Juneau Visual Arts

Thursday, April 06, 2006

GA.AZ.AK

Coming to the Ruby Room Friday, April 7th: GA.AZ.AK! An opening reception will be held for Lucy Daigle's digital collages from 4-7pm, behind Heritage Coffee in the Emporium Mall. Come one and all.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

First Friday!

From 4-7pm on March 3rd, the Ruby Room will be hosting its monthly show. The theme for March is Shadows, with works by Mary Anderson, Glen Fairchild, Claire Vitucci, Carol Suring, Jessica Rehfield and more. Stop by for the interactive display by Pat and Aaron...

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Juneau Visual Arts Archive

Here's a list of all the Articles in the Juneau Visual Arts Archive

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Tongass Green

Barbara A Kelly and Michael Francis Kellys’
most recent show “Tongass Green” opened
Friday, January 6th. at the Juneau Arts and
Humanities Council Gallery, 206 North
Franklin St and will be available for viewing
through the end of January. Tongass Green
could be described as a catalogue of the
patterns that, together, weave the forest that
we live in.

When I arrive at the Gallery, Barbara Kelly
is there waiting for Michael. Images stand on the floor, a green stripe around the circumference of the Gallery. After making the usual awkward
introductions we start talking about basic motivations and personal
history. The Kelly’s moved to Alaska in 1975. Michael worked as a
Systems Programmer and Barbara graduated from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks with a degree in Photojournalism. Her bio states” For a number of years my interest in photography centered on working in black and white with a large-format , 4x5, camera. Recently I have begun to work in color and with a digital camera.” When asked the inevitable “Why” questions Barbara, whose work is in the permanent collections of both the Alaska State Museum and the
University of Alaska Museum replies “For me it’s a creative outlet”
she adds “ I’m attracted to making images of the natural world”.

When Michael arrives and I pose the same
question he repliesquotably: “Modern Fine
Art Photography has abandoned aesthetics”.
Wow, I’d noticed that too. Michael continues
and when I press forwhat he wants out of the
process of making an image (as opposed to
finds lacking in Modern Fine Art Photography)
he explains his mostbasic (photo-)motivation:
”I saw this neat thing and thought THIS is SO
COOL!” Tongass Green comes from and
reflects this kind of enthusiasm, the joy of
discovery cast in light.

Speaking from personal experience this “casting of joy(!) into light” made solid is no small feat as it requires immersion in the dark art of Color Management (also known as “The Tongue of
SATAN(!!!)). Strong hearts are made old (VERY OLD) by the quest for faithful reproduction and getting a good print is even harder. Michael gives no ground to adversity at least as it applies to ink jet printing. “I want the Best Color reproduction possible” and to that end the Kellys’ work is printed using DYE!

If you’re into capital “A” Art this is a big deal. In the world of
Ink Jet Printing one must choose either durability (pigments) or
color range (dye), you cannot have both. Some pigment-based inks, when used with compatible papers, can last for more than 80 years without noticeable change (I think that it is worth noting that pigment based ink jet printing has not yet been around for 80 years but various suppliers and manufacturers swear by such numbers SO IT MUST BE TRUE!). In the other corner we see Dye based inkjet prints which, depending on the subject matter, can have a much broader range of colors with more shades or steps between colors than a pigment based inkjet print of the same image. In short they are more true to life and the moment than the same images printed using pigment based colors. When protected from direct sunlight the Kellys’ prints made in this fashion can be expected to last about twenty years without noticeable change. Better still, you can afford
these images.

Although getting a mainstream, capital “A”, Art gallery to carry your work generally demands that it has an astronomical price tag the Kelly’s brochure states that they have decided that their Fine Art Photography will be priced such that “it is accessible to and can be enjoyed by a large number of people.” 10”x 15” unframed prints are available for $125. Other framing and matting options are also available. You can see Tongass Green at the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council Gallery, 206 North Franklin Street Contact the Arts Council staff at 907-586-2787 (that’s 586-ARTS!) for specific viewing hours.

