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Event

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March 2021 | What’s Bloomin’ Downtown?

March 6, 2021 by Cameron Kelly

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1st Street

Susan Kirk, California Quail, 2020, ceramic and metal, 36", $575

Susan Kirk

A Beautiful Life Furnishings

250 E First St

MarkThau_Evening-Paddle-Logo-1

Mark Thau

Art Etc

256 E First St

2nd Street

EllenHedfield_sign

 Ellen Hedfield

Diamond W Western Wear

181 E Second St

CandyMatthews_Pamagranites

Candy Matthews

Magna Carta

113 W Second St

DanielDonnelly_Solitude

Daniel Donnelly

Bootleg

126 W Second St

Nick_StainGlassSunset, Photo,12x20 $86.00

Nick Knezic

LaRocca Vineyards Tasting Room

222 W Second St

3rd Street

KarenDurfee_20191013_143815-3

Karen More-Durfee

Mountain Sports

176 E Third St

VanessaWolfe_emergence

Vanessa Wolfe

Kirk's Jewelry

246 W Third St

Dory Schachner, Voices in the Sky, 2013, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print

Dory Ann Schachner

Sweet Chico Confections

121 W Third St

paulabusch1_blossom

Paula Busch

Tomfoolery

126 W Third St

Broadway

Carolyn McLeod (California), Coulter's Matilija Poppies, 2020,  Photograph on wrap canvas, 12 x 16 inches, $150

Carolyn McLeod

 

Collier Hardware

105 Broadway St

Rachelle Montoya

Rachel Montoya

 

Live Life Juice Company

220 Broadway St

RetaRickmers_starlite

Reta Rickmers

Pita Pit

40 Broadway St

Lisa Freeman-Wood, 	"Everlasting Pea", watercolor on paper, 11x14", NFS.	Everlasting Pea is a non-native vine that grows wild profusely in my area and on my property. They are invasive and almost impossible to remove. Deer eat the vines. The flowers are white to pink.

Lisa Freeman-Wood

3 Seas

334 Broadway St

Richard Whitehead	"Sacramento River", acrylic on canvas, 24"x30", $800.	Freely painted acrylic interpretation of a view of the Sacramento River.

Richard Whitehead

The Rawbar

346 Broadway St

JackiePowers_DSC_0237_small-1

Jackie Powers

Ellis Art & Engineering Supplies

122 Broadway St

GunnerLoveland

Gunnar Loveland

 

For Elyse

228 Broadway St

window urban couture and stewart

Isabella Stewart

Urban Couture

245 Broadway St

window cottonparty greslie

Carla Greslie

Cottonparty

337 Broadway St

MattieHinkley

Mattie Hinkley

Stoble Coffee

418 Broadway St

Cheney LaRue, "Baboon", acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"

Cheney LaRue

 

OM Foods

142 Broadway St

MarkNeedham

Mick Needham

Needham Stained Glass Studio

237 Broadway St

CynthiaSchildhauer_amber+trees+4

Cynthia Schildhauer

Birkenstock

333 Broadway St

IslaKerr

Isla Kerr

Chico Paper Company

345 Broadway St

Carol Prebil Miles, Idaho Tree Swallow, 2019, watercolor, 8” x 7”, $165, Framed

Judy Kane & Carol Preble-Miles

Nantucket Home

603 Broadway St

Main Street

Sten_Buddha-1487x2048

Sten Hoiland

The Bookstore

118 Main St

NadiaK_Wedding-Birdcompressed2-1

Nadia Kosheleff-Browne

Upper Crust Bakery

130 Main St

Karma Boyer

Karma Boyer

Little Red Hen Home

204 Main St

NewmanKuiper_Elizabeth_CamillaWinter

Elizabeth Newman Kuiper

Little Red Hen Vintage

215 Main St

Adele Etcheverry Sheets, "Ladies’ Rendezvous”, oil on linen panel, 8x10”, $175 framed. My intention is to paint these three beautiful cyclamens in a new US trending style, which I admire. Disrupted Realism started on the East coast in Philadelphia. Artists in the San Francisco Bay Area quickly absorbed it. Through the past year, I have experimented with Disrupted Realism. I like the idea of keeping realism but also distorting it to tell an interesting story. Currently, I am developing a collection of works that I intend to post to my OSAT virtual gallery in May 2021.

Adele Sheets

The Rustic Nest

232 Main St

Tennant_Lori_Submerge

Lori Tennant

Danceaway

228 Main St

Nicolai_Larsen_DreamingofHome

Nicolai Larsen

Campus Bicycles

247 Main St

Cassandra Kassel, Buffalo, 2017, Scratchboard, 15x11 inches, $189

Cassandra Kassel

Fleet Feet

241 Main St

TravisKavanagh_Eye

Travis Kavanagh

Melody Records

341 Main St

Esplanade

DanielDonnelly_Fearful-Symmetry

Daniel Donnelly

Northern Star Mills

510 Esplanade

Filed Under: Event, Exhibit Tagged With: featured

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January 2021 | Birds of a Feather

January 5, 2021 by Cameron Kelly

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Virtual Exhibit

Opens: January 24, 2021

Birds of a Feather celebrates birds as a symbol of freedom and community, as well as the artists' power to delight. This was an open-call for artwork of all media by northern California artists.

Additionally, you can support Chico Art Center while viewing more artwork by all of the participating artists by purchasing a $15 web access code to Open Studios Art Tour. Preview the virtual tour for free here, at ChicoOSAT.com.

Watch the Recorded Zoom Reception Here

Virtual Zoom Reception with Artist Talk: January 31, 4:00 PM

Artists, Richard Baldy, Susan Kirk and Stacey Gregory, as well as Mary Muchowski, Executive Director of the Altacal Audubon Society, share their work and information about migrating birds in our region and will respond to the birds featured in this exhibit. Artists in the exhibit ask each other questions and respond to each other's work.

To purchase artwork, please contact Gallery Director, Cameron Kelly at ckelly@chicoartcenter.com

