Marianne Lettieri & Barbara Mortkowitz in show together

Marianne Lettieri & Barbara Mortkowitz will exhibit their work in Bibliophoria at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts.

The show runs June 18 - July 26, 2009. Juried by Donna Seager, owner of the Donna Seager Gallery, the show features all kinds of artist books created in both traditional and non-traditional forms.

Gallery Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 10am - 5pm
Sat. & Sun. 1 - 4pm

6780 Depot Street
Sebastopol, CA
For more information visit www.sebarts.org.

Barbara Mortkowitz to exhibit work in Polyglot show

Polyglot: A book that contains the same text in more than one language.

Gualala Arts will present an exhibit titled "Polyglot: Expressive Media in Book Arts" from the opening June 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. through July 5 in the Jacob Foyer. This invitation-only exhibition of more than 50 books will feature contemporary works by artists using multiple media such as glass, fabrics, metals, wood and clay.

Artists' books are works of art realized in the form of a book. The book arts have a long history - from the first cave drawings, scrolls, illuminated manuscripts and letterpress printing, to more recent forms of visual expression and communication made possible by digital technology. Drawing on past traditions, but free to envision the future, the contemporary book artist uses a wide range of materials and techniques to express their concerns as artists and inhabitants of the 21st century.

Reception Saturday, June 13, 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Gualala Road, Gualala, CA. Open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m. (707) 884-1138

Marianne Lettieri art works in A Passion For Trees

Marianne Lettieri has two art works in "A Passion for Trees: Women Coast to Coast" at the Galeria Tonantzin in San Juan Bautista from June 5 through July 26.

This annual juried show includes art by women from across the U.S. The juror this year was Deborah Silguero, Curator National Steinbeck Center.

There are two receptions: Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, July 11 - from 5pm - 7pm.

(You may click on the image to make it larger).

Kalani Engles paintings at AAF

Kalani Engles had two paintings from her Perfume River series exhibited at the Affordable Art Fair New York City May 7-10, 2009. AAF NYC is a place for new and established collectors to discover and buy paintings, drawings, sculptures, video, photography and limited edition prints from distinguished galleries, all priced from $100 - $10,000.

This year the Fair hosted more than 60 galleries from the US, Europe, Asia, Canada and South America, including George Billis Gallery who represents Kalani in New York and Los Angeles. AAF debuted at its new location, 7 West 34th Street.

Perfume River 8, oil on canvas, 51 x 62", 2008

Marianne Lettieri exhibit

Homage to Hannalore Baron

Capistrano

Marianne Lettieri has two mixed media pieces in "Under the Influence: works by contemporary collage and assemblage artists and homage to those 20th century artists who inspire them," an exhibition at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts in Longview, Texas, March 14-April 25, 2009.

A 96-page catalog of the show is available here. The catalog was written by Cecil Touchon, director of the International Museum of Collage, Assemblage and Construction, who curated the exhibition. Marianne created a tribute to Hannalore Baron who has influenced her artistic development, and a second work more typical of her own style.

Barbara Mortkowitz curating art exhibit at BJE Jewish Community Library

BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis Street, San Francisco, 415-567-3327 ext 703. All programs are free and open to the public; free parking available at the entrance on Pierce Street near Eddy. Visit http://www.bjesf.org/library.htm to access the complete calendar of events, resources for book clubs, and latest acquisitions.

Art Exhibit

Marking Time: Omer Calendars by Community Artists

Exhibit: March 1 - July 26, 2009

Artists' Reception: Sunday, March 8, 2 - 4 P.M.

Barbara Mortkowitz, Curator

Omer counters, or calendars, have been part of the tradition of hiddur mitzvah, or beautification of the commandment, for centuries. Modern examples demonstrate how a wide variety of contemporary materials and techniques can be used to create pieces which reflect both ancient and new ideas about time and spiritual values.

The Omer is the measure of grain which the Children of Israel were commanded to bring to the Temple from the second day of Passover until Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, a period lasting 49 days. The counting of these days is an important part of the commandment. Over time, tradition began to link this period with the transition from slavery to freedom, and it was considered a time of preparation for the receiving of the Torah as celebrated on Shavuot. Contemporary artists have incorporated all these ideas into their own personal expressions of the significance of counting the Omer.

Mary Alice Bowie - LSW's newest artist

Mary Alice Bowie is the newest artist at Linden Street Warehouse. Formerly working in glass, she is now printmaking, working primarily in monotypes. Her work is gorgeous, abstract and full of vibrant color.

