Current Exhibits
MAY 30 - JUNE 30 IN GALLERY II
DOUG PFLIGER - GALLERY II
DOUG PFLIGER
in Gallery II
TABLETS FOR MODERN MAN
The skateboard shape has always struck me as the contemporary equivalent of the marble tablets that the Ten Commandments were purportedly carved on. Rather than carving I chose to execute them in paint, collage and assemblage.
A number of the objects were outright purchases because of uniqueness, oddity, or specificity for a particular tablet, and a number of objects were truly found objects picked from the streets on one of my daily walks. As the tablets developed from thumbnails to actual size, there was lots of changing and rearranging, adding or subtracting and discovery along the way.
The use of the crucifix forms as pawns in game pieces or with target backs maybe offensive to some, but I have always appreciated and admired the cruciform for the aesthetic value and maintain a deep spiritual association with the iconography.
Each tablet is self-contained and meant to let the viewer decide what the underlying social commentary or moral is. Some are specific and some are left intentionally morally ambiguous.
The skateboards cartouche-like shape lent itself naturally to the progression of the elements unfolding from top to bottom, and satisfied my inclination for order and symmetry.
Humor has always played a significant factor in my art. My art tends to be of a whimsical, narrative vein. I like working in a variety of themes and series in an attempt to both amuse and create dialogue.
BELL TOWER SERIES
The Bell Tower series consists of eight 10” x 10” acrylic o/wood panels w/brass bells and dimensional matchstick crosses.
The panels were completed over a five-day period from October 18-23, 2021. They reference the architecture in and around Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico communities.
I have always found the sounds of chimes and bells especially moving and soothing, and decided to add a whimsical auditory element to the panels in a low-tech interactive manner. So, ring the bells, but be careful to curb your enthusiasm in doing so!
A Reception will be held on FRIDAY, JUNE 2, from 7 - 8:30 PM. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
MAY 1-26 IN GALLERY I
SUSAN BREKKE
in Gallery I
“TO MAKE A PRAIRIE” BY SUSAN BREKKE WILL BE FEATURED IN GALLERY I THROUGH THE MONTH OF MAY.
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,
One clover, and a bee.
And revery.
The revery alone will do,
If the bees are few.
To make a prairie - Emily Dickinson
I create what is important to me. Paint and clay help me express the joy I feel when I see the first flowers of spring blooming. I infuse my paintings and hand-built ceramics with emotion, so it is more than just a colorful canvas or a bright bowl; I want my artwork to be a testament to the best, most beautiful things this world has to offer.
Through my paintings, I bring the outside in. I strive to create an immersive, emotional experience. Real life has texture and dimension and emotion! I paint on large canvases to suggest the immersive, emotional experience you feel when squinting at an electric sunset or opening the curtains on a gentle snowfall. When painting, I work with acrylics. I use wet wipes, q-tips, and a palette knife to capture movement and life; sometimes I use my fingers and hands, too! Although an added dimension, my approach to ceramics is identical to that of painting. I do hand-built ceramics that are expressive and colorful.
AN OPENING Reception TO GREET THE ARTIST will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 12TH, from 7 - 8:30 PM. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
MAY 1-23 IN GALLERY II
WHS ART STUDENT EXHIBIT
in Gallery II
ARTWORK CREATED BY THE 2ND SEMESTER ART STUDENTS will adorn the walls in Gallery II during the month of MAY. The art will be juried by members of the James Board of Directors with BEST OF SHOW, 1st Place, AND HONORABLE MENTION winner. tHE ARTWORK IS ALSO UP FOR A PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD SO BE SURE TO STOP IN AND CAST YOUR VOTE!
A Reception will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 12, from 7 - 8:30 PM. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
April 3 - April 28 in Gallery I
williston area visual artists (wava) group show
in Gallery I
The James Memorial Art Center is proud to present the Williston Area Visual Artists Group Show. The exhibit opens on Monday, April 3rd. A public reception will be held on Thursday, April 13th, from 7-8:30 PM in honor and memory of Linda Beard, a long-time WAVA member and great supporter of the James and art/artists in the Williston area.
“Williston Area Visual Artists (WAVA) is proud to dedicate this art show to Linda Beard, our departed dear friend and member of our club. As a club, our mission is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment by which artists will feel inspired and encouraged, and thereby further enhance the enthusiasm of the art community. Linda embraced this mission. Being the owner of Castle Framing, she had the opportunity to see many artworks and meet many artists in her career as she matted and framed artwork. It would be anyone’s guess how many people in Williston own a piece Linda has framed.
Through her business, Linda brought in artists to teach classes for the community. In the process, Linda honed her skills as an artist. Her business kept her from getting involved in WAVA for a while, but once she joined, she embraced the club. She nudged beginning artists to keep practicing, pointed out things that could be changed to make a more effective piece, and often bought beginners pieces to enjoy their successes.
Through the Williston Downtowners Association, Linda was instrumental in providing a venue to encourage artists and expose the community to locally produced art. She encouraged our club to have a presence at Crazy Days and the Art and Wine Walk as well as other community sponsored events. As a result, the club is slowly becoming a known presence in the community. The club has art displayed on utility boxes and Fourth Street Corridor.
Linda served the community with kindness and willingness and was a good listener. She was humble. She was talented in numerous ways. As an art club, we were so thankful that she had the framing business for our needs. She has left a void in our hearts, but also, she left us her legacy of humanity to emulate. We thank her lovingly for being a part of our lives and WAVA.”