Page 20 - the NOISE November 2014

20 • november 2014 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us
Briefs . . .
the aspen loft artists celebrate their one year anniversary of coming together and opening their studios to the public with a Grande Fête.
The organically formed collective consists of gouache and multi-media artist and printmaker linda Shearer-Whiting; painter and assemblage artist Jocelyne Champagne Shiner; portrait painter Suzanne Doucette Stebila; jeweler Mi- caela Pomatto; and longtime painter in residence, Shonto Begay.
Ms. Shearer-Whiting will be displaying her gouache pastoral landscapes and photorealistic studies of highway relics and architectural anoma- lies; as well as her softly abstracted black & white prints in her Northern View Studio. In Studio Jocelyne, Ms. Shiner’s drawings and paintings will be on display in addition to new whimsical as- semblage sculpture which transforms spoons, wire, buttons, rulers and gears into sweetly expressive emotive figures. Ms. Stebila shows new paintings in 12 12 Studio that continue her exploration of perspective and proportion in the human figure. At Micaela’s Handcrafted Jewelry, Ms. Pomatto presents her line of sterling silver and semipre- cious stone jewelry which she describes as “dura- ble and appealing for everyday wear.”
“Aspen Loft Artist studios has been truly inspira- tional for me,” says Ms. Pomatto. “Showing up in the morning to create and make sterling silver jew- elry while being around a wonderful community of artists brings joy to my daily life. It is a pleasure to be amongst kind, creative and supportive folks.”
Ms. Shiner, who penned the group, says, “Flag- staff is a wonderfully creative and friendly commu- nity ... feeling mighty blessed to have put down some roots here and made such good friends. The abundance of sunshine and fresh air are invigorat- ing to the soul, and the Aspen Loft Artists keep the creative juices bubbling.”
“I am totally embraced by the feminine spirit,” says Mr. Begay, as the lone male artist of the group. “I love gentle shadows and voices in my new com-
munity. I have been here eight years and this past year has been transformative. I feel safe surround- ed by these beautiful wonders. They look after me. I was not too aware of that. Aspen Lofts, yes, it is a Flagstaff treasure.”
With live music performed by the Mother Road Trio, the Aspen Loft Artists’ Grande Fête will be held Thursday, November 20 from 6-9PM at 7 E. Aspen Avenue, 2nd Floor in Downtown Flagstaff. Cake from Macy’s Coffeehouse and other compli- mentary refreshments will be served.
the artists’ Coalition of flagstaff pres- ents its annual Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, November 1 featuring the work of 25 ACF member vendors presenting their paintings, photographs, jewelry, wood carvings, pottery, fiber and glass art, and other handmade items at affordable prices, di- rectly to the public.
Full Circle Thrift Store will have a truck in the parking lot and attendees are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothes or household items to “stuff the truck.” 10AM-4PM Saturday, November 1 at
the Flagstaff Elks Lodge, 2101 N. San Francisco Street. For any further information, email acfpres@hotmail.com or call 928- 522-6969.
for the Month of November, the Artists’ Coalition Gifts & Gallery is featuring the perceptually intriguing window- framed landscape paintings of Joan McKee. Working on shaped wooden panels, Ms. McKee paints trompe l’oeil pieces that depict the view looking out an open window. “The di- mensional aspect of a window frame and/or open window is achieved through use of perspective and shadow,” explains the artist. “That illusion is what intrigues me. Sometimes the shape of the window frame comes first and sometimes the frame is based on the locale of the view through that window. Windows provide a feeling of refuge from the world while, at the same time, offering access to that world. This appeals to my interest in the ability of art to both conceal and reveal the meanings found in our physical surroundings.”
Ms. McKee was creating set designs at Bowling Green State University, teaching, and reexamining her beliefs about real- ity, imagination, and cultural influence, when her creative and psychological efforts coalesced into this particular means of visual expression.
“When observers walk up to my paintings, look over their shoulder to see if anyone is watching, then pull out one cor- ner to see what is behind it, or run a hand over the surface to check the flatness of it — then I am satisfied their perceptions have been challenged by my work.”
Meet the artist during the First Friday reception from 6-9PM Friday, November 7 at 111 E. Aspen Street in Downtown Flag- staff. Regular gallery hours are 11AM-4PM Thursday-Tuesday. flagstaff-arts.org
CoConino Center for the arts’ popular craft fair “It’s elemental” opens this month, showcasing the fine arts and crafts of Northern Arizona artisans. The annual jur- ied show features jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, wood, fur- niture, fabric, sculpture and more. Blacksmith artist Cathi Borthwick & fabric artist Sharon Richards will present a few of their imaginative collaborations and Flag Forge is spon- soring this year’s award for Best of Show in metalwork. It’s Elemental opens November 18 and runs through December 20 with a Fine Craft Sale on December 6 from 10AM-4PM & December 7 from 12–4PM.