The Jerome Co-op Celebrates 2023—"New Work & New Artists”

 The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is pleased to present an All-Member show, “New Work & New Artists,” hailing the New Year and welcoming new members!

As a self-taught artist, Cathy Knisley enjoys exploring different painting techniques. After discovering “Abstract Cellism,” an art form using fluid acrylics, she expanded into experimenting with other abstract fluid arts, such as alcohol inks and watercolor. All these feature experimental and contemporary design. By mixing various fluid and traditional art forms, Cathy’s work has grown into multifaceted expressions of her imagination with endless opportunities for exploration.

Visualization and interpretation evoke diverse feelings, and Cathy’s work invites the viewer to take a step back and contemplate, while connecting with the composition. The viewer’s own imagination and perceptions are engaged.

Using vibrant palettes, diverse embellishments, different media and techniques, Cathy reimagines new worlds to explore.

Wood turner Keith Knisley has refined his skills and designs over many years. His bowls and platters are turned from a variety of reclaimed trees that have been downed as a result of storms, utility clearing, fire control, and so forth. His pieces incorporate a variety of designs and finishes which complement and enhance the appearance and texture of the wood grain.

Keith’s finial ornaments, boxes, bowls, and wine or whiskey stoppers incorporate both domestic and exotic woods with a smooth, durable finish. Finishes are selected to enhance the artistry, wood grain textures, utility, and durability of his turnings. All finishes are food safe.

Maryhelen Ewing wanted to be an artist since childhood, but her parallel interest in music guided her steps to The Juilliard School of Music in New York City. There, she “practiced her way to Carnegie Hall,” she exclaims! Many years later, after many part-time gigs and jobs in several orchestras in the Big Apple, Maryhelen said, “I couldn’t deny my love of art any longer!” She signed up for as many drawing and anatomy classes at the Art Students League (just across the street from Carnegie Hall), as she could fit into her busy life as a working musician in New York City.

When it came time to retire, Prescott, Arizona called, and both she and her husband relocated; they each got a horse, cowboy boots, and western hats! She is now in her element! Yavapai College, with its wonderful assortment of art classes, provided a way for her to reach her dream of making paintings. Yet it took her another 2 years before she felt brave enough to work in oils. But once she did, she said, “It was like coming home to my own heart!”

Maryhelen currently works in oils with figurative, still life and landscapes as subjects.

Bob Shuman “hangs out on the edge.” It could be the edge of the Grand Canyon, but also the cutting edge of what is possible in landscape photography. As a passionate believer in the power of landscape photography, Bob believes photography can not only please the eye, but can instill a deep reverence for Nature and the environment in his viewers. Having photographed scenes from the shores of Hawaii to the hills of New England, his favorite subject continues to be the red rocks of Arizona.

Sid Freeman is a watercolor calligraphy artist. She dives deeply into the meaning of words. “I call this painting, ‘Spoken’ “she says, “because even when we speak the same language, subtle nuances can be easily missed!”

“Spoken” was created using three separate canvases which were mounted at three different levels. She explains, “While creating this piece, I played with different calligraphy scripts that use a circle, an oval and a square. To me, the work represents people using the same language but having different accents and word meanings. This explains why each panel has its own tilt, and why,” she says, “I advise the viewer to ‘Listen Well.’ “

Judy Jaaskelainen delights in the warmth of the colors of the Southwest. As a watercolor artist, Judy mentioned, “While visiting Silver City, NM on a snowy winter day, I came upon this rustic gate and old adobe walls adorned with a bright red chili ristra. I loved seeing the textures and blends of earth tones with the chilies in the snowy setting.”

“On another occasion, about 25 years ago,” Judy continues, “there was a wonderful large shop on Main Street in the center of Cottonwood. We referred to it as the “Chili Pepper Store,” but they also sold a variety of hand-built pottery, many pieces of furniture from Mexico, as well as plants and planters. I enjoyed painting their window displays!”

Meet our new artists and greet our old friends during Jerome’s First Saturday art walk, January 7th from 5 pm – 8 pm at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. The show runs January 1- January 31. The gallery is open daily except Tuesdays from 10 am – 6 pm. 928-639-4276 www.jeromecoop.com info@jeromecoop.com. Currently accepting membership applications in all media. See you there!