Holiday Membership Show 2008

November 28, 2008 - December 31, 2008

Just in time to kick off the holiday shopping season, the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery, will feature their annual Holiday Membership Show. With new artwork, seasonal crafts, ornaments, stocking stuffers, prints, holiday cards, functional pottery, gourds, wood and party wear, the cooperative will be stocked full of gift items for those who like to “buy local”. Featuring the artwork and crafts of nearly 40 local artists, the Jerome Artists Cooperative has been a top holiday shopping hot-spot since its inception on 1996.

The holiday membership show will begin Friday Nov. 28th, the day after Thanksgiving, and will be highlighted the following Saturday, December 6th, during the very popular first Saturday “Jerome ARTwalk”. The holiday show will run through December 31st, 2008.

Beings • New Works by Sally Davidson

October 18, 2008 - November 25, 2008

The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery will feature recent art works of Sally Davidson from October 18th until November 25th, 2008. The public is invited to a reception at the gallery in Jerome on October 18th from 5 to 8 pm.

Inspiration for Davidson’s exhibit “Beings” comes from her passion for nature and travel; works in the upcoming show will include acrylic paintings of animals and nature/travel photography. Her work has delighted art lovers throughout the world, including collectors in Europe and Australia.

“I am drawn to paint animals because they evoke a sense of awe. What sort of lives do they lead? What secrets can they teach us? There is so much to learn from nature, and yet environmental changes brought about by human activity have caused many beings’ survival to be threatened. It is up to humans to take care of this extraordinary planet we have been trusted to care for.”

African gemsbok, elephant, and giraffe gaze at the observer, pausing briefly before returning to the mystery of their lives. Kangaroos bound along a windswept field of grass…the breeze speeding along their powerful leaps.

Magnificent Polar Bear walks silently into an uncertain future. Quick, fragile hummingbird and moth flutter through the air, delighting us.

Davidson’s photographic images are from travels throughout her life, and many involve water. “It is a sacred substance deserving our utmost awareness and respect.”In Sally’s words, “An infinite number of beings exist- distant galaxies to tiny microbes. Mighty oceans and mountains teem with life. Busy human cities, ant colonies and beehives have a collective being. Ancient olive trees and blue whales at sea – all are archetypal forces. The more we empathize with animals and comprehend the complexity of ecosystems, the more our lives will be filled with wonder.

I hope that future generations will look back on us favorably… Will we leave a damaged legacy, or a healthy diverse planet?”

Davidson has been a lifelong artist and educator and currently teaches art at American Heritage Academy, a charter school in Cottonwood . She states, “Art is essential to education. I have long believed in the power of the Arts to inspire, transform consciousness, and change the world. I love my job because the school is very supportive and involved in the arts.”

Ms. Davidson is also proud to be one of the founding members of the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery:

“It has been a wonderfully successful venture and for 12 years has provided a venue for many new and established artists in the area.”

Her “Beings” exhibit will be on display until November 25th. Come and enjoy the fun at the opening reception at the Jerome Artist’s Cooperative Gallery on Saturday October 18th, 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Meet the artist, listen to the wonderful music of “Harpy Trails” a Celtic/Cowboy duo, and enjoy refreshments provided by Sally’s fellow artists.

Trials and Trails • New Works by Megan Dean

September 6, 2008 - October 16, 2008

In September, the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery will feature an exciting new collection of linoleum block print and mixed media by Co-op artist Megan Dean. The show will open for a 6 week run on September 6th, 2008 with food, music and a chance for the public to meet Megan and many of her fellow co-op artists in the old Hotel Jerome on Main St. from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery will also simultaneously celebrate Jerome’s monthly ‘First Saturday’ ART WALK.

For the Arizona native, the term ‘local artist’ is more than just a requirement for membership in the Jerome Artist Cooperative Gallery where her work is on display; the genial block print artist was born, raised and educated in the state and remains firmly anchored to an extended family, friends and co-workers in the art community in northern Arizona. Megan and her husband live in Prescott where she continues to hone her traditional block-print making skills through classes and work in the Print-making department at Yavapai College.

Megan describes herself as a traditional block print artist who draws artistic inspiration from such iconic themes as family, the natural world and ritualism in ancient artworks. Her art as well as her personal life is driven by a strong commitment to personal growth and a desire to practice responsible choice in a world that she sees as less than perfect.

Visitors to the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery and her fellow member/artists find her work thought-provoking and delightful, though she occasionally finds herself explaining the difference between a “print” and an “original” work in her field of art. Each of her block prints is actually a hand-pulled, hand-printed original created from a variety of forms of art linoleum and often incorporating ‘found’ art such as bits of ceramic or wood. Although some types of art linoleum are thin enough to be run through a printing press, most require individual stamping but she is quick to explain than none is a an exact “reproduction”.

According to Megan, “My show, entitled Trials and Trails is a combination of two main bodies of work in linoleum block print and mixed media that I have been working on over the past two years. The first body of work is a comment on my southwest upbringing, dealing with Manifest Destiny and the Wild West.

On the other side of the spectrum is work dealing with relationships, goals, desires and milestones in life."

The exhibition will run through October 16th, 2008.

Raina Gentry: Retrospective - The Last Ten Years

August 2, 2008 - September 4, 2008

Mixed media artist and Prescott resident, Raina Gentry, will be the Jerome Artists Cooperative’s featured artist for August. Her show “Retrospective: The Last Ten Years” will open on Saturday August 2nd, in conjunction with the very popular Jerome ARTwalk.“It will be a retrospective of the last 10 years, including my most recent work, which is still in progress. The show will include drawings, mono-prints, oil paintings, mixed media painting, and limited edition giclée prints,” says Gentry.

Her artwork incorporates her studies in printmaking, life drawing, collage, and painting, and is influenced by her education at Prescott College . In addition to her Environmental Philosophy Degree from Prescott College , Gentry also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson . “I view each canvas as a playground for my psyche. Each piece evolving naturally and intuitively without structure or expectation about the final outcome. It is only in hindsight that I discover the meaning of the work, sometimes not until years later,” says Gentry. Through this organic approach to art-making, Raina believes that she taps into, and expresses universal themes that many people can identify with. Through complex layering of various media, with a focus on the human form, she creates meaningful, evocative works that draw her viewers in.

Gentry has been a member of the Co-op for several years, and her gallery inventory features a popular array of paintings, prints, cards, and mixed-media masterpieces. Elements of nature, the human body, rich vintage colors, elements of renaissance design, and the beauty of day to day life. Gentry’s Raintree Studios in Prescott can be contracted to decorate your home with old-world plaster finishes, tromp l’oeil scenes and other vintage style finishes.

“Retrospective: The Last ten Years” will open to the public on Saturday August 2nd, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The artist will be present for this festive occasion, with food and music for all guests. The show runs through September 14th.

Natural Beauty • Summer Membership Show

June 14, 2008 - July 24, 2008

Poster Design by JAC artist Mark Foltz

The member artists of the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery have no problem voicing their opinions about the unique gallery which is home to their art: “It’s breathtaking!” “eclectic," “riotous” and “charming,’ “awesome,” “it totally rocks!” “It’s cooperative!,” “it’s HOT!,” “ON the wall- OFF the wall”…

A walk through the several rooms of the gallery located in the old Hotel Jerome is enough to convince the many visitors that they have discovered a gem of a place- from the friendly local artists/sales people who greet them, to the art itself to the ‘weather report’ window which elicits “oo’s” and “ahs” of delight at the 180 degree view of the beautiful historic valleys and mountains beyond.

In such a setting, the Jerome Artist Cooperative Gallery will open its annual Summer Membership Show, aptly called Natural Beauty on Saturday, June 14th from 5 pm to 8 pm. The public is invited to join the artists for food, drink, live music and the chance to see how the 33 local painters and crafts-people incorporate the beauty of the natural wonders that surround them into their own uniquely personal artistic journey.

The Natural Beauty show will be on exhibit for 6 weeks, and will be continuing during the very popular Jerome ARTwalk event, which takes place the first Saturday of each month. The July ARTwalk will take place on July 5th. The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is located at 502 Main Street , Jerome Arizona. Gallery hours are 10am-6pm, 7 days a week.

The Fields in Which I Labor • New Works by Patrick Lincoln

May 3, 2008 - June 12, 2008


Jerome Madonna • Digital self portrait

Digital artist and long time Jerome resident Patrick Lincoln explains what it means to be a digital artist, “Yes, it’s true! I use only my digits to make my art! No one else’s digits are allowed.” One never knows whether to take this clever quipster seriously. Lincoln continues, “Okay, maybe I use my eyes a little, and maybe my mind, and it’s true—some heart and soul slips in there, and of course there are the blood, sweat and tears. But other than that it’s all digital.”He begins by taking a 35mm or digital photograph, often times utilizing images of Jerome, big sky western scenes, or willing and warm-blooded models. “I then input the image into my computer where I get to play ‘Look Ma! I’m a neo-impressionist, post Dada-ist, surrealist exhibitionist!’”, he jokes.

Lincoln is a well known local and tourist attraction, gregarious and engaging with visitors to town, and easy to spot from a long way’s off due to flowing and wild mane. He’s been a member of the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery for the past 10 years, and past featured artist shows have always been wonderful and eccentric. Last show featured a special guest-- a giant doll named “Dolly”. She and Patrick wore matching dresses and ribbons in their hair, and both shared a cigar.

Lincoln is an interesting character and has led an interesting life –his story includes past incarnations as a registered nurse, and bronco buster, not to mention a great background in spoken word and poetry slams. His artwork captures a quality of light and color not often evident with the naked eye, taking scenes and ideas we may be familiar with and enhancing them in incredible ways. His work is available in many sizes, ranging from grand scale to small, with prints and cards. “I am a gypsy grasshopper growing old, living from hand to mouth and month to month,” says Lincoln, “I am 58 years old with no wife, no pets, no MBA, no 401K, no health plan, no life insurance, no dental….but….I got a head full of hair, an eye full of art, a pocket full of poetry and damn few regrets!”

The Art of Discovery • The Paintings & Drawings of Cody DeLong

March 29, 2008 - May 1, 2008

Have you ever wondered how an artist really works? Here's your chance to see how Cody DeLong creates his luminous and award-winning landscapes. Conceptual thumbnail sketches will be on display, alongside the studio paintings which sprang from them. Select figure drawing studies will be featured, as well as some plein air paintings.

Opening reception of Cody's show, The Art of Discovery, will take place at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery on Saturday, March 29, from 6 - 9 p.m. The show runs through May 1.

"I wanted this show to be a journey through the creative process. When students or collectors visit my studio, they seem fascinated with my preparatory sketches. They often hold them up next to the paintings, gaining insight into the underlying design of my work. I've always viewed drawing as an essential skill for any self-respecting representational painter, so it seems very natural to include them in the show."

A life-long student of painting, Cody challenges himself to use all the tools of expression afforded by his oil paints -- color, values, drawing, design, surface texture, brushwork and edges. That dedication is evident in his work which compels you over for a closer look. His surface treatments illustrate what artists mean when they talk about 'paint quality'.

"Realism is the way I've chosen to express my creativity. It isn't duplication, but the result of keen observation, feeling, imagination and solid painting skills. I'm attempting to weld together all this and more in my work. The paintings I enjoy the most are the ones where you can see the artist began with a strong idea and willfully executed it with sensitivity."

"Today's collectors are more discerning than ever. They know when a painting is askew, and they are less likely to buy the old 'That's just my style' alibi. I think the creative process begins deep within the artist, sometimes from mysterious origins, and there is a struggle to bring it to the surface. It's ok to make mistakes along the way, but it's not ok to accept them as 'good enough' without continually striving for more."

An award-winning artist, Cody paints with both sides of the brain -- passionate inspiration is coupled with thoughtful application. This may be the reason his reputation continues to grow. This show examines the creative process with all its struggles, surprises, and successes.

Visit Cody's webiste for more details. www.codydelong.com

For Paintings, Prints, Classes and Events, go to.... www.codydelong.com

The Imaginary West • Dave Wilder

February 16, 2007 - March 27, 2007

Dave Wilder brings his unique blend of humor, surrealism and Old West imagery to an all-new show at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery. This solo exhibition of new and recent watercolor paintings features many never before exhibited works. The shows theme is ‘The Imaginary West’, a place the artist describes as “the borderland between historic reality, and the myths of the American West”. The public is invited to join Dave Wilder for a gala opening celebration at the Gallery on Saturday, February 16th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served and Western singer-songwriter Dan Rice will provide the music. The exhibition will continue through March 27th, 2008.

Montana Lisa • watercolor, 20x14"


Indian Country • watercolor, 28x20"


Rustler's Moon • watercolor, 28x18"


Buffalo Feathers • watercolor, 20x14"

"I'm very excited about this show,” says Wilder, “I feel that this is the best work I've ever done; it's the culmination of years of effort”. In the past those efforts have produced some memorable images. In Wilder’s West, cowboy hats float through the sky like an armada of alien spaceships, cows wear cowboy boots, Indians blow bubbles, and purple teepees sprout pink flamingos out front. Speaking from his Camp Verde studio, Dave Wilder explains the thought process behind his often-humorous Western images: “I call it ‘The Imaginary West’; it's that place in our collective unconscious, where history, fiction and fancy all swirl around like a dust devil at a church picnic. Because of Hollywood and other storytellers, what we think of today as the ‘Old West’ has much more in common with mythology than it does with history. John Wayne is more real to most people than Wild Bill Hickock. But that's great if you're an artist. Reality is complicated. Myth is tidy. Our Western mythology is a great place to play around in. All of those iconic images have a sort of built-in power that communicates loud and clear because the stories are so well known. The fun comes when you juxtapose whimsy, fantasy and surrealism with traditional Western imagery to spin those icons into new and uncharted territory”.

Buffalo Gals • watercolor, 20x28"

Dave Wilder grew up and went to school in California, but has made his home in Arizona since 1991. A self taught and lifelong artist, Wilder first picked up a paintbrush at the age of five. Today, he creates sharply focused watercolors that sparkle with light, color and wit. In recent years his paintings and limited edition prints have proven popular with collectors throughout the country and over-seas. Diverse life experiences have helped Wilder develop a sense of humor and a keen eye for detail. Over the years he has worked as a bartender, a cowboy, a clerk, a back country guide, an entertainer, and a graphic artist and illustrator. Currently, Dave Wilder lives and paints in Camp Verde, AZ, surrounded by horses, goats, chickens, cats, dogs, kids and beautiful rolling ranch country. He's a member of the Sedona Arts Center, and has been involved with the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative since 1996.

The artist will be on-hand at the opening on Saturday, February 16th to greet guests and sign posters and prints. Hope to see you there!

See more of Dave Wilder's work at his website: www.wilderarts.com

New Work and Other Selected Pieces by Jim Rome

January 5, 2008 - February 14, 2008

One of the Jerome Artist Cooperative Gallery’s founding members, the well-respected and much admired Jim Rome, will be the first featured artist of the New Year. Rome , who first arrived in Jerome in 1968 and became a permanent resident in 1970, works in a variety of classical styles, including painting, sculpture and lithography. His skill is overwhelming to behold, no matter his media, and grabs hold of the viewer with his brilliance.

Born in Minnesota , Rome moved to Montana with his family as a boy, his father being a “ Montana cowboy who worked the mines in Butte ”. Later on his dad took up a lumberjack gig and moved the family to the Washington-Oregon coast, settling inland in Tillamook, and later Portland . Rome started his professional art career “supposedly in 1963, in L.A. ” where he worked for Aaron Brothers who relocated him to Phoenix in ’65. Soon afterwards he quit his day job and began painting full-time. His subject matter at the time was desert scenery and he ventured around the Valley of the Sun, gradually extending his forays farther north. “I did a lot of rustic stuff and Jerome fit right in”. Within a few years he moved his family up to an old house in the “ Ghost City ”. He’s been a resident of Jerome ever since. Rome was one of the cooperative’s founding members when it opened in 1996, but due to his extensive and respected art career he also has works in galleries and collections worldwide.

His current show will feature new art and also “select” works, favorites to be revisited. The opening will take place on Saturday January 5^th from 5:30-8:30pm, coinciding with Jerome’s ARTwalk, and will feature live music, refreshments, plus a chance to chat with the legend himself, Jim Rome. The show will run through Valentine’s Day, February 14^th.