Artista Vista at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios

(Above: ARTISTA VISTA. Click on image to enlarge.)

ARTISTA VISTA RECEPTION:
Thurs. April 22 from 5 - 9

Vista Studios’ artists invite the public to view an exhibition of their work, which will be on display April 15-May 4 in connection with in this year’s Artista Vista celebration. On April 22, 5:00-9:00 pm, galleries around the Vista will open with evening hours. Come see our new exhibition at VistaStudios/Gallery 80808 located at 808 Lady Street in the Vista. The artists will have their studios open for you to get a look at their newest work and processes. The studios boast some of Columbia’s finest artists all under one roof.

(Above: The Prize, oil by David Yaghjian. 12" x 9". Click on image to enlarge.)

Non-objective painter, Ethel S. Brody, continues exploring her “stripe” series and will have new canvases on display.

Stephen Chesley – Continues to offer the results of his dedication to painting and his inspiration from such artists as George Inness, Edward Hopper, Ralph Albert Blakelock, Albert Pinkham Ryder, and the Zen of Painting.

Jeff Donovan will engage your vision as he displays a new series of paintings in progress. The working title of this series is “Untitled, Unfinished, NFS” alternatively - “Humble Beginnings.” Each will show a glimpse of his ideas and process.


(Above: Man in the Moon. Ceramic by Pat Gilmartin.)

Pat Gilmartin, ceramic sculptor, continues to follow her interest in figurative work with a new series representing the man in the moon. The ceramic pieces are sculpted in low relief and mounted on a painted canvas background, which can be hung on the wall. The moon-faces are caricatured and cartoonish, incorporating the humor, which Gilmartin often uses in her sculpture.


(Above: Inheritance, assemblage by Kirkland Smith. Click on image to enlarge.)

Kirkland Smith will show one of her celebrated assemblages of post consumer waste. Using household items that are discarded daily, Kirkland has created a haunting, yet hopeful, portrait of a child. Through her artwork, she hopes to give the message of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.


(Above: Cloud Sailing, sculpture by Sharon Collings Licata. Click on image to enlarge.)

Sharon Collings Licata, sculptor, will exhibit Sailing the Clouds and Sky Breezes, in a continuation of her Breezes series of sail and air inspired sculptures. The two of them are in a new stone for her, a blue alabaster from Spain.


(Above: Abby, Oil by Michel McNinch. 12" x 12". Click on image to enlarge.)

Michel McNinch is exploring working in monochrome and has ten new canvases to share.

Laura Spong has been working on paper and will exhibit these new works.


(Above: Woman on Horse, Crayon, acrylic, chalk by David Yaghjian. Click on image to enlarge.)

Artists David Yaghjian, Heidi Darr-Hope, and Robert Kennedy will also present new work and open their studios at Vista Studios. The Exhibition will be from April 15-May 4. Gallery hours are weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends 1 to 4 p.m. Please call the Gallery 80808 at 803-252-6143 to confirm hours. Their website is: http://www.gallery80808vistastudios.com/index.shtml

(Above: Untitled, crayon and acrylic by David Yaghjian. 29" x 21". 2009. Click on image to enlarge.)

Kirkland Smith featured in Columbia Home & Garden

(Above: Artist Notes from the spring edition of Columbia Home & Garden. Click on image to enlarge and read. Featured artist: Kirkland Smith. Featured artwork: Marilyn, Assemblage of Post-Consumer Waste, 48" x 48".)

The spring edition of Columbia Home & Garden features a spotlight "Artist Notes" article on Kirkland Smith with a full color photo of Marilyn, an assemblage of post-consumer waste. For more information about Kirkland and her work, check out www.kirklandsmith.com or www.gallery80808vistastudios.com.

Nikolai Oskolkov presents DIXIE COMMISSAR/PIENSA

Dixie Commissar/PIENSA Art and Music Show

SHOW WILL BE ONGOING FROM APRIL 7TH THROUGH APRIL 12TH

OPENING RECEPTION AND CONCERT:
FRIDAY, APRIL 9TH FROM 4PM-9PM



BALALAIKA CONCERT STARTS @ 7PM



Come down to Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street, in the Columbia Vista for a duo presentation of fine art and musical performance by artist/musician Nikolai Oskolkov and artist/illustrators Dre and Sammy Lopez of the PIENSA: Art Company. The exhibit is a collaborative effort to present a wide range of independent and commission artwork.

Optimistic and colorful social commentary and genre scenes feature as one with stunningly expressive comic illustrations and graphic design, decorated by live traditional music.

Nikolai, the self-proclaimed “Dixie Commissar”, brings art and music “For the People of the American South” in a third annual spring show at Vista Studios. From monumental oil paintings to small drawings and watercolors, Nikolai exaggerates his views on folk life, nature, and symbolism, echoing his experiences with Blues and Rock n' Roll piano and Bluegrass music on the Russian three-string balalaika.



Brothers Dre and Sammy Lopez present bright new fine art together with nationally acclaimed illustrations and graphic design for books, magazines, and CD covers. R. Chambers LeHeup will also contribute some of his intuitive, intelligent and humorous writing to the mix. After a series of successful regional multimedia art shows and release parties, the PIENSA: Art Company show their ability to make art shows interactive social events with folk art of a modern urban flavor.

Free wine and catering will be served at the RECEPTION ON APRIL 9TH.

The artists recommend viewers to bring their musical instruments for informal jam sessions at the opening and MANY ARTWORKS ARE FOR SALE AT REASONABLE PRICES!

Sharon Licata featured on Limestone Symposium brochure

Gallery 80808/Vista Studios' stone carver Sharon Licata is featured on the Indiana Limestone Symposium brochure. The workshops are taking place from June 6 - 26, 2010. There are a variety of dates for participation. The registration brochure is HERE. The Indiana Limstone Symposium website is HERE!