tbellphotographic studio Seeks Photo Show Entries

As luck would have it, here’s your opportunity to take a shot with “Chance.” Whether it’s accidental, coincidental, making a snap decision, taking advantage of an opportunity, counting on probability, or taking a risk, we all experience Chance every day.

The photographic possibilities of this abstract concept are endless. This show will celebrate the spontaneity and the impromptu nature of Chance. Grab any photographic device and take advantage of those Chance circumstances around you, which convey a unique and interesting moment, or imply hope or luck.

Interpret Chance through your subject matter, or show us how an amazing camera setting or processing technique provided surprising results. Share your fascination with Chance and the art of being in the right place at the right time.

The show is open to all professional and amateur photographers of at least 18 years of age, working with digital, traditional, alternative or experimental photographic techniques. Entry deadline is February 9 with the exhibition scheduled for March 2–18. Entry forms are available online.

For more information, visit tbellphotographic.com.

DAM Kicks Off Final Friday Events

The final Friday of the month, the Denver Art Museum offers a dose of the unexpected with offbeat art encounters, unique detours of the DAM collection, art making, local music, cash bar, munchies and more.

At each mixed-media Untitled event, the museum explores a specific theme with exhibition related activities and community collaborations. The museum keeps its door open late; each event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The new season kicks off January 27 with Untitled #43 (Made in China) and continues through Untitled #52 (Written Off) on October 26.

“Untitled is the moment where we highlight ongoing creative community connections while at the same time showcasing what makes the DAM and its collections unique,” says Jaime Kopke, coordinator of adult and college programs. “At Untitled, visitors get to direct their own museum experience, deciding what’s fun and relevant to them while also getting a dose of the DAM’s collections, programming and community partners.”

That means visitors get exclusive access to their favorite curators, educators and community experts for one-night only opportunities. Artworks come out of storage, curators give special critiques and specialists share and connect their passion with the museum. Visitors can choose from a full menu of activities to curate their own night.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit collective.denverartmuseum.org.

Zen-Shine Fused Glass at Sync

Sandy Jackson has been using the symbol for Zen enso without realizing it in her work for years. Enso is a simple black circle that may or may not have a single opening. When the circle is closed entirely, it represents the universe as a whole, a single entity to which everything is connected and within which everything is held.

Opening reception is Friday, January 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Exhibit runs from January 16 through February 11.

However, when there is a single opening, it shows that nothing in the universe is perfect and suggests that we stop striving for perfection and instead allow the universe to be as it is.

Sandy said, “The enso is used as a meditation aid in either form and is said to both provide and reveal enlightenment. Recently I have brought this symbol into my life though my daily practice of meditation.

“I believe that we are here to uncover the mysteries of our human existence. Through my art I hope you find the inspiration to be incandescent, to shine your inner light and reach your highest potential, to discover and develop your innate capacity to live consciously and lead a successful, happy existence.”

The work in this exhibit is meant to visually reflect the feeling of being in the state of Zen. Viewers will notice the enso symbol throughout Jackson’s work, specifically in the patina paintings on steel. You will experience the feeling of light and energy in the glass sculptural work, reminding you to let your inner light glow outward. It is our choice and right to be happy and filled with Zen-Shine.

Sandy Jackson is a contemporary artist who works mainly in fused glass and what she calls Patina Painting, which is the use of patinas on raw steel canvas. Her large-scale corporate sculptures can be seen nationally and many reside in Colorado.

For more information, visit sandyjacksonfineart.com or call 720-284-1922.

Positions and Dispositions at Robischon

In conjunction with the 2011 opening of Denver’s Clyfford Still Museum and the Denver Art Museum exhibition entitled Focus: Robert Motherwell, Robischon Gallery presents a selection of works by Robert Motherwell, a peer of Still and an equally important founding figure of the New York Abstract Expressionist movement.

Also on view, further reflecting the AB EX movement and its position of influence, are divergent works by Still’s student, pre-eminent sculptor Manuel Neri and noted painter Frank Lobdell. Two concurrent solo exhibitions feature large-scale paintings and works on paper by notable later-generation abstractionists, Gary Komarin and Dale Chisman.

For more information, call 303-298-7788 or visit robischongallery.com.

Bright Lights Champa LED Screen

In an exciting new program designed to promote the arts and recognize the talents of Colorado artists, the Denver Theatre District and Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe have teamed up to showcase stunning imagery on the large LED screen in the heart of Downtown Denver.

Five prominent local artists who regularly exhibit in the Art District are currently featured on the 14th and Champa LED display, with plans for the work of additional artists to be included over the next several months.

“Showcasing artists from areas like the Art District on Santa Fe is an important part of the DTD’s mission. We are very excited about the opportunity to show the downtown audience that great art and artists flourish all over Denver. In 2012 we plan to expand the relationship with the Arts District on Santa Fe in ways not done in other downtown environments,” said David Ehrlich of the Denver Theatre District Management.

Orbital Blooms at Core

Emerging artist Erica Branch invites the public to her inaugural gallery show Orbital Blooms, January 26 through February 12, at the CORE Annex, 900 Santa Fe Dr.

The show features intricate acrylic paintings that not only burst with color, but are also animated with stories and symbols woven together through whimsical blossoms and plant life. Artists’ reception is January 27, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Branch will also attend the First Friday Art Walk on February 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Erica’s work is inspired by everything from religion, politics and symbolism to feminism and fantasy. Her current tenure as an officer in the US Army and deployment to Iraq have enhanced her work by adding the unique perspective of living in a military culture and the experiences of war. She enjoys telling stories through her art and feels, at times, more like a storyteller than a visual artist.

Interwoven beneath the vivid colors and sometimes cartoon-like shapes are the colliding themes of these stories that often include, death, sexuality, innocence, greed, beauty, love and compassion. This is her first full gallery show and she is thrilled to finally share her body of work, her stories and connect with viewers through a mutual love of art.

Erica has been creating art from an early age and chose to nurture her creative side by obtaining a degree in Fine Arts in 2005. She has recently exhibited paintings at Studio 12 Gallery’s Dia de los Muertos juried show.

For more information, contact erica.marie.branch@gmail.com, 719-304-1881 and branchheartart.com.

Facets of Fiber Exhibition

On view from January 20 through February 29, in the John Jellico Gallery at the Art Institute of Colorado, Facets of Fiber is juried show of the Surface Design Association. The Opening Reception is January 27, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit features the artwork of 37 Colorado Fiber Artists.

Facets of Fiber is a diverse collection of both 2D and 3D artwork created using a multitude of techniques and presenting an extensive array of thematic content with one common thread; the use of fiber.

The Surface Design Association is an international community engaged in the creative exploration of fiber and fabric. Surface Design refers to any process that gives structure, pattern, or color to fiber and fabric. These include spinning, felting, papermaking, weaving, knotting, netting, looping, dyeing, painting, stitching, cutting, piecing, printing, quilting, and embellishing.

The exhibit demonstrates all of these techniques in conjunction with the exploration of various styles and conceptual ideas.

For more information, contact 303-818-9077, kristi.baca@gmail.com or surfacedesign.org.

Byers-Evans Flashes on Sixties

With her new Honeywell Pentax camera in hand and working as an assistant to The Kingston Trio manager Frank Werber, Lisa Law captured the genesis of a new era.

Whether she was backstage with The Beatles, The We Five, Otis Redding, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, or Peter, Paul and Mary; taking promotional photographs of Janis Joplin and Big Brother, helping feed hundreds of thousands at Woodstock; or at home making dinner for house guests like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol; her passion for photography grew into a profession.

Join the Byers-Evans House for this fascinating flashback to the 1960s featuring original photographs and rock posters. Show runs through February 29, at the Byers-Evans House Museum.

