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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
VISIT PLUS GALLERY FOR FIRST FRIDAY EXTENDED HOURS AND ARTIST TALK BY R. JUSTIN STEWART
"SOK02" by R. Justin StewartPLUS 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
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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.
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
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
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:
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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/
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
PLUS GALLERY ALSO FEATURED WITH FULL PAGE ARTICLE IN CURRENT ISSUE OF DENVER MAGAZINE
Denver Magazine, a new publication giving 5280 a run for their money, particularly as it relates to local arts coverage, unveiled a new issue right as Plus Gallery reopened two weeks ago. Plus received a full page of coverage with another fine view of our contributions to Denver's art scene that we would like to share. Pick up a copy at the newsstand or you can read online at their site with the following link
PLUS GALLERY ARTIST'S ALSO FEATURED IN APRIL ISSUE OF COLORADO HOMES AND LIFESTYLES
Plus Gallery assisted Interior Designer Cara Hines of Studio Como to create the perfect contemporary loft interior for a Kempe Foundation project at the Watermark lofts in the fall of last year. Hines efforts proved to be the best of the bunch and are now profiled in the current issue of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles. Robin Schaefer, Bruce Price, Peter Illig and Hunt Rettig all had works on view in the magnificent interior. Plus Gallery will donate 10% of the sale of any of these works to the Kempe foundation, which serves to prevent and treat victims of child abuse and neglect.
DAVE YUST PAINTINGS NOW ON VIEW AT COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER
What makes a great museum look its best? How about two major paintings by Plus Gallery artist Dave Yust from 1978. That's what's on tap now at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, one of the most exquisite museum experiences in the state. Yust's 108 inch diameter paintings from 1978 were last on view at the Arvada Center exhibition "Looking Back / Looking Forward" in the fall of 2008. They are now part of the permanent collection at the CSprings FAC and a very welcome addition representing one of Colorado's top contemporary artists. We encourage everyone to drop by when next in the Springs to take a look, but for those who can't we're including a photo here.
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN NYC NEXT WEEK, CHECK OUT RECEPTION FOR R. JUSTIN STEWART'S LATEST INSTALL
Plus Gallery artist R. Justing Stewart is creating some of the most visually appealing and complex installations of any artist in the country. His latest work, "Intertwined" (a permanent installation commissioned by JESNA) will be unveiled with a reception on Tuesday, March 31st from 4-6pm at 318 West 39th Street, 5th Floor in New York City.
PLUS GALLERY GRAND REOPENING A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
The response to our grand reopening last week was spectacular and we'd like to thank everyone who came and helped make it special, though we apologize for the short attention span as the crowd was overwhelming! We extend an invitation for all to return, including those who were unable to attend last week, and experience the intimacy of the space and the nuances of Karen McClanahan's paintings now that the dust has settled. The gallery has been designed for an optimal viewing experience and we are eager to hear your thoughts on this development and how we've converted this unique property into a showcase for our artists.
There is no mistaking the challenge of our timing with this project, as spectacular as it has turned out we know that we are facing an uphill battle. We ask you to help us spread the word to your friends, associates and anyone who has an interest in collecting contemporary art and expanding the caliber of the scene in Denver, particularly as it relates to our local artists. We strive to be champions of their talents and bring them to a greater level of recognition as a result of our efforts. We feel the new gallery is much more approachable on all levels, the architecture truly at a caliber that would be top-class in any city. We also boast more accessible free parking than any gallery, and that is something we expect to last for at least a while.
NEW ARTWORKS WORTH CONSIDERING AT PLUS GALLERY
Hunt Rettig has sent us a healthy sized vertical work of minimalist tones that is simply fabulous and now graces the upstairs viewing room. Rettig's works keep everyone guessing as to their composition and technique, but what is fully known is their transformative beauty and reactive nature to light.
Jenny Morgan's painting was practically still drying when we received it the day before the grand opening. Fans of her work will be intrigued by the new direction which bridges the gap between raw canvas and her signature ultra-realist portraits.
Wes Magyar also delivered a new painting as fresh as a baby's bottom, complete with an image of a young boy sitting amongst the rubble of a transformed society in homage to a rather famous painting by Friedrich. Not only a sign of the times but a sign of one of Denver's greatest representational talents.
Riva Sweetrocket is crafting a new body of work for an exhibition this fall at the Buell Theater, one that is going to truly transform the venue with her eye-popping pastel paintings. We've started rolling them out now and will continue to do so till the fall, pre-orders are highly recommended.
Susan Meyer spent more than three days installing "Together" on our second floor, adding an extra special dynamic to the space through the complex dimensionality of this amazing work. First exhibited back east in 2008 as part of a residency program (and mentioned in the New York Times online edition), "Together" is one of the rarest works one will find in a commercial gallery space in Denver.
Speaking of rare, we also have a special circular canvas by Dave Yust on view as well, the 6th of a series that catapulted Dave's career to great heights in the early 70's. It's a thrill to see a great work stand the test of time and look as contemporary today as when Dave painted it back in 1969.
Photographer Patti Hallock has been turning her lens towards the particularities of the western landscape, both throughout Colorado and beyond. Her latest image is a bit of a departure from her earlier works, yet no less telling of the psychological depths she has continually plumbed.
Jonathan Saiz has been burning up the studio oil like no other in Denver recently, and we've got one of the results to prove it. "O" is a dimensional wall painting and continuation of select themes Saiz has developed over the years. It is also a great companion piece to "X" which will be on view soon in the Colorado Art Open at the Foothills Art Center (along with recent works by Plus Gallery artists Evan Colbert, Peter Illig, Susan Meyer and Riva Sweetrocket as curated by the DAM's Christoph Heinrich and Foothills AC's Michael Chavez)
Four of our favorite, and most affordable new works are courtesy of Mike Whiting. We were hoping to have Inky, Peaches, Honey and Scribbles installed for our preview evening, but they didn't arrive until Friday. There is nothing more charming than this litter of puppies fashioned in the artists signature pixelated universe.
Last, but not least, and equally if not moreso affordable, are three new lithographs from Gabriel Liston that are hot off the press and suitable for framing. Two color lithos are based on one of the artist's most haunting paintings "We are going in to see your father" from his 2006 exhibition. The third is a black and white artist proof magnificently titled "good news from the lawyer." They are both lovely and complement four additional larger scale paintings shipped down the mountain from Liston's hometown of Glenwood Springs.
OPENING RECEPTION IMAGES NOW ONLINE AT PLUSGALLERY.COM
Plus Gallery featured artist Karen McClanahan was the center of attention last weekend, and her brother came out all the way from San Francisco to help celebrate and document the event. We've posted a few of his images to our scrapbook page to share with anyone that was there or wants to see what they missed
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