Plus Gallery 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Plus Gallery always has a selection of treasures for anytime of  the year, our collection of contemporary works from our represented artists is easy to view both on our website and at the gallery proper.  This year we've developed some new collectibles in the form of artist books, limited edition works on paper, t-shirts, and other small-scale artworks guaranteed to bring much cheer this holiday season.  Here's out rundown of a few specific recommendations:

The  Plus Gallery 2009 limited edition t-shirts, designed by gallery owner Ivar Zeile from visual materials relating to our current exhibition "The Big Idea" by Colin Livingston.  Not only is the exhibition one of the most bold and unique of the decade, the works within lend themselves very well to our yearly t-shirt that we produce in limited quantities.  This year we've produced two excellent t-shirts retailing for $35 each.

T-shirt No. 1

T-shirt No. 2

One of our most exclusive new developments this year has been our self-published books, many who have purchased works from the gallery have received our 300 page Plus Gallery monograph featuring our represented artists.  Towards the end of 2009 we've put together our first individual artist book in celebration of Jenny Morgan and her extraordinary career.  "New Territory" is an elegant, 240 page volume hard-cover book that features 100 paintings executed by the artist from the very beginning of her career up through the end of this year.  It's a comprehensive view of one of the nations most talented artists under the age of 30, filling in the gaps for all who have followed and collected her work to see including the very early paintings from 2003 as well as the early NYC works that have led to her most recent breakthroughs as a collectors artist.  We are taking orders now through the end of the year at a price of $120 (+ shipping when applicable) and otherwise will have the volume available online at http://www.blurb.com/books/1081631

A copy of the book is available for viewing at the gallery and you can get an advance preview on the blurb site as well.

How your coffee table might look with "New Territory"

Next up and certainly some of our most well priced items in our inventory, are this years limited edition etchings from Gabriel Liston.  Liston branched out this year, creating more affordable, collectible items to complement the "blue book" tiles he's  been producing over the last decade.  The etchings are perfectly in tune with Liston's greater body of work and wonderfully strange for anyone with his heightened sense of childhood reality.  They range in price from $40 to $125 and we have just a few editions left.

A Liston Etching worth its weight in gold

We also have a number of new blue book tiles in stock from Gabriel this year, including the first tile-triptych which can be acquired as a trio or certainly split up if someone were so bold as to do so:

Can you see the common link between the three Liston tiles?

Another new item in the spirit of "limited editions" this year is a silkscreen of Bill Amundson's proposal that secured him the commission for a major billboard to celebrate the Denver Performing Art Center this year to launch the Denver Theatre District and their wonderful, large-scale outdoor gallery of art (curated by yours truly, Ivar Zeile of Plus Gallery).  Next year we'll be focusing on a major limited edition work from Bill to expand his notoriety around the globe, but for now we have a very limited quantity of this unique piece that will soon be a part of Denver's contemporary art history.  You can score one for $450, elegantly framed in black.

The concept artwork for "It's Alive" by Bill Amundson

Also new this year are some small-scale resin works by Lauri Lynnxe Murphy, fashioned along the lines of her recent works in resin and mixed media, glistening and as attractive  as anything on the market.  We have three new works of variable scale ranging in price from $250 to $450.

A wondrous universe embedded in resin, courtesy of Lauri Lynnxe Murphy

One of our biggest recommendations for the holidays would have to be one of the 85 works in our current  exhibition "The Big Idea" by Colin Livingston.  These are extraordinarily collectible items that range in price from $995 to $2,995, complete with the memory of one of the most ambitious and intriguing exhibitions of the last decade.  Art critic Michael Paglia reminded us last weekend that Warhol's soup cans never sold when they were first introduced in their gallery exhibition,  but made their dealer phenomenally rich years later.  We'd rather see them sell now, but it's undeniable that these are some of the smartest works to hit the market since, well, perhaps Warhol or even Hirst.  You can download a pdf of the entire collection on our website at http://www.plusgallery.com

"Art Star" by Colin Livingston, from the Irony Department

"Don't be mean" by Colin Livingston, from the Sincere Department

A small Multi-slogan painting by Colin Livingston

A large Multi-slogan sculpture by Colin Livingston

Those looking for a great art-investment can select any number of the greater works from our collection, but the one we are recommending the most is the latest from the studio of William Betts.  There's no denying that Betts is currently a solid investment in the contemporary art market.  His latest works inject acrylic paint into the back of mirrored plexiglas, producing an effect that is both utterly unique and sublime.  Priced at $2,500 now.

"Untitled #4" by William Betts

Another great book from one of our represented artists that's just been released is "Artwork 1994-2009" by Jean Arnold.  One of the region's most sensational abstract painters, Arnold's book shows extraordinary career development through a deep view of this prolific artists past works.  Accompanied by a thoughtful essay by recent Salt Lake City Art Center director Heather Ferrel, this book is well priced at $45.95 in hardback and a great gift for fans of Jean's work and abstract art.

Another book to grace the coffee table and stimulate the mind

If you feel like going all out this year and want to acquire one of the most beautiful paintings relating to Denver in the gallery inventory, then we would suggest considering Jean Arnold's 2007 canvas "South Broadway: Alameda" which is scaled at 6 feet tall by 10 feet wide.  The painting was the focal point of  Jean's April 2009 Plus Gallery exhibition "Onrush" and easily one of the most visually dynamic works on view this year. Priced at $19,000 it's also a virtual steal!

Do you recognize "South Broadway: Alameda"?

