On the Walk

New Works by Sarah Harms at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery

A tiny glimpse of my morning walks along the Verde River

For the past 15 years, I’ve been walking dogs almost every morning along the stretch of Verde River that flows near our house in Camp Verde. What began as a way to tame puppy energy has become my main source of inspiration, immense joy, spirituality and utter magic. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to begin each day surrounded by such beauty, and the gifts I have received from the riverside forest in the desert.

  

As a way to give back, I am basing my upcoming show at The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery on a very few of things I see on my walk, and will donate 10% of my proceeds from the show to Friends of The Verde River, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of our beloved Verde River, and the flora and fauna that inhabit its banks.

 

There is soooo much visual inspiration for me, but I’m currently focusing my works to be included in the show on rocks, trees, and the river’s edge. I document much of what I see in photographs, then translate what I see into simple graphic images that lend themselves to the materials I work with. Mostly clay and metal these days, but also felted wool. As a production artist, one of my challenges is creating designs that can be made multiple times, while keeping the works affordable. My designs morph and evolve in my head when I’m working on a batch of pieces, then must come out in the actual materials. For example: I have been making Aspen tree themed mugs for a couple years, and have now added Sycamores, Ponderosa Pines, and more fantastical trees into the mix.

 

A couple weeks ago, a blacksmith friend showed me how to make mokume gane, an ancient Japanese technique meaning ‘wood grain’. Many layers of metal are stacked together and fused using heat and pressure. The billet is then forged down, drilled and carved into, revealing the layers in different patterns, then forged down to the desired thickness. It’s a very strenuous and time-consuming process, but the results are stunning and certainly lend themselves to trees and rocks. I’m working on a jewelry line that incorporates the mokume, as well as exploring the technique in clay at the moment. Gratitude and creative mania!! I look forward to sharing a glimpse of my magical mornings with you.

The show opens June 7 and runs through July 29 at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery, located at 502 Main St, Jerome. Art walk receptions will be held on June 7 and July 5 from 4-7:30 pm. All are welcome.

www.jeromecoop.com 928-639-4276

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

 

“Versions of Arizona” 

comes to Jerome Artists Cooperative

New Show Celebrates Startling Beauty of the State

There is no denying the power Arizona has to attract and motivate artists with its scenic beauty, endless diversity, and magnificent sunsets. That inspiration is on display at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery in a vibrant new show called “Versions of Arizona.” It opens on October 5.

The exhibition presents the work of two women from vastly different backgrounds who come together to celebrate the wonders of the state. Michele Cokl Naylor grew up in a small Indiana town, moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she continued making art before landing on the other side of the country. Here the vivid Arizona landscapes enhanced her passion for colorful paintings and mixed media canvases.

 Birgitta Lapides traveled halfway around the world, drawn to Arizona’s shining light. Born in Sweden, Lapides lived and worked for many years in southern France on the Mediterranean producing and selling her hand-woven and hand-painted garments. By 1996, she was living in Arizona and creating stunning collage paintings.

“Versions of Arizona” proves to be as diverse as the state itself. The rich layers of the show reveal the beauty and drama found amid the surrounding landscape and interpreted by two talented artists who are both devoted to color.

 Lapides never works from photos or sketches while creating images that are familiar yet fanciful, tugging at the corners of the viewer’s imagination. They are brightly-hued worlds of rolling mountains, moody skies, and seductive horizons. Along with the vivid collages on hand-painted papers, Lapides will also display abstracts, alcohol ink paintings, and lovely heavy-paper earrings.

“I am an intuitive painter,” says Lapides. “I don’t want to know the result before I start. For me, art is a discovery, and it’s the journey to create and to be open to surprises that makes it fun and fulfilling.”

Naylor has focused on an Arizona icon for the show. She has created an entirely new collection of mixed media saguaros, more than 60 in all. Working from her usual bold and colorful palette, Naylor reimagines the stately saguaros in simple desert settings. She experiments with patterns, textures, and added bits of ephemera. The tall cacti are created from paint, buttons, bottle tops, bits of glass, pieces from board games, and hardware. She’ll also have original 5x7 inch saguaros, matted but unframed, and saguaro magnets available.

