Hot Off the Presses: First Friday Artwalk, September 2, 2016

Hello, Fall!  In spite of a distinct chill in the air, quick switches between dark, dark clouds, flashes of sun, and several noisy thunderclaps in the afternoon, another wonderful First Friday Artwalk was had by all.  Our exhibition, Dynamic Dozen:  Fall Art Fete, attracted art fans old and new, young and slightly less young, and we have photos to prove it!

A sip of wine, a chat with friends... a hat was a very good idea tonight!

Taking a good look at Renee Jameson's spectacular monotypes.

Artist Gerardo Aguayo discusses his work with fans, including Karen Heath...

... and poses beside one of his fascinating Shamans.

You can view more of Gerardo's wonderful work, including

Celtic White Shaman, the piece shown here and featured in

the current exhibition, by clicking on the photo or

right here to visit his artist pages.

A visitor from Bulgaria seems to be enjoying the wearable art!

We're with her; that's a silver crinkle silk Carol Lee Shanks

dress, sleek and sleeveless and sultry.  See Carol's always fabulous

work right here.  For the evening we've paired it with

one of NEO's terrific neoprene necklaces from Italy.

(And for all you NEO fans, alert:  our new shipment

is quickly disappearing.  We'll have more before the holidays

get much closer - with their great casual/elegant looks and

great price points, they make perfect gifts.)
See our current NEO collection by clicking here.

Then it is revealed that our Bulgarian visitor is a famous singer in her country!

She is here on the island visiting friends, and we so hope

she comes back to see us, bringing along her delightful personality

and obvious good taste (everyone loves the coat she is modeling for us -
from the Australian designer Alquema, this one is shown in bold
autumn color; subtle, feminine ruffle details without in the

slightest lapsing into froufrou; lightweight, therefore a perfect travel piece.

So Islanders and Gallery patrons, early warning:  Keep an eye open;

you will be seeing more of these available in the Gallery soon!)

 

A gorgeous arrangement of local foliage draws plenty of attention.

 

And here's some of the young crowd we were talking about.

Looks like she's really enjoying the band.

A Tiny Dancer, wearing some pretty adorable boots

and the latest in trendy black and white stripes, shows us

how best to enjoy gypsy jazz.

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers always give it all they've

got, rain or shine, true professionals who keep everyone's toes tapping.

Last Friday night was no exception, but the big news is the release of their

third CD, Swing 16.  To purchase, contact us via phone or email -
or swing on in!  We'll keep a supply on hand for their many fans.

Hopefully they'll be up in the online shop soon.

That's it for now, but we have something very, VERY special coming up for the next Artwalk, Friday, October 7th.  Information will be coming soon, right here, but in the meantime, please:  If you're a jazz fan, MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: First Friday Artwalk, August 5, 2016

Artwalk?

More like "Art-Dance..."

What a show it was:  The weather was fabulous, the band was rockin', the town turned out, and sales were amazing.

Not only that but everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time, including our artists:

 

Andrea Lawson and Renee Jameson, two of our exceptionally talented artists.

Andrea works primarily in acrylics; Renee does amazing monotypes.

(You can click on the links in their names to see their work!)

 

Andrea, with her BrainsBeauty paintings.

(More information on this piece coming to the online Shop.)

 

Lisa Wederquist, just below several pieces of

her stunning new ceramic work.

(By the way, Lisa's latest will be featured in our

upcoming Ceramics Monthly ad.  Exciting!)

Karen Chaussabel, standing with her wonderful encaustic/mixed

media work, a little different from her past work,

as these are landscapes.  Very nice!

Here's a link to one of her latest pieces, Morning Sea Ripple.

(Oh, and we hope to have one of her amazing recipes

in the next Gallery Picks Newsletter - can't get enough of those!)

 

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers bring swing back

to Winslow Way!

Here's a close-up of Ranger and Jeffrey, hard at work.

As always, guys, it was a blast!

(If you can't live without a regular dose of their

toe-tapping, made-for-dancing, gypsy jazz tunes, we always

have several of their CDs available for sale.

Simply contact the Gallery for information.)

On to September and the next great First Friday Artwalk.  We will, as always, bring you all the advance details, and hope to see you back here for our upcoming Gallery Picks Newsletter.

(Don't forget:  You can sign up to have advance notice messages delivered to your inbox, for newsletters, show, sales and concert info, by sending a note to *ssn [at] theislandgallery [dot] net.  Just put "Subscribe me" in the title box and we'll sign you up right away.) 

*(Also:  Sorry to write it that way, but we have to in order to foil the many, many spammers.)

~S. Roth

January 2016 Annual Sale Starts...Right... NOW!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Technically, First Friday landed on January 1st this year, so in lieu of a full-blown Artwalk on that date the Bainbridge Island First Friday Artwalk will be a mini-version on Friday, January 8th.  We'll be open, with sips of wine and goodies, but do check with the other galleries for their schedules.

On our schedule:  The Island Gallery's Annual Sale!!!

January 2 –31, 2016

A New Year Beckons!

And we’re ready to welcome in 2016

with new pieces from our wonderful artists

and Great Sale Prices Gallerywide Through January

Featuring:

Renee Jameson

Monotype works, in the Gallery and currently on display at The Manor House Restaurant

Lisa Wederquist

A striking new work of art inspired by Southwestern textiles

Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi

 Late 19^th century Step Tansu totally restored by artist

Dave Thompson

New live edge maple bench
Maggy Pavlou
Felted wool and silk vests
Chistine L. Sundt
New jewelry collection

Introducing New Artists:

Jeff Harmes

Marc Roux

 Delores Fortuna

As a counterpoint, we are showing two mid-century modern leather and

chrome chairs updated with red leather by local artist Marcia Adams-Landry.

Opening Reception

Friday, January 8, 6-8 pm

Event Location: 

The Island Gallery, 400 Winslow Way E., #120, Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Underground parking is available at The Winslow off Ericksen Avenue.

While we're all here, let's take a closer look at some of these beautiful featured items.  They are not up in the online shop yet but as of this writing they are all still available, and we'll try to post them in the next few days. 

Turquoise wool and silk felted vest.  Maggy Pavlou

Gorgeous!!!  Look at that color... and the cozy collar... and a pop of red that is so perfect.

Maggy's vast talent never, ever disappoints.

Courting Blanket.  Lisa Wederquist

Inspired by Southwestern textiles, this is one of those pieces that needs to be seen

up close to be fully appreciated.  Lisa is one of our amazing artists who has a

deceptively simple presentation, but then something deep in the canvas

hooks you and pulls you right into her complex landscape, always giving

the viewer a fulfilling, unexpected experience.

Do stop in to pay it a visit, it's on display in the Gallery, waiting
to say hello.

Burgundy Grand.  Marc Roux

Okay, there's a lot to say about this piece but we're still working on the words,

so stop back by and we'll try to explain this extraordinary work of art, and perhaps add

a close-up image so the technique is a little easier to see.

Basically (and there is nothing "basic" about this) it's a segmented turned vase sculpted from

444 pieces of Bubinga wood.   Let us try to stretch our brains around that for just a minute...

19th Century Step Tansu.  Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi

Our photo is a wee bit dark but the traditional features show up quite

nicely.  Carol has fully restored this magnificent antique tansu, and it

is glorious.  We'll be back with more detailed information on it shortly.

Summer Cobalt 1.  Renee Jameson

 All right, everyone, control yourselves - we know the temptation

is great to throw ourselves into that glorious water and

sunny landscape but all in good time...

What a lovely view from our oh so talented Renee.  Please be aware that

we are currently showing a number of her pieces at The Manor House Restaurant

at Pleasant Beach, so please pop on in there for a meal, a glass of wine, and

enjoy the beautiful art.  Do tell them we sent you!

Sam Maloof-Inspired Rocking Chair.  Jeff Harmes

Oh, this is so beautiful!

We love rocking chairs, and this really is one of the prettiest ones we've

seen in a long time.  It is made of madrone, thus the deep, rich

color, and has beautiful grain detail and elegant lines.

Mugs.  Delores Fortuna

And while you're rocking happily in that fabulous rocker, how

about a nice mug of hot chocolate?  Yes, yes, you can have

whipped cream on top if you like... we're definitely going to...

These pretty mugs are a wee bit whimsical and totally

functional, just the way we like them.  Great gifts, and yes,

the whipped cream definitely tastes better in one of these...

(Who are we kidding... whipped cream in/on just about anything
is perfectly acceptable, right?  Yes indeed!)

We'll be back soon with some additional information on all of the above, and in the meantime, we hope you had a Happy New Year's Eve and are ready for a wonderful year to come. 

See you on January 8th!

Congratulations to Our Artists: 2015 Washington State Juried Competition

Each year Collective Visions Gallery in Bremerton, Washington, invites artists to participate in an annual statewide juried art competition and exhibition, The CVG Show.

