Renaissance Gallery Art

Local Photographer Earns Craftsman Degree

2012-02-02T16:51:00.000-05:00

Laura stands before her
display of winter photography
At the Renaissance Art Gallery

Laura Moul of Creative Photography, Design, & Consulting LLC (Milton WV) and Renaissance Art Gallery member has earned the Photographic Craftsman degree from Professional Photographers of America. The degree was presented to Mrs. Moul by PPA President Don Dickson, M.Photog. Hon.M.Photog., CPP at the association's annual convention, Imaging USA, held January 15-17, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Moul has met the standards of excellence set by PPA and was awarded this degree in recognition of her contributions to the profession of photography through continuing education and the sharing of knowledge with fellow photographers to promote excellence in imagery and business practices.

Craftman's Badge

Professional Photographers of America http://www.ppa.com/ is a worldwide association, exists to assist its more than 22,000 members in achieving their professional, artistic and fraternal goals; promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science, and a visual recorder of history.

Laura has brought in a great display of winter photography to the Renaissance Art Gallery or you can see more at her website: http://www.moulphotography.com,/

Figures and Poetry

2012-01-23T10:55:00.001-05:00

February 3, 2012 Linda Helgason’s Figure Paintings will illustrate poetry at the Upstairs Gallery in Ashland, Kentucky. This reading will be part of the First Friday art walk and is an adult only event.

for time and location, see the Upstairs Gallery's Facebook page:

facebook for The-Upstairs-Gallery

Linda is well known in the area for her inventive figure drawings. She has gain the respect of her fellow artists throughout the tri-state for her devotion and passion for art.

“I think Linda's figure pieces have a relaxed and graceful quality. She makes good use of contour lines and value changes to express form.” ~Linda Harbison, sculptor and watercolorist, Flatwoods, KY

"I like the very direct and decisive lines of her figures. The beautiful and bold washes complement her work." ~Bruce H. Bowersock, artist and teacher, Ona, WV

“Linda's art shows the beauty of the human body with gesture, line and movement. Linda is a true artist. She paints for herself and to show everyone the beauty of our bodies.” ~ Pati Payne, artist, Ironton, OH

“Linda's work is expressive as she creatively and artistically represents the beauty of human figures turning them into beautiful artwork.” ~ Laura Moul, Photographer, Milton, WV

Plein Air Through The Back Door

2012-01-15T20:48:00.000-05:00

I wanted to work from life but also wanted to stay in where it was warm, so I stood at my kitchen door and painted part of the scene in front of me.

I call it, "Looking Out My Back Door" with apologies to CCR.

Looking Out My Back Door
Watercolor
Linda Harbison

I literally stood looking out the back door to paint it. A while back at the artists of The Renaissance Art Gallery were talking about finding subject matter near at hand to where ever you happen to be. As usual, I can't remember who said what, but the idea of not making a special trek to some special place to find a worthy subject stuck with me. So I decided to try to find things to paint in my own neighborhood. I live in Flatwoods Kentucky, on top of a hill. My neighborhood is a collection of identical ranch houses. So when I look outside, I see the rooftops of all these simple, rectangular houses. There is also a baseball field in the distance, though you can only see part of a dugout from this point of view. I took several sessions to sketch the scene directly on watercolor paper. Since I had the luxury of seeing it every day, I watched the light from morning to evening to see when it was most interesting. It turned out that late afternoon to early evening light was the most dramatic, so I painted between about 3:30pm and 5pm.

~Linda Harbison, Artist

The Renaissance Art Gallery

Note:

This and other pieces by Linda Harbison are now hanging and on display at the Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite 20,

Huntington, WV

Winter Plans, 2011-2012

2011-12-28T12:42:00.000-05:00

WIP Linda Harbison

It's too cold to go outside and carve stone, so I like to spend the winter months inside painting watercolors. I am always trying to improve. In the past I have used a lot of photographic sources for my paintings. This works great for freezing proportions and details in place so you can study them. It also prevents you from having to position yourself and your materials in some awkward or dangerous place like the ditch beside Route 23 or the parking lot behind AK Steel while you work on a painting. But nothing compares to working from real life. So this winter, while it's cold and nasty out, I plan to set up some nice, cozy still life scenes indoors and paint from them.

People’s Choice Award

2011-12-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

All during November and December, art enthusiasts walked through The Renaissance Art Gallery admiring the international miniature art show of 55 artists and 161 works of art, from 17 states and 2 countries. Each person was given the chance to select his or her own personal favorite. At the end of the month, all the votes were counted.

“Morning has Broken” by James Andrews (Bellevue, OH) was the overall winner. James’ other works, “Tobacco Barns” and “Water Lily” also received many votes. Clearly, James was a favorite among Huntington’s art lovers.

There was a tie for second place. John Beach’s (Staines, Middlesex, England)

“First Born” and Karen Chamblin’s (Belmont, WV) “Bathing Sparrow” received the identical number of votes.

This popular international exhibit is held each year at The Renaissance Art Gallery

Art Classes and Gallery Hours Through The End Of 2011

2011-12-17T22:09:00.002-05:00

Joop Lieverse's Photos

He will celebrate Xmas on his own way.

Another year is coming to an end. Both the Monday and Wednesday studio hours and art classes will be held this week, December 19 and December 21, but will be not be held the rest of 2011.

Art classes will be held starting January 7, 2012 and will resume their normal schedule, Mondays and Saturday s 10-12 adult painting, Wednesdays Studio hours 12-7:30 with classes at 1:00 adult art, 3:30 Junior Art and 6:00 Adult Evening drawing.

The Renaissance Art Gallery will be closed Christmas day, Saturday December 25, 2011; New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2011 and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2012.

We wish everyone a happy new year and hope to see you all in January, 2012.

Thank You

2011-12-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

Thank You,

Thanks to all who participated in our 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. We have been privileged to show and admire the work of fifty-five talented artists during the last few weeks. Many of whom we have seen grow in their ability to present a mood or a strong emotional statement through their work, we thank you, and look forward to many more annual exhibits with you.

Thanks also to our juror, Robert P. Hutton, for his sensitivity, knowledge and appreciation, for all forms of artistic expression.

To the members of the gallery, who volunteer many hours in preparation for the opening, you are the best!

Lil and Bruce Bowersock: hanging work

Laura Moul: host to juror

Linda Helgason: refreshments

Susan Tschantz: publicity and publications

Laurie Shanholtzer: posters

Gary Lapelle: ID cards

Purchase Awards: Villers/ Villers/ Whitley, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Huntington ,WV

Ryan L. Carlton, Davis Chiropractic, Barboursville , WV

The Renaissance Gallery members wish all of you a wonderful Holiday Season!

Yvonne Wilson Boone

2011-12-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

Poquoson, VA

“Poolside Setting” watercolor/ink

The hazy in the background, bright flowers on the table, such an inviting scene. You want to pull out one of those wrought iron chairs and sit down.

Ted Daubresse

2011-12-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

Sun City Center, FL

What a sense of humor! Ideas exploding from a light bulb, a TV showing an aquarium and is that a skewed view of the Vegas strip? Each of Ted’s pieces while showing great skill and talent, challenges us to make something of it. Question our outlook on life and the things that consume us.

Charlynn Hulse

2011-12-10T00:00:00.001-05:00

Lebanon, IN

What a lovely portrait, “Work Horse”. Each detail tells us this is an active, fit animal that enjoys what he was breed for. A really first class watercolor.

Then Charlynn switches things on us and presents a traditional support or form with a non-traditional subject. Porcelain is very much a traditional support for miniatures, but this portrait of a Leopard is not. Nor is this he portrayed as a fierce rampaging beast but a serene king.

Nancy Garcia

2011-12-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

Falls Church, VA

Miniature art is all about the details, in the added little bits that tell the story. All three of Nancy’s pieces have that little something extra that adds just enough to draw you in.

But of course I focused on the drawing. “Mule Deer”, done in graphite pencil is finely drawn. The background, while there, is more implied in lighter values and vague suggestions. You “read” the shading as grasses and trees. While the mule deer appears to be in a natural setting, nothing takes away from the star.

Renaissance Gallery Art: Lillianne Bowersock

2011-12-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

Renaissance Gallery Art: Lillianne Bowersock: Ona, West Virginia Lillianne is known for her large florals and stately old homes. Cats In the Window “The Red Umbrella” is a total ...

Lillianne Bowersock

2011-12-08T00:00:00.005-05:00

Ona, West Virginia

Lillianne is known for her large florals and stately old homes.
Cats In the Window

“The Red Umbrella” is a total departure from what is expected of her. Even though it is a painting of a couple huddled under and umbrella walking in the rain, it has a light, airy feel. Lillianne’s use of negative space denotes a new maturity in her work.

With a few basic shapes and implied lines she draws us into the scene. The waves lap at the walkers’ feet, and the viewer gets a sense of the scene.

Debbie Shirley

2011-12-07T00:00:00.005-05:00

Boxford, MA

Debbie is an accomplished miniaturist. The detail shown in “Bountiful” certainly shows mastery of her medium. The fruit of the still life fills the small canvas, making it appear larger, and more dominating.

I find the contrasts in “Lumberman’s Lantern” far more compelling and interesting. We see a contrast in texture between the worn wood and the rusting lantern. This is only accentuated by the strong horizontal lines, which bring the eye back to the vertical elements in this composition. Even the color contrasts work to make this an interesting painting and move our eye through the painting. The warm reds of the rust draw the eye, and then contrast with the cool grays of the weathered siding.

Bathing Sparrow

2011-12-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

Bathing Sparrow

For some reason my attention has been drawn to this little speck of life by Karen Chamblin --, Bathing Sparrow. I believe it's the momentary abandonment of self -- a complete surrender to a brief interlude, which gives me a wonderful feeling of life's source.

A young woman from NC, a writer, and her mother were in the gallery at the time, and she gave me the word I needed to describe the moment. Thank you, Michele.

~Fern Christian, Director The Renaissance Art Gallery

Behzad Fallahi

2011-12-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Esfahan, Iran

Perhaps the most unusual works in this year’s miniature show are the works of Behzah Fallahi. He works with watercolor in the Persian tradition. One can imagine these delicate paintings adorning an ancient Persian manuscript, perhaps tales of Arabian knights?

John Beach

2011-12-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

Staines, Middlesex, England

Charming.

That one word is perhaps the best to use when describing the work of John Beach. His highly illustrative works remind me of the best of English illustrations. They bring back memories of classic children’s book, treasured as much for their pictures as for their stories.

These pieces tell their own stories. Stories of squirrels and baby birds. Stories of a fox and owl. Just what are they up to? Each animal a character with things to say. You look at these wonderful paintings and have to speculate on the stories to be told.

Judy Ferguson

2011-12-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Huntington, WV

Judy entered three pieces in a series, entitled “America I, II, and III”. “America III particularly caught my eye. The use of complementary colors and opposing vertical/horizontal lines makes this a particularly interesting composition.

Judith E Bayes and Pears

2011-12-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Judith E Bayes

Treasure Island, FL

What is it about a pear that intrigues artists? We all seem to be drawn to them. They are the fundamental shape in so many still life paintings. Here they are the total of the still life. “Scarlet Harvest” is the contrast between the soft red-ripe luscious texture of the fruit and the hard grain of the floor. The underlying harmony of the colors, both rich warm colors and the striking differences in texture make this small painting worth a second look.

Mary Effie Ford

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Mary Effie Ford, Ironton, OH

Mary Effie Ford is an artist in a class by herself. Her work is so poetic and tender, it is almost a song! She combines very subtle hues in a composition that leaves a world of interpretation to the viewer. She handles atmosphere as if she invented it! If you could meet her, you would get to know her personality and it is as tender as her work! You must see this miniature show before all these little jewels are either delivered to their new owners or sent home to the artists who created them. What great Christmas gifts and they start at very reasonable prices!

~LILLIANNE BOWERSOCK

Mary Effie Ford paints small paintings with feeling. She captures the impression of places with emotion.

~Pati Payne

Don Watts

2011-11-30T00:00:00.009-05:00

Don Watts of Huntington, WV

Don Watts is an artist that is so versatile that he could have been any one of a hundred different painters. He handles design work in his paintings so that the patterns mesmerize the viewer! His use of bold and brilliant color in one piece might be offset by subtle and muted tones in another. He loves geometric shapes, but is also a master at organic shapes. He also possesses two characteristics that many artists fail at miserably.....persistence and dedication to his art.

~Lillianne Bowersock

"A painting should take you to a place you cannot go on an ordinary day".

Debi Davis

2011-11-29T00:00:00.001-05:00

Take-off

in graphite

Debi M. Davis

Raleigh, NC

To so may people, artists included, pencil drawings are just for preliminary art. Not a finished art medium. Debi Davis of Raleigh, NC proves them wrong. For such a small work, the depth she has gotten with this very small miniature is a real accomplishment. The water almost seems to shimmer on the paper. The feathers seem to move as these birds prepare to take off. Although little more than the birds and water are shown, the feeling is of a much bigger venue.

This drawing holds it own against the more color full paintings.

Three-dimensional Miniatures

2011-11-28T00:08:00.004-05:00

Whimsy seems to dominate the sculptural entries this year. And we are all delighted!

Guy Purcell of Ashland, KY calls one of his Bass woodcarvings, “Deep Thought”. Such concentration!

Barbara Gray of Glenwood, WV presented us with wood-burning plaques that combine three-dimensional work with drawings of outdoor life.

Husband Earl Gray gave us a two-faced statue, appropriately named, “2-sided animal, along with a fine piece of West Virginia Sandstone, reminiscent of the monstrous heads of Easter Island, “Jimmy D”

Again this year potter Brennan Cleary of Ironton, OH graced our show with her whimsical tiny jars, “Venus”, “Vincent” and “Jack”.

Karen Chamblin

2011-11-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

Belmont, WV

We all know the rules about composition, and are aware of how bright colors draw the eye. I remember one artist being told by her gallery to “put something red in it” to boost her sales. While this might be a good marketing strategy, few artists follow the dictates of marketing when planning their artwork.

But we do know the rules of composition, and generally, we don’t center our focus. Karen shows she not only understand these rules, and knows how to use them, but also when to ignore them. All three paintings entered into this year’s miniature shows she does understand composition, the use of color and has more than mastered the still life. But to me, and many others visiting the Renaissance Art Gallery, her oil painting “Bathing Sparrow” shows true understanding of just what a miniature is all about. Miniatures should draw you in. Over and over I have seen people lean forward to take in the subtle details of this fine painting. It is almost a monochromatic painting, depending on both the use of value and texture to show us just how the little sparrow looks while bathing. We are drawn into this painting, despite, or even because of the lack of detail anywhere but on the bird. We “see” the story. Experience the quality of wet feathers in a shallow pool.

Both “Golden Roses” and “Cantaloupe & Rose” are fine paintings, but the really outstanding piece in this collection is “Bathing Sparrow”.

Dolores Andrew

2011-11-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

“Looks like a place I would like to live”

was a comment made by one person of Dolores Andrew’s watercolors. Both “Apothecary Morning” and “Old Bank Barn” have that almost idealized country look. However, “Sketch Class” will have a definite pull on any artist. This outline drawing could be of any drawing class, like the ones we all have attended.

Dolores is from Baltimore, MD.

Sylvia Jackson

2011-11-25T00:00:00.003-05:00

Consistency and competence is what distinguishes the work of Sylvia Jackson of Catlettsburg, KY. I have admired her work for years. But this year I had the chance to meet and talk with her when she brought her work into The Renaissance Art Gallery.

Each of her lovely watercolors could stand alone, but together they create an unforgettable presence at the gallery. “Cardinal on the Fence” “Winter Cardinals” and “Cardinals II” hang together as complimentary works. While each is complete in itself, together each adds to the impact of the others.

Favorite Painting Miniatures 2011

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

“Gotchya” – Acrylic
Wayne Chunat, Malvern, OH

I love the colors and drama in this detailed painting. The painting tells a story and makes me wonder what happens next.

~Pati Payne

Note: I voted on this painting for the People’s Choice Award.

Bobbie Stout

2011-11-23T01:30:00.005-05:00

Most improved Artist

Bobbie Stout was a student of both Bowersocks. Through the years, and we are so excited and pleased about her improvement as an artist. Lillianne especially likes “At Peace” and Bruce “Country Road, WV”. Bobbie exhibits exactly the dedication and perseverance necessary to succeed at any endeavor.

~ Lillianne Bowersock

"A painting should take you to a place you cannot go on an ordinary day!"

Barbara Delligatti- Miniaturist

2011-11-22T00:00:00.004-05:00

Little Jewel

When my husband, Bruce and I hung the miniature show I decided that one of my favorites was “Surreal Snow” by Barbara Delligatti of Ona, WV. Her use of masking fluid for snow flakes and the beautiful jewel tones hues of the forest makes this little jewel of real treasure. Barb is an example of an artist who paints everyday and is never afraid to try a new media and new ideas. She is a wonderful artist.

Barbara Delligatti- Ona, WV

~Lilliannne Bowersock

"A painting should take you to a place you cannot go on an ordinary day!"

Lenore Long Lancaster-Miniature Entrant

2011-11-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Lenore Long Lancaster,

Lenore is from Ridgeley, WV

Lenore is working in colored pencil, a medium I have come to adore. It takes work, though to build up layers into something worthy of the name art. Lenore has mastered this. “Evening Tie Up” is reminiscent of really good watercolors of coastal waters, but “Ride Home” is a well-drawn country scene that everyone will recognize on an emotional level.

You can tell she really loves working in this medium. And she is passionate about art.

~Comments by Susan Tschantz, Renaissance Artist

Patti Del Checcolo-Traditional and Experimental

2011-11-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

Patti del Checcolo hails from South Point, Ohio and has submitted a double entry into this years show. However, each set shows a different take on art. She does an excellent job with the traditional floral still life. Her work shows a vibrant use of color and value, Her brush strokes are sure and well defined. A real pleasure to see and display.

Then there is the other side of Patti, the whimsical side. Now I am not overly fond of chicken paintings. They are traditional and they are popular, but I can’t say I have ever been moved by them. Patti, however, shows a unique perspective on poultry art. Here her personal style of vibrant colors meets a more impressionistic take on the farmyard beasties. “Whos Hen” is a delightfully impressionist view of chickens with bright colors and strong brushstrokes. Taking it one step further is “Who’s Hen”, a total abstraction almost of feather’s flying. Really, these are two paintings that are worth seeing.

Comments on Art in the 11th Miniature Show

2011-11-19T00:00:00.006-05:00

There has been a lot of talk about the artwork this year entered into the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. Just like people the art is eclectic. Opinions vary as do tastes, but that is what makes a great show.

The work of
Behzad Fallahi

Some people like the more exotic art.

"I enjoyed seeing the paintings by Behzad Fallahi from Esfahan, Iran. They are so beautiful and show the different culture and painting style of that country.

It is a fantastic art show and I am so proud of Renaissance for having it."

~Pati Payne

Others enjoyed getting deeper in the imagery.

"One that stood out for me was Levade by Janet Laird-Lagassee. At first glance, this looked as if it might have been a painting of an equestrian monument with a turbulent sky in the background. Closer examination indicated that it was a still life of a small equestrian statue with glass containers (wine glasses?) in the background. The dramatic sky and rearing pose of the horse got my attention, then the glasses made me realize that there was something else going on."

~Linda Harbison

Levade
by Janet Laird-Lagassee

55 Artists On Display

2011-11-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

All in one room! That is 165 pieces of fine art!

How?

Miniatures!

Miniatures Make It Possible To Assemble A Real Art Collection In One Small Space.

3 works by
Pati Payne

In a decade long tradition, The Renaissance Art Gallery has hung it’s 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. Actually, it is now an International Exhibition with artwork coming in from other countries. That is how big this little show has grown! We still bring in the best of the Tri-State, with many local artists bringing their work in, but now it hangs side by side with the best from across the country.

What An Opportunity For You!

The miniature as an art form is one that many people want to hold in their hands like a jewel or something precious. It is a much more intimate format than the large monumental pieces often seen at museums. These small pieces simply beg to be looked at from all angles, to be marveled over and admired. No other format seems to be so personal. These are indeed, concentrated images that please all who see them.

3 works by
Karen Chamblin

The current miniature show at The Renaissance Gallery in Huntington continues to amaze anyone who views it. Miniatures would make a wonderful holiday gift and very detailed paintings are very small (some less than 2 inches by 1 ½ inches). An original miniature from the show could become a collectible artwork. Over 17 states and 2 countries are represented. With 150 pieces of art remaining, the diversity of subjects and styles is amazing too.

Juror's Comments - First, Second and Excellence

2011-11-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

The last three awards were probably the hardest. How do you decide, amoung an excellent field just who is best? What pieces are the most outstanding? This was the hard choice that Robert Hutton faced. Mr. Hutton took this seriously, as he reviewed each work hanging on our walls. But finally a decision had to be made.

Second Place:

Went to Judith E. Bayes of Treasure Island, Fl for “Reflective Moment” . Mr Hutton's comments are: This watery sunset evokes a nostalgic mood of quiet and loneliness.

First Place

is awarded to Nita Sue Kent of Huntington, WV for“A Really Good Beer”

with the comments: Raw, somber and ritualistic-strong emotional feel.

and last but certainly not least, our
Award of Excellence,

that which Mr. Hutton, in his opinion most represented both the spirit of the miniature and the highest standards in art goes to:

Janet Laird-Lagassee of Auburn, ME for:

“Wood Pile” by : This is a microcosm of restrained hierarchical order—the essence of variety and unity.

Janet's work is truly outstanding. Each piece entered could have been selected for this award.

We want to congratulate these artist and hope everyone take the opportunity to come in and see these works for themselves.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011 at The Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 8th Street, Suite 20, Huntington, WV.

Juror's Comments: Merit Awards

2011-11-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

Juror Robert P. Hutton is a retired art teacher. In his long career at Marshall University, he taught most subjects and is familiar with all facets of fine art. While working his way through the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition, he put his vast experience to work in the selection of award winners. These awards are awards of special merit, being works that are true to the form of the miniature and themselves outstanding pieces.

For each award given, our Juror, Robert P. Hutton left a comment, a clue to why that piece was chosen. Here are the awards and Mr. Hutton’s comments

Merit Award:

“Rocky Creek” by Beverly Fotheringham North Bend, WA: A well organized turbulence-rich in texture, pattern and deep color.

“The Hermit’s Studio” by H. Francis Sellers of Sandy, UT: A Charming dream- like vision of the neglected artist-at least a dozen micro-miniature paintings within.

And to Gail Mac Argel of St. Peter, MO, a special Mrit award, our

Teacher’s Merit Award.

“Morning Tea” by Gail Mac Argel of St Peter, MO: Interesting play of precise shapes between the subject and the “picture” within the picture.

This is an award sponsored by the artists who teach fine art classes at The Renaissance Art Gallery.

We want to congratulate these artist and hope everyone take the opportunity to come in and see these works for themselves.

Juror's Comments, Honorable Mention

2011-11-15T00:00:00.004-05:00

For each award given, our Juror, Robert P. Hutton left a comment, a clue to why that piece was chosen. Here are the awards and Mr. Hutton’s comments

Honorable Mention:

”Ginger Jar & Shell” by Elaine Hahn of Holiday, FL: Intriguing play of geometric pattern from a heightened viewpoint.

“Hidden Treasure” by Debi Davis of Raleigh, NC: This beautifully rendered old rusting car seems a metaphor for all that is passing with time.

“Setting Sun” by Wyn Foland of Lavonia, GA: This work has the fresh and accidental feel of nature.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011 at The Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 8th Street, Suite 20, Huntington, WV

Juror's Comments- Complementary Awards

2011-11-14T00:00:00.005-05:00

For each award given, our Juror, Robert P. Hutton left a comment, a clue to why that piece was chosen. Here are the awards and Mr. Hutton’s comments

Complementary Awards:

“ Dampish” by Robbie Poore of Huntington, WV: An array of mechanical elements merges into a new and unified identity of rhythm and pattern.

“Just Another Tree-NOT” by Fern Christian of Huntington, WV: The bold color shapes in this little work takes on a monumental, perhaps macrocosmic feel.

“Hiding” by Anne Grimes of Lavallette, WV: Rich tapestry of warm colors—introspective mood.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011

Renaissance Art Gallery 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition Juror’s Statement

2011-11-13T00:00:00.002-05:00

Juror’s Statement

by Robert P. Hutton

Amazing technique, impeccable craftsmanship, exquisite compositional design, and fine draftsmanship—these are some of the strongest impressions that I have taken away from this exhibition. For these considerations alone, I believe that most of the works deserve recognition and appreciation.

Beyond that, the greatest challenge is for each artist to go within, discover a compelling subject or image and then transform it into a personal vision that reflects moods, feelings inner states of mind and even passions. To a varying degree, many of the works in this exhibition reflect that inner self.

I would encourage all artists, of whatever persuasion to continue striving towards an art that embodies their own personal spirit as fully as possible. In doing so we will not only imitate nature or even interpret our world, but as Andre Malraux suggest, we will “rival the scheme of things:

Personal note:

The miniature is an art form I want to hold in my hand like a jewel or something precious. It has the feel of an intimate secret that wants to be looked at from all angles, and up side down, or with a magnifying glass to explore even deeper into the nuances of it making. Sometimes I try to imagine the works filling a whole wall, in many of these concentrated images, I discover a power and presence that surpasses monumental artworks.

Miniature Show

2011-11-11T13:27:00.001-05:00

The Renaissance Art Gallery opened its 11th Annual Miniature Exhibition Sunday, November 6, 2011 The Miniature show is our most exciting show of the year. It was one of those rare fall days where everything seemed perfect. The sun was out and the remaining leaves were beautiful

Our juror, Robert P. Hutton, said about the artwork that it showed

"Amazing technique, impeccable craftsmanship, exquisite compositional design, and fine draftsmanship__ these are some of the strongest impressions that I have taken away from this exhibition".

Quite a variety

At the reception, we all got to enjoy mixing with friends and talking about the various miniatures on the wall and more. We also have many 3-dimentional pieces this year, which include stone carvings and wood burning.

Of course, the award winners were announce, but there is more to an art opening reception. You get to experience the artwork with others who also enjoy looking at and talking about artwork.

But if you are interested in who what what, you can visit the gallery website and see the award list:

The Renaissance Art Gallery Website

And there was cake!

A Decade Long Tradition

For over 10 years The Renaissance Art Gallery has been presenting original artwork to the people of the tri-state area. This year we of The Renaissance Art Gallery bring what is the finest of our miniature shows and happily present it as a present to the people of West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio. Take a few minutes to enjoy some of the images presented here.

Please come and join us in viewing and enjoying this, our 11th Miniature show. The Miniature Exhibition will be hanging in The Renaissance Art Gallery until December 12, 2011. The Renaissance Art Gallery is located in the former Huntington High School, ground floor.

The Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite #20

Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235

Appointments: (304) 453-3187

gallerywv@yahoo.com

www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance

http://twitter.com/wvgallery

http://renaissancegalleryart.blogspot.com/

Gallery hours are:

Friday & Saturday 12-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm

Studio hours Monday 10-Noon, Wednesday 1:00-7:30 pm and Saturday 10-Noon

Taking In- Miniature Show and more!

2011-10-25T23:35:00.000-04:00

Taken in

The miniatures have come in for the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition.

Shea Ashworth and her
"Whimsical Airedale"

Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw a rush of artists into The Renaissance Art Gallery bringing this year’s show. Kept us hopping too! There are works from all over the country as well as our valleys. We filled the receiving table up 3 times with works of art.

Now the work of photographing, hanging and cataloging all this magnificent work is before us. It will be a busy week!

Speaking of taking in, we have taken in a new artist at The Renaissance Art Gallery. She is Laurie Shanholtzer. Laurie specializes in portraits in pastel. As a full time professional artist for over 30 years, Laurie Shanholtzer has established a sound reputation as a portrait artist and pastelist. Over this time she has literally painted hundreds of commissions. These paintings grace homes, offices and public institutions both nationally and abroad.

You can see Laurie’s work on her websites:

http://www.laurieportraits.net/?r=20110613153908

http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurieshanholtzer?ref=si_shop

Ron Haeberle took in the Wednesday art classes this past week, and introduced them to watercolors. Each student got a chance to work with Ron and do a watercolor painting of water! Classes painted a wave!

Miniature Show Submissions, Down to the Wire now

2011-10-08T16:30:00.000-04:00

Down to the wire

The Renaissance Art Gallery will start receiving works for the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition October 14th at 12:00-4 pm at The Renaissance Art Gallery 900 8th Street, Suite 20 in Huntington, WV. This is the old High School on the corner of 9th Avenue and 8th Street. Extra Prospectus will available.

3" x 5 "

The 11th Annual National Miniature exhibition is open to all adult artists, 18 and up. The show features all fine art media except photography. Maximum size of paintings, 25 sq inches, 3-dimensional work cannot exceed 8 inches in any one direction.

1/2" x 2"

Artists Gary Lapelle and Susan Tschantz will be on hand on Friday. Work can also be brought to the gallery on Saturday Oct 15th where Fern Christian and Linda Helgason will be on hand to accept your art. Sunday Oct 16th 2011 we will all be there. The Gallery is open 12 noon to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, 1-4 on Sunday.

Final Days for 3 Media, 3 States Show

2011-09-29T15:31:00.000-04:00

Watercolor
Pati Payne

It seems we were just gearing up for this welcoming show, but now it is down to the last 6 gallery days of 3 Media, 3 States show. It has been a wonderful show, but now it is getting time to move onto our 11th Annual National Minaiture show.

Another look at the show is provided by a local On-line Newspaper, the Putnam Live site.

You can read the really nice article they posted here:

PutnamLive

Pati, Linda and Laura did a super job of putting this show together. It is a great mix of ideas and representations. Comments from visitors have been very positive, with people really enjoying the different media.

There is still time to see all the wonderful works by these three artists. 3 Media, 3 State will hang until Oct 16th.

Packing Artwork

2011-09-22T19:11:00.000-04:00

Packing Paintings

For 10 years The Renaissance Art Gallery has been hosting shows of one sort or another. Our 11th Miniature Exhibition is coming up in November. During October, we will be accepting shipped work for this National Exhibition. Over the years we have seen many a box of art!

Since this is an open entry show, and we ask artists to pack it up and ship it out, we get both experienced artists and those new to showing their work. So we get questions! How do I ship my work and make sure it gets there safely?

These are some of the more successful shipping packages.

First, consult the experts. This means going to the company or service you plan to use and make sure they can make the delivery and ask for suggestions on packaging.

Many people double box their work. This means they supply an inner box with the return label and shipping already on it. This works. But it also works to make sure the shipping box/crate is strong enough to make the round trip. There are many ways to do this, and here are two suggestions.

One is to make a shallow tray for the artwork, then put the artwork in a bubble wrap envelop. The art is then placed in the box, with paperwork, and a top piece of soft foam is placed on top of it.

When you are shipping to a show, you will be expected to ship work fully mounted and ready to hang, and this would include glazing. Please avoid shipping even framed work under glass. Glass is fragile and can break, even if the package is not dropped. Sever temperate swings can cause cracking. So there is always a danger when shipping work under glass of it breaking. Not only is it dangerous to the person unpacking the artwork, it can also damage the artwork itself. Nothing would be more disheartening to have your artwork unavailable for the show because a piece of glass punctured it. Instead, when mounting work that needs to be protected by glazing opt for acrylic glazing. It is not only safer; it weights less and so will save you money in the shipping. Most of the good professional framers offer an affordable range of acrylic glazing for this. Many prospectuses now specify acrylic glazing for all submitted artwork instead of glass.

Of course, acrylic glazing is more prone to glare when photographed, but that is the show’s problem, not yours. In any case, you probably have previously submitted a slide or digital file for juroring, which would cover any problem.

For open entry shows, such as our Miniature Exhibition, we do ask for the artwork to be shipped instead of files, but again, photographing the work is our problem not yours, but if you wanted to send a digital file along, well I would not object!

Back to Packing

Paintings that do not require glazing, such as acrylic and oil paintings can also be safely shipped. We suggest that you always use protective cardboard corners for this, similar to those you see on ready-made frames. These are simple to make, using one of these corners for a template. They can be made from any cardboard, even cereal boxes, although I prefer a thicker cardboard than tag board. I like to make mine from the flaps of boxes. While they are bendable enough, they offer real protection to the corners of canvases and frames. You just have to remember to make them wide enough for the canvas and frame, if any.

Shipping framed work is a little simpler than shipping unmounted canvas panels. The frame itself offers some protection. The corners should be protected with cardboard corners. These can be recycled from frame purchases, or home made. But sturdy cardboard corners are a must. They also provide a platform from which to protect the rest of the artwork. You can tape pieces of cardboard to cover both the front and the back to these corners, not touching the actual artwork, creating an air pocket around it. Then en envelope of bubble wrap will protect the artwork when it is slipped into the shipping crate. Use several layers of bubble wrap instead of packing peanuts when shipping to a show. Most shows have outlawed packing peanuts anyway, as they create a mess, are actually hard to keep track of, and make return shipping difficult. So no packing peanuts to exhibitions.

When shipping more than one painting/artwork, you will want to put them all in the same box. Try getting panels of protective foam board for this. How thick will depend on the size of the artwork, but for most pieces, between 1 and 2 inches will be enough. Check with your shipper for this.

We see a lot of boxes at The Renaissance Art Gallery. The best one was last year. This box had a lot of thought put into it and was very well designed. It offered great protection for the artwork, was easy to use and made the return shipping easy. The box was lined with foam sheeting. This foam comes in sheets, and the kind used was similar to the oasis used in floral arrangements. It is easy to cut to size and shape. A piece was cut to the size of the bottom. Then sides were cut, with notches to hold dividing panels for each piece of art. These panels slide securely into the sides. Then the artwork was tucked into bubble wrap envelops, and slipped into slots. Paperwork also fit into a lot, then a top piece slipped securely on top. Box could be closed and everything was secure.

Before you seal that box, make sure all the needed paper work is there. Entry fees, entry registration, return label, etc. Also include a packing list, listing what art is in the box, etc. Yes your artwork is labeled, but a second list helps. Also, double check, no triple check the shipping address. Do not assume it is the same as the organization sponsoring the show, it often is not. All shows go to great lengths to make sure the shipping location is a secure location and that someone will be available to receive it. So read the prospectus and make sure you have the right address.

Mark your Calendar

Ship early enough to make sure the work will arrive is there is some delay. Nothing is more disheartening than to receive work the day after judging, and this has happened. Allow a reasonable amount of time for any unsold work to be returned after the show ends before calling to check up on it. Keep a duplicate of any paperwork and the packing list just in case and include the show dates so you will know when to expect it.

Insurance

Insurance is typically the reasonability of the artist both coming and going. This should be included in the shipping costs, and noted on the return label.

Conformation

If you wish conformation that your work has arrived safely, be sure to include a self-addressed postcard to this effect in with the paperwork. Note this on your packing list, so whomever unpacks the box will be aware that there is a post card included and that you expect it to be sent to you.

Then relax. If the venue or group has a website or is on a social network check for updates and other postings. Chances are they will have posts about the show, photos of receptions, links to publicity, etc.

Keep in touch!

Hopefully this will help you in preparing for entering the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibtion this fall. If you are shipping it, please make sure you do so by the 12th to make sure we get it on time. Please tell all your friends about the Miniature show and how important it is to enter .

PROS : All work will hang ; this is an international show; people come looking for affordable minis to give for gifts ;you can use your participation on your resume' (being included in an important international exhibit); i'ts a lot of fun and you do not want to miss any of the fun !! Thanks , and start painting !

Miniature show coming up

2011-09-14T22:29:00.000-04:00

The 11^th Annual National Miniature Exhibition is coming up fast. Submission dates for local artist is October 14-16, 2011. The show itself will run for the month of November into the first 2 weeks of December 2011 at The Renaissance Art Gallery in Huntington, WV. This show is an open entry show, open to all adult artists 18 and up. Works shipped to The Renaissance Art Gallery should be postmarked by October 12, 2011, to insure they arrive on time.

Traditional forms

Miniatures are the original portable art. While any work at 1/6th scale is technically a miniature, The Renaissance Art Gallery show, like most miniature shows does place size restrictions on entered work. This is the challenge. But it is also the tradition. While royalty and great nobles could commission huge paintings, real people created work in scale with their lives.

The first miniatures were often done on the backs of playing cards, easily hand held! And don’t forget small portraits in lockets! Jewelry is a natural outlet for those working in miniature.

Miniatures at sea

Miniature art is portable art. People from all walks of life have practiced it for centuries. Sailors at sea would fill long hours with scrimshaw carvings of available materials, often the teeth and ivory of marine mammals like whale teeth and walrus tusks. Woodsman in Appalachia simply used the natural material around them to whittle both practical items and small fun figurines.

Size matters

For miniature competition, size does matters. All shows have their own restrictions, but The Renaissance Art Gallery has adopted the same standards used in the major American miniature associations of 25 sq inches, or 5x5, but any configuration that gives you up to 25 sq inches is accepted. Last year we had one artist who works on 1 inch x 8 inch pieces. This is the maximum size, but not the required size. The most traditional size is still the size of a playing card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches (or the size of a baseball card) We have had much smaller pieces and enjoy them! Don’t forget that miniatures can also be sculpture! Three-dimensional pieces cannot exceed 8 inches in any one direction. Again, any art format is welcome, ceramics, stone, pottery or metal.

National show

The Renaissance Art Gallery’s Annual Miniature exhibition is a nationally recognized art show. This is why we strictly enforce the size requirements. It is also why photography and other mechanically reduced formats are not acceptable in this show. Our show draws the best from across our nation, and for many of us this is the only opportunity we will have of entering a national art competition. And it is fun.

There is still time

Now is the time to create wonderful small works of perfection and time to enter the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. If you have never tried to work in miniature, now is the time! Help is available at The Renaissance Art Gallery on Wednesdays. Studio hours are from 12:00 until 7:00 pm. Artists are available to answer your questions and to help you work small!

The Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite #20

Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235

Appointments: (304) 453-3187

gallerywv@yahoo.com

www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance

http://twitter.com/wvgallery

http://renaissancegalleryart.blogspot.com/

Gallery hours are:

Friday & Saturday 12-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm

Studio hours Monday 10-Noon, Wednesday 1:00-7:30 pm and Saturday 10-Noon

Ending Art Business

2011-08-28T16:34:00.000-04:00

A Personal Philosophy

By Linda Helgason

“I want to paint you!

Your face, yes, but don’t deny me

The jugular notch.

Twist you neck ‘til cords stand out.

Lift one shoulder almost to your chin.

What if your robe falls away?

We are all gods and goddesses here.”

The art classes I began twenty years ago were intended as an escape from a stressful life. My first landscapes and still life paintings depressed me more—all those tedious leaves and ellipses. But figure drawing! The curvy subjects stared back at me, and the intense concentration needed to capture the short poses gave me art euphoria.

But now it is time to ease out of the business side of art. I will be cutting my prices this fall at the tri-state Art-in-the-Park Festival over Labor Day weekend. This will be the beginning of this process of simplifying my life.

When (years from now) I am cremated with my remaining drawings, I hope it will be a dignified rite, not a three alarm conflagration.” ~ Linda Helgason, Personal Philosophy.

Art in the Park
Linda Helgason will be joining the other artists of Tri-State Art Association in their fall “Art in the Park” festival, September 3 & 4, 2011 in Ritter Park. Linda will be showcasing a lifetime’s work in fine art with both framed and unframed pieces. Her work will be at greatly reduced prices, as Linda will be having a “going out of business” sale. She will be cutting back on her participation in the business aspects of the area art world, and thus will be looking for homes for these pieces.

This sale will be held, rain or shine. In case of bad weather, Linda will have her work at The Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 8th Street, right down the road from Ritter Park.

This is a great opportunity for area art lovers to acquire works from one of the area’s most unique and prolific artists. Linda is a humanist artist. Each line is expressive and communicates her deep love of the human form. Many of her fellow artists hold Linda and her work in high regard, including:

“I think Linda's figure pieces have a relaxed and graceful quality. She makes good use of contour lines and value changes to express form.” ~Linda Harbison, sculptor and watercolorist.

"I like the very direct and decisive lines of her figures. The beautiful and bold washes complement her work." ~Bruce H. Bowersock, artist and teacher.

“Linda's art shows the beauty of the human body with gesture, line and movement. Linda is a true artist. She paints for herself and to show everyone the beauty of our bodies.” ~ Pati Payne, artist.

“Linda's work is expressive as she creatively and artistically represents the beauty of human figures turning them into beautiful artwork.” ~ Laura Moul, Photographer.

When you are in Ritter Park for “Art in the Park” be sure to look for Linda Helgason. Let’s give her our love and support at this time. Stop by and say “Hi”.

New Art Show a Success!

2011-08-15T12:36:00.000-04:00

All three artists at the Reception, Laura Moul, Linda Harbison and Pati Payne

Sunday's Opening reception for "3 Media, 3 States" was a big success. Many long time gallery friends as well as new visitors crowded the 2 rooms of the Renaissance Gallery enjoying both the art and fellowship in our Gallery. Linda Helgasson again hosted a beautiful reception.

Admiring Linda's work.

All three artists, Laura Moul, Linda Harbison and Pati Payne got the accolades they deserved while welcoming friends and family to The Renaissance Art Gallery. The artwork flowed from Laura’s landscape photography to Pati’s intimate watercolors through Linda’s “Camden Park” series. Linda sculptures added an interesting punch to the show.

Read the Huntington Herald's review of the opening

While the reception was well attended, the show itself is hanging in the main gallery until October 16, 2011, so there is till time to come in and enjoy this wonderful show!

At the reception

Main Gallery

Gallery Opening

2011-08-09T13:23:00.000-04:00

The Renaissance Art Gallery would like to invite you to the opening reception for “3 Media, Three States”, an introductory show for our new gallery members,

Laura Moul, Linda Harbison and Pati Payne.

The reception is this Sunday, August 14, 2011

from 2-4 PM

at The Renaissance Art Gallery,

900 8th Street, Suite #20, Huntington, West Virginia 25701.

Photography, Sculpture & Watercolor, three artistic mediums done by three accomplished artists, Laura Moul, Linda Harbison and Pati Payne from three States, West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. These three artists will be displaying their finest work at The Renaissance Art Gallery. Reception is open to the public and free. Refreshments will be served. Families are welcome. Come in and meet the artists and enjoy the show.

Three Media, Three States will be at The Renaissance Art Gallery through October 16, 2011.

The Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite #20

Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235

Appointments: (304) 453-3187

gallerywv@yahoo.com

www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance

Assembling Art: Wednesday Junior Art Class

2011-07-21T09:06:00.001-04:00

As most of you know, I lead a Wednesday Junior Art Class. I say lead because I don't know how much actual teaching I do. Mostly I try to mentor and guide them into doing what they want to do anyway, rather than imposing what I want to do. I try to give them the skills and confidence to achieve what they need to do.

Robbie Sets things up

To this end, I have been looking into having other artists give demonstrations in their own art, and how they approach the creative process. How they work, what they work with, what are their goals, that sort of thing. To this end, I bludgeoned, ah, asked by friend and fellow Renaissance Art Gallery artist, Robbie Poore to give the class an insight into his unique approach to art.

Robbie is an assemblage artist at The Renaissance Art Gallery. This means that he creates works of art out of things that everyone else would through out. His demonstration was simple. You take a surface, in this case canvas; you use glue and start building. Robbie seldom has the complete design in mind when he starts. Oh he has an idea, even a goal, but he follows obediently to where the art leads him. It is not unusual for him to change directions in mid-stream. He gets inspiration from the objects themselves and the music he listens to.

Working on Art

So he presented the idea of found art, and assemblage. He brought in 12x12 canvases, glue and bags of different items including bottle caps, old CD’s (shattered) broken records (literally) cut up gift cards, string, lugs, eye hooks, crushed shells, and tubes of kitty litter (unused, thankfully!) All kinds of things! Others brought in miscellaneous items also.

Creative use of materials

Several items proved to be rather popular and flexible items, such as the kitty litter. Now, I did think some of those nice decorative polished stones you get in floral craft shops would be good, but kitty litter? It works. As well as the wooden keys you often get when you buy stretched canvas, but seldom use? It was very well received, both as a tool for spreading glue and for parts of the artwork. Things with a lot of texture worked really well, but unusual things also were used. All of them mixed and matched things with abandon, but with their own unique aesthetic eye.

We do have paint for the kids, both tempura and craft acrylics, but they actually preferred working with the natural colors of the items. Quite a few used random puzzle pieces, sometimes the print side, and sometimes the backs. They were really innovative in how they used these items, working with texture and design. Things I would not have thought would make good art found their way into some rather nice pieces. The work they did give me a fresh look at art. It also gave them a different point of view on just what art is. We had done standard collage and torn paper projects but this was totally different for them and me.

Watching each piece develop was exciting

The success of today makes me realize just how important it is to expose these young artists to other points of views, to other ways of approaching art. In the coming months I will be having other artists and other media in the Junior Art Class at The Renaissance Art Gallery. I do enjoy working with them and giving them my point of view on art. Teaching them to look at the work as an artist does. But what I can give them is simply one point of view, and that is in itself limiting. I am not looking to turn out clones of me but help them access their own unique artistic gifts. Being exposed to other artists, with different aesthetics will help them focus on their own views without stifling them. And by having each gallery member visit, they will be exposed to multiple mediums.

~Susan Tschantz

Renaissance Artist

Butterflies are free!

Here's looking at you, Kid

Lots of different materials
gave many options

Gary Lapelle-Pet Portraits

2011-07-18T07:30:00.008-04:00

Introducing

When people visit the Renaissance Art Gallery, they are told we are an artist co-op. Just what is an artist co-op? It is a group of local artist, who have banned together to create a showplace for our art and share our knowledge of art with them. The Renaissance Art Gallery is a working gallery, filled with working artists.

Getting to know us

We are people. Rather ordinary people who have one extra-ordinary feature. We create art. But just who are we? So let me introduce us.

Getting to know…

Gary Lapelle

Pet Portraits

Gary Lapelle

Most people visiting The Renaissance Art Gallery in Huntington, WV see Gary Lapelle as a cartoonist, but he is more than that. Gary does beautiful animal portraits in acrylic ink. A committed animal lover, Gary’s devotion shows in the beautiful, loving portraits he does of area pets. Capturing an important family member as artwork will be a treasured addition to anyone’s wall décor. Gary has had years of experience with commissioned pet portraits. By working directly with an experienced artist, a beautiful artwork can be created that could be affordable to most. This is the time of year to be thinking ahead about a wonderful holiday gift, a pet portrait.

"Spaniel"
G. Lapelle

I am an animal lover myself, so I understand how people feel about their companions” Says Gary.

" I like working with two to three snapshots. What can be seen in one picture might not be seen in another. I can use these to compose a portrait of the pet"

Gary is a true animal lover and worked for animal rights and good care for pets. Gary, worked closely with Help For Animals,Inc., a low-cost animal clinic that encourages people to spay and neuter their pets, to help curb pet over-population.Gary had served on the board of Directors of HFA for ten years and as its president one year.

Help for Animals

He serves on the board of directors of Tri-State Arts Association (TSAA), as well as our Board of Directors here at the Renaissance Art Gallery.

The Renaissance Art Gallery is proud to have Gary as one of its longtime members and accomplished artist. Contact Gary through The Renaissance Art Gallery:

Best of West Virginia 2011

2011-06-27T08:34:00.002-04:00

Haeberle

The 4th Annual Best of West Virginia Juried Exhibition opened June 19, 2011 at Tamarack. Thirty-six counties in WV with 109 artists are represented in the exhibition that runs until August 13th. Christine Humphrey, Gallery Manager, commented that it showcases the most talented and creative artists in West Virginia.

Moul

Two members of the Renaissance Gallery had artwork accepted into this special show. Ron Haeberle, of Huntington, WV, had a watercolor of a West Virginia river and Laura Moul, of Milton, WV, had a metallic photographic reflection of Stewart Hall into the windows of the Mountainlair at West Virginia University.

Currently at the Renaissance Gallery is a solo exhibition of Ron Haeberle's "Surf and Turf a serious look at landscapes". Laura also has artwork in the gallery. The Renaissance Art Gallery is open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is located on the ground floor of the Renaissance Building (the old Huntington High School) on the corner of 8th Street and 9th Avenue.

The Renaissance Art Gallery is an artist co-operative gallery focusing on the work of local artists. Their mission is to promote art and art education in the community and among its members.

Additions to the Renaissance Art Gallery

2011-06-13T10:23:00.006-04:00

New Members June 2011

Pati Payne

Pati Payne: Painter—New Member

Artist Pati Payne enjoys life and this enjoyment is reflected in her work. The work submitted to the 4th Annual National Spring Fine Art Exhibition, “Parks & Recreation” is typical for her. Children playing in autumn leaves, flying kites and riding a seesaw in the park. These three works were perfect for this show, yes, but also perfect examples of well developed themes and composition. Each shows her high level of skill and development as an artist. The Renaissance Art Gallery is proud to welcome Pati to its membership and to award her space to permanently display her award winning art.

Linda Harbison: Painter & Sculptor—New Member

Linda Harbison

Many of you who have visited the Renaissance Art Gallery during the Spring Fine Art Exhibition, “Parks & Recreation” have commented on Linda Harbison’s watercolors of Camden Park, one of Huntington, WV’s most beloved landmarks. You will all be pleased to know that painter and sculptor Linda Harbison has joined the Renaissance Art Gallery and will soon have her own display in the main gallery. Over the coming months you can see her artwork in the main gallery, as well as enjoy her company on walk-through on her gallery days.

Laura Moul: Photographer—New Member

Also joining at this time is landscape photographer, Laura Moul. She has been a frequent participant in our annual shows and a long time friend of the Renaissance Art Gallery. She is in her own right a well known and award winning artist. She also will have a permanent presence in the Gallery and will be a valuable resource on fine art photography and all the changes technology has brought to the field.

Laura Moul

One of the nicest things about the Renaissance Art Gallery is the artists. Each and every person manning the gallery is an active-productive artist from our community

“Surf and Turf” - Landscapes and Seascapes in Watercolor.

2011-06-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Clear Morning on Dry Branch
Ron Haeberle

While this exhibition is not limited to landscapes and seascapes, they are the centerpiece. It is a collection which includes both older pieces that represent “landmarks” in the development of way I paint and new work that is still damp.

When I began painting, much of my early effort went into paintings of buildings or street scenes representing places I had visited. I was frustrated in the effort by producing stiff, uncomfortable looking images lacking the sense and feel I sought from watercolor. I began to cast about for a different approach. Surveying the works of others, I was soon able to find paintings to which I could simply say – “I like that”. I used that inspiration to begin to create landscapes that satisfied my desire to produce work that gave a comfortable sense of being there. A long series of landscapes has followed. Almost by definition my landscapes contain water. I suppose this comes from the challenge this presents in painting and the interest it adds if you can get it right.

It is no surprise then that portraying the sea with watercolor was the next challenge. My objective was to create images that would capture the sea in a realistic way without becoming overly romantic in the manner of many seascapes. It was my good fortune to strike the balance I was seeking very early on. A continuing series of surf paintings has been the result. In the process of doing research (sitting in a beach chair at varying times of the day) I begin to understand the profound way the sun, sky and wind determine the personality of the ever changing sea. There is no shortage of new images to record.

Morning Surf XII
Ron Haeberle

In the interest of full disclosure the exhibit includes a smattering of other subjects – the odd building, still life and portrait. These represent a continuing interest in attempting any subject that represents a challenge. As often happens, this has opened the door to a series of architectural paintings of Huntington buildings of both beauty and historical importance.

Most importantly these works represent my attempt to allow the viewer to experience a moment in time in a place they may not have visited. Not only by seeing but sensing the smells and sounds and feeling the warmth of the sun or the cool of the shade.

The Renaissance Gallery Opening

2011-05-31T00:30:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to the opening of a new art exhibition at The Renaissance Art Gallery, Sunday June 5, 2011 from 2-4 pm. Not in the Kumkum Majumdar Exhibition Hall, but in the newly renovated Main Gallery.

After months of work the new hall is ready to display the Best Artwork in the Tri-State are, and to celebrate we are proud to welcome you to enjoy our gallery by viewing the outstanding watercolors of artist Ron Haeberle.

Ron was both designer and construction worker of this renovation, so what could be more appropriate than hanging his work to show off the new wall?

“Surf & Turf” is a serious look at landscape painting in watercolor and shows Ron’s progress through this popular and compelling format.

Come and Join us in celebrating our new gallery and enjoy Ron Haeberle's fine watercolors.

The Renaissance Gallery’s “Renaissance Man” Show Opens

2011-05-18T17:06:00.000-04:00

The Renaissance Art Gallery

The Renaissance Gallery’s “Renaissance Man” Show Opens

Not since Leonardo Davinci has there been so many talents combined in one artist/person! Ron Haeberle is one of the Tri State’s most prolific watercolor artists creating

works depicting historical buildings and regional recreation sites in his work. A clean, precise yet impressionistic style makes his art soothing as well as evocative. But wait… Ron is also the Gallery’s architect, interior designer, master carpenter, flooring specialist, wall and fixture painter, carpet installer and financial adviser.

Ron has worked all through this past winter and spring to remodel our main Gallery at Renaissance. And we felt it appropriate that he should open it to you with a one-man show. If you have visited us before, you must come to the reception on June 5^th from 2-4 p.m. to see Ron’s work and see his handiwork. If you are one of the hundreds of people who have driven past us on 8^th Street and 9^thAvenue saying to yourself “ want to stop in and see what the Renaissance Gallery is all about”…well now is your chance! You will have from June 5, 2011 until July 1^st to see Ron’s work and our newly renovated Gallery.

We thank Ron for his undying energy and dedication to The Renaissance Gallery. He is a man who puts his energy where his mouth is! And we are blessed to have him.

Even though we have been in a mess since the beginning trying to keep the Gallery open with everything in the KumKum Majumdar Exhibition Hall during Ron’s work, you still have time to stop in on Wednesday afternoons, Friday and Saturdays from 12-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.

Sign up to receive our blog about the Gallery every week, or just visit our website and click on blog. For all the latest news about the artists of Renaissance and all gallery events, visitwww.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance and leave your comments or requests.

You may also leave messages at the Gallery by calling (304) 525-3235. You may make special appointments by calling (304) 453-3187

The Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite #20

Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235

Appointments: (304) 453-3187

gallerywv@yahoo.com

www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance

Interesting Work

2011-05-16T00:23:00.002-04:00

In every art show there are always a few pieces that stand out. They are not always the ones that win, but they are the ones we remember. And they show the artist’s unique point of view. And the 4th Annual National Spring Fine Arts Exhibiton is no exception

Unique Views

Colleen Harris sent in 3 paintings that at first look didn’t seem to fit the theme, “Parks & Recreation”, but look again. The artist’s unusual portrait style is at first distracting. She is not so married to realism that she lets it interfere with her art. And she is subtle!

“The Fish and Boat that Got Away”, the wild-eyed boy, and howling dog in the background. This is a fishing story? And what a story! Only a little water, a shade different from the sky, and a fleeting glimpse of tail—and a wicked sense of humor! All three paintings require that kind of 2 and 3 look! The other two pieces also show her wit and style.

Sometimes a title will throw us. “The Dump Truck Driver” the entry form read. While unpacking Nancy Garcia’s work, we wondered if she had sent the wrong painting, until we saw it. The sand, the beach and the toy truck! It is a really delightful painting, and a perfect fit for our show.

Other times, no explanation is needed as a familiar landmarks that is recognized by all, as in “Dam Rock—Canaan Valley”

Methods and Media

Then there are methods and media we have not seen for a while. Mary Grassell’s fine art prints are a welcome addition to the show.

Each year one artist manages to surprise us. Leona Mackey’s “Reaching”, a steel and glass composition was one such work this year.

And I have to admit I have grown rather fond of Don Watts bold style. He paints with enthusiasm, and bold colors.

Nostalgia often pulls at our hearts and memories. The sights, the sounds and smells of summers gone by—so well illustrated by Linda Harbison in her “Camden Park series. We have many takes on the amusement Park, from vintage Ferris Wheels, roller coasters to the beloved carousel. Heather Arden also visited the theme of amusement parks but with fine art photography. And a totally different point of view, almost surrealist, jumps off the canvas by artist Debra Shirley, A totally different take on familiar scenes.

Grand National Monuments To Intimate City Parks

Park & Play figured in most of the work in this year’s 4th Annual National Spring Fine Art Exhibition. Magnificent landscapes and majestic seashores result in stunning paintings, but play is also there. Not surprisingly, fishing and boating, two subjects near and dear to many hearts were often the subjects of artwork. But children were also a major part of this show—playing, running and just being.

Success in the Midst of a Mess

2011-05-09T23:55:00.000-04:00

We all feel unnerved when we are remodeling...choosing the paint, the floor coverings, the light fixtures, the furniture...it just about drives us all nuts! In our private homes during a remodel, we can just let everything pile up and not worry about it. If friends or family stop by we say "Just forgive the mess, we are remodeling."

Well the Artist Members of the Renaissance Gallery chose not to close the doors for our remodel. Instead we are plowing through it all and still having classes every week on Saturdays and Mondays and Wednesdays. We have the doors open for our usual days and hours, Friday and Saturday from 12-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.

Of course we are not worrying about a thing! We have the KumKum Majumdar Exhibition Hall to conduct our classes, gallery hours and even to open a new spring show called "Parks and Recreation". You can see

by the look on the face of the Award of Excellence in the Fine Arts division, Bruce Bowersock, as his winning Ghost Bird goes flying into his left ear...see it? That is the effect this remodel is having on all of us, but in the middle of it, three yes, count them, three area artists have emailed us wishing to become members of our Gallery. Wow, is all we can say. Come on in and join the crowd.

Do we wish we had everything all finished? Of course, but our member, Ron Haeberle, who is a master carpenter when he is not painting the most breath-taking watercolor paintings of our area, is proceeding at his own pace. What was that wonderful old quote about marching to a different drummer or something? Well, that would be Ron.
We just cannot wait for you to see what he has accomplished out of an area that is a hundred years old. This is success in the midst of a mess. Watch for the press releases for our reopening when the last nail is driven and the last spot of paint is touched up.

This week at the Renaissance Art Gallery

2011-05-05T23:25:00.001-04:00

May 6,7 & 8 2011.

Who's minding the store?

Cartoonist Gary Labelle will be sitting the gallery on Friday May 6. This will be the first full day of our 4th Annual National Spring Exhibition, “Parks & Recreation” show. While the main gallery is still being worked on, the exhibition hall is open and packed with fine art. All the tags are now up, and you can see just who won what. Gary is always ready to welcome guests to our gallery. You can also see the progress we are making in the main gallery.

On Saturday our director Fern Christian will hold down the fort after her morning painting class. Knowing Fern, she will have the teakettle on, so come in and join her. Linda Helgason will be in charge of The Renaissance Art Gallery on Sunday, Mother’s day, a good day to take mom to a very friendly art gallery.

The weather is supposed to be better, still somewhat rainy, but not so cold and a bit brighter. Hopefully the worst of the spring rains are past and we can all start to get out and enjoy life a little more. The Gallery is really looking forward to some better weather.

Now for Other Things.

Ron Haeberle will be resuming his work on the main gallery. The closer it get to being done, the more anxious we all are for construction to be done. The Floor has been done, the center wall is up, now we need the new lighting and the south wall to be upgraded.

A Word on our Art Classes

Classes are going strong. Both of our adult painting classes, lead by Fern Christian are active and will be held as usual this week, but drawing classes, held on Wednsdays, are being canceled for the next two weeks. Artist Susan Tschantz will be out of town. Both the Junior Art Class and the Adult drawing Class will resume May 25, 2011. So that means that the May 11 and the May 18th studio hours will not be held and all classes on those days are canceled. If you have any questions, contact The gallery by phone at 304-525-3235 or e-mail at gallerywv@yahoo.com.

Fourth Annual National Spring Fine Arts Exhibition: Parks & Recreation

2011-05-02T14:27:00.001-04:00

Opening Reception

Welcome to the Gallery

The first of May seems to ignite excitement about places to go and things to do. We are no different at the Renaissance Gallery. With the May 1st opening of our Spring Fine Arts Exhibition, Parks & Recreation, we have on our walls we have over a hundred new ideas. In a show whose theme is all about spring and summer activities, 34 artists from around the tri-state area and across the country entered their work in a themed show to be juried for prizes. Neither the public nor the artists who attended today’s opening were disappointed.

The Artwork

Lillianne Bowersock and Tess van Dijk

Lillianne Bowersock had the honor of anouncing the awards Sunday.

Among the winning artwork for paintings/sculpture are two rather unusual pieces, Tess van Dijk presented a 3-piece work of relief tiles in clay, entitled “Birds at Play and Leona Mackey’s piece “Reaching” is an abstract work of Glass and Steel.

Lillianne gives
Bruce Bowersock the
Award of Excellence

Even our Award of Excellence was a textural watercolor by Bruce Bowersock.

I will try and get better photos of the award winning art. There can be such glare when trying to photograph art under glazing. I can’t wait until we get better lighting in the gallery!

We do have some really intriguing photography this year. Laura Moul entered a collage photograph and we have several that could be take for paintings! “High and Dry” is certainly the kind of photograph that keeps you looking.

But the show is not over yet! Parks & Recreation will hang through the month of May at The Renaissance Art Gallery. Those who have not seen it, make sure you stop buy during gallery hours Friday, Saturday or Sunday. View the show and enjoy our company.

Awards

Oh You want to know who won awards?

Yes, there were awards, and here they are:

Fine Arts:

Honorable Mentions went to:

Linda Harbison, “Camden Park #1 ,Larry Sumpter, “New Beginning” and Frankie Wheeler, “Bike Trail Crossing.

Award of Merit went to Tess van Dijk for “Birds at Play”

2nd Place went to Betty Mc Clune for “Two Cats at the Museum” with 1st Place given to Leona Mackey for her steel and glass “Reaching” and finally,

Bruce and his "Ghost Bird"

the Award of Excellence was given to Bruce Bowersock for the watercolor work “Ghost Bird”.

Photography:

Honorable mentions: Linda Clifford, “Camden Park Carousel” and Laura Moul, “Mill Reflections”.

Award of Merit went to Jane Ann Long for “Impression of a Yellow Rose” taken in the Ritter Park Rose Garden.

Lilliannne and Jane Long

Second Place went to J. Bird Cremeans for “Family Picnic” and 1st Place was awarded to Sheila Caim for “High and Dry”

All of these works can be seen at The Renaissance Art Gallery during the month of May.

Guests admire art and enjoy the Gallery

Opening Soon! The 4th Annual National Spring Fine Arts Exhibition

2011-04-29T18:32:00.000-04:00

Entry Wall of
The Kumkum Majumdar Exhibition Hall

Walls & Walls of Art

The Renaissance Gallery has a busy weekend planned. The 4th Annual National Spring Fine Arts Show is opening this Sunday, May 1.

And boy, is the Kumkum Majumdar Exhibition Hall crowded! I don't think it has ever been this full! We even had to use the rolling display wall!

More Art

34 Artists with over 100 pieces of art

Paintings, sure, but also sculpture, ceramics and fine photos adorn the hall with amazing art! We have art from across the country, but also from across the Tri-State area. Artists from West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Southern Ohio have all contributed work to this show.

Tess van Dijk's "Birds at Play"

Weekend Ahead

Manning the Gallery Friday will be cartoonist, Gary Lapelle. Gary is one of the best pet artists in the area. His love and involvement of animals is reflected in the gentle humor he shows in is work. Saturday, Humanist artist Linda Helgasson will keep the doors open, plus Robbie Poore will be responsible for Sunday. I don't envy him, with the grand opening we have planned for that day!

There Will be Cake!

Amusement Parks a popular Topic

Everyone is invited to join us Sunday for the Grand Opening of the Spring Fine Arts Show. While the main gallery is still under construction (more about that in later blogs) the exhibition hall is open, and the show is a fine one. There are more than a few interesting, experimental pieces in this show, as well as some media/materials we have not seen in a while. New materials represented are tinted charcoal and ceramic and glass. There are both traditional approaches but other really pushed the envelope, especially with in digital photography.

Amusement parks seem to be recurring theme, but each artist and their own takes on them. And of course, the beach is there! Rolling surf and beach fun, the many moods of the beach are there in both realistic and interpretive styles. But quiet moments in the mountains are also reflected in many paintings. So much of our area is pictured.

And of course, Sunday will see many of our artists there. This is the time to connect with them, talk to them about their art and what it means to them to create it, but also to show it to their friends and neighbors.

An Abundance of Talent

2011-04-26T14:12:00.000-04:00

The public is invited to the opening of the 4th Annual National Spring Fine Arts Exhibition at The Renaissance Art Gallery Sunday, May 1, 2011. The reception will be held in the Kumkum Majumdar Exhibition Hall of The Renaissance Art Gallery from 2-4 pm. There will be refreshments and award announcements. Karen Lilly, Director of Cynthia Bickey Art Gallery in Beckley, W.V acted as the juror for this years show. The reception is free.

This year’s theme is Parks & Recreation. Works entered into this year’s show include sculptures, watercolors, drawings, photographs and ceramics. Our walls are covered by over 100 original pieces of art entered by 34 artists from across the US.

The Renaissance Art Gallery is a non-profit artist co-op in Huntington West Virginia. We draw our membership from the tri-state area of West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. We focus on original art from local artists. Located in the Historic Renaissance Building (the old Huntington High School).

The artists of the Renaissance Art Gallery hope you can join us Sunday for the opening reception for "Parks And Recreation"

Welcoming Artists

2011-04-21T20:35:00.001-04:00

After months of work the artists of The Renaissance Art Gallery were ready to welcome artists and the work they prepare for submission to the 4th Annual National Spring Fine Arts Exhibition: Parks & Recreation. Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw artists from as far away as Cincinnati, OH to bring in art these felt represented “Park & Recreation”. In addition, several artists from across the country shipped in their work.

Artwork and files to run the show

Received were paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, both digital and film as well as woodcarvings and pottery. I think it might be the biggest variety of artwork we have seen in a long time. All in all, 34 artists accepted the challenge to give their interpretation of “Parks & Recreation.

Two of our founding members, artists Bruce and Lillianne Bowersock have hung the show. And this is no easy task, given the variety of works, medium and sizes. Karen Lilly, curator of the Cynthia Bickey Beckley Art Group Gallery, is acting as our juror this year. She has the difficult task of going over all of the many entries and trying to determine just who did the best job of expressing the subject theme.

Paintings & photographs fill the gallery.

All of this leads up to our opening reception on Sunday, May 1, 2011. Then all the artists and our friends gather to see this wonderful show.

It really is exciting to see a show come together. To see the enthusiasm on the faces of other artists but even more important than that, is to see how the larger public reacts to it. Just seeing what we are all capable of is exciting. The artists who bring in their work are our neighbors. They are housewives and teachers, Labors and doctors. People from all walks of life and all circumstances. The one thing they have in common is the ability, the need the drive to create something beautiful with their own hands. And to share this gifts with their neighbors all over the tri-state area.

Sometimes in this world of hatred and strife, we forget just who and what we are at the core. We are not hatred. We are not strife. But rather we are a creative people. People of great gift. Please accept this gift from your neighbors, the artists around you. Come and visit the Spring Fine Art Exhibition, Parks & Recreation.

Beginning Digital Photography Classes

2011-04-09T22:29:00.001-04:00

Laura Moul, a certified professional master photographer will offer a digital photography class for beginners. It begins Monday, April 18^th from 5:30-7:30 pm

at Hobby Lobby near the Huntington Mall in Barboursville. Pre-registration is required.

In the Beginning Class (Part 1) Moul reviews basic photography concepts and provides reference materials to help each student. Students can bring their point and shoot cameras or their SLR cameras and receive hands-on training on How to Take Photographs, Which Photos to Save or Edit, and Ways to Archive or Organize Their Digital Files. This class is scheduled for April 18^th.

Part 2 (April 25) concentrates on more hands-on practice including transferring digital files into students’ computers and basic photo editing techniques including demonstrations of Picasa.

Part 3 (May 2) reviews Part 1 & 2 and deals with aperture and shutter priority, as well as manual camera settings. More advanced photo techniques will be taught.

There is a small fee for the materials and instruction. Laura’s goal is to help individuals learn to use their own cameras more effectively. One of Laura’s students termed this as “bonding with her camera”. For more information and registration, please contact Laura at 304-743-8281 or email her at lauramoul@aol.com. Laura’s website also has more information http://www.moulphotography.com/

Exhibition Opening

2011-04-08T16:32:00.000-04:00

“Random” Acts Of Art

“Loose buttons, cds &broken eye glasses,

Glued all together to sell to the masses,

“My old computer, can tabs & stretched springs,

These are a few of my favorite things…”

Such is the artist’s statement of Robby Poore. “Random”, the current solo show now hanging at The Renaissance Art Gallery certainly reflects that philosophy of art. The Kumkum Majumdar Exhibition Hall is full of random items arranged and re-arranged into three-dimensional artworks. Nothing is scare and nothing is beyond turning into art by Robbie Poore.

With the opening reception April 3, Huntington, and the surrounding area got a look into the creative mind of a unique artist. Gallery walls were bursting with people. At one point, it was almost impossible to move through the crowd. Person after person remarked, “I would not have thought you could use that” or “oh my, I know what that is!” only after staring at the piece for a full 15 minutes!

Robbie included a rather unique entry plaque, and piece of interactive art! The invitational sign also served as a photo-op for guests. Thus a mood of whimsy and fun started even before guests came through the door!

Gallery members and guests all got a real kick out of this. Even members of the press got involved! When we set up, I thought we might have been too enthusiastic on the refreshments, but the volume and appetite of the public put that worry to rest!

Robbie hangs the last
piece as people start to arrive!

Robbie and the rest of The Renaissance Art Gallery worked right up to the moment guests started to come through the door, but it was worth the effort to have such a successful opening for this show.

Robbie and Entry Art

“Random” can be seen now through April 17th at The Renaissance Art Gallery.

Normally overflow at an opening at The Renaissance Art Gallery would meander into the main gallery, but this month, the main gallery is undergoing extensive remodeling. It is going to be gorgeous, but the transformation process is anything but! Still progress has reached the point where you can see what is developing. The new, central display wall is up, and some of the panels have been covered. The framing still needs to be painting and the new lights hung, but the floor is a new, lighter and brighter color. At last we can see just what the gallery will be in the coming months. Along with these new display walls we will be getting new lighting for the main gallery, something we have long wished for.

Gallery member, Linda Helgsson

Reporter Dave Lavender

Guest, Kathleen

Anchorwoman, Susan Nicholas

Robbie Poore and Fixing up the Gallery

2011-03-28T16:55:00.003-04:00

Another week has gone by. March is quickly coming to an end. I came into the gallery and finished up addressing and labeling the reception postcards invitations for the May Fine Arts show. Now all I need are stamps and they can go out the first 2 weeks of April.

We are all working on Robbie Poore’s reception April 3. Robbie has done quite a bit of work on his show. I know that these are all new pieces. Robbie has made sure no one has seen these before, so I think it will make the show rather special.

I am hoping for a large turn out for the reception. This will be Robbie Poore’s first show with The Renaissance Art Gallery. There has been a lot of interest in his work shown since he joined the gallery last fall. I know the 3 pieces he entered in the Miniature show in November caused quite a stir! I can’t wait until the entire room is made over in his bits and pieces.

New Walls

Ron Haeberle is working on the new display wall in the main gallery. It is really going to be something, and will improve the look and flow of the gallery. We have some major changes to The Renaissance Art Gallery. It is going to make such a difference in what we can display. While we all love being in a historic building, having historic wiring is not nearly as much fun! Just having the new circuits has already made a difference. With the new display wall and proper display lighting, the main gallery will be much more inviting.

Renaissance Gallery Art

2011-03-28T16:35:00.000-04:00

Renaissance Gallery Art

2011-03-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

4artcoach365.com

A drawing website powered by Bruce Bowersock, Art Coach. Bruce is available 365 days per year for you to ask for help, learn new techniques, blog and comment. Visit us when you visit Renaissance Art Gallery!

2011-03-27T13:45:00.000-04:00

RENAISSANCE ART GALLERY, INC PRESENTS:

OUR Most Valuable Member of the Month ----------

Susan Tschantz

We members would be hard pressed to find a replacement for this busy lady. Susan teaches drawing classes each Wednesday afternoon, keeps the website updated, as well as our blog site, and does planning for future exhibits .

Just recently several of our members were involved in various shows and Susan did press releases for all of them that really stirred community and participation, put all that information on our Facebook, our website, and blog site. She even helped one member with his artist statement, another with photos and helpful information.

She made suggestions to teachers about how to teach their students during classes, worried about work schedules, while meeting and making suggestions to our contractor/decorator about his work in progress .

So , thanks to you Susan Tschantz-----you're most valuable !!

Your fearless President and Director, Fern Christian

Spring Art Show

2011-03-14T17:18:00.000-04:00

Spring Flowers
S. Tschantz

The Renaissance Art Gallery is planning an open entry art show for May 2011. Open entry means this show is open to non-gallery members, ea. all artists 18 and older. The chosen theme this year is “Parks and Recreation”.

Just what does that mean? I don’t know, you tell us. All fine art media are welcome. Awards will be given to those artists who, in our judge’s opinion, best express this theme. So think about it. How would you paint, sculpt, mold, fold or mutilate or otherwise produce a piece of find art to this theme? Would you do a painting representing Ritter Park? Kids playing ball, your dad watching TV? Or bulling on the playground? What does “Parks and Recreation” mean to you? Think like an artist and let us see just how creative you can be.

Confusion In The Prospectus

It has come to my attention, by a couple of gallery members, that our prospectus for the spring show might be a tad confusing. Our Show Schedule is tight this year. Because of extensive remodeling of the gallery, we just will not be able to hold a separate fine art photography show as we usually do. So we decided to roll that back into the spring show, as it was for the first couple of years. Now, when I put that back into the prospectus, I was not as careful as I should have been. This is the confusing part:

Work: Original works in any traditional media, prints from original plates, or sculptures will be accepted, provided they have not been exhibited at any previous Renaissance Art Gallery show. Photography must be marked photography and will be judged separately. Reproductions not accepted. Artwork must be the original and cannot contain or be based on any work copyrighted by another artist. No derivative works!

Crafts and artworks produced by photographic, giclee, laser or digital techniques will not be accepted.

The sentence allowing photography should have been its own paragraph and after the text.

We strive to show the best in ORIGINAL art in the Renaissance Art Gallery. So all paintings, sculptures, pottery, etc must be the original. We will not accept a print of the original artwork, nor do we accept work based on someone else’s work.

But how does that affect fine art photography, which by its vary nature is a print?

Well, that should have read like this:

Work: Original works in any traditional media, prints from original plates, or sculptures will be accepted, provided they have not been exhibited at any previous Renaissance Art Gallery show. Reproductions not accepted. Artwork must be the original and cannot contain or be based on any work copyrighted by another artist. No derivative works!

Crafts and artworks produced by photographic, giclee, laser or digital techniques will not be accepted.

Fine Art Photography will be accepted in this show, but must be clearly marked photography and will be judged separately.

If you have any questions, please write or call us. We really want to display your work in our gallery. E-mail is gallerywv@yahoo.com, phone number is 304-525-3235. Or simply ad a comment to the end of this post, and we will answer all your questions.

We still will not accept copies of your work instead of the original. Artwork that incorporated your original photography will be accepted, but must be marked photography and must be all your own work. Digital work can be used, and yes, you can fold spindle and mutilate in the computer. You can output as creatively as you desire, but the work must be presentable and ready to hang. Do not use frames with saw tooth hangers. Ever. No. No. No!

Empty Gallery

Gallery Changes

The Renaissance Art Gallery does not look much like itself right now. In a word, it is a mess! Things pulled out, desks in a jumble, and things put anywhere. The main gallery is just about empty of artwork, or anything else right now.

While we love our gallery, and enjoy being in a historic building, there are drawbacks. When you are in a historic building you inherit historic wiring! This has been the bane of our existence for the past 10 years. Finally, we have gotten the powers that be to approve and install some much-needed upgrades to the wiring in the two rooms we occupy. It has always been the intent of the artists of the Renaissance Art Gallery to display fine artwork to its best advantage. While we have struggled with putting the art on display and lighting the gallery, even our best friends would not disagree that the lighting at times leaves something to be desired. And we did. Desire better that is. Now, with new circuits available we can upgrade the lighting in the main gallery. And this will be done.

But in addition to upgrading the lighting, we are also upgrading the general look of the Renaissance Art Gallery. The floor is being repainted in a more reflective color, which will also help to brighten the gallery. The wall display areas are being covered in a newer, light carpet that will help to display the artwork with fewer reflections.

A new center display wall will be built to allow not only more display space but will allow larger pieces to be hung and viewed more easily.

All of this hopefully will make local artwork more accessible to everyone

Spring at The Renaissance Art Gallery

2011-03-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Bud
S. Tschantz

I Saw A Bud

Pulling into The Renaissance Art Gallery parking lot last Wednesday, I saw a small green bud. The radio was casting out the news of coming bad weather-a return to winter come the weekend,

But I saw a bud

And it was encouraging.

Returned Mail

Waiting by the computer were 3 envelopes containing the prospectus for the Spring Fine Arts Show, “Parks & Recreation”. All were local and all were “return to sender”, “undeliverable as addressed” “unable to forward”. There was a couple more in the mailbox. Like I said, all were local. Of the 10 that came back 9 were members of Tri-State Art Association. So someone is not keeping up their contact information!

If you do not receive your prospectus for the Spring Fine Arts Show by the end of the week, check to make sure we have your current address. All our addresses were taken from the last two open entry show’s entry forms. Another reason to make sure when you use these forms that they are legible. If you did not receive a form, please write to us and update your contact information.

You can get a prospectus by coming into the gallery, or you can request one by e-mail. Renaissance Art Gallery e-mail is gallerywv@yahoo.com.

Anyone interested, is 18 years old or older and lives in North America can also request a prospectus from us, or download one off The Renaissance Art Gallery website.

R. Poore

Assemblages

Robbie Poore has his artwork ready for his April show, but is sweating over the dreaded Artist’s Statement. How many of you have actually written such a document? One of the harder pieces of prose to write! How to you talk about something that is essentially instinctual? An artist’s statement is only second to the Artist’s Biography is giving us poor visual people the hives! If writing the artist statement is soul-bear in its intensity, the artist’s Biography can be down right embarrassing. There is just something about talking about yourself in the third person that seems utterly ridiculous. There is always the question of what to include, what to leave out not to mention, does anyone ever really read those things?

Spring Fine Art Show

2011-02-27T01:04:00.002-05:00

Spring 2011

Finally! A spring thaw!

After days and days of ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, we were beginning to think spring would never come. But February is giving way to March and it looks like there will in fact, be a spring!

WIP
Tschantz

And with spring come our Spring Fine Arts Show. This year we have chosen “Parks & Recreation” as the subject/theme of the 4th Annual National Spring Fine Arts Show. Think about it. Create works of art that bring parks and recreation to mind. Will you paint a beautiful landscape of the New River Gorge, or children playing in the park? Or will it be something more interpretive? What medium will you chose?

All fine art mediums are eligible.

Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works are acceptable as long as they are totally yours and have not been entered into a Renaissance Art Gallery show before.

Boat at Kanawha Falls
Tschantz

No Derivative works

As is standard for any show that is judged for awards, all works must be original to the artist, nor can they be a derivative work. Collage and assemblage pieces cannot contain any copyrighted materials.

Photography

In years past, the Fine Art Show has been divided into two shows, one for traditional art medium and another for photography and the growing digital media. This year the schedule will not allow for a separate photography show. Photography and digital media will be included in the spring show.

Anything goes!

One thing we always enjoy about our open entry shows is the variety and ingenuity shown when dealing with our theme subjects. The exhibition hall is filled with lively, one of a kind works. Every year we have beautiful, traditional renderings and wild innovative experiment pieces hanging side by side. It is one of the things that makes the shows at the Renaissance Art Gallery unique and so worth being a part of.

Prospectus

The prospectus for this show is, of course, posted on our website,

Renaissance Art Gallery

or, if you need to, you can get a pdf of the prospectus by sending us an e-mail at gallerywv@yahoo.com.

Any questions? Leave a comment here or on Facebook.

Renaissance Gallery Hours Return

2011-02-21T18:21:00.000-05:00

Called on account of the weather.

January was a wash out for the Renaissance Gallery. Snow and ice along with record breaking cold made it impossible to open the gallery for regular Gallery Hours. February is just about over, and hopefully the really bad weather that has kept the Renaissance Gallery all but closed.

WhileSuper cold weather and heating troubles forced us to abandon regular gallery hours, Studio Hours remained in tact. But a gallery needs gallery hours! So.......

Renaissance Art Gallery

We're Back!

The Renaissance Art Gallery will be open for normal gallery hours starting this Friday, February 25, 2011. Wowho!

It has been a long time. But we put the time to good use. Electricians were in and did some wiring upgrades. We now have several new outlets, and more importantly, new circuit that will allow the installation of a better lighting system.

Let there be light!

Remodeled Wall in Main Gallery

Lighting is all important in a gallery, and so far, ours has been adequate, but not great. That will soon change. First the main gallery is being remodeled to be brighter, lighter and more accessable. A new wall system will increase our display area while making it easier to get around. The floor will be painted a lighter, more reflective color in the next couple of weeks.Artist and designer Ron Haeberle will be putting up new display walls with their own track lighting. This is exciting, because it will allow us to display not only more art, but larger pieces. Very good for the local art community. We have wanted to do this for a long time, and it is finally coming together.

Art Display at
Renaissance Art Gallery

Let There Be Art!

Sunday we got out the calendar and made sure all the hours were covered. And everything was in hand to have gallery hours again. Most of the artwork will be in the Kumkum Majumdar Exhibition Hall, while the Main Gallery remodeling is finished up, but there will be art!

We are also working on plans for the Spring Fine Art Show. Prospectus is up on the gallery website or you can get one by e-mailing the gallery. E-mail address is gallerywv@yahoo.com.

Gallery hours are:

Friday & Saturday 12-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm

Studio hours Monday 10-Noon, Wednesday 1:00-7:30 pm and Saturday 10-Noon

Come in and see the changes and join us for a cup of tea!

For further information contact The Renaissance Art Gallery.

The Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite #20

Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235

Appointments: (304) 453-3187

gallerywv@yahoo.com

www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance

http://twitter.com/wvgallery

http://renaissancegalleryart.blogspot.com/

Winter Is Not A Slow Time for Art for the Artists of the Renaissance.

2011-02-12T17:00:00.002-05:00

It has been a busy winter for gallery artist Ron Haeberle. In December he submitted two pieces for the West Virginia Division of Culture and History "Inspired - Historic West Virginia Buildings and Structures". Returning from a Christmas vacation he learned both had been accepted. These were delivered at the last moment. The opening was more elaborate than for the previous show. While it was a great honor, both were purchased for the WV collection on opening night. This is exciting and satisfying, it is also a bit sad. One was the painting of the Johnson Memorial Church, which was featured, in the Gallery's Blog. We have to say sadly; because the painting was so fresh it had not been show in Huntington at all. We never got the chance to hang it in the Renaissance Gallery! Luckily Ron has prints!

The Renaissance Building
R. Haeberle

Coincidentally, Tamarack has scheduled an architecturally based show for this winter as well. This is a members show and He have selected four pieces which I will deliver this week. These include a very early work depicting the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans based on a photo by his son and three from the Huntington series. One of these is hot off the easel - the old Huntington High building - now the Renaissance Center, home to our own Renaissance Art Gallery.

Finally, Ron delivered 30 or so works to the French Art Colony in Gallipolis Ohio recently. He was invited to put together this solo show late last year and it is a real honor to participate in this gallery's annual schedule. Ron now realizes he has almost nothing left that he would willingly show. His walls at home are bare - embarrassingly bare. He now feels the need to get to work!

The schedule for Ron's shows are:

WV Dept. of Culture and History - WV Culture Center - Charleston: Current until midsummer in the Commissioners Gallery/

Tamarack - Architectonic - Tamarack Gallery -Beckley WV: Opening Feb 13. Running til April 9, 2011.
French Art Colony - Gallipolis Ohio: Opening Feb 4. Running til Feb 27, 2011

He will have a solo show at the Renaissance Gallery in June 2011.

*~*

Round & About
Fern Christian

Ohio University Southern in Proctorville, OH will host Fern Christian in a solo show at opening Feb 10, 2011. So Fern has been working in her James River Studio getting ready for this show in addition to teaching her own painting classes at the Renaissance two days a week.

*~*

Bruce and Lillianne Bowersock have been invited by Ashley Home Furniture Store in Barboursville to hang an exhibition in the front glassed-in area of their store. Ashley Home Furniture will have an opening artist's reception on Sunday, March 7 from 5-8 pm at the store. Bruce and Lillianne’s work will hang for two weeks there. The manager felt that if people had access to original art right at the time they are buying furniture, it would make sense and be a big asset to them. Everyone is invited.

Lillianne was invited to show her “Cats in the Window” series at the Red Caboose located in the new Huntington Visitor's Center where Heritage Station is. She will have two sizes of prints and her note cards available for sale there. There is a Grand Opening on Thursday, March 3 from 4-7 p.m. Everyone is invited to meet the artists. It will be a great place with an old-fashioned bakery right outside the door of the Red Caboose! Stop by on the 3rd!

*~*

Robbie Poore is gearing up for this one-man show in April 20111 at the Renaissance Art Gallery.. This will be our first show with the newly remodeled gallery. Already this is drawing some excitement.

*~*

Drawing has occupied Susan Tschantz most of this winter, both teaching her drawing classes and doing a series of drawings. Giving in to the weather, she has been doing a series of winter snow scenes, in graphite, charcoal and more. You can see her progress in her Starrpoint blog.

She has also been working on doing effective drawings with simple shapes.

Long Shadows
S. Tschantz

*~*

And all of the Artists of the Renaissance are preparing for the Spring Fine Arts Exhibition, “Parks & Recreation” May 2011.

Arts Day At The Legislature

2011-02-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

January 31, 2011 was a day set aside for the arts at the West Virginia capital. Each year the West Virginia Division of Culture and History has a day where the arts and artist are welcomed into the Capital rotunda to interact with the state legislators. The Renaissance Art Gallery had its first booth this year. The booth was manned by Bruce Bowersock and myself, Susan Tschantz. We arrived early, found our designated table and set up our display to highlight what makes the Renaissance Art Gallery unique in art galleries and art groups.

It gave us a chance to meet other artists and arts groups from around the state, talk to members of the Department of Culture and History and generally schmooz. Bruce is very shy but when he arrived to find the place filled with artists, he said he became very comfortable.

Bruce Bowersock talks to other attendees

We also got a chance to enjoy those in the performing arts who entertained us. And there were a lot of them! From dance to jazz, classical and folk.

We got to think about how we can all interact and support each other. For example, we met a small group from South Charleston who promote and help vocal artists from around the state record their own CDs. Why not feature these artist at our openings, when we generally play music in the background? It would be possible to find an appropriate local artist or artists to provide such music. We also got a chance to talk to several groups that were only names before about participation in our upcoming Spring Fine Arts Exhibition, “Parks & Recreation”. They were able to actually see who and what we are, and thus they feel more comfortable sending us their work.

Art Classes

2011-01-04T02:00:00.001-05:00

New year, New classes

Wow, it is a whole new year again.

2011.

After the break, it is hard to get started again, but The Renaissance Art Gallery is open this week. We are back to the normal schedule and normal studio and gallery hours.

Fern Christian will again be leading her studio class of painting for adults on Monday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 am until Noon. This is a continuous class open to all adults. She accepts students for all media, with a special emphasis on water media. Students progress at their own pace and work on their own projects.

Wednesdays are again focusing on drawing, with the junior class from 3:30 to 4:30. This session we will be working with cartoons and caricature. This class is open to school age children. It also is a continuing class. Students are encouraged to call to register. Supplies are simple, pencils, a spiral bound sketch pad and erasers. As usual, Susan Tschantz is on call for this class

In the evening, Susan continues in her campaign to help people learn to draw with an adults drawing class. The adult drawing class starts at 6:00 and runs until 8:00. All you need are pencils and paper. .

Starting this Saturday, January 8, 2011, the winter session of figure drawing will commence. This session is 5 weeks. Class starts at 1:00 pm in the afternoon and goes until 4:00 pm. Students are to bring their own drawing pads, easels, media, etc. Modeling fees will be split between all who attend. All artists should take at least a few session of figure drawing. This is true even for photographers. Working with a live model is a rewarding experience, and can really help develop the needed artistic eye. Bruce Bowersock again will lead this class.

Anyone interested in attending any of these classes is encourage to contact the Renaissance Art Gallery. See the gallery website www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance for more information on these classes

Gallery contact information:

The Renaissance Art Gallery

900 8th Street, Suite #20

Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235

Appointments: (304) 453-3187

gallerywv@yahoo.com

www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance

http://twitter.com/wvgallery

http://renaissancegalleryart.blogspot.com/

Gallery hours are:

Friday & Saturday 12-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm

Studio hours Monday 10-Noon, Wednesday 1:00-7:30 pm and Saturday 10-Noon

Creating a Painting

2010-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Subject: Johnson Memorial Methodist Church, Huntington, WV

I recently completed a watercolor of the Johnson Memorial Methodist Church. This is another in a series of architectural subjects from Huntington. I have been photographing subjects around town for three years and am slowly working through them in paint. Huntington has a number of beautiful churches but I have found it difficult to find just the right angle or point of view to put on paper. To be honest, I have put the photos of this church aside a number of times - seemingly because it appeared to be so dark and stark. However the truth is I never really studied them. When I did, I found the the stained glass to be extensive and delicate. By moving around the facade I found a pleasing, balanced composition that gave the feeling of the massiveness of the structure without being stiff. I decided this would be the first of a church series.

As you can imagine I spent a long time with this work - about three weeks, off and on. The pencil layout was painstaking and required several days. Due to the shadows in the original photos I had to visit again at a similar time (7 AM) to re-photograph certain specific sections. It is during this part of the process that I begin to gain an appreciation for the structure in front of me. It is essentially a reconstruction - stone for stone and pane for pane. I begin to appreciate the design as a whole. Who laid it all out? How were horizontal and vertical sections chosen to advance or retreat in the facade? How was the stone chosen and where was it quarried? What stories do the windows tell?

There is also a larger context. Who was constructing these churches along 5th Ave? Were they local stonemasons? Were they all being built at the same time? Well, as you can see you have a lot of time to ponder while you paint.

Johnson Memorial Methodist Church
Ron Haeberle

After completing the drawing the next step was to work out the palette of colors. For this work the palette was limited and for that reason important. I had recently completed a pre-sunrise scene of tide pools at the beach and the reddish violet of the early morning light in that work was almost spot on. To be sure the work was consistent, I had to mix most of the paint for the entire painting in the beginning. The rest of the painting was relatively straightforward but tedious: constructing the windows, texturing the stonework and placing the shadows. A few final details and the job was done. This was a relatively large painting (for me), matting to 22"X28". This was necessary to develop the detail of the windows and stonework.

Having completed the painting I am now looking forward to tracking down some of the history of the building to answer some of the questions that arose during the painting / pondering process.

The painting itself has been matted and framed and submitted as an entry to the next West Viriginia Division of Culture And History juried show which focus on historical structures in the state.

I am now off on another "project". It won't have quite so many little windows!

By Ron Haeberle

Renaissance Artist

It all Started with my Christmass Letter 2009

2010-12-26T10:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Bowersock's New Years 2011 Art Resolutions

Every year, every body we know has to mention their New Year's Resolutions during any holiday party or family get together. This year, we have decided NOT to talk about exercise....nor weight gain or loss....nor new and exciting exercise programs that make you sweat and feel miserable! We talked it over while eating Lemon Pound Cake along with hot chocolate with marsh mellows for breakfast yesterday and decided it was just foolish for us to make those kinds of promises. We will just break them and feel guiltier than we do now. We talked about the guilt and then decided that a glass of egg nog goes well with guilt.

Neither one of us felt much better, so we went back to bed and read awhile and took a nap...at 10:30 a.m. By 1 p.m. we found ourselves sitting on the couch in front of our warm fire in the Buck Stove with the Christmas tree lit and our little Snow Village all carefully arranged on the coffee table. While we were writing Christmas cards, we began to talk again about what New Year's resolutions we really want to make.

We plan to let the Spirit of Christ's birth and the Christmas angel be our guiding light throughout the coming year.
We are going to do some painting of the Snow Villiage that you see pictured here, glowing with the Angel light and find some of our youthful, innocent spirit through the art the we create from this inspirational village.
We are GOING to draw, sketch, paint or photograph every day...something worthwhile everyday.
We are GOING to clean up Bruce's studio.....again.
We are GOING to catalog Bruce's 900 art books and shelve them by subject (ha ha ha).
We are GOING to finish building the best "how to draw" website the world has every seen! This site will showcase Bruce and give insight to how he sees, draws, thinks, renders and paints. Visit him athttp://www.4artcoach365.com/ if you would like to learn to draw, buy a print, find out some of his favorite art books, blog, email, comment and share your thoughts on art.
Bruce is going to learn how Facebook works and interact with you more often.
Lil is going to act like a retired person and start doing art again often.
We plan to take long walks and observe things around us, talk about positive subjects regarding art and how we can continue to hopefully inspire others to look for the positive, rather than negative.
We plan to watch less news on TV and paint more.
We have several art vacations on the horizon and hope to escape often to the beach to find our muse!

Have a very Merry CHRISTmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bruce and Lillianne Bowersock

Renaissance Gallery Art: The Bowersock's New Years 2011 Art Resolutions

2010-12-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Renaissance Gallery Art: The Bowersock's New Years 2011 Art Resolutions: "Every year, every body we know has to mention their New Year's Resolutions during any holiday party or family get together. This year, we ha..."

The Bowersock's New Years 2011 Art Resolutions

2010-12-18T23:20:00.007-05:00

We plan to let the Spirit of Christ's birth and the Christmas angel be our guiding light throughout the coming year.
We are going to do some painting of the Snow Villiage that you see pictured here, glowing with the Angel light and find some of our youthful, innocent spirit through the art the we create from this inspirational village.
We are GOING to draw, sketch, paint or photograph every day...something worthwhile everyday.
We are GOING to clean up Bruce's studio.....again.
We are GOING to catalog Bruce's 900 art books and shelve them by subject (ha ha ha).
We are GOING to finish building the best "how to draw" website the world has every seen! This site will showcase Bruce and give insight to how he sees, draws, thinks, renders and paints. Visit him at http://www.4artcoach365.com/ if you would like to learn to draw, buy a print, find out some of his favorite art books, blog, email, comment and share your thoughts on art.
Bruce is going to learn how Facebook works and interact with you more often.
Lil is going to act like a retired person and start doing art again often.
We plan to take long walks and observe things around us, talk about positive subjects regarding art and how we can continue to hopefully inspire others to look for the positive, rather than negative.
We plan to watch less news on TV and paint more.
We have several art vacations on the horizon and hope to escape often to the beach to find our muse!

Have a very Merry CHRISTmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bruce and Lillianne Bowersock

Miniature Show: People's Choice Awards

2010-12-13T09:33:00.002-05:00

People’s Choice Awards

Director Fern Christian Count the Vote

People attending the 10th Annual National Miniature Exhibition were handed ballots when they came into the gallery to select what they felt were the best entries in this years Miniature Exhitition. There were to select works in two catagories: Most Elegant Entry and Most Creative Entry.

There were tons of worthy choices and it was hard to narrow it down to two.. But choices had to be made.

And counting the ballots was a much bigger job this year, due to the record number of people gracing our gallery with their visits.The stuffed to overflowing ballot box was finally opens and the votes tallied this week at The Renaissance Art Gallery by director, Fern Christian.

The voting was close, but choices were made.The final tally did reveal clear winners however.

Linda Rossin’s “Elegance in Motion”. The beauty of the rising flamingo captured the attention of the most guests for the Most Elegant Entry Award, while Sandi Worthington’s 1inch by 11 inch “Going To Water” won the Most Creative Entry Award.

Artwork Choosen by the Public,

Congratulations to both Sandi Worthington and Linda Rossin on their selection by the guest of The Renaissance Art Gallery for this year’s People’s Choice Awards.

End of the Show

2010-12-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

Sad but true, this is the final week for the 10th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. It seems like we have been preparing for it forever! Then it was here, and almost before we know it, it is over.

People's Choice Ballots

We have been going over all the votes in the people’s choice box. The box has been emptied twice! This is the final week of viewing and voting, and it is kind of sad.

This has been a fabulous 6 weeks. The miniatures we have on our walls are outstanding. We have all enjoyed having them and showing them off.

Although the miniature exhibition is always a lot of work for the entire gallery, it is also about the most rewarding of our shows. Each year we welcome back old friends to our walls and become acquainted with new friends as they enter our show for the first time. Over the years we have watched as artists have matured and even taken a different directions. There are many who started entering our shows years ago. For many this was their first attempt at showing their artwork, but now we see them becoming known artists in this field, with collectors coming back year after year to see their entries.

There is always so much to say about the miniature show

The same is true with our quests at the gallery. Of course we invite back all those who have graced our gallery in the past, but it is also exciting to welcome people who have never been to The Renaissance Art Gallery. Even after nine years in the community, people come in saying “I never knew you were here!” Well, we are! And it is nice to be discovered at last! But it is also gratifying to have long time friends bring along their families to our miniature show. When people come back year after year, you know you are doing something right!

This year we had a great deal of success, thanks in no small way to the local media. They really rallied around this show, giving us the feature coverage we needed. Happily, that also meant publicity for deserving but until now less recognized local artists. That is always very satisfying. To help people discover a “new” artist.

"Sitting the Gallery is always much easier during the Miniature Show. There is so much more to talk about, and so many more visitors. As the weather gets colder and the teapot is kept warm, we all enjoy having people stop in and simply talk about art. With the miniature show there is always so much to say!

Another joy we have is watching children react at our receptions. They often don’t know what to expect, but soon overcome any shyness and get into conversations with other artists. They really show their love of art. Many even forgetting to get their cookie!

One more week and this, our 10th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be a memory. The works will be taken down. Those works that sold sent on to their new homes, and other pieces returned to their creators along with our good wishes and thanks for lending them to us. Each and every one of them has been a joy and lightened not only the lives of the members of The Renaissance Art Gallery, but the many, many who viewed them on our walls.

It has been an active show

PS. The final totals for the People’s Choice will be announced next week!

The Tea Pot is On!

2010-11-30T23:46:00.000-05:00

The kettle is on the boil.

Come in and visit with your favorite artist—if you don’t have a favorite artist, come in and get one!

Gallery hours are:

Friday & Saturday 12-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm

Studio hours Monday 10-Noon, Wednesday 1:00-7:30 pm and Saturday 10-Noon

Everyone at the Renaissance Art Gallery would love to have you visit us. With the bad weather coming, now would be an ideal time to stop in and become more familiar with the Gallery. Everyone is welcome to come in and browse or take advantage of our studio hours to work on your work art.

The Renaissance Art Gallery
900 8th Street, Suite #20
Huntington, WV 25701

Gallery (304) 525-3235
Appointments: (304) 453-3187gallerywv@yahoo.com

Open Entry Art Show

2010-11-23T16:37:00.000-05:00

Open Entry

Hanging a Show

Each year The Renaissance Art Gallery holds three open entry art shows. Many people are not familiar with this term or concept. Because of the unique nature of The Renaissance Art Gallery’s Miniature Exhibition, the artwork is “juried” by size and media only. If it fits, it’s in.

While many shows only accept traditional miniature work we encourage a more free-range miniature. As much as we love traditional works we feel that contemporary styles can and should hang beside them.

Many show only accept traditional statuary and engraving and do not accept collage and assemblage works. We are rather fond of them. The more the merrier. And abstracts can be done in miniature!

The Renaissance Art Gallery looks for quality in the artwork we display. Most shows require artists to submit slides or digital files. With the work we encourage, that does not always work. And for artists new to showing their work, this process of jurying can be rather intimidating as well as confusing. For our open entry shows we do request that the artists either ship or come in with the actual artwork on the day(s) of submission.

For this reason, our three major shows, those we open to artists outside The Renaissance Art Gallery, are all open entry. The criteria for them are simple. The Miniature Exhibition is juried by size and media. The Spring Fine Arts show by theme, and the summer photography show, well, that one is really foot-loose and fancy free, it only has to start as a photo!

To go over what is required to participate in one of The Renaissance Art Gallery’s open entry shows.

You must be an adult artist, having reached your 18th birthday

You must live in North America

The artwork must be wholly your own, not done under the direction or in a workshop.

It must be original

No derivative works

Derivative works and works done in workshops under the direction of a teacher are not considered original works and cannot be submitted for entry in a judged show. This includes paintings done from photographs other than your own.

For collage and assemblage works, they cannot contain any copyrighted materials.