Route 21 by Julia Hensley

Here it is, Route 21, by Julia Hensley. I've written about Julia before, who is a teacher, mentor and friend of mine. This past week-end she had a studio sale that included some of her older work (a more recent body of work includes painting collages with a few breathtaking installation collages; she's currently busy at work on something new that I can't wait to see).  I stopped by to say hello and catch up. Having purchased several of Julia's paintings in the past it was not my intention to walk out with yet another piece but I was unable to do that. This painting sat quietly in the corner and nibbled away at my resolve.

Michelle Ross at PAM: You Take My Breath Away

Last week I was lucky enough to make a quick one-day trip to Portland, which never disappoints with either the art or the food that I consume there.

This time around I discovered Michelle Ross, whose paintings are included in the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards at PAM. Obviously Ms. Ross has been around a while. Her oil paintings are etherial yet solidly grounded. She is one of those painters who make me ache because of the shear force of ability and execution. I could hardly walk away. Thank you Ms. Ross, for making my day.

There is other terrific work represented in the CNAA exhibit, including Chris Antemann, John Buck, John Grade, Jerry Iverson, Suzie Lee, and Megan Murphy. Check it out.

Endings and Beginings

Sometimes there is a weird convergence of shows ending and beginning. This is such a week.

High Jinks at the upFront Gallery at artEast ended with a bang at the closing reception on Friday. Participating artists shared their inspirations and/or the stories behind their works. Carol Ross, whose encaustic piece, Dreams of Milk, shared that the call inspired a new series work. Kelly Lyles talked about her play on words in Welcome to Viagra Falls, which featured rabbits chewing on little blue pills. Thanks to the artists and everyone who High Jinks possible. A special thanks to Susan Melrath who co-curated the show with me.

Yesterday I delivered three paintings from the World View Series to the Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle for a group show with Todd Horton and Jan Lazerwitz. This show is curated by Barbara Shaimans, Director of Exhibitions at the SAM Gallery and will be on display through November.

Earlier this week two paintings were delivered to Northwinds Art Center in Port Townsend for their annual juried exhibition. This year's juror is Gary Fagin, Artist Director, at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. The opening reception is this Friday. The exhibition runs through August.

Another ending includes Textile, Glass and Furniture Juried Exhibition at Studio 659 in Whiting, Indiana. Two of my World View fiber pieces were included in this exhibition, which ends on Saturday.

Last but not least, two paintings from the Home Symbols Series were put in the mail to the Fine Art Museum at Florida State University, Tallahassee, for the 26th Annual International Exhibition. This show opens on August 29th, so if by chance you find yourself in Tallahassee before October 3, please stop by and let me know how it looks. Unfortunately you won't see me there but I'm very excited to be included in this show, and all these exhibitions.

So now it's time to get back into the studio . . . in spite of all the sun out there!