Mission Federal Art Walk Featured Artists and Artie Award Announced for 2018

by Patricia Frischer

We look forward each year to the announcement of the featured artist for the Mission Federal Art Walk. This gala event is held at the Westgate Hotel which is the only hotel I know of in SD which has the  decor and elegance of  European culture.  It makes an interesting juxtaposition to see the traditional sculptures next to the modern art on display. Eight artists were announced and seven of those had work at this events (Harut Hakobyan from Grananda Hills was absent).  Right off the elevator was the work of Gedion Nyanhongo whose stone carving were so eye catching.

During the evening there was a wonderful spoken word presentation by Gill Sotu and the announcement of the Artie Awards...one to Patric Stillman of The Studio Door who organizes the The Business of Art scholarship sponsored by SDVAN. The other went to Arts and Craftsman Supply which also provides a participation event at ArtWalk so everyone can have a hands on experience.  The awards were as always, created by the sculptor Jon Koehler. 

The Mission Federal Art Walk is Sat and Sun, April 28 and 29th in 2018. The Art Walk at Liberty Station is Aug 11 and 12 and the newest Art Walk in Carlsbad will be held in September 22 and 23. 

Westgate decor

Gedion Nyanhongo, Phoenix, AZ

Gedion Nyanhongo, Phoenix, AZ

Gedion Nyanhongo, Phoenix, AZ

John Straub, photography,  La Mesa, CA

Ann Golumbuk from Art on 30th, SD, CA

Carolyn Johnson, Laguna Niguel, CA

Akzhana/Maxim, Oceanside, CA

Dany Paragouteva, Glendale, CA

Tesa Michaels, Adelman Fine Art  SD, CA

Art Reach, the non-profit arm of Art Walk, brings art to thousands of children. They were offering the opportunity to try your hand at silk screening and guest were invited to take home a special carryall with a quote from Matisse .

Gill Sotu spoken word artist...apologies for the photo so I inserted a better one of his face. 

Sandi Cottrell presentes Artie to Patric Stillman, of Studio Door

I went to Studio Door on the same day and wanted to report on their current exhibition. Three figurative artists are featured plus a small show in the annex classroom space. This is a temporary space while half of the gallery is being renovated. 

New Work by Mikaela McLeish who was selected for an artist residency in France.  She attributes her successes this year directly to the encouragement and mentoring she received from the The Business of Art scholarship

Mikaela McLeish

Selection of work by Margaret Alexis Chiaro

Margaret Alexis Chiaro

Margaret Alexis Chiaro

Margaret Alexis Chiaro

David Jester

Cassandras Schramm, who teaches Wine and Painting evenings at the Studio Door

Painting by Patric Stillman

Francis Upritchard at Lux Institute

by Patricia Frischer

Francis Upritchard is showing her sculptures at the Lux Institute in Cardiff by the Sea as part of their artist in residence program.  Upritchard is a resident of London now but was born and educated in New Zealand.  Her work is a off center combination of native and modern re-interpretations of  curious subject matter from prehistoric looking animals and humans to vessels and mini hats.

This show runs until March 23 and Upritchard will be in the gallery from Feb 8 to Feb 24 working on a California inspired work made out of balata which is a rubber -like material from a tree in the Amazon. When you visit the show, don't forget to look up to see the creature made from this material perched high on a back ledge.

You can sent or rent your mother-in-law

Also read: Odd sculptures draw viewers to Lux Art Institute in San Diego County La Jolla Light by Lonnie Burstein Hewitt.

Radiance and The Color of Light

By Patricia Frischer

The Color of Light by Jesse Kornbluth is based on the  true story about a young nun who befriended Henri Matisse and helped inspire the creation of his final and greatest masterpiece, the Chapel of the Rosary at Vence, France. Many of us know of this story and the late work of Matisse, but seeing it brought to life was a delight. The characters were all well cast and the ending was inspirational as only art can be. This is a highly recommended combination of the visual and performing arts.

“I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, really, I'm some kind of a Buddhist. But the essential thing is to put oneself in a frame of mind which is close to that of prayer.” 
― Henri Matisse

The play is  produced by Dori Salois and Sandy Hotchkiss, directed by Robert Salerno and presented by  Vantage Theatre and Talent to aMuse and runs from  Jan 11 to Feb 3rd at​ Tenth Avenue Arts Center Theatre (930 Tenth Ave. SD) $25-$30 619.940.6813 or on their website.

