Miller Gallery is BEAUTIFUL

(above: Pink Still Life by Pang Jen)

B E A U T Y

Miller Gallery
Opening Reception Friday April 10, 6-8 pm
Show continues through April 24

Forget deep, symbolic and melancholy art and celebrate all things superficially beautiful this Friday at Miller Gallery. Times are tough and perhaps we could all spend a Friday night with some colorful, uplifting and unabashedly beautiful art. Artists include "Don Hatfield, renowned for his timeless, classic impressionist paintings of mothers and children, frolicking on beaches, sharing loving moments in the loveliness of blooming gardens; Colin Berry, whose contemplative, measured and meticulous paintings often combine landscape and still life, are serenely classical and quietly poetic; Ellen Diamond, whose eye for pattern and color are reflected in her vibrant and vivid depictions of the French and Italian countryside, seascapes and village scenes; Pang Jen, for many years a gallery favorite, whose loose impressionist figurative and landscape paintings are exercises in soft, harmonious color; and popular local artist Ron Johnson, well-known for his paintings of Cincinnati scenes and landmarks as well as captured memories of European travel. "

Cincinnati's Fabulous Future

(above: "The Money Spender and His Wife" by Tim Parsley)

Narrative Figuration

Opening Reception Friday, March 27th, 5:30-9 pm

Showing March 27- May 1

Henry James called Frank Duveneck "the unsuspected genius." Perhaps a man hailing from nineteenth century Covington, Ky was was not suspected to be either an artist or a genius. Duveneck was both. He attracted a huge following, known as the "Duveneck Boys," which included Twatchman and Herman Wessel (among others). One of his most famous works, The Whistling Boy (1872) is permanently on display at the CAM.

In Covington, Sandra Small's gallery is exhibiting artists who they believe comprise a new Cincinnati School of Painting. Some of them champion Classical Realism, a style that celebrates the beauty of the past and exhibits a realism inspired by photography while others are more "painterly and expressive." This "golden age" is inspired by Vermeer, VanDyck, Rembrandt, Giacometti, Freud, Bacon, Kitaj and, appropriately, Duveneck. Many of these artists are also recent graduates of UC's MFA program, which almost ensures that works will be both fresh and accomplished.

It is also certainly worth noting that exhibiting artist Emil Robinson will have a personal show at the Keystone Gallery at the Taft Museum on August 30.

Matrimony As a Rite of Disaster

(above: Mother-In-Law by Brad Smith)

Not In My Wedding Album

March 20-May 9, 2009

Opening Reception March 20, 5-9 pm

Prairie Gallery

The beauty of art is that it is sometimes unsightly. Photographs especially sometimes have a way of capturing the moments in life we'd rather forget. At one time or another we've all been victims of the "please don't post that on your Webshots/Facebook profile/ frame it on your mantle" photograph.

A wedding is a perfect opportunity for any photographer to capture such images. Although the bride and groom typically assemble an album of flawless wedding day pictures, most weddings do not go off "without a hitch." That is what makes this show at Prairie so entertaining.

I think the premise of this show is both light-hearted and brilliant. It shows that even the most sacred and beautiful of human institutions can be chaotic and and imperfect. The overall message of the show is, perhaps, that we should stop taking ourselves so darn seriously.

Speaking Primarily About Installation

(above: Robert Iriwn's Primaries and Secondaries at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego)

Contemporary Conversations
Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm
Contemporary Arts Center
Free for members, $7.50 adults, $5.50 students




It seems antithetical to the 1960s contemporary ideal that an artist exploring light and space could be avant-guarde. L.A.-based artist Robert Irwin proved, however, that not everything had to be so dour. Through his now-iconic installations, Irwin expertly explored light and space as the basis of human perception.

In his book "Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees," Lawrence Weschler recorded the conversations he had with Irwin and described the transient and awe-inspiring nature of his works. Because Irwin's works were transitory installations, this book is one of the few ways that contemporaries can view them.

This Thursday, local art personality Matt Morris will lead a discussion of Irwin's work as seen in Weschler's book. Although it my be too late to read the entire manuscript, I would suggest picking it up and scanning over key elements if you intend on attending the lecture. It is certainly well-written and full of insight and vivid description.

It's Simply SUREAL

(Album 13, Plate IV, 1948 by Joan Miro)

Joan Miro: Master Lithographs From 1948
January 9-April 18
Carl Solway Gallery

Its a great time to be a Surrealist art-lover in Cincinnati. In addition to the fabulous exhibit at the CAM, Carl Soloway has a show of Joan Miro lithographs at his Findlay Street gallery. The exact same year that he painted the famous mural for the Terrace Plaza Hotel, which is currently outside the Cincinnati Art Museum's Terrace Cafe, he created 13 celestial prints. With imaginative forms and a very spirited nature, they are the epitome of all things Miro.

THINK GREEN

(2007 winner of the Earth Day Art Contest sponsored by U.S. Department of State by Hanna Kutuzava of Belarus)

GREEN Spaces: Every Day is Earth Day

Visionaries and Voices at ArtWorks Gallery

March 12-April 10

Opening Reception Thursday, March 12, 5-8 pm

Although you may not have it marked on your calendar and don't necessarily plan on celebrating it, tomorrow is Earth Day. The art and design world has long-embraced the idea that creativity and conservationism can exist simultaneously. "Green design" and "sustainability" have been a focus of many artists for several generations.

The artists of Visionaries & Voices will voice their opinion on our over-consumption and the positive and negative effects that human beings have upon the environment with an opening exhibit tomorrow at Artworks Gallery. By contrasting images of idealist landscapes and over-crowded, polluted cities, V&V conveys "a dichotomy of imagery which illustrates the two extremes of modern life." I am most excited to see works made of recyclable materials and conceptual pieces concerning energy conservation.

(Claire de Lune, Amy Giust)

Artist Stimulus

Preview Party Friday, March 13, 6-8 pm

Show continues through March 28

Miller Gallery

Everyone is well aware that "times are tough." We are learning to embrace that less is sometimes more and that, as the New York times so aptly put it, "small is the new big... In the design word this stuff is old news-- but in the art world its evidence of a new survivalism."

What is not necessarily as painfully obvious, however, is that this is the perfect time to scoop up reputable artists at record breaking prices. Its easy to be depressed about the state of the economy but its better to cheer yourself up with a wonderful, inexpensive piece of art. Several galleries such as Phyllis Weston-Annie Bolling and Cincinnati Art Galleries have already hosted such shows. I'm excited that Miller Gallery has also decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Improvisations of Tigers

my tiger, my heart; paintings and improvisations by Eric Ruschman

Opening: Saturday, March 7, 7-10 pm

Show continues March 7-28

Semantics

The first Saturday of every month, Semantics hosts and opening for a an exciting, unconventional and innovative new artist. It is one of the longest surviving co-ops in the city and shows are anything but predictable. I implore you to support this fabulous little non-profit space. Please visit their MySpace site http://www.myspace.com/semanticsgallery for more information.

Manifestation of Mythography in India

(above: a submission for the INDA by Douglas Miller)

Mythography: An Exploration of Nature

Selections of India

Reception: Friday, March 6, 6-9 pm

Show: March 6- April 3

MANIFEST

Drawing upon the long standing tradition throughout the history of art of using the visual to explain the narrative, the works in Mythography: An Exploration of Nature will tell stories and depict legends, myths and fables. This includes comic art, sequential art, documentary, animation, video/film, illustration, performance, painting, sculpture, photography, and drawing. Approximately 700 works were submitted and, through a rigorous process, 16 were selected to be displayed.

Selections From India will display works selected to be a part of Manifest's Selections from the International Drawing Annual. Manifest's drawing center is devoted to exploring and celebrating the medium of drawing in its own rite. Annually, they publish an extensive compilation of fantastic drawings titled The International Drawing Annual. Over 1100 works were submitted to be in the 2009 INDA and a ten-person jury is still deciding which pieces will be included in the final publication. Selections From India will be an early look and possible winners.

Another New One: Prairie Gallery

(above: Voss Finn, "Figment 7")

Current Exhibition: Happy Valley or Helltown

Featuring Voss Finn and Samantha Johnson

January 23- March 13

Prairie Gallery (4035 Hamilton Ave., Northside)

Its name is meant to reflect the broad expanse of contemporary work that it will display. Whatever the media or sensibility, Prairie Gallery is meant to be an open forum. It exists in what was once an old appliance store, which is entirely appropriate for the current exhibition.

Voss Finn is an established artist who uses found objects and drawings to create sculptures and site-specific installations. Samantha Johnson, who is quite new to the scene, had the unique idea of transferring photographs onto printmaking paper and then sewing them all together to assemble collages. All together, this show emphasizes the variety of media that often inspire and transform contemporary art.

2 New @ V&V

(above: from the Negative to Positive show, Antonio Adams)

Kevin White, Life on Canvas

Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce

Opening February 27, 5-8 pm

February 27-March 20

Opening Reception: Friday, February 27, 5-8 pm

This weekend Visionaries & Voices, an "outsider art" gallery featuring the works of artists with disabilities, will have two major opening exhibitions. The first displays the work of Kevin White, who creates two-dimensional landscapes inspired and influenced by the existence of wild animals. The combination of intense color and complex forms form the unique harmony that is characteristic of his work.

Visit http://otrchamber.com/ for more information.

Antonio Adams and Cheryl Dunn

Country Club Gallery

February 28 - May 16, 2009

New works by Antonio Adams and Cheryl Dunn
Opening Reception, Saturday 28th 4-8pm

Antonio Adams is known both locally and nationally as an accomplished artist. His works are a complex amalgamation of well-known superheros, celebrities, personal friends, the artists himself and his alter-ego. Underneath it all, his work suggests that moral dilemmas and questionable ethics are at play. Also displayed is a triptych by Antonio Adams and Brian Joiner loosely based on Picasso's Guernica but with different characters and conflicts.

For more information visit http://countryclubgallery.com/

Ally with Clay

(above: clay piece by Steve Howell)

The Clay Alliance 10th Anniversary Show

Opening: Saturday, February 21

Show: February 21 - March 14

Kennedy Heights Art Center

Regrettably, I have not written anything about the Kennedy Heights Arts Center in a while. This weekend, however, is the opening of the Clay Alliance's 10th Anniversary Exhibition. The Clay Alliance is a group of liked-minded artists who use clay to make functional, decorative, and sculptural objects. It will feature brand new works as well as those of past talents.

Enjoy A Magic Show

(above: artist Tara Donovan)

This weekend is Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend. The Contemporary Arts Center plays an integral part in this city's art scene and, thus, there are many notable events. Admission to all events, moreover, will be free. I regret that I am not going to include all of them on my blog, as that would take up more time and space available to me. Please check out their website, however, to get more information.

The Buzz: A Night of Magic

Friday, February 20, 7 pm

Contemporary Arts Center

$15 in advance, $20 at the door

The aforementioned event is Fine Arts Fund's way of kicking off their 2009 season. Aimed at the under 40 set, read "Y.P.'s" or "young professionals," there will be food, music, drinks, and prizes all consistent with the magic theme.

Also at the CAC this weekend

Gallery Talk: Tara Donovan

Led by CAC Director Raphaela Platow

Saturday, February 21, 3-4 pm

This gallery talk will shed some light onto the esoteric works of Tara Donovan.

44: Ethan Philbrick and Isaac Hand

Saturday, February 21, 4-7 pm

Through the dialogue of sound, Ethan Philbrick and Isaac Hand will interpret the minimalistic and transcendent works of Tara Donovan.

for more about 44 weekend at CAC, visit http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/.

Update From Sandra Small

(above: watercolor by Donald Holden)

The Contemporary Sublime: Asian-Inspired Landscapes

February 13- March 20

Sandra Small Gallery

Connected by a deep appreciation of nature and a "reductionist" technique, three Asian-American landscape artists will be on display at Sandra Small's Covington gallery. Somewhat abstract in nature, these works reflect both traditional Chinese and Japanese art and contemporary sensibilities. Watercolors, paintings, and drawings by two Cincinnati artists (Frank Satogata and Valerie Shesko) and one New York-based painter (Donald Holden) are featured.

Any Random Saturday Morning

Coffee and continental breakfast

Sandra Small Gallery

It is also certainly worth noting that every Saturday morning the gallery will feature coffee, continental breakfast and inspired art conversation with fellow art aficionados.

