CYBER FYBER, January 8 - 20, 2009

CYBER FYBER is an exhibition of international fiber art scheduled for January 8th through 20th, 2009 at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, USA. The brainchild of Vista Studio resident artist Susan Lenz, this exhibit will focus on the supportive, global community of fiber artists with whom Susan regularly shares new techniques, contemporary approaches to textiles, and finished work. Fiber artists from over 26 countries and forty-six states in the USA will be represented. Each one has an Internet presence through websites, blogs, and textile forums.

The exhibition will include three primary areas: Over 150 Fiber ATCs (Artist Trading Cards); more than 225 fiber postcards; and the work of nineteen international invited artists, including Emmy Schoonbeek and Jacqueline de Jong of The Netherlands; Maggie Grey and Lynda Monk of Great Britain; Beate Knappe and Wanda Lenz of Germany; Annica Lindsten of Sweden; Arlee Barr of Canada; Dijanne Cevaal, Dale Rollerson, Sharon Boggon, Doreen and Ebony Grey of Australia; Penny Sisto of Indiana; Nikki Wheeler of Washington; Veleta Staffney and Corinne Stubson of Oregon; Jill Rumoshosky Werner of Kansas; and Fulvia Boriani Luciano, Susan Sorrell and Susan Lenz of South Carolina.

There are two special days planned in conjunction with CYBER FYBER, Fiber Day and ATC Day.

FIBER DAY: On Saturday, January 10, 2009 Gallery 80808 will host Fiber Day. Susan Lenz will be partnering with Creative Sewing (519 12th Street, West Columbia, SC) for this event. This will be a day in which visitors can experience the joys of sewing machines, embellishers, hands-on demonstrations and discussions as well as "Show-n-Tell" by experts and amateurs alike. Susan Lenz will also conduct two demonstrations: The Stitch Family(a hilarious presentation, perfect for children) and HOT (heat activated processes for the contemporary embroiderer.)
ATC TRADING DAY: On Saturday, January 17, 2009 Gallery 80808 will host ATC Trading Day. This will be an opportunity for EVERYONE to trade ALL KINDS of ATCs. There will be no age or media restriction. The artists at Vista Studio are inviting everyone to participate in an INTERNATIONAL RANDOM ATC TRADE.

For additional information, please contact CYBER FYBER organizer Susan Lenz at (803) 254-0842 or in the gallery during the show at (803) 252-6134; email at cyberfyber@prodigy.net or mouse_house@prodigy.net.

Above: Selection of fiber postcards
Top, left: Postcard 91 by Barbara Bunchuk of Florida, USA
Top, center: Postcard 147 by Karen Christensen of Illinois, USA
Top, right: Postcard 113 by Nellie Durand of Tennesse, USA
Bottom, left: Postcard 84 by Juliane Lofquist-Birch of Illinois, USA
Bottom, right: Postcard 103 by Suzan Widecrantz of New Jersey, USA

Above: Selection of fiber postcards
Vertical on left: Postcard 72 by Donna Royer of Canada
Vertical on right: Postcard 30 by Susan Sawatzky of Washington State, USA
Center, top: Postcard 36 by Pat Thornhill of the United Kingdom
Center, middle: Postcard 75 by Caroline Commins of California, USA
Center, bottom: Postcard 46 by Judy Carpenter of Georgia, USA

Above: Selection of fiber postcards
Vertical on left: Postcard 34 by Fannie Narte of Texas, USA
Vertical on right: Postcard 58 by Anne Jones of France
Center, top: Postcard 62 by Susan Devonport of the United Kingdom
Center, middle: Postcard 42 by Pearl Hamilton of Canada
Center, bottom: Postcard 68 by Nikki Wheeler of Washington State, USA

Above: Selection of fiber postcards
Upper left: Postcard 10 by Jacque Davis, Illinois, USA
Lower left: Postcard 23 by Jane Howie of New Zealand
Upper right: Postcard 6 by Anne Marie Desaulniers of Canada
Middle right: Postcard 1 by Virginia Spiegel of Illinois, USA
Lower right: Postcard 12 by Karen Stiehl Osborn of Nebraska, USA

Above: Blackwork embroidery by Wanda Lenz, Germany.

Above: Fiber Book Earth by Jacqueline de Jong, The Netherlands.

Above: Hand embroidery by Susan Sorrell of South Carolina.

Above: Detail of Digital Reliquary by Maggie Grey of Great Britain.

Above: Multifariam by Nikki Wheeler of Washington State.

Above: Detail of Katel II by Lynda Monk of Great Britain.

Above: Wetlands, hand beading by Veleta Staffney of Oregon.

Above: Strange Fruit VI, art quilt by Penny Sisto of Indiana.

Above: My Funny Jolly Spring, machine needle felting and hand embroidery by Beate Knappe of Germany.

