Friday October 09th 2009, 10:59 am
Filed under: News
It was Saturday morning when I got the text message, a friendly reminder that the deadline for submitting work to the Mayor’s Art Show was today. I quickly scurried to the closet, rummaged through the frames, and pulled out the piece I intended to submit all along. I was kicking myself for not having framed it sooner. After intense scrutiny and a fresh mat, the chosen print ‘Generation’ was wall-ready and delivered.
About a week later the lists were posted. The jury had selected a handful of works for inclusion for this year’s show. Outside the Jacob’s Gallery, every few minutes, an artist would approach the list. After a breath to calm the nerves, they’d make the reluctant approach in hopes of finding their name among the selected. Once I’d worked up enough courage, I too made my approach. As I began to make out the text, I was confronted with stream of names, some foreign, some familiar until I finally settled on my own. A huge sigh of relief accompanied the satisfaction of having made it in.
The night of the opening I was anxiously looking around the room, seeking among the large crowd the friends and family I had hoped would join me in celebrating the event. After a speech from the Master of Ceremonies, and another from the Mayor, it was on to the award ceremony. One after another artists were called forward to be given an award. I was stunned with disbelief upon hearing my name. There was a burst of celebration from friends and family in the back of the room. Shocked, I made my way to the stage and received the Honorable Mention Award and a very large multicolored bag, chock full of a variety of art supplies. A bag of loot?! I was thrilled.
As the Award ceremony drew to a close, the crowd made their way down to the gallery to view this year’s show. It was a boisterous, colorful and ever shifting tide pouring through the gallery, washing through the works. Each current, exchanging within itself a self-reflective process of evaluation and reaction. I paddled over to my own piece, after a few laps of conversation with a fellow printmaker. And there it was…hanging quietly, solitary. Motionless on the wall as the crowd passed before it. I then noticed the tiny red dot adorning the title, indicating the work had sold.
The night was made memorable by way of providing new confidence and a tangible sense of success. My work had been assessed, accepted, included, and further validated as worthwhile and valuable as a purchase. It was an overwhelming experience, and altogether unforgettable. I’m grateful to all who made it possible. Thank you to everyone involved in putting the show together, all who attended, and everyone who has encouraged and supported me. A special thanks goes out to the all the patrons, and specifically to whomever purchased my piece on opening night. All of you continue to inspire artists to make the world more beautiful.
Tuesday December 16th 2008, 1:03 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized
So. I have another show!
I just finished hanging a bunch of prints at the lovely Eugene Coffee Company. The staff (and patrons) were very easy-going and seemingly unaffected by my slamming nails into to the wall, so thanks to you all.
I have both framed and unframed work up. The framed and matted prints are wall-ready. I’ve been making sure to frame everything in an archival manner. This means the work is protected for the long term against acids being deposited or transferred to the work. I’ve been really particular about using 100% rag mat and backing, linen hinging tape, the works.
I’m also showing some gouache paintings I made a while ago, and I’ve already sold one, so that’s good news.
The vibe in the Eugene Coffee Company is pretty mellow and its a nice, intimate space. I recommend to anyone interested in a relaxing place to have a quiet conversation or a place to sit alone and enjoy yourself.
If anyone might be in that area of town, please check out the work on display and let me know what you think, I’m always interested in getting some feedback.
Friday November 14th 2008, 12:18 pm
Filed under: News
OK, so its confirmed, I have a show for the month of November. After checking out my work, the lovely folks of Eugene’s very own funky fresh grocer, the New Frontier Market, offered their space to me for the entire month.
After an adventurous day of pounding nails, climbing atop produce refrigerators, and talking squash with the locals, I’m happy to say the collection of selected works is now hanging! I’m especially thrilled with having a show here because whenever shopping there, I find myself digging the laid back atmosphere and crazy/cool people I usually encounter. Its always good vibes and I think folks will enjoy the art hanging there.
Added bonus: the store is also an official stop on the Last Friday ArtWalk. This will be my first time in the ArtWalk as a featured artist for the month of November. I can’t wait to link up with the roving masses during that celebratory exploration of grassroots artistry.
Please join me in celebrating the opening of the show, Friday, November 14th, from 6:30-8:00 pm. There will be free wine tasting and good conversation for all who attend. Thanks for your support.
New Frontier Market 1101 W 8th Avenue Eugene, OR. 97402
Monday November 03rd 2008, 6:04 pm
Filed under: News
I am finally getting my work up on Etsy!
Many recent works are now featured in my public shop on this amazing site. Where else can you do all your Holiday shopping with the foreknowledge and guarantee that its all handmade? Its like Eugene’s Saturday Market gone global!
Monday November 03rd 2008, 5:34 pm
Filed under: News
I just finished hanging a massive display of artwork with fellow artist and friend Victor Schramm. The show runs the entire month of October at the Horsehead Bar-BQ restaurant in downtown Eugene, Oregon.
The huge show consists of over 50 pieces, primarily pastel paintings and prints. The work covers a range of subject matter and a variety of styles.
Prints and Paintings by Richard D. Owens and Victor Schramm
Showing October 1, 2008 - October 31, 2008
Here’s a short video showing some of my prints and a few of Victor’s pastel paintings:
If you’re in the area, feel free to stop in and check it out!
Monday October 06th 2008, 2:38 pm
Filed under: News
Prints and Paintings by Richard D. Owens and Victor Schramm
A wide-ranging display of over 50 pieces, primarily pastel paintings and prints. The exhibition explores a variety of subject matter and styles, from the stark contrasts of black and white prints to the rich color of pastel’s pure pigments.
Monday September 08th 2008, 6:56 pm
Filed under: News
So I just found out on Saturday that my submission to the Mayor’s Art Show here in Eugene was officially selected for inclusion in the show!
Over 400 entries underwent the juror selection process. My submission is an untitled drypoint intaglio print, among my most recent work.
From Coordinator Miriam Alexis Jordan’s, site:
“The Mayor’s Art Show is one of the few joint ventures that celebrate local artists and works. The Jacobs Gallery continues in the spirit of Maurie Jacobs, who was a respected and admired man, and the leaders with whom he labored, aspired to give Eugene a cultural center worthy of being a model of civic vision.” Miriam Alexis Jordan
I am overjoyed to have been included and look forward to joining friends and family for the Eugene Mayor’s Art Show Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 11, to kick-off the Eugene Celebration. The public begins gathering at 5:30 P.M., Hult Center.