Beyond the Beyond: Surrealism

(above :René Magritte, Belgian, 1898-1967, Le Chateau de Pyrenees (The Castle of the Pyrenees), 1959, Oil on canvas, 200 X 145 cm, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Gift of Harry Torczyner, New York, B85.0081, Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem )

Surrealism and Beyond in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem

February 15- May 17

The Cincinnati Art Museum

Surrealism (n.): Psychic automatism in its pure state, by which one proposes to express -- verbally, by means of the written word, or in any other manner -- the actual functioning of thought. Dictated by the thought, in the absence of any control exercised by reason, exempt from any aesthetic or moral concern. (Andre Breton, Surrealist Manifesto, 1929)

I don't do drugs. I am drugs. (Salvador Dali)

For the next couple of months CAM will be the only U.S. establishment to host an extensive collection of fabulous and intriguing Dada and Surrealist works. On loan from the Dada and Surrealist Vera and Arturo Schwartz Collection of the Israeli Museum, Jerusalem, it will feature 200 + highlights in a variety of media. Featured and infamous artists include Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Jean (Hans) Arp, Man Ray, Kurt Schwitters, Hannah Höch and Paul Delvaux.

Cruise to Sprint to the CAM

(Giulia Sprint Speciale, 1964. Alfa Romeo, engine and chassis manufacturer (1910­–), Bertone, design studio and body manufacturer (1912­–), Italy. Steel body with aluminum hood and trunk lid. On loan from Richard Grant, L1.200 )

Space and flight study of the 1950's/60's inspired the production of this beautiful, futuristic, limited time offer. The Spring Speciale was considered especially controversial when it first debuted in 1964. Designed by the renowned Italian Bertone studio, it was formed and finished entirely by hand.

Rosemary's Baby(ies)

(Barnett, Helmut, Time on Earth, 2008)

Rosemary's Babies 2

Opening: Friday, February 13, 8 pm

Show: February 13-27

Miller Gallery

This biennial event is a compilation by gallery director Rosemary Seidner of all the best Miller Gallery has to offer. The works of well-established artists from across the country sit side by side with those of up-and-coming talents. This extensive project of entirely new works is not to be missed.

Artists exhibited include: "Terrence Payne's wit and wisdom is put into words on his outstanding, large pastel drawings; Otto Lange's bold and quirky still life's produce raised eyebrows and smiles; Jelaine Faunce’s hyper-realistic small paintings are gems to treasure; Graceann Warn's warmly-toned painted paper compositions add sculptural dimension; Shelley Laffal's fabulous large-scale figurative fantasy Teddy Bears’ Picnic must not be missed; Helmut Barnett’s abstracts take color to a new level; Susan Danko’s large-scale “landscapes” intersect reality and abstraction; Matthew Pinney paints stills from well-loved movies; and art professor Rosalyn Schwartz’s distorted interiors tease the eye--plus new works by gallery favorites."

Cheap Chic

Inspiring Collectors: Works on Paper, Mixed Media Pieces, and WPA Serigraphs under $4,000

Opening Reception: Friday, February 6, 5-8 pm

Phyllis Weston-Annie Bolling Gallery

This show is a must for both aspiring and seasoned art collectors. Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in works of various media from both up and coming and established artists. Names you may recognize include Frank McElwain, Harry Shokler, David Miretsky, Melissa Harshman, Michael Scheurer and Kris Cummings. This is one of my all-time favorite Cincinnati galleries and shows never disappoint.

Textiles as Art

(above: Dance of Hope By Cythia Lockhart)

Textural Expressions: Fabric Art

January 16-April 3, 2009

YWCA

Appropriately, the YWCA is exploring the traditionally and stereotypically feminine media of quilt making, doll making and other stitched works in the 21st century. Examining art history from a feminist perspective, it is easy to see that historically such types of expression were not classified as "fine art." The boundary between art and craft is dissolving in contemporary pluralistic art culture, however, and this show proves that such media should be considered important and relevant. The two particular artists examined, Patricia Coleman-Cobb and Cynthia Lockhart are talented, innovative and certainly worth examining.

Workout @ FERALMADE

Weird Workout

Friday, January 30, 7:30-12 pm

FERALMADE (4573 Hamilton Avenue)

I just recently learned about FERALMADE and I have to say I'm definitely intrigued. It is simultaneously an art gallery, literary magazine and printshop. It was started by Cincinnati natives with varying credentials (film makers, artists, photographers, etc.) This Friday they are celebrating the release of the 4th volume of their magazine Milk Money with a party at their gallery featuring various artists.

Their website: http://www.feralmade.com/

Milk Money site: http://www.milkmoneymag.com/index.html