Stewart Reviews Hit the Streets, New Sweetrocket/Petley Works and Other News From Plus Gallery

REVIEW OF PLUS GALLERY EXHIBITION "SYSTEMS OF KNOWING" IN THIS WEEKS WESTWORD

Pick it up on the newsstand now or read online at
http://www.westword.com/2009-08-13/culture/these-three-denver-solos-set-the-scene/


DENVER DAILY NEWS GETS IN ON THE ART ACTION HERE AT PLUS WITH REPORT ON STEWART EXHIBITION

The Denver Daily News has lately been giving good coverage to the arts recently, including yesterday's report on R. Justin Stewart's "Systems of Knowing" here at Plus Gallery, complete with excellent panoramic image of the show. If you missed it on the newsstand you can read here online at
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=5311


RIVA SWEETROCKET PRODUCES ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FOR FALL BUELL EXHIBITION

The latest to roll out of Riva's studio is another masterpiece titled "Wish," a terrific complement to the greater body of work she's been wrapping up for the exhibition "Heaven on Earth." Plus Gallery is currently producing a small booklet to complement Riva's upcoming show at the Buell Theater in conjunction with the City of Denver to honor the artist and exhibition. Advance purchases are highly recommended and include recognition in the publication as well as on the wall at the theater. We are pleased to report that Sweetrocket will be featured on a major billboard within the Denver Theater District in a program that kicks off this fall to honor the arts within the city and to magnify the dynamics of the DTD.


NEW PETLEY'S MAKE THEIR WAY TO PLUS GALLERY

Kate Petley's latest works have been getting rave reviews from the public and curator's alike, with two of the larger horizontals on view upstairs at the gallery. Last week Petley brought in two more smaller panels that are beautiful and a great extension of the most recent work that we highly recommend coming in to see.


MORE ON JUSTIN STEWART FROM 2007 MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO INTERVIEW

We wanted to share the MPR report and interview with R. Justin Stewart from October 4th, 2007, by Marianne Combs, a rare honor for an emerging artist and a good basis towards understanding a little more in the development of his career:
In high school, R. Justin Stewart was a complete jock. Now just a few years later, the University of Minnesota student is an internationally acclaimed sculptor.

Minneapolis - R. Justin Stewart used to love to play sports. He was especially good at football.

In his sophomore year of high school he was feeling the pressure of a heavy class and practice schedule, and so he made a decision that would forever alter the course of his life. He took a pottery class from a teacher he already knew very well.

"I was like, ceramics -- how hard can that be? It's my football coach, so he has to give me an A," Stewart recalls.

Instantly, Stewart was hooked. He just couldn't stop making bowls and pots.

My senior year I was taking like three ceramics classes that didn't even exist. I was spending my study halls in ceramics -- I was skipping out of school to go to the ceramics classroom," said Stewart.

"It's hard to forget a kid like that," says Justin's football coach, and ceramics teacher, Peter Loose.

"As I recall, he built a kiln and bought a wheel, and he was firing pots in his backyard. He was an amazing kid," says Loose.

So does Coach Loose give easy A's to football players?

"No I don't -- that's a trick question," he says with a laugh.

Loose said he had to work hard to stay one step ahead of his student, using new techniques and materials. Stewart ate it all up. He decided he wanted to be a ceramics teacher, too.

"Because that's all I knew," says Stewart. "I didn't really know you could be an artist. The only artist I knew was my ceramics teacher, so I figured I'd be a ceramics teacher."

Stewart left his home in Wisconsin to attend the Kansas City Art Institute.

"I left high school as a total jock. I was captain of the football team, played three sports. And I got to arts school and it was people with dyed hair and piercings and tattoos," says Stewart. "I went from being the normal person in high school to being the weird person in college."

Attending arts school is about being exposed to new art forms -- trying out different ways of expressing an idea. At first, Stewart would have none of it.

"I was like I just want to make pottery. I just want to throw, and then all of a sudden I'm starting to do some sculpture, and then all of a sudden I'm not so interested in pottery anymore," Stewart says.

Stewart's work transformed completely in the coming years. He started adding new elements into his clay. He made creatures half from clay, and half out of cloth.

"One critic once called them muppets getting ready to go to the disco," Stewart.

Now in his third year in the MFA program at the University of Minnesota, Stewart makes sculptures that represent networks and systems.

He creates large-scale installations, working with diagrams and string. Some are so ethereal they look like light passing through a prism.

He made a sculpture that represented how words in a thesaurus link to one another. Others look more like molecules or the wiring inside a computer chip.

Stewart's piece titled "Connected" won him the Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award from the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey. He was in a group of 21 artists selected from over 300 applicants around the world.

His faculty advisor, Andrea Stanislav, says it's the first time a student from the University of Minnesota has won the prize.

"This is a great achievement, first of all," says Stanislav. "Definitely for Justin, but also for the sculpture area and the department of art and the university."

Stanislav credits much of Stewart's success to his willingness to try new things, and his openness to new ideas. Stewart admits he's changed a lot since he first started throwing pots on a wheel.

A lot of times I wonder if the 19-year-old in me would like me? Or even the 19-year-old in me would like the work I make now," says Stewart. "I think he would. We'd argue a lot, but I still think he'd like the work I make."

Stewart's piece, "Connected," goes on display at the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey this weekend.

Stewart is currently working on a tower of copper wire that represents the activity of the Twin Cities metro transit system at certain times of day. That and other recent pieces will go on display on the University of Minnesota campus this spring, when Stewart completes his MFA.
- Morning Edition, 10/04/2007, 7:50 a.m.

TRIP TO BOULDER WORTH TAKING TO SEE THE WES MAGYAR PAINTINGS AT DAIRY CENTER

We are very inspired by Wes Magyar's latest paintings, a truly fabulous series that deserve to be seen. They'll be on view at the Dairy Center for the Arts through September 18th.


ARTLAB TO STAGE READING OF THEIR PLAY "I. AM. HERE." THIS WEEKEND, AUGUST 14TH AND 15TH

I. Am. Here.
Staged Reading
When: Friday and Saturday, August 14th & 15th at 7:00 pm
Where: Arts Building, Room 278 Auraria Campus Denver
Located in between to St. Cajetan's Center and the Library
Cost: $5 Adults $3 Students PG-13 Content

About the play:
This original play created and performed by Denver's own youth explores the struggles and triumphs of high school life in an urban public school. Not amused by the various high school melodramas (High School Musical, Twilight, 90210) "I. Am. Here." is a response to the Hollywood cliché and provides the audience with a raw taste of what it takes to survive a day in today's high school. ArtLab youth offer an insightful, poignant and honest examination of today's complex teenage life. Despite living in a world of Facebook and Twitter, youth today fight to be heard and recognized. "I. Am. Here." is a voice that must be seen and heard.

Performed by the culturally diverse group of high school youth that created the stories, "I. Am. Here." is also an autobiographical look at their own struggles and triumphs as high school students in Denver. The play follows the teens though a day at school, full of hall sweeps, hanging out, and humorous discussions about the truth of the opposite sex. These teenagers present an honest face to urban teenage struggle that includes teenage pregnancy, alcoholism at home, interracial dating, economic hardship, and violence. "I. Am. Here." dives into race issues that shape the lives of students' choices and beliefs. The youth don't ask, but demand that you engage in their sometimes raw, sometimes touching yet always accurate portrayal of high school life.

Created from a summer of script workshop assignments improvisation, and autobiographical performances called "autodramas," this original play is written by ArtLab youth with playwright Craig Volk, Associate Professor of Theater, Film and Video Production at the University of Colorado Denver; and directed by Jose Mercado, Assistant Professor of Theater, Film and Video Production, University of Colorado Denver.


GREAT LOCAL BAND TO CHECK OUT: BAD LUCK CITY, SET TO PLAY UNTITLED AT DAM ON AUGUST 28th

Last night the crowd at Red Rocks was treated to the local band "Bad Luck City" in advance of the Donnie Darko Screening for Denver's most excellent summer program Film on the Rocks. The band managed to pull off a pretty amazing performance, their set no doubt highly influenced by the mannerisms, songwriting, sonic build and violin riffs that are the trademark of the venerable Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Not a bad band to emulate, and certainly Bad Luck City managed to pull it off in a way that complemented the film and proved they are a band to pick up on live. Though we'd most look forward to seeing them perform in a smokey bar, their next gig will actually be August 28th at the Denver Art Museum as part of the monthly Untitled Series. We'll for sure be there and recommend you dress in black and do so as well.

Plus Gallery Event Schedule Through September and Other Community News

SAVE THE DATES FOR UPCOMING PLUS GALLERY EVENTS

We'd really like to see you at the following special events that we are hosting now through the end of September:

Joe Riche public art dedication at Plus Gallery - Wednesday August 26th 4-6pm (see full information below)

Tom Griesgraber and Bert Lams - Exclusive Musical performance Friday September 4th at Plus Gallery. Attendance is limited to 30 people with admission charge of $25. Includes drinks, hors d'ouvres and an intimate exchange with two of the world's finest musicians. Visit http://www.thossounds.com/ for more info, please contact gallery for more info or to RSVP.

Jonathan Saiz - Opening Reception for "INDUSTRY" Thursday, September 10th at Plus Gallery, 6-9pm.

MONUMENTAL - Plus Gallery artists with large-scale works at Ironton - Opening Reception Friday, September 11th from 7-10pm

Riva Sweetrocket - Opening Reception for "Heaven on Earth" Monday, September 21st at Buell Theater

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DENVER OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES DEDICATION OF TRADE DEFICIT @ INTERSECTION OF BROADWAY & BLAKE

The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs' Public Art Program is pleased to announce the dedication of Trade Deficit by artist Joseph Riche at the intersection of Broadway and Blake. The dedication will take place on Wednesday, August 26 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. It will be followed by a reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Plus Gallery, 2501 Larimer St. Both the dedication and reception are free and open to the public.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Dedication: Intersection of Broadway and Blake

Reception: Plus Gallery, 2501 Larimer St.

Artist Joseph Riches Trade Deficit is a trio of sculptures situated along Broadway at Lawrence, Larimer and Blake, the most significant of which is located at Blake. The sculptures are intended to create a literal and conceptual gateway for the industrial/residential neighborhood of River North (RiNo), activating a main route into downtown Denver from the airport and beyond.

As an artist who lives and works in the RiNo neighborhood, Riche chose to create this series of sculptures from the metal shipping containers that are commonplace in the area. The colorful, bold artworks symbolize the history and bright future of RiNo, as well as Denver's connection via commerce and culture to the rest of the world. The artwork will have a five-year anti-graffiti coat. DOCA will be responsible for any upkeep and repairs to the artwork.

Joseph Riches sculptural works are often created from salvaged, discarded objects that are considered unusable. Riche rescues these objects and gives them a renewed life in a new form. He owns and operates Demiurge Design, a design/build studio in the RiNo neighborhood. Riche was selected for this public art commission by a panel of community members, artists and arts representatives.

For more information on the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs' Public Art Program, please call 720-865-4313 or visit http://www.denvergov.org/publicart

The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver.

SUPPORT ART FOR RANSOM SIGNATURE EVENT AT REDLINE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th

Art for Ransom is a collaborative show, event, and fundraiser organized by and benefiting Arts Street and RedLine, two community focused arts nonprofits. The event, Sept. 12, 6-10 p.m. at 2350 Arapahoe, Denver, will be part happening, part installation, part exhibit. Admission is only $5 for the event and can be purchased at the door.

Art for Ransom was born at a student design competition of the Art Directors Club of Denver. The students' concept was to ask, "Where would we be without access to art?"

Throughout this event, funds will be raised to pay the ransom to reveal areas of the exhibit space, progressively uncovering the work of area artists ranging from young students to noteworthy professionals. We are asking artists and patrons from the community to come together and combine micro-donations with magnanimous gestures to reveal the collective work we all need to support!

for more information, visit http://www.redlineart.org

GRIESGRABER/LAMS EXCLUSIVE NIGHT AT PLUS.......RSVP A MUST, ATTENDANCE LIMITED TO 30

Plus Gallery will host a very special evening at the gallery and Zeile residence next door on the evening of Friday, September 4th. We are continuing in the tradition of our previous gallery's experimental music series but putting a focus on an intimate experience and internationally recognized performers.

Bert Lams is one of the members of the prestigious California Guitar Trio, a band that Karen has had long-time connections to and has been urging to perform at the gallery. That band, however, sells out venues but their members, including Lams, maintain side projects with a preference towards intimate engagements. Lams is currently on tour with Tom Griesgraber, who is considered a master of the "Chapman Stick," an instrument with twice as many strings as a guitar that promotes a full range of chords.

