Art View By Jim Christiansen
This past month we got to have two good local shows open with artist receptions during July Art Walk, the Emergence show at the Chartreuse Muse, and the Sixtie’s Show at Mistlin Gallery. The first is the every other year presentation of artists new to the Muse, showcased together as noted emerging artists in our Area. Among them, Jennifer Williams of Crow Trading and her photography, and Becky Murphy and her collages. This may explain how our Sixties expert publisher Chris Murphy was found at this art walk reception, rather than over at Mistlin Gallery, where a considerable crowd all night, looking at this theme show where some art of the era and new interpretations recently created on the Central California Art Association Walls. Don Hall particularly stands out with his interpretation and black light painting ala Peter Maxx. MJC’s Dr. Richard Serros also entered four paintings, and new addition to the CCAA board of directors. Mistlin Gallery will change shows just after mid-month.
Respected former MJC professor and multi Best of Show winner, Dan Petersen and award winner Stan Holz, ceramicist currently of Escalon will combine for a two-man exhibition opening August 19 for a month long run. Both have over 40 years teaching and exhibiting their arts, with many awards. Petersen’s presentation will be prints featuring his unique style and spiritual clarity in his watercolor landscapes. Holz ceramics will feature his high fire designs that vary from functional to highly decorative shapes. Petersen will also be offering a watercolor workshop over four Saturdays, beginning August 23, at a cost of 250.00. Each session is four hours, and a list of supplies available. Workshop will be held in the Mistlin Gallery education center. Call 209 529 3369 for more information.
I got a chance to take in Merced Art Hop on the Saturday after Art Walk. This quarterly event, more interactive than our monthly Third Thursday, and I think we should consider incorporating some of their ideas into our Art Scene. I started at the Arbor Gallery at the Multicultural Center, to ballet dance presentation in the main gallery, with short films in the auditorium on breaks. Another younger dance group down Main Street at the cinema, with sidewalk artist demos, DJ and installations on the route. At Bob Hart Square, MAH features a number of kids participatory art demos outside in the square. Perhaps Mistlin Gallery will further expand on its Tie Dye children’s art demo done during July Art Walk with the Sixties Show. Next Merced Art Hop is October 18.
FASM, aka Aaron Vickery was seen during Art Walk doing spray paint art live in the parklet in front of Picasso’s, and others were back to art on the alley, and on street at 13th and J. Good show to see this month is Lauren Andre’s work at Barkin Dog Grill. A Special MUMfest production at Prospect Theater Project will also feature visual artists with the special Inside Track concerts August 2 and 3. Another visual art opportunity coming up is for related to women artists and cover design contest for book of Poetry and Essays with the Northern California Women’s Music Festival, October 18. Submissions may be sent to NCWMF cover art contest, c/o 4136 Tegner Rd, Hughson, CA 95326. Website is http://northerncaliforniawomensmusicfestival.com/home Also seeking poetry submissions. I’m still working the Art Corner at the Oakdale Farmer’s Market through August, Wednesdays 5 to 8:30 pm. I also have art up at Crow Trading, and Papachino’s on J Street. And, I have four pieces in the Sixties Show at Mistlin. The collages new with artists statements, but the Nixon, “Surf’s Up” drawing, is a sketch done in 1970 to rework my 1969 poster of a different size. Enjoy August.
