Thursday, September 17, 2015

September and October happenings.

Right now the gallery is featuring photographs taken and manipulated artistically  by Elizabeth Parrish.   You can read more about her in the section on our web site by clicking on the link and scrolling down.    Or better yet, come and see the work in the gallery.    
This is a sample, and one of my favorites.     We had a good turn out for her reception on the first Friday art hop.    Good food, good wine and good conversations with friendly people.   I hope you will join us for some of these magical evenings.

This is the weekend to see some of our artists work featured on the KVIE Art Auction, Saturday afternoon.     Follow the link for more information.      This would be a good time to pick up some art from our own members and make a donation to such a worthy cause.   

Many of our members have entered art in the Grape Festival which is also this weekend Sept. 17 to 20th.     Some of us will be manning a table at the festival to talk about the Art Center.  Come by and say hello if you can.     You won't want to miss the festivities, it's an awesome event.    If you have never seen murals made of grapes - you have not seen it all.      Fortunately it's cooler this year which makes it a lot more fun.

In October, the Gallery will Feature Judy Koretxky's oil abstract paintings.     You can read more about her and see some samples if you scroll down below Elizabeth's information on the web site.      And please try to come to the reception this month.      Judy is having the reception catered, and it will be a nice outing.      



Friday, July 24, 2015

Mid July

The membership show is hanging at the gallery, and it's quite an impressive showing of members art.      There are some pictures on the Lodi Art Center web site under the heading Featured Show.     Check it out if you have not seen it yet, or better yet, see it in person.  


Not only does a show go up, it also has to come down, and that means picking up the  unsold art.  JC sent out this message to let us know when to do that.

 Pickup for the membership show  and receiving for the August Gallery show is Friday, July 31st, Saturday August 1st and Sunday August 2nd.

 Reception for August show is Friday August 7th from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  with Letty Nava as featured artist.    When you look at Letty's acrylic works, don't just glance at the main image, take a closer look at the subtleties in the backgrounds.    They are quite delicious.


In case you missed this in the last post, here is an opportunity to paint with Letty.

Wine N’ Paint
with Letty Nava
Friday, August 14th from 7 – 9PM
$35.00 members
or $40.00 non-members
Image: Tuscany Scene
Sign up at the Art Center or contact Letty Nava
209-327-0575





The monthly theme for  August is - ta da -  "A Fork in the Road".  While your August show art does not have to fit the theme it is always good when our art matches the Theme.     Do you have a piece of artwork that speaks to that theme?      If not, why not create one?    What forks in the road have you taken in your life?      Maybe one will inspire you.     

Saturday, July 11, 2015

July - Art Week July 13 to 17th

 This is something new and I'm not sure the word got out to people in time to get on their calendars.      There's no time to waste.   Read this, and get on the phone to reserve a spot for the  classes you'd like to take.    Remember the gallery is only staffed from noon to 5, so that's when there is someone to answer the phone.    
 
Here's what''s going on at the gallery this week.  It's a good opportunity to get some art instruction for you or for children in our lives. 

A Summer Week of Art

July 13th – 17th with Caroline Henry and JC Strote

Ages 8 – 12
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM Cost: $40 for 4 days or $12 per day for single day participation

Teens – Adults Classes
Time: 1:30 – 3:30PM

Cost:
 Members $48 for 4 days; $15 per day for single day participation
 Non-Members $56 for 4 days; $19 per day for single day participation

 Monday: Creating ACEO’s (2½ x 3½ inch works of art) and an accordion fold book.
 Tuesday: Painting animals in watercolor.
 Wednesday: Create a collage using maps, magazines, and your imagination.
 Thursday: Landscape in acrylic.
 Bonus Friday: Glass class with JC Strote

Wine N’ Paint
with Letty Nava
Friday, August 14th from 7 – 9PM
$35.00 members
or $40.00 non-members
Image: Tuscany Scene
Sign up at the Art Center or contact Letty Nava
209-327-0575


Sunday, June 14, 2015

Show us what you've got. July - Membership show



It's almost time to submit your art for the Annual Membership Competition.   This show hangs in the gallery for the  month of July.   You are encouraged to submit your art to get in on the judging and fun of showing with the other members.   It's good to see the gallery packed with our own good art.   