The pedigree between the two is amazing, and the opportunity to have them perform in the gallery a rare treat. We asking for a $25 admission fee that will help us cover the bands cost as well as drinks and appetizers to start the evening at 7pm. Because of this, we are also limiting attendance to 30 people, which will make it more of a intimate "house" party and one of the most unique experiences of the year.

We are working with Rob Miller and Paco from Object + Thought on promoting the event and so expect a diverse crowd of music and art enthusiasts. RSVP to ivar@plusgallery.com if you would like to attend, reservations are filling up quickly.

VISIT PLUS GALLERY FOR FIRST FRIDAY EXTENDED HOURS AND ARTIST TALK BY R. JUSTIN STEWART

"SOK02" by R. Justin Stewart

PLUS GALLERY ARTIST LENKA KONOPASEK FEATURED IN WHITNEY MUSEUM EXHIBITION

Plus Gallery artist Lenka Konopasek has been successful in getting her artwork beyond the regular confines of the intermountain region lately, most recently having been accepted into the Paperworks 2009 International Juried Competition currently taking place at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. The exhibition has been juried by Maura Heffner, Exhibition Manager at the Museum, with entries limited to drawings, graphics, sculpture, 3D and bound books only. The Museum hosts a reception for the exhibition this Saturday, August 8th with the work remaining on view till August 30th.

Konopasek is also making a large hanging installation for ARTPRIZE in Grand Rapids Michigan in the Fountain Street Church, set to commence in September.

RMCAD SUMMER NEWSLETTER FEATURES PLUS GALLERY ARTIST KAREN McCLANAHAN

The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, one of the most formidable art-schools in the region, has released their summer newsletter featuring stories on RMCAD alumni and activities that further attest to the vitality of the school. The summer issue features a nice write-up on Plus Gallery artist Karen McClanahan, acknowledging her major contribution to the grand-reopening of the gallery this last march in our new location. Check it out online.

PLUS GALLERY ARTIST JON RIETFORS INCLUDED IN ASPEN EXHIBITION OPENING AUGUST 6TH

Plus Gallery artist Jon Rietfors, who recently delivered three remarkable works to the gallery, is being featured with other recent works at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen in the exhibition "Contemporary Reflections." In addition to Rietfors, the exhibition features Shannon Neuman, Amy Tessier, Hannah Stouffer, Carrie Smalley and Leslie Benson. The opening reception is being held tonight, Thursday August 6th from 5-7pm. Rietfors last had work on view in Denver at the CVA in 2007 alongside Gregory Crewdson and other nationally recognized artists.

For more information visit http://www.aspenart.org/

THOUGHT PROVOKING COMMENTARY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ART POSTED ON BLOG BY LEANNE GOEBEL

We just read the latest musings on art by adobeairstream.com senior editor Leanne Goebel and thought her comments should be shared and passed around, they offer stimulating thoughts on the ongoing debate of the importance of art. Goebel's blog is one that is worth following, and serves as a great adjunct to the adobeairstream.com site which covers the contemporary art scene in a remarkably astute manner. Check it out at

http://leannegoebel.com

INTERVIEW WITH R. JUSTIN STEWART POSTED ONLINE

Plus Gallery intern Gene Zazzaro conducted an interview with R.  Justin Stewart in advance of his exhibition "Systems of Knowing. " We offer a sample of the interview here, to read the full interview with corresponding images click on the link below:

Visually, a lot of your recent work seems to signify constellations of relationship. To what extent does your work reflect a perspective on social interaction?

Much of my work has dealt with issues of relationships, either directly or tangentially, over the past few years. I am interested in the continually changing dynamics of identity through the interplay of relationships. An obvious example of a system that is perpetually changing is a social network. I approach my work from the same perspective, that the various elements of a piece physically pull on each other and impact how the other is viewed and created.

plusgallery-rjustinstewart

STEWART TO GIVE ADVANCE DISCUSSION ON HIS WORK TUESDAY, JULY 21ST AT REDLINE

Concurrent with his “Systems of Knowing” solo exhibition, Stewart is in residence at RedLine through August 12th. He will present the topic "Thinking Things" as part of the monthly discussion at Redline tonight, July 21st at 6pm. Admission is $5 for the public, free for Redline members.

BRUCE PRICE: ONE YEAR IN THE LIFE OF AN EXCEPTIONAL DENVER ARTIST

While visiting Redline for Stewart's talk or independently, we highly recommend stepping into the front-entrance gallery where the space is filled almost wall to wall with an entire year's output of artwork by Plus Gallery artist Bruce Price. This is a fascinating way to view the artistic process and all that relates to one of the most prolific, talented and duly lauded painters in the region. Price's work has always had the kind of depth that is best understood through his rigorous studio practice and approach to working out his ideas in various scales and media. It is profoundly exciting to see it combined in a single view, representing both a milestone for the artist since he moved his studio to Redline last year and for the organization as well as it celebrates its first birthday.

GABRIEL LISTON GUEST BLOGS ON NATHAN ABEL'S ART BLOG

Dime for dime, blogger for blogger, there is no doubt that the internet is providing a much greater experience for understanding and learning about art.........outside of the actual experience of viewing art in the gallery that is. Hopefully nothing will ever replace that old fashioned method. But we are happy to report that Denver artist Nathan Abels has invited Plus Gallery artist Gabriel Liston to reveal some thoughts and images relating to his work on his always excellent blog. Check it out at http://nathanabels.blogspot.com

STUDIO VISIT WITH GABRIEL LISTON ALSO POSTED TO BLOG

For more wonderful images of Liston and his studio, visit http://www.openwidepdx.com

R. JUSTIN STEWART INTERVIEWED TONIGHT WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH AT 8PM ON UNTITLED ART SHOW

Tune in at 8pm for the live interview of Plus Gallery artist R. Justin Stewart tonight, July 15th or download the podcast later at http://untitledartshow.com

BILL aka "ED" AMUNDSON MENTIONED IN LA TIMES REVIEW

Plus Gallery featured artist Bill Amundson was mentioned in an LA Times review for a group exhibition at Lora Schlesinger Gallery that he's a part of. The fact that they called him "Ed" doesn't diminish his contribution and acclaim whatsoever, check it out at

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT ON THE GALLERY SIDE OF THE ART BUSINESS.....HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING

Here's a pretty amazing article that was sent to us last week that we felt worthwhile to share, it really has a lot of accurate aspects to portray about the art business from the angle of a progressive contemporary gallery in a market similar to Denver:

http://glasstire.com

LAURI LYNNXE MURPHY INTERVIEWED ON PIXEL PICNIC

Plus Gallery artist Laurie Lynnxe Murphy shares her thoughts on art in an extensive interview online with Pixel Picnic. Check it out at

http://pixelpicniconline.squarespace.com

PATTI HALLOCK AWARDED HONORABLE MENTION FOR FORT COLLINS EXHIBITION

Plus Gallery artist Patti Hallock was given an honorable mention award at the Works of Man exhibition that recently opened in Fort Collins, chosen by exhibition juror Chris Jordan. Stop by to view the show and Patti's photograph if you are up North in the area.

MUST SEE FILM FOR ART ENTHUSIASTS - HERB and DORTHY COMING TO STARZ JULY 16th - 23rd

A very rare treat for Contemporary art collectors, fans and artists is coming next week courtesy of the Denver Film Society and Starz Film Center. Those who follow film might have already heard of the documentary "Herb and Dorothy" which has been screening in NYC for a few weeks now and other select markets. The film opens next thursday July 16th at Starz for their doc night and will continue screening for a regular run. Why is this cause for celebration and your interest?

Not only is it rare to have a good documentary on the topic of contemporary art in general but it's far more rare to have one that focuses on collectors of art. Herb and Dorothy is simply an extraordinary story and portrayal of lives lived collecting art at an obsessive level......and not the kind where money is no object and done for investment purposes. The story of Herb and Dorothy is one of two compatible souls who put everything into their passion for art, and over the course of time managed to not only have a collection of major stature but to have not lost that soul in the process. No doubt other films will follow in the footsteps that filmmaker Megumi Sasaki delivers here but it is likely that none will be as genuine and extraordinary as Herb and Dorothy. We recommend it as essential viewing for anyone with even the slightest interest in art. It's also well crafted and will keep all viewers riveted the way a good documentary can throughout its duration, it really is a treat on many levels. For more information visit http://denverfilm.org

BILL AMUNDSON AND BRAVE NEW WORLD RECEIVED PRESS IN TODAY'S DENVER POST

Denver Post Art Critic spent some time at Plus Gallery this last week absorbing the current exhibition "Brave New World" and shares his thoughts in today's edition of the post with a primary focus on the amazing art and career of Bill Amundson. We encourage everyone to read the review and more importantly come see the excellent works on view by three very talented artists here at the gallery. The exhibition is on view for one more week through July 18th.

The Post review can be read online at http://www.denverpost.com

PLUS GALLERY ARTIST R. JUSTING STEWART NOW IN RESIDENCY AT REDLINE

Plus Gallery artist R. Justin Stewart has arrived in Denver from New York City for a six week residency at neighboring institution Redline. Stewart is in town to prepare for his upcoming installation "Systems of Knowing" to debut at Plus Gallery on July 24th in conjunction with the gallery's eight year anniversary, as well as to develop his work at Redline. Stewart is one of the most exciting emerging artists in the country, having received remarkable accolades in the last couple of years for dimensional work that is both intelligent and visually dynamic.

Plus Gallery first worked with Stewart in 2007, offering him an exhibition at project space Object + Thought as part of the intern-curated program, the first to focus solely on one artist utilizing the entire volume of the space. "Partitioned 12-18" was a major success for Stewart as well as the gallery, challenging his abilities to work out complex issues in a short timeframe and in an unfamiliar space. That he was so warmly welcomed by both the team of interns and the community at large led to Stewart's deeper appreciation for Denver as a dynamic ground for contemporary art, one which now leads him back to produce a major new installation at Plus Gallery and spend time in Residence at Redline.

After receiving the 2007 International Sculpture Center Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award, Stewart moved from Minneapolis, where he had recently graduated with an MFA from the University of Minnesota, to New York City to pursue his career. The award led to, among other things, an invitation by Esquire magazine to commission a major piece for inclusion in the publication's 75th Anniversary issue, along with Vic Muniz, Yan Pei-Ming, Richard Phillips and other internationally established artists. The work that Stewart produced for Esquire is an elegant rendition of the "Google Universe" in three dimensions, a task that would prove challenging for any artist to achieve. Stewart is deserving of the early accolades and is an artist firmly of our time. His approach to material and space has a profound effect on the viewer, managing to engage both visually and intellectually.

We invite art collectors and enthusiasts to visit with Justin while in residency, he is eager to meet more good people in Denver and share both his artistic gifts and first-rate personality. We ask that you schedule an appointment through Plus Gallery for anytime in the next six weeks, except during installation from July 19-24th. We'll have more on Justin and "Systems of Knowing" as we get closer to the commencement of the exhibition.

BILL AMUNDSON ON THE RADIO THIS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th

Tune in to http://www.untitledartshow.com to hear Plus Gallery featured artist Bill Amundson live on June 17th at 8pm, or download the podcast later. Either way, you are in for a good time. Bill used to be in radio so being interviewed on radio for an hour is like riding a bike for him.

