August 2015 - |
Migrations I've decided that there could be no better fitting topic for this newsletter than migrations. After all, it is not only the title of an upcoming public commission I will be creating in Boulder, it is also the inspiration for a new sculpture (or two...) of sandhill cranes. I even had this discussion recently with friends, questioning what is the criteria that defines a migration. Can an individual migrate alone, or is it a question of numbers? Is there a distance requirement involved as well? Scientific definitions aside, I have heard the term 'migration' in reference to an individual's personal movement. I'll use it into more personal news, as Steve and I are making our travel arrangements to attend the Society of Animal Artists' Art and the Animal opening at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Buffalo, New York. We've also migrated by recently buying a house together... our weekends have been occupied for the past several months with painting, organizing, and yard improvements. I've migrated my studio space from Boulder into our new home, and I hope to have it ready for studio visits soon! It's interesting that even though I am experiencing small personal migrations, there always seems to be a social element involved. We go to art openings to strengthen our friendship bonds within the SAA. Friends and family come to help us when we move. And then there are the parties to celebrate the good times both ahead and behind us. My next migration happens next weekend in Loveland for Sculpture in the Park. It is always a great show in an enjoyable location near the lake in Benson Sculpture Park. Maybe you will migrate there also and we can celebrate together. |
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The Crane 8" x 16" |
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Several years ago, I went to the San Luis Valley, and experienced the migration of the sandhill cranes. Last year, I was able to observe and sketch them at their journey's end at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. Cranes are rarely seen solitary. In person, their presence is overwhelming. They are large birds. Their voices boom and echo, their heavy feathers snap in the wind, they dance on long limbs. Now imagine, if you will, standing before one, illuminated in the sunset... The crane's gaze is arresting. As he locks eye contact, your attention narrows to him and only him, the surrounding land and birds leave your awareness. He begins to flare his wings and step forward. Does he present a warning threat to a rival... or invite a lover to the dance? |
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Awards |
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Best Mastery of Media and Technique Summer Art Market This award came as a pleasant surprise! Unlike previous years, the judges this year were kept secret. Even though they visited my tent and spent a good deal of time talking with me, I had no clue! As part of the award, winners will have an exhibition at Niza Knoll Gallery in January 2016. |
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NoBo Place Project Boulder Public Art Commission
Six Colorado artists have been chosen by a jury to paint along Broadway in North Boulder. This project, focused on 'placemaking', is sponsored by the NoBo Art District and is funded by a 2015 grant from the Boulder Arts Commission. Migration II is my entry that was selected to be commissioned for this public works project. The NoBo corridor is a beautiful location that sits right on the edge of the city. The mountains to the left are within accessible walking distance, and the urban development opens up to rolling prairie within only a few blocks to the right. My painting is designed to encourage visitors to expand their awareness beyond the sidewalks under their feet to the open air surrounding them. Pedestrians are invited to ride on the back magpies as they swoop above a migrating herd of bison that thunders across the historical plains of Colorado, kicking up clouds of sage and dust in the sun. |
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Vote for People's Choice Award Survey Monkey voting Public Painting Public Block Party
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| Upcoming Events |
Sculpture in the Park August 8th, 9:30am-6pm |
Admission: Adult $7 14 and under free |
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Heralded as one of the finest outdoor juried exhibitions of three-dimensional artwork in the United States, Sculpture in the Park showcases over 2,000 pieces of sculpture created by 160 sculptors from around the world. The event is majestically staged against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and attracts thousands of art lovers and collectors from across the country to Loveland's Benson Sculpture Garden. |
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Society of Animal Artists
April 17th - August 30th |
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 Dragons in Darkness, winner of the SAA's President's Award for 3D. |
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August 28th - October 25th
Sweet Oasis, will be on exhibit in the 55th Annual Art and the Animal, with a possible inclusion in the National Tour. |
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Best of Summer Art Market 2015 An Exhibit Featuring the Award Winning Artists |
January 15th - February 12th, 2016 Third Friday Reception Janurary15th, 5:30pm-8pm Niza Knoll Gallery Denver, CO More information to come |
| Online Events |
Art Renewal Center International 2014/2015 ARC Salon |
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Women Artists of the West Rivers, Tides, and Pools |
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Tiffany Miller Russell www.wildlifeinpaper.com |
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