It's also time to renew your membership.   There are some additional  benefits this year.    Here is the link to get more information.  

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Monthly Meeting and Speaker Series

Some of us went early to the monthly meeting so we could sit in on the Board Meeting, which is open to the members as well.    I like to keep abreast of what's in the works as well as what's going on - this is a good way to  find out.     Our great news is that we will have a publicity chair, and a newsletter editor.    Both positions have been vacant for awhile and are sorely missed and needed.  Thanks to the volunteers for taking this on.    There will be some official announcement of the names before long, so I won't give away the beans before then.


Our speaker at the membership meeting was Henrietta Sparkman who presented a demo on mono printing with household items.    This will be the theme of the workshop she is giving this Saturday, June 13th at the gallery.   The workshop is filled but I believe there is enough interest she may return and do another workshop another day, or even an advanced workshop.      We'll have to watch the website, the newsletter and announcements from the president.    I think you'd enjoy taking a workshop from her. She is a very experienced and professional teacher, yet is very approachable and has a playful attitude with the materials and technique.    Should be a fun time for those lucky enough to sign up early.     

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Benefits of being a member

Here is a message JC sent  out to the membership, in case you didn't get one.    I took the liberty of highlighting some of the benefits she mentioned.

I hope you will join and or renew your membership to keep art alive in Lodi, at our own gallery and beyond through the outreach programs we have.   


It is the time of year to renew your annual membership and enter the Lodi Community Art Center Annual Membership show.  I know that you may have many reasons to maintain your membership in the Art Center. So let me take this opportunity to remind you why your continued membership is important to both you and the Art Center. 

If you are an artist the Art Center provides you with an opportunity to display and sell your work.  Hanging fees are the lowest you will find in the area, especially for a gallery located in a thriving downtown and tourist area.  The artist return is one of the areas highest in the area, for every piece of art sold you receive 75%.  This year the board approved providing 1 free hanging fee with every full year renewal and new membership. Does not apply to juried show entry fees.

As an art lover you recognize that the Lodi Art Center adds to the thriving Art community in Lodi, providing a place to appreciate your art and those of others in the community as well as providing free demonstrations, reasonable classes and workshops to members and non-members alike.

You support the role the art center provides to the community, our community involvement with the Art Commission, the Art Hop, and youth gallery displays. You appreciate the opportunities the gallery provides to enter juried art shows. You recognized the opportunities to not only display your work at the gallery but at other venues such as our show last year at the Bank of Stockton.
You recognize that membership provides you with discounts for:
o   Juried Show entries
o   Classes
o   Workshops
o   Events such as the Spring Show Gala and other gallery events
o   Web profile listing of you and your art
o   Comradery with other artists and

Finally you realize that by renewing your membership in July you are providing much needed funds to keep the doors open until November our next fund raising show.  Last year we operated at a loss until our Spring Show in April.  Much of this was due to our low renewal rate last year.  Our goal this year is to have 100 membership renewals by September.  Please don’t disappoint us, stop by the gallery or drop your renewal in the mail. 
I am including entry form for the Membership Show. 
Thank you
JC Strote

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Message from Pam regarding the membership meeting on the 9th

June is going to be a great month.

Last night was the reception for Sam Bassett and Pepe Pool.     It was Art Hope and my goodness the place was packed and full of good energy.     They showed a lot of art, in various forms and materials.   Wall art, sculptures, all the things they are known for, but in one place, mounted beautifully.      You MUST come to the gallery and see it there before pieces start selling off and away they go.  




There was wonderful music by Jesse Christian Hendricks, a Spanish guitar musician.   Here is his website where you can hear some of his music.    I'm now a huge fan.      http://www.jessechendricks.com/

Our wine for the reception was supplied and poured by d'Art Winery, from right here in Lodi.     What I tasted was excellent and I heard many people talking about how good it was.      http://www.dartwines.com/index.php

The camera on the new phone doesnt' take very good pics, but here are a few to give you a little taste of the evening.    


