HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 03/08/13

Hey RISD/LA, have you heard all about the proposed LACMA/MOCA merger yet?  What do you think about it?  Will it benefit the LA Art Scene or are we putting all our eggs in one big basket?

In other news, its Daylight Savings Time again!  Time to Spring Forward (ugh) or as some put it, "lose" an hour, so set all your clocks forward on Saturday night so you're not late to any of rest of the fun things happening this weekend.  Let us know what you did and Happy Arting!

SUNDAY

Get your charcoals, oils and turp out and head to the Gallery Girls Art Brunch, a salon-style open drawing and painting studio, with 2 professional live art models in (4 hr) long poses.  
10:30am to 2:30pm
COST: $25 Paid in Advance
$30 at the door, photography is $10 extra per model
INCLUDES FOOD & DRINKS
Click here to PAY IN ADVANCE
www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=M25AVEKXGB6U8
RSVP: (818)535-5761
or jenfabpat2@yahoo.com
The Kline Academy
3264 Motor Ave,
Los Angeles (Culver City), CA 90034
www.klineacademy.com
(310) 927-2436
For complete details and more weekend events from the Gallery Girls, check out http://gallerygirls.org/sunday-art-brunch-kline-academy-3313/

Its the second Sunday of the month so that means the Rose Bowl Flea Market, of course!
Regular admission starts at 9am for $8.00 per person, children under 12 are admitted free
Express admission from 8:00am - 9:00am at $10.00 per person
Early admission from 7:00am - 8:00am at $15.00 per person, 
Special Preview VIP admission from 5:00am - 7:00am at $20.00 per person
Rose Bowl Stadium

1001 Rose Bowl Dr 

Pasadena, CA 

(626) 577-3100  

rosebowlstadium.com 

For more info on the Flea Market and a complete list of vendors, check out http://rgcshows.com/rosebowl.aspx

After a day of figure painting, and flea marketing, see some professionals get in the (other kind of) paint at the Clippers / Pistons game.  The Brown SoCal Alumni Organization has scored a group deal $36 / ticket.  But hurry!  These tickets sell fast
Contact: Lenny Kirschen, lkirschen@gmail.com
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1111 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA
To get tickets and for full information check out http://www.brownsocal.org/events/2013/clippers-vs-pistons. 


Image via LA Times, Three of eight Mark Rothko paintings and Jackson Pollock's 1949 "Number 1" are in MOCA's permanent collection

HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 03/01/13

Its a good weekend to stay off the 405 Alums, but if you happen to be heading to Henderson, NV do be sure to check out last month's featured Alumni Nicolas Shake's show 10th Circle.  And make sure you check out this month's featured Alumni of the Month Bridget Konopka (neé McKahan).  Have a great weekend and as always, Happy Arting! -->

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

V for Vampira Art Show is a street event hosted by Monster A Gogo, with participating retailers Shrine and Manic Panic.  The show will feature artwork from artists influenced by Vampira, never seen before artwork by Maila “Vampira” Nurmi and the unique opportunity to purchase original Vampira jewellery hand made by Maila Nurmi when she operated Vampira's Attic on Melrose Ave. 
Friday March 1st - The show will be open for general entry between 8-10pm
Saturday 2nd March - The show will be open all day from 12-9p

7361 Melrose Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90046
More info can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/415169301905121/

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Alum Nicolas Shake IL 08 is part of a Dante Inspired show called 10th Circle, curated by David Pagel opening this weekend in Henderson, NV.
Opening: March 2, 6-8p, with artists and Pagel participating on a panel at 5 p.m. 
Runs through April 15
Vast Space Projects
730 W. Sunset Road
Henderson, NV
(323) 240-2888

More info can be found at https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7I51QgVVXiq4fdVHMqo6roKQzJ0chYK6PZlyk7JZtJWGrZCR2RzceIjRe0C1v1dtnKDBvmviidDbq6KO96a0g9wvswB5M5B3F-oztujJKBszswIjfT9D-oKYiC3GFgar0Zmo2t-UNyk/s1600/VAST-2.jpg

The Bauer Pottery Showroom Sale is running Saturday and Sunday Saturday, March 2 10am - 5pm Sunday, March 3 10am - 4pm 3051 Rosslyn Street Los Angeles, CA 90065 For more information visit http://www.bauerpottery.com/showroomsale.php Image via Vampira Official Facebook Page

ARTIST of the MONTH of MARCH: Bridget Konopka (neé McKahan)

Q: What is your name, major and year at RISD?

 

A: Bridget Konopka (maiden name McKahan)

Illustration 1999

Q: What was your favorite class or teacher at RISD?

A: Judy Sue’s children’s book illustration’s class. I wrote and illustrated a book that I still would like to finish one day. It was really fun and informative about how to make a children’s book.

Q: Who or what inspires your work now? 

A: I enjoy going to the museums and gallery openings here in LA. The City is full of art, new and old that is very inspiring. I also travel a lot and like to take pictures of textures I find in nature, and in cities. These are always helpful when doing texture painting. 
 

Q: What are you currently "doing" these days?

A: For the past 10 years I have been working as a 3-D artist and then an Art Director for kids video games.With my background first being in illustration and sculpting I then went back to school to learn you do use those skill in the digital realm. I have worked on Toontown Online, Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and a few others. I really enjoy working in 3-D and creating great looking assets for games, and the problem solving that comes with it. There is always a balance of art and technical limitations in games. You can make a game look amazing but if it is too heavy to heavy to run, you don’t have much of a game. I enjoy working with the tech team to see how far we can push the art, and come up with new ideas and techniques to get the best of both worlds when possible. Another area I specialize in is avatar design and customization. It is really important to create a good avatar system for a game. The more the player identifies with their avatar, the more they will enjoy playing.

Q: And what are you currently working on? 

A: Currently I’m working on my portfolio and trying to brush up on programs like Z-Brush. (A digital sculpting program that is pretty amazing) 

I’m also may do a video tutorial for Gnomon School of Visual Effects in the near future.

Q: What has changed the most for you, as an artist, in the last 10 years?
 

A: I think the thing that has changed the most for me as an artist is that my career has taken me from being very hands-on artist to more of a director and manager. I don’t do as much art as I used to, but I’m now making an effort to do more of that on my own.

Also the technology is always changing and evolving especially in the digital field. There is so much out there it sometimes feels like it’s hard to keep up. I think it’s good to focus on what you enjoy and what will help you in your career. You can’t be a master at every program out there.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years? 

A: Who knows, I will probably be doing more consulting and freelance work, or maybe just making art on my own for my own enjoyment. Only time will tell.

Q: What do you love/hate about the "Art Scene" in LA?

A: I love the abundance of the LA art scene. There is every type of art here to see and experience. I’m a member of the LACMA  Avant-Garde group, and they have great art events that I attend regularly throughout the city.

Q: What do you want to see out of the RISD LA Alumni organization in the future?
 

A: I think the activities you have planned so far have been great. I can’t think of anything else I would want at the moment.

HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 02/08/13

Kung Hei Fat Choi RISD LA Alums! Welcome the Year of the Snake this weekend and later this week check out the Late Night Date Night at LACMA for Valentine's Day and Alumni Blue McRight's show at the Samuel Freeman Gallery. May all your wishes be fulfilled! Stay safe, dry and Happy Arting! 

