When opportunity knocks…

Today, art is everywhere and some would say –wrongly, I might add- that its presence is overwhelming and daunting. The transformative power of art is an expression of the artist to see the world s/he inhabits differently. Through the lenses of the artist, the familiar appears unfamiliar; objects seem to take on new shapes. Had Dorothy seen Kansas through Chris Dahlquist’s photography, she probably would have never left. Joel Sager’s faceless faces, inspired by 19^th century photos, come alive and tell the viewer a vibrant and complex story. There is a certain lightness that contradicts the Victorian heaviness of that period. And in the hands of Jo Stealey, paper is no longer just paper but seems to have a history. Art is an awakening for it forces the viewer to evaluate and reevaluate at the same time. And for s/he who is touched, the art is very giving. Its gift is an unveiling of its secrets and an opportunity for a fresh outlook. Art allows for renewal of the self through sensual liberation.

As spring slowly makes its way into our environment and the fashion world unveils its colorful collections, PS Gallery readies itself to hang the 2013 Spring Exhibit. This spring, the gallery will host 6 artists whose art is another opportunity for renewal and rebirth. These artists, our guides, continue art’s tradition of fresh new outlooks without severing themselves from art’s long history.

Daniel Marks’ colorful acrylic will remind the viewer of Van Gogh and/or Munch. His fluid buildings, wavy and elastic, embark the viewer on a dream birthed in reality. Bede Clarke’s earthenware is playful and joyful. Upon viewing his bowls, the viewer will be reminded of happy couples making faces in a photo booth. His other works, more serious with their geometrical lines, balance the totality of his work. Art is playful but serious too.

Elizabeth Fox’s works borders that of surrealism with a touch of pop art. Her women are strong and complex. They are not afraid of staring back as the one in “Mystery Train” who returns the male gaze. In “Memory of a Sensation”, the iconic Fawcett poster grins self-assuredly as a man enters the sacred room. The complexity of her characters reflects that of her work.

Joseph Pintz’s earthenware takes ordinary kitchen objects and gives them a touch of antiquity with fresh colors.

Freshness. Coolness. Playfulness. Seriousness. Rebirth. Modern.

Beginning April 2^nd, these artists will give us all an opportunity. As winter slowly withers away, our 6 artists will fulfill spring’s promise for renewal.

Joe Pintz

Daniel Marks

Bede Clark

 

Blog written by Antoine M.

A study in gratitude

It has become my tradition to take a moment before the Thanksgiving chaos to give thanks.

I am, as always, far behind so I will keep it brief this year.

I am thankful for the people who keep us going.  Several months ago I was catching up on thank you notes and was struck by how many people were repeat customer.  I was humbled by the number of people who came in each exhibit and found something fabulous to add to their personal collection.  I am even more awed by how many people stop and thank me.  I received the sweetest note from clients who are always present, always complementary, and always finding ways to support the gallery.  They thanked me (us – PS:Gallery) for bringing them great art that they could take home and treasure.

I am thankful to have a great staff whom I trust fully.  I recently left on a much needed vacation.  For six full days, I did not read email, I did not receive texts, and I did not answer my phone.  I know many small business owner for whom this would be impossible.  I have such a competent staff that I could disconnect and know that whatever came up, they could handle it.  I could not do this without them.

I am thankful to all the people in this community that help hold the arts together and make them grow.  I won’t name names but you know who you are.  There is an amazing amount of time and energy that goes into the arts and it wouldn’t be what it is without you!

I am most thankful for my family.  I am not ashamed to say that I am in LOVE with the new manager for the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Columbia.  Chris started his new job after Thanksgiving last year and is doing a great job in leading the city in all things arty.  I am thankful for Charlie who now can actually help at the gallery.  She is fully capable of opening the gallery and is more than willing to jump in and show jewelry when I’m busy.  It makes me happy that she and her friends want to come help at the openings.  They dress in their best and spend the evening helping put out food and pick up trash.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Supporting the arts: what have you done lately?

I have spoken often in the past six years about how you can support the arts.  I have posted articles.  I have prodded.  I have led by example (or at least I think I have).  And often many have responded.  We have certainly seen a growth in the arts and that can only come from an increase in support.  Fortunately, we have a core of amazing people who do an incredible job of supporting the arts.  This blog is not for them.  This blog is for you.

What have you done to support the arts lately?  What have your purchased from a local artist this month?  What play/musical event/dance have you seen this week?  What local not for profit arts organization have you donated to?

