Provincetown, MA

ART in PROVINCETOWN

It was a beautiful sunny day in Provincetown, albeit a bit on the cool side.  With the sun in full force, A. Paul & I set out to begin getting our lives a bit back to normal and start preparing the art studio and gallery for our new season.

A quick drive through Provincetown showed that the town was still awakening from winter but the hammers, saws, and clean ups readying   businesses for the season has begun.   Along the way to the art studio and gallery, we met up with well wishers and friends welcoming us home, which we appreciated greatly. 

For those readers who have not had the opportunity to visit Provincetown, Ptown (as it is more informally referred to) is the oldest, continuous art colony in the country. Visual artists have long favored the light and landscape of Cape Cod, in particular the light of Provincetown the furthermost point of the Cape. Performing and literary artists discover a wealth of inspiration in the diverse population of this small seaside village. As such, Provincetown offers an array of both visual and performing arts.  Included in these venues are the Provincetown Art Association & Museum PAAM) http://paam.org/,  the Pilgrim Monument & Museum  http://pilgrim-monument.org/, the Fine Arts Work Center http://fawc.org/index.php, nearby Truro Castlehill Center for the Arts http://castlehill.org/, and over 80 art galleries, art studios, art schools, and performing arts theaters.

Though the town slows to a quiet crawl in the late winter and early spring, the summer and fall swells with visitors taking part in the endless festivities the town has to offer, such as Carnival & Jazz Festival in August, June's International Film Festival, September's Tennessee Williams Festival, and the Spring & Fall Restaurant &Gallery strolls.  There are several organizations you can explore to see these  and other "happenings" in Provincetown. The Chamber of Commerce http://ptownchamber.com/; Provincetown Business Guild http://ptown.org/,  Provincetown Tourism Office http://provincetowntourismoffice.org/ and http://www.provincetown.com/;  all post a calendar of events for the town. 

If you are looking for art and fine dining, you can also check the several art/dining guides published in town and  online provincetownartguide.com/,  provincetownmagazine.org/ , and  provincetowngalleryguide.com/ .  Of course, we hope that you will also plan a visit to Cortile Gallery and drop by to see the wonderful art of our artists or simply to say hello http://cortilegallery.com/  A short stroll down the street from the gallery, you can catch A. Paul in his studio which is always open  to the visiting public during the season.

Regarding Cortile, we have an exciting calendar of exhibits planned this year. We will be opening for business mid-April and will have our first official gallery opening on May 20th. We are planning an Art Tour Across America exhibit in the early fall. Watch for our updated calendar  and blog on our new website due to roll out next month. You can also stay in contact with us  via Facebook by friending Cortile-Gallery Provincetown.  If you would like to be added to our contact list for special announcements, feel free to email me and I will make sure to add you to our email list cortilegallery@comcast.net

As I bring the Art Tour Across America blog to a close this evening, I say goodnight but not goodbye.  As A. Paul & I reflect upon all the landscape, venues, and people we met along our journey, we realize that this is not to be the last of our tours, but marks a beginning.  We are hopeful to arrange an Art Tour Across Western Europe in 2013 and hope you will continue traveling and exploring the arts along with us. 

Thank you to everyone for your hospitality, comments, time, and for sharing your arts & communities with us. It was an inspiring trip and it was fun to have you travel along with us.  I close tonight with a few images taken at the end of the day and the sunset we captured on our way back home.

IMAGES of PROVINCETOWN, MA   CAPE COD

Drive from Boston to Provincetown

DRIVE from BOSTON to PROVINCETOWN, MA

A. Paul & I headed back to the Cape late afternoon after taking care of some business in Boston.  The late day sun created deep shadows amidst the city's buildings and spectacular illusions with the blanket of clouds in the west.

As we drew closer to the Cape, the familiar landscape, bridges, and light of the sky created a warm welcoming feeling for our return home.  The sun was setting as we passed through Wellfleet, capturing a spectacular show of color reflecting off the water. 

We rolled into Provincetown just as the last light of the sky was reflecting across the Cape Cod Bay with the town's skyline in the background. The lights of the Pilgrim Monument acted as a beacon across the familiar landscape.

Tomorrow, I will share my last closing thoughts and provide some information on the Art in Provincetown, the oldest continuous art colony in the country, in an effort to share our small part of paradise to those who shared yours with us.

 I leave you this evening with images of our drive and the beautiful color we experienced during our ride to Provincetown, MA



DRIVE FROM BOSTON to PROVINCETOWN

Good Morning from Boston

Thank you to those of you who have sent messages acknowledging the approaching end to the Art Tour Across America. 

Please look for one or two more posts--Art in Provincetown and conclusion remarks and images that close our tour.  We thank those who have gone the distance with us on our travels; your comments are and were so appreciated as it kept us feeling as if our friends were traveling with us.

Have a wonderful day and hope you will take some time to check in with the blog later.

Saratoga to Boston, MA via Albany, NY

DRIVE from SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY to BOSTON, MA

Hudson River & Albany, NY

It was a gorgeous sunny day for A. Paul's & my drive to Boston, MA.  The approach to I-90 (Mass Pike) provided a wonderful view of the Hudson River with a glimpse of Albany's skyline. 

Along the interstate, the landscape was waking up from a long winter, with remants of cascading ice floes frozen to the side of the road.  The sunlight casting through the woods created abstract shadows beckoning to be photographed.

The short 3 hour drive from Saratoga Springs, NY to Boston, MA permitted us to arrive in Boston with the city illuminated in afternoon light.  The view of two sailboats in the Charles River was almost too perfect against the city's skyline.



"The Fog Warning" Winslow Homer
artwork in Art of the Americas wing at MFA

Though we would like to stay and explore the city further,tomorrow, we must head to Provincetown.  Until then,  I leave you tonight with the link to Boston's Museum of Fine Art which is a definite must see when planning a visit to historic Boston.  http://www.mfa.org/  The newest wing, the Art of the Americas Wing, has rave reviews and is on the top of our list to see when we next return to Boston, but you can read more about this centerpiece expansion and its collections at http://www.mfa.org/americas-wing/?q=thenewmfa.



Boston Museum of Fine Art



 Beyond the MFA, Boston offers an array of visual and performing arts  when visiting the city.  To explore the many sides of Boston's historic and contemporary venues you can visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/ or http://www.bostonusa.com/visit .



DRIVE from SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY to BOSTON, MA

Arts in Saratoga Springs, NY

ARTS in SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

More commonly known as Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, New York hosts some of the best attended art venues in the Capital Region of upstate New York.

The permanent settlement of Saratoga occurred in 1776 after a British soldier, fighting in the French Indian Wars,  was brought by Native American Indians to the healing springs of Saratoga. It was not long before a vibrant trade business and hotel trade began to develop around the infamous springs, starting with the first hotel built by Gideon Putman still in existence today. With the progress of trade and infrastructure the settlement grew into a formal township and, in 1819, Saratoga Springs was officially established. Not long after, in 1863, the country's first horse track was built in its current location providing the basis for further growth of the town. Today, the racing season in August brings multitudes of  horse afficiandos to Saratoga Springs. 

SPAC amphitheater

Saratoga also offers a host a number of diverse entertainment venues other than its race track, such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the park,  and Saratoga Arts Center, located in downtown.   SPAC, founded in 1961, hosts live performing arts and festivals such as the jazz festival, symphonies, ballets, and contemporary music concerts throughout the year. http://www.spac.org/   

Organized in 1986, Saratoga Arts Center offers its community diverse workshops, art education, art placement programs, a gift shop and exhibit gallery and is a core sponsor for events such as Saratoga's New Years First Night festival  http://saratoga-arts.org/    In addition to the Arts Center, the main downtown street, Broadway, offers four additional galleries featuring the works of local, regional and international artists.

Beekman Street Gallery

A more recent development in the arts of Saratoga is nearby Beekman Street's Art District. Beelman's Street turn-of-the-century homes have been converted into Saratoga's art district with several bistros, artists coops, and artist studios to offer its visitors along with a calendar of events such as Arti Gras (April) and first Saturday Art Walks. http://www.saratoga.com/HotSpot_Beekman-Street.cfm 

Throughout Saratoga are several museums.  The Saratoga Museum houses historical relics and documentation of Saratoga's founding http://www.saratoga-museum.com/.  The National Museum of Dance located in Saratoga is the country's only museum solely committed to the history of dance http://www.saratoga-museum.com/   There is also the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame http://www.racingmuseum.net/  ,  the New York State Military Museum http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/mil-hist.htm and Saratoga Auto Museum http://saratogaautomuseum.org/. 

