Page 21 - the NOISE September 2012

Elevated Beauty by Rick Goldwasser is among the photographer’s best at AZ Handmade/Fire on the Mountain.
bought this property,” Dina Barnese, local pot- ter and owner of new Z House Gallery, tells me. “I had outgrown my home studio, our spare bedroom inside the house, and needed to find a larger, more appropriate space to make pottery. We looked into building a small studio at home, and the cost was too high for the amount of square footage I’d gain. I began looking for space to rent, and it didn’t make sense to do so. When this place came on the market, it was perfect. I’ve loved this old house for years and the price was right. The property has a home built around 1930 and an outbuild- ing, which was destined to become my studio. The plan at first was to only sell pottery out of the house, but I decided I’d need something for the walls. I started talking with artist friends and the idea of a gallery took on a life of its own. I bought the property in September 2010 and we spent two years renovating the place inside and out. I have to give a shout-out to my boyfriend and life partner, Paul — Z House wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him!”
Whether or not she planned on opening a gallery, Z House is the Hot Spot for the Septem- ber ArtWalk. A little off the downtown map, lo- cated at 2320 E. Route 66, the gallery will be a fun place to stop by on First Friday. There will be live music by local musician and photogra- pher Rob Dutton on the outdoor patio.
“My vision for Z House is still forming,” Ms. Barnese tells me. “I know I want it to sell unique, local art and become a venue for small events. The gallery is broken into two compo- nents: the gallery which features pottery and art, and the boutique which features clothing and accessories. It is important to me to sup- port local artists and local businesses. I want to see this place become part of the community, part of the revival of the Fourth Street area. I would like the gallery to host a few art events throughout the year, rent the patio as a small venue for private events, and be a destination where people can buy work from emerging and established Flagstaff artists. I’d like to see the gallery collaborate with nearby businesses on events. I would somehow like to become in- volved in educating children about art. There’s
nothing quite like watching a child’s face light up when they watch a potter work on the wheel. It’s quite fascinating!”
On September 22 and 23, Z House will be hosting its grand opening with art inside and out, food and live music by Psyche’s Play- ground, Rhythm Oasis, Rob McFarland, Tom Carpenter, Rob Dutton, and Kyle Montgomery. ZhouseGallery.com
WESTERN WONDER
“September will be a special time for The Gallery in Williams,” owner Kris Williams tells me. “Labor Day weekend marks one year that the gallery has been open! Stop by to help celebrate the gallery’s birthday with birthday cake, coffee, or punch, and to see the wonder- ful original artwork the gallery offers.”
For the month of September, ranch and equine photographer Jody Miller will be fea- tured at the Gallery in Williams. Mr. Williams tells me about the artist, “Jody takes her place among the finest Arizona photographers to offer striking images of horses, cowboy and cowgirl pictures, and Western photography. Jody’s equine photography covers the gamut of presentations and moods, from formal horse portraits to images of horses in motion to close-ups of thundering hooves. A self-taught artist, she has honed her craft as a photogra- pher, developed an ever-keener eye for the striking image, and travels the country to build her photography portfolio.”
“Photographing horses is a joy I cannot de- scribe,” Ms. Miller says. “I could spend every waking hour just clicking away whilst they are oblivious to my enthusiasm for their seemingly mundane excursion s... but every now and then I believe they know that they are being admired and they grant me a glimpse of some- thing really special. These are the moments that steal my breath away.”
During the Second Saturday ArtWalk on September 8 from 6 to 9PM, a reception will be held for Jody Miller at The Gallery in Wil- liams, 309 W. Route 66 in Downtown Williams. Live music by jazz artist Kerry-Lynn Moede will accompany the spirit of beautiful art. TheGal- leryInWilliams.com
CONTINUED ON 22 thenoise.us • the NOISE arts & news magazine • SEPTEMBER 2012 • 21