“I’ve lived in Arizona for 28 years,” says Naylor. “And while I don’t live in saguaro country, I love them. Elegant and majestic, they each seem to be imbued with their own unique personality. I’ve injected a sense of whimsey into my saguaros, because I detect some of that same humor in the poses of the real desert giants.”

Naylor and Lapides are longtime members of the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery and both reside in Cottonwood. Naylor lives with her husband and a herd of color-coordinated shelter cats. Lapides also lives with her husband and their big, sweet rescue dog.

“Versions of Arizona” opens Saturday, October 5, with a special reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Both artists will be present to discuss their work and refreshments will be served. The event will be part of the popular Jerome Art & Wine Walk, which includes several participating shops and galleries throughout the town. The show will run through December 3.

Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is located at 502 N. Main St. 

The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 928-639-4276, or visit www.jeromecoop.com.

To learn more about the featured artists, visit www.michelecoklnaylor.com, or www.birgittalapides.com.

 

“Impressions” 

with Sid Freeman, Jamalee Moret and Bernie Lopez

The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is pleased to present, “Impressions,” a three-member Featured Artist Show with a reception for the artists during Jerome’s First Saturday Art & Wine Walk - August 3 from 4-7:30 pm. The Co-op is located on the ground level of the old Hotel Jerome at 502 N Main Street in Jerome. The show runs through Sept 30.

“Impressions” are both literal and figurative in the ceramic work of Jamalee Moret. She uses actual plant matter from her garden as impressions for her work in this show. “Nature is all around us,” she states, “and it leaves me with a sense of wonder. When I press the leaf or flower into the clay, I learn so much more about the plant; the glazes I use accentuate these details. It reminds me of the importance of looking deeper at an object in the same way one might dig deeper and ask questions of another person. There is always more to learn beneath the surface.”

 

“Whimsical and functional,” she continues, “best describe my high and mid-range fired ceramic pieces. I have been working with clay, both throwing and hand-building, for the past 20 years. All my pieces are created for daily use—for a morning cup of tea or espresso, as a bowl for soup or a dish to serve a treat—with the intention of adding a slice of beauty to everyday life.”

After twenty years as a professional calligrapher, Sid Freeman is working her way back to her roots as a painter, but this time she is incorporating words and “sound symbols” that make up our speech. Her love of letterforms and quotations continues to inspire her work in a way where they lean towards creating their own meaningful expressions. The art itself is the common language using letterforms as the means of expression. Sid contemplates, “Can we build bridges back to our ancestors’ basic unity with the earth, before the time when language was only connected with specific cultures? And can it be done in today’s technological world of sound bites? I would like to try.”

  

In this show, Sid Freeman presents one of her largest calligraphic works based on the poem, “The Walrus and the Carpenter,” by Lewis Carroll. Sid notes, “I have always loved Lewis Carroll’s adventures with Alice. This poem became important to me when I made a presentation of it in my high school speech class. Later, while working in a chaotic restaurant, I recited the poem to myself to help me keep calm. Now, after rereading Carroll’s whole series, I decided to give the characters their own calligraphic voices of the poem. This included 18 stanzas of the poem using calligraphy in with a mix of mediums: acrylic, watercolor and colored pencil.”

 

Fine Art acrylic painter Bernie Lopez creates original art inspired by his adventures throughout Arizona’s spectacular destinations. Some of his works are inspired by the photos he has taken during his trips which serve as a reference; Others are inspired by the feelings and memories of a specific place and time he has experienced. Lopez describes, “I work in series including Sunset, Silhouettes, and Clouds, and I use a minimum color palette to focus on contrast of color.” Painting in this way, Lopez creates a broader view of the sometimes stark, but always impactful, Western Landscape.