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

May is edging away.

It will soon be your last chance to see the beautiful watercolors by Jean Janssen, this month's featured artist.
   We had good coverage of her work in the Lodi Sentinal this month  you can see it here.  http://www.lodinews.com/lodi_living/arts_and_entertainment/article_856dd184-f5a3-11e4-b39c-9371f149ef05.html
It  brought in some people new to our gallery.    You can read her artist statement and see some examples of her work on our web site.    Please follow the link on her name.    Usually we only see one piece at a time from Jean - this is a veritable feast of delights for your eyes.     Get there this week.  


Next month, the long awaited featured artists are Sam Bassett and Pepe Poole.    Otherwise knows as Studio Samba.   Their statement is also on the web site.  In the featured artist section scroll down to June, you will see their smiling faces there.   Three dimensional works, wall art, it will all be a surprise what they bring in to show.     I'd encourage you to attend the artist reception on the First Friday evening of June, Art Hop.     6-8:30 p.m.    It's a great chance to visit with the featured artists and their guests and other members who are showing work in June.      I can hardly wait to see what they have for us.  


Here is a message from JC. 
Next weekend May 30 and 31 is gallery change over.  Please pick up your artwork from the May show and bring in artwork for the June show.  Theme for the June show is Animal Planet.  Be sure to sign up for your gallery shift when you bring in your work.

 June activities include
 First Friday Reception June 5 - Sam Bassett and Pepe Pool are our Featured Artists.
Tuesday June 9th 6:30 PM  is our Speaker Series with Henrietta Sparkman, Using Found Items in printing
Saturday June 13 10AM - 3PM Using found items in printing http://www.lodiartcenter.org/workshops/

JC Strote
President

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Spring's a buzzin'

Do you hear the hum of busy  bees at work?     In the vicinity of Lodi, perhaps?     That's the sound of volunteers hard at work to make the Spring Art Show something special and unforgettable.   And hopefully profitable - because it's our major fund raiser for the year.       This is Wednesday, and the Gala opening event is Friday evening, April 10th starting at 7 p.m.     If you don't already have your tickets, they will be available at the door for $45. each.     


We still need more volunteers to help move the art work to the truck and also to unload and hang art out at the barrel room at the winery at Acampo.    Call the gallery to get more details.     this is such a fun event, and part of the fun is helping behind the scenes.     It's quite an interesting process.

I was part of the committee of volunteers to help package up the raffle baskets, and let me tell you there are so many wonderful items donated by members and others, that the raffle is sure to be a big hit.     There are food and gift certificates, themes baskets for beach, garage, cats, dogs, jewelry, foods, wines, and art donated by the artists.    Pottery pieces, a beautiful gourd bowl, paintings, jewelry - you name it.      Tickets will be sold all three days.  The drawing will be at the last hour of the show on Sunday.      You can take your winnings home then.     It's a big help to have them picked up there so we don't need to move them  back to the gallery again.   So come Sunday afternoon if you can.   The artists are back then to pick up their work, so it's a good time to meet them if you have not already done so.  

Remember, Friday April 10th, 7 p.m.  for the Gala opening reception and dessert extravaganza.  

Show runs Saturday April 11th and Sunday the 12th, open, free to the public from 11 to 5 p.m.  Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Things are hopping at the gallery

With the mixed media show, and Frances Scott's work, and some new art by other artists, classes are picking up and brining in more interested people.     On Sunday, Clemmie King taught a Chinese Brush Painting workshop.   It was very well attended.     One of the people attending was Chrisina Cornejo of the Lodi News Sentinal - and a photographer whose name I ddint' catch.   She did a very thorough recap of the workshop.  I think y ou will enjoy it.     Here is the write up in the paper.   http://www.lodinews.com/news/article_4745c8da-d118-11e4-b331-9737101d4b2b.html

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Art Hop and Opening Reception for March

The opening reception was very nice, with good food, good wine, good art and lively good spirits all around.   Here are some of the pics.   









