Oh Tannenbaum... How Gaily thee are Lighted!

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Hello All,

It's time for December Nights in Spanish Village Art Center and beautiful Balboa Park.  Sleigh bells ring, carols are sung, Christmas tree lights are beaming and gaily wrapped gifts are hung from the boughs, while visions of sugarplums nestle in the hearts and minds of yuletide visitors. Now, if that doesn't get you out and into the Christmas spirit, nothing will!  I'm betting you will...

Come early and stay late as the artists and studios of Spanish Village extend their yuletide welcome to you.  The festivities kick off in Spanish Village on Friday, December 6, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until the guests stop coming, usually around 10:00 p.m.  The celebration continues Saturday, December 7, 2014 (and Sunday) in the Village!

There will be Christmas music on our brightly lit patio, performances by visiting artists, booths of goodies by our fantastic artists and crafters, and Joy, Joy, Joy thrown out by the armfuls, from all of the studios.  Visit your favorites, and discover some new ones to boot!

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Bring the kids to visit Santa in our gazebo, and make sure they bring their Christmas lists.  He'll be there with a jolly, "HO, HO, HO" to take a photo with all the boys and girls.  So, wear your Christmas best, and afterwards enjoy our hot chocolate, kettle corn, tamales and handmade ice cream booths while you are there!

We are located at 1770 Village Place, just off of Park Boulevard, between the San Diego Zoo and the Natural History Museum.

We promise, it will be "...a beautiful sight. You'll be happy tonight (and, every night. Daytime, too!). Walking in a Winter Wonderland!"

Fade to, "Oh tannenbaum, oh tannenbaum.  How gaily thee are lighted!"  HAPPY DECEMBER NIGHTS FROM ALL OF US AT SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER!


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard
All images, content and text copyrighted, 2013, all rights reserved

"It's Our Party and We're Fly if We Wanna!"

Heads Up All!

"It's our PARTY and we're FLY if we WANNA!"  Our Annual Open House Party and Dog Days Afternoon, that is, presented by SDSG and Spanish Village Art Center in beautiful Balboa Park.

This is just an icebreaker to get your attention.  So, mark those calendars, bring your pet compassion and pooch favors, and just come "KICK BACK" with the artists of Spanish Village and the San Diego Sculptors Guild on a warm summer afternoon.

It'll be a "howling" GOOD time.  Come on down and "Waise the Woof!"

More to come on our Main Event of the Year.  Keep an eye peeled,  You don't want to miss it!  It's the Party of the Year.  Yeah, "It's our PARTY and we're FLY if we WANNA!"


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2013, all rights reserved

"Art in Bloom" is Busting Out All Over in Spanish Village

Hello All,

Time again for our annual "Art in Bloom" in the Village...Spanish Village Art Center, that is!  This is a favorite of visitors, and for the artists of Spanish Village.  You are invited to see the beautiful floral arrangements by local florists created expressly to complement and interpret the artwork of our artists.  The day will feature floral demonstrations and live art, plein air, on the courtyard, under our welcoming canopies along with live musical entertainment.  Now, you just can't get it any better.

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The floral vignettes will provide a "walking tour" for our visitors that wind throughout Spanish Village.  There are 37 working artists studios where art can be seen in creation.  Visit with our artists, and learn some new things about arts and crafts.

The opening reception is on Friday, July 19, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We'll be waiting for Ya!  See you there "en Plein air"!

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Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2013, all rights reserved

Catnip Connection VI...(That's 6 Meows, Folks)!

                                                 "Go Green", painting by Padgett Mason
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Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow...and, Meow!

Well, did you think this kitty was kidding?  That's 6, "count 'em"...6 meows for  "Catnip Connection 6", opening soon in Gallery 21 at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park.  We all love cats...and, those of you who don't (what's the matter with you?) will still be as happy as a "kitty who stole the cream" with the upcoming exhibition.

Catnip Connection 6 will be showing in Gallery 21 located in Spanish Village Art Center at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California, 6/20-7/2/12 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. daily.  For those artists who love depicting cats in their artwork, submissions are due on 6/20/12 at the gallery between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

As usual, a portion of the sales from the exhibition will be donated to the Feral Cat Coalition, an organization offering spay/neuter clinics for stray cats in San Diego County.

So, we will see you there...all of you "Cat Lovers", and all of you who "Love to laugh at cats".  I promise that Catnip Connection 6 won't disappoint you, whichever side you stand on.  I'm sure you'll be purring when you leave the gallery, just like the "cat who caught the canary".  Don't believe me?  Just ask a cat!

MEOW, MEOW, MEOW, MEOW, MEOW...and MEOW!!!!!!


For more information, and to register for the show contact Vicky DeLong (Studio 16B in Spanish Village Art Center) at  vbde@cox.net  or, call at (619) 850-6637.  You may also inquire with Marji Huntington at  marjih@earthlink.net or, call at (619) 640-2094.


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

Yumi Climenson...following the "Path of Light"

Hello All,

Once again, Gallery 21 welcomes Yumi Climenson back for her annual exhibit, "Path of Light". We have traveled many paths with Yumi over the past years, and this year the "path" is, as always, illuminated by the "Light" inherent within Yumi, and in us all. I believe that is how Yumi would express it.

"Path of Light" promises to be a unique experience. How can it not with Yumi as our guide, or perhaps I should say, "...as Yumi reveals the vista along the way". Knowing her as I do, Yumi does not lead or force us to follow a path of her choosing. Rather, she invites us all to explore the path of illumination as a means of evolving...a journey (if you would) of enlightenment.

You see, and I haven't even seen the show yet. I suppose I am still basking in the "light" of her past exhibitions, all dealing with "light" in some form. So, Gallery 21 and Yumi Climenson invite you all to come and experience "Path of Light". Perhaps, we will leave the show with a modicum of that aura exuded by Yumi, and find our feet once more upon the path...

Yumi will be waiting to welcome you on the "Path of Light".



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

AGG Spring Show- "A Blown-out Success"

                                                "Art Glass" by Cindy McQuaid
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Hello All,

I hear from AGG (Art Glass Guild) member, Marci Stinton, that the AGG Spring Show on the patio was a veritable "flood" of glass lovers and collectors. She said that the customers were still pouring in as late as 5:00 p.m. with no sign of ebbing. I wasn't able to attend, but judging by the photos of the event, this year's glass guild sale was a huge success. Oh, excuse me...rather, a "Blown-out" success (and, yes, pun intended...you know, "glass...blowing").
 

Just take a look at these displays of some of the art glass that was exhibited at this year's event.

                             "Flying Objects", art glass by Kathleen Mitchell, ArtHell

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                                                         "Art Glass" by Gina Lunn

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Oh, the beauty of glass...amazingly, just melted, fused, folded, slumped, and blown sand.  Sand, as in silica!  Now that's the kind of science I can relate to.  The science of the chemical makeup of Art Glass.  What a segue...from the chemistry of science to the miracle of Art Glass.  How absolutely, positively MARVELOUS!

There were over 30 participants in this year's AGG Spring Show and Patio Sale, 2012.  Here are just a few of those marvelous "miracle makers".

ANN MITCHELL, Art Glass

MARY JANE BAILEY, Dichroic Glass

MICHAEL HERMANN & GINA LUNN, "Nautilus"

There you have it folks, the AGG Spring Show and Patio Sale, 2012!

The AGG is in Studio 25, and is open to the public 7 days a week in Spanish Village Art Center at 1770 Village Place in beautiful Balboa Park.

SEE YOU AT THE FALL SHOW...It'll be MARVELOUS!!!

Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32

All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

Benjamin Lavender Opening Reception at SDSG

Just a Reminder, Folks!  Don't miss the opening reception and the month-long exhibit of Benjamin Lavender's "Growth", at the San Diego Sculptors Guild, Studio 36 in Spanish Village Art Center.  Opening reception kicks off on Cinco de Mayo.  Here's the scoop (Oh, and don't forget to come with your Cinco de Mayo attitude.):

SEE Y'ALL THERE, MUCHACHAS Y MUCHACHOS...OLE' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

Who is Benjamin Lavender and why...?

                                 Reclaimed Objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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Hello All,

The continuum of the title above would appropriately be captioned, "Who is Benjamin Lavender and Why are People saying Wonderful Things about Him?"  Well, frankly speaking, he hails from the artistic and musical city of Austin, Texas, and judging by his striking and unusual work, is not like anyone you have ever known.  My chest swelled with pride after finding out that Benjamin comes from my old "stomping grounds" of Texas.  Down there, we have a saying, "They grow 'em tall in Texas".

Not having had the pleasure of meeting Benjamin yet, I have to say, "I don't know how tall he actually is, but his found and reclaimed objects sculptures make him TALL in my book any day."  Just take a gander at this one entitled, "Tap Root".

                       "Tap Root", reclaimed objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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Benjamin earned his Associates of Fine Art from Watkins College of Fine Arts and Design in Nashville, Tennessee, winning first place in ceramics and second place in sculpture during his exiting student show.  He then moved to San Diego, California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in sculpture at San Diego State University in 2003.  Benjamin soon established himself in local art groups and began doing solo art exhibitions in the surrounding area.  And, no wonder with the kind of  work he produces.  It certainly isn't difficult to be impressed with Benjamin's imagination and meticulous attention to detail as he applies them within the frame of his work.  And, one must appreciate his usage of recycled and reclaimed objects from nature and industry, thereby contributing to environ continuity and preservation of the planet.

                 "Tap Root" (detail) reclaimed objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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The San Diego Sculptors Guild in Studio 36, located in Spanish Village Art Center at Balboa Park is proud to present Benjamin Lavender as their featured artist for the month of May, 2012.  The opening reception for Benjamin's month-long show is charted for May 5, 2012 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in celebration of Benjamin and Cinco de Mayo.  True to tradition, SDSG will host a meet and greet with Benjamin in the gallery and sculpture garden resplendent with mariachis, sangria and appetizers in the Spanish flavor of Cinco de Mayo.  The guild and Benjamin invite you all to come on down, enjoy the celebration and meet the artist.  We may expect to see one of Benjamin's monumental pieces on the patio at Spanish Village Art Center in the near future.

Benjamin's art reflects his lifelong fascination with the growth and erosion of nature.  Of himself and his work, Benjamin says, "Abstract Naturism is an appropriate way to describe my work, as well as industrially-organic.  Both define the outcome of mimicking nature through intense hours of manipulating metal, concrete, paint and found or reclaimed objects into organically formed art." 

 

                      "Lost and Found", found objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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So folks, there you have it...Benjamin Lavender, "walking TALL" from Austin, Texas to San Diego, California which he now claims as home.  However, being from Texas reminds me of another of those great Texas sayings (there's millions of them, by the way...you "oldies" will remember this one.), " I'll give a Texan's share!"  I think Benjamin Lavender has definitely given "a Texan's share", and then some in his artwork.  And, I'll put money on it to boot..."People will be saying Wonderful Things about Him" for a very long time!


For more information about Benjamin Lavender peruse his website at: http://www.benjaminlavender.com. or inquire at the San Diego Sculptors Guild, studio 36, 11:00 - 4:00 p.m. daily.


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

37th Annual Small Image Show Winners!!!

                                
                      Sue Bakely, "Two Visionaries", mixed media/porcelain
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Hello, Hello All,

Well here they are...those well deserved honorees of the 37th Annual Small Image Show.  Topping off the list is one of my favorite artists, the ever imaginative and immensely talented, Sue Bakely, 1st Place winner for her "Two Visionaries", mixed media and porcelain.  Sue is a champion of the "small but mighty" depiction of imaginative images as the first place award testifies.  "Here, here!  Sue Bakely, "front and center".  Lady take a bow!"

Hot on her heels is Linda Kardoff, Second Place winner for "Midnight Schemer", mixed media.  You will remember this image from my last blog of the "fiery redhead" with the dark look of treacherous imaginings in her mien.  I was so taken with the emotion in this miniature painting, that I stood mesmerized in front of it for several minutes.  The detail and use of creative brushstrokes in this painting is marvelous!  As they say, "Good things come in small packages."  You've got that right, Linda.  Congratulations, girl!

    
                        Linda Kardoff, "Midnight Schemer", mixed media
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Rounding out the terrific threesome is accomplished Jack Wade, Third Place winner with his "Camouflage", fused glass.  (Sorry, girls, the fellas have to represent, too!)  Jack's glass panel does indeed hold a cleverly camouflaged image of a seated lady nestled among the many flecks of color, embedded in the glass composition.  Nice touch, Jack.  This piece reminds me of cameos in my Grandmother's jewelry box.  And, Jack, that's a big "Plus" in my book.  Well done, maestro...well done!


The coveted Leslie von Kolb Memorial Award for $100 went to one of my favorite ceramists, Mary Cuzick for "Bowl", clay.  Mary creates the most delicate porcelain ceramics I have seen.  Each piece is created with love and dedication to detail, and anyone viewing them or touching them, can easily channel Mary's sense of rhythm and balance that is tantamount when creating her masterpieces.  As you can see, folks...I'm "not too" impressed with Mary Cuzick.  Mary, "Throw down, girl!"