At nearby Skidmore College, one can attend numerous lectures and view special exhibits at the Tang Teaching Museum http://tang.skidmore.edu/index.php/ , which I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Alumni Invitational exhibit this afternoon.  The exhibit incorporated innovative pieces such as welded coin functional furniture, mixed media collage works, and photography.  The upstairs level housed a special African themed exhibit showcasing works that explored the interrelationship of humans and their impact upon their environments.

Though Saratoga was once considered a "summer town", it has over the years developed the foundations for being a more year round destination with a host of activites, outdoors and indoors, to offer its visitors.  It is definitely a town worth putting on your "must see" list when traveling to New York state.

Tomorrow, A. Paul & I head to Boston then, alas, Monday we arrive back to Provincetown.  I leave you this evening scenes of Saratoga with a few images from the opening exhibit at the Tang Museum.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

Drive from Jamestown to Saratoga Springs, NY

DRIVE from JAMESTOWN to SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

A. Paul & I set off on in the morning with Jamestown covered in a layer of ice.  The temperature was 27 degrees and the sun struggled to break through a layer of clouds as vast as a sea. 

As we continued our drive towards Corning, NY, the sun finally broke through casting light across the freshly snowcovered landscape.  Snow clung trees in pristine fields of snow provided us a winter wonderland for the remainder of our drive, especially enhancing the small town of Corning's downtown main street where we made a brief detour.

Corning is home to the Corning Museum of Glass which showcases one of the world's largest glass collections depicting over 3500 years of glassmaking. http://www.cmog.org/  In addition to its historical coverage of glassmaking, Corning also showcases new, innovative glassmaking in its Glass Innovation Center and an extensive contemporary glass arts gallery.  It is definitely worth creating a visit to Corning to see the town and the museum.

We continued our drive on to Saratoga Springs, NY, where long time friend, Dr. Olney, extended his hospitatlity for our next two days' visit to the area. 

I will continue to share links to the arts scene in Saratoga before parting to Boston on Sunday and home to Provincetown, MA on Monday.



DRIVE from JAMESTOWN to SARATOGA

Portage, Indiana to Jamestown, NY

DRIVE from Portage, Indiana to Jamestown, NY

A. Paul & I continued our drive through bucolic landscapes across Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and into New York.  At times, barns sat high on rolling hills, and other times amidst flat, vast fields. 

As we approached Cleveland, Ohio,  located along Lake Erie, the transition to growing congestion on the roadway and a fog cloaked skyline was jarring to the serenity of the past few days and our morning drive. The rain, which we finally caught up to, simply added a mystical quality to the flat light draped over the scenery.  Rain turned to snow as we approached New York just as the day's light was growing dim.  With the safety of the growing dark, herds of deer could be spotted in the far away hillside, taking advantage of the melting snow running through the fields.

With the last of the light of the day, we arrived into Jamestown, NY, home to lumber mills, Chautauqua Lake and several local museums,  one of which depicts the life of Lucille Ball, native of Jamestown http://www.lucy-desi.com/.  Should you plan a trip this way, another museum of  interest in Jamestown is the Fenton History Center http://www.fentonhistorycenter.org/   

The Prendergast Library, named after Jamestown;s founding family, is also of interest as it acts as one of the town' venues for art display and houses an extensive group of literature on the area.  http://www.prendergastlibrary.org/

Tomorrow, the snow is expected to stay with us as we continue our drive onto Saratoga Springs, NY and then onto Boston on Sunday. Until tomorrow's post, I hope that you enjoy our drive of the day.

From PORTAGE, INDIANA to JAMESTOWN, NY

Farms & Barns: Lincoln, Nebraska to Portage, Indiana

DRIVE from LINCOLN, NEBRASKA to PORTAGE, INDIANA

The day truly was a day of farms and barns with the exception of brief excursions around the bigger cities, such as Davenport.

