The Jerome Artists Co-op Reopens!

 

“Life as it Changes” is the theme of an All-Member Show at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery in September. The Featured Artist Room will present members’ works over the next four months that speak to the idea of change and evolution as it applies to the creation of art. With the start of Shutdown in March due to Covid-19, who is not experiencing daily life turned upside-down? Yet, who is more resilient in times of change than artists? Artists face change and the unknown each time they approach their art.

Out of the Eleven artist interviewed, the basic themes running throughout their comments were, “I felt boxed in by Covid-19 and wanted to express this feeling in a piece of art.” “I dove deep into my art because I was uninterrupted.” “I explored projects in greater breadth because I had the time.” “I like to take the old and fashion it into something new.” “I revisited my use of color and composition to make my paintings more alive.” “I am compelled to rescue those damaged items and transform them into something new.” “Ancient indigenous people all over the world wore masks!” “At first, I spent weeks sewing masks for the local hospital, and scrubbed caps and gowns for the medical teams there. Then I returned to my painting and created 30 new pieces with 15 more in progress.” “I love putting vintage pieces together, creating a shadowbox with an entirely new feel and message.” “I created fifteen ‘Pandemic Mirrors’ with uplifting or contemplative messages.” “I painted a raven at the Grand Canyon. I call it, ‘Voluntary Isolation,’ which seems appropriate for our current situation.” “I fired up a new kiln that I hadn’t had time to use yet and created an array of new work.”

From these comments, you can sense that artists never have enough time in the day to create all that they feel compelled to create. The blocks of glorious uninterrupted studio time are a blessing for them and all who appreciate their art. Please enjoy the range of work and diverse viewpoints expressed in “Life as it Changes.”

The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery will be closed for Art Walk on Sept 5^th, but open for Labor Day Weekend, Thursday Sept 4 thru Monday Sept 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. The gallery plans to be opened each weekend Thursday thru Sunday 10 am to 4 pm through September. Please call 928-639-4276 to verify it is open before making a trip to Jerome. Otherwise, if you are already in Jerome, we welcome your visit, with your mask on! (Town Ordinance.)

www.jeromeco-op.com      502 Main St, Jerome         928-639-4276

 

Envisioned Realism 2020

The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery features a new show by member acrylic painter Bernie Lopez, entitled “Envisioned Realism 2020.” The show opens on February 1 with a reception for the artist during Jerome’s First Saturday art walk from 5pm to 8pm.

“As an artist,” Bernie says, “I like to recreate nature to give a different perspective of a certain subject or landscape. I’m inspired by nature’s work, whether it’s a fiery sunset or a cloudy horizon, and I enjoy the process of taking what’s in front of me and presenting it in my own design style so others can envision a different realism, too.”

Bernie Lopez was born in Escondido, Ca. and grew up with an interest in the natural world all around him. At an early age, he started sketching his observations and this is how he discovered his passion for creating art. 

In his 20’s, Lopez traveled around the Western United States, absorbing the beauty that it offers. Inspired by his journey, he became interested in landscape and abstract painting. Working with acrylics, Lopez began painting landscapes in a realistic style, working from his travel photographs. As he continued to explore and expand his painting process, Lopez added elements of abstraction to his realistic paintings until he found a comfortable balance of natural landscapes combined with precise geometric elements, in a monochromatic color scheme. This combination is now a unique feature of Lopez’s work that is sought after time and time again by his collectors and new patrons alike.

Lopez resides in Northern Arizona and works from his home studio where he paints and publishes his artwork. Lopez’s work is featured throughout the United States in both private and corporate collections as well as solo exhibitions and festivals throughout Arizona. To see more of his work, visit his website www.bernielopez.com.

Join the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery in celebrating Bernie Lopez’ new work with an artist’s reception on Jerome’s First Saturday Art Walk, Sat, Feb 1 from 5 pm – 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. The show runs through March 31. The gallery is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm. Located in the old Hotel Jerome at 502 Main St, Jerome.    info@jeromecoop.com   928-639-4276   www.jeromecoop.com

 

Celebrate 2020

Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery kicks off Jerome’s First Saturday art walk with a new show in the new year. “Celebrate 2020,” is an all-member art exhibit featuring a wide variety of unique works of art created locally by thirty-five  member-artists. A reception for the artists will be held on Jerome’s First Saturday art walk from 5 pm until 8 pm on January 4 at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery located on the ground level of the historic Hotel Jerome. Refreshments and merriment will be served.

Chris Ryback presents a featured original oil painting entitled, “Monument Valley.”  She states, “I have been to Monument Valley probably three times and have always been impressed with its vastness. The last time I was there, I saw two riders on horseback making their way across the valley, and I decided to include them in the painting as they provide a perspective to the vastness of the region.” She continues, “I am fairly new to oil painting and have been taking lessons on and off for the past couple of years. I found giving the foreground its form to be the most difficult part of the painting. My instructor, Mary Burnham, also a Co-op member, acknowledged my struggle by saying, ‘you have a problem, and you have to solve it!’ Then, once I got the foreground sand to look the way I wanted it, I painted in the horses. That’s when it all came together!”  

“Windows of Words,” is the latest mixed media creation by Jerome Co-op artist V. Norton. “As a professional calligrapher for the past thirty-five years,” says Norton, “I like to play with words and quotes. What makes this piece unique is the form in which you view these ‘words for the soul.’ I have mounted nine small tin boxes on wood, covering the outside of each with an image, either handmade paper or something I liked. It is reminiscent of the holiday calendar where you choose a window each day for inspiration. You must open the box to see that there are quotes on the lid and the bottom. Using several styles of calligraphy, such as Italic, Uncial and Roman connects to the insight of the words. There is even a poem I wrote,” says Norton. “I invite the viewer to participate in this discovery for themselves.”

Robert Hughes, a solo artist working from his studio in Prescott, Arizona, has been working with clay for over thirty years. He started his studio, Kiote Clay Pottery, in 1992. Prior to that, he worked as a production potter in Southern California for fifteen years. Currently, he shows regularly at art shows across the Southwest and sells his work through several galleries. Hughes describes his process: “I design most of my own glazes and use a variety of decorative techniques that I have learned over the years, including over-glaze, engobes, matte glazes, sgraffito, wax resist, carving, and incising. Since I work alone, all my pottery reflects my personal creative nature and my high personal standards. Most of my designs are inspired by nature and the desert Southwest. I start with a lump of clay and an idea…then, working through the many stages, I finish with a piece that you can use and enjoy for years.”

Kick off your new year with a new look at new work at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery show, “Celebrate 2020!” Reception for the artists from 5 pm until 8 pm with refreshments served. Jerome’s First Saturday art walk on January 4 at 502 Main Street, Jerome. Open Daily 10 am to 6 pm. Email:  info@jeromecoop.com website: www.jeromecoop.com  Tel: 928-639-4276