Why now? You may ask, why is she pestering us now?  Sunday, September 30th 2012, I attended “The Robots are Coming” at Rag Tag Cinema.  The evening was the unveiling of Lumen, an amazing robot built for Rag Tag by local artist Greg Orloff.  The real reason for the event (and the robot) is to raise awareness and funds for a digital projector system for the theater.  Long story short, because of the way movies will be released as of January 2013, if Rag Tag does not convert it’s systems to digital, we will not be able to see all the great movies we want to.  Total costs of conversion?  Lets just say $80,000.  At least that is what they are trying to raise via a Kickstarter campaign.

Again, to the point Jennifer….  So the evening of the Robot event, someone turns to me and says “This should not be difficult, if everyone gave something, then we could raise this money in no time”.  She was right.  It should not be difficult.  But it is.  I don’t know why.  I don’t know if people feel they are asked to give at every turn so they run away.  Maybe people feel like they don’t have enough to give.  Maybe people don’t care.  Maybe they just don’t know the need.  I choose to believe the last.  I choose to believe that you just didn’t know the need.

Rag Tag Cinema needs to upgrade it’s projector system to digital by January 2013.  They need to raise $80,000 to make this possible.  You can help.  If you can give $5, that helps.  If you can give $100, that helps more.  If you can give $5000, that helps an enormous amount.  Please go to their Kickstarter page to donate.

I would love to say that this is the last organization that will be in need.  It won’t.  But keep in mind all the the Arts community gives back.  It makes Columbia better.  It makes us happier, smarter, wiser, and better looking (ok,maybe not better looking).  It provides an opportunity to express who we are.  It flavors our lives.  So please support the arts.  Please allow all of us to keep doing what we love.  Please help Rag Tag keep on bringing amazing film to Columbia.  Thank you!

10 Reasons to Support the Arts in 2012 (from Arts Watch)

This article was posted on Facebook by the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Columbia.  I couldn’t help but repost.  How have you helped support the arts in Columbia?

10 Reasons to Support the Arts in 2012 (from Arts Watch)

topic: Animating Democracy Arts Education Arts Marketing Emerging Leaders Private Sector Public Art
Posted by Randy Cohen On April – 11 – 2012

Randy Cohen

Almost one year ago, I posted The Top Ten Reasons to Support the Arts in response to a business leader who wanted to make a compelling case for government and corporate contributions to the arts.

Being a busy guy, he didn’t want a lot to read: “Keep it to one page, please.”

With the arts advocacy season once again upon us…(who am I kidding, it’s always upon us!)…here is my updated list for 2012.

10 Reasons to Support the Arts

1. True prosperity. The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. They help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age. When times are tough, the arts are salve for the ache.

2. Improved academic performance. Students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs and standardized test scores, lower drop-out rates, and even better attitudes about community service—benefits reaped by students regardless of socioeconomic status. Students with four years of arts or music in high school average 100 points better on their SAT scores than students with one-half year or less.

3. Arts are an industry. Arts organizations are responsible businesses, employers, and consumers. Nonprofit arts organizations generate $166 billion in economic activity annually, supporting 5.7 million jobs and generating nearly $30 billion in government revenue. Investment in the arts supports jobs, generates tax revenues, and advances our creativity-based economy.

4. Arts are good for local merchants. The typical arts attendee spends $27.79 per person, per event, not including the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and babysitters. Non-local arts audiences (who live outside the county) spend nearly twice as much as local arts attendees ($40.19 vs. $19.53)—valuable revenue for local businesses and the community.

5. Arts are the cornerstone of tourism. Arts travelers are ideal tourists—they stay longer and spend more. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that the percentage of international travelers including museum visits on their trip has grown annually since 2003 (17 to 24 percent), while the share attending concerts and theater performances increased five of the past seven years (13 to 17 percent since 2003).

6. Arts are an export industry. U.S. exports of arts goods (everything from movies to paintings to jewelry) grew to $64 billion in 2010. With U.S. imports at just $23 billion, the arts achieved a $41 billion trade surplus in 2010.

7. Building the 21st century workforce. Reports by The Conference Board show creativity is among the top-five applied skills sought by business leaders—with 72 percent saying creativity is of high importance when hiring. The biggest creativity indicator? A college arts degree. Their Ready to Innovate report concludes, “…the arts—music, creative writing, drawing, dance—provide skills sought by employers of the 3rd millennium.”

8. Healthcare. Nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families, and even staff. 78 percent deliver these programs because of their healing benefits to patients—shorter hospital stays, better pain management, and less medication.

9. Stronger communities. University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates. A vibrant arts community ensures that young people are not left to be raised solely in a pop culture and tabloid marketplace.

10. Creative Industries. The Creative Industries are arts businesses that range from nonprofit museums, symphonies, and theaters to for-profit film, architecture, and advertising companies. An analysis of Dun & Bradstreet data counts 904,581 businesses in the U.S. involved in the creation or distribution of the arts that employ 3.3 million people—representing 4.25 percent of all businesses and 2.15 percent of all employees, respectively.

11. What is your #11? Share with us in the comments below…

Want to post these reasons on your wall or take it to a meeting with your mayor? Download these 10 Reasons to Support the Arts in 2012 from our main website.

Happy New Year

As the noise fades of the horns blowing and champagne corks popping, I look forward to the year ahead.  What am I looking forward to you ask?  Why, let me tell you:

Last year in February we moved into our new location in the North Village Arts District.  It has been a great new home.  We have four exhibits planned for the main gallery space.  They dates are as follows:

Winter 2012 Exhibit  January 4th – March 31st.  Reception is January 14th (yes, that is coming up.  Put it on your calendar now).

Spring 2012 Exhibit April 4th – June 30th.  Reception April 21st.

Summer 2012 Exhibit July 5th – September 29th.  Reception July 14th.

Autumn 2012 Exhibit October 3 – December 29th.  Reception October 13th.

We also have a few Hallery exhibits scheduled for 2012.  The ones on the books are:

Workshop Salon Exhibit  January 4-February 11th

Food: Fact or Fiction  February 14 – March 31

Ed Ailor  May 15 – June 30

Matt Ballou  July 5 – July 28

There are many more to come, so stay tuned.  You can always find current information on our website under the News tab.

In addition to all the fun things going on at the gallery there are a ton of fun art-related things coming up in the community at large, such as:

The Columbia Art Leagues new show.  The Seven Deadly Sins (and the Seven Holy Virtues) January 10 – February 25,
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 12

Artrageous Friday  January 20

North Village Arts District Valentines Market  February 3

True/False Film Festival  March 1-4

I am sure there are many many events in the next few months that I am missing, but that’s enough to keep you busy.

Thank you for your support in 2011.  It was a busy and productive year.  Thank you in advance for your support in 2012.

Jennifer Perlow

A Study in Gratitude 2011

So it has become my annual tradition to take a little time before Thanksgiving to reflect on all the great things in my life.  I have noted in previous posts that my life, as do all, has challenges.  The economy, small business, life, all pose issues that are not always easy.  This year in particular was challenging so I will begin with this.

I am grateful to have survived 2011 without a straight jacket.  It was a very busy year for PS:Gallery.  In February we opened with a bang in our new location at 1025 E. Walnut.  With all my attempts at planning a smooth move, it ended up being very chaotic.  However, with the help of many many many friends, we pulled it off.  I am awed and moved by the support of the community.  One cool Sunday in February, over 50 people showed up and helped us move, unpack, clean, set-up.  It was an amazing day I will never forget.  February 22nd kick started a week of opening events that were magical.  You sent flowers, notes and brought wine.  Most of all you were present.  You showed up to tell us the gallery was important to you.  It was a true confirmation that we had made the right move.

I am grateful to be in the North Village Arts District.  Although I loved our old location, I must say I love our new location more.  Let me start with the physical location.  I love my windows.  I love the light that streams in each morning.  I love the beautiful window in my office that makes me feel like I am connected with the outside even if I am stuck at my desk for a better part of the day.  I love the wonky wood floors.  They talk about the history and place that this building has in Columbia.  I love the giant wood beams.  To me they represent what the arts mean to the community.  They look good but really hold the whole thing up.  Without them the whole roof might come down.  I love the “Hallery”.  When the gallery moved it did not have any additional space in which to host our small community based shows such as the Care Gallery or our more thematic shows such as the Mini show.  Mid Summer PS opened the “Hallery”.  The “Hallery” is the lovely central corridor that connects PS to all it’s Berry Building neighbors.  This has become a delightful space that changes every 4-6 weeks.  I am grateful to be able to continue to have a space to do more for our community.

