Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Visiting a gallery...

can be intimidating. Some people are nervous because they feel they can't "talk about art" while some "talk too much". We want our clients to not only fall in love with what they see but understand more about the process and more about the artist.


"it may be the almost imperceptible tension between antecedent and descendant that finally gives this painting its subtle resonance....huh? Okay....that was something you won't here at the gallery.... What you will hear us say is....John VanDreal is from Salem, John studies and reports moments by continually sketching, writing and painting on multiple canvases. He also captures the actual pure color remnants from his pallet and employs it compositionally throughout the work providing a work that is a representation of artistic process, from basic subject sketch and composition through creative interpretation and the use of material and medium.


Jed Thomas....we promise not to carry on with...."This painting upholds the validity of not making things that evoke effect simply for the sake of effect. The viewer is then free of extraneous baggage. hmmmmm.
we do promise to tell you more about his narrative figures and how they tell a story to involve the viewer.

We hope that when you stop by the gallery you enjoy YOUR experience of viewing the artwork. We'd love to tell you more about all of our artists. See you soon.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Once a year...

we do an exchange of pottery at Mahonia Hall (Residence of the Governor).
We've been doing this exchange for over 10 years, displaying these beautiful pots for the various tours that pass through the house. Each year when we do the change over, new potters bring work for the cabinets and previous potters remove their work.
All the work is on loan for one year thanks to these generous artists. Thank you to the Governor for enlightening the public on great art!


We were delighted to have lunch with the First Lady, we had great conversation and photo opportunities!


Each potter chatted and explained their processes.


Even the "First Dog" got into the action!


Proud to be a potter on this particular day.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Visit Salem...visit our Door Show!

The Door Show is off to a great start and we can't wait to see everyone at the gallery! Stop in to pick up the nifty brochure (pocket size and an art piece of it's own), say hello and see our remodeled space. We love how it looks and enjoy showing it off.


Meet Ashley...she was our marvelous intern from Willamette University...lucky us. She assisted in curating our Door Show.


Not only do we have 4 of the doors at the gallery but we also have one painting by each of the Door Artists on display.


Here's a closer look at a few of the smaller works....
Jane Aukshunas


Deborah DeWit


Jan Gassner


Ruth Amitage


Robert Schlegel


Did we mention how if it wasn't for Salem Electric, Pioneer Trust Bank and Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastic Surgeons that we wouldn't be able to do this wonderful show? These sponsors believe in our community, they feel that by having a walking art tour shows their belief that Salem is unique and our downtown businesses are worth visiting.


Here are a couple of doors in their locations...
Salem Conference Center


Arbor on State

Monday, May 2, 2011

Our evening preview for the Door Show....

was packed with artists and our sponsors.
The food was fantastic and artful!


We posed for pictures....Roz, Mary Lou and Tina


being silly...


visiting with everyone!












Renee came down for the opening along with her sweet little dog Olive



What a night!


Be sure and stop by to pick up one of the brochures with map!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

About Mary Lou Zeek

My photo
We represent Northwest artists working in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, works on paper, ceramics, jewelry and mixed media. Our second gallery features exhibitions on a monthly basis, as well as selected group shows and special exhibitions. To arrange an appointment, please call 503-581-3229 or email; mzeek@comcast.net During our years of operating, we have successfully encouraged the broadening and blossoming of the Salem art scene. We are dedicated to serving our clients as well as our artists. The relationships that we cultivate with our clients and our artists have been and will continue to be long and rewarding. We encourage you to take the time to be acquainted with us and take the time to appreciate the art we enjoy so much.