A. Paul & I left Lincoln under gray skies and a forecast of thunderstorms & lightening.  The rain never materialized but the sky remained gray most of our drive with an occasional appearance of the sun casting light across the many freshly tilled fields of Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and finally Indiana.  As we drove past the many farms, it was impossible not to be captivated by the new and rustic barns that dotted the landscape; each with its own personality and unspoken history. Seeing all the tilled fields, it was easy to develop an appreciation for the farmers that dedicate their lives to the land and its way of life.

Upon our evening arrival in Portage, Indiana, we picked up literature on Northern Indiana's art scene which we will make sure to put on our next trip list.  It is unfortunate that these next days will be dedicated to driving but we will still attempt to share what we discover about arts in the areas in which we drive.

Northern Indiana's Art & Earth Trail encompasses  seven loops incorporating areas from Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes to inland lakes, past Notre Dame, and the Amish countryside.  You can visit the published guide to the arts across Northern Indiana at http://www.artandearthtrail.com/ .  It has been shared by one of our blog followers, who is also an artist, that Carmel, Indiana also has a strong dedication to the arts and is considered the premier Mid West Arts & Design destination.  You can find out more on the arts scene in Carmel at http://carmelartsanddesign.com/  

Tomorrow we continue our drive to Erie, PA.  Until then, I leave you with our farm & barn slideshow.

DRIVE from LINCOLN to PORTAGE

Dillon Colorado to Lincoln Nebraska

DRIVE from DILLON, CO to LINCOLN, NE

A. Paul & I left Lake Dillon, Colorado this morning with brillant blue skies and soft cloud forms hanging over the slowly melting lake in Dillon, CO.  Our day's drive guided us through extreme landscapes, climbing over 10,000 feet in elevation in the mountains  of Colorado and dropping into the wide open plains of Nebraska.  Along the route, we viewed and captured images of buffalo, migrating cranes, smoke rising from the Golden Canyon fire, isolated farm houses, grazing cattle, and soft hued wheat and corn fields.  We landed in Lincoln, capital of Nebraska, just as the sun was slowly setting. 

Tomorrow we head to Joliet, IL onto Erie, PA, a short stop in Saratoga, NY and  Boston, MA then home to Provincetown, MA.  I leave you with the images of the day's drive and thank everyone for their comments and support as we continue our last leg of our journey.

DRIVE from DILLON , CO to LINCOLN, NE

Telluride to Dillon, CO

DRIVE from TELLURIDE to DILLON, CO via Vail

Yesterday, A. Paul & I took our final ski runs of our trip. The day was beautiful and the snow was perfect.  In the evening we listened to Elephant Revival, a neo acoustic group, perform live  at the historic Sheriden Opera House.

This morning, we said our farewell to Telluride and headed northeast to Dillon, CO via Vail.  The drive alternated between melting snow passes and fields thawing in the spring sun.  We passed ranches, coal mines, wildlife grazing and rivers that were beginning to fill from snow melt, eventually our drive rose to 10,000 feet elevation afforded spectacular vistas.  Boulders precariously lie along the roadside reminding us of the delicate balance of mankind and nature.  The final drive onto I-70, led us through a maze of tunnels and passages carved through and around the Rocky Mountains before passing through Vail then onto Dillon for the night.

Tomorrow, we head to Nebraska, inching one day at a  time home to Cape Cod.  The next few days will be long driving days in an effort to reach MA by next weekend.  I will continue to post photo images of the drive back but our art coverage will be limited as we come to the close of our Art Tour Across America.  When we reach back home I will make one last post to provide closing photos and comments.  Until then I leave you with an extensive slideshow of today's drive.

DRIVE from TELLURIDE to DILLON, CO

Art in Telluride, CO

ART in TELLURIDE, CO

The morning brought a beautiful day to us with clear blue skies and a few white clouds hovering over Telluride.  A. Paul & I started our morning off with a  stroll along the river trail to the free mountain gondola which whisked us away to the Mountain Village at the base of Telluride's ski area.  As the gondola ascended, it afforded wonderful vistas of the 14,000 feet elevation of San Juan Mountains and the canyon valley where the town of Telluride resides.

The San Juan Mountains, part of the Rocky Mountain range, boasts a complex tapestry of ski runs, which we hope to take advantage of tomorrow.  These same mountains are the source of the founding of Telluride, when in the mid 1870s, the first gold and silver mines created the basis of the Sheridan Mining town, now known as Telluride.  With the arrival of the train and electricity, the town continued to boom up until  WWI and the Great Depression , which bankrupt many mining towns  and left them to become ghost towns.  Such was the fate of Telluride until 1970 when miner Billy Mahoney and Joe Zoline combined forces to cash in on Telluride's other natural resource--snow, creating the first ski access in Telluride and establishing a basis for its survival.   http://www.telluride-co.gov/index.aspx?page=33page=33

With the quaint historic Victorian mining town at its base, where supposedly Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan orated his "Cross of Gold" speech,  and newly cut ski runs on the surrounding mountains, Telluride has grown to become one of America's favorite playgrounds for year round activities.  It is home to some of the most attended festivals in the country-- the Bluegrass Festival, Blues & Brews Festival, Wine, Festival, Yoga Festival, Jazz Festival , Film and Arts Festivals--the list goes on. www.telluride.com/telluride/festivals 

Aa Haa School for the Arts

When A. Paul & my feet touched ground again in town, we set out to explore the many arts venues housed in historic buildings throughout Telluride.  First on our list was the Ah Haa School for the Arts where we met up with Executive Director Rachel Loomis-Lee.  Immediately we felt at home when Rachel not only knew about Provincetown but shared that she has substantial memories of her visit to  "Ptown" as it is where she became engaged. 

Aa Haa Director Rachel Loomis-Lee & Kerry
in front of artwork by Rachel

During our visit at the school, Rachel provided a wealth of information on the art scene occuring in Telluride and about the role the School fulfills in the community.  The Ah Haa School was founded in 1990 by bookmaker and teacher Daniel Tucker as a means for fostering creativity that exists in every individual, regardless of age.  To this end the Ah Haa School offers a host of workshops in a wide range of mediums  including ceramics, film, welding, painting, jewelry, and photography, as well as adult and youth programs.  Housed in a historic train depot, the top level of the school offers two gallery exhibit areas for featured artists' works, with the lower level designated for workshops, a ceramic room,  and soon to be printmaking shop.

 Ceramist Nichole Waichunas at
Ah Haa School

As its executive director, Rachel has created innovative and creative means for collaborating with the community, bringing residents and visitors alike into the Ah Haa family fold through auctions, social & technological networking, special events and course offerings.  Rachel's energy and enthusiasm for the School and towards the interconnectedness of the community and its arts is infectious to say the least.   Thank you, Rachel, for your time and passion. We hope to see you in Ptown soon. 

If you are planning a visit to the Telluride area, the Aa Haa School for the Arts is a definite must see.  You can also visit the Aa Haa Scool for the Arts website for information on upcoming exhibits, events, and classes at http://www.aahaa.org/  and at the following YouTube links   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM4fScMFaZM
 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTg_ae0j008




L-R: Sasha Cuccicinello, Kerry, & Kate Jones

 Upon Rachel's recommendations, A. Paul & I set out to visit the Stronghouse Studios & Gallery where we met Program Director Sasha Cucciniello, who also directs the Squidshow Theatre http://www.squidshow.org/,  and Executive Director  Kate Jones of TCAH , Telluride Council for the Arts & Humanities.  http://telluridearts.org/

TCAH, like Aa Haa, is a community based arts organization  developed to foster the arts in and around the Telluride area.  Its mission is to assist artists and visual & performing  groups discover venues and support for their growth and sustainability within and outside the community.  The Stronghouse Studios & Gallery was created and funded by the TCAH to offer work spaces for artists, regardless the medium.  Housed in an historic dry good storage along the historic Rio Grande train tracks,  the Stronghouse offers a music room, a dark room and several art work spaces. Occupancy is based upon availability with the majority of top floor artists as established tenants.  The lower level offers a variety of spaces to artists as they beccome available. 
Thank you, Sasha & Kate, for your hospitality.