Submitted by Lucier Staub

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Heidi Reifenstein’s "Simple Mindfulness"

H.Reifenstein: Asian Prayer Garden I

Heidi Reifenstein’s most recent installation, on display until December 30th at the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council Gallery, 206 N. Franklin St. accomplishes just what it’s name implies; Carefully thought out presentation of the most vital aspects of a life in creation, a demonstration of how a way of thinking leads to a way of creating. To paraphrase her Artist’s Statement, this show is the result of intentionally limiting distractions from the “Point”. The “point” being an exploration of personal spirituality and the subconscious through traditional forms and objects such as quilted fabrics, triptychs and haloed portraiture.

H.Reifenstein: Reliquary In Progress

The work is intensely personal. The first thing you see when entering the gallery is a larger than life size image of the artist herself, head uplifted, eyes bright and in wonder at the world. Did I mention that she’s naked?

H.Reifenstein: Seeds of Life

Nakedness might be an appropriate demonstration of the basic concept at work here. The peeling away of distraction in order to demonstrate the essential, unobscured by defensive mechanism, a careful study in what to expound upon and what to leave out. The whole show is like that, although the artist’s spirit is more on display here than her body. On one wall three meticulously handcrafted boxes hold representations of some of the basic motivations that have become Heidi Reifenstein’s art. Each box has a door for the viewer to open and an internal world to be explored.

H.Reifenstein: Exposure

Flowers juxtaposed against structure such as branches demonstrate the interplay of pure creation and interaction with the limiting aspects of the artist’s external world. Quilted banners carry a chorus of ideas and principals representing a progression through time and self-discovery. Images are layered with lacquer or bee’s wax adding dimensionality that is both delicately physical and olfactory. The entire installation is a celebration of the artist’s life as a creative force.

H.Reifenstein: 12 Inches Square

Ask the artist “Why?” and she answers: “My work becomes a vehicle to further understand myself. In the end it brings peace of mind. I share it in the possibility that it may do the same for you.”

What more needs to be said?

H.Reifenstein: Simplicity II

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Juneau Galleries and Museums in December

On the first Friday evening of each month Juneau galleries, shops and museums feature local artwork and host receptions and special events for featured artists.
With Christmas coming up, the December First Friday is one of the big visual arts event of the year. See below for who, where and when.

MAP of Juneau Downtown

*AD LIB*
231 S Franklin St.

First Friday Opening Reception: 5 - 9 PM
Also open Sat 3rd 11 AM -5 PM and Sun 4th 12 - 5 PM
Featured Artists: Pua Maunu, Hali Denton & Daniel Buck

Daniel Buck: "Fisherman at Sunset"

Pua Maunu: more than 20 new oil paintings of Southeast Alaksa scenes.
Hali Denton: handcut greeting cards.
Daniel Buck: 25 to 30 photographs of the natural world.

Tom Locher will play piano at the opening night reception.

*ALASKA STATE MUSEUM *
395 Whittier Street

First Friday Opening Reception: 4:30 - 6 PM
Featured Art: Award-winning Photographs

"The Best of Alaska Positive: 35 Years of Award-winning Photographs," a retrospective of the now-biennial statewide photography competition. more...

Free Admission on First Friday.
The show will be on view through January 28, 2006

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is closed holidays. General admission is $3. Visitors 18 and under are admitted free of charge. An annual pass that allows unlimited visits to the Alaska State Museum and the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka is available for $15.

*ANNIE KAILL'S*
244 Front Street

First Friday Opening Reception 4:30 - 9 PM.
Also open on Saturday 3rd.
Featured Artists: Brenda Schwartz, Sandra Greba, Nathalie Parenteau, Rob Roys, Karen Beason

On First Friday the five guest artists will appear in person to meet fans and show their new work.

Nathalie Parenteau

"Over the past two years, Nathalie has become one of our best-selling artists. From the Yukon, she paints stylized renditions of wildlife, landscapes and everyday scenes. For Gallery Walk, Nathalie will debut some new prints including "Halibut Attitude" and "Raven Mandela II"." (Annie Kaill's)

Pictures and more about the guest artists here.

*BARANOF HOTEL*
127 N. Franklin St.