DOUGLAS WALKER'S TORONTO SOLO GETS MAJOR PRESS IN THE TORONTO GLOBE

Toronto is like the NYC of Canada, and our current featured artist Douglas Walker has just received a major review of his solo exhibition that also happens to be taking place in Toronto. Read the review online, and then come see his works at Plus Gallery and find out what all the Canadians are buying for their collections this year.

www.theglobeandmail.com/

SWEETROCKET COVERAGE IN NATIONAL ART BLOG

Plus Gallery artist Riva Sweetrocket has been blogged again, only this time by the senior editor of national art magazine Southwest Art! Bonnie Gangelhoff took a shining immediately to Riva's amazing pastels and has given a recommendation to check out her works in anticipation of their report in the September issue of the publication and Riva's show at the Buell Theater. Collectors should take note if you haven't already, these paintings are as impressive as they are rare! Read what Bonnie had to report at http://artistsblog.artistsnetwork.com/ (scroll down to Fried Eggs, Feet and Flapjacks)

SWEETROCKET PAINTING MAKES COVER OF MOMS BOOK

Riva Sweetrocket's mother Marilyn Krysl has a new book of poetry that was just published called "Swear the Burning Vow." The book features one of Riva's fine paintings from last year's "Handle With Care" exhibition at Plus Gallery on the cover, making it not only beautiful but a collector's item. Krysl's poems have been published literally everywhere, leading us to believe that Riva's talent could possibly be inherited. The book is available at the Boulder Bookstore, or online through Ghost Road Press

http://www.ghostroadpress.com/

PLUS GALLERY ARTIST TSEHAI JOHNSON FEATURED IN "PURE PLEASURE" AT BMOCA JUNE 5th

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) opens its doors after major renovations next Friday, June 5th with the exhibition "Pure Pleasure" featuring a variety of prominent artists including Plus Gallery's own Tsehai Johnson. Johnson has always been one of the most daring artists in the genre of ceramics and is one of the top contemporary artists working within Denver. Her new installation "Pattern Control" is an expansion of ideas that were on view during last summer's blockbuster show "Disorderly," the final exhibition in the old Plus Gallery space at 2350 Lawrence Street, and should prove to be a terrific component to BMOCA's kickoff event.

The City of Boulder owns the building that houses BMoCA and has installed an elevator, reoriented the gallery spaces making the building user friendly and increasing compliancy with ADA guidelines. Additionally, BMoCA’s second floor space has been opened, revealing the west windows and making the space multi-functional and beautiful, usable for both programs and events. Over the course of the museums 4-month closure a relationship was developed with the University of Colorado School of Architecture department and the result is a stunning newly designed entry space made from post-consumer, recycled and reclaimed materials. The museum will present a full ten days of exciting programs starting with the launch on June 5th, for more information and the full itinerary visit http://www.bmoca.org

IVAR ZEILE - MAKES POSTERBOY FOR SMALL BUSINESS WEEK!

Small Business Week is this week May 18th to 22nd and in full swing. A number of informational events and forums are being held at the Wellington Webb Building for those interested in learning tips on how to start or grow their business. Plus Gallery owner Ivar Zeile happens to be a Poster-boy for the event and is also available for paid modeling jobs.

For more information visit http://www.MileHigh.com

MIKE WHITING UNVEILS LATEST, GREATEST PUBLIC ARTWORK

Plus Gallery artist Mike Whiting continues his career as one of the foremost contemporary sculptors of the day. His practice has progressed in a phenomenally mature way over the last six years, developing major interest through public commissions and individual collectors alike. The fact that his work is succesful on both a small and monumental scale alike is part of his appeal, something that has never been as pronounced till this year as he's unveiled his largest work to date alongside some of his smallest. "Kickflip" is an amazing triptych that takes the lingo of skateboarding as it's inspiration, combining it with Whiting's trademark reference to pixelated forms from early video-game technology. The result, which was installed last week, is a vibrant addition to the Albuquerque landscape and a new height for the artist's career.

At the same time, Whiting has produced his first "limited edition" sculpture which adds a new twist to that tradition amongst artists. His "puppies" are full-scale renditions in multiples, just like a litter, with each having the same form but their own unique distressed finish made with automotive paint. The edition is up to the artist and the demand, and yet so far they've been a big hit and look to become both a collector's item and annual venture for the artist. The initial batch at Plus Gallery is almost gone, but we expect to get more in over the summer, reservations are highly recommended.

JEAN ARNOLD INVITED TO EXHIBIT IN NYC BY RENOWNED ARTIST CHARLES CAJORI

We just found out that Charles Cajori, an East Coast painter and 2001 Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, has invited current Plus Gallery featured artist Jean Arnold to participate in an “artists’ choice” group show at Lohin Geduld Gallery in New York City. Cajoli has one of those careers that few artists attain, with additional awards over the years including the Benjamin Altman Figure Prize, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award, the Ranger Fund Purchase Award, a Fulbright Grant and an NEA Grant. His work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC and Whitney Museum of American Art, NY.

Those who have visited to see "Onrush" at Plus Gallery will have no problem understanding why she'd be receiving invitations such as this. Her canvases are full of life, depth and a color palette that is simply breathtaking to behold.

JEAN ARNOLD'S PLUS EXHIBITION REPORTED ON IN ADOBEAIRSTREAM BLOG

We are also happy to report that the Adobeairstream blog has made mention of our current exhibition, with a headline we simply have to share, read it online at

http://adobeairstreamhardhat.com

PLUS GALLERY ARTIST'S TAKE OVER REDLINE

Plus Gallery artist (and one of the most acclaimed painters in the state) Bruce Price will have select works featured in the new "Green Dot" program at neighbor space Redline, along with resident artist Alicia Ordal. The mission of the Green Dot series is to invigorate the spaces at RedLine with continually changing, progressive exhibitions. The Green Dot series is curated by Redline artists and will exhibit work from all over the region and the nation. As the Premier exhibition "Impulse My Cranial," sensations ground the figures of our perceptions from which we construct conceptions that focus perceptions grounded by sensations. Impulses, electro-chemical links and (as in the impulse to…) Taste, inherent and plastic.......perhaps Bruce Price wrote these thoughts.........but we're sure you will want to find out for yourself what this is all about and support Bruce, Alicia and the program over there.

Jean Arnold is also in residence at Redline, and though she'll be at Plus gallery for First Friday you can peak into the studio and see what she's got cooking. She'll present an artist talk in conjunction with her Residency at Redline next Friday, May 8th starting at 5:30pm, followed by a stroll over to Plus Gallery to hear her thoughts relating to the work on view here. Please join us then.