Around the corner from the Stronghouse are two addtional galleries that we visited.  The Schilling Studio Gallery owned/operated by artist Amy Schilling who offers cutting edge contemporary works in addition to her encaustic artwork and handmade jewelry.  http://schillingstudiogallery.com/   The neighboring Lustre Gallery offers historic jewelry, art glass works, and a large collection of reversed painted ceiling chandeliers http://www.lustregallery.com/contact.html

As the day began to wane, we headed off to Smugglers for a bite to eat before heading back to our lodging along the river.  Tomorrow, weather permitting, we hope to race down a few of Telluride's slopes then in the evening take in a music venue held in the historic  1913 Sheridan Opera House. http://www.sheridanoperahouse.com/    Sunday morning we head out to Vail, CO.


DAY IN TELLURIDE

Drive from Sandy, Utah to Telluride, Colorado

DRIVE from SANDY, UT to TELLURIDE, CO

The 6+hour drive from Sandy, Utah to Telluride was exhilerating.  We left the snow capped valley of Utah through Soldier Summit, where rock formations stood like soldiers along the road sides.  Along the way we ventured through old mining towns and crossed a desert of dunes with ghost-like mountains.

  

 As we reached Moab, Utah, we weaved our way through massive brillant red rock formations with snowy mountains as a backdrop. The lesser traveled two lane route into Colorado was harrowing at times but A. Paul expertly weaved  the car through one ess curve after another, marked with signage never seen before on our travels.  

Throughout the drive we witnessed the landscape and the wildlife it supports coming to life and enjoying the first fruits of spring.  Our arrival to Telluride at dusk was greeted by the sight of a fox on its early evening hunt.  Tomorrow, we explore the town and will assess the upcoming weather for any needed to changes in our driving itinerary. 

We hope you all had a great St. Paddy Day and enjoy the visual journey of the day below. 

 DRIVE FROM UTAH TO COLORADO:

Art in Salt Lake City, Utah

ART in SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

A. Paul & I headed out to Salt Lake City under gray skies. With umbrella and camera in hand, we took this last day opportunity to explore the art venues that Salt Lake City has to offer its residents and visitors.  Our first stop was to the Utah Museum of Fine Art (UMFA).

Don Olsen artwork

Given its location on Utah University's campus, UMFA was buzzing with students of all ages visiting the exhibits within the building.  On the lower level of the museum, we encountered the works of Don Olsen, who, in 1954 at the age of 44,  studied with Hans Hofmann in Provincetown, MA.  The works exhibited demonstrated Olsen's study of push/pull theory under Hofmann's tutelage and was in honor of what would have been Olsen's 100th birthday.  Olsen was both a visual and performing artist, being one of Utah's notable violinst in its symphony.   In addition to the Olsen Abstract Expressionist exhibit, there was an extensive collection of  23 artists' works based on and influenced by contemporary artist Robert Smithson.  On the second level of the museum was a photographic exhibit of  photographer Helen Levitt's work.

Though the museum is comparatively small to other museums that we have visited, it was well curated and incorporated works in American , Greek & Roman, European, Asian, Pre Columbian and Native American cultures alongside  its special exhibits. http://umfa.utah.edu/pageview.aspx?id=25861

Upon our departure, A. Paul & I made our way through the heart of the city taking in its sights.  Very notable are the many artistic structures throughout the city including bronze birds permanently perched upon the transportation station stops and bronze arches spanning across its streets.  Along the center square, the Mormon Tabernacle spires rose towards the sky above the solid walls that surround it.  Past the Energy Solutions Arena, home to the Utah JAZZ, stand two bronze bastketball players memorialized for eternity. 

ArtSpace

On the west side of the city, we arrived at ArtSpace,  our next destination. ArtSpace is a non for profit organization created in 1980 whose mission is to assist in the revitalization of communities through its creation of mixed use housing and commercial spaces. http://www.artspaceutah.org/%20The The ArtSpace converted warehouse we visited today  houses artists' live/work spaces, non for profit organization ART ACCESS, the Utah Arts Festival Foundation,  Tanner Frames, a very active frame shop, and other supportive community based businesses. 

