Time moves forward

Sales have been good for the small works show, but there is still good art on the walls and shelves, so better get down there soon, before it all disappears.       The holiday decorations are up, the heat is on, and good people to help you with your purchases.















 There is already a buzz in the air about the Spring Show which will be on April 11th thru 13th.     JC Strote is chairing the show and looking for volunteers to help with many different aspects.   I'm sure she can use your talents and time in some way.  The more people we have working on it, the less it leaves for the few who usually carry the load.     Let's give them a hand and make this the best show ever.     It is so much fun to help, it makes you feel involved and part of the show, even if you are not showing your own art.   

There is plenty of time to get some art ready for the Spring Show.    Soon as the new year is here, I'm making it one of my priorities.       I'd love to see something of mine hanging there again at the winery.      How about you?      
 

News article in Lodi paper

Did you catch the recent article in local newspaper?    Her is a link in case you missed it. http://www.lodinews.com/news/article_e9c02aca-4f31-11e3-be87-0019bb2963f4.html

Looking for a gift? Something unique?

For that special person - there are all kinds of good things waiting at the gallery.       Here are some pics from the current small works show.   

Small Works Show in Progress

The show is up, and ready for viewing.      Lots of delightful pieces of art  done by members and others.    This is one of the shows where entry is not limited to members.       There are a few surprises, interesting techniques and subjects.      Please stop by and take a look.    After Thanksgiving there will be even more to see, with ornaments and other giftables being brought in for the holiday season.     

First Friday - ART HOP - Shopper Alert

Tomorrow is First Friday.  Time for the Art Hop and opening night for the Small Works Show.        If you want to get first choice of the art being shown, you might want to go during the day!      Beat the crowd and buy your favorites now,  for yourself and for holiday gifts.    As each item is unique - if you miss it, it is gone for good.    See you there.   

Small works show in progress

The gallery and viewers are in for a treat.     There were 250 entries in the small works show, so there will be lots to see.    This show is going to be judged by the viewers.      Come in and cast your votes for your favorites.

Some of us served on the take in committee which allowed us to see the art ahead of time and get to meet the artists as they brought their things in.     We were interested in some of the technique used.    I believe it will be a really interesting show with lots of variety.    Just think small.   Don't look for large paintings - not until January.   This show will be on through December, so if you are interested in purchasing small unique pieces of art for holiday gifting, better come in early, as they are one of a kind.    You don't want to miss the best things.     You will see paintings. cards. ornaments, trinkets, Jewelry, photograpjy, pottery, glass, and more.  
 
A couple of important dates to remember - Nov 1st 6-8:30 p.m. is the opening reception.    Purchases can be made then also.     Many of the artists will be there too.     

November 30th at 1 p.m. is the award ceremony.     The votes will be counted and awards issued to those who have the most votes.    

Gallery is open Wednesdays thru Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.   First Fridays - open until 8:30.

Gallery expecting lots of visitors during Wine Stroll on Saturday

The wine stroll is just one of the local events which will bring people into the new downtown gallery location.     There are upwards of one thousand people expected to stroll up and down School Street, and the side streets with wine tasting rooms.       The gallery will be open in the evening on Saturday to accommodate the visitors.      Heritage Oak Winery will be pouring their wines in the gallery for the three hour event put on by the Chamber of Commerce.    Our hope is that this new exposure will bring back these visitors at other times as well.        6-9 p.m. Saturday October 19th.   

Here is a   link to more information. 

October in the gallery

Tonite is First Friday - the opening reception of this month's gallery show.   Stop by this evening if you can.  From 6-8:30.   Have a little wine, a little snack, and some conversation with friends old, and new.   Take a closer look at the new art that is displayed, and if  you love something - buy it.    We like to support our local artists.   


October's featured artist is our own president, Rich Allen.   I was delighted to see his paintings featured, as they are colorful and lively oils, painted mostly with a palette knife.    Here is a picture of a group of them, and a close up of my favorite.  

 

I'm posting a few more pics of how the gallery looked yesterday.  

Here are the front windows. In case you can't get there this month, 

you'll at least have a little idea of how it looks.

 As of yesterday the student art had not been hung, so I only have a picture of the works which by now are on the wall, with identification of the student's name and school they attend and the name of their art teachers.       We have a strong commitment to encouraging art in the schools and having student works hung is one way in which we can support them.

Here are a few more pictures of the art in the gallery.  Come in and get a closer look.

 

 Next month is the beginning of the Small Works Show which will show thru November and December.   Don't forget to get your small works entered, and have them seen and possibly purchased during that time.

Go to the LCAC website for the forms and dates.   We would like to see your work in the gallery.

