Fall's Gifts

My afternoons still feel like summer, but every other part of these cooling days reminds me to slow down -- it's just what I need with so much going on! The St. Thomas Art Auction is coming up this Saturday, the 29th. Two pieces have online bids -- remaining online bids need to be received by 5 p.m. that day. One of my favorite pieces is Triangle Plate by Linda Pacheco-Demski.




And Rebecca Mezoff will be replacing Rita Roberts at the ARTrium at SLV Regional Medical Center. This space is so beautiful, and the hospital is so conscious of the benefits of fine art -- it really attracts the best work in the region. This painting, Summer Cottonwoods by Rita Roberts, is on view there until October 6.




And I have new art by Nancy Vickery of Salida! This monotype, Perambulation: Wind, and many others should be going online this weekend.




Finally, Laura Murphy just installed an exhibit at Shume International Institute. She is taking vessels in a new direction: bowls as looms! This is Woven Bowl #2.

International Artists

Icarus Floats
Nicolas Ghyssaert
Oil on Canvas
Approx. 55" x 55"
$7500

IAC is proud to represent two artists from across the pond -- Nicolas Ghyssaert lives and works in Belgium, and Carlos Pardo is in Spain. Nicolas likes to say his art bares his soul -- his paintings evoke dances with so much energy they seem as if they'll fly off the wall...but there is a sense of control that also requires the viewer's attention. Another dance begins. His work is currently on exhibit at the Autoworld Museum in Brussels.



La Cantante del Metropol
Carlos Pardo
Acrylic on Canvas
Approx. 13" x 10"
$500

Carlos is a prolific artist, with dozens of paintings reminiscent of Spanish sunsets. These are romantic cityscapes with an edge of intelligence, dramatic emotions painted with coolness. His perspective is often from a distance, rendered with watery shapes and warm colors -- his work is perfect for salons and cafes around the world. Carlos' work was recently featured in a solo show at CafeTeArte in Madrid.

St. Thomas Art Auction Awards

Thank you to Andra Archer for jurying a diverse show, and congratulations to the winners!

Third Place: Beyond Flowers by Ruth Ann Christy, oil on paper, 9 x 11"



Second Place: Cottonwood Dusk by Coni Grant, oil on board, 6 x 8"




First Place: Meridians by Rebecca Mezoff, woven tapestry, 48 x 34"



Judge's Choice: Kathyspiration by Evelyn Sprouse-Rowe, acrylic on board, 26.5 x 10"

St. Thomas Art Auction pre-preview

Artwork is flowing in a jumble for the art auction later this month -- if I show it now, that means I'll be more organized, yes?

From top: Every Green by Rita Roberts, Three Pears by Evelyn Sprouse-Rowe, Speckled Bowl by Linda Pacheco-Demski, Chief Priestess by Tufani Mayfield.

On the way: Ruth Ann Christy, Coni Grant, and more!

Rita Roberts at SII

Sunday, September 16, at 3:00 p.m., join Rita Roberts at Shumei International Institute as she talks about her oil paintings and demonstrates her technique. Rita’s painting, "Quiet Night, Home Lake" won the 1st place and a peoples' choice award in the SLV 100 years of Reservoirs Celebration last month. Another piece, “Winter Sky,” is currently touring nationally in the annual Paint the Parks exhibit.

Rita describes her work as “quietly moody.” Whether the composition is simple or complex, the under layer of stillness is there. A naturalistic contradiction occurs within the pervading mood. Deep, rich colors emerge from the canvas, glowing from within and requiring attention. Quiet, yet commanding.
Many of her oil paintings are done entirely with a single palette knife to make the experience much more tactile and direct than it is with conventional painting. She doesn’t use any brushes, mediums or solvents. When describing the ways in which Rita applies paint to canvas, one may use the verbs scrape, drag, slap, push, stroke and even kiss.

Rita’s presentation will continue the 2007 Shumei International Institute (SII) Symposia Series. This year, each symposium will be held on the third Sunday of the month, from July through October. SII in Crestone, CO, is a not for profit organization created to promote spiritual growth through interfaith activities, the practice of Natural Agriculture, and the sponsorship of the arts and cultural events.

Through symposia, exhibitions, and community receptions, SII actively encourages the integration of art and beauty into daily life. Art can put humankind in touch with the best qualities of human nature. When touched by beauty we place a higher value on life and on all creation. The arts foster harmony both within the individual and among communities. Shumei encourages its members and friends to make the arts an integral part of their lives.

Shumei’s gallery is free and open to the public 7 days a week from 9-5 PM. To find out more about SII, or for directions to the gallery, call Matthew Crowley: 719-256-5285.
To inquire about paintings by Rita Roberts, contact Katherine Benke, Insight Art Connection: 719-588-9044, or email Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com.

Image: “Winter Sky”
Oil on Linen
10”x10”