L-R: Amanda Finlayson, Sheryl Gillian, Ruth Lubbers,
& Cori Redstone

We began our visit at ART ACCESS, where we were graciously received by the three directors of the organization.  Executive Director Ruth Lubbers, Programming Director Amanda Finlayson, and Assistant Director Sheryl Gillian, though busy hanging the new exhibit for the upcoming gallery opening, took time to explain the roll ART ACCESS fulfills in the community.  ART ACCESS, chartered in 1984,  is associated to VSA, a non for profit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador  Jean Kennedy Smith.  The mission of the organization is to promote the arts through providing the tools, education, and representation  to those with disabilities and  to those disenfranchised in the community.  The organization offers a multitude of programs such as residence artist programs, art mentoring, teen and adult workshops. http://www.accessart.org/

Cori Redstone artwork

In 1991, ART ACCESS established the Art Access Gallery, which showcases the works of its network of artists in two gallery salons.   At the time of our visit, artist Cori Redstone was hanging her paintings for her "Women of Their Time." exhibit.  Her  works feature women who have developed a confidence in their lives and at times challenged the norms within their social arenas. The effect of the pieces is thought provoking.  The execution of the work masterfully balanced to their intent.   It was a pleasure to meet all of you and best wishes to you on the success of Art Access and the upcoming openings.

Across the hall from ART ACCESS is the Utah Arts Festival Organization. UAF has been in operation for 35 years and hosts the largest outdoor multi disciplinary arts venue in the state of Utah.   The four day June event brings over 80,000 people to Utah and is ranked in the top 100 festivals in the nation. The festival collaborates with over 100 performing artists of theater, symphony, and jazz and 140 visual artists of various mediums. http://www.uaf.org/

Travis Tanner & Kerry

Down the hall from UAF we met artist and framer Travis Tanner.  A. Paul was immediately impressed with the skill and artistry of Tanners handmade canvases and extensive collection of frames.  Tanner has been creating custom canvas and frame work for artists, collectors, galleries and museums for nearly 20 years, almost 10 of these in his own shop, Tanner Frames, which he opened in 2003. Tanner Frames is part frame shop and part gallery where he exhibits few of his own assemblage pieces alongside those works of artists he knows or admires personally.   http://tannerframes.com/

lobby artwork historic rendering

After our visit to ArtSpace, we traveled across to Rio Gallery housed in the historic Rio Grande Train Station.  When we stepped into the space it was as if we stepped back in time.  The old cafe was empty as if it were waiting for the next train of passengers to arrive.  In the midst of the interior space were free standing contemporary display walls where a new exhibit was being hung for this coming Friday's opening. The Rio Gallery was established to provide a free venue to exhibit emerging and established Utahn artists.  http://riogallery.com/ 

Our last stop of the day took us to the  Salt Lake Art Center  http://www.slartcenter.org/%20where where we met artist/volunteer Maggie Willis.  http://www.maggiewillisarts.com/.   Maggie provided us some background information on the non for profit Art Center and introduced us to the current exhibit "Sundance Film Festival: New Frontier.".  The Art Center is a main venue for the contemporary arts in Utah and hosts not only exhibits but educational talks, youth programs, workshops, and internships. 

Maggie Willis & Kerry

The structure of the Art Center is a perfect backdrop to its contemporary exhibits.  As A. Paul & I explored the Sundance exhibit, we could not overlook the architectural lines of the steel stairs and vast dark space that encompassed the visual, graphic displays of art.  Each exhibit space was perfectly lit and most had a hands on or interactive component which enhanced the overall experience of the exhibit.  http://www.slartcenter.org/?page_id=307

As we exited the Art Center, the skies had increasingly darkened as an approaching storm was making its way across the state.  Throughout our drive back to Sandy,  we took notice of the many sites of construction work taking place throughout the city.  We take this as a positive sign that the economy is showing signs of improvement in Salt Lake City and are pleasantly surprised and pleased to see such a committed emphasis on the arts in Utah.  

Tomorrow we depart to make our way to Telluride, CO for the next few days. 


ART in SALT LAKE CITY,  UTAH: