Jerome Artists’ Cooperative
Gallery presents “Two of a Kind” with Mary Rochelle Burnham and Jim Todd. What do you call it when two lines converge? An
intersection? No, the Jerome Artists’
Cooperative Gallery calls it an art exhibit. Mary Rochelle Burnham & Jim
Todd discovered they share a similar background in art as both artists have a
representational style and work primarily in oil. Having met at the Jerome
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery as members exhibiting their fine art paintings, they
developed a friendship and respect for each other as they began sharing stories
of their dual careers as both illustrators and fine artists.
Illustrators are
commissioned to take the needs of the client and produce artwork that is
typically reproduced in print or other forms of media. To be successful as an
illustrator, one must be disciplined to meet deadlines, have an ability to
listen to and interpret the ideas given to them, work well with others, and
possess professionalism and business savvy. The artist is given an idea from
which he/she creates art to fit the needs of the client. In the fine art world,
the artist begins with their own personal vision, transforms their ideas into
art, then hopes to match a client with the piece to sell it.
Mary Rochelle
Burnham began her career as a portrait artist at the tender age of eleven.
Undecided whether to pursue fine art or commercial art, she first attended
Wayne State University where she majored in drawing. Deciding that her goal was
to be self-supporting, she transferred across Woodward Avenue and went on to
graduate from the College for Creative Studies, one of the nation's leading art
and design colleges where she received her BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts degree)
in illustration. Mary enjoyed a freelance career that encompassed everything
from courtroom sketching that aired locally in the Detroit market, nationally
and in the press, to illustrating product lines, death & destruction art
for one client, drawing caricatures for parties and events, to designing logos
and much more. Every job was a challenge, a learning experience and quite fun
despite the sweat.
Mary Rochelle
Burnham built a reputation as a fine artist as well, earning many awards with
her paintings in juried art shows in Michigan and later in Arizona. Burnham
taught classes and workshops to students of all ages. Her most recent workshop,
in 2017, was outside of Zurich, Switzerland. In Arizona, she continues to teach
art privately.
Jim Todd began
oil painting at the young age of 10 under the instruction of his father. Jim
studied commercial art in college while pursuing private instruction in oils.
He has exhibited works in dozens of shows and galleries throughout the United
States and has received more than fifty awards. Jim was chosen as one of the
top 100 artists for the Arts in the Park’s National Art Contest. In 1992, he
received the Artist of the Year Award presented by the greater St. Louis Art
Association. Jim went on to establish a career in commercial illustration creating
work for clients such as, Disney, Lucas Arts, Activision, Mattel, Microsoft
Games and many others. After retiring from the commercial illustration business
in 2011, Jim returned to what he loves best: painting in oils.
Todd paints a
variety of subjects including still lifes, landscapes and surreal images. With
his ability to portray intricate details, viewers feel as if they can reach into
his paintings and grasp the objects. Todd has clearly established himself in
the Trompe l’oeil tradition of oil painting. In “Two of a Kind” Todd will introduce
his new wildlife series.
Mary Rochelle
Burnham and Jim Todd are both passionate about their work, their work ethic,
and it shows in their work. A reception for the artists will be held on
Saturday, June 1, from 5-8 pm at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery.
Refreshments will be served along with a special live musical performance by local
musician Tommy Rocks. Tommy ‘Rocks’ Anderson, an acoustic rock musician, has
performed on stages throughout America. Best known for decades across America as
a guitarist and singer, in Arizona, he is better known for being one of the state’s
top ukulele players. Tommy Rocks created the Jerome Ukulele Orchestra
which, in their first year, got noticed by America’s Got Talent. Later, Tommy
formed the Sedona Ukulele Posse in conjunction with the Sedona Arts
Center where he taught music for two years.
Treat yourself to
a very special evening at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery where you’ll find
an evening of food, fun, wine, song, and of course, ART! June 1—5-8 pm.
Mary Rochelle Burnham
Jim Todd
Mary Rochelle Burnham
Mary Rochelle Burnham
Jim Todd
Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery 502 Main Street, Jerome.
The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative
Gallery is comprised of 37 local member-artists who work in a wide variety of
media. To become a member, please stop by the gallery at 502 Main Street, or
download an application from their website: www.jeromecoop.com.
