Viewing one of Lorraine Bubar‘s intricate papercut compositions is an inherently intimate experience – each piece compels the audience to step closer and closer still until the art is merely inches away. Suddenly, Lorraine’s choice of color, pattern and texture explode into compelling beauty that confirms what was noted at first glance: this work is spectacular!
A native of Los Angeles, Lorraine received her BA from UCLA. She studied animation at Yale University, winning numerous awards as an independent short film animator. Her love of travel developed into a passion for papercutting once she saw how many of the world’s cultures employed the art form as a means of expression, from Eastern Europe to China and Mexico. Today, Lorraine honors the transcendence of humanity throughout the world with her practice of papercut techniques. Her choice of papers highlight the utter fragility and ultimate strength of life itself. Lorraine uses only handmade and colored papers and her trusty X-acto knife to develop her intricate artistry.
Crossing the boundary between craft and art, Lorraine’s exacting precision bring her imagery of koi ponds, mountainscapes and desert scenes to life. She was recently selected as one of the 2016 Artists in Residence at Zion National Park and spent a month hiking, creating and educating in the impressive landscape. Lorraine’s bold creations have been exhibited worldwide and have garnered awards including a recent first place win at Yosemite Renaissance XXXI. This talented artist continues to travel to further her inspiration and experience of the world.
Encounter Lorraine’s stunning artwork up-close and personal at Chemers Gallery! While you’re here, we can show you examples of how we’ve framed these detailed creations using linen or silk fabric and handsome, hand-carved closed-corner frames.
New paintings by Melissa Graves Brown invite you to wander into enchanted groves and rest in the shade of multi-hued foliage. Vibrant jewel-toned colors mingle on canvas for a look that is pure wow! Melissa has sent Chemers Gallery seven of her most recent pieces, each one more gorgeous than the last.
A Florida native, Melissa earned her Bachelors of Fine Art from Auburn University and her Masters of Fine Art from the University of Pennsylvania. Her inspiration comes from the natural landscape of Idaho, where she currently resides with her husband, daughter and son. Together, the foursome are a hive of creativity in their home studio. Memories of the swirling leaves that welcomed her to the Wood River Valley are imprinted in Melissa’s mind which she captures again and again in her art.
Melissa’s talents are expressed in layers of color that eventually take the shape of vivid vistas. It’s no surprise that this talented artist has been largely influenced by color theory and the color field paintings of the Abstract Expressionist movement! She approaches painting with intuition and intention, carefully choosing her pigments and letting the composition evolve naturally.
Viewed as a whole, Melissa’s “PleasanTrees” form a magical, mystical world of wonder. Don’t be shy, get up close to the canvas and see where the magic truly happens! You’ll be amazed at the complex layers of color that dance and swirl to form a shimmering, multi-dimensional painting. Leaves that appear to be mostly gold, yellow and orange also contains red, green and purple! Melissa’s underpainting peeks out from the top layers of acrylic paint to introduce unexpected tonal content within her canvases.
Of course, words and pictures can only convey so much…
The best way to experience the atmosphere of Melissa’s paintings is in person at Chemers Gallery!
Chemers Gallery and TACFA Call to Artists The heART of Orange County All Media 2017 April 22 – May 6, 2017 Juried Exhibition Jurors: Nick Capaci and Jonde Northcutt
Artists and Educators
Calling All Artists Chemers Gallery and Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA) are seeking submissions for our 10th annual juried community exhibit! We are inviting local & semi-local artists who work in virtually any media to enter their depictions of the ARTS in Orange County. Past entries ranged from artist studios, ballet and folk dancers and musicians to artists at work, museum viewers and buildings, but that doesn’t mean those are the only acceptable subjects. The possibilities are endless – the more creative and innovative the better! (You just might win one of the cash prizes!)
Amateur artists are welcome to enter. All artwork will be judged equally regardless of professional status.
For a full prospectus and links to enter, click HERE. All media will be considered for acceptance. We want your oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, photographs, etchings, monoprints, beadwork, glass, ceramics, wood, encaustic, sewing…we mean it when we say ALL MEDIA!
We are honored to announce that Nick Capaci and Jonde Northcutt, artists and educators, will be this year’s jurors.
The deadline to enter is MARCH 4, so get your creative juices going!
Your Inspiration Starts Here!
For examples of past entries, clickHERE. But remember, it’s just a guide to help get you started.
A full prospectus is available at OnlineJuriedShows.com. Please be sure to read fully and carefully as there are sizing and framing specifications listed as well! Please call us if you need any guidance.
Attention all creatives! Our 10th annual all-media juried exhibition is just around the corner! Are you interested in entering The heART of Orange County but wondering what to do? Well, look no further for inspiration, Chemers Gallery is here to help!
Entries to The heART of Orange County must depict the vast variety of arts to be found in Orange County. Examples of work may be, but are not limited to musicians at work, actors in a play, a performing arts building, a dancer practicing in a studio, on-lookers in a museum, an artist’s studio, chefs in a kitchen…the possibilities are endless! Entries may be created in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, collage, ink, photography, glass, ceramic, mixed media, encaustic, fiber and more – all media are welcome.
In case you need to get your creative juices flowing, here are some examples of past entries. This is just a guide to jump start your imagination, You have until March 4, 2017 to enter your masterpiece!
Artists at Work
Artists of all ages in all stages! Creating at home, overlooking the ocean, observing in a garden at our local mission, participating in paint outs throughout Orange County.
Musicians
Playing an instrument or performing onstage, challenge yourself to translate the audio to the visual!
Dancers
Studio dance classes, ballerinas and folk dancers, tappers, waltzers and tango-ers – let the movement of Orange County jump and jive.
Artist Studios
Look around your studio and the chaos of creativity or the order of originality. Sometimes the most interesting subjects are right in front of you!
Viewing Art & Arts Buildings
Patrons of the arts from the young to the young at heart. Don’t forget the arts buildings themselves, even the ones transitioning from abandoned warehouse to upscale art gallery. (Psst – Chemers Gallery counts as an arts building within Orange County, too. Just sayin’!)
Culinary Arts or Art in Situ
What about the art of FOOD?! Talented chefs and sous chefs are artists of their own right, so why not show them a little love, too? Or feature a favorite painting hanging in someone’s home?
Watch this space for updates and artist spotlights for our upcoming event…
With 21 artisans confirmed so far, you won’t want to miss this fantastic lineup!
Get the scoop on our talented participants, starting Nov 7th Jewelry Wearable Fiber Ceramics Glass Wood Mixed Media Original Drawings Notecards Epicurean Treats Book Signing and more!
Introducing the 21 talented artisans joining our Faire and the many reasons you won’t want to miss the big event! Mark your calendars now, our 2-day Holiday Artisan Faire will be here before you know it!
Local jewelry designer, Merry Wennerberg, fashions repurposed masterpieces made from vintage buttons, Bakelite, resin and even vintage game pieces. Her earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches are completely out of this world fun! You might think that the creative process would keep Merry out of trouble…wrong! She just can’t resist the urge when she finds unique baubles for her jewelry designs. Merry credits Alex Uhl of A Whale of a Tale children’s bookstore for encouraging her to spread her creative wings and sell her amazing creations 21 years ago.
You’ve heard correctly, Robert Held is flying in all the way from British Colombia, Canada, to spend the weekend with YOU! Robert no longer does traveling shows but he’s making a special exception for all of you marvelous fans! You already love his heart paperweights, now fall in love with his holiday ornaments, blown glass vases and more. Luminous in color, translucent or opaque, Robert’s art glass is elegant in any form or hue.
We’re thrilled that Naomi Campos of Yed Omi jewelry is finally able to join in the festivities at our Holiday Artisan Faire! Her delicate beadwork whispers of flirtation and modern romance. Rose gold, sterling and yellow gold pair with gemstones and chain for a match made in heaven. Naomi is traveling all the way from Portland, Oregon to share her handcrafted earrings, necklaces and bracelets with you.
Playful, artful Maria Counts, whose creativity is endless… Joining us Saturday ONLY, Maria’s ceramics are only limited by her boundless & quirky imagination! Brightly glazed teapots, vases, clocks, mugs, wall plaques and sculptures are just the tip of the iceberg of what Maria is showcasing. Pick up 1 or 10 of her gift tags – you can also hang them on your tree or wear as a necklace. From functional to decorative, humorous to refined and everything in between, you won’t want to miss Maria!
Avant-garde fashion meets wool and silk in Beth Marx‘s seamless nuno felted scarves, shawls, vests and more! Her one-of-a-kind fiber creations can be worn upside down, right side up, inside out or round about – the possibilities are endless! Let Beth show you all the ingenious ways to don the wearable that is perfect for you. Beth hails from Long Beach and is attending our Holiday Artisan Faire for the first time this year. You’ll adore her inventive fashions in a bevy of rich color palettes or subtle tones.
