today is the day

ARTS CAMP!

We started Arts Camp last week and these photos show what a great time our students had using their natural environment to inspire art activities. There is still space in the 3rd week of camp August 13 - 17. And our Fashion Lab starts next Monday, too, showing children and teens ages 11 and up how to design unique fashion statements from their own upcycled clothing and other materials. Go here for more info on camp and the Fashion Lab.

Arts Crawl July 14

We are so excited about the upcoming South Pas Arts Crawl on July 14. The Chamber of Commerce, along with arts organizations and merchants are producing these events four times a year now and we love them. There's always lots of art, activities, live music, and food, plus stories are open late and all of Mission Street downtown puts on a party. And we have some fun things planned:

In the SPACE Gallery we are very excited about a new artist we just met, Ngene Mwaura who is a talented and soulful young artist, originally from Kenya. He will be painting live in the SPACE storefront and some of his completed paintings will be on view (and for sale!). His work is bold and colorful, and blends African artistic traditions with European influences and contemporary street art.

Out front, henna artist Ellen Stavash will adorn adults and children alike with custom, hand-drawn henna designs.  

In the SPACE Studio at 1504 Mission Street - Our first summer Handmade Arts trunk show features art prints and jewelry by Courtney Oquist, handbags by Jeanie Joe, glass art by Andy Gersh, and jewelry designs by Anita Finnegan. The trunk show sale continues Fridays - Sundays, July 14 - July 29. We are trying this out for the first time, so let us know what you think. The items in this pop-up boutique make wonderfully unique gift items. 

More information about the Arts Crawl event can be found here. 

AIR Program at SPUSD

The SPACE Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program has served nearly 1800 elementary school students each year for the past two years in the South Pasadena Unified School District.

The SPACE teaching artists (Sarah Dugan, Dianna Freas, and Sarit Swanborn) have provided a vigorous visual arts curriculum that developed foundational art skills designed to build on each other from year to year. The program used the elements of art as a springboard for investigation into other subject areas such as language arts, geometry, the sciences and social studies.  Additional goals were to inspire critical thinking and provide a creative vehicle for students with diverse learning styles and capabilities.

Here is quick glimpse of the AIR program in action this past year (on Youtube).  Students and parents, please feel free to give us feedback and comments about your experiences.

AIR - Visual Arts for South Pas schools

Here are some stories from our AIR Program teachers who currently teach arts education at Marengo Elementary School. 

Teaching Artist Grades 3 - 5: Sarit Swanborn 

Wow! What a week!  My third, fourth, and fifth graders truly seemed to relish this interactive drawing session utilizing blind contour and gesture drawing techniques.  The pace seemed rhythmic and highly engaging as students explored drawing with different line weights, close observation of their fingers and hands, and theatrical gesture posing for one another.  The most pleasant surprise of all, however, was to watch students, teachers, and even many parent volunteers focus with intensity…accessing page after page in their quest to capture the spirit and line of their hands or a student model in an action pose—using ink pens, then soft charcoal pencils to record the essence of their subject over and over again. This studio-like atmosphere was nothing short of exhilarating, and yet offered an appropriate challenge for our introductory dip into the corridors of the moving body as an art form.  I cannot wait for week two, as we explore classical proportions of the body through wire sculpture!

Teaching Artist  K - 2: Sarah Dugan

The classroom teacher was reading a poem about leaves when I arrived so I instantly started with their poem and all the art within it. The word "hue" was in the poem and I took out my leaf samples. The poem couldn't have been a better transition for my point/line lesson as we looked at all the lines within the leaves. We then read the book and did work in our art journals, then did gesture drawings. I didn't want to suggest the gesture drawing models stand on the teacher's desk in her class, but after two, the teacher suggested it and rearranged the entire room to do it. She was so thrilled to see them learning "useful skills." We then did the scavenger hunt outside and the teacher said the students will definitely write stories in the end with her.

Karen Green's Tiny Stampede this Saturday

We are so excited to have Karen Green back at SPACE on Saturday, Sept. 24. This is her third show and we feel so honored to have an artist with her talent and depth share her work with us. We do plan to have a preview of her 57 artworks on Friday before the opening so that fans and friends of SPACE will have a chance to nab one of her pieces early. Hope to see you at the opening on Saturday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. More info about Tiny Stampede here. 

TAME

New Show
Paintings by Jordan Daines.
Opening reception May 21
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

SPACE presents Tame, a new series of oil paintings by South Pasadena artist Jordan Daines. She has exhibited her work in several group shows at SPACE, and has won over many fans with her painterly style and vivid palette.

With this new series Daines brings her eye from the landscapes of her earlier work indoors to the material trappings of domestic life. She renders commonplace objects with bold abstracted strokes, reminding us of the excess of material goods around us, but also celebrating their simple beauty with each tonal variation. The paintings will be on view at SPACE through Saturday, July 2nd.

WINDOW EXHIBIT

Featured in the SPACE storefront window are life-sized sculptures created by Cynthia Minet from a series of domestic animals made from recycled and re-purposed plastics, and LEDs. The work is part of an ongoing project which addresses the topic of genetic modification of animals, the prevalence of plastics in our environment and the food chain, and the dependence our culture has on electricity. More info on Cynthia Minet.

Still/LIFE continues through March 12

If you missed the opening of Still/LIFE, you still have a chance to see the work of photographers Shannon Leith and Pete Starman.

A graduate of The Art Center College of Design, Starman has focused his talents on editorial work, creating images that are dynamic, tense, and charged with the relationships of its players. They are stills from a larger scene, bursting out of the confines of their frame and highlighting the less tangible nuances.

"I'm interested in relationships and how people relate to each other but also how people relate to inanimate objects and their environments, in a word - context." The strength of many of his images lies in his very deliberate cropping, making us question the larger story beyond the still.

Shannon Leith's work is a meditation on the beauty and sanctity of the mundane. A recent Biola University graduate with a BFA in photography, Leith documents her home environment daily and is genuinely absorbed in celebrating life's smallest beautiful moments, and is able to capture them, so that we can too. She makes us all slow down to appreciate the beauty of a kitchen sponge, or colander. Or the pinkness of a straw, or a friend's red hair in the sun on a road trip.

"I am fascinated by the most ordinary things. For me, the everyday stuff of life has the potential to be full of meaning and mystery. These photographs are my way to practice being present. I'd rather rush, but this is how I slow down and actually see what I'm seeing."

Still/LIFE is on view through March 12.

At top, Untitled, Shannon Leith, Below, Untitled, Pete Starman

OPEN STUDIOS

Upcoming Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

$20 per child, Ages 5 and up, reserve your space at southpasarts@sbcglobal.net, or call 626-441-4788.

Feb. 12 - VALENTINE'S DAY THEME

Children will create cards and crafts for their loved ones.

Feb. 26 - CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Come make collages and other artwork inspired by famous black artists.

Art Workshops Start Jan. 10

A new slate of arts workshops begins the week of Jan. 10 including drawing, painting, ceramics, creative writing, architecture and design, and photography. Information on the classes and registration info can be found on our website, spaceartscenter.com.

Ceramics classes with Rebecca Tager

Ceramics Show opens June 19

Space presents unearthed, a group show of local ceramic artists. Brenda Holzke, Toti O'Brien, Jocelyn Webb Pedersen, David Prince, Nicole Ruelle-Oppenheimer, Rebecca Tager and Cynthia Thiel celebrate the organic nature and history of the medium - the happy accidents and surprises; the tactile relationship with the object. The work ranges from ancient-looking vessels to objects resembling things found in nature. Come join us for the opening Saturday, June 19, with a reception from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Art Opening on May 1

SPACE is excited to announce the opening of Our Shaky Civilization, with Animals - collaborative paintings on wood by a family of artists, Abira Ali, Gordon Henderson and Eliza Bee Henderson. The work depicts a shaky civilization where what we once knew as wilderness has been removed and reassembled to resemble a theme park. People and animals cohabitate in the small space they’ve been given, struggling to maintain their now irrational instincts. Opens on May 1, with a reception from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

On May 15, join us at 8:00 p.m. for Our Shaky Stories, with Animals - an evening of adult storytelling with members of the Write Club; Ramsey Brown, Lauri Fraser, Gordon Henderson, Jane Morris and Clara York. Hosted by Helena H. (This event contains mature content, so it's better to leave this kids at home.)

Textiles on the Edge Opening Draws Crowds

We had a very successful opening for Textiles on the Edge on March 20. Great art, large crowds, children playing - a very fun night in the neighborhood! If you haven't gotten a chance to see this group show, come by during our gallery hours, Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Local artists in the show are Victoria Arriola, Melanie Ciccone, Kathleen Coyle, Karen Green, Lillian Montalvo-Hardy, Vanora Savig, Shelley Stephens, Marie Switzer, Cynthia Thiel and Joan Weizettle.

Textiles on the Edge opens March 20

SPACE is excited to announce the opening of its tenth show, Textiles On the Edge, with a preview and reception on March 20th, 2010.

This group show of ten local artists offers a twist on the conventions of traditional textile arts in their use of unexpected materials and techniques. The works explore personal and global issues, and dealwith form and function, memory and identity, healing and grief.
Saturday, March 20
Preview 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Reception 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

ARTS WORKSHOPS BEGIN JAN. 19

An comprehensive array of arts workshops for children and adults begins the week of Jan. 19, offering classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and fiction writing, plus a KinderArt class and drawing and ceramics classes for adults.
In addition, starting January 23, families can come to SPACE on Saturdays, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. to join us in making a different art project each week. Adults can drop off children ages six and older, but reservations are required. For more information about all of our classes, click here.
Registration begins January 5.

The Fall Arts Workshop session was a great success. Parent Eileen Lee told us, "I'm blown away by the stuff that Eamon and Oona are doing in their classes at SPACE. Crazy good stuff. Thank you for being such a great resource."
SPACE recently partnered with SPEF to provide after school art classes at the local elementary schools. Heather Conyers taught printmaking (see below) and Marie Miller taught environmental design. SPACE teaching artist Jocelyn Webb Pedersen held a printmaking workshop at the South Pasadena Library. We love the opportunity to partner with local organizations to provide arts education in our community!

For more information about SPACE classes and events, visit our website, www. spaceartscenter.com, or our blog southpasarts.blogspot.com. You may also contact us at southpasarts@sbcglobal.net, or call 626-441-4788.

December events

TEEN ART PROJECT, DEC. 10
SPACE will host a card-making art workshop for teens at the South Pasadena Library on Dec. 10, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., in the Community Room. Students design and hand print holiday cards, inspired by traditional and non-traditional holiday motifs. All materials provided. No artistic skills necessary. Free. South Pasadena Library, 1100 Oxley Street, 626-403-7300.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES, DEC. 11
Take a break from the hectic holidays and join us for an evening of cheer. At 6:30 p.m., artist/writer Gordon Henderson will perform Tales of Christmas and Tyranny, then at 7:00 p.m., bluesy singer Lisa Finnie performs from an eclectic repertoire of holiday songs and standards.

A music critic describes the talented Finnie this way: "This torchy singer's gigs are as fresh as a traveling salesman and as infectious as an office cold."

No admission charge, but donations accepted for the Downtown Women's Center.

CREATE A HANDMADE GIFT, DEC. 12
Make your own unique gift at an arts workshop for adults and children of all ages. We will show you how to create a holiday wall-hanging, ornament or cards for a loved one.
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: $7 per person.
Space is limited so reserve your spot by contacting us at southpasarts@sbcglobal.net, or 626-441-4788.

SPACE GIFT IDEAS
Something unique for everyone on your list!
For Mom: Crocheted necklaces and pins, handmade journals, ceramic sculptures
For Dad: Innovative designer Stefan Sagmeister's Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far, Arroyo Seco notecards, Gordon Henderson's 2009 Calendars
Children and Teens: Shapescapes building toy, Charlie Harper's Memory Game, artist designed pins and vinyl clutches, Concrete2Canvas: Skateboarder art
Stocking Stuffers: Felted yarn "desserts", ceramic pigs, sketchbooks
For Everyone: A gift certificate to SPACE which can be used toward artwork, gifts, or an art class.

Thank you for supporting local businesses this holiday season. WE APPRECIATE YOU! Check out southpasadenatoday for local shopping and entertainment tips.

SOUTH PASADENA ARTS BENEFIT, DEC. 6
Our friends Ellin and Harry Lieberman host this annual event benefiting patients at Children's Hospital of New Orleans still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. There will be art for sale, music, and food donated by local organizations. Unwrapped toys for the hospital patients are appreciated. Benefit 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Click here for more information.

Save the Date, Nov. 14

SPACE invites you to the opening of "Home for the Holidays", our home-themed show of fine and functional art, and handcrafted gift items. On November 14, SPACE joins local businesses Camille DePedrini, Rue de Mimo, Marz, Dinosaur Farm, the South Pasadena Music Center and others for an open house and block party. Don't miss sales, music, food, and activities!
Above, The Tea Party, Stephanie Mercado.

New Arts Workshops

Several new arts workshops will begin six week sessions in November.

Fiction Writing with author Allison Bell: For ages 9 and up. Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., begins Nov. 17. Fee $160.00
Drawing and Painting: For ages 6 - 8, Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., begins Nov. 11. Taught by Joan Swayze. Fee $160.00 (CLASS FULL)
Ceramics: For ages 9 - 11. Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., begins Nov. 12. Taught by Rebecca Tager. Fee $160.00. (CLASS FULL)
Kinder Art: For ages 3 - 5. Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30. Begins Nov. 10. Fee $120.00.
Mixed Media: Adults. Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Begins Nov. 19. Fee $220.

Registration begins Oct. 28. More details coming soon. Please feel free to contact us for more information: southpasarts@sbcglobal.net, or call 626-441-4788.

Karen Green Art Show/ArtsFest

Only three artworks remain available for sale in the Karen Green exhibit, Latent Learning Experiments, on view through Oct. 30. The Forgiveness Machine (at right) created by David Kreitz, based on Ms. Green's design, has been working overtime to the delight of children and relief to the many adults who have used it to forgive or be forgiven. Over thirty mice, created by Ms. Green and other local artists as part of the installation, have been described as "cute" to "scary". Come see for yourself.

SPACE Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.