PRESS RELEASE: Susan Russell Retrospective at Studio Place Arts (SPA) in Barre

A wide-ranging show of works by the late Susan M. Russell of Calais is on display at Studio Place Arts (SPA) in Barre through June 4. Creatively displayed in the second and third floor galleries at SPA, the show includes a mix of textured, acrylic paintings in earth-toned palettes, textile art embellished with threads, beads and buttons, fiber-based sculpture, and colored pencil drawings. There are more than 140 abstracted works on the walls of these spaces, which are grouped by color and feeling.

Susan’s sensitively layered paintings connected past to present and looked forward via several distinct series: Transportals, Aerial View, Earth’s Carpet, and Arches. Her colored pencil drawings were carefully mapped out mandalas, a Buddhist tradition that she taught at SPA years ago.

Though preferring her viewing audience to rely on instinctual feelings, and not words, Susan externalized her artistic vision in the following written statement, published on May, 2009.

“Creating art to me is a beautiful and profound dance of seeking the invisible truth within. I find that the internal constructs I see, and then bring forth, are sometimes so darn cool and interesting. My internal view excites me and presses me with passion. I go then to the painting process which demands integrity, clarity of intention and consistent hard work. It can be grueling and commanding to approach a blank canvas and lay down what you know. Likewise, it’s a process/place that lifts me up and truly carries me to another place of astonishment and fulfillment.

I am perpetually ensconced in seeking divine light and truth in my everyday life. Using paint to express my journey is my chosen process and very satisfying. I love color, form and texture and I use these elements to delineate moments of inner life. It’s hard to use descriptive words for my art and I prefer not to try. I do hope though that my images express, communicate and resonate with viewers’ inner life and the way beyond. Enjoy.”

This extensive, vibrant exhibit of Susan M. Russell’s work closes at SPA on Saturday, June 4 with a reception from 2:30-4PM.

Images:
Mixed media installation by Susan M. Russell, second floor.
Susan M. Russell dyptich, 308 A & B, acrylic mixed media, second floor

PRESS RELEASE: Deborah Hillman at The Drawing Board in Montpelier

Deborah Hillman

Selected Paintings on Canvas and Paper: 2003-2010

June 2011

The Drawing Board
22 Main Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 223-2902

Reception Friday, June 10, 4-8 p.m. during the Montpelier Art Walk.


Image: Dreaming the Moon, oil on canvas (5"x7"), 2010

PRESS RELEASE: Open Studio at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in Ludlow

Join us for 27 Arts and Crafts Demonstrations at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts during Open Studio Weekend, May 27 & 28 from 10:00am-5:00pm both days (rain or shine). Vermont Open Studio Weekend, sponsored by the Vermont Crafts Council, is one of the Top Ten Events in VT and includes over 200 guided studio tours throughout the state. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Our barns are not filled with animals, hay or tractors... instead, we harvest the most unusual breeds of Arts and Crafts here at Fletcher Farm School. Meander through these historic barns and outbuildings where you will see up to 27 arts and crafts demonstrations, including: Painting, Stone Cutting/Lapidary Arts, Silversmithing, Painting and Drawing with Pen & Ink. Take a look at traditional New England crafts such as Quilting, Basket Weaving, Woodcarving, Punch Needle Hooking, Primitive Folk Art Stenciling, and Fabric and Paper Marbling.

Wander into the Rough Barn where Shane Chick will be demonstrating Reduction Woodblock Printing. Have you ever seen Wet Felting? Nancy Dorian will be playing with soapy water and wool fibers to create the most beautiful scarves imaginable.

Visit classes in session, including: Copper Bowls and Birdbaths with John Bieling. Bonnie Gale, who was recently on the Martha Stuart Show, will be teaching living Willow Sculptures, allowing students create a growing arbor or a living willow room … this is truly a GREEN class.

Many of the demonstrations are hands-on for our visitors. You can also purchase arts and crafts for sale from some of our artists and craftsmen during the Open Studio. Purchase raffle tickets to win a beautiful hooked rug or a necktie chair seat decorated with Primitive Stenciling by Sande Snyder.

Stop in and pick up a Vermont Open Studio Map at the School Office. For more information call 802-228-8770 or log onto the Vermont Crafts Council's website. Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts is located at 611 Route 103 South, Ludlow, VT. Visit our website at www.fletcherfarm.org.

Celebrating 64 years of "keeping the dream alive".
The Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts is operated by the Society of Vermont Artists and Craftsmen, Inc. The Society has leased the campus and buildings that house the school from the Fletcher Farm Foundation, Inc. since 1947. The Society of Vermont Artists and Craftsmen, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) publicly supported organization.

PRESS RELEASE: Kate Donnelly Talk at 215 College Gallery in Burlington

Please come to the closing reception and artist talk for The Yardage Project at 215 College Gallery in Burlington, VT

When: Friday, May 20th. Reception 5-8, Artist talk @6pm.

Where: 215 College Gallery, 215 College St. 2nd. Floor, Burlington, VT 802-863-3662

What: The Yardage Project, a new interactive installation by Kate Donnelly. Check it out at:
theyardageproject.blogspot.com and www.katedonnelly.net

Questions? Email me! kddonnelly@gmail.com

I hope to see you there.

PRESS RELEASE: Rock River Artists Open Studio Tour, Newfane and Williamsville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Pete Biolsi, Mondo Mediaworks
pete@mondomediaworks.com
802-275-2790

Covered Bridge a Muse to Community of Artists
Vermont artists to open their studios, homes, and riverside village to the public

Vermont artisans draw inspiration from myriad sources: the natural beauty of the rolling countryside, a majestic view of the Green Mountains from their studio, the distinct changes in season that attract oglers by the thousands.

In one southern Vermont community set on the banks of the Rock River, inspiration stems from something commuters use daily, but rarely give a second thought: a modest covered bridge. And there, along the babbling brook it crosses, a community of local artists is flourishing.

Covered bridges are scattered all over the rural Vermont landscape, but to residents of South Newfane and Williamsville, the Williamsville Covered Bridge is more than a state-recognized historic landmark. It ignites a sense of community and a priceless tie to the area’s history.

“This bridge is our link to the past,” says Richard Foye, a ceramicist who has been using this bridge for decades, and fought for its historic preservation. “It’s like our own little cathedral; it’s better than a church.”

When Foye and other Rock River Artists exercise their respective talents, they incorporate techniques that have been around for hundreds of years. The engineering of the Williamsville Covered Bridge, from its lattice trusses to its beefy floor beams, exhibits that same sense of timeless artistry.

In the spring of 2000, after engineers deemed the structure unsound, the bridge was slated to be torn down and replaced with an updated, concrete and steel design. The town voted instead to reconstruct the bridge from scratch using its original design. The initial reconstruction plan, which included the addition of reinforced glued girders, was later rejected and substituted for one that ensured no visual compromises.
“The woodwork itself, it’s beautifully crafted, and it’s just like everything that we do,” says Foye.

Art enthusiasts from near and far will have the chance to pass through the Williamsville Covered Bridge during the upcoming Rock River Artists Open Studio Tour on July 16-17. The annual event invites the public to take a scenic tour of the picturesque countryside and share an intimate experience with nearby artists in their creative spaces.

19th Annual Open Studio Tour Information:
WHEN: July 16-17, 2011 10:00AM - 6:00PM
WHERE: South Newfane and Williamsville, Vermont
WHAT: Eighteen professional artists open their homes, gardens and studios during this enchanting self-guided tour. Wander Southern Vermont’s picturesque back roads and be greeted like an old friend at the homes of successful painters, print makers, sculptors, metal and wood workers, potters and more. Start at the historic Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane to view artists' work and pick up a map. Gourmet delights are available mid-tour in Newfane and Williamsville. Free and open to the public.

Watch a video of the Rock River Artists at the Williamsville Covered Bridge:

ABOUT ROCK RIVER ARTISTS:
A collaborative of 18 professional artists residing along the Rock River basin in Southern Vermont. Their creative talents include a variety of disciplines and mediums. Several of the artists’ work has received national acclaim and been hosted in galleries and museums throughout the country. Once a year, the Rock River Artists open their studios for a weekend-long tour, inviting visitors into their homes and creative spaces to view and purchase artwork, and interact directly with the artists. More information atwww.rockriverartists.com.

PRESS RELEASE: Planting the Seeds of Change in Barre

Planting the Seeds of Change: Barre Mural Project

A public reception will be held at Studio Place Arts (SPA), 201 North Main Street in Barre, on Wednesday May 18th 2011 from 3 - 5 pm to celebrate the participants, share the process and unveil the mural design.

The Exhibit is open for viewing at Studio Place Arts (201 North Main Street Barre, VT 05641) Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 12- 5pm, Friday 10 am – 12 noon, and Saturday 12-4 pm now until May 24th. The SPA building is fully accessible.

Please join us to celebrate the culmination of a year-long community art project with at-risk youth in Barre connecting them to local artists, foods and medicinal plants of the Vermont landscape. The final presentation of learning is a public mural designed by the students of each participating school – Community Action’s Family Literacy Center and Community High School of Vermont.

Hear the story of the mural designs from the artists themselves, young adults reflecting on what it is like to live in Barre and how they envision a brighter future for themselves and the city.

The Vermont Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, LACE and several other generous community sponsors have given students from Community Action’s Family Literacy Program and Community High School of Vermont an opportunity to participate in an education and community art project that will result in a wall mural to be installed in downtown Barre. The project is designed to identify social and ecological issues in Barre and produce a positive message about them through the visual arts. In-depth art instruction from artists in Barre have expanded on the schools four seasons gardening, cooking and herbalism classes by adding art as a reflection and documentation tool. Student research and experiences are the inspiration for the artwork that is to be exhibited downtown at Studio Place Arts May 10th – 24th.

For More Information Contact Project Coordinator: Sandra Lory (802) 479-1925

PRESS RELEASE: G.R.A.C.E. artists at T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center in Montpelier

T. W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center Presents a exhibition of work by members of the acclaimed Northeast Kingdom Artists Cooperative - G.R.A.C.E. (Grass Roots Art and Community Effort) in the Main Gallery from May 17th-July 17th. Please join us for an opening reception on Tuesday, May 17 from 5-7 PM in the gallery.

During this exhibit, the Gallery will host two "Flash Shows" featuring the art of G.R.A.C.E. Members Gayleen Aiken from May 31st through June 12th, and Merrill Densmore from June 28th through July 12th.

GRACE began in 1975 at the St. Johnsbury Convalescent Center located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Don Sunseri, a newly transplanted artist working at the Center, provided art materials, encouragement, and a supportive environment, letting residents explore on their own. As a result, they produced a stream of beautiful, often biographical art works. The art was later organized into slide lectures and publications. Since that time hundreds of exhibits have traveled to galleries, museums, and art centers, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Image: Untitled Work by Merrill Densmore, acrylic on wood

PRESS RELEASE: Sam Kerson and Katah at City Center in Montpelier

The Road to the East:
A pastel painting exhibit

June 4 to Friday July 1, 2011
City Center, Montpelier, Vermont

These pastels from 2006 and 2007, were made in France, Slovakia and Finland by Sam Kerson and by Katah. The show will consist of thirty figurative pastels of 18x24 inches, and will create a window on these communities that we visited in the eastern part of Europe. A few pictures are from France where we visited and painted on the way to these residential workshops which we experienced in Parkany, Slovakia, as well as in Ii and Kemi Jarvi, Finland. In all three cases our proposals called for us to make pictures of the people and the countryside in the regions that we were visiting. Our work was in the spirit of cultural exchange, and in each case we made exhibitions of the work at the artist residencies. However, this exhibit in Montpelier, Vermont is the first time these pictures have been shown outside of the communities where they were created.

Sam Kerson studied for many years with the late Vermont, Abstract Expressionist, the artist and painter, Robert M. Fisher. This exhibit is conceived as a tribute to Robert Fisher and your discerning eye is sure to recognize Bob's sense of color and composition in all the works.
Sam has been, and continues to be, the artistic director of the Vermont theatre company Dragon Dance since its founding in 1976. Katah joined Dragon Dance in 2000 and also worked with Robert Fisher during the first years of the new century.

More information about these and other series of images, and events created by Sam and Katah, at Dragon Dance, are available at our web pages: www.samkerson.com www.dragondancetheatre.com

PRESS RELEASE: Korongo Gallery Artitst's talk, Randolph

The Cartoonist's Art An Evening With Phil Godenschwager and Steve Bissette Thursday, June 2, 7 pm Seating is limited: Reservations recommended!

What happens when a couple of master cartoonists get together to talk shop? Find out on June 2, when the Korongo Gallery hosts an informal discussion with Randolph-based artist Phil Godenschwager and Steve Bissette of the Center for Cartoon Studies. A legend of modern horror comics, Steve Bissette made his name as the artist on The Saga of the Swamp Thing. His latest book is Teen Angels & New Mutants. Phil Godenschwager's phantasmagorical 2D and 3D works use cartoon imagery to depict the social and political horrors of our time. His current exhibit, "Scattered Art," is on view at Korongo until June 5.

Reservations: 802-728-6788 or korongotex@aol.com ($10 in advance; $12 at the door

PRESS RELEASE: Harriet Wood at the Drawing Board in Montpelier

For the Love of Paint

Six new works at the
Drawing Board in Montpelier
22 Main Street
Through the month of May

PRESS RELEASE: Art's Alive presents high school seniors art show, Burlington

ART’S ALIVE PRESENTS 2011 CHITTENDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS’ ART SHOW

MAY 5-25, 2011

who: ART’S ALIVE AND CHITTENDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS

what: 2011 CHITTENDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS’ ART SHOW

where: ART’S ALIVE GALLERY AT MAIN STREET LANDING’S UNION STATION ONE MAIN STREET BURLINGTON VT

when: MAY 5-25, 2011 ARTISTS’ RECEPTION WEDNESDAY MAY 25 FROM 6PM-7PM

how: THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Burlington VT – Art’s Alive is pleased to present the 2011 Chittenden County High School Senior’s Art Show featuring artwork from students at Essex, Colchester, Burlington, South Burlington, CVU, and Mount Mansfield High Schools.

A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held Wednesday May 25, 2011 from 6pm until 7pm in the Art’s Alive Gallery at Main Street Landing’s Union Station. This event is free and open to the public!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ALEX DOSTIE

alexjdostie@yahoo.com

802.310.3211

www.artsalivevt.org

ART’S ALIVE IS HOST SPONSORED BY MAIN STREET LANDING

image: Taylor Reynolds "Untitled" Digital Photography, Essex High School

Call to artists: The Shelburne Artists' Market, Shelburne

The Shelburne Artists Market will begin its second season this year, running from May 28th to October 15th in downtown Shelburne Village. Created as a space entirely devoted to artists and artisans by the Shelburne Art Center in 2010, this market offers Vermont crafters a place to show, sell, and promote their work every Saturday throughout the spring, summer, and into the fall.

Located on the green in front of the Shelburne Town Offices, the Artists Market runs in conjunction with the Shelburne Farmers Market—one of the largest and most popular markets in the area—which is held directly across the street. Artists of all backgrounds are invited to participate!

The Artists Market runs every Saturday between May 28th to October 15th from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

The cost this year for a spot in the market is $280 for the season. Payment is per space, not per artist. For more information visit our website: http://shelburneartcenter.org/index.php/shelburne-artist-market or call Sarah at the Shelburne Art Center at 802-985-3648

image: Mathew Pardue "Electric Maple" 48” x 36”

PRESS RELEASE: "Refuge" at Studio Place Arts in Barre

In this fast paced, modern world filled with stress, panic, fear, and war, Studio Place Arts (SPA) presents Refuge, a refreshing new show celebrating peace, shelter, and safety. Comprised of mixed media work from 14 artists, Refuge reflects an array of diverse perspectives on the subject.

Among the 28 pieces on exhibit in the show are charcoal, oil and mixed media drawings and paintings, photographs, monotypes, assemblages, an unusual wearable Refuge Mask made of wood, metal and paint by Rob Millard-Mendez, 7 wood and copper or wood and wire house constructions by Axel Stohlberg, a glass, metal and wood sculpture, and a large, double-sided, narrative weaving installation by artist Bhakti Ziek.

Suspended from the ceiling, Ziek’s U-shaped textile installation, The Wheel of Life: The Passing on of Knowledge, refers to the Buddhist Wheel of Life, and features images of animals, and human figures intricately woven onto each side of the six-paneled piece. The interior images tell the story of sacred silk, from its mysterious natural origins, to its future of lucrative trade and industry. The opening of the piece faces the rear corner of the gallery, providing visitors with a solid, tangible sense of sanctuary.

A more abstract expression of refuge would be Tom Batey’s small sculpture of deep blue glass, enclosed within a frame of clear glass shards, a metal box and a larger black wooden box entitled Glass Haven. Artist Alla Lazebnik’s oil painting Hands consists of a series of 5 rows of 3 miniature paintings depicting intimate glimpses of a woman shielding her face with her hands.

Refuge offers a warm and welcoming respite from the trials and tribulations of life with its rich renderings of homes, gardens, parks, forests, sleep, and yoga on display at SPA through June 4.

Image: Refuge Mask by Rob Millard-Mendez (front center); Glass Haven by Tom Batey (on right); Devil's Den Series by Phil Whitman (on left)

PRESS RELEASE: Marie LaPré Grabon at Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury

Landscapes/The Northeast Kingdom, recent work by Marie LaPré Grabon, is currently on display at Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury, VT. Included in the exhibit are mixed media paintings and charcoal drawings. All the work represents scenes from around her home in Hardwick, VT. Each piece captures the essence of place and the idea of time and season.

LaPré Grabon received her undergraduate degree from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA, and a graduate degree in drawing and painting from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. She continues to maintain her studio in her home in Hardwick, Vermont, where she is currently producing drawings, paintings and mixed media works of art.

An opening reception for the artist will be held on Friday, May 13, and is open to the public. The exhibit runs through May 31.

CHANGES: GVAG Cricketers Gallery Opens in Grafton

Grafton Valley Arts Guild, a non profit marketing cooperative and arts education organization, is proud to announce the grand opening of their gallery, GVAG Cricketers Gallery, in the Cricketers Building at 45 Townshend Road in Grafton, Vermont. The guild will officially open the doors of their new space with a group show of all their members titled: Inception, on Friday May 27th from 2-6 PM. Inception will feature work in a variety of mediums including: sculpture, iron, textile, photography, painting, collage, wood and ceramics.

The organization was founded by several Grafton artists including: Frances Holliday Alford (textile, Embellishments Studio), Adam Howard (blacksmith, Grafton Forge), Bryce LeVan Cushing (sculptor, N2Galeria) and Jason Ballard (woodworker, My Minds Design). The organization’s mission is to make Grafton a world class arts destination. They have been doing that in recent months by producing exciting town-wide art events in partnership with area businesses including: The Old Tavern At Grafton, The Grafton Village Cheese Company, The Hunter Gallery of Fine Art and Blake Hill Preserves.

Friday May 27th marks the first of a four-day gala event being produced by the Grafton Valley Arts Guild. Saturday May 28th several of the members will have their private studios open in town as part of open studio weekend and the Cricketers Gallery will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Sunday May 29th we will repeat the same schedule and end the day with a cocktail party at the Phelps Barn at The Old Tavern At Grafton featuring Grafton Village Cheese.

Memorial Day (Monday May 30th) the Cricketers Gallery will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM and we will end the four day gala with a fundraising dinner at the White Chapel in Grafton (4 Main St.) from 6-8 PM, with food prepared by chef Bryce LeVan Cushing, featuring local cheese, produce and bread, the evening promises to be a great time! The dinner includes soup, salad, entree and dessert. No one turned away for lack of funds, $15 suggested donation, BYOB.