Mixed Media Group at LCAC

A few years ago, after having being a part of a very successful mixed media group in Sacramento, I approached a couple of the mixed media artists who are active in LCAC ( Patti Wallace and Lisa Goldman) whether they thought we could start a local group of mixed media artists and meet at the gallery?      The board approved our inquiries and soon we had it up and running.   And we are still going strong.      I can't tell  you how much it adds to our lives to have a chance to share and make art with others who have similar interests.      We share techniques and materials, and swap stories and jokes.        This last month we created a collaborative piece, with each artist adding their art to the backs of large puzzle pieces.   No one knew what anyone else was doing, we just each did our own thing.  We could draw, paint, or use collage to embellish the pieces.   Then we put it all together to see how it looked.  

 It's on a table in the studio/workroom this month, so if you get a chance come in and see what it looks like.     
This is a snapshot, so you can't really see the details.    There is a list next to it with the names  of the participating artists.












A number of us are doing an online paint 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.     We brought in some of our works to show what we have done.    Here are a few pics.

Marilyn Erickson is showing a book she has been reading, while Patti Wallace looks on.

These are some of Patti's paintings in the 30 day challenge.





LCAC  has been very supportive of our group and has made it possible for us to have a convenient, accessible work space with good lighting, work tables,  and seating.   

LCAC offers classes and workshops.   You can always stop by and see what is happening, or go to the website for information.        They are considering starting a painting group, somewhat similar to our mixed media group.     I hope it comes to pass because it adds immeasurably to your art and painting experience, to make your art with others.    Great friendships can come from these experiences.        If you are interested, let LCAC know.      Rich Allen and the board are open to your ideas and suggestions.  

We are in the news

Here is a link to the article that appeared following our grand opening.     Take a peek at the nice write up and the people involved.      

Grand Opening

I'm behind the times here, had a minor home accident, so could not get to the grand opening.    Watch the web site and the face book pages to see what you missed if you were not there.   I hear is was really nice, with lots of people, and doors to courtyard open to add to the ambiance.    If I can get anyone to send me photos, I'll post some here so you can see what WE missed.      

Small Works Show 2013

The updated information is online now, including the downloadable application form that should be filled out when you bring in your art in late October.        Here is the link.   Scroll to the bottom for  application form link.

September Newsletter is online

The latest newsletter is online now.    It is dedicated to Tom Henry, Caroline's husband that passed recently.   We will all miss Tom as he has had an active presence in our group for many years, not as an artist but as a volunteer and supporter of our activities.  

  I first met Tom setting up the take in procedure for the big Spring Show some years back.    He trained me and some other new members.    He was busy all over the big room, but when we needed a question answered he or Caroline would dash over and settle the problem.     I appreciated his common sense approach, his sense of humor and his seemingly boundless energy.     One year I took my grandsons to the open studio tour, and visited the Henry home to see the art set up in the family room and garden.    This was our last stop for the day, and I'm so glad we decided to go there.     It was delightful.     Caroline was working on a new watercolor painting, and others were on display.     Tom was out in the garden meeting and greeting people and pulling an occasional weed.     Then I remember another time at the Spring Show when Tom was looking very smart costumed as  "Harvey"  (LOL) the six foot pooka.    

Caroline, we offer our condolences to you and the family.   He will long be remembered fondly by many.

The newsletter is THE place to go for what's happening, and Pepe sprinkles the pages with many links we can follow for more information.       Thanks again Pepe.      

Here's the scoop on the small works show

LODI COMMUNITY ART CENTER AND GALLERY                                   110 WEST PINE STREET LODI, CA   (209) 333-3855

Open Wednesdays through Sundays, Noon to 5 pm                                                      P. O. Box 878 Lodi CA 95241

ANNUAL SMALL WORKS SHOW            November 1 to December 22, 2013

The Lodi Community Art Center invites all interested artists to participate in our Annual Small Works Show.

Awards will be made by People’s Choice voting for Best of the Show in Wall hung works and Best in Show in Three Dimensional works plus First, Second and Third Place ribbons in both groupings.

 

THE SHOW: 

A call for submission of original works of art including, but not limited to painting, sculpture, glasswork, ceramics, drawing, assemblage, classic photography and digitally enhanced photography .

The official opening of the show coincides with a reception for Lodi’s First Friday Art Hop, November 1, 2013, from 6 to 8:30 pm. This will be a fun and exciting show and a holiday buying opportunity. The First Friday Art Hop on December 6^th will include a special Holiday Reception to show off new added items for holiday décor and gifts.

 

AWARDS: 

People’s Choice voting will conclude on Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29^th, and awards will be made on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30^th, at 1 pm. 