Richard Baldy, Dark-eyed Junco, 2020, photograph, 18"X12" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Dark-eyed Junco, 2020, photograph, 18"X12" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Turkey Vulture, 2020, photograph, 12"X15". Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Turkey Vulture, 2020, photograph, 12"X15". Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Northern Flicker, 2020, Photograph,12"X17.5" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Northern Flicker, 2020, Photograph,12"X17.5" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Red Shouldered Hawk, 2020 Photograph, 12"X16" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, Red Shouldered Hawk, 2020 Photograph, 12"X16" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, CA Quail, 2020, Photograph, 12"X15" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Richard Baldy, CA Quail, 2020, Photograph, 12"X15" Free with $200 donation to Chico Housing Action Team or Friends of Bidwell Park
Christine Connerly, Laughing Eagle, 2020, metal photo print, $85
Christine Connerly, Laughing Eagle, 2020, metal photo print, $85
Christine Connerly, Hummer Nest, 2020, metal photo print, 8"X 10", $85
Christine Connerly, Hummer Nest, 2020, metal photo print, 8"X 10", $85
Cristine Connerly, Fluffball Bushtit, 2020, metal photo print, 8"X 10", $85
Cristine Connerly, Fluffball Bushtit, 2020, metal photo print, 8"X 10", $85
Carol Prebil Miles, Bwick’s Wren, 2015, watercolor, 8” x 8”, $165 framed
Carol Prebil Miles, Bwick’s Wren, 2015, watercolor, 8” x 8”, $165 framed
Carol Prebil Miles, Idaho Tree Swallow, 2019, watercolor, 8” x 7”, $165, Framed
Carol Prebil Miles, Idaho Tree Swallow, 2019, watercolor, 8” x 7”, $165, Framed
Carol Prebil Miles, Epicurean Cuisine, 20” x 17”, giclee print of an original watercolor. 2015, unframed $190
Carol Prebil Miles, Epicurean Cuisine, 20” x 17”, giclee print of an original watercolor. 2015, unframed $190
Nicolai Larsen, Scarlet Macaws, 1982, Watercolor, 22.5" x 28.5", $5000, 16 x 20 inch archival print on rag paper, $150.
Nicolai Larsen, Scarlet Macaws, 1982, Watercolor, 22.5" x 28.5", $5000, 16 x 20 inch archival print on rag paper, $150.
Nicolai Larsen, Blue & Gold Macaws, 1983, Watercolor, 21.5" x 29.5", $5000, 16 x 20 inch archival print on rag paper, $150.
Nicolai Larsen, Blue & Gold Macaws, 1983, Watercolor, 21.5" x 29.5", $5000, 16 x 20 inch archival print on rag paper, $150.
Jamie Albertie, Sandhill Cranes in Flight, 2018, oil, $750
Jamie Albertie, Sandhill Cranes in Flight, 2018, oil, $750
Reta Rickmers, Cedar Waxwings, 2020, acrylic, 30x36", NFS
Reta Rickmers, Cedar Waxwings, 2020, acrylic, 30x36", NFS
Cris Guenter, Scrub Jay, 2020, Colored Pencils, 4 3/4" x 6 1/4", NFS
Cris Guenter, Scrub Jay, 2020, Colored Pencils, 4 3/4" x 6 1/4", NFS
William Kees, Nuttall Woodpecker, 2016, Photo, Variable, Donation
William Kees, Nuttall Woodpecker, 2016, Photo, Variable, Donation
William Kees, Rufous Hummingbird - 2013, Photo, Variable, Contact artist for custom size prints
William Kees, Rufous Hummingbird - 2013, Photo, Variable, Contact artist for custom size prints
Susan Kirk, Feathers, 2020, coil built clay with carved and glazed feathers, 14" tall, $300
Susan Kirk, Feathers, 2020, coil built clay with carved and glazed feathers, 14" tall, $300
Susan Kirk, California Quail, 2020, ceramic and metal, 36", $575
Susan Kirk, California Quail, 2020, ceramic and metal, 36", $575
Cris Guenter, From My Collection, 2021, Digital mixed media, 9" x 9", NFS
Cris Guenter, From My Collection, 2021, Digital mixed media, 9" x 9", NFS
Christine Connerly, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, 2020, collage, 11"X14", $225
Christine Connerly, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, 2020, collage, 11"X14", $225
Vanessa Wolfe, group of paintings
Vanessa Wolfe, group of paintings
Carolyn McLeod, Birdheart, 2021, Acrylic and Pen and Ink on Cradled Gesso Board, 12x12, $150
Carolyn McLeod, Birdheart, 2021, Acrylic and Pen and Ink on Cradled Gesso Board, 12x12, $150
Susan Kirk, Gull, 2020, ceramic and metal, 24", $425/sold
Susan Kirk, Gull, 2020, ceramic and metal, 24", $425/sold
Stacey Gregory, "Kim Kardashian: The Champagne Incident 3", 2018, oil on canvas, gold frame, 14"x12", $1400.
Stacey Gregory, "Kim Kardashian: The Champagne Incident 3", 2018, oil on canvas, gold frame, 14"x12", $1400.
Stacey Gregory, "Ruth Bader Ginsburg", 2018, oil on canvas, black frame 13"x 16", $900.
Stacey Gregory, "Ruth Bader Ginsburg", 2018, oil on canvas, black frame 13"x 16", $900.
Stacey Gregory, "Kris Jenner", 2018, oil on canvas, gold frame 12"x 15", $1200.
Stacey Gregory, "Kris Jenner", 2018, oil on canvas, gold frame 12"x 15", $1200.
Stacey Gregory, "Dame Helen Mirren", 2018, oil on canvas, gray frame, 16"x 13", $1200.
Stacey Gregory, "Dame Helen Mirren", 2018, oil on canvas, gray frame, 16"x 13", $1200.
Stacey Gregory, "Kylie Jenner at the Met Gala", 2018, oil on canvas, gold frame 12"x15", $1400.
Stacey Gregory, "Kylie Jenner at the Met Gala", 2018, oil on canvas, gold frame 12"x15", $1400.
Judy Kane, Berry Worry Bird, 2021, acrylic, 5” x 7”, $350
Judy Kane, Berry Worry Bird, 2021, acrylic, 5” x 7”, $350
Marvey Meuller, Danger Lurks, 2020, Watercolor, 10x10", $250
Marvey Meuller, Danger Lurks, 2020, Watercolor, 10x10", $250
Vanessa Wolfe, Emergence
Vanessa Wolfe, Emergence
Susan Kirk, Vermillion Flycatcher, 2019, ceramic and metal, 28", $375
Susan Kirk, Vermillion Flycatcher, 2019, ceramic and metal, 28", $375
Cris Guenter, Morning Meeting, 2021, Watercolors, 9" x 16", NFS
Cris Guenter, Morning Meeting, 2021, Watercolors, 9" x 16", NFS
Reta Rickmers, Bluebird in the Trumpet Vines, 2020, acrylic, 36x36, $425.
Reta Rickmers, Bluebird in the Trumpet Vines, 2020, acrylic, 36x36, $425.
Dory Schachner, Cormorants, 2016, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Schachner, Cormorants, 2016, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Jackie Powers, "California Condor", 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 11"x 14", $200.
Jackie Powers, "California Condor", 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 11"x 14", $200.
Dory Schachner, Snow Geese, 2015, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Schachner, Snow Geese, 2015, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Susan Kirk, American Kestrel, 2020, ceramic and metal, 36", $450
Susan Kirk, American Kestrel, 2020, ceramic and metal, 36", $450
Bruce Dillman, Bird themed birdhouses, 2020, Sizes: 5”W x 12”H x 4”D (not for sale)
Bruce Dillman, Bird themed birdhouses, 2020, Sizes: 5”W x 12”H x 4”D (not for sale)
Carolyn McLeod, Red Breasted Nuthatch and Laughing Buddha (Budai), 2020, Photograph, 24x16, $200
Carolyn McLeod, Red Breasted Nuthatch and Laughing Buddha (Budai), 2020, Photograph, 24x16, $200
Reta Rickmers, Scissortail Flycatcher, 2020,18x24", acrylic, $250
Reta Rickmers, Scissortail Flycatcher, 2020,18x24", acrylic, $250
Judy Kane, Blue Goose, 2021, monoprint, 5” x 7”, $40
Judy Kane, Blue Goose, 2021, monoprint, 5” x 7”, $40
Judy Kane, Blue Heron, 2021, monoprint, 5” x 7”, $40
Judy Kane, Blue Heron, 2021, monoprint, 5” x 7”, $40
William Kees, Phainopepla, 2018, Photo, Variable, Donation
William Kees, Phainopepla, 2018, Photo, Variable, Donation
William Kees, Red-Shouldered Hawk, 2010, Photo, Variable, contact artist for custom size prints
William Kees, Red-Shouldered Hawk, 2010, Photo, Variable, contact artist for custom size prints
Dory Ann Schachner, Egret, 2012, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Ann Schachner, Egret, 2012, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Schachner, Voices in the Sky, 2013, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Schachner, Voices in the Sky, 2013, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Schachner, Golden Eagle, 2015, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Dory Schachner, Golden Eagle, 2015, digital painting, 11x17, $50/print
Christine Connerly, Singing Junco, 2020, collage, 10" x 12" framed, $175
Christine Connerly, Singing Junco, 2020, collage, 10" x 12" framed, $175
Sally Dimas, Hanging Out, Mixed media, 16x20",
$300
Sally Dimas, Hanging Out, Mixed media, 16x20", $300
Corla Bertrand, Drawing Power, 2020, collage, 11" x 14", $30 print
Corla Bertrand, Drawing Power, 2020, collage, 11" x 14", $30 print
Corla Bertrand, Venus, 2020, collage, 11" x 14", $30 print
Corla Bertrand, Venus, 2020, collage, 11" x 14", $30 print
Christian Davila, "Red Tail Hawk", 3D printed body covered in intricately cut book paper painted to look like a Red Tail Hawk, 6" tall, Sold.
Christian Davila, "Red Tail Hawk", 3D printed body covered in intricately cut book paper painted to look like a Red Tail Hawk, 6" tall, Sold.
Christian Davila, "Great Blue Heron", 3D printed body covered in intricately cut book paper, 12" tall, 6" x 5" wide, $500.
Christian Davila, "Great Blue Heron", 3D printed body covered in intricately cut book paper, 12" tall, 6" x 5" wide, $500.
Christian Davila, "Big Bird", $200.
Christian Davila, "Big Bird", $200.

Filed Under: Event, Exhibit Tagged With: featured

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Purchase Ad Space with OSAT 2020

May 15, 2020 by Cameron Kelly

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS & SUPPORT THE ARTS

OSAT WEBSITE AD BANNER ADVERTISING

Deadline to receive Ad images: ongoing

$50 for 10,000 Impressions* (.5¢ per 1000 impressions)

$100 for 20,000 Impressions*

*Impressions are a metric used to quantify the number of digital views on an Artist Page

Includes a link from banner ad to your Website or FB Page

Banner rotation: Ads on ChicoOSAT.com Website rotate throughout all of the Artist Pages.

FULL PAGE OSAT WEBSITE ADVERTISER PAGE (linked from banner Ad)

$200 to create an advertiser Ad Page (available only when banners are running)

For advertisers who do not have an existing Website

(Page designed by OSAT designers)

Ad Banner Size:

Top and Bottom Banner 72ppi / 468x60 pixels, no animation (OSAT Homepage not available)

Reporting is available upon request

Details:

Banner format: Standard formats accepted are JPEG. Image resolution MUST be 72 pixels per inch and RGB color. Maximum file size for all media is 25K. Ads submitted exceeding maximum file size will be adjusted (for optimum load time). Client-produced ads should be e-mailed to your advertising representative.

We can build your online ad for an additional $20 per design

Deadline for art submission to build your online ad is one week prior to the scheduled insertion onto the OSAT Website. You may create and e-mail us an online ad JPEG, one week prior to the scheduled run.

PARTNERSHIP LOGOS

Placed at the bottom of ChicoOSAT.com for a year

(In exchange for trade sponsorship)

PURCHASE AD SPACE HERE
2020AdSpace_GuideBook+Website-01
2020AdSpace_GuideBook+Website-02

TOUR GUIDE + ChicoOSAT.com ADVERTISING

Deadline to receive Ad images: August 31, 2020

$100 ¼ Page + 500 banner ad impressions on ChicoOSAT.com

$175 ½ Page + 1,000 banner ad impressions on ChicoOSAT.com 

$350 Full Page + 2,000 banner ad impressions on ChicoOSAT.com 

$450 Full Inside Front or Back Page  + 2,000 banner ad impressions on ChicoOSAT.com

$600 Back Cover + 3,000 banner ad impressions on ChicoOSAT.com  

PURCHASE AD SPACE HERE

Filed Under: Event Tagged With: featured

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Great Northern Coffee Closed

February 15, 2020 by Cameron Kelly

Due to financial losses associated with the upkeep, Great Northern Coffee will no longer be in business as of December 31, 2019. Chico Art Center Board of Directors have loved sharing this adventure with the community. A volunteer transitioning committee will be developing new, income-based options for utilizing the train car. For questions or comments please inquire to Lisa Freeman-Wood lmfreemanwood@yahoo.com.

View pictures of the Pullman train car here.

Filed Under: Event Tagged With: featured

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Best of Chico

October 11, 2019 by Cameron Kelly

Untitled

2019

#3 Art Space

#3 Place to Buy Art
(the only non-profit)
Best of Chico 2018

2018

#3 Art Space

#3 Place to Buy Art

BestofChico2017

2017

#1 Art Space

BestofChico2015

2015

#2 Place to See Art

Filed Under: Event

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Dolores Mitchell’s October 2019 Art Talk

October 2, 2019 by Cameron Kelly

CACs 30th Annual "Open Studios Art Tour"

Chico Art Center's "Open Studios Art Tour" activates an ecology system in which artists inspire visitors who give artists insightful feedback.  What's more, the event supports an art organization that serves not only its members but the larger Chico community. 