Friday, March 6, 2015

Tonite is Art Hop and the Reception for the Lodi Art Center

This is is.   I've got my blue jeans and cowgirl hat ready to wear to the reception for Frances Scott's Cowboy Art Show at the LCAC Gallery and also the reception for the Mixed Media Group.      Come on down and meet everyone and enjoy a glass of wine and socializing.     

What's happening in the area in March

This is a link to the Stockton Record's page listing art events.     http://www.recordnet.com/article/20150305/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/150309812/-1/A_NEWS06

Friday, February 27, 2015

Good News - Leland Choy is Blogging

Long time member/artist Leland Choy, who has been writing the monthly articles for the newsletters, has started his own blog.      Here is a link:   http://atthecornerofwalnutandcrescent.blogspot.com/    He just wrote a piece today.

His articles are the first things I usually read every month as his quirky humor always gave me a giggle and made me stop and think.       I hope you enjoy it as much as I know I will.      

I set up a little section over there on the right side, where names and blogs of members can be listed.  If you are a member and a blogger, please let us know in a comment - we would love to add your link.  

Monday, February 23, 2015

Deadline for Spring Show entries looming ahead

Feb 28th is the deadline for entering art into the Spring Art Show.     With the online entry system, and photos needed, the gallery is offering assistance taking the necessary pictures and even holding you hand through the registration process.    Saturday is the day.    Don't miss this great opportunity to show your work in such a special place.     The show is always so beautiful with paintings hung on the wine barrels in the big barrel room.      Do enter if you have something ready, and if you don't, you still have a few days .... hint, hint.   

Friday, February 13, 2015

What's ahead for March?


 Those of you who know Frances Scott know she is a bit of a character - and it shows in her work.  

 Her first love in art is woodcarving.  She has done a lot of it.  Big heavy pieces, pieces done on a ladder with a chain saw, and smaller pieces as well.     Most of them are installed in homes or businesses.   She is a certified wood carver having studied under a master wood carver from Europe.    Frances used to travel the circuit with the California Wood Carvers Assn.    

Some of her smaller works included canes with intricate designs - animals, faces, etc.    She also carves golf balls.   Yes, you read that correctly.    Carved golf balls.   Who would have known the hard rubber centers could be used as a carving surface?   



Currently Frances is more engaged with oil painting.    For many years she concentrated on western themes, although she isn't sure why.   She doesn't know any cowboys, never did.   She never owned a horse.  But something about cowboys, horses, cows, and the old west struck a chord in her artistic brain.  The work she will be showing are many of her western works.     

You will get a sense of  her vitality in her art.   Frances is in her 80s, and still full of vim and vinegar.   She is lively and funny - loves a good party, a good joke, and mostly people.    Come to the reception if you can and meet our one of a kind - no shrinking violet - Frances Scott.



Also in Marach the Mixed Media group is having their first group showing.  For a number of the, it is the first time they have shown their work.   Others in the group will be familiar to you as actively showing artists in the area.  




This group is actually a splinter of the Mixed Media Artists of Northern California which was active in Sacramento for the early part of this century.    It grew to unmanageable size and then slowly dwindled away.   Fortunately we started exploring the possibility of starting a mixed media group in Lodi, and the LCAC opened their arms and friendships to us .  With the encouragement of several wonderful active mixed media artists already associated with LCAC - we formed the Lodi Mixed Media Group.  We call ourselves the M&M's. 

The M&Ms meet twice a month during most of the year - although in January and February we meet weekly.      We learn from each other.  Our show and tell session are often the springboards to what we want to learn next, and take turns teaching what we know.     We also really enjoy each others company and encouragement.  Sometimes one of us wants a piece of work critiqued, or needs a nudge or hint of what to do next.     In such a nurturing environment - we help each other grow - in whatever direction we choose.   

You will see examples of the work of the listed artists.   In different mediums.    You will note that Frances Scott is also a member of this group, so  she may show some other pieces of work with us.   

Many of us will be there at the reception - it is our reception too.   It should be a lot of fun.      Info is on the card above.    

