Abstract art -- what does it all mean?

     
The Lakewood Arts Gallery's Expressions in Abstract show is about to be hung, after a jurying process on Saturday, February 23rd.  If you're like me, I not only wonder what the public sees in some abstract pieces, but also what a juror might look for in judging pieces for awards.  And what's the difference between abstract, non-representational and modern art?
      Abstract Expressionism is the only art form that originated in the United States.  In New York after World War I, Peggy Guggenheim started collecting abstracts which gave the artists credence after much rejection of their artwork.  Abstracts are now the most collected art form.  So what constitutes an abstract?  According to The Artist's Illustrated Encyclopedia, by Phil Metzger, an abstract is art containing little or no depiction of real objects or real scenes.  Abstract art relies on shapes, textures, color, tone and other qualities for its impact, rather than on a depiction of things. But it is not synonymous with non-objective or non-representational art.  So what is that?
     Non-representational or non-objective art is just what it sounds like.  It does not represent or depict an actual object or scene, whether it is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional creation.  Makes sense, right?  Well, there's even another term that can get mixed up with these, and that would be "modern art". 
     Modern art doesn't actually refer to a particular style or school, according to Artist's Illustrated.  It refers to art from the late 1800s to the present that contrasts with earlier art in its rejection of stiff academic rules and traditions. Many consider modern art to be abstract, but that's not necessarily the case. Many modern artists feel free to experiment not only with materials and techniques, but to comment on social, political and intellectual conditions.
   Without being able to jury a show based on adherence to theme or recognizable subjects, what does a juror look for in judging an abstract show?  They should be looking for the same design principles and elements that a show of representational art would require: good composition, value, movement of the viewer's eye throughout the picture, color harmony, etc.  And one thing I've learned about interpreting abstract art, is to consider how the piece of art makes you feel, rather than just deciding whether you find the depiction of the subject matter pleasing.
     So there you have it!  And if you'd like to test your knowledge of abstract art, come on in and see the Expressions in Abstract show on display at the Lakewood Arts Gallery February 24th through March 29, 2019. Join us for a fun-filled reception on Friday, March 1 from 5-9 pm.

Dias de los Muertos and Holiday Show Reception

40West Arts and the Lakewood Arts Gallery know how to throw a party!  From Aztec dancers to Tarot readings, mask-making and moody music, First Friday at the Gallery was a treat last night!  A spooky sky over CasaBonita set the scene as Dias de los Muertos was celebrated along with the opening for our annual Holiday show.

 
 Fun and useful hand-crafted items filled the Acorn Gallery, giving shoppers lots of choices for gift giving this year. From unusual decorative Christmas trees, to fabric decorated cards, knitted woolen goods and elegant aprons -- there's an option for all. Stop in through December to check off your holiday shopping list.


Neil Petersen provided the musical entertainment last night, setting the scene with his hooded black robe.
 
 Adults and children enjoyed crafting masks,
 
and Madame Annette predicted the future with Tarot readings.

 
A special touch was an altar where visitors could remember their past artist ancestors.
 
And of course there were lots of refreshments to sustain gallery-hoppers in their art crawl of the many galleries in the 40 West Arts District. 

Fun for First Friday

It was hard to determine the best thing about last night's First Friday at the Gallery -- was it the amazing miniatures show? Or was the engaging music from Sugar Factory, Rolina Carter's educational jewelry demo or just the beautiful evening bringing out visitors gallery hopping?  Either way, the Lakewood Arts Gallery's First Friday at the Gallery was a fun event.  Here's some photos from last night's art walk.

Miniatures Exhibit at LAC

The Mountainside Art Guild’s Miniatures  exhibit at the Lakewood Arts Gallery is now on display. Exquisite oils, acrylics, watercolors and other media are rendered in such detail on tiny surfaces, some not much bigger than a couple of square inches. You’ll have to see them to believe it! Here’s just a few of the award winners. Join the Mountainside Art Guild And the LAC for a reception this Friday.
 
Also on display is artwork from the Art & Soul program with a special tribute to mentor Myron Eckberg who passed away in June.

A Trio of Celebrations

 
There was a lot to celebrate at last night's festivities at the Lakewood Arts Gallery.  Lots of folks took advantage of the nice weather to stroll around the galleries for the First Friday Art Walk.  What they found at the Lakewood Arts Gallery was a lot of people celebrating 30 years of existence for the Lakewood Arts Council.  And there was a choice of cakes, cookies, tarts and lots of savory items with which to indulge.
 
