Wow! Things are a happenin’

First place winner at Expressions West, Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, Oregon

In my last post I mentioned that I had juried in two pieces. The photo on that blog WON FIRST PLACE! I was sooo excited, my hubby and I drove to Coos Bay to attend the opening, not knowing that I was a winner. So, I had my 15 minutes of fame! I was particularly pleased because the quality and workmanship of the art included in the exhibit was wonderful. The call was for all the western states. Local shows are a good way to stretch your audience, think about entering your art next year. One rule I have is to research the juror(s) and know what kind of art the do and/or like. This helps give you an edge for being accepted if your work is professional in execution. Even getting in to a juried exhibit looks good on your resume. If you are an artist, you are building your resume, aren’t you?

I graduated last Saturday from SOU with my BFA in studio art. It took me three years to complete two, but I certainly enjoyed the journey. I became a great-grandmother a few months before my graduation. However, I read about a woman who was 93 or so, who just graduated as well. Just goes to show, never to late to follow a dream. I have posted a couple of photos of my BFA Exhibit in the Thorndike Gallery at SOU. The tea bag wrappers were soaked in tea, dried, a bit of a found letter was placed in the opening, and the piece was then dipped in beeswax. They are attached to the wall individually (took me two days). The pieces on the panels are birch substrates on which I used acrylic paint, sanded, then applied absorbent ground (a product that renders any surface to react like watercolor paper) and laid the tea bags (and other items on the other two) down to dry. The effect is quite stunning.

Accumulation I, tea bag wrappers, found letters, beeswax

I’m looking forward to painting and experimenting with sculpture and installation now that I have more free time. That is, after I finish weeding around the house and in the garden. I’m also thinking I might continue giving workshops, sharing what I have learned and learning from my students as well. I would love to become more active in the local art scene so will look around and see what opportunities might avail themselves.

I hope everyone has a great summer, travels to worlds unknown, and generally enjoys the sun, which has been long in coming this spring here in Southern Oregon.

Exhibit in Thorndike Gallery at SOU

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