Above: Detail of Garden, hand embroidery and beading by Emmy Schoonbeek of the Netherlands.

Above: Detail of Haiku II, art quilt by Fulvia Boriani Luciano of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The Salon I & II: Dec. 11 - 24, 2008

THE SALON I & II
Dec. 11 – 24, 2008
an exhibition at two Columbia, SC, locations:
Gallery 80808/Vista Studios
808 Lady Street
&
if ART Gallery
1223 Lincoln Street

Reception and ifART Walk: Thursday, Dec. 11, 5 – 10 p.m.
at and between both locations
Opening Hours:
Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.
& by appointment
Open Christmas Eve until 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Wim Roefs at if ART:
(803) 238-2351 – wroefs@sc.rr.com or visit the gallery's site.

For its December 2008 exhibition, if ART Gallery presents The Salon I & II, an exhibition at two Columbia, SC, locations: if ART Gallery and Gallery 80808/Vista Studios. On Thursday, December 11, 2008, 5 – 10 p.m., if ART will hold opening receptions at both locations. The ifART Walk will be on Lady and Lincoln Streets, between both locations, which are around the corner from each other.

The exhibitions will present art by if ART Gallery artists, installed salon-style at both Gallery 80808 and if ART. Artists in the exhibitions include two new additions to if ART Gallery, Columbia ceramic artist Renee Rouillier and the prominent African-American collage and mixed-media artist Sam Middleton, an 81-year-old expatriate who has lived in the Netherlands since the early 1960s.

Other artists in the exhibition include Karel Appel, Aaron Baldwin, Jeri Burdick, Carl Blair, Lynn Chadwick, Steven Chapp, Stephen Chesley, Corneille, Jeff Donovan, Jacques Doucet, Phil Garrett, Herbert Gentry, Tonya Gregg, Jerry Harris, Bill Jackson, Sjaak Korsten, Peter Lenzo, Sam Middleton, Eric Miller, Dorothy Netherland, Marcelo Novo, Matt Overend, Anna Redwine, Paul Reed, Edward Rice, Silvia Rudolf, Kees Salentijn, Laura Spong, Tom Stanley, Christine Tedesco, Brown Thornton, Leo Twiggs, Bram van Velde, Katie Walker, Mike Williams, David Yaghjian, Paul Yanko and Don Zurlo.

(Click on any image to enlarge. Above: Silvia Rudolf's War Series (Horizon), 2007, oil pastel on canvas board.)

(Above: Sam Middleton's Rag Time, 1981, collage and mixed media.)

(Above: Paul Yanko's HubAngleRay, 2007, acrylic on canvas.)

(Above: Leo Twiggs' The Beach (Carolina Series), 2006.)

(Above: Jerry Harris' Entering the Screaming Room, 2003, collage with acrylics.)

(Above: Jeff Donovan's Dream Boater, 2008, ceramic, wood and paint.)

(Above: Anna Redwine's Why I Am Irritated And It’s Not Because of the Weather, 2007, carbon on paper.)

Midlands Clay Arts Society Annual Holiday Sale

(Click on image above to enlarge. Various works by the Midland Clay Arts Society members.)

Midlands Clay Arts Society

Annual Holiday Sale

Thursday – Saturday, Dec. 4-6

at Gallery 80808 - 808 Lady St. in the Vista.

Pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and more!

Hours: Thurs., 12/4, 1-7 p.m., Fri. 12/5, 12-9 p.m., Sat., 12/6, 10 a.m. – 5.

Please join us for our reception on Friday, 12/5, 5-9 p.m.

A raffle to benefit E. E. Taylor Elementary School will take place Saturday at 4:30.

For more information call 252-6134.

For more information about the Midlands Clay Arts Society, click here to visit their website. For more information about Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, click here to visit the gallery's website.

Vista Lights 2008

(Click on image above to enlarge. Above: Entrance to the main gallery area.)

Vista Studios in Columbia, SC, will present the exhibit, Fall 2008 Exhibition, featuring works by studio artists of Vista Studios in Gallery 80808, on view from November 13 through December 2, 2008. The reception for this annual exhibition is part of the 23rd annual VISTA LIGHTS CELEBRATION on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 from5 - 10 PM.

The public is invited to view recent works by the studios' 13 artists: Don Zurlo, David Yaghjian, Laura Spong, Michel McNinch, Susan Lenz, Sharon Licata, Robert Kennedy, Pat Gilmartin, Heidi Darr-Hope, Jeff Donovan, Stephen Chesley, Pat Callahan, and Ethel Brody. This is an opportunity to glimpse works in progress, browse what's for sale, and discuss methods and process with the studios' artists.

