Our book is finished!

We finally finished our blurb book for our "100 Artist Show". Click the link below to order yours!

100 Artists-2009

"Inside-Out Educat...

By Mary Lou Zeek Gallery

Book Preview

100 Artists "Inside-Out"

These last few weeks have been 24/7 at the gallery and at home. Late night posting images online, creating a Blurb book, tagging each piece of art, keeping 100 art pieces organized, dusting and mopping the floors,; Shelley, Roz, Tina, Bonnie, MiKayla and Monica have all been a force over the last 6 months...these shows would not happen without their help. Also thanks to the "strong men" (Alan and Ted) for hanging shelves and keeping us all on task.
Last,I do believe that this show is over the top and each and every artist has done a fabulous job, without their contributing and creating as they do...this show wouldn't exist...we can't wait for you to see.
Stop in, call us with a bid and watch for pictures online, we'll keep you posted.

Today I came home with a great piece of art by Kim Hamblin a Sheridan artist.

Her pieces are made from paper that's precisely cut and then nailed onto a thick piece of wood. Pretty fab.

Everyday when taking a walk in our neighborhood I find myself looking at various shapes on the ground, it may be moss, stones or just sticks. I spotted this twig and walked right past it, the further I walked the more I thought about it's shape. I walked around the block, found it again and brought it home with me. Simple sightings of nature and being enamored with a silly stick. I like to think of it as "organic sculpture."

"Trashion Show"

This evening I was honored to judge a "Trashion Show" at Abiqua School. I loved seeing these kids showing such enthusiasm in creating art out of trash. Truly, these are our next budding artists!

Books, Books, and more books!

We are in the process of receiving the books for the 100 Artist Show, "Inside-Out/Educating Without Boundaries". Amazing works are coming in that we just can't believe, we love all of the fantastic works each artist has done this year.....they have gone above and beyond.
The show will go online for everyone to view in the next couple of weeks. Be ready to have your socks knocked off!
Here is a peek at a few of the finished books....can you guess the titles?

January Show

Today I spent the day with Alison O'Donoghue and Kim Murton setting up their new show. Crazy afternoon.

Vacationing at Trillium Lake

This December we have had tons of snow in the Willamette Valley but in our craziness we decided to drive to find more. We drove up to Trillium Lake, snowshoed 1.5 miles in the dark with 3 dogs to find our cozy cabin...it was quite an adventure.

We have closed the gallery to spend time with our family and friends but will reopen on Friday, January 2nd. Our new show is "Playful" art by Kim Murton and Alison O'Donoghue...a show that will bring a smile to your face for the month of January.

Catching snowflakes!

We woke up to lots of snow this morning and I couldn't help but take this photo. The mask that hangs on our house looks like he's catching snowflakes on his tongue.

It's snowing!

Even though we had amazing amounts of snow today the gallery was brisk with holiday excitement.
Thank you to all of our true customers who believe in supporting the arts. Yes....Art fills the soul.

Our Christmas Tree

Recycle-Reuse!

I've been working on a quilt for the past year and am finally almost done.(I do have a life outside the gallery!) I have been picking up old woolen sweaters at various thrift stores, washing them in hot water and then cutting them into shapes. Layering and stitching the shapes has been fun until I had to figure out how I would turn it all into a quilt.
I really enjoy the creative process BUT hate to follow directions. When people would ask me..."how are you going to put it together?" I really didn't have an answer because I loved the process of creating the squares. After making a zillion of these and having them take over my house I decided that I would go into a quilt store to ask a few questions. After explaining what I was making and looking at their puzzled looks I realized that the quilt ladies at the store like to sew straight, cut straight lines and like order in their sewing lives. I was in the wrong place.
Since I don't particularly like to measure OR cut in straight lines I realized that I had to figure this out myself.

Recycle-Reuse!

Budding Artist Mathilda

Holiday Cheer at the gallery!

It's just wrong.

This morning I took a walk and encountered these "tortured trees". I couldn't help but spend the rest of my walk thinking about how this relates to life itself. This is about our environment and respecting nature. This just seems wrong.

What a life....

After decorating the tree, Cooper decided to take it easy by the fire.
There are times when we all wish we had a "Dog's life".

Deborah DeWit Marchant-"Painting Cats"

Our friend and artist Deb DeWit Marchant just released her wonderful new book titled "Painting Cats". We had a book signing at the gallery on Wednesday with many "Deb Followers".
This book is a must have for the holiday.

On the brighter side.

Art begins at a young age as with positive feelings on life. Let's all dream of rainbows for our future.

Celebrate with "ding dong style"

We love celebrating birthdays with our special homemade ding-dong cakes.
This cake was built for friend who just turned 18 on Sunday. Perfect for the artist who doesn't like to stay inside the lines.

Dog day afternoon

It is a sunny day with dogs visiting the gallery.

Art

Art is insightful, posing questions and seeking unexpected answers. Art is a refuge, encouraging reflection or just stillness. Art is diverse, offering perspectives beyond our own. Art is educational, examining our world and our histories. Art is inspirational. Looking at art gets us imagining our own next creative venture. Get engaged. Go visit an art gallery.

Driving Home

While driving home from Portland I just couldn't help but take a picture of the beautiful lights of the city. Hanging out the window with slow shutter speed...goodbye Portland.

Studio Visits

Today my husband and I drove to Portland to visit the studios of Kim Murton and Alison O'Donoghue. Lucky us.
Alison has been working on a commission for the Salem Hospital where she has been painting a 21' x 6' mural in her living room. Her detailed painting of people, animals and other imagery just took our breath away.

Close up of painting

Alison in her studio

Alison and her little friends

Kim Murton's studio

Comfortable kitty

While visiting Kim's studio we noticed her little black cat curled up on her work table.

Gathering of Artists

Tonight we are taking our "Face the Public" artists out for dinner and conversation.
We will be gathering together,toasting the arts with upbeat feelings of what is on the horizon. This will be a good night.

Creative Time

I'm going to a election party on Tuesday night and thought I would make some
artful Obama necklaces to give to my friends. I'm thinking positive.