Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico and currently based in Mexico City, Urias is a distinguished visual artist and illustrator with an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with global brands like Apple, Nike, Google, and Adidas. Renowned for his vibrant color palette and comic book-inspired visuals, his artistic style seamlessly blends elements of Art Nouveau with classical design principles.

This showcase includes two powerful collections from the artist: Arida and Mística Monumental. The first one represents the poetic journey through the lens of Urias’ home in Chihuahua, Mexico. From the land’s traditions to its cultural heritage, each piece connects Urias’ roots with his identity while shedding light on the beauty, resilience, and diversity of the northern Mexican landscape. The next collection, Mística Monumental, can be described as more of an ethereal body of work. Meant to tap into the inner child, these pieces celebrate the simple act of existing, honing in on the belief that we are the center of our own universe. Its intention is to invite viewers to drop the mask, break the ego, and fill the soul.

Centered in the heart of Portland, at 415 SW 10th Avenue, the Infinite Human exhibition will remain open until Wednesday, May 29th. Raul Urias will take guests on a unique and immersive experience that tells the story of humanity’s existence. INDUSTRY One warmly welcomes all art enthusiasts, local community, and supporters of diverse creativity.

Since its inception in November 2022, INDUSTRY One has embraced a noble mission—to explore and celebrate diversity and sexuality while giving back to the community and the exceptional artists it showcases. The gallery debuted with a captivating display by the New York-based Black chefs’ collective, Ghetto Gastro. Subsequent exhibitions have featured indigenous Mexican artist Josué Rivas, the dynamic Los Angeles creative studio Object & Animal, and the powerful collaborative showcase between Southern California multimedia artist and graphic designer Madsteez (also known as Mark Paul Deren) and the talented It’s a Living (known as Mexican artist Ricardo Gonzalez), titled Sentimientos/Sentiments.

The doors of the exhibition are open to all, welcoming visitors to contribute and support in their own unique ways. Whether through donations or advocacy, INDUSTRY One invites everyone to partake in this transformative experience. If you find yourself in the Portland area, make sure to stop by and be part of this remarkable celebration of art, culture, and the beauty of the human spirit.

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Author Bio: 

INDUSTRY One is a first-of-its-kind commission-free gallery designed to highlight artists who don’t fit neatly into the traditional art gallery box. The goal is to explore diversity, and sexuality and give back to the community—as well as the artists whose work is featured.

The post Industry One Showcases Artist Raul Urias’ New Collection appeared first on Art Business News.

WHAT IS THIS PLACE? 

The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery is a nonprofit organization created by Laurel Siedl. The gallery opened its doors in September 2009. Laurel refurbished a building where she raised rabbits into an art gallery. The place is now transformed into spaces that feature artists from all over the country. Laurel’s passion for art is palpable in every corner of this unconventional space. Meeting her is akin to stepping into the mind behind the madness, an experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery stands out not only for its unique setting in the desert but also for its commitment to showcasing emerging artists and promoting the culture of art collecting. Collecting art has long been a passion for many individuals, ranging from seasoned collectors seeking to expand their portfolios to novices eager to start their art collections. The gallery provides a welcoming environment for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of artworks that cater to varying tastes and preferences. Art collecting is not just about acquiring pieces; it is a deeply personal and enriching experience that allows individuals to connect with the stories behind each artwork, the emotions they evoke, and the artists who created them. The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery recognizes the significance of this connection and aims to foster a sense of community among art collectors, artists, and visitors alike. It is located at 77575 Highway 62 Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.

THE GALLERY/TRAILERS

The gallery itself is a mix of trailers and structures housing two galleries and eight rooms brimming with collections of artwork. From sculptures and assemblages that seem to emerge from the earth to original oil paintings and crafted works, GOA showcases a medley of artistic expressions that push boundaries and spark intrigue. If you are visiting the desert during the hot months, this is a good place to enjoy the indoor, air-conditioned trailer galleries. If you are unsure if you have arrived, look out for glimpses of the tall Pepsi Can from the highway before you turn off the main road.

The artwork is both whimsical and professional and is on full display in each gallery. The eclectic energy of the gallery creates a vibrant atmosphere where creativity thrives and boundaries blur. When I visited GOA I was lucky enough to view the work of Suzanne Ross.  Her pieces beckon viewers with their symbolic allure. Like a moth drawn to the flame, you will also be drawn into each room of the GOA gallery while you meander the rock-enclosed trails around each structure. In addition to the visual feast of artworks, visitors to GOA can also enjoy live performances by local bands on some occasions, adding a dynamic layer of entertainment to their artistic exploration.

BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE GALLERY

The surrounding 29 Palms desert landscape provides a serene backdrop for contemplation and inspiration. The vast expanse of the desert, with its rugged terrain and stark beauty, has long been a source of fascination for artists seeking to capture its essence in their works. The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery serves as a bridge between the natural landscape and the world of art, merging the two in a harmonious union that enriches the creative experience for artists and visitors alike. As visitors explore the gallery and immerse themselves in the diverse artworks on display, they are invited to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the artistic world.

UPCOMING EXHIBIT AT GOA

Looking ahead, Sherri Scott Studios will exhibit at GOA with TheDANCE collection in March, offering a glimpse into the artist’s unique vision. TheDANCE_boulders, mountains, and trails is a vibrant piece that captures the essence of the desert landscape in a symphony of colors and shapes. Each element in the painting, from the resolute boulders to the majestic mountains and meandering trails, invites viewers on a visual journey filled with vitality, grandeur, and rhythm. The artwork celebrates life’s diverse dances and serves as a testament to the enchanting spirit of GOA Gallery.

