ArtSpace404

2009-12-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Although the Chorography workshop was canceled, here are some snapshots from Saturday's Sonoma Local Color workshop More photos on Facebook if you're feeling curious! Thanks to Sasha + Catherine for the incredible, lovely, and completely inspiring workshop!!

Above: Rainwater collected by Catherine Richardson for workshop use! To the right, a bucket of walnuts for possible dying.

Above: Sasha preps raw olives and fennel for two separate dye baths. To the right, a dye bath made of Japanese maple.

Above: Workshop attendees practicing the age-old art of shibori. From left to right: Allegra, Stephanie, Telisa, Nicole, Samantha, Heidi, and Fred.

Above: Shibori fabric samples soaking in soapy water using bamboo skewers and rubber bands.

Above: Materials galore! To the right, Stephanie's braided wool roving, typically used for felting processes.

2009-11-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

CHOROGRAPHY
December 11, 12pm-3pm at ArtSpace404
Workshop Cost $20 (includes materials)
RSVP at nlee@artscouncilsc.com

While you and yours are prepping for a delicious holiday meal, save the date for another workshop hosted by Corey Hitchcock! Corey teaches guests to learn a new way of "mapping" their experiences of the land by creating visual maps based on one's experiences, insights and memories. Space is limited, so RSVP asap!

2009-11-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

SONOMA LOCAL COLOR WORKSHOP
December 5, 10:30pm-12:30pm at ArtSpace404
Workshop Cost $35 (includes materials)
RSVP at nlee@artscouncilsc.com

Artists Sasha Duerr and Catherine Richardson host a natural dye + rainwater harvesting workshop! Some of the collaborative workshops and events that Sasha has hosted in the past are Sheep and Weeds and Dinner to Dye For (courtesy of Ashley Helvey). Those of you who've attended Sasha's events in the past know to sign up pronto as space is limited and will fill up fast! More info on the flyer above.

Need something tangible to sink your teeth into? Check out "Dinner to Dye For" below:

2009-11-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

Not wine, ART! Sonoma County, often regarded and revered for its more than prevalent wine scene, is also home to many talented artists. University Art Gallery at Sonoma State University celebrates its untapped student talent in the Juried Student Exhibition, which is on view November 5 - December 13. This year's professional jurors are Kate Eilersten, Executive Director at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and Chester Arnold, artist and Professor of Art at College of Marin.

Above: Amy Hoeck. "Donuts". Oil on wood panel.

2009-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

I'm always curious about new ways to present work whether it's in a gallery or in my own home. And by work, I mean anything from the more formal understanding of fine art to the casual minutia of everyday living. We "install" our belongings based on convenience and available space typically with an underlying aesthetic governing our decisions. In doing so, our home, desk, closet, and even our bags speak more about our personalities than we think.

The above image is of Come Darkness - a small collection of art at chelliswilson in Maine curated by Maria Alexandra Vettese. It effectively showcases the sophistication of professional curation in the seamless transition from one object to the next in tone and color, but also seems so reminiscent of home.

What's even more fun? You can inspect each item HERE as your mouse peruses the wall and table onscreen.

2009-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all those who came out to the Essensual Exchanges reception at ArtSpace404 last Friday! Special thanks to our soon-to-be neighbors Sift Cupcakery for the beautiful cupcakes! Checkout more photos of guests at Facebook, and stay tuned for upcoming workshops to be hosted at ArtSpace404 by the three featured artists. More on that soon.

Above: Catherine Richardson presents her installation "Tracing Evapouration" to guests. "Tracing Evapouration". Plastic bowls, tissue paper, cement, wood, cotton fabric, and traces of plant "teas".

2009-11-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Essensual Exchanges Opening Reception
Friday, November 6, 5pm-7pm

Opening reception TONIGHT! Defy the dreary rain and come to ArtSpace404 for wine, hors d'oeuvres, and incredible work and installations by artists Sasha Duerr, Corey Hitchcock, and Catherine Richardson. More enticement needed? Our neighbors Sonoma County Museum and Phantom Gallery are also hosting receptions and events this evening -all of which are free, open to the general public, and within walking distance of one another. No excuses!

2009-10-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

ESSENSUAL EXCHANGES

November 6 - December 11, 2009

ArtSpace404 is pleased to conclude its 2009 exhibition year with Essensual Exchanges: Field Notes on the Confluence of Land + Water in Sonoma County, as a continuation in its mission to present contemporary and experimental art exhibition to the community.

Essensual Exchanges is an intimate and experimental investigation examining the natural world of water, plant and land systems in Sonoma County. Artists Sasha Duerr, Corey Hitchcock and Catherine Richardson create individual and collaborative chorography through emphatic and intuitive connections to potent places. Each artist presents her field notes and particular methods of mapping, tracking and relation to the local terrain, mirroring the intricacies of the landscape in their visual works.

About the Artists

With an MFA in Textiles from California College of the Arts, Sasha Duerr works with organic dyes, alternative fibers, and studies the creative reuse of materials. Her work is a cross-pollination of textiles with a consideration and sensitivity towards environmental systems inspired by ecological principles found in permaculture. Duerr also works with regenerative design for food, clothing, and shelter. Her installations and textiles investigate nature and nurture, and are dyed with a revival of nontoxic, organic, place-based recipes. In 2007, Duerr founded Permacouture Institute with the Trust for Conservation Innovation to encourage the exploration of fashion and textiles from the ground up. Duerr's extensive work with plant-based dyes and ecological principles through local-based sources and community informs her art and practice. Her first book Cultivating Color will be released in fall of 2010.

