I took a few days to visit the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and see some of the artful events there. Gallery MAR artist Amy Ringholz had just premiered a new show at her Scottsdale gallery, and the Scottsdale Arts Festival was in full effect at the Center for the Performing Arts. Ringholz’s show featured couples, wildlife animals in “love.” What a fantastic theme for a show– we are proud to exhibit such a creative artist.

The Scottsdale Public Art Program had just completed a limited invitational search for proposals from artists to create an installation at the 40th annual Scottsdale Arts Festival. The selected proposal for the installation was OVERFLOW!, submitted by artist Virginia Fleck (Austin, TX) OVERFLOW! is an eye-popping monumental installation made from thousands of colorful recycled plastic bags. For this installation, each plastic bag was inflated to transform the venue into a shiny, buoyant colorful display. Over the festival grounds, there were several spots with the bubbly balloons. The light breezes allowed the balloons to move and rustle, and the sound was quite soothing.

The thousands of colorful animated Bag Balloons in OVERFLOW! take on humorous anthropomorphic traits as they make a whimsical journey through the festival– first appearing to tumble down from the roof of the performing arts center, then seeming to meander through the festival grounds, where they culminate en masse dipping into the fountain in front of City Hall to rest in its cool waters. This temporary installation was commissioned by Scottsdale Public Art with support from the Scottsdale Arts Festival.

My favorite artist from the festival? Ted Gall, who makes kinetic sculptures featuring everything from toys and tots to elephants, lizards, characters from the land of Oz, and humans with great personality. His booth had a continually present crowd who were all wowed by his works.

Gallery MAR is pleased to hang most of our collectors’ works, as a complimentary service. But occasionally we call upon the experts, particularly when it is a tricky hanging job. When we do, we call Dave with Aisling Art Installation.

How did you get into the art installation business and why?

For years I was a finish carpenter to help pay for my skiing career. After that I worked for our family business, Park City Transportation. Than about five years ago a good friend of mine Brian at Peak Art & frame asked me if I would be interested in helping his frame shop by handling all of their installations and deliveries. He knew I had been a carpenter and he needed someone that was skilled and very personable. Until this past summer I was doing installations as a part time job. It was time for me to move on from Park City Transportation and start something new. I wasn’t sure exactly what to do, than a few caring friends encouraged me to start an art installation business. It was something that I enjoyed doing and I was realizing that I had a knack for layout and design. So Aisling Art Installation came to be. I love it! I have found a greater appreciation for art and have become more a part of the community.

What does Aisling mean?

Aisling means vision in Gaelic. I spent about a month looking up thesaurus and domain names to find something that I liked. One day I decided to see if anything translated in Gaelic due to my Irish heritage. I came across Aisling and liked it. For about a week after I kept looking for names and realized I could spend years searching. I narrowed it down to a few things and really loved Aisling Art Installation.

Why does a collector need an installer? Can’t I just hang up my fine art with a hammer and nails?

You want to know that your art is secure; whether the piece of art was an investment or something that was inspiring, even pictures of loving memories. Yes, you can install fine art with a nail and a hammer. Every piece is different; it really depends on how much the piece weighs and what means were put on the piece by the artist to hang it up with. I always carry a wide variety of hangers, nails, screws etc…

What are some basic hanging directions and insights?

You want to place your piece of art in a place that is going to display it the best. Some pieces of art need more light than others. Try not to put several different pieces in the same space. Many times on certain walls less is more.

How do you decide how high to hang a painting?

Height is really personal preference. As for myself and many galleries the preferred height is 60 inches to the center of the piece. It is a very pleasing height for your eye.

I want to hang something over my stone fireplace. Where should I start?

First you want to see what would fit in the space that you want. Many fire places have stones that protrude out and make it difficult for art piece to hang right.

I have something really, really heavy to hang on my walls. Where should I start and what should I look for?

Start by looking at the piece and see what was provided on the back to install with. There have been times that I have had to change what was provided to make sure it is secure on the wall. Always make sure that the piece is installed into a stud in the wall. There are many wall anchors and molly bolts that can hold significant weight, but still nothing is as strong as installing something into a wall stud.

How far apart do you recommend I hang artworks in a series?

It depends on the size of the pieces and the space you would like to place them in. You don’t want them to look to crowded or spaced to far apart. I like to take a few moments and place them on the floor and play with different spacing to see what looks best.

What is the most common thing that people comment on when while you are install some art?

It would be about my red velvet installation slippers. They are vans slip on to be exact. They are kind of fun! I make sure I always remove my shoes when I enter a home. My feet would kill me walk up and down my ladder so I need to find something to wear. I remembered I had purchased a pair of red velvet vans for a costume party a year earlier and didn’t use them much. They were perfect! Not sure if I will be able to match them if they ever wear out.

Do you have any hilarious stories about a time when you were installing?

I did an installation of several pieces for couple that just purchased a new home. A week later they called me up and asked if I could come over for another install. They had several more pieces that they had just purchased and wanted to get them up right away. As I was installing the new pieces I noticed that almost all of the pieces I installed a week before were not level. It seemed odd since I made sure that they were all level. I went ahead and leveled everything again. When I was about finished in the down stairs the husband came home and we began talking as I finished up. I happened to look over my shoulder and noticed he was readjusting everything I had just installed and made level. I realized that he was the reason for all the other pieces I had installed previously for being out of level. I just smiled to myself and finished with the install. I never said anything to the couple about it. They are great clients and it makes me smile every time I’m called to come back and install more pieces.

I need to get a hold of you; how do I do that?

The best way to reach me is by phone 435.655.1322.  I may also be reached by e-mail. dave@aislingartinstall.com. My website is aislingartinstall.com.

Here is a taste of Fred Calleri’s newest exhibition. See more from the show here…

The Hogle Zoo holds its 17th annual art exhibit January 29 – March 14, 2010. This exhibit was initiated to provide Utah artists an opportunity to display their works of wildlife and “wild nature” in a setting complementary to their work. This show has grown to be one of the best venues in Utah for viewing wildlife and nature art.

This year’s show was juried by Robin Rankin, the exectutive director of the Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah. An Opening Reception was held on January 29th where awards were presented, including:

An Honorable Mention Cash Awards for “Rhinoceros” (oil) by Ron Russon

In addition the following artists had pieces selected by the Utah Arts Council for their Traveling Exhibits Program: Richard Ansley, Carrie Bailey, Amanda Barber, Laurel Casjens, Seth Commichaux, Ginny Coombs, Frankie Corrigan, David Crane, Jesica Crysallis, Brady Donley, Lucia Heffernan, Nick Jones, Brock Kopecky, Nina Marcus, Sophia Overfelt, Sarah Pagels, Pamela Poulsen, Patty Reay, Colleen Reynolds, Ron Russon, Mark Slater, Maxwell Sueoka, Megan Thomas, Sarah Trela-Hoskins, Suzanne Wille. Special thanks to the Utah Arts Council and the Salt Lake City Arts Council for their continued support of the World of the Wild Art Show.

We just received two new works by Utah artist Ron Russon, stop by the gallery to see them today!

Gallery MAR is pleased to announce the newest offering from the Carol Alleman Studios, “GARDEN OF PROMISES.”

Garden of Promises, Carol’s first consort of bronze work, is comprised of five, individual crocus vessels (including Promises and Golden Promises, the seeds and inspiration for Garden of Promises). Each season brings its own unique and necessary gifts to our lives, and so it is with the Garden of Promises. The promise of each season being one of potency and perfection.

Each vessel stands 6.25″ high by 4.5″ wide, offering an intricate and unique patina. The vessels may be purchased as a complete set or on an individual basis. There is a notable savings with each subsequent vessel purchase within the Garden of Promises, the greatest being realized when purchasing the complete Garden all at once.

Prices are available by calling the gallery. 435.649.3001

As with all of Carol’s magnificent bronzes, these have their companion poetry, inspiration and research facts which are available upon request. The entire body of work by Carol can be viewed on our website.

These would be a stunning addition to any collection and a unique presentation.

The visual arts and informal writing have been life companions for Carol Alleman. Upon locating to Tucson, Arizona in 1994, she discovered clay while exploring the mysterious desert landscape. Immediately she began digging her own clay and experimenting with slab, coil, and a variety of hand building techniques. Since then she has continued to explore the infinite dimensions of clay, water-based and oil, considering herself largely “self-taught.”

In late 2001, Carol expanded her work into the bronze market choosing her vessel forms as her entry work. Today she continues to develop the bronze cast “Tree of Life” and “Nature Series” of mystical, organic vessels. Both series reflect a visual and narrative imagery of her personal intimacy with the powerful energy, spirit, and symbolism of trees and nature. Companion writings accompany her work.

Park City Kimball Arts Festival 2010 dates will be August 7 – 8, 2010.

To apply to our 2010 show please go to zapplication.org and register.

The application deadline is March 1, 2010.

Check out the newest feature of the Arts Festival, 2010’s RELEVANT: BE CREATIVE, BE MENTORED, BE INSPIRED, BE IN PARK CITY.

RELEVANT 2010 is a five-day artist-in-residency program for a select group of undergraduate and graduate level college students working in the media of sculpture, painting and mixed media. Set in the beautiful mountains of Park City, Utah, students have the opportunity to be mentored by leading artists in their field, connect with industry experts and meet nationally acclaimed gallery owners. The residency culminates with the Opening Night Auction and Gala of the 41st Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival, where student’s work will be on display and sold to an audience including top art collectors.

RELEVANT 2010 is looking for emerging cutting edge artists dedicated to developing their artistic career. Students are given the experience of developing art for sale, while being challenged to expand their artistic boundaries. During the residency each student’s primary goal is to create a piece of artwork that will be sold at the Opening Night Art Auction and Gala and be on display during the Arts Festival. Students are given a theme, timeline, budget and private studio space. Daily work sessions will include critiques by mentors and peers. The residency requires dedication, long hours, deadlines and flexibility.

RELEVANT 2010 is a platform for discovery. The residency will place students in the spotlight, through interaction with the public, interviews with film crews and participation in the Opening Night Auction and Gala. The Park City Kimball Arts Festival is rated as one of the top ten festivals in the country. The three-day festival attracts 45,000 attendees and national press, providing students with great exposure and the opportunity to foster relationships with future collectors.

RELEVANT 2010 will fund accepted students. expenses including airfare, lodging, meals and a stipend for art supplies. Students will keep 50% of their art sale.

In conjunction with a completed application, the following must also be submitted…

* 5 images of your work created within the last two years

* 2-minute video answering the question “Why are you RELEVANT?”

* $25.00 non-refundable application fee

* Applications due April 18th, 2010

Amy Ringolz and Lisa Lamoreaux the night of their opening reception. Congratulations to both artists on a beautiful show, hanging through February.

“Why Walk Alone,” Oil, 2010 by Amy Ringholz

Lisa Lamoreaux with collectors in the Park City gallery.

Brad Stroman, “Evening Sentry,” Acrylic on Board, 16″ x 16″, 2010

I recently came across a very interesting article in The Art Newspaper, an online arts news digest. It notes that fine art will always be a valuable asset, but that 2010 will be a year of continued shaping for the art market. Between 2005 and 2009 a huge upswing and then a significant downswing to the market changed the (until then) steady Art Market Index. Learn more about the AMI and the Mei Moses Index in a previous blog here.  It does seem to be the trend that auction sizes are decreasing (in number of bodies present and dollar amounts reached for works) and private and gallery sales are now the preferred method of buying and selling.

In my opinion, artists and galleries are now editing, working harder, and bringing only the best works to market. Speculative collectors are turning to other means of investment while true art lovers are getting fantastic deals on first-tier works. On a smaller (local) scale, art galleries in the southwest are continuing the thrive. Although there are stories of galleries closing (over 7 in Scottsdale in the last two years) there are always new ones springing up. Artists will continue to work and there will always be collectors for whom fine art is a necessity.

Read more from The Art Newspaper here.

“The Art of Yoga” Monday February 8th, 9:00 am at Gallery MAR

Bring your mat and get ready to practice among the artworks!  We are pleased to announce that Gallery MAR, in association with Lululemon Athletica, will present a morning yoga practice in the gallery on February 9th. Lauren Lockey is the featured instructor, a Park City favorite. Lockey’s love for dance was a natural fit with yoga. She studied Modern dance at the University of Utah and continued on in Portland, Oregon where she developed a regular Bikram Yoga practice. Lauren lived and taught yoga in Thailand for six months.

There will be a Trunkshow of beautiful Lululemon Athletica wear, so please bring your credit cards to purchase this gorgeous (and highly functional) athletic wear!

Your donation for this class ($5 suggested) goes to benefit Direct Relief International. Local athlete Erin Hamlin, 2006 & 2010 Olympian and 2009 Luge World Champion, who has started this organization to send relief to Haiti, says, “as an athlete with an extensive and amazing support system, I know the generosity many people possess. Now is a great time to show the world. Spread the word, spread the love, save a country!” Already a struggling nation, Haiti has been more than devastated by the recent destruction caused by the catastrophic earthquake on January 12th. As relief efforts continue, many vital supplies are running out as more and more lives need to be saved and rebuilt. Please help give them hope with a donation of any amount. Learn more by clicking here.

Who: Gallery MAR, Lululemon, and Lauren Lockey

What: The Art of Yoga: Lululemon with Lauren Lockey at Gallery MAR Yoga Practice

When: Monday, February 8th, at 9:00 am

Where: Gallery MAR, 580 Main Street, Park City, Utah, 84060

Why: Direct Relief International Benefit for Haiti

Ron Galella, Paparazzi photographer, is here in Park City for the premier of his movie “Smash His Camera” at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

He and his wife stopped by the gallery today to view the exhibition of his photography works and dropped off a few extra photos. Be sure to stop by the gallery if you’re here for the festival to see his works and the books on this notorious photographer.