First Friday Opening Reception 4:30 - 8:30 PM.
Featured Artists: University of Alaska Southeast Students

The exhibition will include a colection of acyrlics, oils, drawings, etchings, silkscreen and relief prints, silk fabric paintings, batiks and three-dimensional work in sculpture, clay, jewelry, Northwest Coast basketry, carvings and collage.

*CENTENNIAL HALL*
101 Egan Drive

First Friday Show: 8 PM
Featured Films: The Best of the Northwest Film Festival presented by Lucid Reverie.

*JUNEAU ARTIST GALLERY*
175 South Franklin St., suite 111

Featured Artist: Amanda De Tienne.

Clay Models, Fashion drawings, paintings and portraits of werewolves and vampires.

*KTOO-FM & TV*
360 Egan Drive

Opening Reception on Thursday, Dec 1st, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
The exhibit will also be open during Gallery Walk from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Featured Art: Works of the Zimbabwe Artists Project

To honor World AIDS Day on December 1st, and throughout the month of December, the works of the Zimbabwe Artists Project will be on display at KTOO. Proceeds from art sales go directly to the artists. For more information, please call KTOO at 586-1670.

Show runs: December 1 - December 31, 8:00 am - 5:pm weekdays

*JUNEAU ARTS AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL GALLERY*
206 N. Franklin St

First Friday Opening Reception 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Featured Artist: Heidi Reifenstein

Mixed Media, a collection of new paintings, embroidery and requilaries in "Simple Mindfulness".

Show runs December 2 - December 30

*JUNEAU-DOUGLAS CITY MUSEUM*
114 W. Fourth St.

First Friday Opening: 4 - 8 PM
Also open Sat 3rd 12 - 4 PM
Featured Artist: Ria Swanson

The Annual Native Arts and Crafts Fair. Includes Silver, Ivory Soapstone, wood carvings, regalia, beadwork, woven baskets, halibut hooks etc.

*LITTLE CITY GALLERY*
171 Shattuck Way (upstairs Emporium Mall)

Featuring Artists: Russ Haight, Lauren Yocum, Dorinda Skains, Rebecca Canaday, Devika Stipek Writer, Monika O'Keefe, Liz Stahl, Rob Korpela

*SOUTHEAST ARTWORKS*
Nugget Mall

First Friday Opening: 5 - 9 PM
Also open Sat 3rd 10 AM - 4 PM & Sun 4th 12 AM - 4 PM
Featured Artists: Arnie Weimer, John Hyde, Herb Bonnet, Buddy Ferguson

*THE RUBY ROOM*
171 Shattuck Way (in the Emporium Mall next to Heritage)

First Friday Opening Reception: 4 - 8 PM
Featured Artist: Jay Crondahl

Jay Crondahl

"Juneau resident Jay Crondahl, who just turned 70 this year, will present his very first one-man show at the Ruby Room." (momo)

Exhibit is open through December. more...

*HANGAR BALLROOM*
(Merchants Wharf)

First Friday Opening Reception: 4-10 PM
Featured Art: Whipple Art

**********************************************************

*THE SILVERBOW BACKROOM*

First Friday concert hours: 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Featured Band: Fleet Street

If you get tired or hungry or thirsty or all of these during your walk through the Juneau Galleries, why not sit down with a cup of coffee and a bagel or perhaps a glass of wine and a delicious cake at The Silverbow and enjoy Juneau's own jazz vocalist Vicky Van Fleet and Fleet Street. They are playing the First Friday Fleet Street Gig from 5:30 - 8:30. Admission is free. Click Here for Photo Gallery and Videos of Fleet Street

More Galleries and Exhibits

Sunday, November 27, 2005

The Paintings of Jay Crondahl at the Ruby Room

Probably everyone who's anyone will be strolling downtown for Friday's Gallery Walk. It's the big one, with the holiday season under way and the feel of festivity in the air. One more cause to celebrate: Juneau resident Jay Crondahl, who just turned 70 this year, will present his very first one-man show at the Ruby Room. There will be over 20 small watercolors, around a dozen larger acrylics on canvas, four or five wood cutout pieces, and prints of the exhibit poster too. Jay and Judy hope to see you there, Friday December 2, 2005, 4-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10-4, at the Ruby Room, in the Emporium Mall. It promises to be a great show.