San Francisco native Corey Hitchcock holds an MFA from John F. Kennedy University and currently resides in Sonoma County. Hitchcock's work in drawing, painting, and printmaking for which she received the 2002 Cadogan/Murphy Fellowship Awards, now serve as "blueprints" for her interactive installation projects. Her work explores the cosmological mysteries relating to the relationship between man and reality. Hitchcock's interdisciplinary work earned her a residency at The LAB where her work and studies culminated in an exhibition of "The Wicked Engine of Connected Desire", a social wculpture and performance piece. Hitchcock is a member of the artist collaborative The B Club - an collaborative group of five artists working collectively on mail-based art and site specific projects.

Originally from the Dales and Moors of Yorkshire, England, Catherine Richardson currently resides in Sonoma County. The contours, open spaces, and stone walls in England provided early exploratory interest in and a direct experience with the land. Her relocation to America provided clarity in the understanding that land-spaces were the invitation for a life-long dialogue and an interface for creative realms. Sonoma County now serves as a constant point of reference and site for inspiration in her work. Richardson is a recipient of the 2006 Sonoma County Artist Awards for Emerging Visual Artists and holds an MFA from John F. Kennedy University. She is a member of The B Club artist collaborative.

2009-10-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

I met this woman a couple of weeks ago, let's call her Bev, who noted that she went to SFMOMA for the first time since living in the Bay Area for 5yrs. A woman with extensive professional experience in the corporate arena, Bev was/is obviously highly educated. But despite said education, Bev's appreciation for art seemed... limited. With a strong preference for the more subdued work of Monet and all other Impressionists, it's no wonder that Gober's wax chest (see above left) would be less than preferable for her. However, Bev's unwillingness to take in the work as something thought-provoking, aesthetically unique, socially relevant, or even comical (if we want to go that route) came as a shock to me. It shouldn't be a surprise that this conversation got me thinking about what we deem as "art" - and how we appreciate art on an individual and personal level. In it's simplest form, I came up with this:

A delicious slice of Mondrian-inspired cake with floral-foamed mochas.

A 10-minute art project using copy paper for my friend Erica.

2009-09-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

ARTrails Preview Exhibit
Reception: TONIGHT! September 25 @ 6pm, Free

ArtSpace404 is home to the ARTrails Preview Exhibit! Featuring a single piece from each of the 141 participating artists in a wide array of media, the salon-style exhibition showcases the talent of local artists within Sonoma County. While Sonoma County is the most diverse premium wine growing region in the United States - producing more than 72 varieties of wine grapes in 2006 - artists actually outnumber wine growers by approximately twelve to one, according to research conducted by the Arts Council of Sonoma County.

So why ARTrails? In an effort to make Sonoma County as identifiable for art as it is for wine, ARTrails provides the public with a rare opportunity to meet local artists in their studio and learn about their diverse creative processes and techniques. A draw for collectors and art appreciators of fine art, ARTrails is one of the nation's oldest open studios programs and the only juried event of its kind in the North Bay.

Above: ARTrails artist Tony Speirs. "When It Rains", 2009. Acrylic on panel, 22" x 29".

2009-09-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Pre-fall craziness resulted in a quick trip to the east coast. While avoiding mosquitoes, poison sumac, and hanging with Simon the cat, I had the pleasure of enjoying Burlington, Vermont's Firehouse Gallery. Just as ArtSpace404 is an art venue and program of the Arts Council of Sonoma County, Firehouse is a gallery and program of Burlington City Arts. In 1995, Burlington City Arts won permission from the City of Burlington to convert the ground floor of the former firehouse building (now the Firehouse Center) into a fine arts gallery on a trial basis. Since then, the gallery has blossomed into Vermont's premiere location for contemporary art. Securing and exhibiting national-level artists from Vermont and elsewhere, the gallery's mission is to bring a unique arts experience to the public that will challenge, teach and engage. Pics to prove it:

Above: Ethan Bond-Watts. "Emergence", 2009. At 12 feet wide and 8 feet high, "Emergence" is a wind-powered kinetic sculpture using hand-blown glass elements and stretched linen that explore the spectacle of the natural force of the sun and wind and their remarkable potential as a source of energy.

So with all that good stuff in mind, my immediate thought was this: What's with Santa Rosa? Known primarily for its wine industry and possessing justifiable pride in its bevy of traditional fine artists, why can't we seem to jump the hurdle to also include, encourage, and foster contemporary work? With a population of 38,800 residents in 2000 compared to Santa Rosa's 161, 500 residents in 2008, Burlington is without a doubt substantially less urbanized than many of our North Bay cities. My point being - metropolitan environments have always been more likely to spur and house alternative art. So as the 5th largets city in San Francisco's Bay Area (after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremeont), why can't Santa Rosa pony up and get (more) behind contemporary work?

2009-09-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

If you missed Michael McGinnis' Illuminated Architecture II exhibition at ArtSpace404, you can attempt to redeem yourself with the video below. It's not the same as being in the space, but it's still something!

Above: Video courtesy of John Sappington.

2009-08-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

John Sappington recently photographed Illuminated Architecture II (thank you John!). But since much of this exhibition relies entirely on animation for a true experience, Sappington will whip up a video before the show's close. Yes, the exhibit is technically ephemeral in its site-specificity and impermanence, but thanks to technology we can cherish Michael McGinnis' work via video in just a couple of weeks.

In the meantime, I'm pondering the meaning of "talent". Initially hesitant to use the word, since it brings to mind the strange world of baton-throwing, dog tricks, and crowd pleasing ballads a la Susan Boyle, I would bet my money that this young man has talent.

Patience is a virtue. Wait for it to download.

Courtesy of Sasha Frere-Jones of the New Yorker.

2009-08-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Things change! New animations at ArtSpace404's Illuminated Architecture II exhibition. 2 weeks left, so come and see what's different!

