2016 A.R.T. Artist Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath's Mixed Media Fiber Art Featured in Sioux Center, IA

 "Unsquared" - pieced fabric, chrocheted yarn -  copyright Timothy J Arand-McIlrath

 

Timothy J Arand-McIlrath's Mixed Media fiber art will be featured in the Garden Cafe at Sioux Center Health, Sioux Center Iowa for the months of April, May, and June.

 

"Entwined I & II" - acrylic paint, crocheted yarn - copyright Timothy J Arand-McIlrath

 

In the two dimensional pieces, the backgrounds are painted with acrylic paint, surface designed fabrics, and recently recycled fabrics from garments, sometimes embellished with found objects. The foregrounds have crocheted webs introduced onto the compositions.  Color, texture, repetition, and pattern have always been strong elements in the work. The compositions are based on my observations of the world around us.

(Gallery installation) - copyright Timothy J Arand-McIlrath

Folk art has long been an area of interest for me, as a source of inspiration. 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  always fascinated me.

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.

2016 A.R.T. Artists Cherie Courter and Ron Netten!

Acrylic Paintings © Cherie Courter

Paintings by Cherie Courter are on exhibit at the Clear Lake Arts Center from April 3 through May 14.  Featured works depict a variety of landscape compositions inspired by different landforms observed across the state of Iowa.  Cherie’s works are done in acrylic paint on canvas and emphasize such elements as color, texture, pattern, and light.  They range in size from 11”x14” to 24”x30”; are framed in oak; with most pieces available for sale.

 Stoneware © Ron Netten

Ron Netten and Cherie have also recently installed an  exhibition in the windows of what is known to Storm Lake residents as the “Old Montgomery Ward Building” in downtown Storm Lake.  This building did, in fact, once house a Montgomery Ward Store, but is now used for storage.  When asked by the owner about the possibility of displaying their work in the front window areas the two artists jumped at the opportunity to make their art more visible in the community.  The exhibit consists of ceramic pieces by Ron and paintings by Cherie and is located east of Vista Theatre on Lake Avenue.  Pieces are available for sale by contacting artists directly and contact information is provided at the site.  The works in the space will rotate due to the demands of other exhibitions and art fairs, but Ron and Cherie will keep pieces on display as consistently as possible.

The artists have received many favorable comments about how the exhibit “dresses up main street”.  Be sure to stop by for a look if you are in the area!
 

2016 A.R.T. Artist Judy Thompson's Badlands Watercolor Workshop!

Artwork - © - Judy Thompson

Throughout the year many artists participating in the Artisans Road Trip, offer classes or workshops in their areas of expertise.  We're going to try and advertise these opportunities for the public and other artists as best we can this season, and one we just recently learned of looks like a great deal of fun - out in the Badlands of South Dakota with Judy Thompson!

Judy was invited to Badlands National Park in 2013 as an artist in residence to paint the landscape and she has returned every year since.  She is inviting everyone to share this beautiful Dakota country with her and practice and learn watercolor techniques at her watercolor workshop based at the Circle View Guest Ranch, just outside Interior, SD and minutes away from Badlands National Park!

The Badlands Workshop isn't until May (May 13-16, 2016) but the registration deadline is April 20th - and if you register before March 31st you'll get a $50 discount!

For more information on Judy Thompson's Badlands Workshop - contact Judy at  

29judyt@gmail.com 

or visit her web site at 

 http://www.judythompsonwatercolors.com/badlands-workshop.html#.VvBIB3rO65I

Get in on great instruction and a great time!

Be sure and check back again for more from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

Artist As Judge and Jury!

"220th and 12th AVE - High Amana"

watercolor painting - © Anita (Katie) Baedke-Plucker

Often times we wonder about a process or method of approach used by artists in their craft - well how about turning that around "as an artist" to judge or jury the work of other artists?  It can be a daunting task!

Here 2016 Artisans Road Trip artist Anita Plucker explains her philosophy of that very difficult job!

"I have been asked to judge a couple of upcoming art shows/exhibits.  I look forward to any opportunity to get together with other artists and to discuss ART.  However, when asked to 'judge' work, I do balk just a bit before my reply, my reason being, I have been on the other side many, many, many times, myself, listening to a judge's decision.  I remember myself disagreeing with the judge.  I remember not knowing 'what the heck they were talking about!!, where art they coming from!!!!'  I have evolved, grown in my art and understanding of art.  The more I paint, I learn.  The more I gather with other artists, I learn.  The more I read, I learn.  

​

I do take 'judging' artwork very seriously.  First and foremost, creating art is a personal endeavor.  As the viewer of your art, I, in no way, can know, understand or have the same emotions about the work you have. Only the creator can have that intimate relationship with the piece. However, when the artist enters a competition, you open yourself up to the subjectivity of the juror, judge and audience.  What one judge loves, another may hate.  I recently entered a national watercolor exhibition and was rejected, entered the same piece in another show, was accepted and placed with an award.

​

My process:  First, I take time to look at the work. I describe it in my head in detail using facts, not opinions. In this step I play "detective", gathering visual evidence or clues. I use these clues to interpret the artwork. I avoid using words as pretty, gross, weird, sloppy and so on.  What is this piece about? What is the artist trying to say?  Is there a center of interest/focal point?  Has the artist been successful in convincing me of the subject matter? And what I mean by this is 'Does the water look wet? Do the clouds look fluffy, soft?'  

​

I have become automatic in reviewing work regarding the 'elements of art' and the 'principles of design'- lines, shapes, color, value, textures, space..........has the artist been successful in arranging these elements (design)?  Does the design guide the viewer through the art?  How well has the artist used the medium............the tools.........the materials?

​

Mastering the use of oils or watercolors or pastels cannot make up for bad perspective or incorrect proportions. Good art should appeal to you and be skillfully made.  The best art has meaning beyond just an image; it creates a feeling, an emotion, perhaps it puts a smile on your face or brings you to tears or reminds you of some place or time. It stands out in a crowd and dares to be different."

 

Thank you for your insight Katie!  And thank you out there for visiting the 2016 A.R.T. Blog.  Be sure and check back for what's going on with the artists of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

The 2016 Artisans Road Trip - Ready for a Great Year!

New, and some returning past members, will make up a very 

diverse 2016 A.R.T.!  From upper left - clockwise - 

Tootie Powers, Avis Davis, Crystal Cross, Kathryn Buckley, 

Judy Thompson, Anita Plucker, Pam Harp, Mary Jo Daniels, 

Lissa Potter, and Linda Hopkins. 3 center - from left to right - 

Lee Rainboth, Tammy Hoppe and Roberta Williams.

(All artwork copyright by respective artists.)

The 2016 Artisans Road Trip is geared up and ready for another great year!  This year finds 41 artists - many of whom are new to the organization and several returning from a hiatus of past years, as well as many other long time returning members!

Introducing 2016 members: 

Avis Davis, Spirit Lake,IA

Barb McGee, Peterson, IA

William Lieb, Spirit Lake, IA

Joleen Dentlinger, Storm Lake, IA

Haley Rothstein, Lakefield, MN

Glenda Drennen, Sioux City, IA

Perry Polson, Spencer, IA

Holly Zinn, Spirit Lake, IA

Connie Hankens, Cherokee, IA

Anita Plucker, Terril, IA

Gene Polson, Marcus, IA

Danielle Clouse Gast, Spirit Lake, IA

Sarah Morphew, Estherville, IA

Mel Myers, Spencer, IA

Mary Jo Daniels, Estherville, IA

Tootie Powers, Spirit Lake, IA

Sue Biederman, Everly, IA

Marisa Sidles, Terril, IA

Mitch Eveleth, Estherville, IA

Lisa Potter, Spirit Lake, IA

Lee Rainboth, Marcus, IA

David Strom, Windom, MN

Ken Harskamp, Ida Grove, IA

Tammy Hoppe, Arnolds Park, IA

Judy Thompson, Orange City, IA

Kathy Evert, Okoboji, IA

Pam Harp, Alton, IA

Linda Hopkins, Arnolds Park, IA

Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath, Spirit Lake, IA

Cherie Courter, Storm Lake, IA

Hank Hall, Spirit LAke, IA

Judy Hemphill, Spencer, IA

Ron Netten, Storm Lake, IA

Roberta Williams, Arnolds Park, IA

Karen Ruddy, Emmetsburg, IA

Crystal Cross, Lake Park, IA

Bruce Morrison, Hartley, IA

Joanne Alberda, Sioux Center, IA

Irene McCoy, Milford, IA

Linda Fries, Peterson, IA

Kathryn Buckley, Spirit Lake, IA

Looking forward to the Artisans Road Trip events of 2016!

2016 A.R.T. Artist Marisa Sidles Exhibiting at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji!

Artwork © Marisa Sidles

As Marisa Sidles paddles her kayak, the nature around her fills her with artistic inspiration. "I get this up-close and personal view," she said.  Acrylic paintings of sloughs, found metal sculptures of insects, collages of birds --- Sidles will display "Birds, Bugs and Wetlands" themed art in the eARTh exhibit area February-April at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji.   

"I think the nature center and what I'm working on lately go together," the Terril artist said. "I thought it would be a great honor to display my vision at the nature center and share with people my vision of nature in the area." The exhibit will have a variety of acrylic on canvas, found metal sculptures, collages and mixed media pieces done in fanciful colors. "I want people to see the nature around us here in a more whimsical way and speak to the child in us," Sidles said.
 

 Artwork © Marisa Sidles

Her newest work is a continued exploration of the creative nature she has had her entire life. Her family helped foster an appreciation for art at a young age, and she dabbled in everything from painting to metal sculpture. Eventually she made a career out of graphic design while spending her free time with other artistic endeavors. "I just love creating new things and experimenting with different materials," she said.
 

A reception will be held in Sidles' honor 5:00 – 7:00pm Thursday, February 11, at the Dickinson County Nature Center. She will be on hand to discuss her pieces and how she created them. Art lovers will have the opportunity to ask questions, to sample delicious hors d'oeuvres and to even purchase a piece of the collection. Pieces range in price from $100-$400.
 

Sidles will also share her newest passion of collage with art students 9:00am-noon Saturday, February 27, at the nature center. During her class she will help people create animal silhouettes out of paper and cloth scraps. "They can then take that home with them to create more," Sidles said, adding that her students can even take their newfound skills home to teach their friends an art form that doesn't need expensive supplies. "I just want them to have fun and say they enjoyed themselves for a little bit of time."

The February 27 collage class costs $30, including supplies. Participants need only bring an inspirational photo to use as their subject and copies of pictures or magazine clippings to use in the collage. Students of all ages may pre-register with Sidles by calling 712-363-1307 or e-mailing mreynolds@terril.net.
 

View Sidles' exhibit at the nature center through April during open hours 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday.
 

For more information, visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com or call 712-336-6352. You can also keep up with what's happening at the nature center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Artisans Road Trip Artists on Exhibit at Clear Lake Arts Center!

A sampling of artwork showing in the

January-February exhibit at the Clear Lake Arts Center

(upper left - clockwise - Bruce Morrison, Timothy J Arand-McIlrath, 

Barb McGee, Linda Fries, Cherie Courter, Judy Hemphill and Marisa Sidles.)

All artwork © the respective artists.

The Artisans Road Trip has its first exhibition of the year!  Showing at the Clear Lake Arts Center; the exhibit began last Friday on January 8 and runs until Saturday, February 13.

This exhibit is actually the final exhibition for the artists participating in the 2015 Artisans Road Trip - soon we will have the 2016 A.R.T. group organized and will be looking forward to the new exhibition schedule for 2016! 

This is what is unique for the Artisans Road Trip - there are events and exhibitions lasting throughout the entire year, so be sure and look for what's new with A.R.T. in the region!

Be sure and take in the Clear Lake Arts Center exhibit - a great respite to enjoy during the cold months of winter...warm up with some great art! 

Hope to see more of you in 2016!