PRS NEWSLETTER, JUNE 2019

Marin County:

Peter Keresztury has organized a great opportunity for Pacific Rim Sculptors to exhibit their work at the October 18-20, 2019 Bioneers 30th annual conference at the Marin Center in San Rafael (see www.bioneers.org). 

Included artworks will be seen by over 3000 social, environmental, and scientific innovators, who will convene to present and hear about breakthrough solutions inspired by nature and powered by human ingenuity. 

The sculptures will be installed by the artists on Thursday, October 17, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and de-installed on Sunday, October 20, after 6:00 PM.  The event will have 24 hour security, but artists will need to insure their own works, if desired. Large sculptures are preferred. Artworks will be displayed outdoors in one area of the fairgrounds. Artists need to supply their own pedestals, if needed. 

Each exhibiting sculptor receives 2 free tickets to the conference, plus a payment (to be determined) for inclusion of their work.  (continued, right)

Peter will work with the Bioneers to allow PRS a table and chairs to provide information and to handle all sales, of which the artists will receive 100%. Two PRS participants need to be available at the table on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; some payment may be possible. 

Peter will bring two of his large kinetic wind sculptures. Contact him for more information. If you'd like to participate, send Peter photographs of your sculptures as soon as possible before June 20, including titles, dates, prices, and brief descriptions. Peter's email is PeterKer@Pacbell.net. 

Humboldt County:

Lori Goodman reports that Charles Stinson visited Humboldt County in May and gave a wonderful presentation to interested Humboldt Sculptors about becoming members of the PRS and ISC.  There was lots of enthusiasm and some new members joined PRS.  We discussed a future sculpture exhibition in collaboration with the Humboldt Botanical Gardens.  Watch for calls for entry in the future. For more information, contact Lori at loribg@suddenlink.net. 

The PRS Events Committee (Leith Thrall, chair; Eileen Fitz-Faulkner, co-chair) schedules studio visits and similar activities, rotating among PRS's several areas. Email events@pacificrimsculptors.org. for more information or to schedule a visit to your studio! 

APRIL SPOTLIGHT:  Myrna Tatar

The PRS Second Sunday Spotlight for April visited the home of Myrna Tatar. 

Myrna creates her assemblage sculptures from 'rescued objects', stating "Nothing should be wasted. Everything here was once a part of someone's life." 

Myrna lives in San Francisco's old Box Factory, which many years ago was converted to artist studios and condominiums. Previously a raw, open industrial space, Myrna designed the intriguing layout, which is cheery, bright, and filled with colorful art.  

Attending PRS members were enchanted by Myrna's descriptions of her sculpture practice, and enjoyed browsing through colorful, partially completed parts of a work in progress. 

NEXT SPOTLIGHT: 

For the June Second Sunday Spotlight, instead of visiting one person’s studio we will visit several East Bay Open Studios (see www.eastbayopenstudios.com). Participating Pacific Rim members we will visit include Kim Thoman (www.kimthoman.com), Lutz Hornischer (www.lutzartdesign.com), and Carol Tarzier (www.tarzier.com). If you are an East Bay member participating in Open Studios, contact us by Thursday, June 6 so we can add your name to the list we will distribute. We will also plan to visit some non-members studios, such as long time Bay Area sculptor, Peter Dreyfuss (www.peterdreyfuss.com).  

If you want to tour with us, meet at Berkeley Downtown BART at 11:00 AM Sunday June 9, 2019. We can car pool to each studio location, then return by 3:00 PM. Let us know if you want to attend and we can make arrangements from there. Otherwise, you are welcome to do your own self-guided tour. 

Contact Eileen Fitz-Faulkner at effaulkner@gmail.com. 

I traveled to this year’s Venice Biennale; its theme is May you live in interesting times. It is topical and confrontational. The anger and outrage at political, environmental, and gender injustices expressed in the works of this Biennale are temperature readings of the societies from which they came. While this art may not of itself change the world, it makes clear what needs to change. This year continues the progress towards inclusion of artists from African, Asian, Caribbean, Central and South America nations. Not only does this increase the relevance of the Biennale, we are exposed to the compelling issues of more artists. 

Another example of calamitous history under a calm exterior is “New Voortrekker” using the Dutch word for “pioneer" to comment on the history of the White migration to South Africa, which led to Apartheid. 

Benjamin Funke of Eureka, CA, was selected as the 2019 Artist in Residence for the US Bureau of Land Management - King Range National Conservation Area. This opportunity will place him atop the King Range for 31 days, where he plans to reflect on the natural landscape and build a new body of artwork. The residency began May 20th and runs through late June. Additionally, Benjamin will lead two workshops for the general public on 3D imaging, design, scanning, & printing. The work created during this residency will be showcased in his solo exhibition at College of the Redwoods in early 2020.

You can see Benjamin's website at this address:  www.benjaminfunke.com). For information about the residency program, see:  https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/artist-in-residence

Corinne Whitaker just published her 29^th book of digital images and poetry, titled The Empty Bed. The book (cover illustration below) is available on Amazon at this link. 

Corinne's newest 3D printed digital sculpture is titled “Angel’s Flight” (image below).