 

RULES: 

The following rules and guidelines apply: All work must be original and suitable for family viewing. The entry fee is $8 per piece for 2 months’ display on items priced more than $75, with no limit to the number of entries.  Items priced less than $75 will be charged $8 for the group for 2 months display, with quantities limited only by available space as determined by the Gallery Manager. 

 

Entry Forms may be downloaded from lodiartcenter.org or picked up at the LCAC Gallery on or before entry day. All work will be on display for the duration of the show and must be for sale.  Lodi Community Art Center will retain a 25% commission on all works sold.

 

SIZE REQUIREMENTS

All wall mounted work must be wired and ready to hang, matted and framed or edges gallery wrapped and finished. Two-dimensional art must not exceed 80 square inches (example:  8x10, 6x13, or 4x20). Mats and frames are not part of measurements.

Three-dimensional sculpture must not exceed 8”x8”x8” (512 sq. in.). Works may be smaller than these upper limits.

 

ENTRY DATES:

Saturday, October 26, from 12 noon to 5 pm, and Sunday October 27, from 12 noon to 4 pm at LCAC Gallery. 

 

PICK-UP: 

Any work not sold may be picked up Dec. 26-29 during regular gallery hours, 12 pm to 5 pm.  

We will be closed Dec 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th, 30^th 31^st and Jan. 1^st.

 

PAYMENT FOR WORKS SOLD:

We pay out artists’ portion of sales about a week following the month of the sale.

Labor Day Celebration

Some of our artists will be showing their works at this event.   Check it out. 

2013 Labor Day Lodi Celebration Art Show & Wine Tasting

Presented by

Lodi Arts Commission & Lodi Wine Grape Commission

Monday, September 2, 2013 – 11am – 4pm

 

Labor Day Lodi is a free community-wide event organized by the Hutchins Street Square Foundation to celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Hutchins Street Square Community Center.  The event is expected to draw several thousand people and features hot air balloon, food, art, wine, music, games for the kids and lots of fun.

Theme for Sept gallery show - Before I die....

Before I die ...... 

is the theme for Sept     What's on your bucket list?    What do you want to do?  Where would you like to go?    What would you like to accomplish?    This theme was selected in conjunction with the Acquiesce Winery Fund Raiser which will be on Sept. 29th at the winery.    You can read more about it on the LCAC website in the newsletter. 
 
 The top 15 works entered in our gallery will be moved to the winery for the event, so your art could  have an even wider audience.       We don't have much time to get something ready, as they need to brought to the gallery by the end of next week.     Mid week would be even better.  I'd say sometime between August 27th and 30th.    Make sure your paintings are framed properly and have wires for hanging.    

Mark your calendars

September will be a busy month.      The official Grand Opening of the new LCAC gallery will be the evening of Sept. 20th.        Come and help celebrate.    We'd like to see you there.    

August in the Gallery

A short visit to the gallery yesterday had me eager to post some new pics.  Here is how it looks now with the August show hanging.      

 the first two photos are of the childrens' art from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lodi.   

Now let's see how the gallery looks.     This show comes down the last week of August, so hurry down to see all the wonderful art. 

Board meeting change of date

This month the board meeting is changed to August 12th at 7 p.m.    

Board Meeting next week

If you are a member you got the message from Rich Allen that the next board meeting is at 7 p.m. next Tuesday the 6th of August.  This is  the time you really get to know what's going on, what's coming up, and who's who.     It is open to the membership and your participation is not merely tolerated, it is encouraged and appreciated.     That is not the case everywhere, but this really is a membership driven organization.   So, come if you can, and voice your opinions.   We don't always agree on things, what organization does?     But, everyone has the success of the Art Center as the main goal.  It's good to hear new ideas and thoughts.     

Here are some of the ways you might want to help.    

Chairs needed now for:  Staffing, Business Office Mgr.,

Volunteers needed for Grape Festival Demo Table Sept. 12 – 15

The regular membership meeting which will be mixer, so we can all get better acquainted - will be on Tuesday August 13th at 7 p.m.   Come mingle and mix.   And enjoy the new show in the gallery.     

What's new

Tuesday.    This was my day to sit at the gallery.     I choose to sit with a friend;  it helps make the day pass happily and gives extra gallery coverage.     Do you do the same?      The walls were looking pretty bare with the membership show taken down and the new show not hung yet.  

Charlene  Martin was busy at work making the name labels for the school art that is about to shown.   She started to hang the show, but ran out of time.   It's such an important community service to show student art in our gallery.    The kids, the families, the whole community benefits from this.    It can change a child's life to have their art appreciated and see it hanging in a gallery.   Maybe the next Picasso is lives in Lodi!    Who knows how this can affect their lives?    To me it can only be a positive thing.     Charlene believes in it and her enthusiasm and personal charm are making it work.     Becky Clover who had previously been responsible for student art was there quite by chance, and they had time to put their heads together.   

