Three Extraordinary Women & Their Extraordinary Art

For a variety of reasons ranging from dedication, generosity of spirit, and pure talent, these are three of my favorite Portland regional visual artists.

All of whom focus on the portrait:

Celeste Bergin ... her moody neo-fauvist portraits of 'women of questionable reputation' grab me right in the gut, and heart. Celeste is also known for her tireless work with Portland Plein Air & Studio painters. What would they do without her, I ask you? I had the pleasure of meeting Celeste through this groups' exhibit at the Kingstad Gallery. (That's another subject altogether.) Somewhat scandelously, but absolutely deserved, she was awarded Best of Show for Thoughts Of Malcolm.
http://www.celestebergin.com/
http://celestebergin.blogspot.com/


Gwenn Seemel ... I had the privelege of showing her work as a guest artist when I curated Art & Labor & The Labor of Art at Olympic Mills Gallery in 2009. Gwenn was also recently featured on Oregon Art Beat. Her work is playful, generous, and bursting with color.
http://www.gwennseemel.com/

Becca Bernstein ... Becca's portraits are, if I may, masterpieces. Tender and moving, larger than lifesize biographies of her subjects.
http://www.beccabernstein.net/

Becca and Gwenn have a collaborative exhibit, Subjective, traveling around the region that will be opening in Corvallis 3/5.
The Arts Center
700 SW Madison
Corvallis, OR 97333
541.754.1551

6 through 31 March
Tuesday through Saturday 12:00 to 5:00 PM

Reception and book launch: Friday 5 March 5:30 PM
Artist talk: Thursday 11 March 12:00 PM

My favorite arts organization these days is Print Arts Northwest|PAN.

PAN is one of the longest-running professional artists' associations in the region and is holding a current call for artist members, both regional and national.

One aspect of this organization that is most impressive, besides the stellar talent of its membership, is PAN's dedication to supporting arts education in our schools.

PAN's Art In The Classroom program partners with regional schools teaching printmaking fundamentals in the classroom, as well as providing ongoing workshops for art instructors.

Here's a brief introduction to PAN with information on how to apply for membership:


Print Arts Northwest Call For Artist Members

PAN is seeking professional printmakers to join its distinguished roster of member artists. We are looking for printmakers with proven technical skill and interest in being a member of a professional printmakers’ organization, and with a commitment to the ongoing success of PAN’s programming.

How To Apply

Application information, forms, submission standards, and complete guidelines available at http://www.printartsnw.org/

Work is juried primarily on printmaking skill and artistic merit by 5 member artists. Elements of collage, monotype, and structure are acceptable.

No jury fee; $150 annual membership fee, which can be paid in two installments.

Information: pan@printartsnw.org | 503.525.9259 | www.printartsnw.org

It's A Start

I hear Etta James singing 'At Last' as I begin my first-ever official blog.

I will be posting art news and links to my favorite sites and people. No doubt I will throw a few pithy comments about life in general into the mix.

It's a start ...