 Kristi and Viv 
 
The pop of champagne corks could be heard over the pleasant duet of Americana Recycled and toasts to the continued success of the gallery were proposed.

 Lynnette sings with Americana Recycled
 
The installation of a new show in the Acorn Gallery is always another reason to celebrate and this one was no exception.
 
 Some of the work in the Charlie and the Girls exhibit

 
 It was nice to see the beautiful work of past founding member, Kathy Berls.
 
 The Charlie and the Girls exhibit has been an annual tradition since 2012. 
 
 Gail and her watercolor                                     
 above, Barb, Barb, Rick and Deb




Some of the participants have changed and the original idea of painting to chosen themes has disappeared, but one thing is a constant, and that would be Charlie!  It's an interesting show, with lots of different media and themes, so if you missed it, stop on by the gallery and have a look.

 New gallery manager, Tania Kaaz, and Charlie Casper

New faces are always welcome to the Gallery's co-op members, and tonight's reception was a chance to meet our new Gallery Manager, Tania Kaaz.  She has great ideas for the promotion of the gallery and is an accomplished photographer herself.  Using alternative developing methods she can create unusual effects in her finished product and even writes a magazine devoted to these techniques.  She will be a very interesting and dedicated member of our team!

Kristie demos her acrylic pouring

Kristie Kerr has developed quite a following for her acrylic pour classes, and judging by the number of bystanders intrigued with her demonstration, she will continue to fill her classes held at the gallery.  Check the website for class schedules and to register.  Her paintings and gift items are extremely popular -- great for gifts!  There is a nice selection of bird feeders, jewelry and other assorted 3D work available.  The gallery is open Wednesday - Sunday 11-5.  Come on in and see what's new!

Colorado's Best Awards

The Lakewood Arts Gallery's Colorado's Best Exhibit brought out truly some of Colorado's best!  Represented artists were in attendance along with friends, family and First Friday Artwalkers out visiting the galleries along the 40West corridor.  They found laughter, lots of munchies, acoustic guitar by Charles Closen, an acrylic demo by Joel Wittliff and of course a beautiful and diverse selection of art to peruse.

Juror Jan Archuleta was in attendance and so enthusiastic and animated while handing out awards.  She gave very helpful information as to why she chose each piece.  Checks were received by grinning recipients and hopefully they spent them on gallery purchases!  Just another fun evening at the Lakewood Arts Gallery!

Juror Jan Archuleta hands out awards.                     

Artist Joel Wittlif demos Frida in acrylic.


Artist John Evans with his First Place award for his charcoal portrait, "Mata".  Here are the juror's comments as to why she chose his piece for first place, "The minute I saw this detailed drawing I wanted to look closer. I noticed that the full range of values were expertly used to capture the glow of the face, the delicate hands and soft texture of the clothing.  The values of greys in the background has a balance of unique shapes and nice lines.  I also like the glow of light grey behind and reflected on the woman's dark hat.  The face is wonderfully rendered!"


Artist Donna Sorensen with her pastel, "Afternoon Garden Party" which garnered a Second Place award. The juror said, "This small painting is exquisite.  It has strong design and use of light and shadow.  The bits of color are perfectly placed, and the highlights of white give the painting contrast and drama.  The painting is so lovely."


Artist Carol Broere with her raku dish titled, "Which Way".  Jurors comments: "Although I do not know exactly how this piece was made, it is full of creative design and beautiful color.  I appreciate the wavy edge of the dish and the surprising shapes and texture on the back.  Very impressive!"
 

Artist Karen Mahnken with her colored pencil piece, "Great Horned Owl".  Jan said of Karen's piece, "Not only is this colored pencil painting well drawn, the confident strokes of the feathers feel soft and alive.  The owl's golden eye holds the viewer's attention as though it is looking at you.  Very nice!"


Congratulations to all the award winners and artists in the Colorado's Best Show!  I should also mention that wandering into the 40West Gallery for their Transitions glass show, I discovered one of the LAC's member's with another award -- Congratulations to Leslie Bitgood for her piece, "Passages".


And just a silly tip for next time -- be sure to wear your white shirt if you want an award!