I love my neighbors.  For almost 5 years, PS was an art island.  I had clothing to the right of me and cookies to the left.  Although there is nothing wrong with either one of those things, they really weren’t invested in who I was, what I did, or if I was successful.  I am now surrounded by people who care.  Most who reside or work in the North Village Arts District have a similar goal, to promote the arts in Columbia, and to promote the North Village Arts District as one of the places to see/support the arts in Columbia.  The North Village Arts District began a farmers and artisan market this summer which was amazing and I can’t wait to see what happens with that next summer.  There is an energy and cohesion amongst the businesses that is refreshing.

I love my family.  I am eternally grateful for my husband Chris Stevens.  He keeps me sane (to some extent).  He supports me.  He loves me probably more than anyone else.  I am proud of him for taking a leap in his life and following his passion.  I am grateful to be doing what I love and always hope that more people make that opportunity for themselves.  I am grateful that Charlie has gotten old enough to really enjoy hanging out at the gallery (most of the time).  She accompanied me on a buying trip this summer and made a purchase of her very own.  She bonded with artist Amy Peters who makes very cute charm necklaces.  You can purchase one necklace with one charm for $7.50.  Once she has paid back her initial investment Charlie gets to keep a percentage of the profits.  So for Christmas add an Amy Peters necklace to your stocking stuffer list.

I am grateful for the fabulous artists who have become a part of my life.  My world is rich and colorful because of you.  This year, more than most, I realized how my personal relationships with my artists friends really enhances my life.  I am grateful for the amazing clients that I have been privileged to help.  Your faith in my abilities and trust in my judgement is gratifying.  I love nothing more that helping find the perfect piece for you.  I am grateful for all the purchases, big and small.  I am grateful for all the times you bragged that your fabulous new earrings were from PS:Gallery.  I am grateful for all the times you invited friends over for dinner and made a point of showing them your art.  I am grateful for your continued support.

As we gear up for the holidays, I remind you to keep supporting your local businesses.  Buy gifts/jewelry/food/cards locally.  See if you can finish up all your shopping without going on line.  I personally will gift wrap and ship anything you buy at the gallery.  Hows that for service?

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Gratefully,

Jennifer Perlow

Bloggers Needed

Many of you may have noticed that over the summer our blog has grown.  Certainly the number of posts, but more notably in the quality of posts.  I fully credit that to Shea Boresi.  She came on as our new Associate Curator in June and took over the blog with gusto and I must say skill.  Unfortunately, blogs, at least this blog, does not pay the bills and so Shea has moved on to greener pastures.  We will miss her witty and insightful blogging.

So, your stuck with me.  I will do my best to muddle through.  I am not the brilliant writer that Shea is, but I have something to say.  I will post as often as I can find the time.  I am also going to make Joel Sager and Chris Stevens squeeze an interesting (hopefully) blog post out on occasion.  This brings me to the point of todays blog (finally).  We need you!  If you have something interesting to say, please email me with a blog post.  If I find it appropriate for our blog, I will post it as a guest blogger.  If you have an interesting topic that you would like to banter about via our blog, please contact me with that as well.  I think this blog is an interesting way to communicate about what is going on at PS:Gallery, Columbia, and the art world in general.  I look forward to hearing your feedback.  Oh, and please be kind, I’m doing the best I can.

 

Jennifer Perlow

jennifer@perlow-stevensgallery.com

Offending Midwesterners: Contemplating the value of kindness in regional art

My mother’s parents grew up in Anamosa, Iowa, the same small town where Grant Wood was born.  He is the area’s claim to fame.  In my grandmother’s telling, he was considered “too modern” in his hometown during his lifetime—those “cotton ball” trees, and the implicit critique of the stiff couple in “American Gothic.”  But, if you go there now, you’ll see his name on billboards.

In my family, tradition holds that the house in the background of “American Gothic” was a farmhouse belonging to a relative of mine.  It doesn’t really matter if that’s true.   Probably, many of my grandparents’ peers identify with the painting.  There is satire in it, but also something like Norman Rockwell’s nostalgia.  If the piece is a jibe at its subjects, it is an affectionate one.

Wood’s iconic painting has been the first image in my mind associated with Midwestern Regional art.  Suffice it to say that I was unfamiliar with the work of contemporary print-maker Tom Huck.

Yesterday, I stopped in Sedalia, Missouri, at the State Fair Community College campus, where I had been advised there is an excellent museum of contemporary art.  The collection at the Daum Museum is, indeed, worth stopping for; the permanent collection includes striking glasswork by Dale Chihuly, an entrancing silkscreen portrait by Chuck Close, and a wonderfully bizarre ceramic sculpture by Michael Lucero.  The current temporary exhibition is the work of Tom Huck.  A small sign warns that “discretion is advised.”

