bG Gallery Celebrates the Holidays December 14th, 2019

bG Gallery will participate in the Winter Open House and 25th Anniversary Celebration at Bergamot Station on December 14th. Artist Ray Ford will be a featured artist at the gallery. Additional artists such as Matt Ehrman will feature his photographs of the American West, while Linda Smith exhibits ceramic sculptures. The art of other bG Gallery artists will be exhibited as well. 

"O, Russet Witch!" by Ryan Schude

Currently on view at the gallery is a solo exhibition of photographs by Ryan Schude entitled “Give us the Wind,” which opened on November 23, 2019. The opening was a huge success. Schude has been working with the gallery for the past eight years, and said he loved the new gallery space. “I am eternally grateful for Om’s continued support and have always enjoyed the other artists he shows.” “Give us the Wind” runs through December 31st, 2019.

Ray Ford may be best known for his stunning stylized birds which he hand-carved (one at a time) from 1973 – 1988, but at 92 years old, he is still creating new work. Dealing with issues of aging (his hands feel numb) which makes it much harder for him to work on his art, but he still adores doing it. Ford produces about one sculpture a week, which is a fraction of what he once used to turn out. He has been retired for the past twenty-five years and now he can take his time with each one of his carefully crafted creations. To this day, he works seven days a week, six hours a day, and loves every minute of it. “I just finished a wineglass out of wood with a free form, carved stem. The stem looks very organic like a branch of a tree. I am also working on a piece I am calling ‘Alien,’” said Ford.

 

 Ray Ford at work in his studio; photo by Wayne Ford

Ford has participated in a previous bG Gallery exhibition (“The Circular Show) in 2018 and said he enjoyed the experience. When asked about owner and curator Om Bleicher, Ford replied “He is a very nice man. He appreciates my work and has even bought some of my pieces.” Find out more about Ray Ford on his website at http://hrayford.com/

Celebrate the holidays at Bergamot Station’s Winter Open House and 25th Anniversary event from 12-5pm. bG Gallery (A-2) is located at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90404. http://www.santamonica.bgartdealings.com/

The Upper West Restaurant Presents “Blast" by Larry Wolf on Sunday September 15th, 2019

Larry Wolf painting

On Sunday, September 15, 2019, the Upper West Restaurant hosts an artist reception for “Blas,” a solo exhibition by Larry Wolf. The artist happens to be a long time diner of the restaurant. He had an incredible meal the first week that the restaurant opened back in 2010. “The amazing thing was you couldn’t tell that they had just opened from the care and service that I received. It wasn’t until I left and engaged with the owner that I discovered that he had just opened.”
When asked what his favorite dish is, he replied. “The food is so exceptional and eclectic that it’s hard to have just one favorite dish, the hamburger is excellent and the appetizers are items that you can’t find in any other restaurant on the west side.”

Wolf is looking forward to the big day. He has attended many of the past art receptions and said he enjoyed speaking with other artists. Wolf has been painting for over twenty years and loves to work with acrylic paints. “Acrylic paint allows me to work on multiple pieces at the same time. The ability to switch from one composition to another challenges my mind and my creativity.” He added that working with acrylic allows him to build up an area of the artwork, and it dries quickly. He talks about the inspiration for one his works entitled Explosion. “Often, when I'm searching for an answer to a problem, my mind feels as though it's exploding with hundreds of thoughts simultaneously.  I wanted to capture that maelstrom of ideas on canvas just as my brain was experiencing "the burst."

Explosion, Acrylic on untreated campus, 48” x 72”

Wolf said he enjoys painting on untreated canvases which allows him to paint on both sides with very different results. Color is also an important part of his process. Sometimes he inserts additional found materials, creating a mixed media artwork. “My work is always so unpredictable. Whether it be the result of using untreated campus or silkscreen, both produce unpredictable and varied results. Not knowing what will be produced allows me to be continually surprised by the result. Surprise is a significant factor that is a part of my work. That element of surprise creates results otherwise not achievable by planning.”

Don’t miss the opening reception of "BURST" featuring the art of Larry Wolf. The free event takes place on Sunday September 15, 2019, at the Upper West. The artist will be in attendance. The Upper West, 3321 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 90404; 310 586-1111; https://theupperwest.com/ https://www.abrushwiththelaw.com

September 14th 2019, New Exhibitions Open at dnj Gallery!

Three exhibitions open at dnj Gallery on September 14, 2019. “Radiate,” by Karen Amy Finkel Fishof, and “Aquatic Figments” by Ryan Linke. The third exhibition (in the Collection Room) is entitled “Lou Stoumen’s New York."


 Gallery owner Pamela Schoenberg said she was inspired by the work of all of these artists. She will be selecting and curating works from Stoumen’s “New York” series for the Collection Room exhibition. She added that Karen and Ryan’s work compliments each other, and are both extremely original. “Their entire body of artworks are amazing.”

Karen Amy Finkel Fishof said she is excited to exhibit at dnj Gallery. “Pamela is great. She has a keen eye and a lot of knowledge. She’s also a really sweet person.”

Karen Amy Finkel Fishof "Election Day" 

Karen will be featuring photograms. She stages scenes and then exposes them to light, and then develops them the same way a photo would be processed (with black and white development chemistry). These one of a kind works, do not have a negative. For this exhibition some of the photograms will be on the floor, and attendees can actually walk on them.

When discussing the title of her show and series…she said she was drawn to the word Radiate as both her series name and exhibition title for her love of the word, and its double meaning. “I chose Radiate because I want my message to radiate.” The fact that her photo exposures are created with radiation and remind her of x-rays, add to double entendre and the strength of the word.

Ryan Linke said he is looking forward to working with the gallery. “I really like the way that Pamela curates her shows.”

Ryan Linke, Timing of A Storm

He will be featuring works inspired by water and nature. He has traveled extensively and his art reflects what he has witnessed. “A unique combination of colors, created by large swells, king tides, winter storms, Santa Ana winds, and other weather events all play a role into my image making process.”

Like most artists, Ryan attends shows and stay up on local events. “There are so many great places to view art in Los Angeles, we really are lucky to have such a diverse art world.”

He cited The Annenberg Space for Photography, as being a go-to gallery. He added, “I know Bergamot is going through a lot of changes, but there are some galleries there that I have been going to since I was a kid so I always like to pop in there every once in a while. I also love painting and mixed media so I’m always looking for a wide variety of art to look at.”

Photographer Louis Stoumen (July 15, 1917 – September 13, 1991), is best known as a film director and producer winning two Academy Awards. After his death in 1991, the Stoumen Estate gifted the entire archive of Stoumen's work, including copyright, to the Museum of Photographic Arts. dnj Gallery will be presenting selected works from MOPA’s permanent collection.

Lou Stouman "Sunset", Times Square

The opening reception takes place on September 14th, 2019 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at dnj Gallery, 3015 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, 90405. The exhibition will remain on view through October 26th, 2019. 310.315.3551; http://dnjgallery.net

Artist Brooke Harker Featured in "Surf & Turf at Castelli Art Space on July 27, 2019

Brooke Harker is set to exhibit work in a group show titled "Surf & Turf" at Castelli Art Space on July 27, 2019. The group show will feature additional artists Gregg Chadwick, Teale Hathaway, and Gay Summer Rick.

Image: Brooke Harker painting Hollywood in Stride

Curator Dale Youngman said, "Our Summer exhibition follows a popular theme for art, as the onset of Summer often leads to vacation – and more time off to enjoy the beauty and plenitude of what LA has to offer...lazy beach days, picnics in the park, free concerts, exploring unknown neighborhoods.”

"Surf & Turf" will include at least six paintings by artist Brooke Harker. Her artworks feature Los Angeles locations such as Hollywood, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, in addition to interesting people included in the various scenes.

“Four of the paintings in "Surf & Turf" are inspired by women whose stride through a busy city or wardrobe caught my attention and brought the scene to life,” said Harker.  Actions or wardrobe selections play an active role in capturing Harker’s attention.“There is usually one item, vehicle or person in every painting who moves me to make the painting.”

Image: Boulevard Smile by Brooke Harker 58" x 60" ink, oil & acrylic on canvas 

"The Boulevard Smile” was inspired by her love of the eccentricity of Venice. “The presence of vibrantly colored buildings behind the traffic light reminded me of the flow of creativity present in so many people who reside in Venice, CA. I painted this piece in particular because I fell in love with the moment the woman in the watermelon colored dress crossed the street. I felt gratitude as she stepped into the cross walk. Harker went on to say that she found it intriguing…that the woman in her painting’s prior decision earlier that day to wear a flowing beautiful dress would speak to a stranger and inspire a piece of art. “Most of the time we don't know the extent of how our actions impact others whether favorable or detrimental. This painting is a salute to the many ways a moment can be brightened without comprehending the magnitude of our seemingly little choices."

Image: Brooke Harker painting Downtown Stride

Harker has exhibited her artwork across the globe, and is scheduled to be included in several upcoming exhibitions. Harker’s paintings will be included in a group show entitled "Remix: The Art of Music 2," curated by Jason Ostro & Elena Jacobson at Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles. This exhibition is presented in collaboration with Adopt-the-Arts and sponsored by Jane Lynch, Matt Sorum of Guns & Roses and Shepard Fairey. This event is a fundraiser to raise money for art programs in Southern California schools. “Remix” will run from August 10th to August 24th 2019. Harker is especially pleased to participate in an invite only exhibit at The National Art Center of Tokyo for the 19th Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition curated by Katsu Shimmin and curatorial assistant Julienne Johnson from November 27-December 9 of 2019.

On July 27th, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. stop by the opening reception to meet Brooke Harker along with other talented artists. Castelli Art Space is located at 5428 West Washington Blvd, LA 90016. The exhibition will remain on view through August 17, 2019. For more information about this exhibition, or Brooke Harker see https://www.castelliartspace.com or http://www.brookeharker.com/

July 20, 2019, Montana Avenue Art Walk is Back!

The Montana Avenue Art Walk takes place this Saturday, July 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and runs from 17th Street to 7th Street. 

Most of the shops will be open and offering some specials for the day. The merchants have pooled their efforts together to create a fantastic art walk event. Featuring local artists in many of the boutiques, you can also find artists exhibiting their work at tables on the sidewalks along Montana Avenue. Live music will also be a part of this festive day, along with special sales and treats from many of the merchants.

Jane - Montana (1607 Montana Ave.) will be bustling. Owner and operator Peggy Sella does it all. She currently runs two locations. Sella opened a second store in Santa Monica after the success of her first shop in Tarzana. Hence, she is kept pretty busy, but still has time to be on the board of the Montana Avenue Merchants. 

(from left to right) Sales Associates Sheila Nilou, and Kiana Achoy at Jane Montana
 

The July 20th art walk will be her sixth year to participate. “This has always been a well-attended event and an enjoyable afternoon filled with varying forms of art and music,” said Sella. Many businesses will offer treats and have special sales, along with hosting visual artists. She added “We will be serving Frose! Frozen Rose!”

Artist Niki Pilkington will be exhibiting her artwork at Jane. Pilkington is a Welsh illustrator based in Los Angeles whose art features fashion forward images. Jane’s front window will be decorated with Niki’s colorful prints. 

image (right) Niki Pilkington’s artwork on sale at Jane Montana

Niki said she tries to keep her art reasonably priced. “I believe that affordable art is really important especially as so many of my customers are young.” Stop by Jane’s to meet the artist who will be there most of the day. Jane, 1607 Montana Ave.

Additional stores such as Curated (1603 Montana Avenue) will feature the work of Eva Montealegre, who said she is excited to participate in the art walk. Montealegre will be exhibiting five of her paintings.

Image (left) Eva Montealgre, Ancient Habitat 2, 36”x24” oil & acrylic on canvas

Bardonna Restaurant (1601 Montana Ave) will also be part of the art walk. Owner Joshua Pourgol said he is looking forward to participating in the annual event. With four locations (Downtown, Larchmont Village, Brentwood) the popular eatery keeps his hands full. Kat & the Jazz Birds will be performing outside of the restaurant from 12 – 4:00 pm. Bardonna Restaurant,1601 Montana Ave.

Works by contemporary artist Gianfranco Cioffi can be found at Rangoni Shoes, 1510 Montana Avenue. Originally from Italy, Cioffi creates his original art with calligraphy pens, brushes, bamboo stick, pastels, Sumi ink and watercolors.

Also in close proximity…the Brentwood Art School will be selling all types of art on the corner of 15th Street and Montana.

“My work is inspired by taking the broken and discarded, and finding the beauty in it. The work is always inspired by inner strength. Usually in the form of a woman,” said artist Anahid Boghosian, who will have a display table featuring her art set up on 12th and Montana Avenue.

Image: (right) Anahid Boghosian, Private Prison, 16" x 28" acrylic and ink on canvas

As stated on her website, Boghosian is obsessed with exploring and exploiting the not so pretty elements that surround us. “I have always thought that there is beauty in imperfections. The discolored, the torn, and the weathered. I find this is what makes a thing worthy to behold. My art explores those complexities.”

Also on 12^th Street in front of Door to Door Cleaners…take in some live music by We the Folk.

Don’t miss Ten Women Gallery…there is so much wonderful art to see here…and it’s all for sale. This gallery is an artist-run collective and is celebrating twenty-five years. The work of over twenty artists are currently showcased at Ten Women, featuring all types of mediums. 

Image (left) Ten Women Gallery celebrates 25 years!

There will be art inside and out, so take some time to take it all in. Artist Tanya Micaela will be exhibiting her collage art in the front window of Ten Women Gallery, 1128 Montana Ave

BrendaHimmel Stationery, located at 1126 Montana Ave, has been a part of the Montana Avenue community for over thirty years. Stop in to see the art of Jodi Fuchs.

NWLA Bridal will be featuring the paintings of Fransisco Atig. NWLA Bridal, 1107 Montana Ave. To Wag For, 923 Montana Ave will showcase pet portraits by Emma Sage. 
 

Be sure to stop into TEXTURE: the Sweater Store & More to hear some live music and to view the photography of Sossi Madzounian. Jane Walker, manager of Texture: A Sweater store and More said “I love the Montana Avenue Art Walk for the pure aesthetics of it…joining with local artists and turning our tree lined Avenue into a 11 block fine art gallery.” The artists will be mixing her large photos in with the hanging displays throughout the store. “Everything goes together so the art and clothing complement each other and it truly has a gallery feel.” TEXTURE: the Sweater Store & More, 716 Montana Ave. See FB page.

On Saturday, July 20, 2019, take a little time for yourself…Enjoy the Montana Avenue Art Walk, while supporting local artists and the Santa Monica community. The art walk takes place from 17th Street to 7th Street. It begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 7:00 p.m. Find out more on the Montana Avenue website. http://montanaave.com

May 11th, Bruce Rubenstein to be Featured Castelli Art Space

On May 11^th, 2019, “Alive in the Superunknown” opens at Castelli Art Space in Culver City. The solo exhibition features the paintings of Bruce Rubenstein. Born and raised in New York, he was a working artist, then moved to Los Angeles to begin working in the entertainment business in 1985.

“Alive in the Superunknown” will include 18 - 20 art works. The name is inspired by a Sound Garden Song. The artist said he believes that the universe is never ending…infinite. There is no beginning, there is no middle, there is no end. “If you dig deep enough into my work you will see subtle hints of an ancient language, a subliminal iconography of sorts, often times resembling Egyptian hieroglyphics buried just beneath the canvases surface. Where this language originated from I have no clue. I believe all artist's abilities comes from thousands of years of evolution. You just have to open your mind and trust your instincts. And above all you have to learn how to listen. If you can train yourself to get to that place, the Superunknown, you can paint who and what you are.”

Growing up, he was always interested in art. He has been painting for over forty years. He chooses to begin his process with no preconceived ideas. He does not work from sketches…planning out the artwork, like some artists. “I allow the paintings to reveal themselves, and as they do I become a vessel to something greater than myself. This is the marriage between the physical-self and the spiritual-self. In order for this co-mingling to come to fruition it takes trust, it takes commitment and above all it takes patience. Each painting is unique, with its own DNA. I don't always understand the reasons behind why it looks the way it does. My main objective is to focus on the colors and composition. The rest I have no control over. I write that off to the Superunknown.”

Reflections in a Golden Eye; oil, acrylic, enamel, fabric pieces, charcoal on canvas, 65 x 114 inches, 2018

The artwork entitled Alive in the Superunknown (same name at the exhibition) was created in multiple layers. “I usually work on raw canvas, meaning unprimed so it has a bit of tooth. This gives the overall painting a gritty base to build on top of. Some of the residual colors remain intact as I pass the white oil-bar over them. To make the white lines pop I outline them with a charcoal vine giving the piece a three-dimensional feeling. My intention is to create an unknown alien language, a Matrix of sorts, similar to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The overall goal (my intention) is that the viewer will eventually interpret his or her own truth from what they are seeing.” Rubenstein’s work has been exhibited and collected worldwide.

Castelli Art Space will hold an artist reception for “Alive in the Superunknown” on May 11^th, 2019 from 6-10pm. Bruce Rubenstein will be in attendance. Castelli Art Space is located at 5428 W. Washington Blvd. L.A, 90016; (323) 308.0936; https://www.castelliartspace.com;  https://www.brucerubensteinart.com

The Upper West Presents "Notes on Gesture" Featuring Jorin Bossen on April 28th, 2019

Michigan native Jorin Bossen is set to exhibit work at the Upper West. Known for its delicious cuisine, the Santa Monica restaurant features art on the walls and brings in a new artist every few months. The solo exhibition entitled "Notes on Gesture" will feature twenty-five artworks.

Image:  Thin White Duke (Red), 2016, oil, acrylic, and pastel pencil on canvas board 10 x 8 in.


“The Upper West is a lovely restaurant and I am very excited and honored to show with them, said Bossen. “The walls and lighting really showcase the art.” He added that the food was delicious and staff was extremely friendly. He said he was looking forward to the opening. “I will be showing works that fall under the umbrella of contemporary figurative, along with a few works from my western series.”

Bossen was raised by artists. Inspired by his father, a photographer and his mother a ceramicist, he was drawn to art since he was a child. His parents would provide paper with colored pencils and it kept him busy for hours. “My brother and I would draw fantastical scenarios. He moved on to other interests, but I kept with it.” Bossen eventually started painting in his junior year at Kalamazoo College. Now his process includes drawing, photography first, but he will also use a computer as a starting point for many of his works, but added, that the final product is painting.

Sound Salvation (Elvis Costello) 2017 oil, acrylic and pastel pencil on canvas 30 X 24 in.

When asked what inspires him, he replied, “I look for images that interest me. I take these from photos that I take or friends’ photos, as well as magazine, and movie stills, pretty much from anything that I feel drawn to. Whenever he starts a new painting, these are go-to images for him. “I will look through these images to see what I am drawn to, what about them I currently find most interesting. Sometimes it is the facial expressions, or how figures interact with one another, it might be a gesture or a mood that the figure conveys.” Then he creates sketches of the paintings first, either by hand or on the computer. Once he has decided on the layout, the work begins.

When asked what type of paint he prefers, he replied, “I’ve used a variety of mediums. I currently use oil and acrylic. Different types of paint have different qualities that I find useful for varying techniques, but the lushness and depth of oil is my favorite.”

  "Notes on Gesture" opens at the Upper West on Sunday April 28^th, 2019 from 4-7pm. The artist Jorin Bossen, will be in attendance at the Upper West (3321 Pico Boulevard,Santa Monica 90404; 310 586-1111; https://theupperwest.com/; http://www.jorinbossen.com/

Raise Funds for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at an Oscar Watch Party at the Upper West!

It’s time to raise funds again for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Sunday, February 24. This is the sixth year that Upper West will host this important fundraising benefit.

LLS is an important organization dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Since 1949, LLS has funded advancements in chemotherapies, stem cell transplants, targeted therapies and immunotherapies for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma that are saving thousands of lives today. LLS is currently involved with more than 300 active research projects.

This event was originally created by Sara Fay. Each year she has been joined by additional volunteers to present this special fundraising event. Now at this sixth edition Chrystine Garner joins Fay. A fellow athlete, Garner is also training for triathlons (like Fay). The not for profit organization offers a program called Team In Training. It comes with training for endurance events…in return the participants raise funds while running and improving their own health through exercise. Both Fay and Garner said they were happy to be involved in this program and excited to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's important research and patient programs. Fay and her co-presenters have raised more than $100,000 for the cause.

Fay said she was grateful to have The Upper West as a partner all these years. Each year, the restaurant donates 25% of all sales of that day to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Upper West staff in turn is excited to once again host the annual fundraiser which begins at 4:30pm. Arrive early to take photos on the red carpet. Many people will dress up, (although it is not required). This is a great time to put in your dink and food order, while meeting friends and settling in before the big show.

              Step onto the red carpet at the Upper West Oscar Watch Party; Photo by Paiwei Wei

There will be an Oscar winners prediction contest with some amazing prizes. Order drinks and appetizers from The Upper West throughout the evening. Guests watch the live broadcast of the show projected on the wall of the private dining room. In addition to an Oscar ballot contest, silent auction and opportunity drawing, the Upper West contributes a percentage of all Oscar night sales to LLS.

The event begins at 4:30pm at Upper West, located at 3321 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. Call 310.586.1111 or visit the website for more info www.theupperwest.com. For additional info about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit https://www.lls.org/

Artist Brayden Bugazzi Featured at Art in LA AfFAIR, February 13th - 17th!

Los Angeles based artist Brayden Bugazzi is set to exhibit at Art in LA AfFAIR, at AC Gallery in Hollywood. The 2^nd annual art fair (co-presented with Artsy) runs from February 13^th thru February 17^th. The VIP opening night gala will be buzzing…with free drinks and passed appetizers all night long. Then all weekend the doors will be open to art lovers and collectors.

                               Brayden Bugazzi with his work
 

This will be the first time Bugazzi will be participating in Art in LA AfFAIR and he will be showing 3-4 of his mixed media works. Art has always intrigued Bugazzi. “I knew when I was younger in my teenage years I wanted to do art, however I wasn't sure how to pursue it as a career, said the artist. “I even took a tour at an art school when I would fresh out of high school. In addition to art, photography played a major role in his life. “I was working for a Green Screen photography company (in college), so I felt like my wisest pursuit would be a Fine Arts Degree in photography.
 

As an accomplished photographer, Bugazzi had lived the high life in LA, but always felt like something was missing. “I took the energy I used in the Hollywood party scene into getting sober, on top of that I suddenly had a lot of free time, so I was able to hit the art with a vigor and passion I had not seen come out of myself for years.” His creative juices were flowing as he created more and more mixed media works, and was invited to exhibit at several galleries around Santa Monica. He continues to do his art and has been commissioned to create new works. “I have been building more complex works since using the proceeds from my art sales to keep advancing the next works.”

                                Brayden Bugazzi, Pop Icons Monroe, 25x35

Bugazzi went on to explain, that he prefers to create mixed media works over taking photos, because he has more creative control over it, and it allows him to stay true to his own vision of what he is putting out into the world. He has created a niche for himself within the art world with his mixed media works, with avid collectors waiting to see what he will produce next.

Bugazzi has been busy exhibiting his works at various art fairs…from Miami Art Week (at Context Art Fair) to the LA Art Show. He is also exhibiting additional works at the Super Fine Art fair taking place on February 14^th-17^th.

Art in LA AfFAIR takes place at AC Gallery, 1546 N. Highland AVE. Hollywood, 90028 on February 13^th the through February 17^th.  The opening night art party (Wednesday, February 13^th) will feature red carpet arrivals, appetizers and an open bar for VIP admission ONLY. There is an early preview 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Then from 8-11pm, the ticketed premiere event officially opens its doors. Tickets are $50 for the opening night gala and $10 for the show (Feb 14^th through Feb17th). Show hours are 11am to 4pm throughout the weekend.  Purchase tickets HERE for both the opening art party and the show days. Visit https://www.artinla.us for additional info or see https://braydenart.com to find out about artist Brayden Bugazzi.