Event Exhibit at Arts on Grand!

 Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Mel Myers, Holly Kellogg and Glenda Drennen

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip event is nearing!  And to get ready for this year's A.R.T. is a "sneak preview" if-you-will; a traditional Artisans Road Trip exhibit at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa!

Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Bill Lieb, Judy Thompson, and Wendell King

This exhibit will give you a preview of what is in store for you as you venture out to take in that crisp fall air and warm sunshine on the studio tour that has become a region tradition!  See what your favorite artists have been up to this year, and even check out some new venues!  

 Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Barb McGee, Martha Thien, and Hank Hall

The Artisans Road Trip exhibit at Arts on Grand opens Tuesday night, September 25th, with an artists reception.  This reception, from 5 - 7 p.m.,  is held in conjunction with Business After Hours. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.  The exhibit runs from September 25 through October 27.

Artisans Road Trip will be held October 6 & 7, 2012. Maps are available at Arts on Grand. Also, find maps and more at www.artisansroadtrip.com 

 
 This exhibit is sponsored by: State Bank

2012 A.R.T. Dykema - Works of Giverny

"The Bridge"

22X30" - oil on paper 

© Dennis Dykema

2012 Artisans Road Trip artist Dennis Dykema has recently been working on a body of work since returning from a trip this past spring in France.  Seen here are a few examples of paintings inspired by Monet's gardens at Giverny.

"A Visit to Giverny No.3"

22X30" - oil on paper 

© Dennis Dykema

Dykema's artist statement - "I’ve been fascinated with the landscape for a long time and have come to recognize it as the most prevailing aspect of my environment. In recent years I have begun to explore the landscape subject as it is affected by changing conditions of light and shadow. At the time of day when these are most evident the subtle interplay of texture and surface, intersect with compositional structure of the subject to make, in my mind at least, a complete experience.

"A Visit to Giverny No.1"

22X30" - oil on paper 

© Dennis Dykema

Since my move to Spirit Lake I have discovered that the vast prairie and wetland area comprising the watershed for the Iowa Great Lakes is a rich subject resource for my recent work. While inspiration for my paintings comes from the landscape I continually explore the interpretation of the subject along a continuum from representation to abstraction. I have found that the most inconsequential scene can be a springboard to several generations of paintings, and it is my objective that the works will ultimately stand independent of the subject origin." 

You can see Dennis Dykema's work during the artisans 2012 Road Trip coming soon!  October 6 and 7, 2012!  Visit the web site for more information - http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/

Thank you for visiting - check back again for more of the artists of the 2012 A.R.T.

A.R.T. Artsit Judy Hemphill and the Clay County Fair!

 photography ©Judy Hemphill

Artisans Road Trip artists continue to exhibit their work in a variety of venues.  The 2012 Clay County Fair Museum will feature a sampling of photographs made by 2012 A.R.T. member Judy Hemphill of Spencer.  She has been documenting "The World's Greatest" since a self-assignment in 1995.  A collage of images from that edition of the fair launched Hemphill's free-lance photography career. Two of her submissions to the International Association of Fairs and Expositions have earned Best Agricultural Photograph awards. Last year her images placed in three categories of the IAFE competition.

photograph ©Judy Hemphill

 

Hemphill says, "I love the fair. I hope my images reflect the pride all involved take in doing their best to ensure the Clay County Fair is 'The World's Greatest.' "  In keeping with this year's theme "Discover the Greatest," the public is invited to discover some of Hemphill's favorite fair photographs in the Fair Museum located under the Grandstand.  The Museum and exhibit will be open Saturday, September 8, through Sunday, Sept. 16, during regular fair exhibit hours.

 

Yes the Clay County Fair is fast approaching, but then so is the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!  Thank you for visiting the 2012 A.R.T. Blog and be sure and stop back for more!!!

 

2012 A.R.T. Artist Danielle Clouse!

"Landlines" oil on canvas - 30X40" 

© Danielle Clouse

Originally from Ruthven, Iowa, Danielle Clouse received her Associate of Arts Degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in May of 2004 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northwest Missouri State University with an emphasis in painting and ceramics in 2007. Clouse has exhibited her work in local and state venues, including the Lt. Governor's Office in the Iowa State Capitol in 2009; collectors of her work are from throughout the United States, in addition to Japan & Canada.  She is the Director of Visual Arts at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji and maintains a studio in her home in Spirit Lake.

"Driving By" oil on canvas - 36X36" 

© Danielle Clouse

Clouse states about her work: “An abstract approach to the rural landscape creates a different way of seeing the area around me. Our landscape is unavoidable in this area - driving from place to place, seeing it in its change of seasons, viewing it during different times of the day. Because of these factors, the landscape provides an endless color palette and endless material to work from. Some paintings are created directly from a specific area while others are based on a combination of areas and experiences. Due to this focus, venturing from small town to small town usually lends itself more to research than travel.

"Spring Afternoon" oil on canvas - 28X24" 

© Danielle Clouse

“All works are based on landscapes viewed along highways and gravel roads in Emmet, Palo Alto, Dickinson and Clay counties.  Though I have a reference for each location a painting was inspired by, I enjoy it very much when the viewer can recognize that space as well, despite how I manipulated the original reference. But, it is just as enjoyable when someone from outside this area can connect with a piece. Their response to a landscape may take them to another roadside place, one from their own life or travels.”

Clouse’s work is regularly available for sale at Art on 16^th Gallery in Spirit Lake, Iowa as well as The Wine Bar in Arnolds Park. And, sometimes there’s a piece or two in her office at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.

Thank you for stopping by to see more of the artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!

2012 A.R.T. at the Sanford!

 

Select artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip are exhibiting at the Sanford Museum through the month of August!  Take in this month's exhibit to see a sampling of works from these NW Iowa artists up close, and wet your whistle for this fall's event!

The Artisans Road Trip arranges exhibits throughout the year; its a wonderful way to spread the word about this yearly event and also expose more folks to many of the creative people of our area.

The Sanford is located in Cherokee, Iowa at 117 east Willow Street.  For more information about the exhibit you can contact the Sanford Museum at 712.225.3922.

Thanks for visiting - be sure and stop by for more exciting news from the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!!!

2012 A.R.T. Artist Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

"Tributaries"

© Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

 

This entry for the 2012 Artisans Road Trip is featuring artist Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath! Tim is a retired Art Professor from Iowa State University. He spent 34 years there, teaching two and three dimensional design studios as well as studio classes in all aspects of fiber art. His artwork has been shown in local, state regional, national and international venues.

"Folk art has long been an area of interest for me. I have researched and collected folk art in all my travels.I have spent extended visits to Mexico and in particular to the Oaxaca area. The color, texture and freedom of expression have fascinated me for many years. There is an incredible excitement in the work of folk artists.

"Shadowed"

© Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

I have been “accused” of having too much fun creating my art. Not possible in my world. Having fun is one of the prime motivators in my work. I love having viewers smile. I smile a lot while I am working on my art.

In my two dimensional pieces, the backgrounds are painted with acrylic paint and sometimes embellished with found objects. The foregrounds have crocheted web introduced onto the compositions.

"Swooped (side view)"

© Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

The three-dimensional pieces are usually constructed out of willow branches and are many times painted or varnished. The found objects and crocheted yarn inhabit the structures.

Color, texture, repetition, and pattern have always been strong elements in my work. The compositions are based on my observations of the world around us.

Recently, in an attempt at simplification, I have chosen to title my art work with one word titles.

My work is regularly available for sale at Art on 16^th Gallery in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

It is always my hope to elicit pleasure from my viewers."

Join us again for another entry for the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!

 

 

2012 A.R.T. Artist Ron Netten

Ron Netten's Stoneware is functional, decorative and sculptural

artwork  ©Ron Netten

(click on image for a larger view)

 Ron Netten is our highlighted 2012 Artisans Road Trip artist for this blog entry!  Ron has been a long time participant in A.R.T. and is located in Storm Lake, Iowa, in the "Beautiful View" section of the roadtrip. (you can click on this link for an A.R.T. map of Storm Lake)

Ron works primarily in high-fire stoneware.  He works with "food safe" material and practices, truly making his medium not just decorative and sculptural but "functional" as well!

Netten's work can be seen in his shared Storm Lake studio at the "Studio Upstairs" - 530 1/2 Erie Street, and more information can be found on the Artisans Road Trip web site on Ron's page at-

http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/Ron%20Netten.htm .

Also, if you're near or passing through the Spencer area, be sure and take in the exhibition of works at Arts on Grand which is currently showing "Art and Architecture," an exhibit featuring the work of Ron Netten and the late John Loring Perkins.through Aug. 4th!

Thank you for stopping by for a look at another artist of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!