Henri Matisse played by O/P. Hadlock photo by Marti E Kranzberg

Matisse with the nun Monique Burgeois played by Cecily Keppel photo by Marti E Kranzberg

Mother Superior played by Jody Catlin with Matisse photo by Marti E Kranzberg

The exhibition Radiance Art is showing on the 3rd floor of the Theater and open during run of the show.  Its includes work by Pia Stern, Yvette Deas and Kevin Ming Young. Since the play is called the Color of Light, you would expect to see works with masses of color and that is exactly what you see. There are no cut outs or collages, but there is a lightness about the works of Pia Stern. Keven Ming Young has chosen to be inspired by very interesting sections of close ups from biological microscope slides.  And there is a strange gaiety about Yvette Deas compositions...weird and wonderful. 

By the way,artists can call when booking and get $10 off the $30 tickets. More info: Dori Salois 619-940-6813

Pia Stern

Pia Stern

Pia Stern

 Kevin Ming Young

 Kevin Ming Young

 Kevin Ming Young

Yvette Deas

Yvette Deas

Yvette Deas

You might also be interested in reading: 

Aged atheist/artist + inspiring young nun = theatrical delight in 'The Color of Light' report in La Jolla Light by Lonnie Bustein Hewitt

Niki de Saint Phalle: Mythical California and Inspired: A Mosaic Invitational at CCAE

by Patricia Frischer

photo: Ely Ramos

Internationally known artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) lived in San Diego for many years in la Jolla and  created several larger than life works of art that are famous landmarks in our county.  She created works about the  myths and legends of California. The show is a survey of those works with  maquettes including a wonderful one of Queen Califia’s Magic Garden in Escondido. There are many chairs including a throne and sculptures, photographs, furniture, blueprints, and a video.  And the large limited edition prints made from some of her diary entries are riveting, even sexy! This show is well curated by Wendy Wilson-Gibson. 

photo: Ely Ramos

photo: Ely Ramos

Showing in support of this exhibition is Inspired: A Mosaic Invitational with mosaic works by local artists Wick Alexander, Christie Beniston, Doris Bittar, Robin Brailsford, Kim Emerson, Katherine England, Cherrie La Porte, Leslie Perlis, Renée Richetts, Cheryl Tall, and Jean Wells, who often look to Niki de Saint Phalle for inspiration.

photo; Bruce Tall

There are many wonderful works in this supporting show that was managed by
 Leah Goodwin,  Director of Museum and Education, California Center for the Arts Escondido Art Gallery.  I choose just a few of the many wonderful works. I found this show a fabulous addition to the Niki de Saint Phalle show. Artist can not help but be influenced with de Saint Phalle's amazing work and the high standard of work is a reflection of that exposure. 

Cheryl Tall photo; Ely Ramos

Cheryl Tall details photo; Bruce Tall

Cheryl Tall photo; Bruce Tall

Cheryl Tall photo; Bruce Tall

Cheryl Tall photo; Bruce Tall

Cherrie La Porte photo; Cherrie La Porte

Wick Alexander photo; Wick Alexander

Wick Alexander Wick Alexander photo; Wick Alexander

Kim Emerson photo; Ely Ramos

Jean Wells  photo; Ely Ramos

Also on view Eva Strubble: Cover Crop
Student Exhibition from five local Middle and High schools

Docent-led tours are available in English & French upon request. To book a tour contact Arts Education Program Supervisor, Kirsten Barrientes at 760-839-4176 or kbarrientes@artcenter.org. 
340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, CA 92025
Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 9am-12pm, 

Maquette of Niki de Saint Phalle Queen  Califia's Magic Garden at Mythical California exhibition  photo; Ely Ramos

Join in celebration of the fifteen-year anniversary of the construction of Niki de St. Phalles's sculptural Queen Califia’s Magic Garden  and the series’ she developed while living in San Diego.
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Hours:The Garden will be closed on weekday holidays. The Garden will also be open to the public on the Second Saturday of each month, from 9am to 2pm, with docents available to answer questions. Upcoming Second Saturdays January 13 and February 10, weather permitting.

Curator's Talk with Wendy Wilson-Gibson,  Sunday Jan 28 2 pm
Mosaic Lecture featuring the artist from Inspired: A Mosaic Invitational, Sunday March 4 at 3 pm