Visiting Studios

Again...we (Will Bragg and I) were off visiting studios for the May show "Art Builds Community". Snow bound...we were off to see Bonnie Hull. Relaxing in her home, we saw her wonderful art quilts that she's been making for a number of years...they were parts of life, community and her art.

We next went outside to her new studio...just how inviting is this?

Inside was filled with art and inspirations....I could feel the creative juices throughout.

Our next stop was to see Nancy Lindburg. Happy Birthday Nancy!

Looking beautiful, Will shot the photos while Nancy and I chatted.

We had a great visit.

Here's a close up of one of Nancy's paintings.

and a quick shot inside her studio.

After a day of visiting studios, I got a visit from one of my dear little friends, Alex. I couldn't help but take this photo of her contemplating Jon Jay Cruson's painting.

The Art of Communication book is here!!!!

Art of Communication by Mary Lou Zeek Gallery | Make Your Own Book

Look what we're up to...

Art is energy.  Art is possibility.  Art is a part of vibrant communities.    For our May show, we will be building Salem's reputation as a vibrant and successful arts destination. We believe that with the success in that endeavor, it will be good for the arts, good for artists and good for Salem. Are you curious? Here are a few shots to give you an idea of what we're up to. "Beyond the gallery door and into the studios." Watch for updates about this amazing show. A shot from a studio window.

A playful look from Terry Melton

Beautiful house filled with wonderful art.

Robert Hess

Tool of the trade

Sue-Del McCulloch

Window ledge in studio

Emily Stuart being photographed by Will Bragg

Will photographs the details of the studio visits

There was so much to see.

Deborah DeWit

One of our favorite artists...Deborah DeWit has been awarded the annual Jordan Schnitzer Printmaking Residency for this next October. Deb is one of the two invited artists working with printer Julia D'Amario, formerly of Pace Editions (New York) in Sitka's printmaking studio. Support for this residency is provided in part by Jordan Schnitzer and the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. Each fall, two artists are invited for a period of two weeks to work intensively in the print studio with Julia D'Amario. The artists learn how to translate their work into a new medium. At the end of the artists' residency, Julia editions the prints, which are then divided equally between the artist and the Sitka Center. Copies are also given to the Gordon Gilkey Print Center at the Portland Art Museum and Jordan Schnitzer's print collection. Every other year the guest artists' prints are exhibited in January at Prints Arts Northwest in Portland. Congratulations Deb! We can't wait to see what you'll do!

Opening Night....

Lights were out and the lights were shining on our opening. There is nothing better than having art people together enjoying an intimate opening. Chris Giffin shows off one of the lights

Our Mayor Anna Peterson loved the show!

Chris Darcy from the Oregon Arts Commission took her own photos!

As soon as it was dark outside, we turned off the lights to see how the lights looked. Everyone loved it.

The hanging lights by Iam Quang & Kesterel Gates graced the space.

We did have to pose for a cheesy photo. Javier, Chris, Barb and Mary Lou.

Shine a Light - Artists Illuminate

Lighting...we think it sets the mood for any room in a home. For this show, I wanted to share "artful lighting".

We need lights...we turn them on every evening for reading, we use them to keep from tripping over furniture, but most of all I love the feel when I welcome company into our home. We turn them on every evening to calm our homes and welcome the evening....why not do this with art lights.

I've always had a hard time finding unique lighting and dread turning on overhead lights. They seem to blare or scream "look at all that dust", "look over there...do you see THAT cobweb?". Honestly...my house isn't that dusty but at night, I do love coming home to turn on my lamps that have been created by artists. Each time I feel the soft glow it gives to that special spot next to the fireplace where I can read a book and relax.

This show offers that unique experience with lighting. We hope you enjoy.

Dave Andersen offers a unique perspective for his wall hung light. Turn it on and see the globe rotate.


Barb Campbell offers soft lighting with her table pieces...using candles for light.


This shows the East wall of the gallery.


A few of the lights are small and hold surprising inside details like this light by John Feskens.


Chris Giffin's unique side table lamp shares her love for mixed media.


Chris Giffin offers another table lamp that glows within


Chris Giffin also created this beautiful standing lamp using a tripod, a birdcage with woven tape measures.


Here's a close-up showing the shade.


We also have hanging lamps made by Iam Quang & Kesterel Gates using paper and wax.


Javier Cervantes has created ceramic pieces for candles. The small pinhole lights shine throughout a room casting tiny beams.


Here is a closeup.


Jimmy Descant has created one of his fantastic "rocket" pieces. I will also mention that I just saw his show at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans. Lucky us to have one of his pieces for this show! Notice the flickering light? A must see.


Joline Ei-Hai offers a unique take on lighting. This delicate piece showing hands holding a bird which has been inset into this traveling suitcase. Charming.


Katy DeMent created this boxed paper lamp.


Bill Skrips never lets us down with his playful use of found materials.


See a close up of his wood carving.


Steve Thompson's light stands beautifully.


A closer look


Jill Toberson adds lighting for that outdoor space. Sculpture and lights.


We hope to see you at the gallery for this wonderful show!