For more information about the Grafton Valley Arts Guild, our new gallery space or about any of our artists, please contact Bryce LeVan Cushing at 802 843 1062, or email brycelevancushing@gmail.com .

Images:
Top: Big Girl, by Bryce LeVan Cushing
Center: The Cricketers Building, photo by Dante Falcone
Bottom: Bacon and Eggs, by Adam Howard

PRESS RELEASE: Estefania Puerta in Residence at BCA in Burlington

Through Saturday, June 4th Burlington City Arts is pleased to announce the current BCA Center Fourth Floor ArtLab Artist in Residence, Burlington-based artist Estefania Puerta. Estefania will host open studio sessions on the Fourth Floor, 135 Church Street, every Saturday through June 4th from 2-5pm. This will give visitors the chance to view the creative process, and speak with the artist about her work.

Estefania Puerta is a Burlington, Vermont based artist. Her work has been featured in various places around Burlington including the Fleming Museum. She is co-founder of the Barn Owl Poetry Extra, a local monthly poetry publication and creator of the "Oh La La C'est Cher" Performance Art troupe. She draws most of her inspiration from her upbringing as a Colombian in the U.S. and revels in the exquisite beauty of identity crisis both internally and internationally.

From Puerta’s artist statement: “Through the use of portraiture and magic realism, I delve into themes of loneliness and identity crisis as a result of the encroachment of modernization in human relationships. The people that I depict are outsiders. They are tender souls who lead solitary lives that have been tainted by technology, culture, or biology. It is in the world that I provide for them that they are a population of beautiful losers who elicit reverence in their strong poses and confident dejection.”

The BCA Center ArtLab was created in 2004 to invigorate the dialogue between artists
and the viewing public in downtown Burlington. After four successful residencies, BCA
temporarily closed the fourth floor for necessary renovations. However, in spring of
2007, the residency program was re-launched. Artists are invited to submit a proposal for the available residency periods, which range from one to three months in duration. During this time, artists can use the beautiful fourth floor studio at the BCA Center as well as Burlington City Arts' clay, photography, and printmaking studios. The resident works with Burlington City Arts staff to offer a workshop, lecture, or special project that engages the public in his/her creative process. The ideal applicant should be a local artist with a history of formally or conceptually rigorous work, excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for interacting with the public.

Press Release: The Lost Nation Gallery, Montpelier

Contact Robyn Osiecki – robyn@unruly-e.com

Lost Nation Theater unveils a new Lobby Gallery Space for their 2011 Season featuring the work of their award-winning Designers and Scenic Artists.

About the Gallery at Lost Nation

An actor – the most visible artist to a theatergoer – will often work in a variety media – think improv or musicals or the like. In much the same way, other less-celebrated members of a production team work in a variety of media – think set designers as painters, technicians as sculptors, marketers as photographers.

The Lost Nation Gallery was created this spring to bring light to this "other side" of our artist family and celebrate the visual artists who have contributed to the longevity of Lost Nation. The Gallery will be open Thursdays through Sundays 1.5 hours before each production time, now through October 23, 2011. Visit the LNT website at www.lostnationtheater.org for production times, or call 802-229-0492 to arrange a special viewing by appointment.

Currently Showing

"More Alike" - Pairings from three cultures to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird.

Media: iPhoneography

Artists: Robyn Osiecki and Alan Kastner

What is iPhoneography?

iPhoneography is an approach to the art of photography that - as with all prior forms - embraces new tools and techniques as part of the creative quest. This emergent medium challenges the artist to use the iPhone as the sole tool for capturing, processing, and publishing photographs.

There is something inspiring about shooting with a simple fixed lens and few physical controls, all on a device that fits in the pocket and serves a wide variety of other purposes. One also discovers the highly personal aspect of doing all the editing in the palm of their hand. It is an intimate and highly satisfying journey that in many ways transcends the darkroom or Photoshop experience. Add the simplicity and the social aspects of posting from the same device, and this all-in-one package for capturing, processing and publishing makes the iPhone a compelling platform.

About the Artists:

Robyn Osiecki (unruly-e)

Robyn’s formal studies cover a breadth of disciplines and media. The works in this show are exclusively iPhoneography.

Robyn is currently participating in the juried P1XELS show at OCCCA in Orange County, California and the Arty Gallery in Los Angeles, California. The artist has been featured at iPhoneart; has had several works chosen for accolades at Eye’em, LifeInLofi, PixelsAtAnExhibition, and fotoigriPhone; teaches advanced iphoneography techniques at iPhoneCentral, and will appear shortly as the featured artist on iPhonogenic.

Robyn assists local artists and arts organizations with a variety of projects, including the recent installation of a wifi network for

the Barre Opera House, and spearheading the construction of the Gallery at Lost Nation.

Alan Kastner (tabiwallah)

Born just north of here, in Cornwall, Ontario, and raised in Toronto, Alan has lived in Japan for more than 20 years. His formal studies began with photography, before he immersed himself in the world of Japanese art and literature for many years. His life changed after the purchase of an iPhone rekindled his love for photography. Alan currently pursues his craft while working as a freelance writer and translator for leading Japanese ad agencies and production houses.

Alan is currently participating in the juried P1XELS show at OCCCA in Orange County, California and the Arty Gallery in Los Angeles, California. The artist has been featured at iPhoneart; and has had works chosen for accolades at Eye’em, LifeInLofi, and PixelsAtAnExhibition.

The Lost Nation Gallery is located at the Montpelier City Hall Arts Center – 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT and will be open one and a half hours before performance times, Thursdays through Sundays during the remainder of the season. Please check their web site – www.lostnationtheater.orgfor show times – or call 802-229-0492 to arrange a special viewing.

Schedule of Gallery Exhibitions at Lost Nation Schedule for 2011

Now Showing - "More Alike"; iPhoneography by Robyn Osiecki and Alan Kastner

June 2-19 - iPhoneography by Robyn Osiecki

June 30-July 17 - painting by set & lighting deigner, Clay Coyle

July 28-Aug 14 - Mixed media by set designer and scenic painter, Donna Stafford

Sept 8-Sept 25 - sculpture by special constructionist, Mark Roberts

Oct 6-Oct 23 - mixed media by Clay Coyle

image titles are "Merchant Street - Barre, VT" by Osiecki and "Minnows" by Kastner.

PRESS RELEASE: Paperwork in 3D at Shelburne Museum

Paperwork in 3D features the work of 23 contemporary artists who transform flat sheets of paper into amazing three-dimensional art.

On exhibit at several galleries throughout the grounds, Paperwork in 3D explores a variety of themes and techniques including: the Japanese art of origami, cut paper, pop-up books and graphic novels, the mathematics of paper engineering, sculpture, and fashion (cross-referencing the exhibit In Fashion in Webb Gallery). Site specific installations include lighted sculpture in the Round Barn silo by Vermont artists Riki Moss and Robert Ostermeyer (see video of the installation below) , and rain forest animal and plant sculpture in Kalkin House, created by Emma Hardy from Colorado.

From mid-June to mid-August daily scheduled activities in Kalkin House help visitors explore many of the artistic techniques used by the artists in the exhibition.

Featured artists include: Origamists: Robert Lang, Joel Cooper, Brian Chan and Chris Palmer; sculptors Lauren Clay, Riki Moss, Robert Ostermeyer, Jacqueline Lee Rush, Emma Hardy
Cut paper artists: Doug Beube, Bovey Lee, Michael Velliquette, Beatrice Coron, Hunter Stabler, Karen O’Leary, Jared Andrew Schorr, Matthew Schlian, Nami Yamamoto, Nava Lubelsk, Robert Thé
Book artists: Tom Allen, Brian Dettmer, Sam Ita, Matthew Reinhart

On exhibit in Round Barn, Kalkin House and the Lighthouse galleries.

Image: Nami Yamamoto, Radiant Flux (detail), 2009, handmade paper: abaca with phosphorescent powder, 98"(w) x 51"(d) x 12"(h).

Video: Riki Moss and Robert Ostermeyer installing their piece, Tunnel Vision, in the silo of the Round Barn

PRESS RELEASE: Art by Mothers at Townsend Gallery in Stowe

A collective art show of Vermont artists who are mothers. The exhibit will be displayed for the month of May to celebrate Mother's Day. Visit Townsend Gallery at Black Cap Coffee, located at 144 Main Street in Stowe.

Opening Reception is Friday, May 6 from 4-6 PM.

Image by Lorraine Reynolds

PRESS RELEASE: Central Vermont Quilt Show at the Old Labor Hall in Barre

Central Vermont Quilt Show

Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, 2011

Hours: Fri. 2-7 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm; grand opening with awards Fri. 5 pm

Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St, Barre, VT 05641

Visit the 2011 show, May 6 and 7 at Barre's historic Old Labor Hall.

• See 50 quilts by local Central Vermont quilters in a variety of styles and sizes.
• View a special display of 14 quilts made by the Mad Quilters' Kwilt Kamp Krew - all using the same pattern but with different fabrics for completely different looks.
• View this year's special Bra Bags for Breast Cancer display.
• Shop our fantastic merchants including local quilt shops, fiber artists, and craft suppliers.
• Learn quilting techniques through demonstrations by prominent local quilters, on the hour Sat., 10 am-3 pm.
• Cast your vote for Viewers' Choice Awards.
• Buy raffle tickets for four seasonal table runners and 3 special themed baskets.

While you are at our show, be sure to check out area businesses like the Re-Store two doors down and visit Studio Place Arts !

PRESS RELEASE: Vanessa Compton Open Studio at Krinshaw Studios in Greensboro

Artist Vanessa Compton will be participating in the annual Vermont Open Studio Tour on the weekend of May 28th and 29th. Her Greensboro studio, Krinshaw Studios, will be open to the public both days from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Works on display will include large collages, ceramic sculpture, mobiles and ornaments, illustrated works and handmade greeting cards. Located in Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom and overlooking beautiful Caspian Lake, this is the perfect opportunity to check out one-of-a-kind works in a unique setting.

Open Studio Weekend is an award-winning event, having been named among the Top 10 by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please visit www.KrinshawStudios.com, www.VermontCrafts.com or call (802) 223-3380.

Image: Straight As The Crow Flies, mixed-media collage, 24.5x30"

PRESS RELEASE: Tanya Schmid at Vermont Arts Exchange’s Mill Gallery in North Bennington

More than a Number:
Photographs of a Contaminated Community in Chile
On View at Vermont Arts Exchange

Bennington College student Tanya Schmid exhibits More Than a Number, her senior project in photography and Spanish, at the Vermont Arts Exchange's Mill Gallery. The show opens with a reception on Wednesday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m., and runs through June 21.

More Than a Number portrays the story of a struggling neighborhood in Northern Chile contaminated with arsenic, lead and 14 other toxic minerals dumped there by a foreign company 20 years ago. The toxic minerals were left, unprotected for years, until the residents developed illnesses and wondered if the environment was the cause of their problems. Twenty years later, the residents still have not been moved away from their homes nor have they received adequate assistance from the government terms of in health care, compensation or education.

As the subjects of More Than a Number, the affected families tell the story from their perspectives through the portraits and accompanying testimonies. The photographs—shot in color and black and white—are printed large, demanding a presence in the space and reaction from the viewer. Although the show focuses on a specific community, it also speaks to greater global issues of human rights and environmental awareness.

"My objective in this project has been to create more consciousness about the problem," says Schmid, who began the project while studying abroad in Chile with the School for International Training (SIT). "And, hopefully, to help give the contaminated families a voice, so they can be recognized as more than a number, as real human beings who have the right to be heard and the right to live a dignified, healthy, secure life."

The opening reception on May 18 features an artist talk by Schmid followed by a short question-&-answer session at 7:30 p.m. The show is on view through June 21; school groups are welcome by making arrangements with VAE. Any donations made will go toward bringing the show back to Chile for exhibition in three large cities there.

For more information about Vermont Arts Exchange, exhibits, classes and workshops, contact VAE at 802-442-5549 or visit vtartxchange.org.

Image: Fernanda by Tanya Schmid