Flavia Krasilchik’s (fkdesign.webs.com) sculpture "Aritana" (image below) is included in Expressions, a National Open Fine Arts Juried Exhibition sponsored by the Marin Society of Artists in San Rafael. The show runs from June 13, 2019 through July 6, 2019.  (For details, see www.marinsocietyofartists.org .) Reception is 5-8 PM June 14 at 1515 3^rd St, San Rafael, CA. 

Natasha Dikareva’s solo exhibition, Evolution of Shell Dweller (image below), opens June 1, 2019 at the Abrams Claghorn Gallery in Albany, CA. 

Natasha’s "Shell Dweller" series expresses the desire for security in an insecure world. Her hybrid figures are both static and animated, withdrawing into their shells yet visually narrating their stories. Engravings and paintings on their surfaces identify their unique experiences and tell us why they might be seeking safety at the moment. As they slowly evolve out from their shells, they see a bright future where the need for hiding is no longer a necessity, when all stories are shared and intertwined through common understanding. The opening reception for Natasha’s show will be June 8, 2019. The show continues until June 30, 2019.  (For details, see abramsclaghorn.com/exhibitions.)

Gene Erikson’s sculpture "Disruption" (image right) was selected for inclusion in Content Matters, a Summer National Juried Exhibition at Marin MOCA in Novato, CA. Juried by Jack Fisher, the works emphasize 'content' conveyed by a piece of artwork — a message portrayed through images, symbols, marks or stylistic treatment. The exhibition opens with a reception on June 15, 2019 and continues through August 4, 2019. (See Gene's website at this address:  www.generickarts.homestead.com .)

Jane Grimm will have works (images below) in the exhibition, Clay from ACGA. The group show of ACGA members will be presented at the Epperson Gallery, a Crockett, CA gallery specializing in ceramics. The exhibition, juried by Tony Natsoulos, opens June 10, 2019 with a reception on June 11. The show closes July 7, 2019. (See www.eppersongallery.com for details)

Jane will also have work (images below) in the “Bay Area Masters” show at the San Mateo County Fair. The Best of Show awards will include solo exhibitions at the Peninsula Museum of Art.

The show, juried by George Rivera, retired Director of the Triton Museum, is sponsored by the Peninsula Museum of Art. The show begins June 8 and closes June 16, 2019. (See www.peninsulamuseum.org for details.) 

Pamela Merory Dernham has one of her wire wall sculptures (image below) in the European Cultural Center's exhibition, Personal Structures: Identities, in the Palazzo Mora, Venice, Italy. The initial mission of the European Cultural Center 60 years ago was to heal post-war Europe through creative practice and engagement, emphasizing the importance of culture to a society's well being. Today the Center embraces global cultural engagement. The current exhibit is a meeting place for artists and viewers to forge deeper world-wide ties. Pamela traveled to Venice to install her wall sculpture. The exhibition continues to November 24, 2019.  (You can find more details at this address:  ecc-italy.eu/exhibitions/2019art .)

As one of three artists selected for a Spotlight Award at the 2018 Richmond Art Center Show, Ruth Tabancay will show a selection of her works (images below) in the exhibition Parts Unseen at the Richmond Art Center. Reception is 5 to 7 PM Saturday June 8.  The exhibition continues through August 16, 2019.

Ruth will also have a solo exhibition, Geometricity 3.0, at Mercury 20 Gallery, Oakland, CA, from August 1 through September 7, 2019. 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Andrea Bacigalupo, of Oakland, CA, who trained at SFAI, CCA, and Santa Clara University, works with casting, cement / concrete, ceramic, clay, soapstone. Andrea's website is www.andrea-bacigalupo.com .

Benjamine Funke, of Arcata, CA, received his MBA from Notre Dame and his BFA from Columbia College, Chicago. Benjamin's works are abstract, using casting, welding, ceramic, digital media, found objects, welded metal, 3D printing, resin, and sometimes incorporating auditory media and water. Benjamin is Associate Faculty in Sculpture & Drawing at College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA. His website is www.benjaminfunke.com .

Gabrielle Gopinath, of Arcata, CA, trained at Yale University, Rhode Island schools of Design, and the University of Texas, Austin. She is an arts writer and Associate Faculty, Art History & Film History, College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA. Her website is www.gabrielle-gopinath.com .

Jimmie Nord, of Eureka, CA, has his BA from Humboldt State University and his MFA from Louisiana State University, and is a Lecturer at Humboldt State University. He creates abstract, interactive, and kinetic works in steel, wood, bronze, cement, clay, and found objects. His website is www.jimmienord.com .

Jaime Teran, of San Francisco, CA, studied at the University of Texas at El Paso. Jaime creates representational and abstract works in ceramic, clay, found object, metal, stone. 

Adam L. Wiedman, of Saint Helena, CA, is on the Board of Directors of the Arts Council Napa County, and is a Curative Director for Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. He also teaches at-risk youth for Nimbus Arts. He creates abstract, contemporary, closed-form stainless steel sculptures, often for public spaces. His website is www.hammerswinger.com .

Invite your sculptor colleagues to join and get one month free membership for each new member you recruit (cannot previously have been a member). Just ask the new member to mention your name while filling out the "How did you hear about us?" blank in the application form.