Johalla Projects, Auction Show. 1.29.10

This is the piece that I donated to the Johalla Projects Auction show, Acrylic Ink and Collage on Wood.

Johalla Projects Art Auction Fundraiser

10 hottest winter events in Chicago – chicagotribune.com

Aron Gent, Jennifer (Maxim), from the series Jennifer, 2008
image courtesy of Aron Gent

It is no secret that 2009 was a difficult year for arts programming in Chicago. We witnessed exhibition spaces close, admission prices sky rocket, and charitable donations evaporate. Many were lucky and persevered into 2010, but not unscathed.  While institutions suffered, so did artists and their patrons. Though many artists do not live solely off their commissions, losing benefactors and exhibition opportunities can be devastating. On the opposite end of the spectrum, collectors saw their budgets for art buying dry up.  Ultimately, this situation has trickled down to affect the public, who are losing the arts in their communities.

We at Johalla Projects aspire to offer you thought-provoking exhibitions and provide support for emerging and mid-career artists.  Because of the economic state of affairs, we decided to try something different.  We have organized our first Art Auction Fundraiser.  Proceeds from the auction will go towards improving our exhibition space and continuing to support artists in Chicago.  This is an event fit for the collector on a budget. Whether you are a seasoned art investor fixing your eyes on a steal or a budding enthusiast looking for that first piece to kick start your collection, our auction has something for everyone. Over 50 artists have donated original work. Plus a street writer wall, special thanks to vegan for making this possible.

• PARTICIPATING ARTISTS IN ART AUCTION:
• Zach Abubeker, Esteban Alcozer, Caitlin Arnold, Alis Atwell, Nathan Baker, Cindy Bernhard, Lucas Blair, Bridey Bowen, Bridgette Buckley, Elijah Burgher, Erik de Bat, Charlie Deets, Philip Dembinski, Craig Doty, Jack Edinger, Sara Fagala, Heather Gabel, Aron Gent, Jon Gitelson, Jourdon Gullett, Kyle Harter, Anni Holm, Courtney Howell, Chad Kouri, Claudia Isabelle Lara, Ashley Rae Mathias, Colin Matthes, Joseph Miller, Jessica Munguia, Maureen Peabody, Ben Russell, Joseph Rynkiewicz, Justin Schmitz, Daniel Shea, Montgomery Perry Smith, Myles Smutney-Hyde, David Snedden, Ben Speckmann, Brian Sorg, Christopher Starbody, Julia Stotz, Laurent Varlet, Max Weber, and Nick Wylie.
• Graffiti wall:
• Nite Moves, Preston, Kepha, Aleks, Vegan, Cero, Saga, Revoe, Sael, Three, Gee, Knowles, and Skame

CHICAGO LIQUOR SPONSOR: "HUM LIQUEUR"

strawberry-rhubarb-basil-balsamic mojito

Friday, January 29, 2010

Auction Viewing: 7-11pm

Bidding will close at 10pm

Winners will be announced at 10:30pm

Tickets may be purchased to bid on art.

1 ticket: $5

5 tickets: $20

There is no limit on how many times one may bid during the evening.

Johalla Projects

1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2^nd floor

Chicago, IL  60622

Contact: johallaprojects@gmail.com

https://twitter.com/Johallaprojects

Hopefully soon I will be able to get photos of the space... but, here is a photo of the auction...

A few pages from my sketchbook...

Pencil and Ink sketches. Downtown Chicago, last summer. 2009

Commissioned Portraits, January 2010

Three commissioned portraits I did recently. Duo-tone, water color on paper. 8.5" x 11"

The Snow Globe Show, Johalla Projects

SNOW GLOBE

An exhibition curated by Johalla Projects and guest curator Christopher Starbody

Momoko Seto, Video still from Planet A, 2009

Image courtesy of Momoko Seto

Featuring work by:

Aron Gent ∙ Chad Haldeman ∙ Garrett Jensen ∙ Johalla Projects (Caitlin Arnold, Anna Cerniglia, Jourdon Gullett, Melissa Marinaro, David Snedden)

Sonia Levy ∙ Steven Karl Metzer ∙ Justus Roe ∙ Phil Schuster ∙ Momoko Seto ∙ Nick Spiese

                Johalla Projects, along with guest curator Christopher Starbody, presents Snow Globe, a group exhibition exploring the thematic subject of the snow globe.  Thought to be invented in France during the early 19^th century, snow globes have long held a place in our collective psyche as tschotches symbolizing happiness and blissful innocence.  Simply put, they are plastic (or glass) orbs containing miniature sculptures and a concoction of water, glycerin, and particles.  They are the product of the Modern era, a whimsical, useless, and often cheap object made for the consumption of our entertainment.  Snow globes have since become an American fixture, sold at tourist traps, displayed on the shelves of children, and stockpiled by avid collectors.

                The snow globe has seen its popularity remain in our contemporary consciousness due to its ability to delight us with dream-like visuals that tap into our memories.  Like the Romantics who invented this agreeable souvenir, we too desire a window into the quixotic and the surreal.  Featuring sculpture, photography, and film, Snow Globe is a transformation of our gallery space into exactly what it sounds like – a white, wintry realm.  Videos by Sonia Levy and Momoko Seto mediate on foreign ice worlds, while an installation by Johalla Projects in collaboration with Chad Haldeman, Justus Roe, and Phil Schuster set to an audio track by Nick Spiese offers another interpretation on the frigid and frozen landscape.  Photographers Aron Gent and Steven Karl Metzer use their cameras to capture the season in a manner that recalls a particular time and place; the traces of winters’ past recognized within their images harkens back to the very device that has inspired our exhibition.  Snow Globe offers a new way to experience this kitschy and nostalgic item; Johalla Projects invites you to consider our reflections on the snow globe and place yourself within a winter terrain fashioned by a diverse group of multi-media artists.

-Melissa Marinaro

Opening Reception: Saturday, December 19, 2009, 7-10 pm

Beer provided by Grolsch, Supporter of the Arts

Exhibition runs from December 19-27

Gallery hours are Saturday 1-5 pm and by appointment during the week

Contact: johallaprojects@gmail.com

These few photos below is where I come in, I helped create the narwhal and water with David Snedden, the bridge, and front entrance "the snow globe show" sign that hung from the ceiling... (the paper cut outs where created by Justus Roe, the cement casts where created by Phil Schuster, and the white bear is by Chad Haldeman)

Skateboard Production/Design, Gallery 37. Fall 2009

I had the privilege to teach Gallery 37 and ASM's downtown program; Skateboard Design and Production last fall, 2009. Collaborating with Advanced Apprentices to help create finished work. The turn out was more then I ever expected, and if you would like to see more, you can visit the Gallery 37 store front or go to http://www.afterschoolmatters.org/gallery