Many community businesses and organizations join with Collective Visions to recognize and award substantial prizes to these fine artists.  From over 800 submissions, juror Greg Robinson, Executive Director and Curator of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, chose 126 entries to compete and exhibit.  Six of these artists are represented by The Island Gallery, including the 1st Prize Winner for 2 Dimensional Art, Irene Yesley of Bainbridge Island:

Irene Yesley, Wind.  Gold leaf, monoprint, on 3 layers of plexiglas

Mr. Robinson spoke at the reception and awards event on Saturday, January 24, held at the historic Admiral Theater in Bremerton.  In his lecture he explained the jury process and eloquently highlighted the many artist-participants whose work moved him, going beyond the actual winners of the competition.  This made for not only an educational evening but quite a heartwarming event, as Mr. Robinson demonstrated the extent to which artists and their art are encouraged and recognized throughout our State.  The exhibition itself is well curated and a must-see show. For an afternoon well spent, visit Collective Visions Gallery, 331 Pacific Avenue, Bremerton, Washington, on the corner of 4th and Pacific (1.360.377.8327).  Through February 28th.

Below:  Work chosen to participate in the competition and exhibition, 2 Dimensional and 3 Dimensional Art categories, from The Island Gallery's artists:

 

Frank Carsey, Janus’ Sister Sally the Potter.  Soda-fired ceramic

Robin Hominiuk, Pod IXV.  Ceramic and metal

Renee Jameson, Awakening.  Monotype

Steve Sauer, Antebellum.  Wood-fired stoneware

To explore other work from these talented artists, visit us in person at The Island Gallery or enjoy our online shop.

You're Invited: July 2014 First Friday Artwalk

It's going to be a hot one in downtown Winslow on this coming First Friday!  Our new exhibit features the banners of extraordinary shibori artist Carter Smith, and we are delighted to introduce Renee Jameson and her wonderful monotype prints.  The Julie Duke Band will rock, roll, and rip up the night with special guest jammer Peter Spencer, in concert on the Plaza.  Do NOT miss this one - we're going to party!

Left: Banner, Carter Smith.Right: Puget Sound Dawn, Renee Jameson.

Carter Smith:  Shibori Master

July 11 – 27, 2014

Introducing Bainbridge Island Artist

Renée Jameson

Monotype Prints

Reception, First Friday, July 11, 6-8 pm

Music by

The Julie Duke Band

on the Plaza

Shibori banners and new fashions

from one of America's finest shibori artists.

Introducing Bainbridge Island artist Renee Jameson, whose

monotypes  reflect summer's color spectrum.

About the Artists:

Carter Smith:  Carter Smith has been dyeing one-of-a-kind fabrics since 1965 when he learned tie-dye techniques from his mother. Originally working in silk, he created and sold 30,000 individual stretched pieces and banners, eventually adding to his process over forty new steps that multiplied into over a thousand techniques.

After successfully helping launch the careers of several designers, Carter decided to start making his own clothing, and now sells his hand-dyed original fashions both nationally and internationally. Notables who have worn his creations include Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda, Aretha Franklin, Allie McGraw, Alice Walker, Dionne Warwick, Maya Angelou, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Taylor, Goldie Hawn, Jesse Norman, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Anne Austin, Kim Novak, Cassandra Wilson, Mary Travers, Jan Robinson, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, and others.

Today, Carter has over 250 original bias design concepts and creations, and after 40 years and over 200,000 yards of fabric personally dyed by Carter, his passion remains stronger than ever. He has been featured in many publications over the years, most recently in Ornament Magazine (June 2009).

Renée Jameson:  Renée was born in Western Washington State and grew up in Seattle.  She received her BFA from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, and is a monotype artist living and working on Bainbridge Island.  Her work has been shown locally and can be found in private collections in Washington and California.  Currently she is the printmaker liaison for the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) setting up the print studio for the BARN.

Renée comments: 

 “I walk daily along the shoreline on Bainbridge Island and am inspired by the constantly changing sky.  One of the most exciting things I observe is how rapidly the cloud formations change into new and dramatic shapes within seconds.  I have my camera with me at all times on my walks.  Some days I see very little that interests me and other days the sky is extraordinary.  I try to create a world viewers can interpret and respond to in their own way.  In this way I consider myself an abstract artist.  My objective is to create a mood and atmosphere that will evoke an emotion in the viewer and possibly a memory from the past.” 

The Julie Duke Band:  The Julie Duke Band delivers an edgy, unrestrained blend of Blues hailing from the Delta to Chicago, 1920s through the current day.  Their cover versions are choice and eclectic, including songs by Elmore James, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Koko Taylor, Freddie King and Big Mama Thornton.  They take a song, honor its origins, and then make it their own with drop-dead vocals and foot stomping, hip swaying rhythms.

The Julie Duke Band will get the staunchest of blues disbelievers tapping their toes and moving to the beat. With their entertaining stage show, expert musicianship and unique sound, The Julie Duke Band has built a wide and devoted following, drawing crowds to shows at venues as diverse as the Coyle Community Center, the Bite of Seattle, Bainbridge’s Bloedel Reserve and the Seven Cedars Casino.