If contemporary, geometric jewelry is your game then Joanna Craft is the name! Mixed metals of sterling, copper and brass form everything from uncomplicated everyday earrings and pendants to larger statement pieces. Throw in a few raw gemstones here and brightly-colored enameling there and you’ve got yourself a piece that is a true Joanna original! Although she’s only able to stay on Saturday, she’ll have a selection ready for your perusal on Sunday, too!
Get ready to let your taste buds soar on a cloud of pure chocolately bliss with Luisa Chocolatiere! Back for a third year, Luisa’s handcrafted chocolate is luscious and luxurious. Lessons learned from Europe’s master chocolatiers reach perfection in Luisa’s solid chocolates, truffles, almond clusters, toffees and more. Be sure to check out her Christmas and Hanukkah shapes for all of your holiday parties!
Welcoming Ari Seth Cohen, photographer and documentary filmmaker of Advanced Style and Advanced Style: Older and Wiser to our Holiday Artisan Faire! Join Ari for special book signings of his popular photo documentary books at Chemers Gallery Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. As an added bonus, some of his Fashionable Ladies will be joining us on the Saturday for a lively panel discussion at 1:00pm. Don’t miss out! Pre-order your style bibles at Chemers Gallery before November 19th.
Fiber artistry comes to life in Mary Hammond’s capable hands. Using fabric, ribbon and thread, Mary crafts scarves, table runners and wall hangings in every color of the rainbow. She creates a traditional look with contemporary flair. With so many vibrant hues to choose from, there’s sure to be something for every season. Mary is traveling from Santa Cruz to share her latest textile creations with YOU!
Birdhouses, cups and boxes, oh my! The lovely Lisa Mertins is joining our Holiday Artisan Faire and bringing her array of porcelain clay creations. Her signature soft glazes, embossed textures and interesting forms are playful additions to any home or office. Lisa’s sophisticated sense of humor comes to life in her sculptural creations that utilize porcelain, concrete, rebar and wire.
Jennie Milner and her artistry are simply charming! Discover her jewelry made from silver, colorful resin, paint and fabric at our Faire! Jennie’s necklaces, earrings and pins with cheerful houses, birds, trees, coffee cups and flowers feel fun and festive to make any day joyful. New small-scale wall sculptures are little treasures for your abode. Set on a shelf or hang in a grouping for more impact.
Joining our Holiday Artisan Faire for a third time on December 3rd ONLY is Sola Foods and their delicious jam, chutney, pesto and more! “Jam-packed” with fresh fruits and full of flavors that are sure to be the perfect complement to your holiday and everyday table, you won’t want to miss seeing Julia to stock up on her flavorful fare!
Colorful shapes and patterns abound in Suzanne Currie‘s vibrant mixed media artwork. Set under resin for a glossy finish, every collage speaks with personality and character! Psst! We also hear that Suzanne is working on a multitude of collage, resin and fabric jewelry pieces to share with you during the Faire.
With us for the first time is local wood turner, Bill Bahret! A member of the Orange County Woodcarvers Association, Bill’s lifelong passion has been discovering ways to make a thing of beauty with his lathe. His bowls and vases shine with personality. Bill doesn’t shy away from imperfections in the wood grain; instead he greets each potential flaw as a chance to create an item of sheer allure. He patiently works to bring every piece of wood to life, whether it’s maple burl (his favorite!), redwood, plum or myrtle.
Award-winning weaver Susan Horton creates striking scarves, shawls and handbags out of luscious fibers. Woven from silk, cotton, tencel, linen and wool, Susan’s multi-hued textiles shimmer with life and undulate with pattern. Her unique scarves subtly change color from one side to the other. Choose one or more for friends and family, maybe even yourself!
Hooray! Elizabeth Nadler is visiting us once again for our Holiday Artisan Faire! This ever-popular jewelry artisan will be wowing us with her affordable range of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. With styles ranging from Victorian to boho and featuring sparking crystals, pearls and gems, you’re sure to find just the right trinket for everyone on your list.
Bring festive flavors to your holiday table with Bistro Blends! The finest ingredients are used in every bottle of balsamic vinegar and infused olive oil blends from around the world. Choose one or many for your hostess gifts and for yourself to keep all year round. Bistro Blends is the perfect complement to your salads, pastas and breads. Your taste buds will pop once you sample their wares at our Faire!
You’re sure to love Michelene Berkey’s “twiggy” jewelry creations! Taking inspiration from the nature that surrounds her home in Colorado, Michelene’s gold, silver, pearl and gemstone adornments twinkle like the stars & sparkle like the sun. Using twigs and tree bark cast in sterling and gold, her brooches, bracelets, earrings and pendants are organically exquisite. Come find your new favorite treasure December 3rd and 4th!