2009-08-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

I wish Sonoma County Would Host... (part I)
This past weekend I went to the San Francisco Street Food Festival to indulge my deep love affair with all things delicious and delectable. The festival, despite its lack of parking accommodations (for which I spent a grand $2 for a single hour) consisted of throngs of attendees waiting patiently in line for stellar sweet and savory dishes. Most appealing was the cost as all dishes were $8 and under. In other words, this was a one time opportunity to enjoy a Slanted Door dish without going completely bankrupt. Why am I telling you about something old? Because you can catch the sister event Eat Real Festival in Oakland next weekend.

Food for thought: In a county that boasts spectacular local produce, and wine, why can't we seem to host a food fest that is affordable for the rest of the population?

I wish Sonoma County Would Host... (part II)
The 2nd annual Rock Make Street Festival this past Sunday was great. With 12 Bay Area bands performing on two stages and 50+ local artists and craftspeople showing their wares, I was thoroughly entertained and impressed. What was even better? The featured indie bands were actually good.

Food for thought cont'd: Where there is wine, there is always music. So where is Sonoma County's music scene? Is there only jazz?

2009-08-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

FAQs at AS404

Visitor: What is Michael McGinnis' Superplexus?!
Me: A 3-dimensional labyrinth in a spherical structure.
Visitor: What does that mean exactly?
Me: In other words, Superplexus can be rotated in order to move an internal ball-bearing from start to finish. Think common labyrinth, but 3-dimensional.

Visitor nods, eyes vacant, polite smile forming.

In an effort to better explain Superplexus, I've included a pic (see above) of Superplexus from last week's visit to Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Having had a go at this enormous labyrinth, I can assure you that my self-confidence in puzzle solving has decreased dramatically. Despite my apparent inability to think 3-dimensionally, I strongly encourage you to try your hands at this completely unique game!

2009-08-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Illuminated Architecture II
About the Artist Michael McGinnis

Michael McGinnis is an artist, craftsman, inventor, and Professor at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) where he teaches 3-dimensional design, drawing, as well as other courses. As Exhibition Specialist at SRJC's Art Gallery, McGinnis recently curated Concepts and Processes in Public Sculpture. He currently holds 3 patents for picture framing, but is most well-known for a popular toy called Superplexus - a 3-dimensional labyrinth of varied dimensions and materials that can be traced by a ball-bearing. Licensed by Hasbro and previously shown at the 2008 Bay Area Maker Faire, Superplexus is on view in Intersections: Puzzles as Art at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

McGinnis' Philosophy: Create a positive reflection of the world; build well for generations or leave no footprint; art reflects life but is not life.

2009-08-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who came out to ArtSpace404 to celebrate Michael McGinnis' Illuminated Architecture II exhibition! For those of you who missed McGinnis' fantastic speech about how this exhibition came to fruition, there will be future opportunities to learn about his creative process later this month. To answer the flurry of inquiries, I'll provide more info on him soon! In the meantime, feel free to revisit the exhibition, as McGinnis plans to add new animations until the show's last day (September 11). Come see the changes!

Kudos from Monty Monty: I would like to congratulate Michael McGinnis and also send a big thanks to Nicole lee for their current contribution at ArtSpace404. I believe this current installation/exhibit Illuminated Architecture II exemplifies how the execution of an idea can help educate and inform our concepts about the transformation of light and space. Bravo! Having this type of venue available where emerging talent and "Masters of Medium" such as McGinnis can shine and share their imaginations and artistic talents with the general public is a real treasure and gift to this community. The opportunities that this venue offers local artists of all media and disciplines are so important and very much appreciated!

2009-07-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

Illuminated Architecture II Reception tonight at ArtSpace404! Take a seat in the gallery and enjoy the show. And to think that the above pic is just one still of a constantly changing exhibit. Nothing painted, nothing adhered. Simply put: light on white.

2009-07-29T10:33:00.001-07:00

Sneak Peek!! Michael McGinnis is in the process of completely reinventing ArtSpace404's interior. While I was initially hesitant about posting a pic for fear of providing too much info, I can assure you that the space will look even more different come this Friday.

2009-07-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Coming up at ArtSpace404: Illuminated Architecture II

Illuminated Architecture II is an all-encompassing environment of light and sound. Through applications of projected pattern, color, and auditory stimulus, artist Michael McGinnis constructs an installation that explores our interpretations and interactions with the physical space around us. Illuminated Architecture defines movement and time, engaging viewers by allowing them to enter the work/space and demonstrating the theatrical possibilities in fine art.

The site-specific nature of Illuminated Architecture contradicts the common notion that art is “precious” –precious by way of price, acquisition, or in its intention to be experienced by the public through viewing. As an installation, Illuminated Architecture encourages audience participation, contemplation, and engagement through contact and immersion with the space itself. The “work” only exists for the length of the exhibition, highlighting its transience and ephemerality, leaving audiences with experience as the sole takeaway. Through Illuminated Architecture, McGinnis maintains the philosophy that “Installation, like life, is about experience –not accumulation.”

Above: Michael McGinnis. "Maze Drawing", 1970. Pen on paper.

2009-07-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Above: "No One Wants To Play Sega With Harrison Ford" by Brandon Bird. Because this makes me laugh endlessly on any given day.

2009-07-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

Compound Double Down Studios: Live/Work Spaces!

Bay Area artist Andy Diaz Hope stopped by ArtSpace404 yesterday to share news about Compound Double Down Studios. Just 5-10 minutes from Graton, Occidental, and Sebastopol and 15 minutes from Santa Rosa, these incredibly affordable live/work studios will be available for rent as early as August. Contact Andy at andy[at]andydiazhope.com for more info.

