Thank you to ALL for such a fabulous turnout for our Viewpoints: Orange County All Media artist reception last Saturday! Thank you to our talented artists who brought their friends, families and collectors to join in the festivities! Thank you to Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA) and the accomplished performers from the Chance Theater who help reveal this summer’s Broadway In The Park during our event! Thank you to Enderle Center for helping to sponsor this fun-filled event! Thank you to our friend Rado for bringing his delicious Tatratea tea liquors and mixing up phenomenal drinks. And thank you especially to all of YOU who came to last Saturday’s event – we had a great time and hope you did, too!
Congratulations to our winners!
Best of Show Laguna Palms by Jim Wodark, oil
Enderle Center Choice Mission at Sunset by Steve Kell, oil
Oil & Acrylic Category
First Place Balboa Twilight by April Raber, oil
Second Place Beach Day by Paul Kratter, oil
Third Place Mission San Juan Capistrano by Toni Danchik, oil
All Other Media Category
First Place Fishing Boat South of the Cottages by Kevin Davidson, watercolor
Second Place Noble by Dori Dewberry, pastel
Third Place Tower Sunset, Victoria Beach by Roger Bennett, photography
One on Every Corner by Sharyn Sakimoto, hand-colored photograph
All Other Media category
Santa Ana Presbyterian on Sycamore by Paige Oden, oil
OIl & Acrylic category
Mission at Sunset by Steve Kell, oil
Oil & Acrylic category
Spring Violets by Dorothy Cavanagh, oil
OIl & Acrylic category
Viewpoints: Orange County All Media is on display until May 2nd, so if you haven’t made it in yet there is still time! Don’t forget to swing by Chemers Gallery next Saturday, May 2nd for our artist demonstrations from 2:00 to 5:00pm!
Plus, stay tuned for a change in format for next year’s show!
We know how much you missed our annual December children’s book illustration show – we missed it too! We’ve been dreaming and scheming and by jove, we think we’ve got it!
Saturday, April 4th 2015 (see below for times) Show continues through April 18th Benefiting The Wooden Floor
Meet award-winning illustrators, Raul Colon and Rafael Lopez, listen to their talks, and purchase original illustrations and signed books during this fun-filled afternoon of illustration goodness. But before you plan on this being the same affair as our December events have been, let us tell you…we’ve shaken things up.
Don’t worry – whimsical, fun-filled and outstanding original illustration will still feature prominently on our walls for purchase before, during and after the main event. (Phew!)
Books are available for pre-sale NOW through March 21st, however, titles and quantities are limited. The first 100 pre-sold books per illustrator will be pre-signed and dedicated. Pre-sold books thereafter will not be pre-signed, but you can pick them up at the event and take them to the illustrators for signing and dedication. We will have limited titles and quantities available to purchase the day of the show, so to ensure you get your first choice, come in to pre-order today!
Just a reminder… the artist signing is only for books purchased at Chemers Gallery.
We know how much you’ve always enjoyed the illustrator talks and demos! Now it’s easier to get up close and personal with the illustrators! We’ve moved our ever-popular artist talks and demonstrations indoors and limited seating for a more intimate, one-on-one experience with Raul and Rafael. Our limited seating of 75 seats is available by reservation only. Call or come in to Chemers Gallery with your donation of $10 per person, to The Wooden Floor, to reserve your seats by Monday, March 30th.
Schedule of Events
1:00 pm Doors open for reserved seats
1:30 pm Talks begin promptly
Rafael Lopez: “Transcending Text”
Raul Colon: “The Art of Daydreaming”
2:30 – 5 pm Doors open to general public
Back to wow us for a 4th time with his velvety textures and smooth lines, Raul Colon again brings a wonderful array of Latin American inspired illustrations. Using washes of watercolor, colored pencil and sharp instruments to scratch into paper, Raul’s unique style perfectly captures the moment.
His most recent book, Draw!, is close to Raul’s heart. This delightful book without words is inspired by his own childhood spend indoors suffering from chronic asthma. Journey through his rich imagination to the wilds of Africa where pachyderm pals, gallivanting giraffes and mischievous monkeys leap off the page.
Although the original illustrations from this book will not be available for purchase, we will have limited edition prints as well as originals from Raul’s other books, coming soon!
Rafael Lopez is joining us again! His vivid works are infused with the magical symbolism he experienced growing up in Mexico City. His bold acrylic paintings on wood are textural and rich, appearing collage-like in their effect. Rafael’s stylistic approach is reminiscent of Diego Rivera. Rafael’s many recognitions include Pura Belpre and Americas Awards.
With a release date of March 24th, you know what that means…Get your 1st Editions here! Drum Dream Girl is full of dream-like imagery that makes you want to melt into the book. Based on the true story of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl in the 1930’s who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers, Rafael’s illustrations are interspersed with emotion and whimsy.
A Percentage of Art Sales to Benefit…
Located in Santa Ana, The Wooden Floor is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower low-income youth with strong self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic and family programs. Since 2005, 100% of their students have graduated from high school on time and have gone on to pursue higher education.
Remember…
Pre-sales of books are limited & will continue until March 21st
Seating for illustrator talks & demos is by reservation only & will be inside Chemers Gallery
Congratulations to the participating artists of Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2015! There were many stand-out entries, and our juror, plein-air painter Greg LaRock. worked hard to make selections for a diverse and considered exhibit.
Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2015
Artist Reception – April 18, 2015, 5:30 – 8:00pm Show continues through May 2, 2015
Participating Artists
Gary Armstrong . Helen Bell . Roger Bennett . Gobind Boyes . Dorothy Cavanagh Dana Cooper . Toni Danchik . Barbara Davidson . Kevin Davidson . Dori Dewberry . Kay Flierl Cindy Greene . Deborah Harold . Terry Houseworth . Esther Jacks . Steve Kell Paul Kratter . Prerana Kulkarni . William Lowe . Maz Mahjoobi . Ian Montelongo Sandra Morrison . Erich Neubert . Paige Oden . Max Ollendorff . Rita Pacheco
Pamela Panattoni . April Raber . Pete Roberts . Laura Rosenkranz . Sharyn Sakimoto
Janine Salzman . John Sawyer . Jeff Sewell . Albert Stanchfield . Kim VanDerHoek
Kathleen Williams . Jim WodarkMark your calendars now for special artist demonstrations Saturday, May 2nd from 2:00 – 5:00p at Chemers Gallery!
Titles and quantities are limited so get your book order in now!
Pre-sale of books is on NOW through March 21st! The first 100 books per illustrator will be pre-signed and dedicated before the event. Pre-sold books thereafter will not be pre-signed, but you can pick them up at the event and take them to the illustrators for signing and dedication. We will have limited titles and quantities available to purchase the day of the show, so to ensure you get your first choice, come in to pre-order yours TODAY!
View all of the original illustrations on our website by clicking the artist’s names below, or come in to see them in person!
Rafael Lopez
Book Fiesta!…..Ages 3-8…..$17.99
The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred…..Ages 5-8…..$17.95
Drum Dream Girl…..Ages 5-8…..$16.99
Our California…..Ages 6-10…..$18.95
Tito Puente…..Ages 4-8…..$17.99
‘Tis the season! The holidays are right around the corner and we can’t wait for our first ever…
Over the next few weeks leading up to our Holiday Artisan Faire we will be shining a spotlight on our Artists and Artisans and sharing a sampling of their delightful goodies with you. Keep checking back, because we’ll be updating weekly!
NEW! Amy Kekst Are you are looking for something sparkly this holiday? Look no further than our Holiday Artisan Faire for jewelry by Amy! Gemstones, crystals, one-of-a-kind vintage elements and chains feature in her titillating trinkets. Her extensive selection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets change with the seasons offering mixed metal chains and nuggets paired with sparkly stones and beads. Her selections for Dec.6th are sure to provide you with an assortment of choices!
NEW! Lori Lawson Stand out this season with Lori’s wearable fibers! After retiring from law, she decided to take hold of her creative side and finally get serious about her first love, fiber. For the past 15 years she has perfected her skills in knitting, crocheting, weaving, and felting. Passionate about her work, Lori hand-dyes and spins all of her yarns to make uniquely designed garments, scarves, shawls. Pick out a great new accessory for all your winter outfits or make it a special gift, either way Lori’s creations will enhance your already gorgeous style!
NEW! Elizabeth Nadler Love beads? Then be sure to see Elizabeth at our Holiday Artisan Faire! Fall in love with Elizabeth’s simply elegant designs that are perfect for every occasion. She uses gold and silver paired with gemstones and crystals of all colors to create her one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings. Choose from elegant faceted stones, lustrous pearls and intricate filigree to complete your holiday look. Most prices are $25-75 to stock up on your stuffers!
Joanna Craft For your fill of eclectic mixed metal jewelry, be sure to visit Joanna on Dec. 6th! Her contemporary designs range from geometric to free-form and are just the right portions of silver, copper and brass. Her modern forms allow for color and design to shine for any occasion. Joanna’s newest pieces feature enamel and unpolished stones, and are so stunning you won’t want to miss them while they are here!
Leona Hawks Traveling all the way from Utah, Leona will be sharing her extensive range of fused glass at our Holiday Artisan Faire! Leona begins with recycled clear glass and artfully adds color in the form of metal oxides, ground and dichroic glass, copper pieces or other materials to produce chemical reactions in the heat of the kiln. The results are striking fused glass trays, dishes and light catchers that are organic in nature and ecstatic in hue. Explore Leona’s spectacular glass for yourself Dec. 6th!
Michelene Berkey Although jewelry artist, Michelene, can’t make it to our Holiday Artisan Faire, her sister Cathy will be bringing her latest “twiggy” treasures just for YOU! Try on her newest tidbits that use bees, hearts, flowers, dragonflies and even twigs in her designs. Silver and gold complement her assortment of pendants, rings, bangles and more. Longtime fan favorite Michelene will have the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life!
Diva Desserts Calling all sweet tooths… Diva Desserts is to tempt your taste buds. Our longtime friend Jan mixes up the smoothest cheesecake, devilicious Kahlua cake and simply sinful chocolate chip cookies. Take them with you or place an order for the holidays, whichever you choose… your mouth will sing! Jan has been cooking up a signature, never before sampled cake using fellow artisan Tatratea liqueur… Woo-hoo is it scrumptious!
JC Milner The imaginative JC Milner will be sharing her quirky jewelry at our Holiday Artisan Faire. Twirly birds, homing birds, tweety birds, painted birds, preening birds, lovely flowers… and dwellings of all kinds… this is the most ridiculous fun jewelry can be! Jennie works her magic with acrylic paint, resin and silver to create whimsical earrings, necklaces, pins and more. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Don’t miss your chance to meet Jennie!
Lisa Mertins Lisa is bringing the ceramic love to our Holiday Artisan Faire! Working in as many mediums as she possibly can, Lisa does it all! From intriguing ceramics and fine art to jewelry and children’s book illustrations, this talented lady is always up to something new. Lisa’s creativity satisfies the whimsical palate with her stamped fine-walled porcelain creations. Always creating something new, we can’t wait to see what she brings us!
Sola Foods Holiday gift ideas got you in a “jam?” Have we got a treat for you! Sola Foods specializes in fantastic sweet and spicy salsas, jams, spreads and relishes, all 100% natural and 100% sure to win your heart! Using only the best ingredients from local farmers markets, Sola Foods takes their time to create a unique and tantalizing experience. All products are made in small batches enabling them to pack one pound of fruit in every 10oz jar of jam & spreads! Be sure to sample their famous “Cheeky Kiwi” jam!
Barbara Lanci Feast your eyes on Barbara’s gorgeous treasures! Her tempting earrings, bold “elevation” cuffs and intricate necklaces are crafted entirely by hand from fine silver, argentium and unique stones. Trained under master jewelers, Barbara continues to challenge herself to come up with new designs craftier than the last. She just might have your new favorite piece of jewelry!
Elaine Hyde Always a crowd pleaser, Elaine’s beautiful art glass creations shimmer and shine with iridescence. Starting her glass career at the Brooks Institute of Fine Arts in California, she went on to work and train at the Pilchuck Glass Center under Dale Chihuly during the formative years of the renowned institute. Elaine has exhibited her glass worldwide and has won numerous awards for her work. The way the colors shift and change under different light is simply magical. We are sure you’ll agree that her vases and perfume bottles are little treasures! Bistro Blends Bistro Blends offers the most amazing and unique Balsamic Vinegars and Gourmet Olive Oil Blends. They adhere only to the highest standards, requiring only the best of Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegars from the Modena Region of Italy and Olive Oils from around the world, including California’s own, Napa Valley. Bistro Blends provides a distinct and enlightening blend of flavors, herbs and spices in every selection, assuring any self-proclaimed food connoisseur their rightful place in culinary heaven.
Suzanne Currie
Suzanne mixes up paint and paper to create her brightly-hued mixed media on wood melodies. She constructs a frenzy of bright colors and attractive patterns, and then finishes them off with a layer of epoxy resin to give them a nice shine. Her creations take the form of small, one-of-a-kind contemporary images, large bold statement pieces, artsy bangle bracelets and fun throw pillows.
Soraya Montelongo Local gal Soraya has a flair for gemstones, beads and crystals! She labors over her stunning hand-beaded creations to craft wearable magic. A mostly self-taught artisan, Soraya’s jewelry follows intricate designs and color schemes that could only be paired by her intuitive eye. Soraya continues to push her beaded work to the limit with innovative techniques and designs, all the while silencing voices that claim “it can’t be done!” Come see her latest designs and find just the right one for yourself or a friend!
Tatratea
Ready to get your tea on? Tea liqueur that is! Made in Slovakia, Tatratea unites the finest brewed black Assam tea with a number of hand-picked botanical ingredients and fresh fruit in a unique fermentation process. Enjoy as an addition to traditional hot tea or sip chilled neat, on the rocks, or in an endless variety of delicious cocktails if you are in the mood for something festive! Available in six flavors of Coconut, Citrus, Peach, Original, Bohemian and Outlaw and range in proof from 22% to 72%. Rado will be mixing up some knock your socks off libations.
Monique Selwitz New & Exclusively at Chemers Gallery!
Silver & gemstone jewelry with an eye catching harmonious flair are the hallmarks of Monique’s rings, pendants and earrings. This talented artisan takes inspiration from her creative upbringing surrounded by artists, galleries, goldsmiths and musicians. Originally from Switzerland, Monique possess a keen interest in melding both traditional and new metalsmithing techniques. Breathtaking, each piece is uniquely Moniquely!
Mary Hammond
Mary’s delightful handmade fiber designs are the result of dabbling in domestic crafts, sewing clothes, and needlepoint. While working alongside her mother, Mary fabricated her own process by combining knitted fabrics with quilting and collage techniques. Inspired by designs found in nature, Mary sews together various yarns, fibers and silk pieces and then washes them to ensure every creation is soft and wearable. Her elegant creations can be hung on the wall, draped over a table or bureau, or worn as an eye-catching scarf!
Luisa Chocolatiere
Custom chocolate house, Luisa Chocolatiere, features delicious handmade gourmet chocolates of premium grade and absolute freshness. Luisa learned the art of chocolate making from Monsieur Sender, Master Patissier and Chocolatier in Paris. She received additional training in advanced specialty chocolate courses in Nanterre, west of Paris. Luisa crafts a variety of delectable confections with the highest quality ingredients, assuring rich, silky smooth chocolate goodness in every bite. We are so excited to have Luisa participate in our Holiday Artisan Faire and can’t wait for you to meet her and her oh-so-yummy chocolates!
New This Year… Specialty Gourmet & Raffle drawings throughout the day!
Find something special for everyone on your list…maybe even yourself! (We won’t tell!)
Click any of the names below to see samples of each artist and artisan’s work.
Don’t worry, this is just a small sampling of the goodies that will be here on December 6th!
“Man on Flying Carpet”, original children’s book illustration by Raul Colon
Chemers Gallery’s blog has gotten a virtual face-lift! It has moved from its old site on Blogspot to here…OUR WEBSITE for a more streamlined, cohesive web presence. We’re loving our new look and hope you will, too!
Our old blog posts still exist on our previous blog site, so feel free to browse all the way back to 2007 to revisit your favorite articles or learn more about the goings-on around here over the years. Due to our new format, our old links may not work. Just click this link or visit chemersgallery.blogspot.com!
Laguna Palms by Jim Wodark, oil
Mission at Sunset by Steve Kell, oil
Balboa Twilight by April Raber, oil
Beach Day by Paul Kratter, oil
Mission San Juan Capistrano by Toni Danchik, oil
Fishing Boat South of the Cottages by Kevin Davidson, watercolor
Noble by Dori Dewberry, pastel
Tower Sunset, Victoria Beach by Roger Bennett, photography
Newport by Janine Salzman, oil
One on Every Corner by Sharyn Sakimoto, hand-colored photograph
Santa Ana Presbyterian on Sycamore by Paige Oden, oil
Spring Violets by Dorothy Cavanagh, oil