The black and white woodcuts are of impressive scale and uniformly grotesque subject matter: misshapen characters engaged in complex scenes of violence, gluttony, and orgies.  Inspired by the local lore of his native Potosi, Missouri, his work is a brutal critique of life out of the mainstream and under the skin of rural Missouri.  I suspect the artist would agree that he pushes beyond the boundaries of good taste.  I also suspect he doesn’t care.

This is emphatically not the gentle satire of Grant Wood.  The residents of Potosi will never erect commemorative plaques for Huck.  (He lives and works in the relatively metropolitan haven of St. Louis.)

But his work does command fascination.  The intricacy is boggling, and if one ignores the repellant nature of the subjects, the compositions on whole are beautiful.  In the company of the sanctified likes of Warhol at the Daum, it begs the question: Are offensiveness and greatness in art related?

Is the distance between Wood and Huck an indication that, in the 79 years between “American Gothic” and “The Transformation of Brandy Baghead,” we have fallen from subtlety into uncouthness?    Should art strive for elevation or is there merit in unflinching critique?  Finally, is kindness in art a strength or a weakness?

In my short time at PS:, the only “regional art” we’ve shown has been landscapes: the oil painted streetscapes of Steven Rust, and  Notley Hawkins’ photo scenes of glistening dilapidation.  And perhaps there is a kindred strain between Grant Wood and Joel Sager’s affectionately melancholy domestic subjects.  But imagine seeing Tom Huck’s monstrous masterpieces here.  What would you think?

-Shea

High Summer at the Gallery

Memories of Grecian beaches sweetly fading, I return to business here at PS.  Earlier this week, we finished arranging the summer exhibit.  I think it’s perfect for July, but come see for yourself–now or at the opening on July 16^th. (Or both.)

When you walk in the door, you are greeted by the tropical colors of oil paintings by Brian D. Smith.  These intuitive, abstract paintings transition into Bob Maes’ mixed media pieces, which are more structured but no less bold.  Maes has a gift for transforming humble materials (washers, aluminum foil, paper bags) into iconic objects.  These give way to Rob Williams’ glossy, abstractly floral canvases, which round out what I think of as the “loud and proud” part of the show.

The other half of the exhibit is composed of subtler gems, including the glasswork of Columbia artist Susan Taylor Glasgow.  Her pieces comment on feminine domesticity by using beautiful but brittle glass to represent baked goods and ladies’ undergarments.  Our front window is filled with her inedible, tempting creations.

Alongside this is the minutely detailed fiber work of Mary Beth Yates.  These creations of embroidered silk organza evoke life at the cellular level, and hold the layers of the artist’s experience in their textured layers.

Finally, there is the latest from our own Joel Sager: a set of portraits with a delicate palette of blues and pinks.  The subjects’ faces are expressive but restrained, and seem vulnerable.   The understated series leaves the viewer contemplating the unplumbed depths behind the faces framed in uniform blonde wood.

And, if all of this sounds great… but you really want something shiny to round out your outfit, we have that too.  This week, we received jewelry from new-to-PS artist Alley Maranto, of Chicago.  The collection (pictured) is called Relicware, and features amulets created from small objects (a horse nail, a sea horse, fan coral, watch gears) set against a gold background and cast in resin.  These pieces range from moderate pendants to a striking cluster of pearls and charms.  They all seem to have a little magic in them.  Try them on.  (I do.)

The opening (Saturday, July 16, 6-9) promises to be a great party.  See you there!

Shea

Okay, one more picture:

Light at the end of the tunnel

Next week the Summer 2011 exhibit opens at PS:Gallery.  This will be our third exhibit in our great new gallery space.  If you have not been by please make plans to do so soon.  The next reception is July 16th and is not to be missed.

In addition to opening the new gallery space in February, I have also spent the last nine months working with Rene Heider of Deck the Walls as the art consultant for the new Boone Hospital patient tower.  It was an amazing, exhilarating, exhausting, and educational expereience.  Here is an article from Aarik Danielsen from the Tribune that sheds a little more light (and some images) on the project. http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/jun/26/artful-avenues-line-new-boone-hospital-tower/?arts

It has been a busy and very fullfilling year.  I turn 40 next month.  I am going to a beach.  I am going to relax and enjoy some downtime and wonder what the next year holds in store.

Jennifer