2009-07-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Saturday's Unfinished Projects night! With 30+ people in and out all night, the evening was a huge success! I even managed to get my own mending done. Special thanks to Board member Steve Thomas n band for completely blowing us away with great live music, and to the awesome artists for their patience n skills! For more pics, visit the ArtSpace404 page on Facebook and become a fan!

Clockwise from top left: Hand-rolled paper (no, not that kind of hand-rolled paper); Allie + Ellie collaborating; Catrin's completed sea glass pendant; Brandon Olsen observing Justin Hurty's performance with Raphael Noz.

2009-07-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Ahna salvaging a sweater using Cameron Kelly's vintage Singer sewing machine; a drawing in the making!

2009-07-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from top left: Ahna workin' with the dremel; Amy's sweater pattern; Julia tasting her homemade split pea soup (yum); Dustin Kelly's drawing.

2009-07-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 11, 4pm - Sunday, July 12, 12pm

FREE at ArtSpace404

The artists of (RE)CONSIDER invite you to bring your unfinished projects + ideas to ArtSpace404 to be "finished" for an evening of riffing, repairs, unraveling, + brainstorming. Drop off your work to share your progress and get feedback from fellow artists. With the combined skills of a papermaker, sewer, painter, and jeweler, ArtSpace404 will be bursting with ingenuity! Feeling uncreative and stumped? Bring clothes that need mending and pick them up after dinner!

FIRST EVER: This is also ArtSpace404's first ever all-nighter event! Bring a yummy meal for a homestyle potluck + your sleeping bag for a night in the gallery!

2009-07-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

This just in: ArtSpace404 is pleased to present the (RE)CONSIDER exhibit catalogue - a supplementary 38-page, full color, saddle stitched, paperback book available for purchase at Lulu here or at ArtSpace404.

The catalogue features the work of (RE)CONSIDER artists Julia Goodman, Alicia Escott, Amy Keefer, Ahna Adair, and Cameron Kelly. With an in depth essay by up and coming Bay Area curator, Matthew Alexander Post, the catalogue contexualizes the show by contemplating the effects of human action on the natural world.

2009-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Photos from my Sunday visit to SFMOMA's Between Art & Life exhibit...

Above: Ernesto Neto. "My Little Castle... Blue (two times for infinity)". Lycra, tulle, aluminum, sand, and rice.

Above: Artwork by Beatriz Milhazes (detail). More of her work can be viewed at James Cohan Gallery.

Above: Julie Mehretu. "Stadia I". Ink and oil on canvas. More of her work can be viewed at White Cube.

2009-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hilarious on so many levels and completely worth sharing. This is my friend Sam emerging from the installation "Portrait of Silvia Elena" at Honey Space in Chelsea courtesy of Phillips Art Expert. Though this was taken in 2008 and Sam's hair has since changed (tote bag still in play), it got me thinking about the independent art venue.

Best known for its alternative galleries, SF venues possess little difficulty in tapping in to a preexisting community that finds value and interest in what's left-of-center. And the result? A thriving art scene with an actual heartbeat, a community of dedicated supporters, and ah-ha! Excitement and dialogue.

So what about Sonoma County? ArtSpace404 is the only alternative art venue with exception to Phantom Gallery -and between the two of us, are we really making substantial change? Is there a place for a contemporary/alternative art venue in a county that thrives on traditional fine art? These are the questions that plague me daily.

2009-06-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

My daily color palette consists of shades of gray with the occasional navy. Can we consider navy a real color? The jury is still out. Contrary to my mild case of chromatophobia, I am dying to submerse myself in Sarah Applebaum's technicolor madness at Receiver Gallery in SF. Let's ignore the fact that the show closes tomorrow and I'll likely be sitting in my cubicle. Even still, a gal can dream, can't she? Above: Sarah Applebaum's installation at Receiver Gallery courtesy of her website.

2009-06-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

What I mean is this:

Mushroom-like sculptures littering a gallery floor would be great, don't you think? I still find myself waiting for someone to make an arboretum of the gallery. Read between the lines: This is me asking you to make an arboretum of the gallery.

Above: Nendo for Tokyo '89 Senseware courtesy of Grijs.

2009-06-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

ArtSpace404 seeks proposals for its 2010 exhibition year! We will consider proposals for exhibits that respond to new trends in artistic practice, reach out to diverse audiences, and encourage conversation on contemporary art and culture. These shows will provide the unique opportunity for artists to communicate timely issues to a broader audience.

The deadline is Friday, July 10, 2009 so act fast and email me at nlee[at]artscouncilsc.com for guidelines + an application! Why? Because Sonoma County is thirsty for alternative exhibitions.

2009-06-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

What is art but a naked man with a cube on his head taking direction from a man in a cube.

I went to Alphonse Berber Gallery for the opening of Josifov, Dildine, Costello where I bumped into the lovely Julia Goodman from ArtSpace404's (Re)Consider exhibit -small world! Highlights included abstract paintings by Joshua Dildine, Ukiyo print-inspired paintings by Dana Costello, and a show-stopping performance (see right) by internationally-renowned Macedonian artist Igor Josifov and San Francisco performance artist Michael Ryan Noble. For any former art student, nudity barely shocks. But moving nudity is another story. Something tells me I'm going to remember the naked man crawling around the gallery.

2009-06-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

(RE)CONSIDER
Curator Statement by Cameron Kelly

The Bay Area has a particular history of both political activism and an astute awareness of the increasingly negative effects of convenience driven commodity production and consumption. So it was really no surprise, upon entering a two-year Master of Fine Arts Program at California College of the Arts, that I would be surrounded by like-minded artists who are committed to practices that are both conceptually rigorous and environmentally conscientious. The artists featured in (Re)Consider represent some of my colleagues who not only share these concerns, but also utilize intensive handiwork in their production. This unwavering attention to the finest details require a certain shift of pace and necessitates a slowness and patience uncommon in an increasingly technologically driven society. The exhibition also combats social conventions of waste by showcasing work that infuses new life and preciousness into what is generally perceived as unusable and disposable.