SATURDAY

Head to Chinatown for the Chinese New Year's Midnight Ceremony Friday 2/9, and all next weekend check out the 114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade and other fun cultural events. All info can be found below and many events are FREE!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
10pm - 1am
Chuan Thien Hau (Cam Au) Temple
750-756 N. Yale Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
http://www.chinatownla.com/

THURSDAY  

LACMA is hosting a Late Night Date Night for Lovers of Art and Lovers of Love 2/14 from 6 pm - 9 pm. There is a special romantic menu as well as other dinner specials. Make a date of it!
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd.  
Los Angeles, CA 90036
http://lacma.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/valentines-at-lacma/

CONTINUING

LA based RISD Alumni Blue McRight's show "Quench" continues at the Samuel Freeman Gallery through Feb 16th, read more about her work in the LA Times.
Jan 12 - Feb 16, 2013
2639 South La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
+1 310-499-1479
+1 310-425-8601
www.samuelfreeman.com 

 

Image via LACMA © 2013 Mark Flores, photo © 2013 Museum Associates/ LACMA, by Steve Cohn.

HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 02/01/13

Hi Alums and Art Lovers!  Below is an (incomplete) list of fun things to do this weekend (other than the SUPERBOWL! Or the Puppy Bowl, depending on where your loyalties lie.  If you have something coming up, let us know!  We'd love to include you in our upcoming HAPPENINGS.  Also be sure to check out the first installment of our ARTIST of the MONTH posting featuring Nicolas Shake, IL 08.  Have fun and Happy Art-ing!

 FRIDAY

Printed Matter's LA ART BOOK FAIR
Opening: Thursday, January 31, 2013, 6–9 pm
February 1-3, 2013
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
152 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-6222
moca.org


SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Vintage Fashion Expo

Regular Admission $10.00. Sat Early Buy Admission $20.00. Tickets are on sale NOW!

Feb. 2nd & 3rd, 2013

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

1855 Main St, Santa Monica, CA

(310) 458-8551

santamonicacivic.org

image via LA Art Book Fair

 

ARTIST of the MONTH of FEBRUARY: Nicolas Shake

Welcome to the first installment of the Artist of the Month.  The First Friday of every month, we will profile an Alumni in the midst of their careers.  Some have stayed true to their majors at RISD, some are doing something completely different.  Some have a "job" while pursuing their passions on the side, some are devoted parents or teachers helping others find their own passions.  We hope this serves as a snapshot in the lives of the folks with whom we have a connection, but shows the different paths we have taken since.

And now, without further adieu, LA Alumni Nicolas Shake

photo courtesy of Nicolas Shake

Q: What is your name, major and year at RISD? 

A: Nicolas Shake, Illustration 2008

Q: What was your favorite class or teacher at RISD?

A: Lenny Long’s Advanced Projects, he had an unwavering demand and sharp critiques.     

Q: Who or what inspires your work now?  

A: Who inspires me?  There have been people in my life that have made me want to strive for the best, and even people that I admire and want to impress.  It’s not a direct inspiration…more of a motivator. As for the what?  I look at a lot of Dutch still-life painting and what was occurring in their society during the time.  I like the idea of still life being the lowest genre of painting at the time.  The theatrics and labor of the genera intrigues me. I recently read a great article by TJ Clark on Jean-Francois Millet. The intimacy of the objects with which we surround ourselves has always intrigued me as well. But this is kind of a broad question and everyone expects it, I'm not sure what a better answer to this is…

photo courtesy of Nicolas Shake

Q: Well, I guess what I really want to know is, in your darkest hour, when you're full of the most self doubt and struggling to continue, when everyone around you is a lawyer, a doctor or an accountant with a 9 - 5 job, what keeps you striving to be an "artist"? 

A: It's tough. For me, having others around me who are dealing with the same issue or more experienced artists who have gone through this period in their careers and have made it out alive, those people keep me going, or give me inspiration to do so.

I've been lucky to have a few great people in my life that believe in what I do. But most of all, I've had to push forward. I'm a person who will get something wrong two, three, four times but I learn from every experience and I enjoy that process of failure and learn even more from that than any situation that came much easier  

"There have been a lot of times that I've thought about throwing in the towel. But every time I think that I also think what else would I do? Art has been a life long crush for me and, like most crushes, there has been heartbreak and pure joy." 

Q: So how would you describe what it is you "do"? 

A: I would say I'm an artist, not a fine artist or a painter just plainly and simply, an artist. The medium I choose to make my working should not hem me in to some type of descriptor. I spend the majority of my time in my studio, but I also teach at Chapman University. As for a hobby…a friend of mine just got me into indoor rock climbing.  I’ve only been a few times but I love it.     

photo courtesy of Nicolas Shake

Q: And what are you currently working on? 

A: I just finished a book about one of my projects called “The Rhythm is Odd”. I’m also working on my first solo exhibition, which will be at Western Project on May 11, 2013. Also a group exhibition, at VAST Space Project in March.  That show is curated by David Pagel. There are a few other projects in the works but as for now I’m not saying too much about them.

photo courtesy of Nicolas Shake

Q: What has changed the most for you, as an artist, in the last 10 years?  Could be anything, from your style to technology, etc. 

A: That’s a big list.  I went to graduate school at Claremont Graduate University.  If I look back at the work I was making during undergrad I can see some hints of what I’m doing now, more in the concepts than in the physical work. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

A: Still showing but in internationally and nationally (LA and New York). Dream big. Who knows if I’ll still be in LA.  A year before moving to Providence I remember having a conversation with a friend and I said something like “Who would ever live in Rhode Island, I could never live there.” 

Q: What do you love/hate about the "Art Scene" in LA? 

A: Love... There is a great community in LA right now.  Galleries like Weekend, Jaus, and Elephant, more independent spaces that are about developing community and have a strong vision for what they would like the art world to be, anchor it.  

photo courtesy of Nicolas Shake

Hate…I’ve been thinking about Dave Hickey leaving the art world and the reasoning behind it… The art bubble, it always becomes a large topic after Miami Basel.  There seems to be a general disappointment in what is going on right now, not just with big money galleries/collectors but all aspects of the art world.  From MFA programs to government funding for the arts.  We’re looking for something but I don’t know what yet…the general public has no access point into the contemporary art world.  Brian Eno’s opening speech for the 1995 Turner Prize is still valid. Jude Law, at this year’s Turner Prize ceremony, criticized his government for cutting funding to the arts.  I’m curious to see what is going to happen in the next five years.  Will there be a general complacency?  Spaces like Weekend Gallery already have respect, but when they get more traction, what will they turn into and how will they influence the art scene? 

Q: What do you want to see out of the RISD LA Alumni organization in the future? 

A: More organization. Some sort of a directory for artists and designers. Community. 

Well we hear you Nicolas, and we're listening.  If you have thoughts on Nicolas' profile, feel free to share in the comments below.  We're looking for our next Artist of the Month as well, if you're interested please connect with us via the RISD/LA Alumni Facebook Group. 

Nicolas is represented by Western Project in Culver City, CA

Liz Lanphear (neé Hostetler) FAV 04 and Marisa Murrow PT 00

HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 01/25/13

Hi RISD/LA!

Below is your (incomplete) list of HAPPENINGS for this weekend!  Be sure to catch us next week for the first edition of our Artist of the Month blog in which we will feature Alum Nicolas Shake IL 08.

As always, if you have something coming up or would like to be our next Artist of the Month, be sure to let us know via the Facebook RISD/LA Alumni Group or the comments sections below!  Stay dry Alums and Happy Art-ing!

HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY

If gallery and museum perusing works up an appetite, take advantage of dineLA Restaurant Week (which is actually 2 weeks) continuing from now until Friday, Feb 1st.  More information and a list of participating restaurants can be found at http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/what-to-do/restaurants.

