'Animal Instincts' Show + Guest Critters = Success Worth Repeating!

Over the years Topanga Canyon Gallery has played host to critters of all kinds, in paintings, photos, sculptures and other art forms. Who can forget the menagerie Debbi Green has created on canvas over the years? (Remember her huge painting of a rooster titled "A Really Big Cock"?) There have been Robyn Feeley's whimsical critters, cheetahs of Carol Hernandez and Felice Willat photos that included animals from faraway climes.

But things were different Friday, August 14, when a number of exotic guests showed up at the opening reception for "Animal Instincts," the gallery's 2009 summer theme show. .

Taht night we had real live critters strutting, stalking, sniffing and slithering around the gallery. They ranged from Snowman the barn owl and Jake the gopher snake to a Kestrel appropriately named Fidel! And no, he wasn't originally from Cuba.

All are current residents at the Nature of Wildworks Animal Sanctuary and Education Center, which provides lifetime care for non-releasable wildlife. And they won the hearts of everyone present.

Fortunately, however, the animals did not hog the attention (pun intended) of everyone all the time. Human guests also focused on the art and purchased a number of pieces, which was fortunate because this was a fundraiser for the Wildworks organization.

Overall, the event was so successful it will be repeated by popular demand in a closing reception on Saturday, August 29 from 5 to 7 pm at the gallery.

"We thoroughly enjoyed sharing our live Wildworks critters with all who attended the opening of Topanga Canyon Gallery's "Animal Instinct" exhibit and will be happy to return for the closing reception," reports Mollie Hogan, founder and president of Wildworks.

"I want to thank Robyn Feeley for her fundraising idea and all the hard work that she and the gallery artists put into this successful event with its fabulous turnout. I am also very impressed with the quality and variety of animal art pieces, especially Zoe Chressanthis' paper mosaic of Phoenix the mountain lion, our "founding animal," which she created and so generously donated for the fund-raising auction. What a special gift from a truly talented artist."

Other works for the auction were donated by Robyn Feeley, TCG president, Fae Horowitz, Debbi Green, Susan Haskell, Robin Becker and Felice Willat. This raised a significant amount that will go directly toward the care and feeding of the 50 current animal residents.

Animals other than those named above who strutted or slithered their stuff at the opening reception and may do a return engagement on August 24 were: Tara, the red-tailed hawk; Arthur the opossum; Harley and Chopper, ferrets, Boxer, an African serval; Stormy, a Western Gray squirrel; and Hopi, an Australian Shepherd.

Wildworks also brings the wonders of nature into California classrooms and other venues through its Educational Outreach Programs. For example, a "Wild in California" program introduces audiences to some of the amazing birds and animals that are native to the golden state. It focuses on the lifestyles and habits of our local critters and the contributions that wild animals can make to the environment.

Other programs explore how animals survive in the wild, the foods they require, how they protect themselves from predators and more. There is even a program that teaches the ins and outs of animal training, both wild and domestic. It covers some techniques anyone can apply to their pets at home.

"Our gallery is pleased to partner with Wildworks in this fundraising effort for a very worthy--and local--organization. We were elated with the success of our opening reception and hope to repeat it at the encore reception on the 24th," says TCG President Feeley.

You need to visit the Nature of Wildworks website to appreciate the depth and breadth of the organization's activities: www.natureofwildworks.org. The site contains a wealth of information about its very worthwhile activities, programs and the animals that live there..

It makes you really appreciate the work Mollie Hogan and her staff are doing, and proud that it's happening in our own backyard.

Annual Studio Tour Is Bigger, Sports 'New Look' This Year!

Topanga Canyon Gallery artists didn't plan it exactly, but the theme for their 8th annual Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14 definitely could be "New Faces, New Places, New Art." It will be the biggest Tour in TCG history, solidifying its status as the Canyon's premier visual arts event of the year.

Among the 19 member artists and 35 guest artists participating--nearly double the total of just a few years ago--many will be Tour first-timers And a number of the more than 27 studio sites will be part of the Tour for the first time.

Moreover, several Tour veterans will be showing work that is different, in genre, technique or media, from what they have done in the past. A few examples: Linda Bolhuis, some pastels and a new series of paintings on silk inspired by trips to Baja; Rebecca Andrews, miniature whimsical fused glass figurines; Susan Haskell, glass art objects formed by manipulating glass rods over a torch flame.

And every artist involved has worked hard in recent months to produce new art specifically for the Studio Tour. They have also toiled industriously to spruce up their studios and surroundings, providing a fresh look for visitors.

"We're all aware that this is a unique opportunity for the public to share the intimacy of our artists' spaces, to get new insight into where and how, even why, our art is created," says Robyn Feeley, TCG president.

"And we all learn from sharing with our visitors," chimed in Rebecca Catterall, TCG veteran who will be helping in the gallery this year. "A lot of give-and-take goes on that gives our artists a fresh, outsiders' view of their work."

Something else new this year will be live music at the gallery during the Saturday evening reception, provided by keyboardist Court Converse, well-know local musician. Several Tour sites also plan to have live music. Musician Devitt Feeley will be back by popular demand, joining Sophie Pegrum and Robyn Feeley at their 2009 Studio Tour location, Abuelitas Mexican Restaurant.

Studio Tourists will find surprises around every corner: unexpected treats--for the eyes and palates--at various venues. And "getting there" really is at least half the fun. Sights range from grand mountain vistas to cozy studios set in the Canyon's nooks and crannies.

A major benefit of Topanga’s own Studio Tour over city tours of commercial galleries is the pricing. Because the gallery is a co-op group of artists who pay dues and operate it themselves, commission fees are 30 to 50 percent lower than those of typical commercial galleries. “It’s all volunteer labor; every member has a job,” reports Debbie Green, TCG past-president. “Our overhead is low, so we can offer high-quality art at very reasonable prices.”

"Our sponsors have been critical to the Tour's success over the years," reminds veteran TCG member and ceramist Rebecca Catterall. "Steve and Leslie Carlson of Homegrown helped from the start and are current Art Angel sponsors." Art Supporter sponsors include Café Mimosa, Sienna Skin Care, Pritchett Rapf - Chryssa Lightheart, Topanga Theatricum. Art Patron sponsors are: Grolsch Beer, Topanga Lumber, Topanga Properties – Eric Nelson
Self-guided tours begin at Topanga Canyon Gallery, Pine Tree Circle, 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, #9, where attendees pick up the comprehensive, detailed (distances given to 1/10th of a mile) Tour Guide. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 13, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 14. Reception and Silent Auction will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Studio Tour tickets, covering both Saturday and Sunday, are now on sale at the gallery and from TCG members. Pre-sale tickets are $15; price at the door on Tour days are $20.


TIPS FOR TOUR NEWBIES

Fill your tank before setting out. There are no gas stations in the Canyon.

Wear comfortable shoes. Some walking is involved, and Topanga isn't big on sidewalks.

Bring a camera! You will be sorry if you don't, as you travel through some of SoCal's most scenic areas.

Have a water bottle in your car. Many studio sites offer drinks and other treats, but it can get thirsty out there.

Call to Digital Artists, Photographers

Hello All,

The following is our first call for entries in the Digital Diversity Open Juried show to be held at the gallery this summer. Yolanda & I are the only digital artist members of the gallery, but many others use digital cameras regularly - and may have photos of a quality suitable for a show such as this one. You may also have friends who might be interested in entering; please pass the information on to them.

Landing Rex Bruce as juror continues our record of having highly qualified judges who are well-known in their fields. Rex has been a pioneer and true mover & shaker in the digital art world. Click here to visit his Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, which regularly draws hundreds of entries from all over the world for its exhibits. It is not just an L.A. center for digital art, but has become one of the more important national, even international venues for such work since Rex founded it five years ago.

Here is the generic call to artists; I will also prepare targeted examples for such groups as computer & camera clubs and artist organizations, plus exclusive feature articles for many of the publications on our mailing list. Barbara Kolo also has agreed to help me get the word out to online sites to whom she sent Calls to Artists for our January Open Juried show. Thanks, Barbara.

I must also pay tribute to Yolanda Klappert, show co-curator, who has been doing her usual outstanding behind-the-scenes work on this event. Having a digital show at TCG has been a joint dream of ours for well over a year. Yolanda never seeks credit for all the contributions she makes to the gallery and working of the Digital Diversity exhibit is no exception - but she is more than a full partner in the effort. - Ken Fermoyle

Topanga Canyon Gallery Issues

Call to Digital Artists, Photographers

Topanga Canyon Gallery announces Digital Diversity, a juried open exhibit exclusively for digital art and photography. It will be held June 22 to July 15. Juror will be Rex Bruce, artistic director and curator of the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art (LACDA). Cash ($300, $200, $100) and merchandise prizes will be awarded.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Bruce as our judge," notes Ken Fermoyle, Digital Diversity co-curator. "Since opening LACDA five years ago he has played an important role in the rapidly growing field of digital art. He is known internationally for his advocacy and leadership in the digital arts world, having curated or participated in over 60 exhibits, panels, screening and other digital events."

An innovative feature of the exhibit is that every entry will be displayed, reports Yolanda Klappert, co-curator. "We will hang all work selected by Rex Bruce on gallery walls, but all other entries will be displayed digitally as slide shows throughout the run of the exhibit.

"We feel this not only will give our artists great exposure, but will also demonstrate to gallery visitors the full measure of diversity that is a hallmark of the digital arts world today."

All digital artists and photographers are eligible to enter. Deadline is May 15, 2009 and fees are $25 for two entries, $35 for three entries, $40 for four entries.

Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at #109. 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in the Santa Monica Mountain community of Topanga, CA 90290. It draws patrons, collectors and art aficionados from nearby Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, the Westside, the west San Fernando Valley (Encino to Woodland Hills and Calabasas). plus the Conejo Valley.

Click here for prospectus and entry form. For additional information, contact Ken Fermoyle at mailto:digital.kenf@gmail.com

Local Gallery Artist with International Credentials

As a writer for many decades, I am always pleased to happen on an apt word or phrase. As a late-blooming artist, I appreciate work that is innovative, beautifully done and draws one in to its very core. I found this combination our own Barbara Kolo, a very active Topanga Canyon Gallery artist of considerable talent and\ impressive credentials – as will be apparent when her solo show opens March 9 at the gallery.

The term she uses to describe her paintings, Neo-Pontillism, is spot on (though after eight years of neo-cons in Washington, I thought I’d never want to see the “neo” prefix again). Since pontillism was also called "post impressionism," she could call her work "post-post-impressionism," but that does not trip lightly from the tongue. Barbara’s paintings are a 21^st century version of the genre Georges Seurat pioneered in the 1800s. But she updated more than the name of the style; she also gave the technique she uses a 21^st century twist.

She replaces the brushes and oils that Seurat, Paul Signac, Henri-Edmond Cross and other early pontillists used with squeeze bottles filled with modern acrylic paints. “The squeeze bottles enable me to make long drips of paint that set up the structure of each painting as well as the pointillist "dots,” Barbara explains. So, new name, new technique, new tools, new medium; definitely 21^st century!

Barbara refuses to call what she does revolutionary. “I feel that I've taken different elements from different eras in art and mixed them together. The result is different, but not revolutionary,” she says.

Ok, point taken, but her work and how she creates it has certainly evolved from the early pontillists. Her paintings are much more abstract than, say, Seurat’s "Bathing at Asnières" or Signac’s “Port St. Tropez.” Contrast them with Barbara/s “Myth” or “Mirage,” one of two Kolo pieces currently on display at a show in LAX Terminal 1, "In the Abstract", sponsored by the Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. She was also selected for the 2007 annual TCG Juried Open exhibit by Laddie John Dill, show judge and internationally known sculptor/artist.

 

And these are just the latest in a long list of Barbara’s impressive solo and group credits, which include exhibits in Paris, New York and all over Southern California. Here are just a few samples:  2008 Brand Library Art Galleries, "Circle in the Square" Glendale, CA; 2007 Kanvas, “Paintings of Color and Light”-NYC; 2003 Off Rose Gallery, “ColorRhythms”-Venice, CA; 2002 Pluralism, “Dessins & Peintures”-Paris, France; 2001 WICE, “Before and Paris”-Paris, France; 1999; Knickerbocker Gallery, “Flora: Inspiration, Subject, Metaphor”-NYC 1999 Brand Library Art Galleries, “The Black & White Series”-Glendale, CA; 1996 Antioch University Los Angeles, “Recent Work”, Marina Del Rey, CA; 1993 School of Visual Arts, “Pastel Paintings”, NYC. 

Having developed an appreciation for art from an early age, her interest in drawing and painting led her to attend the High School of Art and Design, followed by The School of Visual Arts, receiving her BFA in 1981.

During the 1980's she built a career as an award-winning art director in creative advertising for films and television. It was this career that bought her to Los Angeles in 1989. As an independent freelance art director, she worked with major film and design studios specializing in film advertising. In 1991, she became Director of Print Advertising at Universal Studios. 

Barbara's early interest in drawing and painting never diminished throughout this period. During the early '90's, she began to develop her own personal artistic voice, and also joined Los Angeles based artists organizations such as SITE (Seeking It Through Exhibition) to become more involved in the art community.

Her drawings were soon being included in local group shows and national juried shows. In 1992 the School of Visual Arts, in a very special gesture, gave her a solo show, a rare occurrence for an alumna of eleven years. Over the next few years, Barbara's drawings were accepted in more group shows and commissions and sales followed.

Slowly, this second career as a fine artist became her main focus. She welcomed a chance to work, exhibit, and live in Paris, France for two years in 2001.

Barbara's work was included in an exhibit at the American Chamber of Commerce, "La Genie de la Bastille" (a Parisian event similar to the Venice Art Walk) both in Paris. Outside of Paris, her work was also included in an exhibit with Voeux D'Artists at the Palais des Arts in Marseilles and a group exhibit in Descartes, France. When asked about the future of her career as an artist Barbara said, "I want to focus on developing my artwork to a higher level artistically, expanding it conceptually and reaching a wider audience."

You can see samples online here on the TCG website and on her own site.

Sketchpad, July-August – Part 2

Sketchpad regularly reports on exhibits in our own Topanga Canyon Gallery, but our artists frequently display their work in other venues as well. We have several to report this time.

Hadiya Finley Hits Jackpot! – Hadiya is not only our gallery’s Shows/Calendar scheduler, but she also is good at scheduling her work into other venues. She currently has examples of her art in exhibits now open or coming soon in three locations. The first is Howell-Green, conveniently located next door to Topanga Canyon Gallery. Hours are Noon-5, Tuesday-Saturday.

She also has work in two prestigious juried shows: Palos Verdes Art Center Galleries 2008 All Media Juried Exhibition and L.A. Municipal Art Gallery Juried Exhibition. The former opened July 25, runs through September 8. The L.A. show is at Barnsdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (near Vermont), open Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 pm (9 pm on first Fridays of each month. The exhibit opens July 31, ends September 7; reception is Sunday, August 3, 2-5 pm.

Barbara Kolo Invades Glendale – Well perhaps “invade” is too strong a word, but Barbara Kolo returns to the Brand Library Art Center as part of a 5-person “Circle in the Square” exhibit. She had a successful show in 1998 at this venue, which is located at 1601 West Mountain St., Glendale, California 91201-1200, tel: 818-548-2051. The exhibit runs from August 2 to September 5, 2008. Opening Reception: Saturday, August 2, 5-8 p.m. The other artists included in the show are Yesung Kim, Susan Sironi, Luke Van Hook and Cheryl Walker.

The “unifying motif for these diverse Southern California artists is the circle, or to be precise, the circle in the square,” report the organizers. “Kolo paints huge canvases that depict the forms and shapes of the natural world using the tiniest of colorful, round stipples of acrylic paint,” as those of us have noted in Barbara’s exhibits at Topanga Canyon Gallery

Sophie Pegrum Film Displayed – A 30-minute version of Sophie’s Antarctica was part of the Los Angeles Art Association and The Japanese American National Museum presentation: Lita Albuquerque’s Stellar Axis Project.  An expansion of LAAA’s ongoing ArtSpeak programming, this special evening featured presentation of Albuquerque’s powerful site-specific art installation Stellar Axis: Antarctica. Lita Albuquerque, you may recall, was the juror for our TCG January 2008 Juried Show. 

Another Mexico Show for Your Editor – The show that featured my work and that of Gabriel Rodriguez de Alba in the Guadalajara area last November, “Dos Maestros del Arte Contemporaneo,” was so successful that it appears we will have a new and larger one again this fall – and it will include photos and paintings from my wife Liz, as well.

The venue this time will be the National Museum of Tequila, Jalisco, MX. Founded in 2000, the relatively new museum is part of a growing emphasis on the city’s cultural and historical features. The Mexican government has declared the town one of the country's 'magic villages' or pueblos magicos, indicating the place has significant historical and architectural value. In July 2006, UNESCO announced that the agave region of western Mexico along with the historic tequila producing factories have become the first Mexican site selected for their World Heritage List in the Cultural Landscape category.

Death of Fellow Artist Inspires Special Efforts For Memorial Exhibit at Topanga Canyon Gallery

We Topanga Canyon Gallery artist like to think that all our exhibits are special, that they present fresh, quality art for the community and our patrons to enjoy.  Occasionally, however, a very special show inspires us to dig deeper, to go above and beyond the norm in our creative efforts. The effect is like the way “Win one for the Gipper!” inspired Notre Dame football teams to great heights many decades ago. Our upcoming exhibit, dedicated to the memory of Mimma Salinas is just such an occasion. Here’s why…

Some people, when they’re gone, remain frozen in time in the memories of those who knew and loved them. The images may differ, but they are like snapshots of the one who has passed on in a familiar pose or situation.

Not so for Mimma Salinas! Our memories of Mimma resemble video clips, not still photos. “Mobility or motion were Mimma trademarks,” says Robyn Feeley, organizer of a special gallery exhibit to honor Mimma’s memory. “That was true in her life and in much of the art she created.”

Mimma’s work often portrayed female forms posed as graceful dancers. The inherent fluidity of these sculptures was accentuated because she built motion into the figures; they could actually pirouette on axles incorporated into the pieces.

“Her work seemed to exist between the real world in which she lived and the surreal world in which she created,” her niece Ariella Fiore explains. “Her artistic goal was that observers of her work would move between these two realms and imagine a world where this division is blurred.

Mimma found and created art all around her.  Her mind was always working on new projects, ways to incorporate her visions into reality.  Her sudden and brief battle with pancreatic cancer took everyone by surprise.  How someone so vibrant, full of life, and full of creation, could leave so very quickly is still shocking to those of us who knew and loved her. Mimma loved creating and sharing her art, and in recent years had found a wonderful partner in the Topanga Canyon Gallery." 

 Born in Nicaragua, she studied art, primarily sculpture, in her home country, England and Belgium, eventually earning a BFA from Pratt Institute in New York. Her work is displayed in our local gallery and worldwide in places such as Amsterdam, Nicaragua, the World Sculpture Park in Changchun, China, and in galleries all over the United States. But the Topanga gallery was her artistic home base in recent years. “She enjoyed her time there and loved the camaraderie with the artists and patrons,” Ariella notes.

“It is only fitting therefore that the gallery will mount an exhibit to honor a friend and fellow artist who left us far too early, just 48 days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” said Debbi Green, TCG president, in announcing the , Immortal Soul: A Tribute to Mimma Salinas. It will run from July 28 to August 22. TCG members have invited guest artists who knew or worked with Mimma to participate. Artist entry fees will be donated to a fund the Salinas family created to support pancreatic cancer research.

 “The emphasis will be on work inspired by Mimma’s life and work,” explains Ms Feeley. One artist, who admired her pieces that suggested dancing, will enter two original prints that portray abstract female dancers. At least one has created work that has a windows motif, motivated by the giant 17.7-foot ‘Windows’ sculpture Mimma fashioned in China. Others promise work in varied media that reflect her vibrant, upbeat nature. 

“We invite the public to attend the reception for this very special exhibit from 5 to 8 pm on Saturday, August 9. The event will give guests an opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.” 

(Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 N. Topanga, #9 in the Pine Tree Circle shopping center, Topanga, CA 90290. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday-Friday, 11 am to 5 pm Sunday. For more information, call 310-455-7909, visit www.topangacanyongallery.com or send e-mail to info@topangacanyongallery.com.)

 Mimma’s family is joining with the Hirschberg Foundation to help raise money to fight this most deadly strain of cancer.   Money raised goes to benefit research grants, fund ongoing research, and help families stricken with this dreadful disease, with financial aid should they need it.  Mimma's legacy will not be of her death, it will be of her art and how her art will bring change to the world. 

For more information on the Hirschberg foundation, please visit www.pancreatic.org. For more information on Mimma Salinas, please visit www.mimmasalinas.com or www.salinasgallery.com

To make a donation to honor Mimma, please go to www.pancreatic.org/memorial/mimmasalinas

Sketchpad Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 2 / July, 2008

Photography Invitational Opening – Gallery member John Smith has invited seven excellent photographers to join him in this exhibit, titled “The Emerging Landscape.” They are Neil France, Corina Gama. Craig Havens, Ann Mitchell, Tom Paiva, Peter Smith and Vinny Walsh.   Their combined work presents varied views of the urban landscape. Visit our website for more information on these artists.  The show runs from July 1-27 and the gallery will host an opening reception on July 12 from 4 -8 pm.

Mimma Salinas Memorial -  “My work is a collection of intangible dreams and fantasies made into a hard and durable material – bronze.  I make my dreams become reality and attempt to represent the past, present and future of my most primitive instincts.  By doing so I bring to the rest of the world what I feel to be the very essence of my mortal soul.”  So reads the artist statement of sculptress Mimma Salinas, our gallery sister who lost her battle against pancreatic cancer this March.  Please join us on Saturday August 9 for the opening reception of “Immortal Soul: A Tribute to Mimma Salinas.”  This show, which will raise money for The Mimma Salinas Foundation, will feature gallery artists as well as artists outside the gallery that knew and loved Mimma, and will celebrate her life and spirit.  The show opens on Wednesday July 30 and runs through Sunday August 24.

Gallery to Have New President - Robyn Feeley has agreed to take over the gallery from current president Debbi Green on October 1. “Robyn is one of our hardest working members,” said Ms Green in announcing the change, “She not only has fresh ideas for our group, but wonderful capabilities to do the job with integrity and class.”

Susan Lomino in Art Directors Show - We are proud of our Susan Lomino, who has had four of her paintings accepted in the upcoming Art Directors Guild show. The exhibit is being held in conjunction with Ghettogloss Gallery, and consists of small works by Guild members. “I was able to get 4 pieces into the show, when they asked for only three submissions,” Susan reports. The exhibit runs through July 18 at the Ghettogloss Gallery, 2380 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles. Phone 323-912-0003 or visit www.ghettogloss.com for details.

Gallery Plans Digital Photography Seminar -“Digital Photography for Non-Nerds” will be the title of a seminar to be sponsored later this summer by Topanga Canyon Gallery. The seminar will be open to gallery members and non-members.  “As the name suggests, it will be aimed at novices, not experienced photographers, and will cover tips on camera selection and use, necessary accessories, editing and organizing photos and digital terminology, with a free glossary hand-out for each attendee” notes instructor Ken Fermoyle, veteran photographer and Sketchpad editor.  Date, location, cost and other details will be announced as plans are finalized.

Do we have your e-mail address? If not, please visit our website and click on the sign up link. Keep informed of all of the upcoming gallery news and activities and save a tree!