When I was offered this exhibition at ArtSpace404, I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to curate the work of some of my favorite artists and closest friends at CCA. Thank you Julia, Alicia, Amy, and Ahna for your dedication to this project - it has been an honor to work alongside you! I would like to extend a special thank you to ArtSpace404 Exhibition Director, Nicole Lee for the kind of collaborative working relationship one can only hope for. I would also like to thank Matthew Post for his diverse resources and consistently insightful writing, and Sally Szwed for all of her curatorial advice, assistance, and wit.

Cameron Kelly

2009-06-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

With (Re)consider's opening reception last week and the neck-deep prep work I'm doing for our biennial Emerging Visual Artists program (more on that another time), time just keeps slipping away. A white hair has sprouted due to stress and lack of sleep. In any case, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for coming to Friday's reception (cue Academy Awards acceptance speech music) and the wonderful featured artists for their work in installing a great show. Apologies to Alicia whose cell phone and pack of cigs were stolen during installation!

Above: Alicia Escott. "Drawing of National Geographic Magazine on Stella McCartney brand on 100% biodegradable corn-based shopping bag", 2008-1009. Ink on bio-plastic.

2009-06-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

(RE)CONSIDER

Opening Reception: Friday, June 5 @ 5pm, Free

First Fridays on Fourth this Friday! Tongue twister much? Join ArtSpace404 this Friday to celebrate the opening of (Re)consider -an exhibition that contemplates social conventions of waste, consumption, and disposability through a series of ongoing projects and investigations by featured Bay Area artists Ahna Adair, Alicia Escott, Julia Goodman, Amy Keefer, and Cameron Kelly. Why attend? Because there's a place to perch your weary bones (see above for bench) while you enjoy a glass of vino and delectable hors d'oeuvres.

Above: Artwork by Cameron Kelly.

2009-05-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Weekends are for rest n relaxation. Not so much. I spent the greater part of last Friday catching MFA exhibitions before they closed, seeking new blood for ArtSpace404's 2010 exhibition year. Stanford University's five MFA candidates hosted a collaborative exhibition, which was mildly disappointing for anyone expecting a show with diverse media. By contrast, I'm still revved about some of the artists and works from California College of the Arts' 2009 MFA show. A sampling of what was memorable...

Above: Annie McKnight. "Untitled", 2009. Sterling silver wire, taxidermied mouse. 15" x 15".

2009-05-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Above: Klea McKenna. "Flight Patterns", 2008. Pigment print. 44" x 56".

2009-05-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Above: Elyse Mallouk. "To Offer and To Deprive", 2009. Photograph mounted on plexiglas. 12" x 40.5" x 61".

2009-05-14T13:42:00.001-07:00

You Are What You Eat / What You Make / Where You Work: I've had a recent longing to be in a studio and work amidst friends just like the good ol' days. Always interested in seeing how people work, I thought these studios were a great reflection of the artists and the type of work they do. Work space can be so telling.

Above: Jeana Sohn's meticulous table courtesy of her blog.

2009-05-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Above: Travis Millard's studio in the Echo Park hills of Los Angeles courtesy of Fecal Face.

2009-05-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a lot of Scotch tape and an Idaho potato will get you with an ounce of creativity. Plant habitat hatched in a plastic nest at Friday's Mad Science Lab Event.

2009-05-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Beth, Anneliese, Vanessa, and James delve into Silicon Valley plant life to make vivariums (mini self-sustaining plant homes) using native flora, soil, and glass/plastic jars from home.

2009-05-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Jamers and I are obsessed with this piece. Can't get enough of it. Come see at tomorrow's Mad Science Lab Event 4pm-6pm.

Above: Anneliese Vobis, Vanessa Vobis, Craig Dietrich. "Plot" (detail), 2009. Mixed media.

2009-05-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Above: Anneliese Vobis, Vanessa Vobis, Craig Dietrich. "Plot", 2009. Mixed media, 7' x 7'.

2009-05-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight is CCA's (California College of the Arts) MFA exhibition, and I'm hoping to get there at some point! In the meantime, here are some art commentary translations, courtesy of a prof at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) in celebration of all graduating artists entering the thrilling yet challenging real world. For tears and laughs.

2009-04-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

ArtSpace404 hosts a free Mad Science Lab Event on Friday, May 8th, 4pm-6pm! It's just like that movie "Weird Science" minus the woman, Anthony Hall, and everything else. So it's not like the movie at all. Appropriate for all ages, Mad Science speaks to our inner Marie Curie to provide interactive activities and investigations. Bring your own lint roller, clear plastic/glass jars, and leek stumps to plant and grow new ones! RSVP at nlee@sonomaarts.com as limited space is available!

2009-04-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Support our friends! Former ArtSpace404 artist from the Home show, Daniel Glendening, exhibits at Phantom Gallery in downtown Santa Rosa in Ghosts from April 24 - May 28, 2009. Because a lil' TV, white picket fence, and a good cardboard rock are all good things.

2009-04-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Low Key, Low Impact at Iron Horse Vineyards (Sebastopol)
Saturday, April 19, 2009

Weeks of prep to curate a 3 hour, one-day exhibition celebrating Earth Day and Sonoma County's Green Valley region. Many thanks to the amazing efforts of Joy, Dixie, Mark and featured artists Cameron Kelly, Nicole Buffett, Ashley Helvey, Fred Vedder, Monty Monty, and 3D-Edddy!