In Stephen Chesley's studio, paintings stacked deep and high crowd an easel, stool, and easy chair into a back corner. In contrast, Laura Spong works within an open space. Her easel sits distant from a chair that offers needed perspective for critiques. Paintings are stored orderly along one wall. In the studio of sculptor Sharon Licata, materials and artwork achieve impressive scale and weight.

Spend time in these creative spaces, talk with the artists, and perhaps gain insight into the unfathomable leap from materials to creation: the exquisite surface of Susan Lenz's textiles or Don Zurlo's abstracts, the whimsical characters of Jeff Donovan's ceramics or David Yaghjian's paintings; the evocative constructions by Heidi Darr Hope or Pat Callahan. Understand the inspiration behind the Michel McNinch's landscapes, Ethel Brody's abstracts, or Robert Kennedy's and Pat Gilmartin's figurative works.

The main gallery, atrium, and the hallways have been thoughtfully arranged to showcase the depth and variety of work available. The show is open on Saturday, November 22 from 10 - 5 and also by chance or appointment through December 2, 2008. For additional information, please call (803) 252-6134 or visit the website at www.gallery80808vistastudios.com.


(Click on images to enlarge. Above: Main gallery. Oils by Laura Spong. Quilt by Susan Lenz. Sculpture by Jeff Donovan. Table by Pat Gilmartin.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Sculpture by Sharon Licata. Oils, from left to right, by Laura Spong, Don Zurlo, and Stephen Chesley.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Atrium. Sculpture by Pat Gilmartin. Paintings by David Yaghjian.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Bronze by Sharon Licata. Oils by Stephen Chesley.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Sculpture by Pat Gilmartin.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Fiber vessels by Susan Lenz.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Collection of ceramic hats by Jeff Donovan.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Mixed media box by Pat Callahan.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Heidi Darr-Hope's Coward, Enter Your House.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: David Yaghjian's Untitled Man.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Don Zurlo's Study for 100308.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Don Zurlo's Study for 100208.)

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Stephen Chesley's Twilight, Near the River.)

(Click on image above: Stephen Chesley's July Rain.)

High Wind, Slight Rain: Stephen Chesley at the Spartanburg Art Museum

(Click on image above to enlarge.)

High Wind, Slight Rain by Stephen Chesley is currently on view at the Spartanburg Art Museum. The exhibition runs through January 3, 2009. The opening reception is on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Music will be by the Time Blackwell Jazz Trio. The museum is part of the Chapman Cultural Center, 200 East St. John Street. For more information: (864) 582-7616 or visit the museum's website.

American Portraits presented by Melinda Register and Clayton Bozard

(Click on image above to enlarge.)
Above: One of twenty fine art photographs by Clayton Bozard to be displayed at American Portraits.)
Gallery 80808/Vista Studios is proud to have Clayton Bozard and Melinda Register opening American Portraits on Friday, November 8th. The exhibition starts at 8:00 PM and will continue through the evening. Both artists will be present. Each has selected twenty images that exemplify their concepts of portraiture. The range of work is captivating, introspective, and shows a contemporary approach to image making. All work is for sale.

(Click on image above to enlarge. One of twenty fine art photographs by Melinda Register to be displayed at American Portraits.)

Additional information about Clayton Bozard can be found on his website or on his blog. Melinda Register's website is also a source of wonderful images and interesting text.

Wentworth Tradd presents Fish and Guits

(Click on image above to enlarge. This is a copy of the exhibition poster.)
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
On THURSDAY, October 30, 2008 Wentworth Tradd presents Fish and Guits, an exhibition of unique paintings and original artwork. The show starts at 6 PM with music from approximately 7:30 PM. The statement below was provided for this highly anticipated event:

(Click on the image above to enlarge. Spottail Pinfish by Wentworth Tradd.)

"Wentworth Tradd is slowing down, slowing down. Wentworth Tradd is...
What happened to the Wentworth Tradd who painted 100 fish and birds in less than 90 days? Well, he is slowing down a little. Or, more accurately, he is working on other things besides painting. He claims to be revisiting a longtime interest in the blues, brought on this time by events that blues songs are typically made of: financial and romantic woes, mostly, but unreliable health and other things he prefers not to specify. He doesn't mention gambling and substance abuse, but most of Wentworth's life is a gamble.

He has produced about thirty pieces on various kinds of board for his upcoming show, Wentworth Tradd's Fish and Guits, as well as a few painted guitars featuring his usual images. In addition to his artwork, he has invited Columbia Blues Legend Drink Small to entertain his guests. The color scheme is not all blue, but many of his diamond backgrounds feature shades from swimming pool through ink. Look for familiar poses borrowed from Audubon and a tendency to portray the same subject in more than one size and color scheme."


(Click on the image above. Little Rainbow by Wentworth Tradd.)

2nd Annual SKATE and CREATE exhibition

(Above is a photo from last year's highly successful Skate and Create exhibition. Click on image to enlarge.)


Second Annual Skate and Create Exhibit



WHO: Bluetile Skate Shop, Vista Gallery 80808, POUR IT NOW

WHAT: Skate and Create

WHERE: Exhibit at 808 Lady Street, Vista Gallery 80808

WHEN: October 3-5; Opening Night Friday, October 3 from 5pm-11pm

Additional hours: Saturday, October 4 from 11 - 7 and Sunday, October 5 from 1 - 5



COLUMBIA, SC - The Second Annual Skate and Create exhibition bridges the aesthetic inspiration of art and the performative creativity of skateboarding. The show, whose name is a play on Thrasher magazine's "Skate and Destroy" slogan, seeks to turn public perception of skateboarders on its head and to explore unconventional uses of architecture and space. The exhibit is curated by Bluetile Skateshop and hosted by Gallery 80808/Vista Studio artist Susan Lenz. It will open on Friday, October 3, 2008. Admission is free.


Just as skateboarders re-envision the urban landscape, artists from Columbia and from throughout the nation will recast skateboarding in new, unexpected ways. Bluetile Skateshop will provide a skateboard deck to each artist to paint, carve, sculpt and modify. In addition to the skateboard, artists are encouraged to use a diverse array of materials to create a piece that puts skateboarding into new contexts.

The connection between skateboarding and art has been highlighted recently by several successful showings, by Mark Gonzales, Ed Templeton and Glen E. Friedman, in major galleries and museums throughout the world. The Beautiful Losers exhibit, a collection of artists with ties to skateboarding and punk rock, has received international acclaim.

Proceeds from the sales will go to POUR IT NOW, a 501c3 organization advocating for skateboard parks throughout South Carolina.


Bluetile is a skater-owned-and-operated skateshop. It is committed to strengthening the city's skateboard scene and skate culture. Proprietor David Toole has been active in the effort to rebuild Owens Field skatepark.

Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, one of the premier art spaces in Columbia, is a unique concept in galleries. It provides both studio and gallery space to area artists.


(Above: Photo of Claire Yaghjian and her skateboard that sold during last year's SKATE AND CREATE exhibition.)
For more information on:
POUR IT NOW http://pouritnow.com/

Vista Gallery 80808 http://www.gallery80808vistastudios.com/

Bluetile Skateshop http://www.bluetileskate.com/

Todd Oelze presents "Strokes of Light"

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Todd Oelze presents
Strokes of Light

An exhibition of abstract photography
Opening Reception: Friday, September 26 from 6 - 9
Additional hours:
Saturday 9/27 from 11 - 9
Sunday 9/28 from 11 - 7
Monday and Tuesday 11 - 6

This exhibit is being held at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street in the arts and cultural district of Columbia's downtown Vista area. To contact the gallery, please call (803) 252-6134. To contact Todd Oelze, please call (803)708.2839.

The Gallery's website is: www.gallery80808vistastudios.com
Todd Oelze's website is: http://toddophotos.com/

Todd's Artist Statement

Art is a form of expression that evokes a purely subjective reaction, both by the artist and the beholder. I approach my work with optimism and do my utmost to create visually interesting images, with the added bonus of having the potential to evoke emotion or stir the sensibilities of an audience.

Todd's Statement for this fine art photography exhibition:

Strokes of Light is a result of my recent endeavor to produce digital photographs that convey movement, while accentuating color and displaying the illusion of depth. I achieve this look by employing uncommon camera and lighting techniques, while keeping post-production effects to a minimum. My ultimate goal is to establish a recognizable style that I believe is extremely difficult to accomplish in photography. This collection of photographs is my first step in achieving this vision.

Todd Oelze's biography:

Todd was born in Englewood, NJ, but lived the majority of his life in South Florida. He graduated from Florida State University with B.S in Communication, with a concentration on film and video production. Todd was also extensively involved in still photography during college, participating in a variety of shows. He also functioned as the staff photographer for the university publication “The Tomahawk”.

Late in 2006, Todd made a significant decision to change careers and left his job in the electric utility industry. He began a digital photography business, which focused primarily on event and portrait photography. In 2007, Todd and his family decided to leave South Florida and relocate to Blythewood, SC, just outside of Columbia.

After settling in, Todd shifted his interest to the world of digital fine art photography. “I came to the conclusion that in order to be successful in photography, one has to produce images that people haven’t seen before,” said Todd. “I’ve always been fascinated by the abstract and impressionist painters and decided that there was no reason why I couldn’t produce photographs in that style.” It should be noted that Todd’s images are actual photographs, not computer generated images. Todd added, “I take great pride in the fact that I apply very little post-production techniques to my photographs.”

Examples of Todd’s work can be found on his website www.toddophotos.com.