Thursday, April 21, 2011

More New Work in progress

This is still in progress, but so close and in this shot-sideways.
Three new editions all dry and pressed.
This is a work that has been haunting me for some time as well
in my studio.  I think that it is very close to finished- maybe it is all the extra light and fresh air in the studio that is helping me to finish so many pieces lately.
It doesn't really matter- why- I am just so happy to be at this place now with all of these pieces that I have been hiding away until I am sure of where they are going.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

new work

This is a work that I just finished.  The four canvasses had been hanging around in my studio for some time waiting for just the right 'something' to pull them together.  They are multiple layers of printed
gampi on canvas.  I am feeling that I can now finish some more works that have been taunting me
around the studio.  My husband is suggesting that maybe they would be good as much larger works.
These are 12" x 12" and are at Canvas gallery in Toronto.

Uppercase Magazine

I have been looking through my wonderful collection of
Uppercase magazines and realized I should share their
link here.  Definitely worth a look if you are interested in
printed matter, drawing, illustration and all things creative
really.  The last issue (number 8) was devoted to letterpress
printing and featured some inspiring people and projects
working with movable type and relief printing.
As I was putting this together I noticed that they have a call
for submissions called, Mess is More!  I think I will have to
submit some photos of my studio because it definitely fits
the description right now... and well, usually.
A few years ago, my family were visiting Calgary and
stumbled across the Uppercase Gallery in Art Central
where we saw a fantastic group show of portraits of William Shatner.
If you find yourself in downtown Calgary, it is worth a
visit.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Chris is painting again!

My husband, Chris Ahlers, had taken a bit of a break with his painting while he moved his
family business (Wyndham Art Supplies) across the street to their new sunny location.
So many people have asked me what he is up to with his artwork that I thought I should
post a couple of photos to let everyone know he is happily back in the studio doing his
thing.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Open Studio National Printmaking Awards


100 Prints 2011
Shortlist Announced for Open Studio National Printmaking Awards
Best of Canadian Printmakers to be Celebrated at Open Studio’s 100 Prints
Toronto, ON – April 11, 2011 – On Wednesday, May 18, six talented Canadian artists will be recognized for their achievements in printmaking during the fourth annual Open Studio National Printmaking Awards.  The ceremony will take place at the Palais Royale in Toronto, at 100 Prints, a fundraising event in support of Open Studio.
A distinguished jury selected the shortlist from prints that have been donated to Open Studio by emerging and established artists from across Canada.  The jury members, who had the difficult job of choosing the award winners were: Robert Birch, founding director of Birch Libralato (formerly Robert Birch Gallery); Toronto-based artist Dax Morrison; and Melony Ward, publisher of Canadian Art magazine and online properties.
The artists shortlisted for the Open Studio National Printmaking Awards are:
  • Susan Collett (Toronto, ON)
  • Tara Cooper (Toronto, ON)
  • Rocky Zenyk Dobey (Toronto, ON)
  • Erik Edson (Sackville, NB)
  • Laine Groeneweg  (Toronto, ON)
  • Libby Hague (Toronto, ON)
Said Melony Ward, “As a juror, it was a treat to spend the day with 100 incredible works of art. Printmaking continues to thrive through Open Studio.”  Dax Morrison commented: “In this age of the digital, it's refreshing and delightful to experience prints produced by hand.  To be able to spend a full day surrounded by such works was an honour. Hopefully, those attending 100 Prints will also experience the thrill of seeing and owning works that are truly inspiring.”
"It was a great pleasure to participate on the Open Studio National Printmaking Awards jury this year,” said Robert Birch. “The entries were many and the quality of work was, frankly, higher than expected, making the decision much more challenging than anticipated.  Congratulations to Open Studio and all the participating artists for their hard work in preparing for such a strong competition.”  All six artists have a chance at winning one of three cash prizes of $3,000 (first prize), $1,500 (second prize) or $500 (third prize) or an honourable mention.
100 Prints
Open Studio, a not-for-profit centre for contemporary printmaking practice, provides affordable access to printmaking facilities, programs and services for artists from across Canada and abroad, as well as exhibitions, education programs and print sales.  Celebrating the 26th anniversary of the event this year, 100 Prints is Open Studio’s most important fundraising activity, and helps to support this artist-run centre’s vital artistic programming.
The event features 100 original prints donated by nationally and internationally recognized Canadian artists, and because only 100 tickets are sold, each ticket holder is guaranteed to take home an original fine art print.   Tickets are drawn in random order on the evening of the event, which creates an air of anticipation; as each ticket is drawn, excited guests have one minute to choose a print.   
This year’s 100 Prints promises to be the best 100 Prints yet—and one of the best art events of the year.  The festive night also includes fabulous prizes, a raffle, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction of framed prints specially created by Open Studio artists for this fundraising event. Tickets are now available—the $375 ticket price includes admission for two and a guarantee that you will take home an original piece of original artwork with a minimum value of $375.  As tickets to the event are limited to 100, they will sell out fast, and are nearly 50% sold already. General admission tickets are also available for $50. For full details and event ticket information, visit the 100 Prints microsite.
To date, 100 Prints 2011 is supported by the following sponsors and donors:
Media Sponsor
Canadian Art
Printing Sponsor
FLASH Reproductions
Gold Sponsors
BMO Capital Markets
Allison and Jason Chang