You will be in awe of James Keniston’s architectural notecards and original drawings! How does he draw so small and precisely?! This British transplant works on a small scale for a big impact. Inspired by the unique homes of San Francisco and the buildings of his native London, England, James creates his intricate illustrations with pen & ink, adding bright hues with a mix of watercolor and colored pencil. Buy cards one-by-one or as a boxed set to spread some cheer for the holidays or throughout the year. James will also have a selection of his original drawings for the Anglophiles and Golden Gaters amongst you!
Wearing one of Lori Lawson’s fiber creations is like sitting by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa! Or, if you prefer, a hot toddy! Her lush fiber creations are stylish yet cozy. Lori’s hand-knit, woven and felted scarves, hats and shawls are warm and inviting, just like Lori herself. Soft fibers of merino and polwarth wool, llama and angora lend an elegant touch to Lori’s beautiful handicrafts.
Local artist Monique Selwitz uses shimmering silver, glistening gold, gleaming gemstones and more to achieve her one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. Her inventive spirit shines like the materials she favors. From organic forms to more structural shapes, her rings, necklaces, cuffs and earrings are sure to be a hit at the holidays and all days!
Tell us you’re coming SATURDAY, DEC. 3 & reply to our Facebook event HERE.
Tell us you’re coming SUNDAY, DEC 4 & reply to our Facebook event HERE.
When is the last time you stopped to marvel at the sky, its dramatic clouds piling ever higher while sunlight bathes everything in a golden haze? Oil painter Gerald Schwartz makes a habit of appreciating the sky and it’s many facets. It’s not unusual for him to pull his car off the side of the road to chase the last light of a lingering sunset or the illumination of the landscape just before a storm. Jerry takes inspiration from light and the resulting paintings almost glow themselves.
At the young age of 16, Jerry became the youngest artist to exhibit his work at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. He followed his passion to Art Center College of Design and when he left he became an assistant art director with a fashion trade magazine. He also pursued free-lance illustration and photography. But through it all, he never lost focus on his true love, the medium of oil paint. He decided to make the leap into the fine art world and the rest is history!
Jerry paints daily in his Arizona studio. His photo-realistic canvases range from miniature (only 6 x 6!) to quite grand and convey a variety of subjects. Skies feature heavily in his work, but he also paints landscapes, nighttime scenes and rainy day images. Whatever he chooses, his quality of light and exquisite level of detail are unfailingly Jerry. A yearly exhibitor at the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, Jerry pushes himself to present the familiar in a new and exciting way, as he’s done in his recent painting LA Drizzle.
See Gerald Schwartz‘s remarkable canvas in person at Chemers Gallery or on our website by following this link. And, the next time you see a particularly dazzling sky, stop for a moment to admire and think about how Jerry might immortalize the moment!
Clear your calendar for the first weekend in December because our biggest event of the year is upon us…
You’ve asked for more days and more hours and we’ve heard you! Now with 2 days to splurge and shop to your heart’s content, there’s even MORE to love!
Join Chemers Gallery and 21 different artists, artisans and gourmands for our 3rd Annual Holiday Artisan Faire! Keep checking back for more details, sneak peeks and artist spotlights as we get ready for this can’t-miss-event.
NEW this year is the addition of the ever popular Robert Held art glass, joining us all the way from British Columbia to share his latest glass hearts, ornaments, vases and more with you! He doesn’t do traveling shows any longer, but is making a special exception for us!
We’re also excited to welcome Ari Seth Cohen, writer of the independent documentary film Advanced Style and author of the books Advanced Style and Advanced Style: Older & Wiser! Not only will Ari be signing books, he and his “fashionable ladies” will hold a panel discussion on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. Anything you ever wanted to know about embracing personal style at any age will be revealed during this lively afternoon.
To preview our participating artists so far, click their names below. However, they will all be bringing new and exciting creations to delight and enchant you on December 3rd and 4th!
Mixed Media, Original Drawings & Notecards Suzanne Currie – mixed media James Keniston – original drawings & notecards
Advanced Style – Special Book Signing & “Meet the Ladies” Panel Discussion Ari Seth Cohen writer of the independent film, Advanced Style and author of the books Advanced Style and Advanced Style: Older & Wiser Pre-orders limited to 75 books
with more available to purchase the day of the event
Viewing one of Lorraine Bubar‘s intricate papercut compositions is an inherently intimate experience – each piece compels the audience to step closer and closer still until the art is merely inches away. Suddenly, Lorraine’s choice of color, pattern and texture explode into compelling beauty that confirms what was noted at first glance: this work is spectacular!