The passionate involvement of volunteers such as CAC Board member Jana Lawton and Board President Lisa Freeman-Wood attests to the 63 year old organization's continued vitality.   

Why has Jana Lawton worked on the Open Studios Art Tour for more than 20 years and served as its coordinator for 10 years when she might have channeled that time and energy into her ceramic art?

Lawton explains:  "I truly believe in the value of CAC's Open Studios to artists and to Chico and neighboring towns.  It is an event like no other--a 'behind the scenes' look at creative people and their processes with the Tour Guide allowing entry into the little secret places that are artists' gardens and studios."

Jana Lawton, "Dreaming of Delft," hand-made porcelain buttons in a shadow box

Lawton continues: "I make a point of chatting with 'tour goers' who say they always come away inspired.  They like that if they purchase art they'll know how it is made and will have heard the personal stories behind it.  And for artists, feedback from the public is precious 'food.'  An artist feels validated if, after months of solitary work, a visitor is moved by a piece."  

Lisa Freeman-Wood, CAC Board President (she made the necklace she is wearing)

Lisa Freeman-Wood concurs: "Artists spend much of their time working within their private spaces that are not connected to the rest of world. While they need to be reflective as they experiment with materials and ideas, they also need feedback from the public.  Open Studios makes dialogue possible. Visitors might not always walk out of a studio smiling, since art can provoke a rethinking of set ideas, but they often discover new aspects of themselves."

Lisa has personally experienced how CAC fosters social connections.  "In 2013, my husband and I, wanting to be closer to our kids in the Bay area, moved away from our large family and supportive friends in Ventura to relocate In Magalia.  Driven by a need for friendship with people who were also starting new chapters in their lives, I took a refresher course in watercolor at the Chico Art Center.  I soon realized that I had skills in setting goals, running meetings and networking that I could contribute to the organization.  I joined the Board, and have been President since January of this year."

Lisa Freeman-Wood, "Pink Hydrangea," watercolor

Jana Lawton notes that "Demos are a popular part of every Open Studios Art Tour. This year's include welding, acrylic pouring, marquetry, print making, knotting jewelry, photographic experiments, hand-building and wheel throwing in clay. At Butte College's 'Maker Space' visitors can watch demos of 3-D printers, embroidery machines and other high tech equipment, and then go back another day to decorate a t-shirt, for example, at no charge!"

Lisa Freeman-Wood recalls: "When I took the Open Studios Art Tour last year I was fascinated by what I found in usually private spaces, such as bulletin boards covered with cartoons and wise sayings that resonated with me.  And I loved hearing artists' stories of how they had made art as children and returned to it after retirement."   

Here are some of Lisa Freeman-Woods' photographs and impressions from her visits during last year's Open Studios Art Tour.  These artists will be on the 2019 tour.

Lisa Freeman-Wood, photograph of Waif Mullins' studio, 2018

 

Lisa says: "Waif Mullins, in addition to displaying his pastels and oils, left out trays of pastels for visitors to examine.  I noticed that he'd carefully kept even small pieces rather than discarding them. That reminded me of some tubes of watercolors I've kept for many years.  Though they may have dried completely, I'll still cut them open and use them. I share Waif's deep respect for pigments."

Waif Mullins, "In the Pasture," Pastel

 

L. Freeman-Wood photo of color charts in "Chico Art School" 

Blixt's art lessons for children and adults foster skills and quicken imaginations. 

Lisa notes: "I really liked seeing Janet Lombardi Blixt's acrylic color charts inside her Chico Art School.  I treasure my old watercolor charts and I even arrange my clothes by color."

 

 

 

J.L. Blixt's "Chico Art School,"

261 E. 3rd St. 570-3895

janet@chicoartschool.com

 

Lisa Freeman-Wood, Rachelle Montoya's studio, photograph, 2018

Lisa says:  "Rachelle Montoya's studio was of particular interest to me since we both work in watercolor and make jewelry.   Rachelle decorated the floor

herself by covering it with a tissue paper collage which she coated with water-based polyurethane. She says it is quite durable and gives her studio a cheerful feeling.  I thought it was vibrant!"