Dundee Real Estate Asset Management
TD Securities
Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Avenue Dental
Akau Framing
Dr. Martin Bourgeois
Cassels Brock
Dr. Bruce Freeman
GRI Capital
Implant Surgical Care/Lesley David Dentistry Corporation
Benjy Katz
Dr. Robert Klein
Rosenthal Zaretsky Niman and Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants
Royal York Orthodontic
Yorkville Toronto Dental Specialist
Event Donors All the Best Fine Foods, Asha Massage & Ayurvedic Healing, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Beer Barons, Dr. Marco Caminiti, Canadian Opera Company, Canadian Stage, George and Sandy Duarte at Churrasco Villa, CJ Lunch Box, Robbie Cooper, Dufflet Pastries, Eclipse Fitness Clubs, Evian, Fairmount Royal York, Jeremy Gawen, Hästens, Interior Design Show, The Japanese Paper Place, Ted Margel, Mirvish Productions, Moksha Yoga Danforth, The National Ballet, Nutcracker Sweet, Overcat Communications, Oyster Boy, Palmer Reed Accountants, The Paper Place, Pilates for Life, Porter Airlines, Saman Design, Samuel Kleinberg Jewellers Inc., Segall Cosmetic Clinic, Stratford Festival, Penelope Stewart, Tarragon Theatre, Dr. Howard Tenenbaum, TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd., Timothy Johnson Design, Toronto School of Art, Umbra, Up In Frames, Variety Crossing Press, Gayle Wagman & Marc Milgrom, Winners and Your Brand Integrated Marketing Communications. 
Open Studio gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.  Open Studio also acknowledges the generous support of its members and numerous foundations, corporations and individuals.
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Open Studio
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 104
Toronto ON  M5V 3A8
416-504-8238

office@openstudio.on.ca
www.openstudio.on.ca

Friday, April 1, 2011

One of a Kind show, Toronto

Maria's lovely bedding
My sister and I spent Wednesday in the big city checking out the wonderful makers and their wares at the One of a Kind show. Lots of beautiful handmade clothing and textiles, including a new project by a fellow Guelph artist Maria Pezzano, who has been transforming her paintings into textiles which are then made into bedding and soft furnishings.
Pam & Lydia ( Rabbit or Fish)

The two bears are called 'speak' and 'listen'.  
  Pam Lobb and Lydia Nieuwenkamp as 'rabbit or fish'  were in the rising star section showing their collaborative print work .  This is their first time showing at the One of a Kind and I think it will be a super show for them.  Pam is showing printmaking demonstrations each day from 10am- noon and will be teaching a class in printmaking at the Guelph School of Art this Spring.  So excited for the two of them.  If you get a chance it is worth the visit and we found we were tired before we ran out of things we enjoyed looking at, wanting to eat or wear!