Joyce Savre showing at Triton Museum

Joyce Savre has a watercolor that is at the current Triton Exhibit:

Statewide Watercolor Competition & Exhibition
Juror: Scott Shields, Phd Associate Director and Chief Curator, Crocker Art Museum

December 6-February 22, 2009

Triton Museum of Art
1505 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA

Joyce Savre showing at Gallery 9

Rhythm of the Fields--30"x 22"

Painted Poems: Collage and Pastels by Joyce Savre
February 1-28th

Gallery 9
143 Main Street
Los Altos, CA

Reception: Friday, February 6, 5-8 pm

www.joycesavreart.com

Barbara Mortkowitz & Ido Agassi

Ido Agassi at work

Barbara Mortkowitz is currently involved with organizing events for Ido Agassi. Ido is a master bookbinder, printer and publisher who has returned bookmaking to a genuine craft and fine art form. Ido Agassi's handcrafted, limited and numbered editions transform classic and Hebrew literature into works of art. With use of distinctive typography, calligraphy, original prints, aquatints, and etchings, Ido Agassi employs a host of techniques to illuminate the texts on highest qualities of papers.

The pages are sewn by hand and encased in a variety of whimsical bindings, boxes, and slipcases to literally create worlds in miniature. For example, the story of David versus Goliath is bound by a leather slingshot (stone included) and the poem "Mein Blaus Klavier" ("My Blue Piano") written by Else Lasker-Schuler, is imprinted on the paper keys of a book-sized cloth grand piano.

My Blue Piano

David & Goliath

From their letterpress and intaglio publishing house in Ra'anana, Israel, Ido and his father Uzi Agassi meticulously craft their host of fine art books which are currently exhibited in libraries, museums, galleries and private collections around the world. Blending the arts of sculpture, graphic design, and bookbinding, the rare and inspired Agassi masterpieces will fascinate bibliophiles and arts lovers alike. For more information visit Even Hoshen Press.

Ido Agassi & Even Hoshen Press of Ra'anana, Israel will be presenting their handcrafted fine art books at the CODEX Book Fair, February 9-11 in the ASUC Pauley Ballroom on the U.C. Berkeley Campus.

For details, please visit: http://www.codexfoundation.org/

Deathfugue

Bejuquero

Jamie Watson in two surf themed art shows

Jamie Watson has her surf-themed prints in two surf-related group art shows: one in Venice, CA and the other in Santos, Brazil.

Through November '08
Sole Surfing in Venice Beach, CA
Read more about it here

January 20-26, '09
Santos SurfArt in Brazil
Interview with Jamie Watson here

Kalani Engles paintings at Art Basel Miami Beach

Kalani Engles will have two of her Perfume River paintings on display at Art Basel Miami Beach, December 4-7, 2008.

This painting is part of Kalani's Perfume River series

From the website:

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 39 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.

An exclusive selection of more than 220 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers.

Currently on display in San Francisco : Fine Art Books from Israel

Read page 1 of this newsletter from the Mechanics' Institute Library

Currently on display at the Mechanics' Institute Library, are works of "book" art, handmade limited-edition books produced by Even Hoshen Press. These handcrafted, limited editions transform classic and contemporary Hebrew literature into works of art. Calligraphy, original etchings and prints illuminate texts on high quality papers which are sewn by hand and encased in whimsical bindings and boxes.

These books have never before been in the United States until Barbara Mortkowitz brought them for this rare exhibition. They are in the display cases on the second and third floors.

Mechanics' Institute Library
57 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-393-0101

Nanette Wylde at Vino Locale

Nanette Wylde "Portraits" at Vino Locale, September 2008

Redwood City artist Nanette Wylde is exhibiting 'portraits' from three projects at Vino Locale this month.

"ebaybies" are intaglio prints (etchings) based on auction photos of antique dolls. Each ebaybie comes with its own profile or story and an individualized 'Certificate of Rescue.'
http://preneo.com/nwylde/ebaybies/

"Assumptions: Performative Texts" is a series of over twenty photographs of body fragments which are 'tattooed' with descriptive words. This work plays with concepts of stereotyping and judgment.
http://preneo.com/nwylde/assumptions/

"about so many things" is an electronic flipbook which randomly displays the activities of 'He' and 'She' without bias to gender, that is, the activities are drawn from the same pool of possibilities.
http://preneo.com/nwylde/flipbooks/

Bio
Nanette Wylde is a California native who grew up in San Jose. She has lived in many different places, but always returns to the Bay Area because she needs to see the Santa Clara Range from her front yard. She makes her home in Redwood City where she resides with one spousal unit, one amazing cat, an abundant vegetable garden and many fruit trees. She is Associate Professor of Art & Art History at California State University, Chico.