The LA Art Show continues until Sunday, Jan 27th at the LA Convention Center South Halls J and K
"The LA Art Show is the West Coast's most comprehensive art experience, with 4 distinct sections: Modern & Contemporary, Historic & Traditional, Vintage Posters, and the IFPDA Los Angeles Fine Print Fair, showcasing the highest caliber galleries enhanced by exceptional programming and special exhibitions." 
Los Angeles Convention Center
South Hall, 1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
http://www.laartshow.com/

SPΛCE: Come to R&R Gallery to experience a unique interactive and intergalactic collaboration and the best part is, ANYONE can be part of the show!  Create a planet out of ANYTHING. Must be less than a foot square and ready to suspend. Drop them off at the opening and we’ll take care of the rest.  Download flyer - http://therandr.org/ref/flyers/SPACE_RR_2up_web800.jpg 
A portion of proceeds go to NASA for further exploration.
Opening reception Friday Jan. 25th 2013 8p – Midnight 
Closing night Friday Feb. 8th 2013 8p – Midnight 
R&R
929 E 2nd St #106, Los Angeles, CA 

(213) 626-2261

therandr.org

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

FREE MUSEUM WEEKEND IS HERE!   
From museumsla.org "In a joint effort to present the arts and culture to the diverse and myriad communities in Southern California, the Museum Marketing Roundtable announces the eighth annual ‘Museums Free-For-All’"
Saturday and Sunday 1/26 and 1//27
A list of participating museums can be found at:
http://www.museumsla.org/news.asp
   
Andy Warhol Polaroids taken from 1974 - 1987 on public display for the first time at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex.  
This collection is made possible by a donation from the Andy Warhol Foundation.
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 12:00PM
EXHIBITION DATES: JAN 26 - MAR 23
ADMISSION: FREE
GALLERY HOURS: M-TH+SAT: 12PM-5PM FRI+SUN: CLOSED
PARKING: Located across from the Luckman Complex, on the campus of Cal State L.A., at a rate of $1 per hour. 

Luckman Fine Arts Complex

5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA

(323) 343-6600

http://www.luckmanarts.org/gallery/

MAZ ATTACK Art Party: 65 artists and live bands come together for a one-night-only evening of mutual appreciation of painters for painters – to facilitate networking and friendships, to introduce painting lovers to new works and gallerists to new talent.   
Complimentary wine will be served
6-11 p.m. | First Floor Lobby
& Lower Level Art Studios 
LA Mart
1933 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA
800.LAMART.4 
http://lamart.com/january-markets/

The 14th Annual Los Angeles Pottery Show is being held Saturday and Sunday at the Pasadena Convention Center
JANUARY 26-27, 2013
Hours: 10-6 Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday(no admission 1/2 hour prior to closing)Tickets: $12.00 at door or
CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNT ADMISSION

Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau

300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA

(626) 795-9311

pasadenacal.com

WEDNESDAY

Workshop: How To Run A Kickstarter Project
LA Makerspace 
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PST)
1933 S. Broadway, #1138
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Register at:
http://kickstarterla-eorg.eventbrite.com/#

Liz Lanphear (neé Hostetler) FAV 04 and Marisa Murrow PT 00

 
 image via Luckman Fine Arts Complex

HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 01/18/13

Hi RISD/LA Alums!  Here's your (incomplete) guide to what's happening in the art world this weekend.  If YOU would like to be included in next weeks "HAPPENINGS" or know of something coming up, please let us know via the Facebook RISD/LA Alumni Group or the comments sections below!  Happy Art-ing!

HAPPENINGS

SATURDAY

Catch RISD/Alum Kelly Berg '08 (http://kellyberg.net/home.html) in a Group Exhibition benefiting Women's Voices Now: Women's Art Now

Opening Reception on January 19th, 4-7pm

January 19th - February 18th, 2013

Leslie Sacks Fine Art

11640 San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90049
T: (310) 820-9448

http://www.lesliesacks.com

RISD/LA Alum Mathew McNamara FAV '12 assisted in the production of the feature film, Toy's House premiering at Sundance Film Festival this weekend.
Directed by "Funny or Die" director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, and featuring Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Alison Brie and Mary Lynn Rajskub
http://filmguide.sundance.org/film/13114/toys_house
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2179116/

COMING SOON 

FREE MUSEUM WEEKEND!   

