On Thursday I took new work in to Mary Lou Zeek in preparation for the reveal of her newly remodeled space on February 1. The new remodel adds a wonderful feeling and will be much more functional for her cozy gallery. Artists were descending on the gallery in clusters with fresh new pieces in hand to help celebrate. It was wonderful to see everyone and share the energy of a fresh paint,  plaster and artwork! Also arriving were boxes and packages containing the art for this year’s 100 Artists Show!

For the 9^th consecutive year, during the month of February, the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery will be presenting their annual 100 Artists Show, benefiting CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). The theme of this year’s show is “Plate it Up” and appropriately, the 100 participating ceramic artists were asked to create a plate using this as their starting point. Each clay artist was sent a clay bag which represented 25 lb. bag of clay, this was sent “as is” to represent the raw material they would be using.  This bag was not packaged or boxed, but rather processed directly by the postal service. The bag itself was to be part of the packing when each plate was shipped back to the gallery. Each artist, starting with the exact same idea, has had over three months to transform, build, infuse, reduce, glaze or reinvent the ceramic piece into their own unique work of art.

The gallery has also asked 10 artists who have participated in the last 8 years of the February show. These 10 artists are not ceramic focused, they were asked to create their piece with the “Plate it Up” theme, and raising awareness for CERF+ in mind.

The exhibit will open on Tuesday, February 1^st at 12:00 pm Pacific Time.  The public will be invited to bid on their favorite artwork via a silent auction that will run through Friday, February 25^th at 5:00 pm Pacific Time.  Beginning bids are $25.00 with minimum increments of $5.00.  The entire show will be posted online at www.zeekgallery.com.  Bids can be made in person at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery or by calling 503-581-3229.

RAISING AWARENESS

CERF+’s mission is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States.  CERF+ is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and is the only one of its kind in the United States.  They accomplish their mission through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. CERF+ also advocates, engages in research, and backs policy that supports craft artists’ careers.  (http://craftemergency.org)

World of Watercolor opens at Fallbrook Art Center

Also opening in February will be  ‘World of Watercolor’, a dual presentation:  the 2^nd Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition joined by Renowned California Regionalist paintings provided by CaliforniaWatercolor.Com. For those (like me) who can’t make it to Fallbrook, there is an online catalog available for your viewing pleasure! I’m in some great company with this show… see for yourself 🙂 http://fallbrookartcenter.org/exhibitions-a-events/upcoming/143-2nd-annual-signature-american-watercolor-exhibition.html

"New Vista" copyright Ruth Armitage 2010 Watercolor & Gouache 15"x22"

The opening reception is Saturday, February 5^th from 5-7pm. Juror Linda Doll will announce the awards and speak about the show followed by a brief talk by Michael Johnson, owner of CaliforniaWatercolor.com.