reflections” at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery is an eclectic exhibition of artwork by Sedona artist, V. Norton. In her exhibit, Norton adds new work displaying ceramic vases, sculpture and masks, as well as handmade books.
V. Norton has lived in the Southwest for over 30 years. Her travels have taken her many places where she notes, “Everywhere I go, I find indigenous people making masks representing their spirits.” Her new masks will be featured in the show; many of them are adorned with feathers and fiber.
The word “calligraphy” comes from the Greek words meaning “beautiful writing.” Having studied and taught calligraphy for many years, Norton uses some of the alphabets in her work which date back to the 5th century. There will be original calligraphy on display. In addition, her interest in calligraphy has led her to writing words with glaze on her ceramic platters which can be displayed on a wall or table.
Prior to the invention of the printing press in the late 1400’s, books were handwritten on vellum from animal skins. Inspired by her interests in calligraphy and bookmaking, her latest small handmade journals are her way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. “Making books is part of the whole calligraphy experience for me.” In “Reflections” you’ll find a series of handmade, hand bound leather journals that can fit into a purse or pocket. There will be original hand bound books, in their own boxes, that Norton created.
You can meet the artist on Saturday, May 2 from 5-8 pm at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery during Art Walk. Refreshments will be served.
“Reflections” runs May 1-July 1.


Saturday, March 7, 2015

“Up Our Sleeves” at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery

“Up Our Sleeves” is a show of new works by mixed media artists Michele Naylor and Marjorie Claus at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery.  In mixed media art, artists combine a number of mediums to create a single image.
Naylor firmly believes that people need more color in their daily lives. Colors can evoke emotions or stir memories. They can soothe, startle, move and delight us.  As fabric has always been a part of her life, the tactile and colorful qualities of fabric are a major influence in her new abstract pieces. In them, Naylor allows colors, textures and shapes to guide her as she intuitively composes abstract paintings. “These new works feel like a journey. By giving up a little control, I’m discovering things about myself, and for now, I’m enjoying a very colorful ride.”
Claus shares a similar love of color and texture.  A creator of batik art since the early 1970’s, she is now introducing paintings that combine colorful batiks with acrylic and digital collage. In these works she explores incorporating cave art and petroglyph forms in the images. Doing so enables her to express influences from her travels to ancient sites and primitive regions.  “My break-through came when I decided to cut up some of my batiks and incorporate them as collaged elements on a canvas. I am thrilled with how this step has brought me to the doorstep of even more possibilities.”
Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery invites you to view “Up Our Sleeves”
Art walk opening, March 7 from 5-8 pm. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. Janice Paul will be playing inventive interpretations of the Great American Songbook and other classic jazz tunes on the keyboard.
Show runs March 6 to April 29.
Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery              
502 Main Street Jerome



Wednesday, January 28, 2015

January thru February Featured Artist Show

  Flower Power in Full Bloom at Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery


Attention former and future Flower Children: the Age of Aquarius is more than a musical relic from days of yore; indeed, it is a movement that is as relevant today as it was in 1965 when Beat Poet, Allen Ginsberg advocated using “masses of flowers” as weapons of peaceful protest to be handed out to policemen, the press and spectators. He called his action plan “Flower Power,” and an entire subculture based on Art, Peace, Love, and Rock and Roll was born.
 In the first Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery exhibition of the new year, JAC artists Christy Fisher and Christine Ryback invite all peaceniks (and everyone else) to revisit the time of the Flower Children as they pay homage in their art to the ideals of the time.                                                                                              
 The “Flower Power,” exhibition opens on January 3rd in conjunction with the First Saturday Art Walk of 2015 and will run through March 4th.  Opening night hours are 5-8 pm. Refreshments will be served, and the house will be rockin’!
 Providing entertainment for the evening will be the very popular music duo, The Black Forest Society. William Schwab and Dave Rentz bring a unique original music experience of vocal and instrumental storytelling which they describe as “musical Soul Food.”
 Christy Fisher – designer seamstress and jewelry maker for some of the most beloved Rock and Roll icons of the 60’s and 70’s will showcase her popular clothing and jewelry designs inspired by the avante-garde /psychedelic art, symbolism and Rock N Roll stylings of the times. She dressed musicians Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa, has designed a line of knitwear for Macy’s and created jewelry for the Smithsonian and Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Using the rich vivid colors inherent in the art of the late 60’s, Christy draws from such artistic influences as Heinz Edelmann (art director for Yellow Submarine), Milton Glaser, Peter Max and Dr. Seuss. 
“I believe there are three things that will never go out of style: Peace, Love and Music; those were the backbone of the Flower Power movement…but things have been brought into the 21st century. This is Flower Power 2.0,” says Christy.
“You will see dresses inspired by bumper stickers and digitally engineered fabric prints using pop festival poster illustrations and photographs. My new jewelry designs explode in rainbow colors using titanium coated crystals and colorful recycled glass.”
For Christine Ryback, Art and Peace come from her love of the natural world. On the opposite coast from the birthplace of Flower Power and following many years as a drapery/window treatment alteration seamstress, Chris took advantage of the diverse New Jersey flora surrounding her, and, before relocating to Arizona, began casting leaves in concrete.
“My love of nature gets me outdoors and I am always on the lookout for leaves to cast. Each finished piece shows all the veins and markings of the real leaf, so each one is unique.”
Chris recently completed several very large hanging pieces, including a huge flower – a special nod to the Flower Power theme. The artist continues to add new works to her collection and in the exhibition, she will be showing her latest addition, wearable ‘minis’ fashion and hat pins. “I also have a few 3-D pieces –something new in my collection, and a new birdbath as well as another surprise. Come to the show and see!”