KATE PETLEY'S LATEST GETS BLOGGED

Plus Gallery artist Kate Petley, who recently moved into the Denver area from Pagosa Springs, has been working in a new direction that should prove to be one of her most succesful forays to date. Plus Gallery will have a sample work on view soon from her current series, but for now she's being featured in an exhibition in Houston at Rudolph Projects Artscan Gallery. She's also been the focus of attention on a terrific new art-blog (a real one funded by Creative Capital) that should be on your radar, at

The adobeairstream blog:

http://adobeairstreamhardhat.com/

DOUGLAS WALKER FEATURED ON TWO ART BLOGS

There certainly are a lot of blogs out there, most likely too many to follow but we keep discovering coverage and recognition for Plus Gallery artists in this sphere all the time. Clocking in on two blogs is recent Plus Gallery acquisition Douglas Walker, the Canadian artist who was featured in last summer's excellent intern curated exhibition "Vis-a-Visage." Walker produces extraordinary paintings in a technique that is very contemporary while in an exciting dialogue with the past. He will be featured in our next exhibition, a group show to introduce artists new to the Plus Gallery stable. To read what the blogosphere has to say about his talent, visit:

http://coilhouse.net/category/art/

http://steampunklib.vox.com

OPENING RECEPTION FOR EXTINCTION AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS THURSDAY, MAY 28th

"Extincition: Artists respond," a the new exhibition at the Denver Botanic Gardens, was juried by Plus Gallery owner Ivar Zeile and the Singer gallery's esteemed director Simon Zalkind. The show complements a range of programs at the DBG addressing evolution and/or extinction accompanying the major outdoor exhibit, “Jurassic Gardens: Evolution and Extinction.” The exhibition features a diversity of interpretations on the theme from artists in Colorado and is thoroughly worth a visit. The Gardens will host a reception for the exhibition on Thursday, MAY 28th starting at 5:30pm.

PLUS GALLERY UNVEILS EXHIBITION OF NEW WORKS BY JEAN ARNOLD

Those who came to visit Plus gallery while in our temporary space next to the MCA might have noticed the two fold out-sketchbooks we had on view with Denver light-rail maps on the cover. The sketches inside detail journeys that Plus Gallery artist Jean Arnold had taken while visiting our city using the public transportation system, complete with illuminating notations and a style characteristic of someone highly invested in their task. These gems were the precursor to Jean's latest exhibition "ONRUSH" now on view at Plus Gallery, featuring large-scale interpretations of select travel sequences in Denver and other locations throughout the United States.

Arnold's second solo exhibition with Plus Gallery, “Onrush” references the unique sense of motion within Arnold’s urban abstractions as well as the quickly changing social mores currently impacting our society. Arnold’s travels, whether by bus or train, provide the perfect context to gather visual information in a state of flux, or “urban clutter” as she refers to it. Arnold re-interprets her journeys on canvas, distilling specific portions of her sketchbooks into segments with cultural and compositional value. Her gestural techniques promote a broad, dynamic color range, converting her notes into forms that balance between the recognizable and the purely abstract.

The sense of motion is definitely pervasive in Arnold’s works, but their grounding in issues of today raise them to another level entirely. Concerned with the very environment that they are culled from, each mark on the canvas is rooted in ideas of how the advancement of society is altering conditions at its own ever-increasing pace. According to Arnold “On my urban bus excursions, I came to realize the primacy of energy as the underpinning of our civilization. We take for granted our urban sprawl, designed around cheap oil, without considering the challenge we will have in crossing those expanses after the cheap oil runs out. Our entire way of life is structured by cheap energy – our city layouts, transportation, global trade and food production. I seek to capture the petroleum-powered speed experience, as it essentially defines our lives at this time.”

“Onrush” presents several major works reflecting the Denver environs as well as other geographical locations of note such as San Francisco, CA, Little Rock, AK and various islands of Hawaii, all places that have deep meaning to the artist. The exhibition promotes a solid view of how abstraction can be used in conjunction with thoughtful social constructs to deliver a visual experience like no other.

Plus Gallery invites the public to join us this Friday in celebrating the start of the exhibition and welcoming Jean back to Denver. The reception will be held from 6-8pm at our new location at 2501 Larimer Street. There is plenty of free parking in front of and around the gallery.

JEAN ARNOLD IN RESIDENCE AT REDLINE FOR TWO WEEKS FOLLOWING OPENING AT PLUS

Jean Arnold will be in residence at Redline for two weeks following the opening reception for her exhibition at Plus Gallery. A talk with Jean in her studio at Redline is tentatively set for Thursday, May 7th, but we'll have more details to confirm next week. Redline is located at 2350 Arapahoe Street, three blocks from Plus.

COMPOSITION AT BELMAR KEEPS SETTING THE STANDARDS FOR CREATIVE RETAIL

Composition is continuing their retail exhibit project that was started last summer. The exhibits feature products and artwork that relate to a common theme. All of the items are hand selected and displayed together in the style of an art gallery or museum exhibit.

Their newest "PLACE" explores the relationships between consumers and objects that are location-centric. PLACE is interested in designers who utilize location and geography as the context for their work. PLACE examines how geographic connections via objects create connections between each other. The exhibit includes artwork and products from a geographically diverse group of designers. For example, Bob Kronbauer is an art director who currently lives in Vancouver, where he edits a popular online magazine called "Vancouver is Awesome." The PLACE exhibit features Bob's t-shirt designs of his favorite cities. Chris Jarratt is an industrial designer born in London who currently resides in Cornwall, the very scenic and lovely south-western tip of England. Chris designed birch plywood coat hangers that incorporate the city skylines of some of the world's great cities. The design and craftsmanship elevates the item from its traditionally functional form to a piece of art. The PLACE exhibit continues at Composition through June 20. Stop in to experience - filled with inspiration from great places!

Composition

7180 W. Alaska Drive | Lakewood CO

http://www.shopcomposition.com

SOME REASONS TO CONSIDER TAKING A FIRST OR SECOND LOOK AT KAREN McCLANAHAN's NEW PAINTINGS

Most of the folks who came out for our grand opening festivities have missed a large part of the experience with both the new gallery space and Karen McClanahan's work. There is always much more than first meets the eye within the works and in many ways the paintings can be considered "alive." Lines vibrate, disintegrate, shift colors and seemingly bend depending on the distance and angle taken from the paintings, resulting in a cascading depth within the volume of each canvas. The paintings truly cannot be taken in from a single vantage point either. The attentive viewer finds his eye being drawn to specific attributes of each painting depending on the distance away from and angle of vision. Once these dynamic properties are revealed, attention returns to specific points within the canvas, often obsessively and as if by a steady, compulsive force. McClanahan further enriches the dialogue within her work and the exhibition environment by creating triptych groupings where canvases of different scale and orientation relate to one another in a communal manner.

Karen has also put together a gem of a catalog, limited to only 11 copies and affordably priced, with each containing a miniature version of one of the paintings from the exhibition. The catalog reveals sketches for each of the paintings in the exhibition in detail and in a manner that greatly informs the artist's process behind the work. We encourage all to take a closer look at this package as well, it will someday surely be a collector's item.

The exhibition "Everything has its place" will be on view through April 18th. Gallery hours are noon to 6pm wednesday through saturday or by appointment.

PLUS GALLERY OWNER IVAR ZEILE FEATURED ON THIS EVENING'S "UNTITLED ART SHOW"

www.untitledartshow.com

A NOTE REGARDING OUR APRIL 1st NEWSLETTER

Thanks to all who congratulated us on our Guggenheim, NEA and NRA grants, which unfortunately were part of our yearly April Fools joke.  But if you happen to know anyone with those institutions (Except maybe the NRA), please put in a good word for us, we would certainly make good use of their funds.

PLUS GALLERY RECEIVES FUNDING FROM GUGGENHEIM FOUNDATION, NEA and NRA

The critical acclaim that Plus Gallery has received for our new space at 2501 Larimer has also generated significant interest from some of the standard bearers in the art world and beyond.  The illustrious Guggenheim Foundation has given Plus a generous grant for the support of the new facility and the long-term development of our local artists program, as it is the only one of its kind in the world to offer exclusive support to the creme-de-la creme of the Colorado contemporary scene.  The NEA has also recognized Plus Gallery's contribution to the arts and has dedicated 52.80% of its budget as a way to celebrate both Denver and the growing stature that the city is realizing world-wide, with Plus firmly at the helm of that advancement.  Finally, seeing that we are still in what might be considered a "rough and tumble" neighborhood, the NRA has also generously donated ammunition and weapons to keep the gallery and its artwork safe.

PLUS GALLERY AND ARTIST'S RECEIVE THREE SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS IN BEST OF WESTWORD

Plus Gallery has taken the current "Best of Westword" by storm, scooping up no less than three significant awards for the arts.  Our new building was recognized as the "Best New Gallery Space," with a special nod to architect Steve Chucovich for his design, which was noted as "intelligent and beautiful."  Plus Gallery artist John McEnroe was recognized for having the "Best New Public Art"   for his sculpture National Velvet at the base of the Highlands Walking Bridge, one of the few awards to have also been noted as "readers choice," a nice surprise considering the Glandale Cherry Creek Chronicle condemned the work and all public art for that matter in their current issue.  Finally, Plus Gallery artist Dave Yust was tapped for "Best  Solo by a local Master" for his recent exhibition Looking Back/Looking Forward at the Arvada Center, as magnificent an exhibition as one might find in the region this last decade.    

LAURI LYNNXE MURPHY BOOK ALSO WINS WESWORD AWARD

Though the category may seem to have been fashioned for the times, another Plus Gallery artist was given an award in the recent Westword Best Of issue. Lauri Lynnxe Murphy is never anything but a creative dynamo, and recently she has used the latest in technology to create a art-book that doesn't necessarily relate to her typical artistic output but obviously shows her eye for composition and art. And of course the Westword has recognized this skill and declared her "American Dream: Portraits of Things" as the "Best Coffee Table Book by a Local Artist." Of course the only way to find out for yourself is to order a copy online a

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore

LL MURPHY ALSO INVITED TO BE A PART OF THE TEXAS NATIONAL ART EXHIBITION

In other Lauri Lynnxe Murphy related news, the artist's recent sculpture "Giraffa Nothareus #72851" first shown last May at Plus Gallery, will be on exhibit at the Texas National from April 4th through May 17th. The Art Competition and Exhibition is celebrating its 15th year on the national scene. It was created in 1995 by the Department of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) as an annual event for artists living and working in the United States. Jurors for each year's event have been internationally known artists including: Leon Golub, Faith Ringgold, Doug and Mike Starn, Martha Erlbacher, James McGarrell, The Art Guys, Donald Sultan, Sandy Skoglund, Jerry Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor, Ed Moses, James Surls, Paul Brach, MANUAL and Roger Shimomura. The juror for 2009 is Mel Chin. On average 800 artists enter the competition.

PLUS GALLERY TWO FOR ONE SALE, ONE DAY ONLY APRIL 1ST

Today only, all artwork will be sold two for the price of one!  That's right, two works of art by any Plus Gallery artist for the price of one.  Take advantage of this special offer now, don't delay!

PLUS GALLERY RECEIVES POSITIVE REVIEWS FOR EXHIBITION AND BUILDING IN SUNDAY DENVER POST

Denver Post Art Critic Kyle MacMillan was the first to remark on the new Plus Gallery last Sunday in the Denver Post, along with a positive critical assessment of Karen McClanahan's eye-popping exhibition of new paintings. If you missed the articles over the weekend, you can read them online at the following links.

http://www.denverpost.com

http://www.denverpost.com

Some of the comments that MacMillan expresses are absolutely accurate in relation to McClanahan's new paintings. They absolutely must be absorbed with extra time and without a crowd, we hope everyone will come by to take a closer look at the unparalleled skill on exhibit in these new works.