JEROME CO-OP presents, “Mark and Lana Get Silly-cosis”

Artist couple Mark Lucas and Lana Rochelle are debuting their second joint show at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, titled Mark and Lana Get Silly-cosis.

Every two months, the JAC hosts a rotation of its members in its Featured Artist Room where the artist--or artists--design and curate their own show. Next month, artists-in-love Mark Galen Lucas (glass) and Lana Rochelle (ceramics) will be presenting collaborative pieces as well as new work.

With a name like Mark and Lana Get Silly-cosis, can we expect some silliness in the gallery space?

“No, not really,” says Lucas.

Rochelle elaborates:

“There might be some silliness sprinkled in, but it’s going to look like functional glass and ceramic wares.”

So why the name? Rochelle chimes in first:

“Our last show was called Mark and Lana Are Kilning It!—I guess we’re kind of fixated on the puns that unite our crafts.”

“Silly-cosis, you know, it’s a dark humor,” concedes Lucas, “At first it just made us laugh. Now we’re considering silliness more deeply—as a political act of resistance. Like it takes a sense of humor just to carry on.”

Lana continues: “The work we’re showcasing is really celebratory—lots of really inviting drinking glasses. Mark is working on some stunning glass jewelry. We both have been working on block-carving and printing. I think there’s going to be an exuberance that comes through. I hope so.”

Mark Lucas has been a glass artist in Jerome for 19 years. Mark creates pieces that range from small vessels whose impossible thinness make them float in the hand, to full-sized figures sculpted in his signature networked-glass style. Mark and Lana Get Silly-cosis will feature several new pieces in his Aloft sculpture series, which combines the thin blown forms with networked glass tubes.

“They came about as a natural evolution of the work I was doing with the networked glass, making it more tangled,” Mark explains, “They remind me of root systems. And, like, potatoes,” he laughs. Is this the first glimpse of silly-cosis?

Lana Rochelle is a longtime Verde Valley resident who first took ceramic classes at the Sedona Art Center. Her ceramic work is concerned with functional wheel-thrown wares. The decoration on her pieces is composed of finely piped illustrations and labyrinthine patterns. Lana describes the order she’s applied to her work:

“I’ve resisted doing anything to warp or even texturize the form of my wheel-thrown work, but that’s changed after I started doing more pinch pots. I’ve become more open to organic forms.

“The work I have coming up speaks with Mark’s [work] more than before. I’m making iterations of intentionally tweaked little vessels, but the centrifugal force of the wheel informs what that ‘tweak’ looks like. The same forces are acting on Mark’s blown glass, and he ends up with similar forms. I think they’ll make an interesting collection in our show.”

We can look forward to more of Mark and Lana's collaborations at their future venture: Firebrick Studio will be located in the lower level of 300 Hull Avenue—just up the street from the JAC. When will it open?

“Hopefully, by May,” says Lana, “we might have some sidewalk sales before then, on the patio.” Mark chimes in:

“Two years ago we had our first art show together at the Co-op and we were excited to see what we could make together. Now we’re so excited to see what we can build together.”

Lana concludes: “We have a lot to do. But first we have to get silly-cosis.”

The JAC will have an opening reception for the artists on Saturday, April 5, in conjunction with Jerome’s First Saturday Art Walk. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available by donation. All ages welcome. Mark and Lana Get Silly-cosis will run until June 4.

Connect with the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery on Facebook or follow us on Instagram, @JeromeArtistsGallery. Follow Mark and Lana for updates on their studio space @Firebrick_Studio.

The JAC is currently accepting applications from artists in all mediums. Find an application in person at 502 Main Street in Jerome or online at www.jeromecoop.com/membership.

 

“Flowing Through Alternate Realities”

Exploring Dimensions: “Flowing Through Alternate Realities” at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery, Feb 1– April 2. Art has the capacity to bridge the gaps between perception and experience, and “Flowing Through Alternate Realities” is curated to offer a transformational viewing experience. This Exhibit highlights the works of Flo Flynn and Lynnsey Reynolds. Each artist approaches their craft with their own unique philosophies and inspirations, inviting visitors to explore different dimensions of reality through their creations. 

Flo Flynn, an artist whose enthusiasm for life is palpable in her work, describes her artistic process as a journey through a marvelous world. “This world, this space in time is a marvelous thing to be a participant in,” Flo states, emphasizing her relentless pursuit of inspiration from everyday life. Flo’s art is shaped by her dreams and the continuous observations made during her daily routine.

Lynnsey Renolds, on the other hand, brings a profound sense of place and identity to her work. Her artistic journey has been a lifelong odyssey, inspired by the beauty of the Verde Valley and the tapestry of her family history. “I cannot remember a time when art has not been a part of my life,” Lynnsey reflects, revealing a deep-rooted connection to her surroundings. Lynnsey’s art serves as an invitation to vi

ewers to broaden their perspectives. She encourages them to “open your eyes,” to see not merely the canvas, but the meaning behind her images.

Whether you are an avid art enthusiast or a casual observer, this show promises to deliver a moving experience that resonates long after leaving the gallery. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this fascinating exhibition at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery with a reception for the artists on Feb 1 from 4-7:30 pm during Jerome’s First Saturday Art (& wine) Walk. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Located, ground level, at 502 N Main Street in Jerome. 928-639-4276 Open Daily 10 am- 6 pm.

www.jeromecoop.com Applications now open for membership in all media.

 

Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Holiday Show 2024

Come one, come all! The members of the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery are pleased to present our annual Holiday Membership Show, a special all-members exhibition. The Co-op will be offering a festive artists’ reception open to the public during Jerome’s First Saturday Art & Wine Walk on December 7th, 4:00 to 7:30PM. Join us at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 502 N. Main Street in Jerome.

The Holiday Membership show is a celebration of the season and of the multivarious talents of our members. This is the one time of year our artists are invited to showcase work outside of their juried medium—last year’s show featured a sculpture by oil painter Maryhelen Ewing, ink illustrations by glass artist Mark Lucas, hats by multimedia artist Michele Naylor, and a watercolor by ceramicist Transy Lopez, to name a few.

While some artists present work from the reaches of their wide repertoire, others embrace the beauty and festivity of the winter season. Previous holiday shows have included ceramist Jamalee Moret’s magical ornaments and evergreen tree candleholders, mixed media artist Marjorie Claus’ snowy paintings, and gourd artist Nora Graf’s miniature gourd ornaments, among many more.

Visitors are sure to find a delightful and eclectic mix of giftable, wearable, and decorative art pieces. Each year’s show sees new work, new surprises, and new displays. This year we are looking forward to showcasing the work of some of our newer members; this past year the Co-op has juried in new painters, a jeweler, and a drone photographer.

The show will be displayed in the Featured Artist’s Room of the gallery from December 5th through the 31st. Outside the show, there is plenty to see in the nearly 2,700 square foot gallery filled with work from 30 local artists. The mediums represented include painting, collage, ceramics, clothing, wood, blacksmithing, jewelry, glass, and more. 

The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery is open from 10AM to 6PM daily; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

502 N. Main Street in Jerome 928-639-4276 www.jeromecoop.com