Mary Lou Zeek Gallery

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Leslie Lee and Dennis Meiners, a studio visit

As I prepare for our May Show, I'm needing to visit artists studios to pick out work....a fun time to chat with my favorite people.

Leslie Lee's studio was packed with paintings that intrigued my curiosity.

Leslie was currently working on new work and explained her process.

Leslie has been doing a "drawing a day" and while looking through her sketchbook I saw this painting. There I was at the Guardino show for Kim Murton's opening. (well...the back of my head!)

Next to Leslie's studio is where Dennis was found working in clay. Many years ago I took a workshop from Dennis and still feel it was one of the best I'd ever taken.

I love Dennis's work...Handbuilt clay teapots that are rich in texture and metaphors.

A few other clay works that will be in our May show.

A close up of "tools"

Save the dates for May 9th - May 16th

"Pulse " opens in downtown Salem at 211 Commercial Street. A show you don't want to miss!

This show will feature the work of 35 artists, each creating a one-of-a-kind artwork available for purchase through a silent auction open to the public the week of the show. Additional art by the same 35 artists will be featured.

For the past 12 years, we've curated annual shows to support the good work of a variety of area non-profits. In partnership with sponsors and non-profit organizations, these shows have contributed to the work of SOLV, Marion Polk Food Share, Chemeketa Community College Literacy Program, SOS Shelter, and Friends of Pimpollo, among others.

"Pulse" will raise awareness and support the programs of the Medical foundation of Marion & Polk Counties, supports continuation and expansion of valuable programs in the Mid-Willamette Valley. The program provides nearly 85% of the annual operating funds for their programs such as Project Access, MedAssist, Woman's Health Program and MOMS Plus.

The Mary Lou Zeek Gallery has a strong track record of creating quality shows of work by the best artists that draw large numbers of people through inspired promotion. "I am proud of the reputation I've built for expanding support for art and artists, and bringing together business and community partners to do so."

These shows are only possible through strategic business partnerships. These businesses support this show and our community. They include: The Salem Convention Center, Pioneer Trust Bank, CB|Two Architects and Construction, Willamette ENT, WVP Health Authority and PDQ Investments, LLC.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Meet Christopher Bibby

Stopping by to visit Chris is always a treat. His soft spoken demeanor kept my attention while I listened to his latest direction of his painting. His studio is in a large garage at the back of his house, it's cozy and heated by a woodstove.

Chris tends to the fire.

paints in their bins.

paintings are displayed while another is in progress.

brushes.

Completed paintings.

studio.

the table where it all happens.

books.

a possible break from painting to exercise.

guitar.

Chris shows me how two paintings can go together one way...

and then be turned in another direction to create a completely different painting.

and another direction.

and another.

Chris also showed me his line drawings on panel.

Thanks Chris!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Traveling to the artist studios

Now that I have more time during the day, I am able to travel to visit studios, shows and openings.
Recently, I caught up with Corrine Loomis Dietz and saw her culmination of work from the last three months.

For three months, Corrine worked in the gallery space at Chemeketa Community College...day in and day out, she experimented with new ideas.

What's so great about this? It's the freedom to try new ideas and to work in a fishbowl of activity at the campus.

After creating these colorful "pours" of artwork, Corrine needed to figured out how they could be presented to the public. These pieces were attached to wire mesh and were hung from the ceiling.

Corrine tried new ideas like this piece...pouring onto the paper and then applying color onto it. I enjoyed the texture that came through in a subtle way.

I enjoyed this piece. We discussed the structures being held up by an image of her husband Curt. This piece held our conversation.

This was one of my favorites.

More experimentation.

Here is another one of Corrine's poured pieces but this time she experimented by placing it onto aluminum.

How can you not like this guy! Another favorite of mine. Thanks Corrie for a fun afternoon.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Liz McDonald - "The Figure"

For the month of February, we are showing online works by Liz McDonald.

Liz loves the freedom to change and exaggerate features to enhance her composition or concept. The influence of modern art, along with her appreciation of the contradictions in the human experience, have helped her make these choices.

Liz embraces solitude. She believes that quiet stirs the creative imagination and allows her to develop almost subconsciously.

Each of these paintings are available for sale.

Inquire by calling 503-581-3229 or email mzeek@comast.net.

We will be happy to ship to your doorstep!