“Impressions” is an opportunity to visit the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery and meet the artists during a reception on Jerome’s First Saturday Art & Wine Walk ~ Saturday, Aug 3 from 4–7:30 pm. Snacks, beverages and live music are provided for an evening of fun & entertainment. 

Open to the public. Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery 502 N Main St, Jerome www.jeromecoop.com 928-639-4276 Currently accepting applications for membership.

Visual Dialog

 The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is excited to present, “Visual Dialog,” a three-member show. An art walk reception will be held for the artists on Saturday, June1 from 4-7:30 pm at the Jerome Co-op Gallery, ground level, 502 N Main Street, Jerome. The show runs thru July 31.

Jo Agostinelli describes, “As artists, we use our skills to express things we feel, know, intuit. Exhibiting our work creates an interaction with the viewer. Their thoughts and interpretations may or may not be what the artist had in mind but are an important part of the Visual Dialog. When art elicits a reaction – be it an emotion, an opinion, or an insight, it creates a dialog between artist and viewer. The thoughts of the viewer are just as valid as the artist’s intentions, as all works of art can be appreciated on many different levels.”

Jo, originally from Connecticut, currently lives in Clarkdale, AZ, just south of Sedona in the beautiful Verde Valley. “The beauty and diversity of Arizona’s landscape and heritage have seeped into my work over the years,” Jo notes. “I’m inspired by nature regardless of what piece of the planet I am standing on!”

 

Jo’s pastels and oils have been exhibited throughout the country from Cape Cod to California. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Connecticut Pastel Society (signature member), the Pastel Society of America, and the Arizona Pastel Artists Association (signature member) and ‘Made in Clarkdale, her home-town art organization.

Corey Reese, also inspired by Arizona’s immense landscape, says, “Our local landscape is beyond breathtaking from our own frame of reference, but take that perspective 10-400 ft higher, and a whole new AMAZING viewpoint is revealed!” That is the point of view Aerial Drone Photographer, Corey Reese, is out to capture!

 “From a photographer’s standpoint,” Corey says, “think of a drone as a floating tripod. You can place the camera in ways that were once unimaginable; thus giving the subject of the photo a new immersive perspective.” Corey continues, “Landscapes can now have an almost surreal feel with a ‘Bird’s Eye’ line of sight. But the journey doesn’t end with the snap of a shutter button. To complete the story, my prints are available in many different sizes and varieties: From top quality metal prints to reclaimed barn wood hand-framed archival paper prints; each style portrays my work in a unique way.”

Thomas Hammond’s art journey began when he was in his teens. “Later, I was trained as a commercial artist with an emphasis on representational art, graphic design and calligraphy,” he states. “During those years some of my luminaries were Andrew Wyeth, Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish.

He continues, “As the years tumbled by, and my interest moved in the direction of Fine Art, I was impressed with and stirred by such superb artists as Richard Schmidt, Howard Terpning and William Mathews. Then about 30 years ago, I came to Phoenix to pick up a Design award. Later that week, on a friend’s recommendation, I visited Sedona. The landscape blew me away! Six years ago, my dream of living in and painting the scenic panorama of this area was a romance come true!”

“This show”, Thom continues, “has provided me with the opportunity to paint the stunning beauty of the Arizona landscape on a larger scale. I am entirely dedicated to representing Arizona in a way that other folks who have been smitten by living, hiking and traveling in this enchanted region, as I was, will find a Dialog, an emotional trigger and a firm connection to the peacefulness and drama of our surroundings.”

Surround yourselves with the art of three of Jerome Co-op’s landscape visionaries and welcome their perspectives into your homes and offices through their Visual Dialog. Jerome’s First Saturday Art & Wine Walk from 4 – 7:30 pm on June 1. Snacks and beverages are provided along with live music. Open to the public. Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery 502 N Main St, Jerome.

Currently accepting applications for members in all mediums.

928-639-4276

info@jeromecoop.com 

www.jeromecoop.com

www.Jo-Agostinelli.com 

ThomHammond.com

www.atomicdronez.com