Vaudeville is Back

Vaudeville is alive and well in Ajo. Music, jokes, stories, slapstick — you just never know what will show up on stage. (Maybe even you!)

It’s an evening designed to entertain and tickle the funny bone so bring both of yours to the Dicus Auditorium this weekend.

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Who Are the Gibson Artists?

Yesterday’s post talked about the upcoming Gibson Artists Exhibition — but who are the Gibson Artists?  Member Faye Gustafson writes:

We are a group of artists defined not by anything other than our neighborhood, Gibson. During the past 6 or 7 years we would get together each November for the yearly “Open Studio” event in Ajo and afterward we always talked about what a terrific time we had together.

At some point we approached the Salazar Library to hang our work and the library wanted us to have a name for PR purposes. Since we all lived in the Gibson area of Ajo, it was decided to add the word ‘artists’ to become ‘Gibson Artists’.

In addition to the library exhibitions the Gibson Artists originated the first Christmas Gift Store in Ajo which continued for 3 seasons. We are just a group of friends who love art. In fact once every year or two we all gather at the home of one of the artists and enjoy delicious appetizers and talk art! What sets Gibson Artists apart from most groups is we hold no monthly meetings or keep minutes of our activities.

A sampling of their work …

Jack Tavenner “Concha Belt”

Rich Davis “Evening on the Ajo Range”

Faye Gustafson “Old Boys’ Club”

Wendee Cloutier “Peace on Earth”

John Cooper “Shrimp Boats Sonora, Mexico”

Rene Cloutier “Wild Horses”

Gibson Artists Exhibition

An exhibition of the latest artistic offerings from the Gibson Artists will open at the Salazar – Ajo Library in Ajo, Arizona on February 1, 2013 and continue during normal library hours until February 28, 2013. A reception hosted by the Ajo Library will take place in the library at 3 PM on Saturday, February 2.

Are you looking for a new way to view art?  The artists will introduce the guests to what should be a unique and entertaining way to view the work presented. To learn more about the art process and future plans of the artists — and to view some great art — plan to join them at the library.

Exhibiting at this year’s event are:

• Invited guest artist, Denny Carriere. His paintings, Alki Point and Protection, received Honorable Mention at the Desert Artist Guild Juried Show & Sale in January.

• John Cooper, a photographer who seeks out the old and hidden relics as subjects for his photo art. In addition to this show, John has had his work included in juried exhibits.

• Lynn Cooper. With pen and ink, plus watercolor, Lynn is always on the hunt for the perfect subject for her exquisite renderings and is regularly juried into art shows.

• Jack Tavenner began his art career in college then for the next 20 or so years worked at other things. After returning to painting he’s had great success with watercolor and exhibits at the North West Watercolor Society in Washington State.

• Rich Davis. This is an artist who covers a lot of ground. From Alaska and Washington State to the Sonoran Desert, Rich paints it all! He works in oil and his paintings also have been included in juried shows and is represented by Confluence Gallery and Art Center in Twisp, Washington.

• Rene Cloutier and Wendee Cloutier have traveled the world photographing places that many of us may only be able to see through their camera lens. They make even the most common everyday scene look exciting. Rene and Wendee have had their work included in International Photography Exhibitions. Wendee’s photo, Parade of the Lilies, received an Honorable Mention in January’s Desert artists Guild Show & Sale.

• Claire Bistline works in pastel, acrylic and oils, and pursues a variety of subject matters. This exhibition includes one of her very popular rooster series. Claire has also had work in a number of juried art shows.

• Terry Gonzales, Claire’s husband and painting partner, chooses oils to create his colorful desert scenes. Terry’s paintings have also been included in a number of juried art shows.

• Faye Gustafson paints all things western in oils, plus also works in the mediums of sculpture and pencil. Faye exhibits in several national and regional events and is a member of Oil Painters of America.

 

Look What’s Happening in Ajo!

¡Bienvenidos a Ajo!

Here’s a heads up on the activities for Ajo’s big Art & Music Festival. It’s gonna be a grand time.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Want to enjoy a good meal? Wondering what else there is to do in our lovely town? Check out some of these ideas.

See you there!  ¡Nos vemos allí!

Ajo Art & Music Festival

If you haven’t been in Ajo for the annual bash sponsored by Ajo Arts Alive, you’re in for a real treat. If you’ve attended in the past, you know how much fun it is. And if you hope to sample even a small part of all the activities roller skates would be helpful 😉

Check Out the Juried Show

The opening reception for DAG’s 4th Annual Juried Show & Sale was a real hit. More than a hundred people game to see the work, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.

Sally Banks, Jolene Northup and Wendee Paull Cloutier

Eileen Costuck did a marvellous job coordinating the refreshments.

Artists Terry & Claire were back in in Ajo for a brief visit. Great to see them.

Early visitors had room to move around but the gallery quickly filled up.

Photographer Wendee Paull Cloutier won Honorable Mention from Juror Betina Fink of Tucson.

Painter Denny Carriere won Honorable Mention from Juror Betina Fink of Tucson.

Painter Marilyn Jackson won People’s Choice Award based on votes cast by those attending the reception.

Weaver Jolene Northup won the President’s Choice Award presented by Sally Morrow, president of the Ajo Council for the Fine Arts.

Val Uschuk won Best of Show, awarded by Juror Betina Fink of Tucson.

Painter Denny Carriere won an Honorable Mention from Juror Betina Fink of Tucson.

Showtime — Almost!

Wow! This has been a busy week as plans come together for the Desert Artist Guild’s 4th annual juried show and sale at the Plaza Gallery.

Monday and Tuesday volunteers handled the intake as artists brought their work in to be juried.

Wednesday the juror arrived from Tucson. Betina Fink is a visual artist with a MFA degree in Painting from the University of Arizona, and a BA in Fine Art/Art History from the University of Delaware. She is also Youth Program Director with The Drawing Studio in Tucson.

After the judging, the show committee worked on the display space, setting up and painting additional walls and pedestals, getting labels printed and finalizing the last details.

Thursday two more volunteer teams arrived — one to lay out the work and one to hang it. This went smoothly and by early afternoon almost everything was done.

DAG chairperson Mike Baker, Sherry Fritschle, Jolene Northup and Wendee Paull Cloutier get ready to handle the show intake.

Artist Sandy Schroeder readies her work.

Jolene Northup and DAG chairperson MIke Baker discuss show plans.

Tucson artist and instructor Betina Fink juried the show.

Wendee Paull Cloutier handles some of the paperwork.

Artists Denny Carriere and Terry McVey drop by for a quick look.

Jolene Northup paints the temporary walls.

Ed Northup and Rich Davis hang the show

So we’re almost done!

Hope you can attend the Opening Reception Friday January 11 from 5 to 7 pm. Join us for refreshments, meet the artists and enjoy some of the best work that the Desert Artist Guild has to offer.