This poetic landscape by Montoya will be in her studio for this year's tour.

 

 

Nadia Kosheleff-Browne is a first time participant in Open Studios.   I hope readers will welcome her by stopping in to give her feedback on her art.  Here's an interview with Nadia by Kimberly Rachelle Ranalla a Guest Writer for Art Talk.  You'll find Kimberly's bio and one of her paintings in the "DCBA's Art Walk" section of this issue.

Nadia Kosheleff-Browne's World of Imagination

an interview by Kimberly Rachelle Ranalla

When Nadia moved to Chico three years ago, one of her first ventures out of her introverted world was to the Chico Art Center. She found a welcoming environment that helped her come out of her shell as an artist and become an "introvert braving the world."

Nadia Kosheleff-Browne, "The Voyageur," acrylic 

Growing up with an alternative type of lifestyle in the Santa Cruz mountains, Nadia was inspired by early sci-fi movies. Her dad was a big fan of Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family comic strip,  She laughed as she told me how much her own childhood resonated with the comic strip.

Nadia is a self-taught artist in sculpture and painting but had three years of textile design for hand painted fabrics. This knowledge and the wooded mountains of her childhood inspired her as she launched into creating the creatures and worlds that inhabit her creative mind. She is fascinated by plants that can move and her anamorphic designs combine elements of plants and animals.

Nadia Kosheleff-Browne, "The Walker"

During Open Studios, Nadia, using her living room, will display the progression over several years of her otherworldly art.  Visitors will see greeting cards that feature whimsical children's themes and fantasy birds as well as jewelry inspired by her paintings and sculptures.  Her work is full of curious and playful originality and her creatures have so much personality that it seems they could come alive at any moment.

 

 

 

MY OPEN STUDIO

This is the twelfth time I've opened my studio for the CAC event, and I'm hoping for reactions to my "Chico Mythology" paintings that I'll be working on in oils.  Visitors can leaf through my 3-ring notebook filled with hundreds of sketches. 


Several times a month I'll go treasure hunting for "Chico Mythology" motifs.  I pack light, just a small sketchbook and a dozen watercolor pens.  I especially love the small, older houses that give Chico a sense of neighborhoods.  I seldom use the sketches "as is" but combine elements, changing colors, redoing plantings, adding fencing, to suit my evolving visions.  I'm not trying to document but rather to express personal desires I sense in a setting.
Dolores Mitchell, "Chico Mythology Series: Bungalows of All Seasons" in progress

Mitchell, thumbnail watercolor pen sketches done on location inside my car.

I'd love to hear what landmarks from Chico and surrounding communities stay in the minds of visitors to my studio.

Jana Lawton says:  "I think of the Patrons' Preview and Reception as a 'Cast Party' with Open Studios artists present.  Attendees get a first look at an exhibit of a single work by each tour artist and a chance to buy pieces by artists they've been following.  They can chat with artists in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy food and music."

The Patron's Preview is a fund-raiser and CAC truly needs funds. They get no city money, never charge for gallery shows, and yet have all the usual expenses involved in staying open.  Their free exhibits range from juried shows to art-for-all ones like the Puzzle Show.  Gallery Director Cameron Kelly and the CAC Board make a point of reaching out to diverse ages and cultures as in the "Creative Fusion" exhibit for teens, and "Day of the Dead" altars exhibit.  CAC has been giving on-going support to Camp Fire survivors with donated art supplies, a year of free membership, and Sunday use of classrooms for artists who've lost their studios. 

As Jana Lawton reminds us:  "Art enhances life.  It brings us joy, challenges us and tugs at our hearts.  Culture--visual arts, theater, dance, poetry, music--makes our community sing."

To receive "Art Talks", email Dolores Mitchell at dmitchell@csuchico.edu

Filed Under: Event

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450 Orange Street, Suite 6 | Chico, CA 95928 | (530) 895-8726 | Site Map

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