Statement
My work starts with a question. Some unanswered phenomenon will go nagging around my gray matter, repeating itself in hushed, slightly obsessive tones until I satisfy with research–extensive research. And then a response. While it is the research that points me to answers, it is the actual making of the work, completing the project that satisfies the question.

My interests include: language, personality, difference, beliefs, systems, ideas, movement, reflection, identity, perceptions, structures, stories, socialization, definitions, context, memory, experience, change, and residue. These manifest in the creation of socially reflective, language based works, generally of hybrid media.

Meet the artist: Sunday, September 21, 2 - 5pm

Vino Locale
431 Kipling Street
Palo Alto, California
http://www.vinolocale.com

Vino Locale is a delightful wine bar downtown Palo Alto which specializes in local wines, slow food, and local artists. It is just around the corner from the Apple store.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11-9, Sundays 12-5. Closed on Mondays.

Invitation to Kalani Engles' show in L.A.

The George Billis Gallery in L.A. will feature six canvases from Kalani Engles' popular Perfume River series and five monotypes. A group of friends and collectors have organized a dinner for her after the opening on Sept. 6.

Those in the L.A. area are invited to the reception Sept. 6 from 5-8PM.

George Billis Gallery L.A.
2716 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034


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Barbara Mortkowitz in 2 book art shows

Bay Area artist Barbara Mortkowitz is currently in 2 book art shows, with one of her art books in each show.

The first is BookWorks 2008 which runs until September 26 at the Downtown San Francisco Library. This is the 14th in a series of exhibitions with works by members of the Pacific Center for the Book Arts.

Ordinarily, one thinks of a book as a gathering of pages bound between two covers. But to others, a book can take many forms and become a work of art, and the pieces in this show represent a wide range of responses to this question. What you see here may surprise you and even challenge your definition of what constitutes a book. Traditional books, such as finely-printed books of poetry and other literature and books beautifully hand-bound in various materials, will of course be offered, and along with these will be innovative, and often whimsical, avant-garde artists’ books.

The second show is Sewn Pages - Woven Thoughts, which runs until September 26 at Commuknity in San Jose. For directions, please click here.

This exhibit features the fiber art books by members of the Bay Area Book Artists (BABA). BABA is a group of independent artists bound together by a passion for the book arts.

3 Linden Street Warehouse artists involved in book project

For generations women in the Bible have inspired movies, novels, sermons, and art. The new book, Women of the Bible: Mothers, Harlots, Wives and Queens, retells the stories of these female archetypes through creative explorations in art, prose and poetry. Three of our Linden Street Warehouse artists – Marianne Lettieri, Barbara Mortkowitz, and Joyce Savre, participated in the collaboration.

The book's original art and writing will be exhibited during the Menlo Park Connoisseur's Marketplace, July 19 and 20. To view some of the book's pages online, go to the direct link on Blurb.

Last week to view Compassion exhibit in Seattle!

Nanette Wylde has two projects in an exhibition curated in conjunction with the Dali Lama's visit to Seattle. Details on Nanette's project here.

What does Compassion Look Like?
ArtXchange Gallery, Seattle
Through May 30, 2008

For more info click here and here.

Silicon Valley Open Studios

Come by and support your local artists! Click here for locations to pick up a map guide.

Linden Street Warehouse Artists' Open Studios
Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4
11am - 5pm

Participating in this weekend's event: To learn more about the artists below, click here.

Annie Ahern
Lisa Kindley
Marianne Lettieri
Bonny Novesky
Joyce Savre
Jamie Watson
Jay Watson

Great art, photographs, jewelry to feast on...and lots of great wine and yummy delectables too.

275 B Linden Street
Redwood City

corner of Center and El Camino Real (studios located behind Sleep Train).

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Conceptually Bound 3

Conceptually Bound 3 is an exhibition of Artists’ Books, curated by Nanette Wylde, featuring the work of 30 artists.

It opens with a reception & panel discussion on Friday, April 11, 2008, 6-8 pm. Runs through May 25 at The Mohr Gallery, CSMA, Mountain View, CA. Directions here.

Throughout recorded history, books have been containers documenting and transmitting human culture. It is no wonder that contemporary artists have taken their cultural production into book form, and as is the practice of art makers, pushing the concept of what defines a book beyond conventions and mainstream notions.

“The theme of Conceptually Bound refers to the idea that the content of the book is in part expressed by the form the book takes,” says curator Nanette Wylde, a former CSMA faculty member and currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Art History at CA State University, Chico. “The books in the exhibition reference the individual context of what is meaningful in the artists’ lives and many reflect concerns of the broader culture.”