For more information, call 303-620-4933.

 

RMPBS Gets Excellence in Media Award

The Colorado Nonprofit Association announced that Rocky Mountain PBS is the recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Media Award. The statewide public television network was selected based on its role as a key partner in addressing public issues and raising public awareness, as well as encouraging engagement that has led to community-based solutions.

“For 50 years, Rocky Mountain PBS has been a part of the Colorado community, committed to providing quality educational television to all Coloradans,” said Gary Drews, board chair of Rocky Mountain PBS and the CFO of the Colorado Health Foundation. “This honor is a tremendous testament to the network’s unwavering mission.”

Rocky Mountain PBS will be honored at the association’s Nonprofit Week Luncheon on March 12, at the Marriott City Center in downtown Denver. Rocky Mountain PBS was chosen from among a field of nominees that included media professionals and media companies, such as radio, television, newspapers and online news services that have made a significant impact on the nonprofit sector.

Each week, 1.2 million people throughout Colorado turn to Rocky Mountain PBS to discover inspiring local, national and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities. Rocky Mountain PBS celebrates its 55th anniversary on the air this year. The network began in Denver in 1956 as Colorado’s first public television station.

For more information, visit rmpbs.org.

Women are Beautiful Opening at DAM

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) presents a selection of 50 photographs from the museum’s permanent collection of Garry Winogrand: Women are Beautiful.

The masterworks are culled from the hundreds that Garry Winogrand took of women on the street, a selection of which were published in the 1975 book Women are Beautiful. The exhibition will be on view January 29 through July 8, in the Delisa and Anthony Mayer Photography Gallery on level seven of the North Building.

“Winogrand is one of the great American photographers who changed the way we think about photography,” said Eric Paddock, DAM curator of photography. “His photos of unposed subjects act as small windows into a time of great change in our society. There were no special studio lights or makeup, just honest photos of people going about their daily lives.”

In the late 1960s and early 1970s Winogrand explored the creative possibilities of photographing on the streets or in crowds. When he sensed the composition of a picture falling into place, Winogrand would quickly raise his camera to his eye and take candid photos of anonymous people. He used a 35mm Leica camera that enabled him to photograph quickly and freely.

Often he focused on women—in parks, getting into cars, at parties, exiting stores—creating photographs that highlighted the changing role of women and, at times, the uncertainty of their new place. Winogrand took hundreds of photographs like this, and in 1975 a small selection was chosen for Women are Beautiful. The DAM has a substantial group of these masterful photographs in the museum’s permanent collection.

Garry Winogrand, 1928-1984, was born in New York, where he lived and worked during much of his life. Winogrand photographed the visual cacophony of the city street, people, rodeos, airports and animals in zoos. These subjects are among his most exalted and influential work.

For more information, call 720-865-5000 or visit denverartmuseum.org.

PlatteForum Seeks Ceramic Arts’ Materials

Jessica Kreutter is a ceramic and mixed-media artist fascinated with spaces that are in-between, somewhere between reality and fantasy. During her residency at PlatteForum she will create small, fragmented installations using found, discarded objects and porcelain.

Jessica will lead a series of intense Learning Labs with ArtLab students, where they will create a large, imaginary environment down to the tiniest detail. If you have materials to donate, we would be very grateful.

Materials needed include: clay: approximately 150 lbs low fire white/grey (CT# preferred, Willow or Ash); clay tools: needle tools, blue rib, metal rib wooden carving tool; found tools: forks, knives, cheap brushes, dental tools, old CDs, anything with a pattern, rolling pins, variety of kitchen tools; spray bottles; aprons; towels; sponges; random selection of kitchen bowls; wood or drywall boards, approximately 18-inches square; and plastic dry-cleaner bags or drop cloths.

To loan or donate materials, email Judy or bring them to PlatteForum, January 9–13.

For more information, visit PlatteForum.com.