More work was coming in for the August show.     We can use even more, so get it right down there ASAP and have it hung.     Let the world see it.   Soon Pam Bechill will be busy at work finding just the right spots to place and hang everything.

We stayed afterwards for a meeting of the Small Works Show committee.   Sandy Telles is in charge this year, and plans are underway.  There will be a few changes that you will soon hear from Sandy, either in the newsletter, or in a call to artists.      The show is not until November so it may be a little time before things are finalized, but in the meantime,  please start painting, drawing,sculpting, stitching, or constructing small works to be shown in November and December.    

The post card announcements for the Small Works Show will have pics of an assortment of things that will be offered in the show.   If you have art that you plan to enter, please send an email with a photo to me at janeneford@yahoo.com.   We'll be selecting  a variety of photos that work well in the design and are representative of what we have to offer for sale during the show.    Please send them prior to Sept. 1st to be considered.      When post cards are done I'll  post a pic of the post card here on the blog, and Pepe will no doubt use it on the website as well.     The selected art will have some good exposure.      It will also be  mailed to hundreds of people.   Your art could end up in many hands.      I hope to see your art here soon.        Janene

August is looming ahead

Ahhh.   August.   Hot and dry.  Time to stay in the shade and drink lemonade, watching the children playing in the lake.       Time for catching fireflies.     Time to spend cool evenings outside.     

August in the gallery will be a cool place to hang out.   It stays nice and cool inside and there will be a new exhibit of art shown.      Don't forget First Friday on  August 2nd from 6-8:30.     

It's now time to remove the membership art show pieces and bring in new art.   What did you think of the show?      I hope you found it as inspiring as I did.     I love to browse and admire the art first, and then hone in on favorites and look at every little detail to see what makes each piece work.    The techniques and materials used always intrigue me.

The theme for the month of August is "New Directions".     Seems a fitting theme as there are so many pathways in life and new directions to explore - or shy away from.    Is your art taking you in a new direction?     Share what you are doing by showing it at the gallery.     This Saturday , July 27th from 12-5 is the date for picking up your art and dropping off new art for this month.       You'll probably run into old friends and meet some new ones while you are there.    And you can take a last look at the art that is being removed.       

Members received  a notice that the August  newsletter is online now.  I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but always look forward to reading the latest.     Click on the link and read the  news.    You don't want to miss anything important - or fun.       

July gallery peeks

Here are some pics of the gallery taken yesterday.     It is the middle of the month and the days are zooming by - so if you want to see the  membership show, you'd better get to the gallery to see it.     The show is awesome.  There are so  many interesting things to see, you'll want to spend a little time taking it all in.    Hours are 12 - 5, come in where the air  is cool and so is the art.

First Friday Reception

Tonite the gallery showed the Best of the Membership art.       There were so many wonderful pieces of art,  from older established local artists, and also some new members.      I forgot to take my camera so I can't show you, but go see for yourself how well the show was hung, and how splendid it looked.    Lots of visitors came by and some of our older members showed up as well.     I was impressed with the look of the gallery this month, with more art hanging, and dividers for hanging art down the center of the big open space.   It looked much more inviting and interesting.      Pam deserves a round of applause for getting everything in place.    Rich Allen was busy attaching the award ribbons to the winners.     You can see them at the web site, where Pepe put them up today.   While we are patting ourselves on the back, let's send out a round of applause for Pepe's work on the web site.   

Membership- show

Over 100 entries were brought in for the July annual membership show.   The judging is done, and winners have been announced.    Ta da!!!!!   check the website for the list of winners.   AND - be sure to get in to the gallery this month to see the members' works.  Many  new members showed their art, and some were on the award winner's list.   Congrats to each and every one of you.    And thank you for supporting the Lodi Community Art Center.

Tuesday July 9th is the date for the next meeting, where  Jeannie Vodden , membership show judge  will critique the show.   This is a good learning experience.     Please take advantage of this opportunity.    You can see all the entries at the same time.   To see Vodden's work go to her website http://www.jeannievodden.com/

Call for Volunteers - an opportunity

Planning begins way in advance for the Art Center events.     Sandy Telles is chair of the Small Works show which hangs in the gallery for the months of November and December.   Jean Justeau did a great job with the show the last few years.  Now Sandy needs to put together a new committee.  She needs volunteers.      If you'd like to see how to put a show together right from the earliest stages this is a good opportunity.   There are big jobs and small jobs associated with the shows.    You can pick the ways that your talents and skills can be useful once you understand what needs to be done.     It' will be good  to see new members sign on for these things too, as it is a good way to get to know one another in a social setting and working together often builds friendships.      This  picture is from a show a few years back.