From museumsla.org "In a joint effort to present the arts and culture to the diverse and myriad communities in Southern California, the Museum Marketing Roundtable announces the eighth annual ‘Museums Free-For-All’"
Saturday and Sunday 1/26 and 1//27
A list of participating museums can be found at:
http://www.museumsla.org/news.asp

Workshop: How To Run A Kickstarter Project
LA Makerspace 
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PST)
1933 S. Broadway, #1138
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Register at:
http://kickstarterla-eorg.eventbrite.com/#

Liz Lanphear (neé Hostetler) FAV 04 and Marisa Murrow PT 00

HAPPENINGS for the weekend of 01/11/13

Greetings RISD/LA Alums!

Without further adieu, your guide to what's happening in the art world this weekend!

HAPPENINGS: 

This Friday at Gallery1988 Venice: "The Humorist" a tribute to Woody Allen will feature a 'Midnight in Paris' inspired poster by alum, Anthony Petrie ID '04 http://www.anthonypetrie.com.
Opening Reception: Friday, Jan 11, 7-10PM 
January 11 - February 2, 2013
 214 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
http://nineteeneightyeight.com/

This Sunday at CB1 Gallery is pleased to present the Los Angeles solo exhibition debut of RISD Professor Craig Taylor, Essence, transference, no cigarettes.
Artist Reception: Sunday, January 13, 5 – 7 p.m.
January 13 – February 17, 2013
207 W. 5TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
http://www.cb1gallery.com/exhibitions/craig-taylor-essence-transference-no-cigarettes.html

CONTINUING: 

Stanley Kubrick Show at LACMA
Every Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., Sat., Sun. until June 30 
5905 Wilshire Blvd.  
Los Angeles, CA 90036
http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/stanley-kubrick

Van Gogh's "Self Portrait," 1889, on Loan from the National Gallery of Art, Washington 
at the Norton Simon Museum
December 07, 2012 - March 04, 2013
411 West Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105-1825
http://www.nortonsimon.org/van-gogh-s-self-portrait-1889-on-loan-from-the-national-gallery-of-art-washington-2

Image via Norton Simon Museum
Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853 – 1890)
Self-Portrait, 1889
Oil on canvas
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney, National Gallery of Art, Washington

If you would like to contribute a post to HAPPENINGS for next week, please contact us via Facebook RISD/LA Alumni Group or in the comments below.  Thanks!

Liz Lanphear (neé Hostetler) FAV 04 and Marisa Murrow PT 00

Welcome RISD/LA Alumni!

Welcome to the RISD/LA Alumni Blog!  In this space we hope to connect, promote and create a buzz about the wonderful things happening in Los Angeles by you.  But we're going to need your help in doing so.

Each week we'd like to post "HAPPENINGS," that is upcoming shows or places where your work is featured this week.  Maybe its the premiere of a new TV Show, maybe its an Opening Reception, maybe its a mixer at your studio, if its happening, let us know!

Then, each month we'd like to feature an "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" with a short bio, some photos and a brief q&a.  This will be your chance to do some crazy self promotion and tell the world what you're up to.  If you'd like to be our featured Artist of the Month in the upcoming months contact us via the Facebook RISD/LA Alumni Group.

This is the LEAST of what we'd like to do.  We'd LOVE to continue hosting Alumni Group events every couple months, and we'd love to do so much more!  If you have ideas or would like to contribute, let us know!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

We want to know what you're doing!  What shows are you checking out?  What shows are you in?  What big happenings are coming up?  Help us help you! 

Please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, or through this blog or in the comments section below, and Thanks!

Liz Lanphear (neé Hostetler) FAV 04 and Marisa Murrow PT 00