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Photography Show - Friday Art Hop

Tomorrow (Feb 6th, evening is Art Hop.    If you have not been in to see the photography show yet, try to get there and see the gallery brim full of beautiful framed photos.     Sometimes we forget how beautiful they can be and how we can be touched by certain images.    

Daryl O'Sullivan, who chaired the show  deserves a big cheer for his efforts in putting the show together.   We must never take our volunteers for granted.  They are the heart and the backbone of the Lodi Community Art Center.   

Think Spring!

Don't you just love springtime?     Blossoms and breezes here in the valley, with fog a thing of the past, and the heat of summer to come.     This morning on the drive from Stockton to Lodi, I was surprised to see how many trees are in bloom right now.       Here is a picture I took two weeks ago  of a wonderful field - it's so colorful, I think it would make a splendid painting.      The field today was being mowed, and with it the color was gone.   I hope as it grows back, it will again have the stripes of yellows, reds and greens - but it might be past that time.    If you'd like to paint it, you have my permission.   


One of the highlights of Spring is the annual Spring Art Show at the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Winery in Acampo.      We are gearing up for it now - and it's time to get your own artwork entered.    Here's the place to go for the information.    http://www.lodiartcenter.org/SpringShow/2015/springshow-2015.html

You still have a few weeks to enter your art, but you must get it entered online soon.     Grab your paintbrush and finish up that masterpiece - take a good photo of it, and get it entered.   It is a chance to have it seen by many people and a chance to connect with a customer.       

More later.     


Thursday, January 22, 2015

February Calendar of Events, plus end of January


        Lodi Community Art Center February 2015 Calendar of Events
January 24-25  Pick up for January Show noon to 5PM  Open to all members, February staffing sign up
January 24  - Judging Photography Show
January  25, Gourd Workshop +
 Eric Baker shares his gourd techniques, learn how to use wood burning tools, dyes, gourd inks and metallic dyes to enhance the art of decorating gourds.  Materials and tools will be provided.  Class is $100 for members, $50 students, $110 for non members .  Workshop will be at the Lodi Art Center studio,  9AM – 4PM.  Workshop is limited to 10 attendees.  Must RSVP at Art Center prior to the event.
January 31, 2015 3rd Annual Photography Show artists Reception and Award Presentation,  6:00 – 8:30PM, Lodi Community Art Center 110 W. Pine St.  Tickets $10  each .Tickets are available at the Art Center or at the event.
January 31, 2015 – Last day to get the early bird entry discount for the 2015 Spring Show
February 1 – February 27 – 3rd Annual Photography show
February 2, 2015 – Lodi Art Center Board Meeting, open to all members 6:30PM at Gallery
February 6th  Artist Reception Photography Show 6PM – 8:30 free to public
February 10– Speaker Series presentation, Clifford Oto, juror from the photograpy show offers insight and critique as the juror  of the show  6:30-8:30 PM.
Februrary 28 – March 1 – Pickup Photography show/ Receiving for March

What's happening in February?

The  Annual Photography Show.      Entries were made on the Smarter Entry online system, the photographs have been received at the gallery last weekend, and this weekend the judge will be selecting those that will receive awards.   Here is the blurb that appeared in the newspapers, in case you missed it.

Photography show to be in Lodi
Lodi Community Art Center will host its third annual Juried Photography Show throughout the month of February at 110 W. Pine St., Lodi. Hours are from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
The regional photography show, juried by Clifford Oto (a photographer at The Record), includes award-winning photographers from many Central and Northern California locations including Antioch, Sacramento, Vacaville, Gold River, Tracy, Stockton, Lodi, and Placerville. Show categories are Nature/Landscape, Portraiture, Man-Made, and a new category, Digitally Created.
An artist reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31. Tickets are $10. A free public reception will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 6. The show’s Grand Prize is sponsored by West 12 Ranch.
Information: (209) 333-3855 or lodiartcenter.org.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Arts in January

this is a link to ArtRoundUp, with a recap of current art venues in the area.     Note we got top billing with our scheduled workshop.