For art collectors seeking to venture off the beaten path and discover a world where creativity knows no bounds, Glass Outhouse Art Gallery is a destination like no other. Immerse yourself in the magic of GOA and experience the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures in the desert’s artistic wonderland. Look up, look down, and wherever you step, you may see some artwork. Take some photos and share your crazy finds! The desert landscape and community never disappoint when you are looking for adventures!

NOW THAT YOU ARE OUT IN 29 PALMS, PUT THESE STOPS ON YOUR LIST

Lunch: Founded in 2015 by chef Everton Gordon, Kitchen in the Desert is a Caribbean and New American restaurant and bar in Twentynine Palms, CA. Locally owned and run, KITD serves up the best family-style dishes in a tropical desert oasis setting. Combining organic ingredients with heritage spice recipes, KITD has become the premier spot for elevated dining in 29 Palms.

Visit the Historic 29 Palms Gallery: This gallery opened in 1963 in a historic adobe built in 1936 by the Stubbs brothers for western author Tom J. Hopkins. Twentynine Palms Artists’ Guild is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that owns and operates the 29 Palms Art Gallery. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop as well for unique artistic finds! If you are traveling, there are easy-to-carry prints available to purchase in the Gallery and Gift Shop as well.

For more outdoor installations, visit Desert X locations: Desert X is produced by The Desert Biennial, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in California, conceived to produce recurring international contemporary art exhibitions that activate desert locations through site-specific installations. Its purpose is to present public exhibitions of art that respond meaningfully to the conditions of desert locations, the environment, and indigenous communities; promoting cultural exchange and education programs that foster dialogue and understanding among cultures and communities about shared artistic, historical, and societal issues; and provide an accessible platform for artists from around the world to address ecological, cultural, spiritual, and other existential themes.

End your day with drinks and music poolside at the famous 29 Palms Inn: The Inn is a popular destination for creatives, writers, artists, and amateur/professional photographers, so bring your camera.  I also recommend staying at this unique property in one of their casitas or at one of their retreat events. Make sure you also visit the boathouse on the pond.

Enjoy Sherri Scott Studios: After immersing herself in the action sports design world for several years, Sherri Scott is now embarking on an exciting artistic adventure.  Driven by a deep passion for the arts, she enjoys experimenting with traditional and contemporary media in her paintings.  Inspired by her exploration of the outdoors, she finds inspiration in the picturesque landscapes and the captivating elements of land and sea.  A versatile artist and designer, with a strong background in designing for brands including her successful apparel line, she brings a unique perspective to her designs.  Her technical design skills and creative vision blend seamlessly to create her work.  Today her deep appreciation shines through in her artwork, she continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic horizons.

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About the author:

Sherri Smith spends time painting between two cities: Solana Beach www.sherriscottstudios.com and Yucca Valley www.yuccavalleylandings.com in her studio in a hangar at the Yucca Valley Airport. The influence of these locations inspires her artwork in land + sea + desert + horizons. Exhibitions: Joshua Tree National Park Association, 29 Palms Gallery, Laguna Art Gallery, Santa Barbara CAW, Las Lagunas, Off The Track and OMA [Oceanside Museum of Art]. 

Upcoming project in 2024: Yucca Valley public art project and exhibitions at the new Hi-Desert Artist gallery. Please visit her websites to view artwork at www.sherriscottstudios.com and www.yuccavalleylandings.com. Social: @sherriscottstudios, @yuccavalleylandings

Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Glass-Outhouse-Art-Gallery/317055216531, https://29palmsinn.com/about/, https://www.kitd29.com/, https://desertx.org/about/about, and https://visit29.org/

All images courtesy of Sherri Smith.

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RULE #1 DEVELOP A CONSISTENT STYLE

Some buyers of your work may relish your line drawing skills, your choice of colors, or your composition. Once you receive plaudits for your work, choose one direction and move in that direction and make it your style. My style by the way is to paint a detailed background and sometimes blur it out so nothing in the background distracts from the main subject.

RULE #2 AIM FOR A NICHE

When I started my art career, I did some portraits of famous people like race driver Carroll Shelby, then segued to the cars he built. I also tried a nature scene — a dock at Malibu Beach — but decided there were too many artists painting beach portraits. And then I realized there were only a few making car portraits. The whole idea here is to pick a niche, paint a few, then go to an event and see if you can sell your prints.

RULE #3 ADOPT A LOOK FOR YOURSELF  

Almost a separate subject but this can also be important to establishing your brand. I once ran into an author doing a book signing at a bookstore in Hollywood. He was a young man in his 30s and looked splendid in a white suit with a white bowler hat. It was Thomas Wolfe and he wore white suits for decades and fans came to expect it as his look — “the man in white.”

A similar white suit has become my standard attire when I go to car events. I am not quite as famous as Wolfe but it has created an image.  When I go to car events I am often eagerly welcomed because with such sartorial elegance they assume “whoever he is, he must be important.” I considered the cowboy look but “the man in white” image fits with the classic cars I portray at classic car events like the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Once you have a niche, work that niche for all It’s worth. If I were pursuing equine art, I would donate prints to libraries on the horse scene, and look for which organizations need art. I would write articles for their newspapers, magazines, and websites, offering my art as illustrations.

Don’t worry about the niche imprisoning you. You can always diversify with other niches, creating collections. Perhaps it’s sailboats — find a local yacht club who will let you roam their venue, donate some prints to their next banquet or event and soon you’ll be sailing.

Automotive art has been my focus ever since I calculated the profit. When I found clients who didn’t blink at the price for a 20” x 30” canvas print (which was very cost effective for me), I decided I was comfortable. Of course, there are lots of potential collectors in other high end lifestyle genres to pursue. Who knows, you might find me one day painting horses for thoroughbred racing enthusiasts.

Once you’ve chosen your niche, look for websites and magazines devoted to that niche. If I were just beginning, I would try multiple directions initially — a trout fisherman one time and a horse racing the next. See what gets the most attention and sales and build your collector and fan base in that direction. Know also that people that love your work will be excited to see an occasional foray into other subjects.

In summary, look for environments you enjoy. Are there events that bring people together? Do those events look welcoming for an artist who wants to depict them? Check it out, then go for it!

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About the author:

Wallace Wyss is letting it be known that he’s open to submit work on consignment to galleries for those interested in an adventure into automotive art. He can be reached at malibucarart@gmail.com

All images courtesy of artist Wallace Wyss.

The post Promoting Your Art: Advice on Choosing a Niche appeared first on Art Business News.

The installation will occupy a never-before-seen space of the museum and place viewers inside a larger-than-life fishtrap passageway among a fantastical undersea experience celebrating the power and beauty of one of the lynchpins of Florida’s aquatic ecosystem, the lowly mullet. Taking the form of an 8-foot tall zoetrope, an early form of animation technology, it features a repeating fish sequence that allows guests to get a fish-eye view of a bait ball—a phenomenon in which small fish swarm together forming a spherical shape—and transported to a new, underwater reality. Brady’s multimedia masterpiece blends 3D printing, light and motion, soundscapes and more to give the illusion of fish swimming alongside guests.

Fairgrounds St. Pete is no stranger to local art, boasting the work of more than 70 artists, most of them local, in its 15,000 square-foot space. “The Bait Ball,” though new to the iconic destination, has been showcased once before in Tampa Bay at Gasparilla Arts Festival in 2022. Now, the artwork has found a permanent home in one of the region’s most unique experiences.

“The introduction of ‘The Bait Ball’ to Fairgrounds St. Pete aligns with not only our uniquely Florida narrative, but our commitment to championing local artists and giving them a platform to share their work —especially installations as extraordinary as this,” said Liz Dimmitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Fairgrounds St. Pete. “Our team is beyond fortunate to have collaborated with Devon to give this work what we feel is its perfect home, and we can’t wait for our community and visitors to become as inspired by this experience as we are.”

The museum’s team takes a hands-on approach to collaborating with artists to incorporate cutting-edge, immersive technology that inspires and offers new ways to experience the arts, making it the natural place for “The Bait Ball” to land.

“This project presented me—and hopefully fellow creatives—with an opportunity to push the boundaries of STEAM by bringing in a mathematical practice,” said artist Devon Brady. “I could not be more thrilled to have ‘The Bait Ball’ take on its own exhibit in Fairgrounds St. Pete, giving the work a chance to reach its full potential and captivate guests in a whole new way.”

Since Fairgrounds St. Pete opened in 2021, the museum has experienced continuous growth, having added numerous installations including the “Electric Sky Lounge” and its latest showstopper, “Shrimpfinity by Milagros Collective,” with more on the horizon. The team plans to continue enhancing the space through immersive add-ons, seasonal activations and more while maintaining the exhibits that visitors know and love.

When Devon Brady isn’t running calls, the Florida fire captain can be found decompressing by tinkering with the latest projects in his art studio. The musician, sculptor—and yes, firefighter—finds creating art as rewarding as providing lifesaving care to those in need.

Now, Devon and the museum hope to introduce other heroes to the power of creativity as an outlet for boosting mental health, reducing stress, and inspiring joy. “The Bait Ball” is a permanent installation at Fairgrounds St. Pete, and guests do not need to purchase an additional ticket to experience the new exhibit.

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About Fairgrounds St. Pete

Fairgrounds St. Pete is an art and technology museum created in collaboration with more than 70 artists, each with their own unique style and compelling stories. Designed for all ages and interests, the destination invites everyone to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture in a captivating immersive world of playful exhibits celebrating original Florida stories. Visitors can gamify their experience by searching for clues to mysterious narratives, go on immersive scavenger hunts, or simply enjoy the exciting vistas of an artist made universe. This woman and veteran-owned local startup debuted in 2021 and continues to dream big and strives to change the world through creative shared experiences. Located at 2606 Fairfield Ave S. in the heart of St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts district, the museum is a ticketed, choose-your-own-experience attraction. For more information or to purchase tickets and merchandise, please visit www.fairgrounds.art and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.

Through May 31, 2024, all firefighters and EMTs can receive BOGO general admission using promo code FFBOGO24 when booking online or with valid ID at the ticketing desk. General admission tickets are available for purchase here.

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About Devon Brady

Devon Brady is a Tampa native and graduate of the University of South Florida’s School of Art and Art History. Beginning his creative life as a drummer in Tampa’s 1980s punk scene, Devon is a skilled sculptor, designer, and fabricator, having built everything from houses to race cars and most things in between. In 2003, Devon became a Florida state-certified firefighter and paramedic. He is now a Company Fire Captain with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue where he has been for the last twenty years. As a founding member of Experimental Skeleton, LiveWork Studios and Crab Devil, Devon has remained engaged in creative production for most of his working life. Devon’s design work can be seen in restaurants, bars and breweries throughout the Tampa Bay area, and his permanent sculptural installations can be seen at The Music Box Village in New Orleans in addition to Fairgrounds St. Pete. Having worn the various hats of artist, musician, paramedic and firefighter, Devon is now focusing more on his own creative endeavors – producing a written chronicle of his fire service career while continuing to work on large-scale sculptural environments and functional design work. For more information on Devon Brady, please visit his website: https://www.devonbrady.com/

The post Fairgrounds St. Pete Expands with Exhibit, Gives “The Bait Ball” Permanent Home appeared first on Art Business News.

In its best form, AR empowers us to see the art in everything.

The Curation of Curiosity

I grew up in a family that placed a significant emphasis on the appreciation of arts and culture. Almost every family vacation included an exploration of the creative community local to each destination. My childhood cultivated a curiosity in creativity.

This enduring sense of wonder extended to almost everything during my time studying sociology at UCLA and law at Harvard. I quickly learned that to deeply understand what makes contemporary societies tick, at both the macro and micro levels, we need to peel back the layers from their surface, peering into the often complex and dynamic influences. In other words, it requires a high level of critical curiosity.

Once pulled back, these layers reveal a myriad of experiences. They do share one thing in common: unearthed stories. Stories about the people, places, ideas, traditions that comprise them.

Curiosity led me to crave these new stories, deep-seated in the world around us. This also led to a career focusing on technologies that amplified stories online.

Beneath the Brushstrokes

Now well into a career in tech, my weekends were spent exploring another passion of mine, street art. Bike rides throughout Downtown LA with my friend and co-founder, Mikey Meshchures led to discovering many new murals in progress by prominent street artists. While the larger-than-life visuals pulled us in, the personal biographies of the artists and their artworks kept our attention.

But that wasn’t enough. We wanted the world to also know these deep stories beneath the brushstrokes of the mesmerizing murals. To ascribe the street art with more meaning and context. To amplify the experiences and memories of many future passersby.

In Visibility

While exploring the physically vast medium of public art, I was also diving deep into the digitally expansive canvas that is augmented reality. My intersecting interests of the physical and digital collided, and in so doing, activated a lightbulb moment: augmented reality (AR) could be a significant future canvas for storytelling. Imagine being able to point your phone at a mural and bring it to life, extending its story while also revealing the origin backstory about the work and the artist. Imagine doing the same with artworks in galleries, the architecture around cities, the prints, and paintings in your home.

But to realize these significant opportunities, we first need to overcome an equally significant obstacle — the friction that technology often presents, specifically app downloads, to experience such content. Enter AR/T HOUSE.

We built AR/T HOUSE to solve a paradox common to many tech sectors, specific to the world of augmented reality: develop a technology that enables people to unlock otherwise invisible layers of stories about the world around them, while remaining invisible itself. Build a technology that removes itself from the experience. Empower people to get lost in the stories, not in the technologies.

AR/T HOUSE was born to empower creatives, brands, and institutions to tell immersive stories underlying their creations, products and places with invisible and intuitive AR technology. Unlock the invisible to give the visible world more meaning, context, and connection.

The Making of AR/T HOUSE

The name of our company has multiple points of significance, including the importance of art in our origin story. Serendipitously, the same year we founded our company, in 2017, researchers published a study about the relatively short viewing time (28.6 seconds) per work of art by the contemporary museum-goer. Why? Because that’s the amount of time it takes to read the label and to take a photo of the art. Ironically, many museum visitors are producing photographic secondary “memories” of their visits without forming primary memories with the art itself.

This specific example underscores a larger phenomenon. While many technologies have at once intentionally connected us like never before, they have also unintentionally disconnected us from deep experiences with the world around us. People are currently craving deeper connections with the people, places, institutions, and brands that they interact with every day. I truly believe that this is an equal and opposite reaction to the alienation and disconnection that’s been building up within themselves and within society.

And therein lies the massive obstacles turned opportunities that companies like AR/T HOUSE are set out to solve. What if technology could reconnect, rather than disconnect us with the world around us? What if it could easily unlock all the invisible stories beneath the surface to give the world around us more meaning, context, connection? What if it could bring life to life?

Let’s take the museum experience study as an example. 28.6 seconds. That’s just an interaction with the camera and the artwork.

Now let’s consider the interaction with an augmented camera that reveals a biographical backstory of the artwork, the artist, and the process of production. An interaction that immerses and encourages viewers to actively lean in rather than passively walk away; even more so than they would without any technology. That becomes a lasting, memorable viewer interaction. Now imagine this applied to all the art, architecture, city blocks, stores, products, landmarks around us. They remain as is, with these digital backstories invisible. At any point, we can unlock them, bringing their stories to life.

Miami AR/T Week

Miami Art Week 2023 was a full circle moment for AR/T HOUSE. Initially inspired to amplify the stories of public art on bike rides throughout the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District, we were given the opportunity to become the AR partner of Miami’s Wynwood Walls, a global center for public art by some of the most prominent muralists in the world.

We kicked off our partnership by augmenting four murals by Shepard Fairey, Buff Monster, Sandra Chevrier, and Millo. Each mural now has multiple digital layers precisely mapped to their respective walls. By simply scanning a QR code placard, visitors can unlock multiple layers per artwork, including motion art that brings the paint to life and timelapses that showcase the mural production process.

Especially significant, the prominent and permanent Shepard Fairey mural at the entrance now amplifies the artist’s homage to Tony Goldman. The late real estate developer and city place-maker founded Goldman Global Properties, which owns and operates Wynwood Walls. His vision to beautify the then tattered area with murals culminated in the Wynwood Arts District and Wynwood Walls as the cultural center.

In Shepard Fairey’s now augmented mural, Goldman’s retro glasses float off the wall and in front of the viewer. Historical footage of Wynwood’s transformation, with Goldman’s voiceover, plays inside the lenses. Our computer vision technology effectively empowers the viewer to see Goldman’s vision, figuratively and literally.

You can experience this AR/T work remotely by scanning the AR code below, then following the prompts to point your viewfinder at the mural photograph.

The Art in Everything

The Shepard Fairey augmented mural is a microcosm of AR/T HOUSE’s work across many industries and activations. The faces depicted in his art are not random or disconnected, but rather intentionally connected to a larger theme about positively impacting the world. It’s a reflection of Tony Goldman’s vision to see the beauty down every sidewalk, on every wall. It’s an amplification of the story within the history of Wynwood, Miami. It’s an indication of the potential for beauty underlying our surroundings.

This is a shared vision we have at AR/T HOUSE. The purpose of our technology is to empower our brand and creative partners, along with their audiences, to give the visible world more context and connection by unlocking digital, otherwise invisible layers of meaning; to see the art in everything.

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Justin Fredericks Bio:

Justin Fredericks is the Co-Founder and CEO of AR/T HOUSE, an industry-leading augmented reality publishing platform that frictionlessly powers branded AR experiences, all without an app. Clients include some of the world’s leading companies, such as Paramount Pictures, Compass Real Estate and WME. Justin combines learnings from 10 years in tech and 7 years in visual marketing to forecast a flourishing future for the AR industry. Also, a nerdy academic, he received a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

The post Seeing the Art in Everything appeared first on Art Business News.

Project Antelope, a new online marketplace for Indigenous arts, has launched for the new year. In 2024, Native artists are making their mark, and Project Antelope is leading the way.

Created as a centralized, year-round alternative to regional Native art shows, Project Antelope.com promotes artists from North America as well as around the world, selling a curated collection of traditional and contemporary visual art, jewelry, music, fashion, and home goods. Both casual shoppers and high-end collectors can find treasures on the site, but what sets Project Antelope apart from many other marketplaces is that the artists define for themselves what Native art is, setting their own standards for genre, medium, and style.

“We love Indigenous art, and we all have different tastes, so the curation on Antelope isn’t necessarily what one might expect. We focus on the quality of materials and craftsmanship, whether for beaded earrings or a painting, or an electric guitar,” says cofounder Tailinh Agoyo.

After a soft launch during the summer, 50 new artists are in the process of getting their work on the site. Artists already making sales include Glenn Hill Jr., a Mohawk luthier, J. NiCole Hatfield (Comanche/Kiowa) who makes stunning beaded jewelry, Taino painter Priscilla Bell Lamberty, and jewelry maker Kristin Gentry (Choctaw Nation). There are dolls, ribbon skirts, pop-art posters, ledger art, portrait paintings, and more, including sheet music by contemporary composers like Pulitzer Prize finalist Leilehua Lanzilotti (Kanaka Maoli), who is offering her 2023 creation, “embryology of the heart,” for solo cello.

Project Antelope is opening the doors to more artists in the highly competitive Native art world. Summer Peters has made her way in this scene but says her career has often felt at the mercy of gatekeepers and “cool people.” Project Antelope is different, explains the Saginaw Ojibwe artist known for her beadwork and fashion. “The Project Antelope founders have believed in me from the first time I met them and provided me with opportunities to grow my business while raising my children.”

Dawn Spears (Choctaw/Narragansett) considers Project Antelope a place to try new things, like producing greeting card sets and posters from her paintings and getting her hand-illustrated tote bags to people who might not run into her at art shows. “Joining Project Antelope is like a stepping stone, to see what sells, and to push myself to learn a new side of the art business. It’s also this chance to kind of up your game, to put your best foot forward within this community of artists, and maybe even make content especially with Project Antelope customers in mind.”

Native art shows have been vital to collectors of Indigenous art for more than a century. But collectors aren’t the only people looking for Native goods, and in the internet era, limiting the bulk of sales to annual, regional events that require both vendors and buyers to show up in person is an outdated model. While Agoyo understands that Project Antelope isn’t a wholly new idea—many Native artists have put their work online—she and her business partners dreamed of a user-friendly, community-driven platform that can serve thousands of artists at once.

“It’s time for a radical shift in the Indigenous art world,” Agoyo says. “Native art is a billion-dollar business, but for too long, the value of our work has been determined by non-Natives, our traditional artforms routinely appropriated and cheapened, and most of our sales depend on a few large, annual markets. We’re shattering these outmoded constructs with a sophisticated online platform where customers can shop year-round—and trust that the art comes from the source.”

Agoyo is leveraging connections with and opening doors for people she’s met over a lifetime in the Native art world. She grew up in an artist family, spending many summers at her father’s artist booth at SWAIA Indian Market, where she later led the marketing department. She’s the founder and director of We Are the Seeds Philadelphia, a non-profit organization that supports East Coast Indigenous arts and culture. Project Antelope grew out of that work, coming to fruition a few years ago when she and Colleen Farwell, her former roommate from Dartmouth College, realized they were missing an opportunity to promote Native makers.

“It came largely out of frustration,” Farwell said about the idea to create Project Antelope. “We loved supporting Indigenous artists, but every time we found something online, it was already sold. Indigenous makers are selling fabulous art through their Instagram profiles, but what is missing is a centralized venue and real-time availability. To see everything at once, you have to get to a show, but not everyone can travel at the right time of year, and there are so many buyers who cannot alter their schedules to attend a show.”

Farwell works with Indigenous manufacturers and retailers as the founder and CEO of Black Canyon Distribution. She knew there had to be a better way and was willing to find the capital. “As I was talking to Tailinh about the possibility of creating an Indigenous website where there’s real inventory, she said another friend had approached her with the same idea, and we should just do it.” Beyond filling a much-needed niche in the Native arts world, Farwell was motivated to invest in Project Antelope because she wanted to support people in the way she was supported early in her career.

“So many artists have day jobs and families, and they don’t have time to maintain a website. Or there are Elders who live in rural areas who don’t know how to navigate the technology. We can make it easy for them to sell their work,” Farwell says.

With Project Antelope poised for rapid growth, the team has added staff: Taikwan Wright as head of product, and Xiao Hui Star Chin supporting strategic operations. Wright and Chin bring decades of experience in back-end development, project management, and operations experience, working with multidisciplinary teams of creatives, strategists, and technologists.

Soon, Agoyo says, Project Antelope artists will be able to connect and collaborate with each other, and take advantage of other expanded opportunities. “It’s not just getting on the site and selling your work. Each artist receives individual, customized attention. This is about partnerships, about creating generational wealth, about Indigenous artists from around the world tapping into the global marketplace.”

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Author bio:

Jennifer Levin is an arts and culture writer living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She wrote for Pasatiempo Magazine at the Santa Fe New New Mexican for many years, and now writes for several publications and non-profit organizations. She is working on a memoir, All the Girls in Their Cages, about generational trauma and chronic illness.

To learn more about Project Antelope, please visit https://projectantelope.com/

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Beginning in December this year, in time for Miami Art Week. and running until the end of February 2024, Opera Gallery will showcase the gallery’s most coveted artists in a rotating exhibit of thirteen sculptures by individual contemporary masters from various nations, presenting the latest in artistic expressionism shown within the grounds of the Continuum property. Five artists represented by Opera Gallery, have been hand-picked for their notoriety and prominence within the fine art industry, for a series of installations – both inside the buildings and on the lawns. The sculptures present themes and characters from today’s pop culture, together with abstract designs using mixed media and metals that exemplify brilliance in engineered craftsmanship.

“We are delighted to continue our association with one of today’s most celebrated international galleries,” says Rishi Idnani, Managing Director at the Continuum.  “This is the fourth year we are showcasing the very best the fine art world has to offer within the property, adding a world class collection of work by some of today’s most creative masterminds in modern day art.  We pride ourselves on representing artistic excellence, and this continued collaboration with Opera Gallery enhances the aesthetic experience at the Continuum for our residents.”

The work by Valay Shende, an Indian sculptor, will be presented inside the Grand Lobby of the Continuum, featuring detailed characters created by stainless steel discs and mixed media that depict popular superhero characters, including Catwoman, Hulk and Spiderman, among other fictional figurines.

Considered as a major representative of the new generation of Iberian sculpture, the work of French artist, Xavier Mascaró, will be presented in the lobby at the Continuum, as well as on the lawns throughout the property. Over the past ten years, his installations and figurative sculptures of cast iron, copper and bronze have become iconic and are regularly exhibited in public spaces and galleries around the world.  Mascaro’s giant heads and cross-legged figurines reflect his themes from Spanish art history, coupled with his exploration of universal myths and beliefs based on ancient civilizations.

Manolo Valdés is one of the most internationally established contemporary Spanish sculptors.  In both paintings and sculptures, he inflates the figure’s size, abstracting form and minimizing detail, while incorporating roughly applied paint and unusual materials. The timelessness of the image as the axis of the visual experience is the determining factor in his creations. In his works, image and matter are fused in a body of work that wanders between Pop Art and material art, as a continuous search for reinvention.  The abstract work of Manolo Valdés will be featured inside the buildings at the Continuum, as well as at select outdoor locations on the property’s grounds.

Dutch sculptor, Pieter Obels, works with Corten steel, yet his works convey light and grace as he bends the steel into extraordinarily delicate and winding shapes. Obels aim is to create totally organic forms with an extreme yet somehow innate sense of plasticity. This sense of a natural rhythm makes his sculptures sit with a total oneness in any natural surroundings.  Obels’ sculpture, entitled “Expanding Gestures,” will be featured within the grounds of the Continuum in 2024.

German artist Rotraut, began her early work focused on drawing and painting. Beginning in the 1990s, she shifted to sculpture as her primary medium, with many of her works known as monumental sculptures in bright, primary colors. Rotraut’s sculptures and paintings have been displayed frequently at Art Basel in both Switzerland in the U.S., and many of her works have been sold at auction, including the sculpture UNTITLED which sold for $225,000 at Sotheby’s in 2018.  Rotraut’s impressive metallic green sculpture, also untitled, is currently exhibited outdoors at the Continuum, juxtaposed brightly against the foliage of the grounds with an elegance that inspires.

The rotating exhibit presented in partnership with Opera Gallery will be at the Continuum in Miami Beach from December 1st until February 29th, 2024.

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MEETING THE ARTISTS:

During my visit, I met several talented artists who showcased their diverse art forms, which ranged from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media. Each artist’s studio was an oasis of creativity, offering an intimate glimpse into their lives and artistic vision. Here are a few highlights:

Ben Allanoff Art

Ben Allanoff is a true master of metals, bringing wire sculptures, metal collages, and paintings to life with his unique vision. One cannot help but be drawn into his art, as his creations possess a mesmerizing quality that sparks curiosity and wonder. During my conversation with Ben, I discovered his passion for collaborative art creations with other artists. This collaborative approach not only allows for the exchange of ideas but also results in artwork that beautifully combines different perspectives and styles. Recently, I had the pleasure of witnessing some of Ben’s work at an exhibition held at the Black Rock Campground store, where his art attracted attention from art enthusiasts far and wide.

Alex Maceda Art

Alex Maceda’s artwork is a tribute to the enchanting desert light. With acrylic and mixed media washes, Alex manages to capture the ethereal essence of the desert, creating paintings that emanate a serene and calming energy. The colors blend harmoniously, bringing light, depth, and movement to every piece. As I immersed myself in Alex’s artwork, my eyes were constantly guided around the painting, exploring the play of light.

Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation

The Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation presents a unique form of art that can be found throughout the desert landscape. These welded steel sculptures, created from industrial scrap, have become an integral part of the desert’s identity. What makes these sculptures even more special is the story behind them. I had the privilege of learning about the foundation and its origins from a representative who shared the heartfelt tale of the artist’s 90-year-old father. The artist left behind a legacy of beautiful art, crafted from discarded materials, for all to enjoy. These sculptures not only add a touch of creativity to the desert scenery but also serve as a reminder of the transformative power of art.

USEFUL TIPS FOR YOUR HWY 62 OPEN STUDIO TOUR VISIT:

1. Vehicle Selection:

To fully explore the Mojave Desert artists’ studios, it is advisable to drive an SUV or a car with high clearance. Some studios are located off the beaten path, requiring traversing rough roads. By choosing the right vehicle, you can ensure that no artists’ studios are left unseen due to accessibility issues.

2.  Time Management:

As the artists’ studios are scattered across the Mojave Desert, it is crucial to map out your route and allocate ample time for the tour. Grouping together the studios located within a day’s reach in specific areas will help you make the most of your visit. Prioritize the ones that align with your artistic interests to curate a personalized experience.

3.  Desert-Friendly Attire:

Given the dusty nature of the desert, wearing closed-toed shoes is highly recommended. Protect your feet from sand and dust while enjoying the artists’ studios by opting for suitable footwear. Additionally, don’t forget to dress comfortably and wear sunscreen to shield yourself from the desert sun.

4.  Navigation Assistance:

It is advisable to bring the map from the events catalog or download online prior to navigate through the Mojave Desert. In some remote areas, GPS may not work reliably. Having a physical backup or digital assistance will ensure you reach your desired destinations without any hassle.

5.  Hydration Essentials:

While exploring the Mojave Desert, it is essential to stay hydrated. Remember to bring enough water to replenish yourself as you delve into the artistic wonders of the region. Staying hydrated will keep you energized and allow you to fully appreciate the artistry around you.

6. Getting Hungry?

If you find yourself in need of a meal while exploring the desert, I highly recommend checking out these top favorites of mine: La Copine Kitchen, The Tiny Pony, The Copper Room, Snake Bite Roadhouse, The Red Dog Saloon, and MasOMenos. These establishments offer delicious food and unique dining experiences, allowing you to refuel and continue your adventure with satisfied taste buds.

Embarking on a journey through the artists’ studios in the Mojave Desert is an extraordinary adventure that allows you to witness the boundless creativity flourishing in harmony with nature. Follow the provided tips to make the most of your visit and immerse yourself in the captivating world of these talented artists. Let their artworks inspire you and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Mojave Desert’s artistic soul.

To learn more about HWY 62 Artists, please visit: https://www.mbcac.org/pages/hwy-62-open-studio-art-tour

Links to local top favorite restaurants: La Copine Kitchen, The Tiny Pony, The Copper Room, Snake Bite Roadhouse, The Red Dog Saloon, MasOMenos

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Author’s Bio:

After immersing herself in the action sports design world for several years, Sherri Scott is now embarking on an exciting artistic adventure. Driven by a deep passion for the arts, she enjoys experimenting with various traditional and contemporary media in her paintings. Inspired by her exploration of the outdoors, she finds inspiration in both the picturesque landscapes and captivating elements of land and sea. A versatile artist and designer, with a strong background in designing for brands including her own successful apparel line, she brings a unique perspective to her designs. Her technical design skills and creative vision blend seamlessly to create her work. Today her deep appreciation shines through in her artwork, she continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic horizons.

Please visit her websites to view artwork at http://www.sherriscottstudios.com/ and http://www.yuccavalleylandings.com/

The post Exploring the Vibrant Mojave Desert Art Scene: HWY 62 Studio TOur appeared first on Art Business News.

Centered in the heart of Portland, at 415 SW 10th Ave, the “Esto Es Vida” exhibition unfolds from Thursday, August 24th to Friday, October 13th, offering a limited time to immerse oneself in its captivating essence.

Since its inception in November 2022, INDUSTRY One has embraced a noble mission—to explore and celebrate diversity and sexuality while giving back to the community and the exceptional artists it showcases. The gallery debuted with a captivating display by the New York-based Black chefs’ collective, Ghetto Gastro. Subsequent exhibitions have featured indigenous Mexican artist Josué Rivas, the dynamic Los Angeles creative studio Object & Animal, and the powerful collaborative showcase between Southern California multimedia artist and graphic designer Madsteez (also known as Mark Paul Deren) and the talented It’s a Living (known as Mexican artist Ricardo Gonzalez), titled “Sentimientos/Sentiments.”

In line with INDUSTRY’s unwavering commitment to unconventional artists and inclusivity, the current exhibition, “Esto Es Vida” or “This Is Life,” adds another significant milestone to the gallery’s journey. This captivating exhibition by Dorian reverently celebrates the essence of each unique soul it captures, unearthing their innate beauty while paying homage to the rich tapestry of Mexico and its vibrant people.

Dorian’s photography masterfully blends conceptual fashion shoots with raw street portraits, creating a distinctive aesthetic that resonates profoundly with our shared humanity. Fearlessly and boldly, Dorian’s lens brings to light the narratives of underrepresented and marginalized communities, including dark-skinned Indigenous, Brown, and Black individuals in Mexico.

Upon entering the exhibition space, visitors embark on an immersive journey, traversing with a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions. The showcase features awe-inspiring, floor-to-ceiling prints that establish an intimate yet monumental connection with each subject. Complementing this visual feast, video projections and evocative scents breathe life into the diverse array of identities on display.

The doors of the exhibition are open to all, welcoming visitors to contribute and support in their own unique ways. Whether through donations or advocacy, INDUSTRY One invites everyone to partake in this transformative experience. If you find yourself in the Portland area, make sure to stop by and be part of this remarkable celebration of art, culture, and the beauty of the human spirit.

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Author Bio: 

INDUSTRY One is a first-of-its-kind commission-free gallery designed to highlight artists who don’t fit neatly into the traditional art gallery box. The goal is to explore diversity, and sexuality and give back to the community—as well as the artists whose work is featured.

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Q: What and when is ENVZN23 and why is Vanguard Culture creating the event?

A: ENVZN23 Urban Art Takeover is a one-of-a-kind visual & performing arts festival that will transform numerous warehouses, industrial spaces, and other urban areas of the Commercial Street corridor in Logan Heights with multi-sensory art interventions by creatives from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. 

Q: What and who is Vanguard Culture?

A: Vanguard Culture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to advancing San Diego’s creative industry workforce. This is our 10th anniversary year of programming award-winning arts journalism, professional development for creatives, and unique-cross industry events that encourage creative collaboration across the visual, performing, and culinary arts.

Q: How do you work?

A: We are a volunteer-powered organization with over 30 passionate arts leaders from film, theatre, dance, visual arts, music, fashion, and culinary arts. This dynamic group of highly connected and innovative creators share the fundamental belief that together we can achieve amazing things. This openness to collaborate and share resources is at the core of everything we do and it is what makes our events so special.

Q: What visual arts will be involved in ENVZN? How were they selected?

A: There are 15 visual artists and arts groups participating from both sides of the US/Mexico border. They include a 56′ long “chalk art walk” by ArtWalk San Diego; a virtual reality experience around the world by San Diego Sister Cities Association; and an 8′ tall face of a Native American woman by XoQue with gigantic tentacle-like braids made from blankets and sheets overtaking a shoe factory.

Individual artists include Cat Chiu Phillips with a large installation of traditional Barong Tagalog shirts quilted together to tell the story of the local Filipino community; The Alchemist by Debby and Larry Kline’s which is a 9′ tall ancient/futuristic warrior made of aluminum cans. The accompanying 2D artwork reflects on industry and overconsumption and the entire installation is set inside of a screen-printing warehouse that feels like a gigantic spaceship. One of my favorite pieces is a video art installation by Perry Vasquez and Lianne Thompson Mueller called Mexus Nexus Fluxus. This immersive outdoor audio/visual projection is set “inside” of an authentic Mexican Coffee House and explores the history and culture of San Diego’s Mexican American neighborhoods from Barrio Logan to National City and beyond.

Q: What do you expect to achieve? Will there be an ENVZN24?

A:  ENVZN has 4 specific goals.

1. To showcase a diverse range of visual, performing, and culinary artists from both sides of the US/Mexico border.
2. To highlight Commercial Street in Logan Heights as an up-and-coming urban arts district and help enable it to flourish economically and culturally.
3. To secure the San Diego / Tijuana region’s reputation as a cultural destination and increase cultural tourism dollar.
4. To level the playing field by ensuring programming balance between established arts institutions, smaller up-and-coming arts orgs, and individual artists.

ENVZN is designed as a recurring event and am thrilled to share that it will return during the year-long celebrations of World Design Capital San Diego – Tijuana 2024 for an audience of thousands of design professionals, art patrons, and other culture-seekers from the San Diego/Tijuana region and around the world.

Q: Vanguard Culture has done events many times in the past. What’s different about ENVZN23? And what have been the challenges in organizing an event like this?

A: After 10 years of programming and community-building across dozens of industries, the one thing we’ve gotten very good at is bringing creatives together who would typically never intersect. This cross-industry approach has created a tighter community that is more open to creative collaboration and a sharing of resources. This festival is a manifestation of 10 years of that consistent effort and I’m so proud of how well it is all coming together – all with the goal of creating something truly meaningful and transformative for the region.

Our first urban art takeover was produced in a condominium complex in Downtown San Diego called IDEA1. The event was similar in scope in terms of programming, but it was all contained inside a single building. That event was completely sold out and was even featured on the National Geographic Channel!

The ENVZN Urban Art Takeover has similar components but sprawls across seven warehouses and industrial spaces along a 2-block corridor, so of course there are logistical challenges with that effort. Thankfully we have brought together a powerhouse team of professionals in marketing, logistics, development, and curation to make it all come together and I am hopeful that it will all come together beautifully.

Q: What else should our readers know about ENVZN23?

A: One of the fun components of the festival is that programming will change every 30 minutes so that audiences can create their own visual and performing arts lineup. You just show up, look at the schedule for that time slot and decide whether you want to see a fashion show, a short film festival, and immersive art experience, or a dance or theatre performance. It’s up to you!

Readers of Art Business News can receive 20% off using the promo code ARTSD23 here: www.bit.ly/ENVZNSD

All images courtesy of Vanguard Culture 2023.

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