Friday, September 28, 2007

Etheria Exhibition at Elmhurst Art Museum

Etheria Installation @ Elmhurst Art Museum


One of the reasons I wanted to start blogging is to help promote and give props to others. One such person is a dear friend of mine, Doug Fogelson. This Chicago based Photographer has been making lots of news with his recent publications and international exhibitions including a solo show curated by Melissa Dahlquist at the Elmhurst Art Museum in Illinois.

I had the good fortune of attending the opening reception in August and was extremely impressed by the body of work included in "Etheria". It was difficult to choose which photograph was my favorite, but the two that especially grabbed my heart were:




"Etheria"
Image: © Doug Fogelson




"Midsky"
Image: © Doug Fogelson




Perhaps not surprising to those of you who know the background for my work, I am continuously inspired by natural elements which include cloud formations and the endless changes we witness in the sky on a daily basis. Doug has found a unique way of capturing his experience of these moments in time.


Etheria: Artist Statement
by Doug Fogelson
Elmhurst Art Museum - August 18 to October 7, 2007

Making a visual comment on our relationship with Earth, this exhibition delves into ideas of space, time, and perspective from the lofty view experienced during air travel. Supplemented by a sound installation, the images in Etheria collapse space and time over themselves in varying segments while expanding the physical time and space usually contained within individual photographic images. The installation also alludes to the divine: the concept of the heavens and the relatively short span of human life.

Although a major contributor to the pollution and destruction of the Earth’s environment, air travel is one of the best means for maintaining our relationship with the globe. The view from above provides a sense of the scale of our planet, the speed of modern travel, and the impermanence of our lives on the ground. In transit, one reflects on one’s own life and the fate of other living beings below.


I hope you will have the opportunity to view this artist's work in person. Please visit his website for more information.

I should also mention that Doug was interviewed by Nate Berkus for his XM radio show. The show airs today, Friday, September 28th @ 9a.m. CST and will repeat throughout the day. Congratulations, Douglas!

It's exciting to know that so many wonderful artists are being recognized and finding well deserved acclaim. Please continue to help get the word out about your favorite artists. Your support of our work means the world!!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Fall 2007 Biannual Newsletter

The following letter is my latest biannual e-newsletter. These are usually only sent out to/through my Jennifer Jones Art Yahoo! Group subscribers, but I'm posting it to this new blog to allow more of you to catch up on all of the news from the past six months. Hope you enjoy!
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Dear Patrons, Clients, Friends, and Family,

The other day I went for an early morning walk in a slightly chilled misty rain. It was very refreshing. During my walk I found two fallen leaves the colors of a burnt citrus sunset. Sure markers indicating that summer is officially on its way out and its time to welcome the seasonal splendors of autumn into our lives again. Get out your sweaters!

This past spring and summer zipped right by, and so many wonderful things have happened that I have been very excited to share with all of you. This newsletter is a bit longer than some others, so grab a hot cup of coffee (or other choice beverage!) and have a little read.

My "Intrinsic Nature Series” debuted at Stellers Gallery Annex in Neptune Beach, Florida this spring. The exhibition was so well received that it was happily extended for an additional two weeks! We were also very pleased with the exposure the show received in “Folio Weekly”- which featured a flattering feature cover, an article in “Arbus Magazine”, and a wonderful review by Donald Dusinberre, an art critic for EU Jacksonville. To read his review, please visit my news page link: http://www.jenniferjonesart.com/index.php?7?News

Over the Memorial Day weekend I celebrated with many of you at the opening of my solo exhibition in Santa Fe at the Hunter Kirkland Contemporary Gallery. I fall more and more in love with Santa Fe each time I'm there and was proud to share the "Soliloquies Series” in person with everyone. The rain storm didn't stop any of you from making it out and a great time was had by all! The show was so successful that we're already planning another solo show next Memorial Day weekend, 2008.

At the end of July I attended my two-person exhibition and opening at the Belushi Pisano Gallery on Martha's Vineyard. Visiting the island and getting to know everyone there is a special treat for me. While flying home I met a few people who lived on the island part-time, but had not yet had a chance to stop in to visit the gallery. When they learned that the gallery is non-profit and part of the Second Chance Foundation, they decided they would definitely make time for a visit. Nothing like more incentive to buy art! More information on the gallery and Second Chance Foundation is available at http://belushipisanogallery.com/belushi-pisano-gallery.php

I'm so pleased to know that my art can serve as a vehicle to help various fundraising and benefit efforts for a variety of charities each year. This summer I created a 56"x56" painting especially for the PINK exhibition and auction at Soho Myriad in Atlanta to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I want to thank the bidders on my piece as well - together we are able to be a part of a program that has raised nearly $740 million in the fight against breast cancer. Another favorite organization I contributed to this summer is the Women's Center of Jacksonville. Their annual fundraisers have helped over 8,000 families and have provided services for victims of sexual assault, breast cancer survivors, clients needing low cost counseling, women with HIV/AIDS, students learning to read, and for women and girls to fulfill their potential. This is indeed a worthy cause and I urge you to visit their website: http://www.womenscenterofjax.org.

You might be surprised to learn that a majority of my studio time is spent working on commissioned paintings in addition to creating new work for shows and other events. The painting created for PINK, for example, was based on "Sakura", an earlier work that was purchased by the owners of Stellers Gallery for their personal collection. Their home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida was recently photographed and featured in “Jacksonville Magazine”, and my work was noted in the article and several paintings were featured in photographs of their dining and living areas.

A commission I am currently working on is for one of my favorite Atlanta designers. Her home will soon be photographed and featured in the winter issue of “Atlanta Homes Magazine”. With any luck my painting will be included as one of the photographs published in that magazine as well.

There is a special thrill in seeing my work installed in so many locations. During a recent visit to Chicago I was able to view the installation of a new 60"x144" commissioned piece I created for the lobby of the O'Hare Hyatt Regency. This is one of the largest pieces I've been asked to create, and I was excited to find it at home in such a public space.

In just a few short weeks - October 13th - I will celebrate my next solo exhibition at the Guillotine Post Gallery in Atlanta. This body of work includes a selection of recent paintings as well as new pieces. I hope you will be able to make it out to the event. The Guillotine Post is an incredible host and really knows how to throw a party!

Things have been moving along so quickly, and I am so busy, that I decided to look for an intern or assistant to help me out. I look forward to introducing that person to you in a future newsletter. Wish me luck in finding someone that will also be able to assist with this new blog I have started. This blog is an opportunity for me to share my thoughts with you, to highlight other artists and designers, and to promote certain events. The link to the blog is http://www.jenniferjonesart.blogspot.com and will be added to my website in the near future.

I especially cherish the comments so many of you have taken time to send me. It truly means a lot to learn your reactions to my work; something I never tire of hearing! A favorite comment from a recent write-up in the “Martha's Vineyard Times” was by Tamar Russell: "... And the true moment of peace was when Ms. Wingood showed me the stash of small Jennifer J.L. Jones mixed media pieces in the office – enchanting ..." Comments like that make me glow and want to run back into the studio to keep painting. So please, continue sending me your thoughts and comments so I can share them with everyone.

Until then, we have the autumn colors and changes of this season to lead us into the holidays. I hope, as the next few months pass, that you will visit my website, my blog, and the galleries as often as possible. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you everything good.

My sincere thanks and warmest wishes,

Jennifer






> Recent additions to National and International collections:

Casa Marina Resort, Key West, FL
Graphic Encounter, Basalt, CO
Green Acres Country Club, Northbrook, IL
Hampton Lakes Country Club, Hilton Head, SC
Hyatt Regency, Wichita, KS
Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA
Marriott, Portland, OR
Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
O’Hare Hyatt Regency, Rosemont, IL
Ritz Carlton Spa, Amelia Island, FL
Royal Crescent Omni Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Sheraton, Chicago, IL
Southern Healthcare, Atlanta, GA
Squaw Peek Hilton, Phoenix, AZ
St. Regis, Houston, TX
The Manhattan, Atlanta, GA
Westin, Memphis, TN


> Recent additions to private collections in the following cities:

Atlanta, GA
Atlantic Beach, FL
Austin, TX
Boston, MA
Chatham, MA
Chicago, IL
Decatur, GA
Derby, CT
Edgartown, MA
Highland Park, IL
Houston, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Martha's Vineyard, MA
Miami, FL
New York City, NY
Newton, MA
Ponte Vedra, FL
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Portland, OR
Redmond, WA
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Fe, NM
Seattle, WA
Vineyard Haven, MA
Washington, D.C.

> Selected comments* received about my work:
"The work is just scrumptious! You have such a discerning eye for colors and how pleasing they are to look at ...."Autumn’s Spring" is just an exquisite use of colors (to a very untrained eye, but such a collection of my favorite colors!). Like the other ones in the “Intrinsic Nature Series’ too – especially the use of amethyst. Too beautiful. Congratulations on a superb presentation!! It’s such fun to be able to peek into your creative world! ..."
- Linda, Tennessee

"I sure hope that some of these paintings (from the “Intrinsic Nature Series”) are going to Santa Fe so I can see them in person. They are simply spectacular! I know that they are much more impressive in person too! I bet they will sell quickly!"
- Barb, New Mexico

"You know I am a fan -- I think this (“Intrinsic Nature Series”) is the best collection of your paintings that I have seen. The depth in the darker paintings was stunning. But the softness in the more pastel paintings really was beautiful. I wish you only success, Jennifer!"
- Sandy, Florida

"Wow! That was a terrific article by Donald Dusinberre! I also enjoyed viewing your work at the three galleries, particularly Hunter Kirkland in Santa Fe. It brought back sweet memories of visiting Nancy's lovely location and seeing your work in person. Congratulations, as always, on all the success you have achieved … I wish you much more in the years to come."
- Jan, Illinois

"The "Soliloquies Series” is so beautiful, delicate, sensitive -- almost "bridal" in their loveliness!"
- Gail , Georgia

"… Fantastic photos from the Hunter Kirkland gallery! I LOVE the green that is coming out in some of your new paintings."
- Amy, Texas

"My husband just commissioned a painting from you via the Soho Myriad Gallery ... you finished it recently and we picked it up about 3 weeks ago and I LOVE IT ... I have it in my bedroom and look at it every morning when I wake up!"
- Kim, Georgia

"... WE LOVE THE PAINTING (“Midnight Sun”)!! It is absolutely gorgeous and everyone who sees it loves it. When we get it hung up in the new loft and lighted correctly I will send you pictures. I wouldn't be surprised if our designer contacts you for some commissions for some of his other clients. Thanks again and I look forward to getting another of your pieces. Good luck with your upcoming shows."
- Julianne, New York

"Just want to let you know how much we are enjoying "New Growth" in our dining room. The light shines in through the French doors and the art takes on a different look throughout the day into the evening, when we turn on the recessed lighting. Our architect and his wife helped us hang the pieces (helped us avoid martial discord!) and then we simply enjoyed the art over a nice dinner. I'm sure we will enjoy the art with family and friends for years to come."
- Phyllis and Steve, California

"I just wanted to let you know that I received the piece and it is gorgeous! It’s even better in person than I imagined. Thank you so much and I look forward to working with you again in the future."
- Jennifer, Georgia

"..."Garden Totems" arrived safe and sound. I wanted to be sure and let you know how beautiful I think they are. You did such a wonderful job with the colors and I love each one of them. I hung them on Friday and have so enjoyed them all weekend. Many, many thanks to you and please know I am thrilled to have them in my home, and I will always treasure your work."
- Cecily, Washington

"We received the painting and it is perfect .... The colors are perfect andhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif the mood of the painting is so soothing for a bedroom. We are so honored to have such a wonderful piece of art in our home."
- Shawn, Texas

"Congratulations on all of your successes. You are an inspiration to me as a fellow artist, and I look forward to attending one of your Atlanta shows in the near future."
- Garrin, Georgia

"I get so many amazing comments on "Sunstones" and different people see something new that often I have not seen before!!! I enjoy it every day."
- Thomas, Georgia


* Please send your comments for inclusion in the next biannual e-newsletter by visiting http://www.jenniferjonesart.com/index.php?1?Contact and sending me a message.