Oops, gotta run to the studio, as usual.  I'll be back in a jiff with the scoop on the winners of the Purchase Awards and the Gift Certificates.  I know...I know.  You'll wait with bated breath!  It will be worth it , I assure you.


February 17, 2012

Okay, I am back to continue with the awards.  The five Purchase Awards went as follows:

1.  Jim Brown Memorial by Cecile Brown - $100, Elizabeth Woolrych for "Magic Within",
     sagger fired clay

2.  William Hudlow - $100, Shaun Craig for "Liquid Ice", porcelain

3.  William Hudlow - $100, Vanessa Backer for "Flower Box #1", mixed media ceramic, wood,
      plaster

4.  Marvin Miles - $100, Merle Lambeth for "Coming Up for Air", clay

5.  Y. Sachiko Kahtsu and Tom Held - $200, Sally Ault for "Green Sea Urchin Box", mixed media


The Gift Certificates were awarded to the following artists:

*  Freeform Clay - $50, Shaun Craig for "Liquid Ice", porcelain
*  Artist & Craftsman Supply - $25, Margaret Gordon-Espe for "Media Pouch", leather and
    $25, Suzanne La Joie for "Horse IV", mixed collage
*  Valley Moulding - $50, Beverly Brock for "Dune Walker", photography and
    $25, Susan Salazar for "Oriental Red", mixed media collage
    $25, Chris Stell for "Dichro Disks", fused glass
*  Spanish Village Art Center (Dick Blick gift certificate) - $50, Joan Nies for "Medieival View",
    etching

Congrats to all!  You have given us another year of fantastic art, and we thank you all for your dedication in making the 37th Annual Small Image Show the "best ever"!  As they say, "Good things come in small packages" (in this case...dimensions), and we certainly have been given such a  gift at this year's exhibition.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Same time, same station next year...


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

Allied Artists Association Arrives at Gallery 21

"Hidden World", watercolor by MARK SMITH
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Hello All,

It's a new year and an all new roster at Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Art Center, located at 1770 Village Place in Balboa Park. Gallery 21 is proud to present the Allied Artists Association of San Diego, in their 2011 All Members' Show.  Exhibit runs 2/23/11 - 3/7/11, and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The opening reception is Sunday, 2/27/11 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

The current exhibit features 32 fabulous artists who work in media including photography (traditional and digital), oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, pastel, silk painting, encaustic, printmaking, ceramic and mixed media. That's quite a playbill, don't you think? I visited the gallery today, and was amazed at the variety of style and expertise in the artists' renderings.

Awards are for Outstanding Art in the following categories:

1st Place - $100, 2nd Place - $75 and 3rd Place - $50
Honorable Mention Certificates will also be awarded.

I will attend the opening reception on Sunday, and fill you in on the award recipients. I've got my favorites, but I will wait to see what the juror and the People's Choice selections are.

Back tomorrow with the results. "Anticipation...anticipation", I know!


Monday, 2/28/11 1:20 p.m.

Well, the reception was a great success with a marvelous turnout by patrons and artists alike. The quality of art in this show certainly commands attendance. Now for news of the awards for the show. This year's recipients are:

1st Place Winner - Joan Everds for "Lily", photograph
2nd Place Winner - Jackie Myers for "Midnight Strikes", acrylic
3rd Place Winner - Alicia Tirado for "Turquoise Waters", colored pencil

Honorable Mention - Vicky DeLong for "Flock", ceramic vase
Honorable Mention - Edwin H. Wordell for "Symbolic", mixed media collage

The People's Choice award will be awarded at the end of the show when all votes are tallied.  I, easily, cast my vote, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed while sending out good "vibes" to my favorite.  (You know who you are...) Ask me no secrets...

"St. Mary River", monotype by JULIANNE RICKSECKER
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The Allied Artists Association of San Diego shows its work once a year at the Riford Center in La Jolla, California, and their artwork is permanently on display in a window gallery setting in the Emerald Building in downtown San Diego.


With a motto of "Many Artists. One Passion", the Allied Artists Association of San Diego is a multi-talented group of artists that represents a broad spectrum of art media and photographic arts. They may be contacted individually or through their website at: www.aaasd.us. P.O. Box 181325, Coronado, California 92178. For further info, contact Vicky DeLong at: 619) 850-6637.


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved