upcoming

StewArt Winter Open Studios

What:

The last time Steven Vander Meer had his studio open to the public, he
told everyone it would be the last time in Arcata.  He lied.  Renovating his new
studio in Manila is a large, complex and challenging job and he still
has not moved out of StewART Studios.  His current film project, “Salmon Deadly
Sins” is also on hold because being a general contractor on the remodel is
pretty much a full time job, and a creative one too, with lots of aesthetic
decisions to be made.

At Winter Open Studios, Vander Meer will have hundreds of art rubber stamps for
sale, lots of figure drawing prints, and he will be showing the finished
portions of Salmon Deadly Sins.  A slide show illustrating the progress at “Old
Purple Thumb Works”, his new studio in Manila, will be showing as well.

This summer Libby George studied non-toxic printmaking at Making Art Safely
Studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “Not only did I learn tons, I also got to meet
other printmakers interested in non-toxic methods. It was wonderful” says
George.  “I now know artists I can call and trouble shoot with. I no longer
bore my studio mates to death with obsessive conversations about seconds of
sunlight, wash-out times, and inks.”

George’s new intaglio prints will be on display along with her pastel drawings.

Joyce Jonte ‘s paintings are inspired by the exquisite world we live in. In
summer months she paints wildflowers on mountain hikes; in winter she works from

her photographs of plants and landscapes. She is a dedicated member and
co-facilitator of The Arcata Life Drawing Circle, working in life drawing
sessions six to ten hours per week.

Susan Bornstein grew up in the Midwest, and has lived on both coasts. She moved
to Arcata after receiving a BFA from Washington University in St. Louis,
MO and her MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD.

“My work is based on what I see in my own neighborhood, the gardens and yards of

friends” says Bornstein.  “I take great pleasure in finding unexpected
combinations of colors, textures and shapes in my everyday experience of the
world.  To me the artist’s role is to notice, to take the time to see, to feel
and to respond.”

Painter Carol Andersen’s main imagery is animals. “Animals as my subjects
enables me to explore archetypal imagery. Animals for me are omens of birth and
death, symbolic of transcendence and freedom, as well as isolation, stillness,
and madness. It is no wonder that the first paintings humans created were of
animals. I strive to express my vision through the beauty of their existence.”

Allison Reed sees her art as a long experiment.  “The art you will see is part
of the evolutionary trail of my 26 year journey.  I make art for a thousand
reasons. Creating art helps me understand and admire the complexities of the
natural world.  It takes me back to places I have visited and makes foggy
memories clear again.  It helps me tackle fears and weaknesses I see in myself,
through a constant game of self-improvement.  I am addicted to it.  I get a rush

of euphoria and accomplishment when I create imagery I could have never imagined

making.”

For artist Patricia Sennot a transformation can occur while carefully observing
nature. This transformation has driven Sennot to paint, draw and make prints for
years. “By transformation I refer to the calm which can cut through the chaos of

daily life. The blessedness of floral imagery in my work has expanded in recent
years to include birds. Observing a bird, whether in the mountains or in the
intimacy of my garden, can feel like a miracle! They symbolize transcendence and
great mystery for me.”

When/where: