Art Beat going dark
Because of a shuffling in staff assignments, I will no longer be covering the Visual Arts beat and the Art Beat blog.
As of Oct. 1, 2007, I will be a community reporter for the 'Your Voice' section of The Spokesman-Review out of the Spokane Valley office.
All visual arts news releases should be directed to Rick Bonino, deputy features editor, at rickb@spokesman.com.
You can still reach me at juliannec@spokesman.com.
Thank you for your generous support for the past seven+ years.
Julianne Crane
'Harriet Sanderson: Limbus' at the Jundt 10/19-12/12/07
"Harriet Sanderson: Limbus "
Jundt Art Museum, Spokane
Oct. 19-Dec. 12, 2007
Sanderson, an award-winning artist, contracted polio at the age of three, leaving her with an incapacitated right arm and the general weakness of post-polio syndrome. More recently she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Recurrent themes in her work are self-image, intimate relationships, and physical function.
"Employing non-art materials and unusual printmaking techniques, the Seattle feminist explores the body’s affect on physical and psychological existence," according to a news release.
Image: Courtesy of Jundt Art Museum.
'Drawn to the Wall' opens at the Jundt
“Drawn to the Wall III,” an invitational exhibit featuring the drawing installations of five well-known Inland Northwest artists, runs Aug. 31-Oct. 6 at Gonzaga University’s Jundt Art Museum.
Participating artists are Richard Schindler, Gina Freuen and Ken Yuhasz of Spokane, and Michelle Forsyth and Kevin Haas of Pullman.
Meet the artists at a public reception on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Jundt Art Gallery.
Saranac Art Projects ... contemporary space
There's a fresh, new gallery in Spokane – the Saranac Art Projects.
The nonprofit exhibition space occupies two connecting storefronts on the ground level of the historic Saranac Building at 25 W. Main Ave.
The free gallery is poised to explore cutting-edge, contemporary art in the American West.
On exhibit: Steve Peters' "Here-ings: A Sonic Geohistory" and Raymond Meeks' "Unique Artist Books" and photographs.
Runs through Oct. 20, 2007; opening reception Sept. 7, 5 to 8 p.m.
Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Information: (509) 999-8529
Read more in: "Saranac Art Projects set to make splash: Free gallery will display contemporary works"
Image: Megan Murphy stands with her daughter, Murphy Kendall, 5, in the Saranac Building. The Spokesman-Review (Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review)
September 2007 Spokane First Friday
There are a number of new shows during the Spokane First Friday Artwalk, Sept. 7.
Most of the shows are up through September 2007 during regular venue hours.
Go at your own pace during this self-guided Art Walk. Many of the venues feature live music and light refreshments. Most receptions are on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.
For a complete listing click on: "Visual Arts: First Friday Artwalk serves up mix of offerings."
Bank Left Gallery -- September 2007
The Bank Left Gallery in Palouse, Wash., is showing "Fiber Art Invitational Exhibit" featuring Lewiston, Idaho, and Palouse area weavers, quilters and rug hookers: Edith Hostetler, Helen Bobisud, Jean Korus, Wilma Goertzen and Judy Cochran during September 2007.
Meet the artists during a reception on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 1-5 p.m. Live music performed by WSU jazz musician Geoff Allen.
The gallery, 100 S. Bridge St., is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on artists or directions, call owners Nelson or Pamela Duran at (509) 878-8425.
Image: Courtesy of Bank Left Gallery.
Erin Crooks at Tinman Gallery
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Oregon artist Erin Crooks returns to Tinman Gallery with her first solo exhibition opening on Friday, Sept. 7.
"Little Snippets" features new objects in her characteristic collage style. Working primarily on stretched canvas, Crooks uses the surface to sculpt rather than paint, weaving words, color, texture, shape and old treasures into a dense, layered visual experience, according to gallery owner Sue Bradley.
Crooks says her inspiration comes from "my love of the millions of visual stories contained in all the ordinary things around me."
The show is up through Sept. 29, 2007.
Image: "Raven's Currency" by Erin Crooks. Courtesy of the artist.
Betty Billups exhibits at Mt. San Antonio College
“Jewels of Color”
100 plein air paintings by
Betty J. Billups, of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Sept. 20-Oct. 24, 2007
at Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, Calif.
In celebration of a commissioned mural for Founders' Hall, Mount San Antonio College
Image: Painting by Betty Billups, courtesy of the artist.
Timber Stand Gallery shows Gary Kaemmer
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
More than 25 renditions of "Famous Artists Portraits" by local Hope, Idaho artist Gary Kaemmer will be on display Sept. 8-15, 2007 in Sandpoint’s Timber Stand Gallery.
“Gary has spent the last few years painting such masters as Georges Rouault, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Vincent Van Gogh and Willem de Kooning in their styles,” says gallery owner Jim Quinn in an e-mail.
The gallery, 225 Cedar St. in Sandpoint, is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call at (208) 263-7748.
Roy Lichtenstein
Pablo Picasso
Marcel Duchamp
Georges Rouault
Willem de Kooning
Images Courtesy of Timber Stand Gallery
15th Annual Spokane Indian Days Art Auction
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
More than 70 high quality items will be up for bid at the Indian Art Auction on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007 at the Spokane Indian Days Powwow over Labor Day Weekend, on the Spokane Indian Reservation near Willpinit, Wash.
Native artists Ric Gendron, George Flett, Tiller Wesley, Rance Hood and Buddy Little Chief have donated items to the sale.
Art items include drawings, paintings, silver work and bead wook.
Public is invited.
Image: "Ledger Art by George Flett" (Spokane). This is not one of the pieces in the auction, however, the artist has objects in the auction.
'River of Memory' flowing at the MAC
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
“River of Memory: The Everlasting Columbia,” is open at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture through Jan. 6.
More than 60 pristine historical photographs capture views of an unfettered Columbia River before a fervor of dam engineering began in 1933.
Following the journey of migrating salmon, the exhibit moves from the mouth of the river to its source in eastern British Columbia. Salmon images and the words of both early naturalists and current poets complement the historical photographs.
+ On Sept. 13, exhibit guest curator William Layman will present a one-hour illustrated talk about the mighty Columbia River at 6 p.m. in the museum auditorium, 2316 W. First Ave. in Browne's Addition.
Following the talk, there will be a reception and signing of Layman's book, "River of Memory: The Everlasting Columbia."
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the exhibit.
This event is free for MAC members and area teachers or $7 for adults, $5 for students/seniors.
Image: Courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
Paul Wisdom at Artisans' Wares
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Artisans’ Wares gallery in downtown Spokane is showing the “steel bamboo” work of Paul Wisdom of Deary, Idaho, through Sept. 22, 2007.
Wisdom’s work includes sculptures and furnishings from “steel bamboo” that he makes using a mild steel.
His steel sculpture and furnishings are finished with a variety of patinas and a clear coat to preserve the finish.
His pieces sometimes include wood, stone and cloth. His work can be used inside or outside.
His company is called “dharma works” and his pieces include tables, lights, prayer wheels and meditation gongs.
There is a reception on First Friday, Sept. 7 from 5-9 p.m. in the gallery, 1009 W. First Ave. Artisans’ Wares is open Tues.- Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Image: "Old Moon, Night Sky" by Paul Wisdom. Courtesy of Artisans' Wares.
Donzell Milam Studio Open House
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Artist Donzell Milam is having a grand opening celebration of his studio at 120 N. Wall St., Spokane.
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, 5-10 p.m. Free 'live sketches' from 6-7 p.m., first come, first serve.
Milam specializes in graphite drawings, watercolors of animals, landscapes and architectural scenes.
Image: Courtesy of Donzell Milam.
Richard Jens Rasmussen at Walla Walla Foundry Gallery
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
The late Whitman College art professor Richard Jens Rasmussen is spotlighted in a retrospective of his vibrant abstract paintings, drawings, sketchbooks, prints and theatre set designs at the Walla Walla Foundry Gallery, opening Thursday, Aug. 30 with a reception from 6–8 p.m. At 7 p.m., Lisa Rasmussen, the artist’s daughter, will talk about his work.
The show runs through Dec. 30, 2007
The retrospective covers over 60 years of Rasmussen’s work in the artist’s characteristically abstract, boldly colored palette, according to a news release.
The retrospective showcases both the early and late stages of Rasmussen’s work, reflecting his fascination with design, theatre, landscape, and architecture. Rasmussen once said, “You look at others’ work and see them. I hope others look at my work and see me.”
Stop by the Walla Walla Foundry Gallery at 405 Woodland Ave., Walla Walla, Wash. Call (509) 529-0736.
Image: Courtesy of Walla Walla Foundry Gallery.
Matt Hamlin at Pigeon Hole Gallery in September
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
.
Matt Hamlin
with a series of paintings
Sept. 7-28, 2007
Artist reception: Friday, Sept. 7, 5-8 p.m.
620 S. Washington St., Spokane, Wash.
(Behind Holy Threads)
(509) 570-8842
Read more about Hamlin in his Emerging Artist profile on Sept. 7, in the "7" section of the Spokesman-Review.
Image: Courtesy of Pigeon Hole Gallery.
So long Sue
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Get ready to wrap up the "Summer of Sue" during this special kids’ day at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane.
Saturday, August 25, 2007, Noon to 3 p.m.
Hands-on activities will enhance the already interactive exhibit, A T. rex Named Sue.
The day will feature activities provided by Science Safari Camp, a chance to see young artist Peter Thomas putting the final touches on his T. rex sculpture, and the opportunity to touch real fossils.
Activities are included with the regular admission for the day. Show closes on Sept. 2, 2007. See her before she becomes extinct.
Adult: $7
Senior (62 and over): $5
Student (Age 6 to 18): $5
Child (Age 5 and under): Free
509-456-3931
Image: Courtesy of Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
'Above the Rim' in Moscow
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
A new exhibit at the Above the Rim Gallery in downtown Moscow opens on Friday, Aug. 24, 2007. The public is invited an artists' reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
Displaying work are painters Kathleen Benton and Laurel Macdonald of Moscow, watercolorist Carol Smith of Juliaetta, and mixed media sculptor Scott Plummer of Moscow.
The gallery is located at 513 S. Main St. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Image: Mixed media sculpture by Scott Plummer.
Keys at Gold Mountains Gallery in Republic
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Quilter Chloe Ann Key and digital artist John-Day Key are showing together in “Birds of a Feather” at the Gold Mountains Gallery in Republic.
The two-person show features dozens of colorful wall hangings, pillows and other quilts alongside ten new digital paintings.
Meet the artists at a reception on, Aug. 24, Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gallery, 852 S. Clark St. in downtown Republic.
The free show will run through Sept. 29, 2007. For directions or additional information call (509) 775-8010.
Ceramic works by Gil Harrison, Will Richards at Harper's in Wallace, Idaho
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Harper's, a contemporary craft gallery, in Wallace, Idaho, is showing fine ceramic art of Gil Harrison and Will Richards through Sept. 3. 2007.
The shop is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 410 Sixth St. Call (208) 512-1797 for addition information and directions.
Image: Porcelain vessel by Gil Harrison. Courtesy of artist.
Jewelry by Nienke at Gallery of Thum'
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Reception for Gallery of Thum' jewelry artist Nienke on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, from 3-7 p.m.
"Nienke has been experimenting in .999 silver," says gallery owner in a news release. "Each piece is hand made and quite beautiful."
106 S. Madison St., Spokane
509) 559-0028
Image: Courtesy of Gallery of Thum'
Seattle home to 5 of world's top 200 art collectors
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
According to an item on the Theater/Fine Arts page on SeattlePI.com --
"ARTnews magazine is out with its annual list of the world's top 200 art collectors. Seattle has five, San Francisco six, Portland and Vancouver, B.C., none.
"Because ARTnews is the only art publication compiling such a list, it always gets attention. Who makes the cut depends on who's doing the recommending, and that comes down to curators, museum directors and critics around the world, along with auction-house and gallery clients -- but only those who are willing to be known. In other words, ARTnews is guessing.
"Seattle collectors featured this year are Paul Allen, Barney A. Ebsworth, Elizabeth and Richard Hedreen, Jon and Mary Shirley, and Bill and Ruth True, who share their holdings in a free-admission space known as Western Bridge."
Image: Claude Monet's: "The Mula Palace," 1908, left and Gerhard Richter's: "Candle," 1982, are two pieces in Paul Allen's collection. (File photo: AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey).
Art@Home: Jon Lepper
Art@HOME appears on the second Tuesday of each month in the HOME section of The Spokesman-Review.
Jewelry maker Jon Lepper, known for his silver and tinted resin metalsmith work, is profiled in Art@HOME.
Read more by clicking on: Art@HOME: Jon Lepper.
Image: Jon Lepper makes handcrafted studio jewelry in his South Hill home. COLIN MULVANY The Spokesman-Review
Another artist with work at Glass on Grass
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
Glass crafter Ann Glynn of Spokane sent in an e-mail with an image of the work she is bringing to Glass on the Grass this coming weekend.
Her Torn Retina Productions, a nonprofit arts organization supporting human services, is showing fused glass jewelry and plates.
All proceeds go to charity - including the Coalition for Responsible Disabled (CORD)
Free admission to Glass on the Grass.
Gonzaga University, Jundt Art Museum lawn, 202 E. Cataldo Ave., Spokane.
Saturday, Aug. 18: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 19: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Image: Fused glass plates, courtesy of artist Ann Glynn.
Glass on Grass at Gongaza University by Jundt Museum
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
"Glass on the Grass" returns for its annual show to the Jundt Art Museum lawn on the campus of Gonzaga University on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19, 2007.
According to event organizer Conrad Bagley, as many as 40 glass artists will be displaying and selling glass art including glass bead maker Linda Nicholson.
Some of the glass artists will be doing live demonstrations including: lampworking, making beads and marbles, blowning glass and working in stained glass.
One of the new activities features David Gover demonstrating sugar blowing.
Free.
Saturday, Aug. 18: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 19: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Call (509) 389-2930 for more information.
Image: "Unidentified Flower Object" glass bead by Linda Nicholson. Courtesy of artist.
Robert Sperry ceramics in Gonzaga's Arcade Gallery
The Visual Arts column appears every Thursday in the Today section of The Spokesman-Review.
“ROBERT SPERRY,” an exhibition of ceramic plates drawn from private collections, is on display in the Gonzaga University Jundt Art Museum Arcade Gallery from Aug. 15-Nov. 17, 2007.
A master at his craft, Sperry was an exceptional risk-taker in the arts and was fascinated by the interaction of materials. Although known principally as ceramicist, Sperry also was a printmaker, a painter, and a filmmaker, producing documentary, narrative and experimental pieces.
The museum will host a free public reception from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 13. 
A free public lecture “The World of Robert Sperry,” by GU art Professor Terry Gieber, chair of Gonzaga’s art department, will be presented in the Jundt Lecture Hall at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4.
Free showings of the video “Living Treasures: Robert Sperry — A Northwest Master” are in the Jundt Lecture Hall, every Saturday at 1, 2 & 3 p.m., from Aug. 18-Nov. 17, except holidays Sept. 21- 23 and Oct.13-15.
The Jundt Art Museum is open to the public at no cost from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday noon - 4 p.m.
The exhibition is sponsored by Quarry Tile Co.
Images: Robert Sperry ceramic plates. Photos by J. Craig Sweat.