I'm always tickled by the responses we (ArtSpace404) receive from our exhibitions -some people are in tune with the experimental work we feature, some aren't. And I should add, all responses are completely valid. While Low Key, Low Impact was a curatorial project I undertook on behalf of the Arts Council of Sonoma County, the responses received at said exhibition were reminiscent of those occasionally heard at ArtSpace404. One guest found Nicole Buffett's paintings (see above) inappropriate for an environmental exhibition due to the use of resin, which is harmful to the environment. While this may be true (though there was a failure to acknowledge her incorporation of natural pigments), Buffett's work stems from a direct connection to and inspiration from the earth. To view and understand an exhibition and its featured work ONLY by the media employed would be truly myopic for any show. Equally "tickling" was the suggestion that Buffett use beeswax in lieu of resin for a less harmful impact on the earth. Have we not read the Help the Honey Bees call to action plastered on every Häagen-Dazs ice cream container?

Above: Artists Cameron Kelly and Nicole Buffett w/ guest.
Above Artwork (left to right): Nicole Buffett. "Shere", "Up To The Fire Line", and "Shed", 2009. Mixed media on panel, 6' x 4'.

2009-04-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a hectic couple of weeks! The reception for Science Species Lab two Fridays ago was a great success, attended by some very curious artists and appreciators. In keeping with our goal to re-imagine our space with each exhibition, Vanessa, Anneliese, and Craig completely exceeded my expectations with full-blown installations.

My favorite email I received earlier this week: Last Thursday, after visiting the Arts Council with my kids, they came home and talked to their Dad on the phone because he was working late that night. What did they share about their day? All about Science Species Lab. They were so excited about walking through bags of water, plastic wrap that was melted and shaped, lettuce heads with toothpicks, and twisted, melted felt. Both Jasper and Livija were talking at once, rushing to beat the other with detailed descriptions. I can't think of a better way of building the next generation of artists and patrons of the arts.

Thanks Jasper, Livija, and KD!

Above: Vanessa Vobis, Anneliese Vobis, Craig Dietrich. "Radiolarian Ooze" and "Crystal World", 2009. Mixed media.

2009-04-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek! To the right, a collaborative, mixed media piece by artists Vanessa Vobis, Anneliese Vobis, and Craig Dietrich for the Science Species Lab exhibition at ArtSpace404. Come to tomorrow's reception from 5pm-7pm to reconsider how our natural and cultural systems function. Bevvies, snacks, and thought-provoking installations that make science way cooler than it was in high school!

2009-04-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

I visited the new Alphonse Berber Gallery this weekend - a gallery located across from UC Berkeley which presents emerging to mid-career contemporary artists. I was happy to catch the last day of their debut exhibition New Nature and say hi to the ever lovely Julia Davis, who's one of the featured artists in this show. Can't wait to see the upcoming exhibit You, Me and Everyone We Know.

Above: Reuben Margolin. "Pentagonal Wave".

2009-04-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a healthy mix of recycled knit sweaters, pom-poms, and music-making furry creatures? Johansson Projects' current exhibition Flaming Furbelows certainly makes its mark with featured works by Kate Eric and Marina Vendrell Renaut. Renaut's "Musical Marmot", as seen above, requires viewer participation: pull the pom-pom, stretch the marmot, release cord, et voila... la musique commence! Eerie yet addictive. Worthwhile despite the $45 parking ticket.

2009-04-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Science Species Lab: An Interpretation of Natural Phenomena
April 17 - May 22, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, April 17, 5pm-7pm

Spring has sprung and what better way to enjoy the beautiful Sonoma County landscape than to come to ArtSpace404 for a faux landscape! ArtSpace404 announces its 3rd exhibition Science Species Lab. Founded in 2005 by artists Anneliese Vobis, Vanessa Vobis, and Craig Dietrich, Science Species Lab constructs synthetic landscapes that investigate this unique period in American culture and global consumption. Each artist creates a sensory experience of an otherworldly landscape that evolves and changes throughout the duration of the show, inviting viewers to engage with the work by investigating and experiencing these staged environments.

2009-03-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently ArtSpace404 is much more than the contemporary, experimental art venue it initially aimed to be! At last Friday's music performance, I met the ever lovely and gracious Marna, who had been following the ArtSpace404 blog. Having read my little snippet about Maira Kalman, she very kindly came by the gallery to give me a copy of Kalman's book "The Principles of Uncertainty"! Seems like ArtSpace404 is establishing a network of great, warm, thoughtful individuals. How wonderful! Marna, thank you so much for the beautiful book -I'm enjoying it more than I can express.

2009-03-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

What you missed: Slumgum performed in/on/amidst the Home installation last Friday, March 20th with video performances by Daniel J. Glendening and Eric Odland. It was a tight squeeze for guests, but we made it work. Thanks to Slumgum, Low-Five, and Lila vs. the Crizzler for coming out to play!

2009-03-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Be there for ArtSpace404's first ever live music performance featuring Slumgum, with opening bands Lila vs. The Crizzler and Low-Five! But how will we all fit in the gallery, you ask? I'm not entirely sure, though it will likely be an intimate setting! Think Nirvana unplugged minus the candles and lilies. Be prepared to sit on the floor, hang with friends, and enjoy great music!

2009-03-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking -obsessed much with Susy Oliveira?! On the contrary! This is actually a sculpture by Oliver Herring, whose work I had seen in Chelsea some years back. I thought I'd share his work with you because of the striking similarities between Oliveira and Herring. As noted in Art21, Herring painstakingly photographs a model from all possible angles, then cuts and pastes the photographs onto the sculptural form of his subject. Not a simple man, Herring is also a performance artist whose former work includes stop motion videos and participatory performances with ‘off-the-street’ strangers.

Above: Oliver Herring. "Patrick", 2004. Digital C-print photographs, museum board, foam core and polystrene, 51" x 37" x 37" with vitrine .

2009-03-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Nope, your computer screen is not overly pixelated! I'm completely baffled (I say baffled when I don't quite know what I am) by Susy Oliveira's large-scale sculptures made of color photographic c-prints on archival card, wrapped onto foam core. Reminds me of mid 90s video game graphics, but much more impressive considering these are sculptures. Image above courtesy of Cool Hunter.

2009-03-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if you remember, but the New York Times was, in its former years, a conservatively formatted news publication. I think it was only some 5 or so years ago that it revamped its still credible content with catchy graphics and quirky illustrations. Along those lines, I thought I'd share the February 26th Opinion section titled "And the Pursuit of Happiness: In Love with A. Lincoln" by Maira Kalman. I'm a great lover of breakfast (when I can throw myself out of bed) and a lover of all things (ok, most things) quirky.

2009-03-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

What you missed: full house at ArtSpace404's Home exhibit reception! If you weren't at Phantom Gallery's Community: Connections and Divisions in a Consumer Culture Sonoma State University BFA show, and you weren't at our opening celebration, then where the hell were you?! Feeling guilty for missing out on all the fun? Make it up to ArtSpace404 by attending our next outing with music performances by Slumgum, Lila vs. The Crizzler, and Low-Five. Or you can bring us chocolates. Either one will suffice. More on music later. Pics from Home's reception on Friday, February 27, 2009...

2009-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peek: ArtSpace404 transforms with the upcoming exhibition Home. Artist Chris Wells installs video in the gallery's funnel (see black spot in the background?), while fellow exhibitor Daniel Glendening builds his architectural structure.

2009-02-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

February 27 - March 27, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, February 27, 6pm-8pm

Home features new work by Sonoma County artists Ethan Allen Davis, Daniel J. Glendening, Beth Mueller, Guy-Henry Mueller, Kellesimone Waits, and Chris Wells. Through various media, each artist, individually and collaboratively, explores the social,, emotional, and physical constructs that define one's understanding of "home". Additionally, Home addresses the ways in which nostalgic memories and former travels contribute to a sense of place and belonging. With unique spatial constructs and multi-media installations, the exhibition creates an immersive environment to be traversed and navigated.

Slumgum Jazz Performance
Friday, March 20, 6pm-9pm
$10-$15 suggested donation / No one turned away for lack of funds
Slumgum performs at ArtSpace404 with all proceeds benefiting the Catholic Charities Homeless Services Center of Santa Rosa. Accompanied by video performance by Daniel Glendening and Eric Odland, with opening performances by Low-Five and Lila vs. The Crizzler, Slumgum combines elements of jazz, world music, and contemporary classical music to shape their unique voice. Using an arsenal of compositions by all band members as a point of departure, Slumgum weaves original music with impovisation. Collectively, Slumgum has shared the stage with such artists as Bennie Maupin, Larry Koonse, Darek Oles, Bob Mintzer, Herbie Hancock, Ron Miles, Art Lande, and may others.

2009-02-23T22:41:00.000-08:00

Who said art was just paint on canvas?! Kitsune Noir is a blog by designer Bobby Solomon. Recent late night endeavors led me to his Desktop Wallpaper Project -a project of various wallpaper designs made by some of Solomon's favorite artists which are free for download and come in a multitude of monitor sizes. Feeling bored at work? Download a new desktop image and faze out. These are some of my favorite desktops which promise to provide a midday distraction.

2009-02-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Above: Desktop artwork by Rey Ortega.

2009-02-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

Into it: Animal Collective's new video for "My Girls" courtesy of my friend/artist Cameron Kelly. If only we all had mouths that vibrant. See here for the video.

2009-02-20T01:55:00.000-08:00

As the 100% Compostable exhibition approaches its final hours on it's very last day, I thought I'd give thanks to all artists who submitted work in this juried show by including a couple of photos from the jurying process. Despite exclusion from the exhibition, these pieces were incredibly memorable for me for their creative use of materials.

To the left, Daniel Glendening's sculpture! Interested and enthralled? Come to our upcoming exhibition, Home, to see his large scale, maze-like architectural structure. More on Home soon!

2009-02-20T01:53:00.000-08:00

This is Ruth Tabancay's extremely prickly bed made of hand-felted white wool and natural burrs. Very soft to the touch despite the obvious prickers.

2009-02-20T01:50:00.000-08:00

2009-02-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed, something suspicious about that tea bag... Chris Beards piece to the left is comprised of handmade tea bags filled with bees, suspended from a brach wrapped in soft white twine. It was, in my humble opinion, one of the most exquisite and delicate pieces submitted for consideration.

2009-02-11T11:24:00.002-08:00

Above: Artwork by Kristina Lewis.

Happenings and other shenanigans... I went to Oakland Art Murmur last Friday with some friends to hang out and see who/what was showing in the unofficial art district in downtown Oakland. Despite the throngs of people throughout the area (NOT for the claustrophobic), which proved challenging to anyone navigating the streets that evening, there were some really great artists! Here are some of my favorites from Johansson Projects...

2009-02-11T11:24:00.001-08:00

Above: Artwork by Misako Inaoka.

2009-02-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Above: Artwork by Jen Stark.

2009-02-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

What I'm getting a kick out of now: Christopher Niemann's Abstract City feature "I Lego N.Y.". This is for those of you missing New York... or just craving some midday sushi.

2009-02-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

2009-02-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

2009-02-09T10:50:00.001-08:00

100% Compostable
Juror Statement by Philip Ross

This show invites the viewer to engage in a conversation about the definition of the term "compostable". In compost we can witness materials that originate from organic growth as they whither and return to more elemental forms. Other, more intricately processed artifacts seem to persist against the course of time and challenge our notion of this term/ Yet, in the long view, the earth swallows it all; metals, plastics, and everything else will be reprocessed within the energetic churning of the planet.

Archaeologists dig in the ground to retrace the history of composted cultures. In the practice of Eschatology, religious philosophers sift through hidden acts and thoughts to understand divine composition and reintegration. It is my feeling that composting is as much a view of time, material, and circulation as it is a strictly defined act, and that in valorizing compost we admire process, origin, and the inevitability of return.

The world is protean and constantly reorganizing itself. The recognition of this fact has become one of the central dogmas of evolutionary theory, even as it challenges our ideas of material consistency and our understanding of the provisional qualities of form. Everything we hold to be meaningful and dear ultimately enters into this world of digestion and transformation, no matter how intensely we cling as individuals or civilizations.

In choosing the works to be included in this show, I was compelled by instinct rather than a specific point of view or agenda. As a juror, I was attracted to works that tended to fall within two categories: those that are like skin and those pointing toward memory and diminutive acts. I am drawn to the skin as an organ of constant regeneration, which we use to judge the passage of time, and to advertise currents and signals that are physic as much as organic. Conversely, written within the diminutive are often the most symbolic and precious human intentions -the disappearance of a material order and the intimated enormity of a world beyond that which is apparent. By organization, 100% Compostable according to these distinct yet complementary principles, I hope to have created a show that reflects a fuller explanation of both material and conceptual compostability.

Thank you,
Philip Ross

2009-02-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Another featured piece from the 100% Compostable exhibition! "Allegorical Web" is a handwoven network of kelp by San Francisco artist, Naoko Okabe. Intertwined in its original wet state, resilient and fresh from the ocean, "Allegorical Web" now attempts to maintain its shape on the ArtSpace404 wall -fragile from dried brittle salt and air. Curious to see how the piece has transformed since its installation? Come visit us!

Above: Naoko Okabe. "Allegorical Web", 2008. Kelp.

2009-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

A curiosity from the 100% Compostable exhibition! I've specifically featured this piece from the show in the ArtSpace404 blog for my fibers companion Mikey, as he's a true appreciator of all things crochet. This particular piece is titled "Obama Doily" by Amy Keefer. The "Obama Doily" is part of a series of mathematically rendered doilies containing facts. It was constructed using a ratio model of electoral votes in concentric rounds of stitches. The ratio of Obama's votes on November 4-5, 2008 over the 270 votes needed to win the election, resulted in ending victory rate of 125% -which is evident in the density of stitches!

Above: Amy Keefer. "Obama Doily", 2008. Cotton, natural indigo dye.

2009-01-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Is dit het rood licht district? Zeker niet, maar het is bijna sexy! This might not be Amsterdam's Red Light district, but I assure you, it is just as alluring. Come to our grand opening on January 23, 5pm-7pm.

2009-01-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

ArtSpace404 gets her portrait taken by the ever professional and talented photographer Robert Divers Herrick II!

2008-12-29T15:30:00.000-08:00

100% Compostable
January 23 – February 20
Reception: Friday, January 23, 5pm-7pm

ArtSpace404 boldly opens with its debut exhibit, 100% Compostable -a show featuring organic and biodegradable art juried by renowned Bay Area artist and curator Philip Ross. By challenging artists to stretch the parameters of media, 100% Compostable speaks to the environment’s temporal quality as it relates to the natural and human-inflicted process of degradation. This exhibition additionally highlights the artistic possibilities and limitations of using natural materials in today's art practices. Interested in submitting work? For an exhibit prospectus and entry form, click here!

Phil Ross is an educator at the San Francisco Art Institute and has curated exhibitions at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. As an artist, his work transforms a variety of living species into sculptures that are highly crafted and naturally formed. He has been an artist-in-residence at Headlands Center for the Arts, the Exploratorium, and SymbioticA.

Need ideas and inspiration? EcoPaints, EcoArtSupplies, EcoArtworks, MilkPaint, Ann-Katrin Spiess, Michele Brody, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Jackie Brookner, Green Museum. And there you have it, ArtSpace404 hails 'green' as 'the new black'.

Above: Andy Goldsworthy. "Leafhorn", 1994. Sweet chestnut leaves.

2008-12-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

It's officially official and it's been a long time coming!! Unveiled an in its final format, the new ArtSpace404 logo! Thanks to the creative marketing prowess of Mark Berry of Akins/Berry Communications, ArtSpace404 now puts its best foot forward with 7 dynamic exhibitions starting January '09 and a crisp, contemporary logo to boot. Stay tuned for our debut exhibition...

ALMOST HELLO / DEFINITELY WELCOME

2008-09-04T00:41:00.001-07:00

Stay classy like a chandelier and join ArtSpace404!

Though currently in a bubbling stage of brewing ideas, ArtSpace404 is quickly gaining speed, momentum, and attention among artists, curators, and gallerists throughout northern California. With a new focus on serving the Sonoma County community by raising art standards and awareness of current art practices, ArtSpace404 aims to provide exhibitions with complimentary events and programming to inspire and provoke new thought.

All friends of ArtSpace404 are welcome and encouraged to inquire about exhibition opportunities that speak to the mission and vision of this dynamic space. If you're interested in sharing your ideas, referring any artists, or applying for an exhibition, don't be shy! Contact ArtSpace404 Exhibition Director, Nicole Lee.

Not enough incentive? Maybe a cup of coffee and a danish would be more enticing...

Above: "Rich", 2006. Graphite on paper.